TO: Napa County Housing Commission
FROM: Jennifer Palmer, Executive Director
REPORT BY: Alex Carrasco, Project Manager
SUBJECT: Presentation by Planning, Building, & Environmental Services on Amendments to Napa County Code Related to Farmworker Housing
RECOMMENDATION
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Presentation by Planning, Building, & Environmental Services on Amendments to Napa County Code Related to Farmworker Housing.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On September 24, 2024, the Board of Supervisors voted to adopt the “Omnibus Housing Ordinance.” The ordinance modifies the County Code to better align with State housing law and addresses various housing-related regulations to increase flexibility and streamline approval processes for different types of housing developments including farmworker housing. No action required.
PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Staff Report
2. Public Comment
3. Discussion
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed action is not a project as defined by 14 California Code of Regulations 15378 (State CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) certified Napa County’s Housing Element, which covers 2023 - 2031. The Housing Element outlines housing goals and policies for unincorporated areas, including efforts to increase affordable housing, support the unhoused community, and promote equitable development. Adoption of the Omnibus Housing Ordinance amends Napa County Code in numerous ways including:
Section 18.48.020: Uses allowed without a use permit
This section is amended to allow the following without a use permit in the Planned Development (PD) zone: low barrier navigation centers, permanent supportive housing, supportive housing, transitional housing, farmworker housing (up to either 36 beds or 12 units), one single-family dwelling unit, accessory dwelling units, and small and medium residential care facilities.
Section 18.104.010: Schedule of zoning district regulations
This section is amended to set a minimum of two acres for farmworker centers in both the Agricultural Preserve (AP) and the Agricultural Watershed (AW) zones. Also allows farmworker center parcels to be subdivided to facilitate individual home ownership, with a minimum parcel size of 1,200 square feet.
Section 18.104.305: Farmworker centers-Owned or managed by local government agency or non-profit organizations
This section is amended to allow non-governmental organizations to operate and/or own farmworker centers, in addition to local government agencies.