Napa County focuses on implementing long-term housing plans

Napa County and its five cities have secured state certification for their long-term housing plans, known as housing elements, and are now moving forward with implementation.

The plans show how the jurisdictions are planning for 3,844 new housing units to be built across the county through 2031. Napa County, which oversees the unincorporated area, was required to plan for 106 new units.

There are plenty of housing policies and procedures included in each of the plans that work to ease development of those units and more.

For instance, the Napa County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 10 unanimously approved an ordinance to amend county code — detailed in a 72-page document — so its more aligned with its housing element and state law.

The ordinance, which will be up for final approval at the board’s Sept. 24 meeting, includes:

• Simplified rules for Accessory Dwelling Unit construction, in part by reducing parking requirements and including second units and guest cottages within the definition of an ADU.

• Streamlined approval for transitional and supportive housing for vulnerable populations, such as homeless residents.

• Increased flexibility in lot sizes and ownership of farmworker housing centers would allow for individual homeownership and for non-governmental organizations to own or operate farmworker centers.
• Reduced parking requirements and flexible design standards for emergency shelters.

The ordinance also encourages higher-density housing in areas prioritized for housing by the county, and comes into compliance with state laws. That includes the 2021 law that made it so people can propose single-family zoned lot splits, and convert single-family homes into duplexes. Those proposals are required to be approved by local governments without discretionary review.

Trevor Hawkes, supervising planner for the county, said at the meeting that staff were being updated on the changes to the code.

“Once it is implemented, staff will be ready to assist the public as well,” Hawkes said.

Supervisor Ryan Gregory noted that the item represented a “huge upgrade” to the county’s housing code, which he said had long been the same.

Board chair Joelle Gallagher said the changes will help the county meet its goals when it comes to providing more housing. And Supervisor Belia Ramos said a lot of work clearly went into the update.

“It’s my sincere hope that this gets us to the next step of addressing our dire housing needs, not just here in the region,” Ramos said.

You can reach Staff Writer Edward Booth at 707-521-5281 or [email protected].