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Planning commissioners preview zoning-code updates, Castellucci EIR scoping and general-plan review
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Summary
Commission staff previewed a multi-month program to revise the zoning ordinance (about two dozen–30 items), announced an April 9 public scoping meeting for the Castellucci project EIR and outlined plans for the general-plan annual review and ADU ordinance updates; commissioners emphasized early distribution of staff materials and opportunities for public comment.
Staff briefed the Saint Helena Planning Commission Feb. 3 on an agenda forecast that included zoning-code amendments, an annual general-plan review, and several development applications (including a planned redevelopment of the Bank of America site, the Castellucci project).
Staff said it has compiled roughly 25–30 discrete items in the new zoning code that staff will evaluate and prioritize, with an expectation that priority items could be brought to the commission within six months and the broader set handled within about 12 months. Commissioners encouraged staff to circulate the list and associated staff reports early so the public and commissioners have time to do background review.
Staff announced a public scoping meeting on April 9 at the Carnegie Building from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. to solicit input on the scope of an environmental impact report for the Castellucci project (the Bank of America site redevelopment). Staff clarified that the scoping meeting is a separate public meeting for the draft EIR process and not a planning commission hearing; notice and advertising will be provided.
Commissioners also discussed upcoming amendments to accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and junior dwelling unit (JDU) rules. Staff and commissioners noted state law has removed some local discretion and emphasized that the local updates will highlight areas where the city retains flexibility (for example, certain objective standards or utility-hookup approaches). Commissioners mentioned the new 2026 building code could affect ADUs and JDUs and urged careful staff analysis.
Staff described the general-plan annual review (a status/scorecard exercise rather than a general-plan rewrite) as a staff-driven project that will include departmental input and a commission review in advance of council consideration. Staff said it would present a suggested scope and methodology for the general-plan review at a future meeting.
Commissioners and staff agreed to prioritize transparency and early circulation of materials so practitioners and interested community members can offer informed comment during the code-update and general-plan processes.
Staff also noted archival materials (including a 2013 video of a prior general-plan discussion) have been uploaded to the city’s YouTube channel for reference.
