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housing projects subsidized by the County and by incorporated cities, some of which have units set aside specifically for farmworker households.
Gaps in Resources and Action Items
Given the special housing needs of farmworkers in the region, the Housing Element contains Program H-HH-H, which specifically encourages the development of more workforce or farmworker housing during the planning period through various incentives. Of the offereddiscussed incentives, most impactful is the City’sProgram commitment to explore opportunities to use ’s language of committing the City to, if appropriate, using funds from the City’s Housing Trust Fund to help constructassist in the construction of farmworker housing.
Additionally, programs H-EH-D, H-E, and, H-I, H-KK, H-LL, H-NN H-I also commit the City to exploring a variety of methods , such as allowing a variety of housing types, to better meet the housing needs of special needs households, including farmworkers.
Extremely Low-Income Households
Extremely-low income households are defined as households that make less than 30 percent of AMI, which equates to $27,950 for a family of four. Approximately 395 households in St. Helena are extremely-low income households, which includes 215 homeowners and 180 renters (see Figure 11). The City currently estimates that there is a need for 52 additional housing units for extremely low-income households in the current planning period, which is 50 percent of projected very low-income housing needs (see Table 6).
Existing Resources
Currently, St. Helena has an estimated 214 units of deed restricted affordable housing, listed on Table 17. This figure stretches across the need for extremely low, very low, low, and moderate-income housing. Given that there are 39552 units needed for households of extremely low-income households, there is clearly a lack of adequate housing supply for extremely-low income households.
Beyond the availability of deed restricted affordable housing, St. Helena offersthere are a wide variety of resources available to assist extremely-low-income households with their recurring expenses. Extremely lowincome households who are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), or any other qualifying government program, are eligible to be enrolled in the PG&E CARE Program, which allows for the lowest available electricity rates. Additionally, when households are enrolled in CARE, they are also permitted access to a fifty percent discount on their bill from the St. Helena Water District. The City also offers hardship payment agreements that can be arranged in person at City Hall to prevent water or sewer shutoff.
Gaps in Resources and Action Items
To help address the needs of extremely low-income households, numerous programs are included in this Housing Element to commit the City to preserving and expanding access to affordable housing to extremely low-income households. Program H-EE H-CC commits the city to continue reducing, deferring, or waiving the development fees for extremely-lowextremely low- and very low-income units. Program H-FF H-DD commits the City to prioritizing using the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to preserve existing or develop new extremely lowAgenda Item #10.1.
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income housing units. H-IIH-GG commits the City to continue supporting and participating in the Section 8 housing program with the City of Napa Housing Authority. Program H-OO H-MM commits the City to exploring the possibility of working with property owners of market rate multifamily complexes to convert some units to extremely low-income deed-restricted units.
Persons Experiencing Homelessness
Homelessness remains an urgent challenge in many communities across the state, reflecting a range of social, economic, and psychological factors. Rising housing costs result in increased risks of community members experiencing homelessness. Far too many residents who have found themselves housing insecure have ended up unhoused or homeless in recent years, either temporarily or longer term.
Addressing the specific housing needs for the unhoused population remains a priority throughout the region, particularly since homelessness is disproportionately experienced by people of color, people with disabilities, those struggling with addiction and those dealing with traumatic life circumstances. According to the City of St. Helena, there is one homeless person who resides in St. Helena. This data was provided by a point in time assessment by the Police Chief of the St. Helena Police Department in 2021.
Gaps in Resources
Countywide, the most common type of household experiencing homelessness is those without children in their care. Among households experiencing homelessness that do not have children, 53.7 percent are unsheltered. Of homeless households with children, most are sheltered in transitional housing (Table 27).
Table 25Table 27 Homelessness by Household Type and Shelter Status, Napa County People in Households
Composed Solely of
Children Under 18
People in Households with
Adults and Children
People in Households
without Children Under 18
Sheltered - Emergency Shelter 0 13 119
Sheltered - Transitional Housing 0 34 6
Unsheltered 0 5 145
Universe: Population experiencing homelessness
Notes: This data is based on Point-in-Time (PIT) information provided to HUD by CoCs in the application for CoC Homeless Assistance Programs. The PIT Count provides a count of sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons on a single night during the last ten days in January. Each Bay Area county is its own CoC, and so the data for this table is provided at the county-level. Per HCD’s requirements, jurisdictions will need to supplement this county-level data with local estimates of people experiencing homelessness.
Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Continuum of Care (CoC) Homeless Populations and Subpopulations Reports (2019)
For the data table behind this figure, please refer to the Data Packet Workbook, Table HOMELS-01.
People of color are often disproportionately impacted by homelessness, particularly Black residents of the Bay Area. In Napa County, White (Hispanic and Non-Hispanic) residents represent the largest proportion of residents Agenda Item #10.1.
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experiencing homelessness and account for 77.0 percent of the homeless population, while making up 73.4 percent of the overall population (Figure 45).
Figure 45 Racial Group Share of General and Homeless Populations, Napa County Universe: Population experiencing homelessness
Notes: This data is based on Point-in-Time (PIT) information provided to HUD by CoCs in the application for CoC Homeless Assistance Programs. The PIT Count provides a count of sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons on a single night during the last ten days in January. Each Bay Area county is its own CoC, and so the data for this table is provided at the county-level. Per HCD’s requirements, jurisdictions will need to supplement this county-level data with local estimates of people experiencing homelessness. HUD does not disaggregate racial demographic data by Hispanic/Latinx ethnicity for people experiencing homelessness. Instead, HUD reports data on Hispanic/Latinx ethnicity for people experiencing homelessness in a separate table.
Accordingly, the racial group data listed here includes both Hispanic/Latinx and non-Hispanic/Latinx individuals.
Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Continuum of Care (CoC) Homeless Populations and Subpopulations Reports (2019); U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Data (2015-2019), Table B01001(A-I) For the data table behind this figure, please refer to the Data Packet Workbook, Table HOMELS-02.
In Napa County, Latinx residents represent 38.5 percent of the population experiencing homelessness, while Hispanic or Latinx residents comprise 33.9 percent of the general population (Figure 46). 9.63% 5.28% 3.42% 77.02%
4.66%
0.86%
8.35%
2.06%
73.39%
15.34%
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
70.00%
80.00%
90.00%
American Indian or
Alaska Native
(Hispanic and NonHispanic)
Asian / API
(Hispanic and NonHispanic)
Black or African
American (Hispanic
and Non-Hispanic)
White (Hispanic and
Non-Hispanic)
Other Race or
Multiple Races
(Hispanic and NonHispanic)
Percent of Population
Share of Homeless Population Share of Overall Population Agenda Item #10.1.
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Figure 46 Hispanic or Latinx Share of General and Homeless Populations, Napa County Universe: Population experiencing homelessness
Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Continuum of Care (CoC) Homeless Populations and Subpopulations Reports (2019); U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Data (2015-2019), Table B01001(A-I) For the data table behind this figure, please refer to the Data Packet Workbook, Table HOMELS-03.
Many of those experiencing homelessness are dealing with severe issues – including mental illness, substance abuse and domestic violence – that are potentially life threatening and require additional assistance. In Napa County, homeless individuals are commonly challenged by severe mental illness, with 177 reporting this condition (0). Of those, some 44.1 percent are unsheltered, further adding to the challenge of handling the issue.
38.51%
61.49%
33.93%
66.07%
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
70.00%
Hispanic/Latinx Non-Hispanic/Latinx
Percent of Population
Share of Homeless Population Share of Overall Population Agenda Item #10.1.
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Table 26Table 28 Characteristics for the Population Experiencing Homelessness, Napa County Chronic
Substance Abuse HIV/AIDS
Severely
Mentally Ill Veterans
Victims of
Domestic
Violence
Sheltered -
Emergency Shelter 70 0 91 8 11
Sheltered -
Transitional Housing 0 0 8 0 4
Unsheltered 91 1 78 6 17
Universe: Population experiencing homelessness
Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Continuum of Care (CoC) Homeless Populations and Subpopulations Reports (2019)
In St. Helena, there were no reported students experiencing homelessness in the 2019-20 school year (Table 29). Napa County has seen a 29.1 percent decrease in the population of students experiencing homelessness, and the Bay Areas as a whole experienced an 8.5 percent decrease. However, during the 2019-2020 school year, there were still some 13,718 students experiencing homelessness throughout the region, adding undue burdens on learning and thriving, with the potential for longer term negative effects.
Table 27Table 29 Students in Local Public Schools Experiencing Homelessness Geography 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20
St. Helena 0 0 0 0
Napa County 381 433 249 270
Bay Area 14,990 15,142 15,427 13,718
Universe: Total number of unduplicated primary and short-term enrollments within the academic year (July 1 to June 30), public schools
Notes: The California Department of Education considers students to be homeless if they are unsheltered, living in temporary shelters for people experiencing homelessness, living in hotels/motels, or temporarily doubled up and sharing the housing of other persons due to the loss of housing or economic hardship. The data used for this table was obtained at the school site level, matched to a file containing school locations, geocoded and assigned to jurisdiction, and finally summarized by geography.
Source: California Department of Education, California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS), Cumulative Enrollment Data (Academic Years 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020) Existing Resources & Action Items
Given the documented need for emergency shelters in Napa County, St. Helena is subject to Government Code Section 65583(a) (4). This code section, which became effective as of January 1, 2008, requires jurisdictions to designate zoning districts adequate for facilities to accommodate the identified need for emergency shelters, wherein emergency shelters must be allowed without a conditional use or other discretionary permit.20 21 The City is in compliance, as emergency shelters are currently a permitted use by-right in the Service Commercial and Industrial zones.
20 Building Block for Effective Housing Elements, “Adequate Sites Inventory and Analysis: Zoning for Emergency Shelters and Transitional Housing”. http://www.hcd.ca.gov/hpd/housing_element2/SIA_variety.php. Accessed February 14, 2014. 21 Senate Bill 2, Chapter 633. Amendment to Acts 655582, 65583 and 65589.5. Approved by Governor on October 13, 2007. Effective January 1, 2008. Accessed February 17, 2014.
Agenda Item #10.1.
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The City is in compliance with State laws related to emergency shelters, supportive housing, and transitional housing. Emergency shelters are identified as a by-right use in the I and SC zoning districts. According to a Point in Time Count provided by the Chief of Police, there is one homeless person who resides in St. Helena. There are several parcels in these zones that can accommodate an emergency shelter, including APN 009-580-022-000 (I zoning district) and APN 009-194-005-000 (SC zoning district). These parcels are vacant, habitable, and in proximity to transportation and services. Combined, they total 1.48 acres and can provide capacity for 15 beds, by conservative assumption of 10 beds/acre.
In addition, the City must allow transitional housing, as defined in Section 50675.2 of the Health and Safety Code, and supportive housing, as defined in Section 50675.14 of the Health and Safety Code, as residential uses. As required by state law, transitional and supportive housing must be subject only to the same permitting process as other similar residential uses in the same zone without undue special regulatory requirements. For example, a proposed multifamily supportive housing project would be subject to the same permitting process as any other similar multifamily development in the same zoning district. As required, the City allows transitional and supportive housing in all residential, commercial, and mixed use districts, subject only to the requirements of residential uses.
Emergency shelters, transitional housing, and supportive housing are subject to subjective design review, which poses a significant constraint to development. To overcome this constraint, Program H-F H-F commits the City to adopting objective design standards, as well as a by-right streamlined review process for affordable housing developments meeting state affordability thresholds, in compliance with SB 35 and SB 330.
Non-English Speakers
California has long been an immigration gateway to the United States, which means that many languages are spoken throughout the Bay Area. Since learning a new language is universally challenging, it is not uncommon for residents who have immigrated to the United States to have limited English proficiency. This limit can lead to additional disparities if there is a disruption in housing, such as an eviction, because residents might not be aware of their rights, or they might be wary to engage due to immigration status concerns.
Figure 47 shows population data by English proficiency. In St. Helena, nine percent of residents five years and older identify as speaking English not well or not at all, which is slightly higher than the proportion for Napa County. Throughout the region the proportion of residents five years and older with limited English proficiency is nine percent.
Agenda Item #10.1.
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Figure 47 Population with Limited English Proficiency
Universe: Population five years and over
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Data (2015-2019), Table B16005For the data table behind this figure, please refer to the Data Packet Workbook, Table AFFH-03. 9% 8% 8%
91% 92% 92%
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
90.0%
100.0%
St. Helena Napa County Bay Area
Percent of Population aged 5 and over
Population 5 Years and Over Who Speak English "Well" or "Very well" Population 5 Years and Over Who Speak English "Not well" or "Not at all" Agenda Item #10.1.
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8. Non-governmental and Governmental Constraints
Constraints on the development of housing are divided into non-governmental constraints and governmental constraints. Non-governmental constraints include the price of land, cost of construction, flooding, conservation easements and long-term vineyard leases, and a lack of rental accessory dwelling units. Potential governmental constraints include land use controls, codes and code enforcement, on and off-site improvements, fees and exactions, processing and permit procedures, and regulations affecting housing for persons with disabilities.
Key Findings
• The possible non-governmental constraints discussed include the price of land, cost of construction, flooding, conservation easements and long-term vineyard leases, and a lack of rental accessory dwelling units. Land costs represent a significant component of the cost of housing development in St.
Helena because the high price of vacant land. The cost of construction in St. Helena higher than the state average and further constrains development. Overall housing production costs for both singlefamily and multiple-family rental development indicate that a subsidy would probably be necessary for some moderate-income households, and all lower income households to own or rent new units in St.
Helena.
• The governmental controls analyzed in this section were land use controls, codes and enforcements, on-and off-site improvements, fees and exactions, processing and permit procedures, and regulations affecting housing for persons with disabilities. The land use controls including zoning and current General Plan land use designations do not constrain residential development; however, some changes are necessary to streamline the design review process.
• The Growth Management System (GMS) does not appear to place an undue burden on market rate development, since there has never been a year when the demand for residential building permits has exceed the number of available permits. Furthermore, housing projects affordable to households at up to 120 percent of AMI are exempt from the GMS. Due to recent state laws, the GMS is not currently enforceable.
• The on- and off-site improvement standards related to water, sewer, parking, and other miscellaneous regulations impact housing development in a variety of different ways. Sewer capacity is sufficient to support additional development. Water capacity during a normal year is sufficient and is expected to remain sufficient through 2023, but there will always be water shortages in dry years. The City has demonstrated its commitment to providing water and sewer service to affordable housing developments, and has included a program committing the City to continue to do so throughout the planning period.
Agenda Item #10.1.
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• Neither the building codes nor the building fees represent a governmental constraint to development.
St. Helena adopted the 2019 California Building Codes Standards, and although they have made some changes to the Code such as seismic control measures, these changes were necessary for safety and do not unduly affect housing production. The fee structure for both single-family and multiple-family development reflects the costs of the development to the City, and therefore does not present an unnecessary constraint on residential development.
• The City works diligently to process applications quickly and without unnecessary delay. Permitting and processing procedures and timelines for residential development, both single and multifamily, are not a constraint to development.
Non-governmental Constraints
Price of Land
According to Zillow.com, there were approximately eighteen vacant lots for sale in St. Helena in March 2022, though many are large and in undeveloped rural areas. Sales are reported between $229,000 and $17,500,000 for properties ranging in size from less than one acre to 280 acres. A public comment made during a community workshop indicated that larger vacant sites tend to be located near or beyond the urban limit.
Table 28Table 30 Price of Vacant Land, March 2022
Site Acres List Price Price per Acre
10 Acres or Less
0.35 $525,000 $1,500,000
0.74 $595,000 $804,054
1.00 $375,000 $375,000
1.00 $225,000 $225,000
1.00 $975,000 $975,000
1.08 $450,000 $416,667
1.14 $5,000,000 $4,385,965
1.58 $475,000 $300,633
2.40 $1,000,000 $416,667
5.01 $1,850,000 $369,261
10.00 $2,695,000 $269,500
Total 25.30 $14,165,000 $559,881
Agenda Item #10.1.
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Site Acres List Price Price per Acre
More Than 10 Acres
15.90 $3,995,000 $251,258
23.09 $2,950,000 $127,761
32.00 $17,500,000 $546,875
92.72 $229,000 $2,470
110.63 $1,795,000 $16,225
160.69 $549,500 $3,420
280.00 $649,000 $2,318
Total 715.03 $27,667,500 $38,694
Source: Zillow.com, accessed March 28, 2022.
Construction Costs
Construction costs include both hard costs, such as labor and materials, and soft costs, including architectural and engineering services and development fees. Average residential construction costs in St. Helena begin at $300 to $700 per square foot, which is higher than statewide averages, which are currently ranging between $131 per square foot to $195 per square foot.
22 High-end, custom-built single-family homes, both locally and statewide, can cost more than $500 per square foot. Soft costs (including architectural and engineering fees, property taxes during construction, city and utility fees, and construction loan interest and fees) typically increase these costs by approximately 35 to 40 percent. Construction costs can be higher if lots require substantial site work due to steep slopes, unstable soils, waterways, and other environmental concerns.
Public comments made during Housing Element workshops indicated that construction costs are a major constraint to the production of affordable housing, and that 100 percent affordable projects are not profitable without public subsidies, grant funding, or other public investment.
Flooding
Napa Valley areas near the Napa River and along some of its tributaries are prone to flooding. Napa River flows are largely influenced by precipitation; peak flows generally occur in January and February. Some of the worst flooding in the immediate area of St. Helena has occurred in and around the Vineyard Valley Mobilehome Park, which is near the confluence of Sulphur Creek and the Napa River. Flood hazards also exist in the York Creek and Sulphur Creek Watersheds in St. Helena.
22 Local estimate provided by city staff communication with Joe McGrath in March 2022. Statewide estimate sourced from:
ProMatcher Home Construction, California Home Construction Costs & Prices, provided at https://homebuilders.promatcher.com/cost/california.aspx Agenda Item #10.1.
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All new construction and substantial improvements in special flood hazard areas as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency are required to comply with the provisions of Municipal Code Chapter 15.52 “Flood Damage Prevention.” The development standards are intended to meet, if not exceed, minimum National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) criteria for requirements for floodplain management regulations. New development in these areas is required to assure that proposed development: 1) is designed or modified and anchored to prevent flotation, collapse and lateral movement of the structure; 3) uses construction materials and utility equipment that are resistant to flood damage; and 4) uses construction methods that minimize flood damage. In addition, projects must be elevated 18 inches above the base flood elevation.
Conservation Easements and Vineyard Leases
Agricultural land in St. Helena is valued for both a productive agricultural land and as open space that helps shape the character of St. Helena. Focus Group members and community workshop participants expressed, however, that conservation easements and long-term vineyard leases are a barrier housing production in the City. Sites included in the available sites inventory were screened for these constraints.
Lack of Rental Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
While ADUs are often a less expensive housing option, Focus Group members and community workshop participants expressed that many ADUs in the City are not being rented, but are being used as additional square footage for the primary resident, a friend, a relative, or as a vacation rental. Programs H-Q, H-R, and H-SH-P, HQ, and H-R in this housing element work to encourage and incentivize development of accessory dwelling units.
Availability of Financing
A number of funding opportunities are currently available to support affordable housing development and the creation and preservation of homeownership opportunities. The Department of Housing and Community Developments lists active programs with current funding available to developers, non-profits, and local governments online. Statewide programs available for affordable housing development include Community Development and Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), HOME Investments Partnerships Programs (HOME), Housing for Healthy California (HHC), and the Multifamily Housing Program (MHP), among others. Programs available for homeowners or to assist in the creation or preservation of homeownership opportunities include CalHome, the Foreclosure Interventions Housing Preservation Program, and Homeownership Super NOFA. For a complete list, please see https://www.hcd.ca.gov/programs-active.
Additionally, policies and programs under Goal 4: Assistance to Support Affordable Housing work to address non-governmental constraints by committing the City to seek additional funding opportunities to support affordable housing development, work to reduce fees for developers for affordable housing developers, and pursue mortgage credit certificates to assist prospective homeowners.
Agenda Item #10.1.
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Governmental Constraints
Local government can directly influence housing production cost through land use controls, building codes, on and off-site improvement standards, fees and exactions, processing and permit procedures, regulations affecting housing for persons with disabilities, locally adopted ordinances, and with government codes and enforcement. This section discusses each of these topics and identifies the governmental controls that may adversely affect housing production.
Preservation of Agricultural Land
One of the major thrusts of the City’s land use controls is to encourage in-fill development while preserving land for agriculture. The agricultural soils of St. Helena are identified as Prime Farmland by the California State Department of Conservation, Division of Land Resource Protection, Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program. The wines produced from the grapes in this region achieve international recognition for their superb quality.
Roughly one-half of the 3,254 acres within the incorporated limits of the City are considered urbanized area.
This portion of the St. Helena is defined by an Urban Limit Line (ULL) which denotes the area within which urban development is allowed. Cities use ULLs to establish where they intend to encourage and discourage land development through public-infrastructure investments, land-use regulations, land acquisitions, and other actions. Within the ULL, cities typically adopt land use policies that encourage urban development (i.e., in-fill development). Outside the ULL, cities set aside lands to be used for less urban land uses, such as preserving land for agriculture and open space. There are 1,779 acres of land outside of the ULL, but inside the incorporated limits of the City of St. Helena. Most of this land is farmed and planted to vineyards.
Land-Use Controls
St. Helena has a variety of land use controls to maintain the standard of living, local environment, and safety of its residents. The two major instruments dictating land use control in the City are the Zoning Code and General Plan, which The St. Helena Zoning Code and General Plannaturally affect housing production because they determine the location, amount of land, development standards, and density of housing. These tools, as well as the City’s agricultural preservation measures are discussed in this section.
Preservation of Agricultural Land
One major overarching theme and goal of the City’s land use controls is to encourage in-fill development while preserving land for agriculture. The agricultural soils of St. Helena are identified as Prime Farmland by the California State Department of Conservation, Division of Land Resource Protection, Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program. The wines produced from the grapes in this region achieve international recognition for their superb quality, sustaining an industry at the heart of the City and region’s economy.
Roughly one-half of the 3,254 acres within the incorporated limits of the City are considered urbanized area.
This portion of the St. Helena is defined by an Urban Limit Line (ULL) which denotes the area within which Agenda Item #10.1.
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urban development is allowed. Cities use ULLs to establish where they intend to encourage and discourage land development through public-infrastructure investments, land-use regulations, land acquisitions, and other actions. Within the ULL, cities typically adopt land use policies that encourage urban development (i.e., in-fill development). Outside the ULL, cities set aside lands to be used for less urban land uses, such as preserving land for agriculture and open space. There are 1,779 acres of land outside of the ULL, but inside the incorporated limits of the City of St. Helena. Most of this land is farmed and planted for vineyards.
Zoning Code
Title 17 of the St. Helena Municipal Code outlines both the residential and nonresidential zoning designations.
Table 31 provides a list of all of the residential zoning districts as well as information on the rights and requirements associated with each district. Residential uses are permitted, subject to design review, by right in the following zones: Twenty-Acre Agriculture (A-20), Winery (W), Woodland Watershed (WW), Agricultural Preserve (AP), Low Density Residential One Acre Minimum (LR-1A), Low Density Residential (LR), Medium Density Residential (MR), and High Density Residential (HR). Table 31 shows permitted residential uses by zoning district.
Table 29Table 31 Zoning Districts that Permit Residential Uses Residential Use
Zoning District
A-20 W WW AP LR-1A LR MR HR
Agricultural Employee Housing P P P P P P P P
Dwelling, Accessory Dwelling Unit
(ADU) P P P - P P P P
Dwelling, Duplex (new) - - - - - - UP P
Dwelling, Multiple-Family - - - - - - - P
Dwelling, Multiple-Family (key housing
sites only) - - - - - - P P
Dwelling, Single-Family P P P P P P P P
Dwelling, Triplex (new) - -
-
- - - UP P
Intermediate Care Facility (seven or
more persons) - - - - UP UP UP UP
Intermediate Care Facility (six or fewer
persons) - - - - P P P P
Mobile/Manufactured Homes - - - - P P P P
Residential Care Facility (seven or more
persons) - - - - UP UP UP UP
Residential Care Facility (six or fewer
persons) - - - - P P P P
Single Room Occupancy - - - - - - - P
Supportive Housing P P P P P P P P
Transitional Housing P P P P P P P P
P = Permitted; UP = Use Permit Required; (-) = Not Permitted Source: City of St. Helena, 2022.
Note: For an expanded table with more uses, notes on conditions, and zones where residential uses are conditionally permitted, see Table 42.
Agenda Item #10.1.
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In terms of units per acre, the lowest allowable density is in the AP district. The AP district permits, by right, one single-family dwelling per lot, agricultural employee housing (up to 36 beds or 12 units), supportive housing, and transitional housing. The A-20 and W districts allow one single-family dwelling and one second unit by right on 20 acres of land. With a Use Permit, these districts can accommodate more than one singlefamily dwelling, as well as farm labor housing above the initially permitted density. Both the LR and LR-1A districts permit by right single-family dwellings, mobile and manufactured homes, and intermediate and residential care facilities for six or fewer persons. In addition, both districts permit as a conditional use singlefamily dwellings at less than one unit per acre and intermediate and residential care facilities for seven or more persons.
The MR district allows the same uses by rightsubject to design review and with a conditional use permit as the LR district and also allows duplexes and triplexes with a Use Permit. Unlike the previously mentioned districts, the MR district allows multiple-family dwelling projects that are located on “key sites” subject to design reviewby right. The HR district, in addition to allowing the same residential uses by right as the LR and MR districts, permits multiple-family dwellings, apartments, and dwelling groups containing four units or less. With a Use Permit, structures with more than four units, multiple-family dwellings, apartments, and dwelling groups are permitted. The HR district is the only district that permits single room occupancy units (SROs).
In addition to the residential districts described above, some overlay districts can affect the type and amount of housing that can be built, including the Planned Development, Rural-Residential, Specific Plan, Flood Plain, Historic Preservation, and Mobile Home Park overlay district. An overlay district expands upon the regulations already set by the underlying zoning district. For example, the Planned Development Overlay District (PD) allows for a wider variety of development, including mixed-use development not otherwise allowed in the Zoning Code. The PD zone is often applied to large pieces of land and requires approval of a rezoning and a conditional use permit application.
Table 32 shows density and intensity ranges allowed in the General PlanZoning Code for each residential zoning district in dwelling units per acre (du/ac), or Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for commercial districts. Table 33Table 31 shows development standards by residential zoning district. As shown, density is allowed up to 28 dwelling units per acre and development standards are minimal, required setbacks for residential development are between 10 and 30 feet, depending on the zone, and minimum unit sizes are not regulated in residential zones. Further, the HDR zone, the City’s primary multifamily zone, allows three-story developments up to 35 feet in height. AdditionallyFinally, the City is in the process of creating a new Mixed-Use zone to increase residential capacity in previously commercial and professional office districts.
Development standards related to maximum lot coverage and height pose potential constraints to multifamily affordable housing development. Currently the City allows 45 percent lot coverage and a maximum height of 30 feet in the MR and HR zones. Due to the potential to constraint affordable housing development, the City has, in the proposed Draft Zoning Code and in Program H-N: Zoning to Facilitate Higher Density Housing included development standards and actions, respectively, that commit the City to increasing lot coverage to 55 percent Agenda Item #10.1.
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and maximum height to 42’ (three stories) in the HR zone and on multifamily sites in the MR zone. Please note that the MR zone is a single-family zone, but the zoning code has been updated to allow multifamily uses on housing opportunity sites identified in the 5th Cycle Housing Element Update. Additionally, the program commits the City to allowing minor modifications to these standards that can be approved by the Community Development Director without a public hearing. Minor modifications should include up to 10 percent modification to maximum lot coverage and up to five percent (or two feet, whichever is greater) modification in maximum height.
Table 30Table 32 General Plan Density/Intensity Standards by Residential Zoning District Residential
Zoning District
Corresponding General
Plan Land Use
Designation(s)
Minimum Density of Land
Use Designation
Maximum Density of Land
Use Designation
A-20 Agriculture Min. 5 acres/parcel Max. 40 acres/parcel W Woodland and Watershed Min. 5 acres/parcel No maximum WW Woodland and Watershed Min. 5 acres/parcel No maximum AP Agriculture Min. 5 acres/parcel Max. 40 acres/parcel LR-1A Low Density Residential 1.0 du/ac 5.0 du/ac
LR Low Density Residential 1.0 du/ac 5.0 du/ac
MR Medium Density Residential 5.1 du/ac 16.0 du/ac
HR Higher Density Residential 16.1 du/ac 28.0 du/ac
CB Central Business N/A Max. FAR 2.0
SC Service Commercial N/A Max. FAR 0.5
BPO Business and Professional Office N/A Max. FAR 0.5
Mixed Use1 Mixed Use 12 du/ac 20 du/ac
1: The City has adopted a new mixed-use designation within the 2040 General Plan Update and has released a Draft Comprehensive Zoning Code Update that includes a new Mixed-Use zone. Because the sites inventory assumes rezoning land to the new Mixed-Use zoning district, mixed-use development standards are shown in this table based on the October 2022 Public Review Draft Zoning Code.
Source: City of St. Helena, 2022.
Table 31 Typical Residential Zones Development Standards Developme
nt Standard
Zoning District
A-20 W WW AP LR-1A LR MR HR
Parcel Standards
Minimum Size 20 acres 20 acres 5-40 acres 40 acres 1 acre 7,000
square
feet
7,000
square
feet
7,000
square
feet
Maximum
Parcel
Coverage
1 acre(1) 50 percent 10 percent, or 20,000
square feet N/A 35 percent 35 percent 45 percent 45 percent Parcel Width
(feet) N/A 300 (min.) 20-200 N/A 70 (min.) 70 (min.) 70 (min.) 70 (min.) Minimum Setbacks (feet)
Front 50(1) 100 10 percent of parcel depth 20 20-30(2) 20-30(2) 20-30(2) 20 Side 50(1) 50 20-50 feet, or 10 percent
of side yard width 20 20-30(2) 20-30(2) 20-30(2) 20
Agenda Item #10.1.
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Side Yard 20 75 20-50 feet, or 10 percent
of parcel width 20 10-15(2) 10-15(2) 10-15(2) 10
Rear 20 50 10 percent of parcel depth 20 20-30(2) 20-30(2) 20-30(2) 20 Height (feet)
(max.) 30 45 35 35 30 30 30 35
Notes:
* The standards contained in this table are “typical” and are for illustrative purposes only. More specific development regulations and exceptions may apply. See Chapter 17 (Zoning) of the Municipal Code for additional development standards and requirements
(1) As measured from the centerline of abutting street. (2) Setbacks determined by overall structure height.
Source: City of St. Helena; Mintier Harnish, 2022.
During the previous housing element cycle (2014-2023) there were no requests to develop housing opportunity sites below allowable density.
Table 33 Residential Base Zone Development Standards by Zone Residential Zone LR LR-1A MR HR
MinimumDevelopment Standards
Maximum lot coverage 35% 35% 45% 45%
Maximum height of
principal building 30 feet 30 feet 30 feet 30 feet (if 4 du or less)35 feet (if 5 du or more) Maximum height of
accessory building 15 feet 15 feet 15 feet 15 feet
Maximum floor area ratio
(FAR)
Dictated by Parcel Size
See SHMC 17.32.070
Dictated by Parcel Size
See SHMC 17.32.060
Dictated by Parcel Size
See SHMC 17.40.070
Dictated by Parcel Size
See SHMC 17.40.070
Maximum width
=< 60% of lot width,
subject to further
requirements in SHMC
17.32.060
=< 60% of lot width,
subject to further
requirements in SHMC
17.32.030
=< 60% of lot width,
subject to further
requirements in SHMC
17.32.030
N/A
Minimum Unit Size N/A N/A N/A N/A
Minimum standards for parcels except for flag lots and small lots Lot Area 7,000 sq feet 1 acre 7,000 sq ft 7,000 sq ft
Lot width 70 feet 70 feet 70 feet 70 feet
Lot frontage 70 feet 70 feet 70 feet 70 feet
Minimum standards for structures with a maximum height of twenty-five (25) feet or less Front setback 20 feet 20 feet 20 feet 20 feet
Side setback 20 feet 20 feet 20 feet 20 feet
Side yard 10 feet 10 feet 10 feet 10 feet
Rear yard 20 feet 20 feet 20 feet 20 feet
Agenda Item #10.1.
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Minimum standards for structures with a maximum height greater than twenty-five (25) feet and thirty (30) feet or less
Front setback 30 feet 30 feet 30 feet
N/A
Side setback 30 feet 30 feet 30 feet
Side yard 15 feet 15 feet 15 feet
Rear yard 30 feet 30 feet 30 feet
Nonresidential Zones
Non-Residential Zone CB SC BPO Mixed Use1
Development Standards
Maximum lot coverage 10,000 sq feet. of floor 10,000 sq feet of floor area
N/A Max. 15,000 sq feet per
building
Maximum height of
principal building
35 feet or 30 feet if
abutting residential use 35 feet 30 feet
Pitched roof: 45 ft/3
stories; 30 ft/2 stories
within 20 feet of a
residential district. Flat
roof: 40 ft/3 stories; 26
ft/2 stories within 20 feet
of a residential district
Maximum height of
accessory building
35 feet or 30 feet if
abutting residential use 35 feet N/A 16 feet
Maximum floor area ratio
(FAR) 2.0 0.5 by General Plan designation
0.5 by General Plan
designation
1.0, inclusive of
residential uses
Maximum width N/A N/A N/A Min. 50% of lot width
Minimum Unit Size 200 sq feet 200 sq feet N/A N/A
Lot Area 5,000 sq feet 10,000 sq feet 7,000 sq ft 5,000 sq ft Lot width N/A 70 feet N/A 45 feet
Lot frontage N/A 70 feet N/A 70 feet
Minimum Setbacks
Front setback 0 feet, or 10 feet if
abutting residential use 35 feet 20 feet
Nonresidential: Max 10
feet; Residential: No
setback allowed north of
Mitchell Dr.; 5-15 ft
everywhere else
Side setback 0 feet, or 10 feet if
abutting residential use 25 feet 10 feet
0 feet on street side; 10
ft. abutting a residential
district
Side yard 0 feet, or 10 feet if
abutting residential use 10 feet/floor 10 feet N/A
Rear yard 0 feet, or 10 feet if
abutting residential use
15 feet, or 20 feet if
abutting residential use 15 feet 0 ft; 10 ft. abutting a residential district * The standards contained in this table are “typical” and are for illustrative purposes only. More specific development regulations and exceptions may apply. See Chapter 17 (Zoning) of the Municipal Code for additional development standards and requirements.
1: The City has adopted a new mixed-use designation within the 2040 General Plan Update and has released a Draft Comprehensive Zoning Code Update. Because the sites inventory assumes rezoning land to the new Mixed Use zoning district, Agenda Item #10.1.
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mixed-use development standards are shown in this table based on the October 2022 Public Review Draft Zoning Code.
Source: St. Helena Municipal Code, Title 17; St. Helena Public Review Draft Zoning Code Update, October 2022.
Overlay Zones
The Zoning Code outlines standards for several overlay zones that allow residential uses. The following summarizes each of these overlay zones. During the previous housing element cycle (2014-2023) there were no requests to develop housing opportunity sites below allowable density.
Historic Preservation Overlay Zone. The purpose of the HP overlay district regulations is to preserve the unique architectural character of those certain specific structures which have contributed to the city’s historic development. No permits for remodeling or demolition shall be issued for properties within the HP district which would result in exterior changes to building facades, structures, or to passage ways providing interaccessibility within a block, unless such change is approved by the planning commission. When it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Planning Commission and City Council that preservation and/or restoration of designated properties cannot and is not economically viable, the City may grant certain incentives in the form of relaxation of certain provisions of this chapter only when it can be shown that such relaxation makes preservation or restoration economically feasible. The HP overlay zone does not impose additional development standards beyond those of the base zoning district.
Mobilehome Park Overlay (MHP) District. The purpose of the MHP mobilehome park overlay district is to provide, when combined with an underlying residential zoning district, a place which allows the establishment and operation of mobilehome parks. The city of St. Helena’s MHP mobilehome park regulations are intended to complement and be subordinate to state law. The state law governing mobilehome parks is entitled the “Mobilehome Parks Act” and may be found in Division 13, Parts 2.1 and 2.3 of the California Health and Safety Code. Mobilehome park regulations are contained in the California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapters 2 and 2.2. The city of St. Helena does not assume responsibility for the enforcement of the regulations contained therein and all mobilehome parks within the city remain subject to the jurisdiction of the California Housing and Community Development Department in its role as the enforcement agency for the above described State laws. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to abrogate, void or minimize such other pertinent regulations and all pertinent state and city regulations concerning the development and operation of mobilehome parks shall be observed. Mobilehomes located within areas of special flood hazard are required to be in compliance with Chapter 15.52, Flood Damage Prevention. The MHP overlay district does not impose additional development standards beyond that of the base zoning district.
Planned Development Overlay (PD) District. It is the purpose of the PD planned development overlay district to encourage high quality, innovative and creative development in the city. The PD planned development overlay district is intended to provide for the consideration and approval of development plans which serve public objectives more fully than development permitted under conventional zoning regulations.
Agenda Item #10.1.
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Planned development overlay districts are typically characterized by (in whole or in part): significant variations from the standards of the zoning ordinance, mixed land uses, a variety of housing types, the assembly of small parcels of land into a larger more effective unit, the preservation of open space, natural features or historical structures and structures with diverse building setbacks, lot sizes and building heights. The PD planned development overlay district may be combined with any existing zoning district provided both design and the proposed uses including density for residential land use designations can be found consistent with the policies of the General Plan. Development standards applicable to the zoning district which the planned development district is being combined shall be required unless modified in conjunction with approval of the planned development overlay district. The city shall address issues related to landscaping, parking, site design, ingress and egress, signage, lighting, relationship to adjoining properties and land uses, setbacks and yards and any other items toward achieving an integrated and compatible project within the city and environs.
Specific Plan Overlay (SP) District. The SP district is established to implement the policies of the general plan which call for the preparation and adoption of specific plans in certain areas of the community described in the general plan. In addition, the SP district is established to provide the city with the ability to require and/or to implement specific plans when the city council finds it necessary and appropriate. When applied to properties in advance of the adoption of a specific plan, the SP district serves to alert individuals to the requirement for a specific plan. When applied to properties after the adoption of a specific plan it serves to alert individuals to the policies and regulations of a specific plan. No new development will be approved within the specific plan areas designated in the general plan until a specific plan meeting the requirements of Section 65451 of the Government Code, has been adopted by the city. The city council may determine that a site development plan for a specific property may be prepared in-lieu of a specific plan for the entire specific plan area. The site development plan shall be prepared and adopted prior to approval of new development. The site development plan shall include an analysis of infrastructure improvements as determined during review of a pre-application pursuant to Section 17.84.030. Based on the pre-application review, the city council shall determine the scope of the proposed specific plan or site development plan. The proposed specific plan or site development plan and associated documents shall be prepared under the supervision of the city with all costs paid by the property owners unless the city determines that all or a portion of the costs will be paid by the city. The SP Overlay district does not impose additional development standards, however standards for any specific plan should be developed under the supervision of the City, as stated previously.
Rural Residential Overlay (RR) District. It is the purpose of the RR rural-residential overlay district to identify those parcels within the city which are not serviced by city water or sewer and which have the ability to subdivide into additional parcels. Minimum lot sizes which are larger than the minimum lot sizes established for the underlying zoning district are required for parcels which do not have city water or sewer services. The following regulations shall apply in all districts with which are combined RR district. The only uses permitted shall be those uses permitted in the district with which the RR district is combined; provided, however, where water is available from a private well, the land may not be subdivided into less than one acre or if water is available from a mutual or utility company the land may be subdivided into parcels of twenty thousand (20,000) square feet or greater as determined by the health officer of the city; or if sanitation and public water are Agenda Item #10.1.
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available the land may be subdivided into parcels not less than ten thousand (10,000) square feet. “Health officer of the city” as used in this section, is defined to mean the official or officials of the city charged with the duty of enforcing the health ordinances of the city and the official or officials of any other governmental agency with whom the city has contracted for the enforcement of such ordinances.
Please note, the Rural Residential Overlay (RR) District is being deleted through the Comprehensive Zoning Code Update currently (2023) underway and scheduled for adoption in fall 2023.
General Plan
St. Helena adopted the current General Plan in 2019. The General Plan has a planning horizon of 2040. The city of St. Helena consists of approximately 3,254 acres. Of that total, 19 percent are designated for residential uses, four percent for commercial uses, 2.5 percent for business/industrial uses, and 69 percent for open space and agriculture.23 Not all the land within the City Limits are available for development; rather approximately 1,475 acres within the Urban Limit Line (ULL) are eligible for development.24 Thirteen land use designations cover the land in St. Helena.
The ULL contains land use designations including Low, Medium, and High Density Residential, Central Business, Service Commercial, Industrial, Business and Professional Office, Parks and Recreation, Public/Quasi-Public, Open Space and Agriculture. Some land outside, yet contiguous to the ULL has a General Plan designation of Urban Reserve (UR) indicating that it should be considered first if land outside the ULL is needed for development. All lands with a UR land use designation are zoned A-20.
Residential Growth Management System
The Residential Growth Management System (GMS) limits the number of building permits available for residential growth each year.25 The stated purpose of the system is “to regulate the residential growth of the City to approximately two percent per year, while providing for both market rate and affordable housing units.”26 The GMS previously instituted a cap of 2,800 units by 2010, which resulted in a restriction of nine permits being issued per year. Program H-B H-B commits the city to removing the GMS from the Zoning Code, thus removing this governmental constraint and further encouraging the construction of housing to meet RHNA goals.
23 City of St. Helena General Plan Update 2040, Chapter Two Land Use and Growth Management. https://www.cityofsthelena.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/planning_resources/page/3505/final_plan_compiled.pdf January 27, 2022.
24 City of St. Helena General Plan Update 2040, Chapter Two Land Use and Growth Management. https://www.cityofsthelena.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/planning_resources/page/3505/final_plan_compiled.pdf January 27, 2022.
25 City of St. Helena Municipal Code. Chapter 17.152. http://www.codepublishing.com/CA/sthelena/. Accessed on January 27, 2022.
26 City of St. Helena Municipal Code. Chapter 17.152. http://www.codepublishing.com/CA/sthelena/. Accessed on January 27, 2022.
Agenda Item #10.1.
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Design Review
Chapter 17.164 of the St. Helena Municipal Code outlines the City’s Design Review policies. The purpose of these policies is to go beyond the controls inherent in the land use controls and building codes and examine individual project proposals for the “general form of the land before and after development, the spatial relationships of the structures and open spaces to proximate land uses and the appearances of building and open spaces as they contribute to an area as it is being developed.”27 The Municipal Code lists 14 specific design criteria considered by the Planning Commission:
1. Consistency and compatibility with applicable elements of the general plan;
2. Compatibility of design with the immediate environment of the site
3. Relationship of the design to the site;
4. Determination that the design is compatible in areas considered by the board as having a unified design or historical character;
5. Whether the design promotes harmonious transition in scale and character in areas between different designated land uses;
6. Compatibility with future construction both on and off the site;
7. Whether the architectural design of structures and their materials and colors are appropriate to the function of the project;
8. Whether the planning and siting of the various functions and buildings on the site create an internal sense of order and provide a desirable environment for occupants, visitors and the general community;
9. Whether the amount and arrangement of open space and landscaping are appropriate to the design and the function of the structures;
10. Whether access to the property and circulation systems are safe and convenient for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles;
11. Whether natural features and vegetation are appropriately preserved and integrated with the project;
12. Whether the materials, textures, colors and details of construction are an appropriate expression of its design concept and function and whether they are compatible with the adjacent and neighboring structures and functions;
13. Whether the landscape design concept for the site, as shown by the relationship of plant masses, open space, scale, plant forms and foliage textures and colors, create a desirable and functional environment and whether the landscape concept depicts an appropriate unity with the various buildings on the site; and
14. Whether sustainability and climate protection are promoted through the use of green building practices such as appropriate site/architectural design, use of green building materials, energy efficient systems and water efficient landscape materials.28
27 St. Helena Municipal Code. 17.165 Design Review.
28 St. Helena Municipal Code. 17.165 Design Review.
Agenda Item #10.1.
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The Planning Commission examines all proposed new structures and some exterior additions (e.g. additions on historical residential properties, addition of new residential floors) in relation to the above listed design criteria and arrives at one of three recommendations: approve, approve with minor modifications, or disapprove. The City staff had noted that the complex and subjective nature of the design review process can be cumbersome for the Planning Commission, and action is currently being taken in the comprehensive zoning code update, which will address these concerns and make design review processes objective, in compliance with California State Code Section 65582.1.
SB 330
On October 9, 2019, Governor Newsom signed into law SB 330, the Housing Crisis Act of 2019. The act amends existing state laws and creates new regulations around the production, preservation and planning of housing.
The bill has been in effect since January 1, 2020 and sunsets on January 1, 2025. SB 330 will affect both project planning procedures and community planning outcomes.
The goal of SB 330 is to create certainty in the development of housing projects, speeding up the review of these projects, preserving affordable housing and preventing certain zoning actions that reduce the availability of housing. SB 330 does the following (not a comprehensive list):
• Creates a new vesting process for zoning and land use ordinances, policies, and standards in place at the time a preliminary application is submitted (with limitations); • Requires that the historic status or designation of any site be determined at the time an application for a discretionary action is deemed complete;
• Prohibits imposing or enforcing non-objective design review standards established after January 1, 2020;
• Limits the number of public hearings to five for housing projects that meet all objective design standards; and
• Prohibits actions that reduce the total zoned capacity for housing (i.e., down-zoning).
A project that meets any of the following criteria per California Government Code Section 65589.5(h)(2)(B) is subject to the provisions of SB 330:
1. The project consists of residential units only;
2.1. The project is a mixed-use development consisting of residential and non-residential uses with at least two-thirds of the square footage of the project designated for residential use, including dwelling units and any uses accessory to the residential units; or
3.1. The project is transitional or supportive housing.
New Preliminary Application Form. SB 330 creates a new vesting process for discretionary housing projects during the five-year period of the bill. It achieves this through the creation of a new “preliminary application” process that establishes a new date for the purposes of locking projects into the ordinances, policies, and standards in effect when a preliminary application (including all required information) is submitted and deemed Agenda Item #10.1.
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complete. This vesting does not apply to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) determinations, including historic resource determinations pursuant to CEQA.
Once a complete Preliminary Housing Development Application is submitted (along with other required applications if applicable), the zoning, design, subdivision, and fee requirements in effect as of that date will remain applicable to the project for the duration of the review and entitlement process, provided that all the following provisions are satisfied:
• Complete discretionary entitlement applications must be submitted and accepted by the Planning Department within 180 days of the Preliminary Housing Development Application being deemed complete;
• If the entitlement applications are deemed incomplete after filing, the application must submit all missing or incomplete items to the Planning Department within 90 days of being notified in writing by Planning Department staff;
• The project may not increase by more than 20 percent in the number of units or total square footage indicated in the Preliminary Housing Development Application, except as the project may be revised using the State Density Bonus; and
• The project must commence construction within 30 months of site permit issuance.
Note that the following modifications may be required even when a Preliminary Housing Development Application is on file:
• Development impact fees, application fees, capacity and connection fees, or other charges may be annually adjusted based on a published cost index;
• Requirements necessary to avoid an adverse impact to public health or safety, or to avoid or lessen an impact under CEQA may be applied; and
• Applicants may submit a new or amended Preliminary Housing Development Application at any time, in which case the requirements in effect at that time shall apply.
The City has adopted an SB 330 process and checklist to streamline the design and approval of by-right multifamily units within the community, in compliance with SB 330.
Housing Trust Fund, Housing Impact Fee, and Inclusionary/In-Lieu Fee Requirements In September 2004, the City Council passed Ordinance 2004-7 adding Chapter 17.146 Housing Trust Fund, Housing Impact Fee, and Inclusionary/In-Lieu Fee Requirements to the St. Helena Municipal Code. The regulations are designed so that new non-residential developments and additions are required to pay a housing impact fee and new residential developments containing five units or more are required to include 20 percent of their units as affordable housing, and developments with less than five units pay an in-lieu fee. The fees collected from the nonresidential and residential development then go into a Housing Trust Fund. The use of Agenda Item #10.1.
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Housing Trust Fund monies is directed exclusively to “increase and improve the supply of housing affordable to households of moderate, low and very low income” including costs such as land, construction, financing, and reimbursements to the City.29 The monies are available for both ownership and rental projects and services.
These affordable housing requirements do add additional cost to market rate residential development in the process of creating additional affordable housing in St. Helena. To minimize the impact on the price of market rate housing, the Municipal Code allows developers to submit an “alternative equivalent proposal” and offers a series of concessions or incentives.30 An “alternative equivalent proposal” enables developers to meet the affordable housing requirements through alternative means like dedicating vacant land as long as the proposed alternative aligns with the purpose of the Municipal Code and is approved by the City Council. Concessions and incentives that are automatically available to residential developers who construct inclusionary units include the opportunity to submit a preliminary development proposal, priority in the City application process, and fee deferment. In addition, the City Council can grant additional concessions and incentives including extra density bonuses, changes to City standards, and monetary assistance. The automatic and discretionary concessions and incentives help expedite the process of building affordable housing and therefore minimize the cost to developers.
Requests to Develop Below Allowable Density
During the previous housing element cycle (2014-2023) there were no requests to develop housing opportunity sites below allowable density.
Building Codes and Enforcement
For the purpose of establishing proper regulations for the administration of the various codes covered in the Building Code, the City has adopted Chapter 1 of the California Building Code, Chapter 1 of the Plumbing Code, Chapter 1 of the Mechanical Code, and Annex H of the Electrical Code, 2019 Edition, excepting additions, revisions and omissions listed in Section 15.08.020 of the Municipal Code. The major local amendments included the continuation of St. Helena’s program for the seismic retrofit of unreinforced buildings and the requirement that all new construction install an approved automatic fire-suppression sprinkler system. Existing residential structures that undergo additions or repairs equal to at least 50 percent of the existing floor area, and units experiencing a change in occupancy to a more hazardous use, also require the installation of an approved sprinkler system.31 Otherwise, Title 15 of the St. Helena Municipal Code closely adheres to the 2019 California Building Standards Code and places no greater constraints on housing development than any other jurisdiction in the State that follows this model code.
The City has the power to inspect and declare unsafe any structure or piece of equipment, be it existing or under-construction, that does not meet specific Municipal Code standards. These include, but are not limited to, structures with insufficient modes of egress; structures that are unsafe or that have been made structurally 29 St. Helena Municipal Code. 17.146.030
30 St. Helena Municipal Code. 17.146.050
31 Municipal Code, 15.36.060 Fire protection systems.
Agenda Item #10.1.
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unsound due to fire, earthquake, or other natural disaster; buildings that are deemed a public nuisance; and buildings that have been constructed or maintained in violation of local or state law. Once a building has been declared unsafe, the building official may issue notice that the structure be repaired, vacated, or demolished within a reasonable amount of time and with the appropriate permits.32 The enforcement of building codes within the City of St. Helena is centered on the inspection of new construction and remodels or renovations requiring building permits. However, for existing structures, City Staff prioritizes code enforcement complaints according to the severity of the violation on the community and individuals. Situations that appear to pose a serious risk to health and safety are given top priority; others are pursued in the order in which they are received, as resources are available. In most cases for non-emergency complaints, a warning letter or courtesy notice is sent to the alleged violator to verify the status of the potential compliant and to obtain compliance. The purpose of this first step is to inform the alleged violator that there is a possible code violation on their property and to give them time to correct it. If the violation still exists after the correction date, the inspector will conduct a subsequent inspection and send a follow up notice with additional correction time. Staff provides detailed instructions on how a violation can be corrected and will meet with the property owner as necessary to assist in getting the violation corrected. The City also contracts with the Napa Housing Authority who assists property owners and tenants with any issues that may arise.
On/Offsite Improvement Standards
The St. Helena Municipal Code lists requirements for new development related to sewer and water connections, streets and roadways, including parking, curbs, gutters, sidewalksstreet widths, sidewalks, curbs, and gutters, as well as water and sewer connections and parking requirements.fire hydrants, and street trees.
Street and Roadway Improvements
For various standards,T theThe City of St. Helena Standard Specifications for Public Improvements governs the requirements for public infrastructure improvements. Developers are completely responsible for the cost of these general improvements to the properties.
Residential street widths in St. Helena follow the specifications outlined in Table 34. The requirements for street widths in St. Helena do not serve as barriers to housing production as they are significantly less than the requirements of nearby jurisdictions which have much more housing stock available. The City of St. Helena Standard Specifications for Public Improvements allows for developers to construct subdivisions with narrower streets, thus allowing for more homes with less acrageacreage towardsreserved for right-of-waysrights-of-way. 32 City of St. Helena. St. Helena Municipal Code, Title 15. http://www.codepublishing.com/CA/sthelena/. Accessed January 31, 2022.
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Table 34 Residential Street Width Requirements
Type St. Helena Napa
Yountville
American Canyon
Residential
Single-Family Residence 16’
Standard: 56’ (both sides
parking)
Rural: 29’
With Parking: 48’
40’
2-10 units 20’
11-60 units 25’
Over 60 units 30’
Non-residential
One-way access drive 16’
60’ to 82’ Not Applicable
Two-way access drive 25’
Source: Section 902, City of St. Helena Standard Specifications for Public Improvements, 2015.
Sidewalks
According to the City of St. Helena Standard Specifications for Public Improvements, Standard No. 315, the minimum standard sidewalk width is four feet in residential areas and 10 feet in business or commercial areas.
This sidewalk standard is compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and are only what is necessary for the activities occurring in their respective areas. Curbs are required to be designed with a six-inch top, 12-inch gutter, and six-inch rise above the roadway surface. The sidewalk, curb, and gutter standards do not pose a constraint to housing development.
Landscaping
Landscaping is required for projects subject to design review and the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. All open space and common areas are required to be landscaped and landscaping plans must be approved through the design review process. Further, St. Helena requires compliance with California’s Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), which focuses on several goals, including water conservation and environmental quality. Although the MWELO requirements add additional planning cost to projects, they are State mandated requirements.
Landscaping requirements work to ensure efficient water use and basic environmental quality, health, and safety and are not a constraint to development. However, subjecting landscaping plans to the design review process constrains the development of affordable housing. Through the current (2022) comprehensive zoning code update, the City is revising the code to provide a ministerial review process for projects meeting objective design standards, including standards addressing landscaping.
Street Signs
Street signs are not a required improvement to developments to be paid for by the developer. Street signs, and other signs, are subject to the requirements of Municipal Code Section 17.112.
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Other
Other miscellaneous improvements required by the City of St. Helena can include curb, gutter and sidewalk treatments, fire hydrants, and street trees. When new development fronts a public street, the developers may be required to provide curb, gutter, and sidewalk treatments to the specifications supplied by the Public Works Director.33 If the Fire Chief or Public Works Director decides that there is not sufficient supply of fire hydrants nearby, new development would cover the cost of additional hydrants as necessary.34 Finally, if a new development fronts a planting strip, the owner must care for and maintain the trees and other vegetation in the strip.
Sewer
The City of St. Helena owns the Wastewater Treatment Plant, which provides secondary-level treatment for domestic and commercial wastewater within the City. The plant has a permitted average dry weather treatment capacity of 0.5 million gallons per day (mgd) and can treat up to 2.8 mgd during wet weather.35 In 2016, the City initiated planning efforts to upgrade the existing Plant in order to meet stricter environmental requirements. Working with the Regional Water Resources Control Board, the City developed a strategy to meet the new requirements, and began construction of the needed improvements in 2022. Construction is expected to be completed by fFall 2023.
36 Per Chapter 727, Statutes of 2004 (SB 1087), sewer providers must grant priority for service allocations to proposed development that include housing units affordable to lower-income households. Local public and private wastewater service providers must adopt written policies and procedures that grant priority for service hook-ups to developments that help meet the community’s share of the regional need for lower-income housing. In addition, the law prohibits wastewater service providers from denying, conditioning the approval, or reducing the amount of sewer service for an application for development that includes housing units affordable to lower-income households unless written findings are made as specified in Government Code Section 65589.7(c).
Water
The City has three sources of potable water: Bell Canyon Reservoir, water purchased from the City of Napa under a long-term water supply contract, and groundwater from City-owned and operated wells. Bell Canyon Reservoir is the City’s primary source of potable water. Bell Canyon is an on-stream reservoir with a physical storage capacity of 2,384 acre-feet, although the maximum amount of water that is available annually to the City is 992 acre-feet (AF). The City also purchases significant water quantities from the City of Napa through a contract, expiring in 2035, which guarantees delivery of a minimum of 600 AF per year. Additionally, the City 33 Municipal Code 12.08.090 Plans and specifications.
34 Municipal Code 16.32.110 Fire protection.
35 California Regional Water Quality Control Boar San Francisco Bay Region. Order No. R2-0210-0105, NPDES No. CA0038016. http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/rwqcb2/board_decisions/adopted_orders/2010/R2-2010-0105.pdf. 36 City of St. Helena. Initial Study. WWTRP Phase I Upgrades Project. November 2020. https://www.cityofsthelena.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/public_works/page/2831/st._helena_wwtrp_public_initial_ study_compiled.pdf
Accessed January 28, 2022.
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pumps groundwater from its two wells. The City seeks to limit groundwater withdrawals to 450 AF in normal years.
The City calculates a safe annual yield for its water system as “the quantity of water which can be reliable delivered on an annual basis through most rainfall years, including a dry year (rainfall at 22” to 25.9”) without undue hardship on water customers through water shortage restrictions. The City defines “undue hardship” as three or more consecutive months of Phase II water restrictions or Phase III water restrictions. Based on water supplies available in 2020, the City estimates the safe annual yield of its water system is 992 AF.
In 2011, the City adopted a new Water Shortage Emergencies Ordinance. The ordinance establishes three water shortage emergency phases with increasing water use restrictions. Phase I water regulations are triggered when the supply/usage balance is in deficit, meaning that the five-year rolling average of total water usage exceeds the safe annual yield of the City’s water system. Under Phase I regulations, water customers are prohibited from expanding or installing new water-using appliances, plumbing, or improvements, such as landscaping and pools, unless the installation will result in no increase in water use. Replacement fixtures must be water efficient. In addition, new water connections for new development may only be approved if the projected water demand for the project can be offset by a corresponding reduction in the existing water demand on the city water system. New development proposals may demonstrate that the project is waterneutral through a combination of on-site water conservation measures, off-site retrofitting or well water.
Phase II water shortage emergency regulations include all Phase I regulations plus mandatory conservation measures. Under Phase II, residential water users are limited to 65 gallons per person per day. An additional allocation of 2,500 gallons per month for single-family homes landscape irrigation is provided during the April through October billing cycle. Multiple-family or mobile home occupants are permitted up to 70 gallons per day per 1,000 square feet of landscaped area or for dedicated irrigation meters, a 60 percent limit of current reference evapotranspiration. There are strict penalties for non-compliance of these mandatory conservation measures. In addition, no new water connections are permitted during a Phase II water emergency. Phase III water shortage emergency regulations limit water use further to 60 gallons per person per day, and place additional limits on landscape irrigation.37
The City has adequate water supply to meet current demand, however the effects of climate change will likely reduce water supply from current sources. The City needs to obtain new water supplies and/or achieve more water savings in order to reliably meet future water demand. At the same time, the City recognizes that any new water supply, even if forthcoming, is likely to be expensive, potentially increasing the unit cost of potable water. The main emphasis within the General Plan (regarding water supply) is on conservation, seeking to reduce demand by all classes of users.
37 City of St. Helena. Report to the City Council. June, 23 2020. https://sthelena.civicweb.net/document/41860/2020 Accessed January 28, 2022.
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According to the City’s Water Shortage Emergency Ordinance, if the City’s water balance pursuant to the safe yield calculation is in deficit, then the City must comply with Phase I water restrictions. Most importantly, this requires that any new water demand, such as from a new residential project, must be completely offset by a reduction in current water demand, to the satisfaction of the Director of Public Works. Phases II and III involve the imposition of mandatory water restrictions on customers. If Phase II appears imminent, the City Council must appoint a Water Board which, if Phase II is implemented, will work with the Director of Public Works to ensure compliance by all sectors (residential, commercial, and industrial) with Phase II restrictions. Phase III restrictions are severe.
Per Chapter 727, Statutes of 2004 (SB 1087), water providers must grant priority for service allocations to proposed developments that include housing units affordable to lower-income households. Public and private water providers must adopt written policies and procedures that grant priority for service hook-ups to developments that help meet the community’s share of the regional need for lower-income housing. In addition, the law prohibits water providers from denying, conditioning the approval, or reducing the amount of water service for an application for development that includes housing affordable to lower-income households unless written findings are made as specified in Government Code Section 65589.7(c). A city may deny, condition, or reduce water services to developments that include lower-income housing units if the city does not have “sufficient water supply” as defined in Government Code Section 66473.7(a) (2) or is operating under a water shortage emergency as defined in Section 350 of the Water Code.
The 2040 General Plan contains Implementation Action PF1-J that commits the City to granting projects that include affordable housing units priority access to water resources over other new projects should the capacity of local water systems become inadequate to meet the full demand for new connections.
Parking
St. Helena is a rural jurisdiction with limited public transport options, making commuting by automobile a common practice among residents of all income groups. Some local employers, such as wineries located off of the State Highways, only have access through roadways without suitable sidewalks or bus service. Thus, for residential developments in St. Helena, it is necessary to have some adequate amount of parking to sustain regular life for residents of the rural town. Additionally, within neighborhoods, it is important to keep enough cars off the street due to some streets having little to no parking availability. For example, many streets in St.
Helena’s older neighborhoods only offer one-side parking and some roads on the edges of town have no paved side parking at all.
Residential parking requirements vary according to the number of dwelling units, as follows:
• One to two dwelling units: Minimum of two spaces per unit, with one of the spaces in a garage or carport.
• Three or more dwelling units (s: Minimum tudio and one bedroom units): of one space under cover per unitOne covered space, plus either a half space per unit Agenda Item #10.1.
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• Three or more dwelling units (two or more bedroom units): or oneOne covered space plus one additional whole space per unitdepending on the number of bedrooms in the units. • Rooming, boarding, or lodging house: Minimum of one space per room, and two spaces for the owneroccupied unit. • Mobile home: Minimum of two spaces per unit plus centralized space for guest parking.38 The one exceptionEexceptions to these requirements is housingincludeare provided for housing subject to the affordable housing ordinance (see Locally Adopted Ordinances for more details). Some examples of parking minimum exceptions include projects built for senior citizens, and deed-restricted affordable projects built with with funding from the Federal or State government that are deed restricted, which is affordable to very low-, low-, and moderate-income households.
39 For all other uses not covered in the Municipal Code or State Density Bonus Law, the Planning Commission has the power to set the parking requirements based upon the general parking guidelines of the City.
The City of St. Helena’s parking standards do not impose undue constraints to development of multifamily uses with two or more bedrooms. As shown in Table 35Table 35, when compared to other nearby jurisdictions, St.
Helena’s housing requirements are not only less restrictive, but much less complex. Additionally, the City is currently reevaluating its parking requirements for residential uses as part of the ongoing Comprehensive Zoning Code Update. However, parking standards for multifamily uses with three or more studio or onebedroom units require 1.5 parking spaces per unit. This requirement is a constraint to development of smaller unit multifamily uses. Program H-N commits the City to limiting parking requirements for these uses to one space per unit through the currently (2023) ongoing Comprehensive Zoning Code Update scheduled for adoption in fall 2023.
38 Municipal Code 17.124.030 Minimum on-site parking requirements 39 Municipal Code 17.144 Affordable Housing
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Table 35 Parking Requirements, St. Helena, Napa, Yountville Across Neighboring Requirements Type St. Helena City of Napa Town of Yountville
1-2 dwelling units 2 spaces per unit with
1 in garage/carport
Single-family:
2 spaces per unit with 1 in
garage + 1 for each bedroom
in excess of 2 and guest
parking
2 space, 1 covered and 1
screened; 4 for duplex with
1 covered and 1 screened
3+ dwelling units (studios
and 1 bedroom units) 1 covered space + ½ space per unit
1.5 per unit (1-3 units)
1.4 per unit (4-49 units)
1.25 per unit (50+ units)
3 dwelling units – 4 spaces,
2 covered, 2 screened
4 dwelling units – 6 spaces,
3 covered, 3 screened
Additional units require 1
additional covered and 1
additional screened space
per 2 units
3+ dwelling units (2 or more
bedroom units) 2 space per unit with 1 covered
Varies, from 1.75-2 spaces per
unit plus 0.4 space for each
bedroom in excess of 3
Rooming, boarding, or
lodging house
1 space per room and 2 for owneroccupied unit
1 space per sleeping room with
ability for planning commission
to override under certain
circumstances
1.14 spaces per room
Mobile home 2 spaces per unit with centralized guest
parking
Not specified, however, using
single family requirements:
2 spaces per unit with 1 in
garage + 1 for each bedroom
in excess of 2 and guest
parking
Not specified, however,
using single family
requirements:
2 space, 1 covered and 1
screened; 4 for duplex with
1 covered and 1 screened
Source: Chapter 17.124, City of St. Helena Municipal Code, 2015; Town of Yountville Municipal Code 17.116.020; City of Napa Municipal Code 17.54.040.
The City of St. Helena’s parking standards do not impose undue constraints to when As part of the Comprehensive Zoning Code Update, the City is reducing proposed parking requirements for residential uses.Additionally, pParking requirements are additionally not a constraint given the size of the parcels identified in the Sites Inventory. For example, one site with large capacity identified in the sites inventory is Site 8, a 1.5 acre vacant lot located at 882 and 886 College Avenue. This site is projected to have a capacity of 39 units with 15 lower income and 15 moderate income units. If the complex were to have 15 two2-bedroom units, 15 one1- bedroom units, and 9 studios, it would need a total of 66 parking spaces with 39 of them being covered. The St.
Helena Standard Specifications for Public Improvements, Standard Number 321A and 321B call for parking spaces that are 19 feet long by 9.5 feet wide, which equates to 180.5 square feet per parking space. Thus, for Site 8, there would be an allocation of 11,913 square feet of surface space allocated for parking, which accounts to approximately 18.23 percent of the site. This allocation does not pose an undue constraint on the project and provides sufficient parking for the projected residents of the project. Further, The developers can additionally design garages, overhangs, and other architectural features which can allow for greater building footprint and thus less land allocated to uncovered parking.
The City’s parking minimums are also in line with providing enough parking according to State data. According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, there were 147,603 registered vehicles in Napa County in 2021, equating to approximately 1.06 vehicles per person in Napa County. St. Helena’s parking minimums, particularly figures regarding multi-family one-bedroom units, matches the data provided by the DMV.Sidewalks Agenda Item #10.1.
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To help promote the development of emergency homeless shelters, Assembly Bill 671 (2019) was passed which included a variety of measures to incentivize the construction of such facilities, including the requirement requirement that jurisdictions can only require the number of spaces necessary for staff working in the shelter and no more than other uses in the same zones.that off-street parking would be limited to only what is required for other residential or commercial uses within the same zone. According to Municipal Code Section 17.124, emergency homeless shelters are considered an unlisted use, which leaves it up to the planning commission to determine the parking requirements. However, in compliance with State law, the Planning Commission must only act to require emergency homeless shelters to have the same minimum parking requirements as residential or commercial uses in the same zone. Emergency homeless shelters are only permitted in the Industrial and Service Commercial zoning districts, which only conditionally permit housing. Thus, parking requirements are most likely to be aligned with Ccommercial and industrial parking requirements, which generally require one1 parking space per three hundred300 square- feet of office area, and 1one parking space per six hundred fifty650 square-feet of industrial uses, and one parking space per 1,000 square feet of warehouse space.feet, respectively. Based on these standards, the City does not currently comply with State law. The City is committed through Program H-F to amend the Zoning Code to to require only be the number of spaces necessary for staff working in the shelter and no more than other uses in the same zones.formally comply with State law.
Further, tThe City is also evaluating and revising, as necessary, reviewing other parking requirements for multifamily uses as a part of anthe ongoingcurrently ongoing (2023) Comprehensive Zoning Code Uupdate to review possibleidentify and remove potential constraints to housing development. The Update is scheduled for adoption in fall 2023.
According to the City of St. Helena Standard Specifications for Public Improvements, Standard No. 315, the minimum standard sidewalk width is 4.5 feet in residential areas and 10 feet in business or commercial areas.
This sidewalk standard is compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and are only what is necessary for the activities occurring in their respective areas. The sidewalk standards do not pose a constraint to housing development.
Landscaping
Landscaping is required for projects subject to requirements outlined in the City of St. Helena Standards for Landscaping. Landscaping is subject to design review. St. Helena also requires compliance with California’s Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, which focuses on several goals, including water conservation and environmental quality. The landscape requirements may add additional planning cost to projects, however, they are similar to requirements of most California jurisdictions. There are no special landscaping requirements that are out of standard requirements that ensure basic environmental quality, health, and safety, therefore, landscaping is not a constraint to housing development.
Street Signs
Street signs are not a required improvement to developments to be paid for by the developer. Street signs, and other signs, are subject to the requirements of Municipal Code Section 17.112.
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Other
Other miscellaneous improvements required by the City of St. Helena include curb, gutter and sidewalk treatments, fire hydrants, and street trees. Whenever new development fronts a public street, the developers are required to provide curb, gutter, and sidewalk treatments to the specifications supplied by the Public Works Director.40 If the Fire Chief or Public Works Director decides that there is not sufficient supply of fire hydrants nearby, new development would cover the cost of additional hydrants as necessary.41 Finally, if a new development fronts a planting strip, then the owner must care for and maintain the trees and other vegetation in the strip. The City does not impose any on-site and off-site improvement standards that are beyond those necessary to achieve health and safety requirements. Therefore, these requirements are not a constraint to housing. The water, parking, and other miscellaneousThe City’s on-and-off site improvements standards, including roadway improvements, water and sewer requirements, and parking standards do not constrain residential development in St. Helena.
Building Codes and Enforcement
For the purpose of establishing proper regulations for the administration of the various codes covered in the Building Code, the City has adopted each of Chapter 1 of the California Building Code, Chapter 1 of the Plumbing Code, Chapter 1 of the Mechanical Code, and Annex H of the Electrical Code, 2019 Edition, excepting additions, revisions and omissions listed in Section 15.08.020 of the Municipal Code. The major local amendments included the continuation of St. Helena’s program for the seismic retrofit of unreinforced buildings and the requirement that all new construction install an approved automatic fire-suppression sprinkler system.
Existing residential structures that undergo additions or repairs equal to at least 50 percent of the existing floor area, and units experiencing a change in occupancy to a more hazardous use, also require the installation of an approved sprinkler system.42 Otherwise, Title 15 of the St. Helena Municipal Code closely adheres to the 2019 California Building Standards Code and places no greater constraints on housing development than any other jurisdiction in the State that follows this model code.
The enforcement of building codes within the City of St. Helena is centered on the inspection of new construction and remodels or renovations requiring building permits. The City has the power to inspect and declare unsafe any structure or piece of equipment, be it existing or under-construction, that does not meet specific Municipal Code standards. These include, but are not limited to, structures with insufficient modes of egress; structures that are unsafe or that have been made structurally unsound due to fire, earthquake, or other natural disaster; buildings that are deemed a public nuisance; and buildings that have been constructed or maintained in violation of local or state law. Once a building has been declared unsafe, the building official 40 Municipal Code 12.08.090 Plans and specifications.
41 Municipal Code 16.32.110 Fire protection.
42 Municipal Code, 15.36.060 Fire protection systems.
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may issue notice that the structure be repaired, vacated, or demolished within a reasonable amount of time and with the appropriate permits.43
Fees and Exactions
The City’s building department fee schedule is designed to directly offset the costs incurred by the City when processing and reviewing development applications, and to inspect new construction. Fees are charged when a building permit is issued and are based on building plans and estimated construction costs.
Development impact fees are charged to new projects in order to offset costs for the construction, expansion, and maintenance of off-site improvements that either were built for the purposes of the new project or were existing improvements from which the new developments will benefit. In the case of St. Helena, impact fees are charged for public safety, civic facilities, water and wastewater services, a drainage, traffic mitigation, and schools. In 2013, the City conducted a comprehensive study and update of all of its development impact fees.
As a result, total impact fees for single-family houses decreased from $19.78 per square foot to $16.32 per square foot, a 17.5 percent reduction. Fees for multiple-family development increased from $13.78 per square foot to $21.37 per square foot, a 55 percent increase.
The single-family fee calculations shown in Table 36 are based on an example 2,300 square foot single family residence with three-bedrooms and two-bathrooms with a total construction cost estimate of approximately $920,000 ($400 per square foot). The multifamily fee calculations shown in Table 36 are based on an example eight unit, three story 6,780 square foot multi-family development project. 43 City of St. Helena. St. Helena Municipal Code, Title 15. http://www.codepublishing.com/CA/sthelena/.
Accessed January 31, 2022.
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Table 36 Planning and Development Fees
Fee Description Single-Family Multiple-Family
Planning and Application Fees
Variance $4,500 $4,500
Conditional Use Permit (CUP) $5,200 $5,200
General Plan Amendment $13,000 deposit plus staff time $13,000 deposit plus staff time Zone Change $8,200 deposit plus staff time $8,200 deposit plus staff time Site Plan Review $2,578 $2,578
Specific Plan $25,000 deposit plus staff time $25,000 deposit plus staff time Specific Plan Amendment $4,100 $4,100
Development Agreement $13,500 $13,500
Building Inspection / Permit $1,838 $1,838
Home Occupation Permit $200 standard, $250 expanded $200 standard, $250 expanded Lot Subdivision $6,300 minor; $35,000 major $6,300 minor; $35,000 major Lot Line Adjustment $3,000 $3,000
Tentative Tract Map $4,500 $4,500
Final Parcel Map $2,100 $2,100
Design Review <1,000 square feet: $2,600
>1,000 square feet: $3,700 $3,700
Environmental Fees
Negative Declaration $5,600 plus staff time $5,600 plus staff time Mitigated Negative Declaration (In-House) $11,600 plus staff time $11,600 plus staff time Mitigated Negative Declaration (Contract) $3,200 plus staff time $3,200 plus staff time Environmental Impact Report $9,000 deposit plus staff time $9,000 deposit plus staff time Permit Fee $433 $5,503
City Impact Fees
Public Safety Fee ($1.04/sq ft) $2,392 $7,051
Civic Facilities Fee ($1.95/sq ft) $4,485 $13,221
Parks Fee ($7.16/sq ft) $16,468 $82,580
Water System Fee ($3.05/sq ft) $7,015 $16,747
Wastewater System Fee ($0.45/sq ft) $1,035 $4,475
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Drainage System Fee ($0.73/sq ft) $1,679 $4,678
Transportation Fee ($1.94/sq ft) $4,462 $16,001
Housing Fee (2.5% of valuationconstruction cost) $23,00018,400 $23,00027,933 Other District Fees
School District Fee ($3.20/sq ft) $6,831 $21,696
Source: City of St. Helena Planning Department, Mintier Harnish, 2022.
City impact fees are included in Table 36 above. Among these, the costliest fee is the Parks fee of $7.16 per square foot. These funds are used to develop and maintain City parks, a critical resource in the community. The City’s wastewater impact fee ($0.45 per square foot), drainage system fee ($0.73 per square foot) and public safety fee ($1.04 per square foot) are particularly low. Further, the City’s civic facilities and transportation fees are both under $2 per square foot. Importantly, City impact fees for multifamily listed in Table 36 are based on an eight-unit development, as explained previously, and have a lower per unit cost than City impact fees shown for a typical single-family use. These impact fees are based on the City’s actual costs and are reevaluated and revised each year. The City’s impact fees do not impose undue impacts to housing cost, supply, and feasibility, and are not a constraint to the development of housing.
Continuing with the example single-family and multi-family projects used in Table 36,Table 37 Table 37 provides a breakdown of the cost-per-unit and estimated proportion of fee cost for the example project. These fees would be $70,830 and $21,525 per unit, respectively. This represents 7.7 percent of the single-family home project’s construction cost and 12.3 percent of the multi-family home project’s construction cost.
Table 37 Construction Cost Summary, Cost Per Unit and Cost Per Square-Foot Single-Family Multiple-Family
Building Size (square feet) 2,300 6,780
Construction Cost (per square-foot) $400 $206.49
Valuation $920,000 $1,400,000
Total Estimated Fees Per Unit $70,840 $21,525
Fees as % of Construction Cost 7.7% 12.3%
Source: City of St. Helena Planning Department; Mintier Harnish, 2022 The multiple-family development impact fees have increased to reflect the costs of the improvements necessary to serve multifamily residential development. Without the funds collected through the fees, the City could not afford to make the necessary improvements in infrastructure, and thus the fees do not represent an undue governmental constraint to housing development. In addition, fee reductions and adjustments for affordable Agenda Item #10.1.
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and other housing projects are permitted on a case-by-case basis, as approved by City Council under Section 3, Chapter 3.32 of the St. Helena Municipal Code.
In comparison to nearby jurisdictions, St. Helena’s planning fees are similar in range, as shown on Table 38..
Generally, St. Helena’s planning fees are at the higher end of the range of fees in Napa County. However, the City’s are similar or less than some jurisdictions for certain procedures. For rezoning, St. Helena has some of the most expensive fees in the region, however for tentative tract or parcel maps, St. Helena has some of the lowest fees in the region. Overall, St. Helena does not have fees that result in an extremely significant cost difference between development projects situated in the city and those situated outside of the city in nearby jurisdictions.
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Table 38 Planning Application Fees – Surrounding Jurisdictions, Single-Family and Multiple-Family Jurisdiction General Plan Amendment Zone Change Tentative Tract Map
Variance
St. Helena $13,000 deposit plus staff time $8,200 deposit plus staff time $4,500 $4,500
City of Sonoma $16,581 $981
$3,735 plus $395 per
lot plus engineering
time
$2,279
Yountville $7,500 deposit plus staff time $7,500 $5,000 plus staff time $2,500 American Canyon $8,312 $3,714 $8,129 $1,896
County of Napa Established by resolution
of the Board of Supervisors N/A $622.90 plus staff time $6,100.90 plus staff time Source: City of St. Helena Planning Department; Mintier Harnish, 2022 Given similar fee structures to nearby jurisdictions and the development impact fee study in 2013, St. Helena’s fee structure does not pose an undue constraint on the production of housing.
Processing and Permit Procedures
St. Helena, as with other jurisdictions, has two primary types of processing and permit procedures: ministerial and discretionary.
Ministerial Permit Procedures
Ministerial permits are any permits that do not require a decision-making body to provide additional input before its approval. Ministerial permits are handled internally within the planning department and are approved by the planning director. Ministerial permits cover all development that is permitted by right in zones without design review. An example of a common ministerial permit is one for the construction of an accessory dwelling unit on a lot with a preexisting single-family dwelling. Ministerial review typically takes 2-4 weeks. As shown in Table 41, there is very little delay among previous projects. Ministerial permit procedures do not pose a constraint to housing development.
Discretionary Permit Procedures
Discretionary permits are any permits requiring a decision-making body to exercise judgment prior to its approval. As shown in Figure 48, after successfully completing a use permit and passing State environmental review, discretionary permits can be handled administratively through the Planning Director, or through public review throughwith the Planning Commission. If an appeal is made against the project, the project is sent to City Council for review.
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Figure 48 Discretionary Permit Process Flowchart
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Discretionary permits in St. Helena include general plan amendments, code amendments, specific plans, variances, development agreements, use permits, parcel and subdivision maps, design review, permit/map extensions, lot line adjustments, appeals, revocation of land use permits, and interpretations. As shown in Table 39 and Table 40, most discretionary permits take 3-6 months to process, with some permits taking less time (conditional use permit) or significantly more time (general plan amendment). For the purposes of residential development, conditional use permits (CUPs) and design review are the most pertinent to affecting the affordability, speed, and thus availability of affordable housing.
Table 39 Typical Processing Procedures by Project Type
Single-Family Unit Subdivision (20 units) Multiple-Family (20 Units) Required Permit Procedures
Ministerial Review - ADU Tentative Map Conditional Use Permit Design Review – new SFD Final Map
Design Review Design Review
Initial Environmental
StudyDesign Review Initial Environmental Study
Environmental Impact
ReportInitial Environmental
Study
Mitigated Negative Declaration
Estimated Total Processing
Time 2 months 12 months 9 months
Source: City of St. Helena, Mintier Harnish, 2022.
Table 40 Timelines for Permit Procedures
Type of Approval or Permit Typical Processing Time Approval body Ministerial Review 2 – 4 weeks Planning Director
Conditional Use Permit 3 months Planning Commission
Zone Change 6 months Planning Commission & City Council General Plan Amendment 6 months Planning Commission & City Council Design Review 3 months Planning Commission
Subdivision Maps 6 months Planning Commission & City Council Parcel Maps 3 months Planning Commission
Initial Environmental Study 6 months Planning Commission & City Council, depending on project
Environmental Impact Report 10 months Planning Commission & City Council Source: City of St. Helena, Mintier Harnish, 2022.
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Actual Project Times
Table 41 outlines a selection of seven7 projects with their entitlement approval dates and issuance of building permits. The time between entitlement and building permit issuance is negligible in St. Helena and is not a constraint to the city meeting its share of the regional housing need.
Table 41 Timelines for Permit Procedures
Description of Project Entitlement Approval Building Permit Issued Time Elapsed A single family dwelling with an
accessory dwelling unit (601 Fulton) 3/19/2020 3/25/2020 4 days An accessory dwelling unit (1856 Adams
St, B) 3/12/2020 6/2/2020 3 months, 20 days
An accessory dwelling unit (1730
Stockton St, B) 1/6/2020 4/9/2020 3 months, 3 days
An accessory dwelling unit (940 Hunt
Ave) 9/17/2020 9/17/2020 Same day
A single family dwelling (222 Pope St) 7/28/2020 7/28/2020 Same day An accessory dwelling unit (1607
Kearney St, B) 6/1/2020 6/4/2020 3 days
An accessory dwelling unit (1135 Church
St, B) 6/8/2020 6/23/2020 15 days
Source: City of St. Helena, Mintier Harnish, 2022.
Conditional Use Permit (CUP)
Conditional use permits (CUPs) are required when a land use is listed as a conditional use for a zoning district in the Zoning Code. Conditional Use Permits are subject to review by the Planning Commission, which considers compatibility with surrounding uses, public input, and staff feedback. Conditional use permits typically take three months to fully process, which is not considered a constraint to residential development. All projects that require a conditional use permit, except for the installation or modification of fences, require design review.
Design Review
Design Review is a process undertaken by the Planning Commission on certain projects to promote environmental quality, foster attractiveness, sustain functional utility, preserve neighborhood character, protect public investments, encourage a mix of uses, and raise the level of community expectations for the quality of the environment. 44 Chapter 17.164 of the St. Helena Municipal Code outlines the City’s Design Review policies.
The Municipal Code lists 14 specific design criteria considered by the Planning Commission:
1. Consistency and compatibility with applicable elements of the general plan;
2. Compatibility of design with the immediate environment of the site
3. Relationship of the design to the site;
4. Determination that the design is compatible in areas considered by the board as having a unified design or historical character;
5. Whether the design promotes harmonious transition in scale and character in areas between different designated land uses;
44 St. Helena Municipal Code. 17.165 Design Review.
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6. Compatibility with future construction both on and off the site;
7. Whether the architectural design of structures and their materials and colors are appropriate to the function of the project;
8. Whether the planning and siting of the various functions and buildings on the site create an internal sense of order and provide a desirable environment for occupants, visitors and the general community;
9. Whether the amount and arrangement of open space and landscaping are appropriate to the design and the function of the structures;
10. Whether access to the property and circulation systems are safe and convenient for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles;
11. Whether natural features and vegetation are appropriately preserved and integrated with the project;
12. Whether the materials, textures, colors and details of construction are an appropriate expression of its design concept and function and whether they are compatible with the adjacent and neighboring structures and functions;
13. Whether the landscape design concept for the site, as shown by the relationship of plant masses, open space, scale, plant forms and foliage textures and colors, create a desirable and functional environment and whether the landscape concept depicts an appropriate unity with the various buildings on the site; and
14. Whether sustainability and climate protection are promoted through the use of green building practices such as appropriate site/architectural design, use of green building materials, energy efficient systems and water efficient landscape materials.45
The Planning Commission examines all proposed new structures and some exterior additions (e.g. additions on historical residential properties, addition of new residential floors) in relation to the above listed design criteria and arrives at one of three recommendations: approve, approve with minor modifications, or disapprove.
Projects that are subject to design review include:
• Any exterior modification to a commercial, multi-family, or designated historic building, including new construction
• The construction of a new single-family home
• Structures, buildings or site modifications requiring use permits in any district, excluding fences • Additions to a single-family home which create a second or third floor, story or living space where one does not currently exist
• Any new structure prior to the issuance of any future building permits for structures on newly created parcels created on maps approved after January 1992
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• Any new public facility, or modification thereof
• Demolition, except when required for emergency protection of public health, safety or welfare The following projects are subject to administrative design review, which means that they are ministerially decided on by city planning staff as opposed to the Planning Commission:
• Any form of repair or maintenance where the work solely involves the replacement of materials in like kind and form or to any such work in areas not visible to the public from the public right-of-way or areas accessible to the public
• Accessory dwelling units, subject to requirements identified in SHMC 17.116.030 • Alteration, modification, or addition to an existing single-family home that is not eligible for design review
• Construction of an accessory structure in keeping with all development criteria of the zoning district in which the structure is proposed
Design review is required for practically all projects, including all primary residential projectsstructures. The City has not includedadopted a design review exemption for affordable housing development in the City. Therefore, design review is considered a significant constraint to aaffordable ll housing development in the City.
City staff have noted that theThe complex and subjective nature of the design review process is a constraint housing production, and action is currently being taken . Through thein the current comprehensive zoning code update, which willthe City is working to address these concerns and makecodify objective design review processes objective,standards for single-family, small lot, and multifamily uses. in compliance with California State Code Section 65582.1. Additionally, the City is committed through Program H-F H-F commits the City to to amendamending the ZoningMunicipal Code to adoptprovide an objective review processobjective design standards for residential development and a ministerial, by-right, process for approval of developments meeting all zoning and design standards.
Currently (2023) the MR zone does not allow for multifamily uses without a conditional use permit (CUP), with the exception of 5th Cycle Housing Element opportunity sites. Although the MR zone is primarily a single-family zone, the requirement for a CUP in this zone constrains the development of smaller multifamily uses. Program H-N commits the City to allowing duplexes and triplexes and a density range of 5.1 to 16 dwelling units per acre in the MR zone without a CUP.
Please note: the City implemented 5th Cycle Housing Element program HE1.D which committed the City to eliminating use permit requirement for multifamily projects on Housing Opportunity sites (Key Housing Sites) in the medium density residential zone. Section 17.40.020 was amended to permit the following:
N. Multiple-family dwellings, apartments, and dwelling groups at a density up to the maximum allowed by the medium density residential district shall be allowed as a permitted use on the following MR zoned parcels, which are identified as “Key Housing Sites” in Table 42 of the city’s 2015-2023 housing element, and are identified as follows by street address and assessor’s parcel number (APN): 567 Pope St. APN 009- 070-002; 591 McCorkle Ave. APN 009-070-003; 1817 Spring St. APN 009-322-009; Sulphur Springs Ave.
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APN 009-362-015; Spring St. APN 009-441-023 and 009-552-002; 576 Pope St. APN 009-552-003; 1105 Pope St. APN 009-090-003. (Ord. 17-2 § 6 (part); Ord. 16-8 § 1; Ord. 15-2 § 7 (part): Ord. 12-2 § 6: Ord. 07- 5 § 2 (part): Ord. 05-4 § 1 (part): Ord. 03-4 § 11: prior code § 27.51) Further, The City has received SB 2 and LEAP grants from the State of California to assist with encouraging and streamlining affordable housing development in the city. The City has applied these funds to the Comprehensive Zoning Code Update currently underway. The Draft Update works to overcome constraints and encourage development by incorporating objective design standards for residential development and removing CUP requirements for duplexes and triplexes and densities of 5.1 to 16 du/ac in the MR zone, among other efforts.
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Table 42 Housing Types Permitted by Base Zoning District Zone Type Agricultural Residential Commercial/Office
I WW
Zoning District A-20 W AP LR LR-1A MR HR CB SC BPO
Design Review Required No Yes
Single-family dwelling P
1 P1,2 P P4 P P4 P4 — — — — P
Residential units (in a mixeduse setting) — — — — — — — C 5 C5,7 C5 C8 —
Residential Condominium or
Townhouse — — — — — C C — — — — —
Duplex or triplex units — — — — — C P — — — — —
Multiple-family dwellings — — — — — P
6 P — — — — —
Mobile homes — — — P P P P — — — — —
Agricultural employee housing — — P P
3 P3 P3 P3 — — — — P3
Supportive housing — — P P P P P C
5 C5,7 C5 — P
Transitional housing — — P P P P P C
5 C5,7 C5 — P
Single room occupancy housing — — — — — — P — — — — —
Intermediate care facility, 6 or
fewer persons — — — P P P P — — — — —
Intermediate care facility, 7 or
more persons — — — — C C C — — — — —
Residential facility, 6 or fewer
persons — — — P P P P — — — — —
Residential facility, 7 or more
persons — — — C C C C — — — — —
Emergency Shelter — — — — — — — — P — P —
P=Permitted C=Conditional —=Prohibited
1Permitted if the single-family dwelling(s) existed prior to October 1, 1993. 2Additional dwellings for occupancy by owners, caretakers and/or other employees, provided density does not exceed one dwelling unit per each five acres of the winery’s contiguous property is a Conditional Use. 3Six or fewer persons only.
4New construction of single-family dwellings where the minimum density of 2 units or greater is a Conditional Use. 5Limited to upper floors only.
6Permitted only to parcels identified in the adopted Housing Element. 7Upper floors only in conjunction with a mixed-use project 8Subject to the restrictions outlined in SHMC 17.60.030, including a maximum 850 square feet floor area, one off-street parking space, and residency requirements.
Note: The Zoning Code text takes precedence over this table and there may be additional requirements or limits not noted on this table.
If the zone is not present in the table (PQP, PR, OS), it does not allow any residential uses by right or through any permitting processes.
Source: St. Helena Municipal Code, Title 17.
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SB 330 Streamlining
On October 9, 2019, Governor Newsom signed into law SB 330, the Housing Crisis Act of 2019. The act amends existing state laws and creates new regulations around the production, preservation and planning of housing.
The bill has been in effect since January 1, 2020 and sunsets on January 1, 2025. SB 330 will affect both project planning procedures and community planning outcomes.
The goal of SB 330 is to create certainty in the development of housing projects, speeding up the review of these projects, preserving affordable housing and preventing certain zoning actions that reduce the availability of housing. SB 330 does the following (not a comprehensive list):
• Creates a new vesting process for zoning and land use ordinances, policies, and standards in place at the time a preliminary application is submitted (with limitations); • Requires that the historic status or designation of any site be determined at the time an application for a discretionary action is deemed complete;
• Prohibits imposing or enforcing non-objective design review standards established after January 1, 2020;
• Limits the number of public hearings to five for housing projects that meet all objective design standards; and
• Prohibits actions that reduce the total zoned capacity for housing (i.e., down-zoning).
A project that meets any of the following criteria per California Government Code Section 65589.5(h)(2)(B) is subject to the provisions of SB 330:
1. The project consists of residential units only;
2. The project is a mixed-use development consisting of residential and non-residential uses with at least two-thirds of the square footage of the project designated for residential use, including dwelling units and any uses accessory to the residential units; or
3. The project is transitional or supportive housing.
New Preliminary Application Form. SB 330 creates a new vesting process for discretionary housing projects during the five-year period of the bill. It achieves this through the creation of a new “preliminary application” process that establishes a new date for the purposes of locking projects into the ordinances, policies, and standards in effect when a preliminary application (including all required information) is submitted and deemed complete. This vesting does not apply to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) determinations, including historic resource determinations pursuant to CEQA.
Once a complete Preliminary Housing Development Application is submitted (along with other required applications if applicable), the zoning, design, subdivision, and fee requirements in effect as of that date will remain applicable to the project for the duration of the review and entitlement process, provided that all the following provisions are satisfied:
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• Complete discretionary entitlement applications must be submitted and accepted by the Planning Department within 180 days of the Preliminary Housing Development Application being deemed complete;
• If the entitlement applications are deemed incomplete after filing, the application must submit all missing or incomplete items to the Planning Department within 90 days of being notified in writing by Planning Department staff;
• The project may not increase by more than 20 percent in the number of units or total square footage indicated in the Preliminary Housing Development Application, except as the project may be revised using the State Density Bonus; and
• The project must commence construction within 30 months of site permit issuance.
Note that the following modifications may be required even when a Preliminary Housing Development Application is on file:
• Development impact fees, application fees, capacity and connection fees, or other charges may be annually adjusted based on a published cost index;
• Requirements necessary to avoid an adverse impact to public health or safety, or to avoid or lessen an impact under CEQA may be applied; and
• Applicants may submit a new or amended Preliminary Housing Development Application at any time, in which case the requirements in effect at that time shall apply.
The City has created a preliminary SB 330 process and checklist to streamline the design and approval of byright multi-family units within the community. This process has not been adopted yet and is being incorporated into the Zoning Code Update. Program H-F H-F provides a by-right streamlined review process for affordable housing developments meeting state affordability thresholds, in compliance with SB 35 and SB 330.commits the City to incorporating SB 330 streamlining procedures as a part of its ongoing Zoning Code Update.
Procedures for Selected Housing Types
The following section describes the processing and permit procedures for selected housing types that are typically utilizedused by lower income households. For more housing types, see the Zoning for a Variety of Housing Types section.
Multifamily Rental Housing
Multifamily rental housing is housing traditionally identified as any housing available for rent that has greater than one1 dwelling unit in a building. Some examples of multifamily rental housing include duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and apartment buildings. Multifamily rental housing is permitted entirely in the High Density Residential (HR) district only. Multifamily rental housing is permitted in the Medium Density Residential (MR) district only on parcels identified in the housing element. MR zoned parcels identified in the fifth cycle housing Agenda Item #10.1.
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element are currently codified as being the MR zone parcels that allow multifamily housing. Currently, all multifamily rental housing projects, affordable and market rate, are subject to subjective design review.
Therefore, multifamily rental housing is constrained by the design requirements set forth in the Zoning Code.
Program H-F H-F is included to commit the City to adopting objective design standards to reduce barriers to multifamily rental housing and eliminate subjective design standards.
Mobile Homes
Mobile homes, or manufactured homes, are small, prefabricated homes which are often situated on rented portions of land in mobile home parks. Mobile homes can offer affordable pathways to home ownership and stable shelter for many low-income households. Mobile homes, as shown in Table 42 are permitted in all residential zoning districts in St. Helena. Mobile homes in St. Helena are subject to the following conditions in all residential zoning districts:
• To be occupied only as a single-family residential use, • To be subject to all provisions of the zoning ordinance applicable to conventionally built dwellings, • To be attached to a permanent foundation system in compliance with all applicable building regulations,
• To be covered with an exterior material customarily used on conventionally built dwellings extending to the top of the foundation,
• To have parapet walls or roofs which utilize shingles or other materials customarily used on conventionally built dwellings;
These requirements do not constitute a constraint to the development of mobile homes. However, mobile homes are subject to subjective design review, which poses a significant constraint to their development.
Program H-FH- F is included to commit the City to adopting objective design standards to reduce barriers to mobile home development and eliminate subjective design standards.s the City to incorporate objective design standards for single-family, small lot, and multifamily developments, including mobile homes, that provide a ministerial design review process for projects that meet zoning and design standards.
Housing for Agricultural Employees
Housing for agricultural employees is permitted in the agricultural zone for up to 36 persons, thus complying with California Health and Safety Code Section 17026.1. Housing for agricultural employees is also permitted for up to six persons in all residential zones and in the WW zone. Housing for agricultural employees is subject to subjective design review, which poses a significant constraint to development. Program H-FH-F is included to commits the City to incorporate objective design standards for single-family, small lot, and multifamily developments, including farmworker housing, that provide a ministerial design review process for projects that meet zoning and design standards.
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adopting objective design standards to reduce barriers to housing for agricultural employees and eliminate subjective design standards.
Supportive and Transitional Housing
Supportive and transitional housing is permitted in the AP zone, all residential zones, and the WW zone.
Supportive and transitional housing is subject to subjective design review, which poses a significant constraint to development. Program H-F H-F is commits the City to incorporate objective design standards for singlefamily, small lot, and multifamily developments, including transitional and support housing, that provide a ministerial design review process for projects that meet zoning and design standards.included to commit the City to adopting objective design standards to reduce barriers to supportive and transitional housing and eliminate subjective design standards.
Constraints to Housing for Persons with Disabilities
On January 1, 2002, SB 520 went into effect, requiring local jurisdictions to analyze potential governmental constraints to the development, improvement, and maintenance of housing for persons with disabilities as part of a jurisdictions housing element update. Under SB 520, housing elements must also include one of the following: 1) a program to remove constraints, or 2) provide reasonable accommodations for, “housing designed for occupancy by, or with supportive services for, persons with disabilities.” A jurisdiction can fulfill this second clause in a variety of ways including establishing policies that facilitate the provision of housing that is physically accessible to people with mobility impairments, residential care facilities for individuals with Alzheimer’s, housing for persons with AIDS/HIV, and transitional housing that serves homeless with disabilities.
Reasonable Accommodation
The City of St. Helena adopted a reasonable accommodation ordinance in 2015 that provides a procedure to request reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities seeking equal access to housing under the federal Fair Housing Act and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (the Acts) in the application of zoning laws and other land use regulations, policies, and procedures.
A request for reasonable accommodation may be made by any person with a disability, their representative or any entity, when the application of a zoning law or other land use regulation, policy or practice acts as a barrier to fair housing opportunities. A person with a disability is a person who has a physical or mental impairment that limits or substantially limits one or more major life activities, anyone who is regarded as having such impairment or anyone who has a record of such impairment. This chapter is intended to apply to those persons who are defined as disabled under the Acts.
A request for reasonable accommodation may include a modification or exception to the rules, standards and practices for the siting, development and use of housing or housing-related facilities that would eliminate regulatory barriers and provide a person with a disability equal opportunity to housing of their choice. Requests for reasonable accommodation shall be made in the manner prescribed in Section 17.200.030.
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Requests for reasonable accommodation are submitted on an application form provided by the Planning Department, or in the form of a letter, to the Planning Director and should contain the following information:
1. The applicant’s name, address, and telephone number.
2. Address of the property for which the request is being made.
3. The current actual use of the property.
4. The basis for the claim that the individual is considered disabled under the Acts.
5. The zoning code provision, regulation or policy that is the subject of the applicant’s requested reasonable accommodation, and a narrative and graphic (where applicable) description of the specific accommodation requested.
6. Why the reasonable accommodation is necessary to make the specific property accessible to the individual.
Requests for reasonable accommodation shall be reviewed by the Planning Director if no discretionary permit approval is required other than the request for reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation submitted for concurrent review with another discretionary permit application shall be reviewed by the review authority reviewing the discretionary permit application. The Director shall make a written determination within forty-five (45) days and either grant, grant with modifications, or deny a request for reasonable accommodation in accordance with Section 17.200.060. The written decision to grant or deny a request for reasonable accommodation will be consistent with the Acts and shall be based on a consideration of the following factors:
1. Whether the housing which is the subject of the request will be used by an individual considered disabled under the Acts.
2. Whether the request for reasonable accommodation is necessary to make specific housing available to an individual with a disability under the Acts.
3. Whether the requested reasonable accommodation would impose an undue financial or administrative burden on the town.
4. Whether the requested reasonable accommodation would require a fundamental alteration in the nature of a town program or law, including but not limited to land use or zoning.
5. Whether the requested reasonable accommodation would adversely impact surrounding properties or uses.
6. Whether there are reasonable alternatives that would provide an equivalent level of benefit without requiring a modification or exception to the City’s applicable rules, standards and practices.
7. Whether the accommodation would alter the significance of a historic structure.
In granting a request for reasonable accommodation, the Planning Director may impose any conditions of approval deemed reasonable and necessary to ensure that the reasonable accommodation would comply with the findings required by subsection A of this section, including but not limited to the following:
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1. Inspection of the property periodically, as specified, to verify compliance with this chapter and any conditions of approval.
2. Removal of the improvements, where removal would not constitute an unreasonable financial burden, when the need for which the accommodation was granted no longer exists.
3. Time limits and/or expiration of the approval if the need for which the accommodation was granted no longer exists.
4. Recordation of a deed restriction requiring removal of the accommodating feature once the need for it no longer exists.
5. Measures to reduce the impact on surrounding uses.
6. Measures in consideration of the physical attributes of the property and structures.
7. Other conditions necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare.
A determination by the Planning Director to grant or deny a request for reasonable accommodation may be appealed to the City Council in compliance with Section 17.08.180.
The City's required finding “5. Whether the requested reasonable accommodation would adversely impact surrounding properties or uses” poses a potential constraint to housing for residents with disabilities seeking equal access to housing under the federal Fair Housing Act and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (the Acts). HCD indicates that, given its importance in addressing barriers to housing for persons with disabilities, reasonable accommodation should not impose discretionary findings similar to that of a Conditional Use Permit, such as impacts to surround uses. Program H-FH-F commits the City to update the municipal code to remove this discretionary finding.
Zoning and Land Use
The City of St. Helena allows residential care facilities serving six or fewer persons as a permitted use in the LR1A, LR, MR, and HR residential zones. For compliance with state law, the City must allow these uses in any zone allowing single-family uses, subject only to the conditions imposed upon residential uses in the same zone. The City currently allows single-family homes in the A-20, W, and WW zones. The City should revise the municipal code to allow residential care facilities of six or fewer in these zones.
Residential care facilities serving seven or more persons require the approval of a Conditional Use Permit. A use permit requirement in zones allowing multifamily uses is a constraint to the development of these uses. The City should revise the municipal code to allow residential care facilities of six or fewer in these zones. 46 Program H-F H-F commits the City to updating the municipal code to allow residential care facilities in all zones, subject only to the requirements imposed upon single-family uses; and facilities of seven or more in all zones, subject only to the same requirements as multifamily uses.47 46 City of St. Helena Municipal Code, Title 17.
47 City of St. Helena Municipal Code, Title 17.
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The City’s parking and loading requirements do not have specific provisions related to persons with disabilities, but there is a provision stating that “rest homes, convalescent hospitals, residential care and similar group care facilities” require only one space for each four beds, which is a reduced requirement compared to the two parking spaces required for typical “one-and two-family dwelling units.”48 Consequently, the reduced parking requirements for group care facilities decrease the parking requirements for some disabled persons, but parking requirements for residential development need to serve all disabled persons.
Permits and Processing
The City’s permitting and processing procedures do not negatively affect the ability to design or retrofit homes that will be accessible for the disabled or constrain the siting of group homes. The City, however, applies the same process required for other renovations to retrofitting homes for accessibility, and the City does not have a special process for such retrofits.
As discussed above, residential and intermediate care facilities with fewer than six persons are permitted in residential zones. Although care facilities with seven or more persons are permitted with a Conditional Use Permit in the residential zones, no additional permits are required. This is consistent with the City’s requirements for other multifamily uses such as condominiums, townhomes, apartments, and dwelling groups containing more than four units, which also require a Conditional Use Permit. There are no additional requirements placed on residential or intermediate facilities.
Building Codes
In 2019, the City of St. Helena adopted the 2019 California Building Code with minor amendments. The changes made to this Code by the City, enumerated in the Governmental Constraints section of this document, do not unfairly treat residential and intermediate care homes differently than other residential uses.
Nevertheless, no specific exemptions to the 2019 California Building Code exist for housing for disabled persons. The City of St. Helena does not have local universal design requirements but adopted a reasonable accommodate ordinance in 2015 which provides a reasonable accommodation procedure related to "a zoning law or other land use regulation, policy or practice acts as a barrier to fair housing opportunities", including building codes and the issuance of Building Permits.
Definition of Family
The Municipal Code currently (2022) defined “family” as:
“Family” means any of the following groups living together in the same dwelling unit as a single housekeeping unit:
1. Any number of persons related by blood, marriage or legal adoption; 48 City of St. Helena Municipal Code, Chapter 17.124: Parking and Loading Requirements Agenda Item #10.1.
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2. A nuclear family identified by extended cohabitation;
3. A group not exceeding five persons whose interpersonal relationships relating to shared household expenses, duties and private lives are indistinguishable from groups listed in subsections 1 and 2 above.
The definition of family in a jurisdiction’s municipal code can pose some challenges for persons with special needs who may have live-in caregivers, group home arrangements, or other arrangements not reflective of the typical nuclear family. Additionally, the definition used by a city can cause confusion or difficulty when applying to programs such as Community Development Block Grants, which use a more inclusive definition of a family unit.
In the previous element, Program 1.K was included to amend the zoning ordinance to define “family” as one or more persons living together as a single housekeeping unit in a dwelling unit, as required by State law. This change has not been made to the Zoning Code, however, all City actions are made in keeping with California State law, as it has precedence over any in-consistent locally adopted land use definitions. The City is undergoing a comprehensive Zoning Code update, which will address the existing outdated adopted definition of “family.” Further, Program H-FH.F is included in this Housing Element, committing the City to updating this definition specifically.
Spacing or Concentration Requirements
The City of St. Helena does not have any additional spacing or concentration requirements for housing for persons with disabilities. There are no spacing requirements for group homes, residential care facilities, transitional housing facilities, and supportive housing facilities.
In the Service Commercial (SC) and Central Business (CB) districts, supportive housing is permitted only on the upper floors, which is the same requirement imposed on all other residential developments in these zone.
Locally Adopted Ordinances
St. Helena has passed five development-related local ordinances to help ensure growth of quality housing and to create a balance between the need for affordable housing and the market demands of the tourism industry.
Bed and Breakfast Inns
Bed and breakfast inns, a common sight in many tourist-oriented towns like St. Helena, are regulated by a use permit process that requires certain findings to be made, including that:
A. The establishment of a bed and breakfast inn is consistent with the purpose of the general plan, including policies regarding the displacement of rental units in the housing stock.
B. The establishment of a bed and breakfast inn will not be detrimental to a building, structure or feature of significant aesthetic, cultural, architectural or engineering interest or value of a historical nature.
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C. The establishment of a bed and breakfast inn is compatible with and will not be detrimental to the character of the neighborhood and surrounding land uses. 49 Additionally, bed and breakfast inns are required to only use up to four bedrooms, a requirement that helps ensure that larger homes are still partially available for use as a permanent residential dwelling. Such affordances can be considered helpful to special needs groups, such as large households. Given these strict requirements, St. Helena’s bed and breakfast inns ordinance does not pose additional constraints to housing and helps limit potential reduction of housing units in the case of a homeowner wishing to convert their residential property to a bed and breakfast.
Short-Term Rentals
Short term rentals are strictly regulated in the City of St. Helena to reduce the impact on the area’s already scarce housing inventory. The City allows only twenty-five short-term rental permits at a time with a maximum of four bedrooms in the household being used for short-term rentals. Additionally, the City restricts uses of the propety by guests and enforces additional regulations on sounds and general activities during the hours of 10 P.M. to 7 A.M. Given the strict measures in place, the short-term rentals ordinance doesn’t pose additional constraints to housing. Instead, the ordinance incentivizes property owners to use their homes for other uses with less stringent requirements, which may include long-term rentals.
Time-Share Uses
Time-shares are strictly regulated in the City of St. Helena, are considered commercial uses, and are permitted only in commercial zoning districts. Any existing housing stock in the city is prohibited from being converted into a time-share. As such, the time-share ordinance is not a constraint to housing, but instead assists with ensuring residential land is being put to more productive, residential purposes that assist with alleviating the existing housing crisis.
Affordable Housing
The City’s affordable housing ordinance is a codified ordinance that specifies how the City will provide density bonuses, concessions, and incentives for the construction of affordable housing projects that are designed for seniors, low-income, very low-income, and moderate-income (in the case of condonminiums) persons and families. The affordable housing ordinance also specifies how the City will grant priority for the provision of water and sewer services to affordable developments, a requirement stated in California Government Code Section 65589.7. The affordable housing ordinance also describes the process in which a person voluntarily donates land to the City for residential development use. The ordinance additionally allows for vehicular parking ratios to be beneath those required by the city, subject to Californai Government Code 65589.7 and a recorded covenant against the property.
49 City of St. Helena. St. Helena Municipal Code, Title 17. http://www.codepublishing.com/CA/sthelena/. Accessed January 9, 2023.
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The affordable housing ordinance does not pose any constraint to housing, but instead acts to formalize State mandated programs and laws designed to incentivize affordable housing.
Housing Trust Fund, Housing Impact Fee and Inclusionary/In-Lieu Fee Requirements In September 2004, the City Council passed Ordinance 2004-7 adding Chapter 17.146 Housing Trust Fund, Housing Impact Fee, and Inclusionary/In-Lieu Fee Requirements to the St. Helena Municipal Code. The regulations are designed so that new non-residential developments and additions are required to pay a housing impact fee and new residential developments containing five units or more are required to include 20 percent of their units as affordable housing, and developments with less than five units pay an in-lieu fee. The fees collected from the nonresidential and residential development then go into a Housing Trust Fund. The use of Housing Trust Fund monies is directed exclusively to “increase and improve the supply of housing affordable to households of moderate, low and very low income” including costs such as land, construction, financing, and reimbursements to the City.50 The monies are available for both ownership and rental projects and services.
These affordable housing requirements do add additional cost to market rate residential development in the process of creating additional affordable housing in St. Helena. To minimize the impact on the price of market rate housing, the Municipal Code allows developers to submit an “alternative equivalent proposal” and offers a series of concessions or incentives.51 An “alternative equivalent proposal” enables developers to meet the affordable housing requirements through alternative means like dedicating vacant land as long as the proposed alternative aligns with the purpose of the Municipal Code and is approved by the City Council. Concessions and incentives that are automatically available to residential developers who construct inclusionary units include the opportunity to submit a preliminary development proposal, priority in the City application process, and fee deferment. In addition, the City Council can grant additional concessions and incentives including extra density bonuses, changes to City standards, and monetary assistance. The automatic and discretionary concessions and incentives help expedite the process of building affordable housing and therefore minimize the cost to developers.
Building and Development Impact Fees
The City’s building department fee schedule is designed to directly offset the costs incurred by the City when processing and reviewing development applications, and to inspect new construction. Fees are charged when a building permit is issued and are based on building plans and estimated construction costs.
Development impact fees are charged to new projects in order to offset costs for the construction, expansion, and maintenance of off-site improvements that either were built for the purposes of the new project or were existing improvements from which the new developments will benefit. In the case of St. Helena, impact fees are charged for public safety, civic facilities, water and wastewater services, a drainage, traffic mitigation, and schools. In 2013, the City conducted a comprehensive study and update of all of its development impact fees.
As a result, total impact fees for single-family houses decreased from $19.78 per square foot to $16.32 per 50 St. Helena Municipal Code. 17.146.030
51 St. Helena Municipal Code. 17.146.050
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square foot, a 17.5 percent reduction. Fees for multiple-family development increased from $13.78 per square foot to $21.37 per square foot, a 55 percent increase.
The single-family fee calculations shown in Table 32 are based on an example 2,300 square foot single family residence with three-bedrooms and two-bathrooms with a total construction cost estimate of approximately $920,000 ($400 per square foot).
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Table 32 Building Permit and Development Impact Fees, Single-Family Home Fee Description Fee Amount Total
Building Department
Permit Fee $433 $433
City Impact Fees (per square-foot)
Public Safety Fee $1.04 $2,392
Civic Facilities Fee $1.95 $4,485
Parks Fee $7.16 $16,468
Water System Fee $3.05 $7,015
Wastewater System Fee $0.45 $1,035
Drainage System Fee $0.73 $1,679
Transportation Fee $1.94 $4,462
Housing Fee 2.5% of valuation $23,000
Other District Fees (per square-foot)
School District Fee $3.20 $6,831
Example Project
Source: City of St. Helena Planning Department, Mintier Harnish, 2022.
Source: City of St. Helena Planning Department; Mintier Harnish, 2022 Table 33 shows sample fee calculations for a conceptual multi-family development project. The example is an eight unit, three story project that totals 6,780 square feet.
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Table 33 Building Permit and Development Impact Fees, Multiple-Family Development Fee Description Fee Amount Total
Building Department
Permit Fee $5,503 $5,503
City Impact Fees (per square-foot)
Public Safety Fee $1.04 $7,051
Civic Facilities Fee $1.95 $13,221
Parks Fee $12.18 $82,580
Water System Fee $2.47 $16,747
Wastewater System Fee $0.66 $4,475
Drainage System Fee $0.69 $4,678
Transportation Fee $2.36 $16,001
Housing Fee 2.5% of valuation $23,000
Other District Fees (per square-foot)
School District Fee $3.20 $21,696
Example Project
Building Size (square feet) 6,780
Valuation $1,400,000
Fees as % of Construction Cost 12.3%
Source: City of St. Helena Planning Department, Mintier Harnish, 2022.
The multiple-family development impact fees have increased to reflect the costs of the improvements necessary to serve residential development. Without the funds collected through the fees, the City could not afford to make the necessary improvements in infrastructure, and thus the fees to do not represent an undue governmental constraint to housing development. In addition, fee reductions and adjustments for affordable and other housing projects are permitted on a case by case basis, as approved by City Council under Section 3, Chapter 3.32 of the St. Helena Municipal Code.
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Processing and Permit Procedures
Typical Processing Procedures by Project Type
Single-Family Unit Subdivision (20 units) Multiple-Family (20 Units) Required Permit Procedures
Ministerial Review - ADU Tentative Map Conditional Use Permit Design Review – new SFD Final Map
Design Review
Design Review Initial Environmental Study
Initial Environmental Study Mitigated Negative Declaration Environmental Impact
Report
Estimated Total Processing
Time 2 months 12 months 9 months
Source: City of St. Helena, Mintier Harnish, 2022.
Timelines for Permit Procedures
Type of Approval or Permit Typical Processing Time Approval body Ministerial Review 2 – 4 weeks Planning Director
Conditional Use Permit 3 months Planning Commission
Zone Change 6 months Planning Commission & City Council General Plan Amendment 6 months Planning Commission & City Council Design Review 3 months Planning Commission
Subdivision Maps 6 months Planning Commission & City Council Parcel Maps 3 months Planning Commission
Initial Environmental Study 6 months Planning Commission & City Council, depending on project
Environmental Impact Report 10 months Planning Commission & City Council Source: City of St. Helena, Mintier Harnish, 2022.
SB 330
On October 9, 2019, Governor Newsom signed into law SB 330, the Housing Crisis Act of 2019. The act amends existing state laws and creates new regulations around the production, preservation and planning of housing.
The bill has been in effect since January 1, 2020 and sunsets on January 1, 2025. SB 330 will affect both project planning procedures and community planning outcomes.
The goal of SB 330 is to create certainty in the development of housing projects, speeding up the review of these projects, preserving affordable housing and preventing certain zoning actions that reduce the availability of housing. SB 330 does the following (not a comprehensive list):
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Creates a new vesting process for zoning and land use ordinances, policies, and standards in place at the time a preliminary application is submitted (with limitations); Requires that the historic status or designation of any site be determined at the time an application for a discretionary action is deemed complete;
Prohibits imposing or enforcing non-objective design review standards established after January 1, 2020;
Limits the number of public hearings to five for housing projects that meet all objective design standards; and
Prohibits actions that reduce the total zoned capacity for housing (i.e., down-zoning).
A project that meets any of the following criteria per California Government Code Section 65589.5(h)(2)(B) is subject to the provisions of SB 330:
The project consists of residential units only;
The project is a mixed-use development consisting of residential and non-residential uses with at least two-thirds of the square footage of the project designated for residential use, including dwelling units and any uses accessory to the residential units; or
The project is transitional or supportive housing.
New Preliminary Application Form. SB 330 creates a new vesting process for discretionary housing projects during the five-year period of the bill. It achieves this through the creation of a new “preliminary application” process that establishes a new date for the purposes of locking projects into the ordinances, policies, and standards in effect when a preliminary application (including all required information) is submitted and deemed complete. This vesting does not apply to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) determinations, including historic resource determinations pursuant to CEQA.
Once a complete Preliminary Housing Development Application is submitted (along with other required applications if applicable), the zoning, design, subdivision, and fee requirements in effect as of that date will remain applicable to the project for the duration of the review and entitlement process, provided that all the following provisions are satisfied:
Complete discretionary entitlement applications must be submitted and accepted by the Planning Department within 180 days of the Preliminary Housing Development Application being deemed complete;
If the entitlement applications are deemed incomplete after filing, the application must submit all missing or incomplete items to the Planning Department within 90 days of being notified in writing by Planning Department staff;
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The project may not increase by more than 20 percent in the number of units or total square footage indicated in the Preliminary Housing Development Application, except as the project may be revised using the State Density Bonus; and
The project must commence construction within 30 months of site permit issuance.
Note that the following modifications may be required even when a Preliminary Housing Development Application is on file:
Development impact fees, application fees, capacity and connection fees, or other charges may be annually adjusted based on a published cost index;
Requirements necessary to avoid an adverse impact to public health or safety, or to avoid or lessen an impact under CEQA may be applied; and
Applicants may submit a new or amended Preliminary Housing Development Application at any time, in which case the requirements in effect at that time shall apply.
The City has adopted an SB 330 process and checklist to streamline the design and approval of by-right multifamily units within the community, in compliance with SB 330.
The processing and permitting procedures in St. Helena are summarized in Table 34 (Timelines for Permit Procedures) and Table 35 (Typical Processing Time by Project Type) and described below using examples of a single-family unit, a multiple-family affordable housing development, and a market rate single family development. Construction of a new single-family unit requires design review approval from the Planning Commission (three months) and a building permit (four weeks) for a total of approximately four months to process.
Table 34 Timelines for Permit Procedures
Type of Approval or Permit Typical Processing Time Approval body Ministerial Review 2 – 4 weeks Planning Director
Conditional Use Permit 3 months Planning Commission
Zone Change 6 months Planning Commission & City Council General Plan Amendment 6 months Planning Commission & City Council Design Review 3 months Planning Commission
Subdivision Maps 6 months Planning Commission & City Council Parcel Maps 3 months Planning Commission
Initial Environmental Study 6 months Planning Commission & City Council, depending on project
Environmental Impact Report 10 months Planning Commission & City Council Source: City of St. Helena, Mintier Harnish, 2022.
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Table 35 Typical Processing Procedures by Project Type
Single-Family Unit Subdivision (20 units) Multiple-Family (20 Units) Required Permit Procedures
Ministerial Review - ADU Tentative Map Conditional Use Permit Design Review – new SFD Final Map
Design Review
Design Review Initial Environmental Study
Initial Environmental Study Mitigated Negative Declaration Environmental Impact
Report
Estimated Total Processing
Time 2 months 12 months 9 months
Source: City of St. Helena, Mintier Harnish, 2022.
Constraints to Housing for Persons with Disabilities
On January 1, 2002, SB 520 went into effect, requiring local jurisdictions to analyze potential governmental constraints to the development, improvement, and maintenance of housing for persons with disabilities as part of a jurisdictions housing element update. Under SB 520, housing elements must also include one of the following: 1) a program to remove constraints, or 2) provide reasonable accommodations for, “housing designed for occupancy by, or with supportive services for, persons with disabilities.” A jurisdiction can fulfill this second clause in a variety of ways including establishing policies that facilitate the provision of housing that is physically accessible to people with mobility impairments, residential care facilities for individuals with Alzheimer’s, housing for persons with AIDS/HIV, and transitional housing that serves homeless with disabilities.
Reasonable Accommodation
The City of St. Helena adopted a reasonable accommodation ordinance in 2015 that provides a procedure to request reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities seeking equal access to housing under the federal Fair Housing Act and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (the Acts) in the application of zoning laws and other land use regulations, policies, and procedures.
A request for reasonable accommodation may be made by any person with a disability, their representative or any entity, when the application of a zoning law or other land use regulation, policy or practice acts as a barrier to fair housing opportunities. A person with a disability is a person who has a physical or mental impairment that limits or substantially limits one or more major life activities, anyone who is regarded as having such impairment or anyone who has a record of such impairment. This chapter is intended to apply to those persons who are defined as disabled under the Acts.
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regulatory barriers and provide a person with a disability equal opportunity to housing of their choice. Requests for reasonable accommodation shall be made in the manner prescribed in Section 17.200.030.
Requests for reasonable accommodation are submitted on an application form provided by the Planning Department, or in the form of a letter, to the Planning Director and should contain the following information:
1. The applicant’s name, address, and telephone number.
2. Address of the property for which the request is being made.
3. The current actual use of the property.
4. The basis for the claim that the individual is considered disabled under the Acts.
5. The zoning code provision, regulation or policy that is the subject of the applicant’s requested reasonable accommodation, and a narrative and graphic (where applicable) description of the specific accommodation requested.
6. Why the reasonable accommodation is necessary to make the specific property accessible to the individual.
Requests for reasonable accommodation shall be reviewed by the Planning Director if no discretionary permit approval is required other than the request for reasonable accommodation. Other Review Authority. Requests for reasonable accommodation submitted for concurrent review with another discretionary permit application shall be reviewed by the review authority reviewing the discretionary permit application. The Director shall make a written determination within forty-five (45) days and either grant, grant with modifications, or deny a request for reasonable accommodation in accordance with Section 17.200.060. The written decision to grant or deny a request for reasonable accommodation will be consistent with the Acts and shall be based on a consideration of the following factors:
1. Whether the housing which is the subject of the request will be used by an individual considered disabled under the Acts.
2. Whether the request for reasonable accommodation is necessary to make specific housing available to an individual with a disability under the Acts.
3. Whether the requested reasonable accommodation would impose an undue financial or administrative burden on the town.
4. Whether the requested reasonable accommodation would require a fundamental alteration in the nature of a town program or law, including but not limited to land use or zoning.
5. Whether the requested reasonable accommodation would adversely impact surrounding properties or uses.
6. Whether there are reasonable alternatives that would provide an equivalent level of benefit without requiring a modification or exception to the City’s applicable rules, standards and practices.
7. Whether the accommodation would alter the significance of a historic structure.
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In granting a request for reasonable accommodation, the Planning Director may impose any conditions of approval deemed reasonable and necessary to ensure that the reasonable accommodation would comply with the findings required by subsection A of this section, including but not limited to the following:
1. Inspection of the property periodically, as specified, to verify compliance with this chapter and any conditions of approval.
2. Removal of the improvements, where removal would not constitute an unreasonable financial burden, when the need for which the accommodation was granted no longer exists.
3. Time limits and/or expiration of the approval if the need for which the accommodation was granted no longer exists.
4. Recordation of a deed restriction requiring removal of the accommodating feature once the need for it no longer exists.
5. Measures to reduce the impact on surrounding uses.
6. Measures in consideration of the physical attributes of the property and structures.
7. Other conditions necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare.
A determination by the Planning Director to grant or deny a request for reasonable accommodation may be appealed to the City Council in compliance with Section 17.08.180.
The City's required finding “5. Whether the requested reasonable accommodation would adversely impact surrounding properties or uses” poses a potential reasonable accommodation ordinance is not a constraint to housing for residents with disabilities seeking equal access to housing under the federal Fair Housing Act and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (the Acts) in the application of zoning laws and other land use regulations, policies and procedures.. HCD indicates that, given its importance in addressing barriers to housing for persons with disabilities, reasonable accommodation should not impose discretionary findings similar to that of a Conditional Use Permit, such as impacts to surround uses. Program H-F commits the City to update the municipal code to remove this discretionary finding.
Zoning and Land Use
The City of St. Helena allows residential care facilities serving six or fewer persons as by-right uses in the LR-1A, LR, MR, and HR residential zones. For compliance with state law, the City must allow these uses in any zone allowing single-family uses, subject only to the conditions imposed upon residential uses in the same zone. The City currently allows single-family homes in the A-20, W, and WW zones. The City should revise the municipal code to allow residential care facilities of six or fewer in these zones.
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Residential care facilities serving seven or more persons require the approval of a Conditional Use Permit. A use permit requirement in zones allowing multifamily uses is a constraint to the development of these uses. The City should revise the municipal code to allow residential care facilities of six or fewer in these zones. 52 Program H-F commits the City to updating the municipal code to allow residential care facilities in all zones, subject only to the requirements imposed upon single-family uses; and facilities of seven or more in all zones, subject only to the same requirements as multifamily uses.
The City of St. Helena allows both intermediate care and residential care facilities serving six or fewer persons as by-right uses in the LR-1A, LR, MR, and HR zones, as required by SB520. Intermediate care and residential care facilities serving seven or more persons require the approval of a Conditional Use Permit.53 The City’s parking and loading requirements do not have specific provisions related to persons with disabilities, but there is a provision stating that “rest homes, convalescent hospitals, residential care and similar group care facilities” require only one space for each four beds, which is a reduced requirement compared to the two parking spaces required for typical “one-and two-family dwelling units.”54 Consequently, the reduced parking requirements for group care facilities decrease the parking requirements for some disabled persons, but parking requirements for residential development need to serve all disabled persons.
Permits and Processing
The City’s permitting and processing procedures do not negatively affect the ability to design or retrofit homes that will be accessible for the disabled or constrain the siting of group homes. The City, however, applies the same process required for other renovations to retrofitting homes for accessibility, and the City does not have a special process for such retrofits.
As discussed above, residential and intermediate care facilities with fewer than six persons are allowed by-right.
Although care facilities with seven or more persons are permitted with a Conditional Use Permit in the residential zones, no additional permits are required. This is consistent with the City’s requirements for other multifamily uses such as condominiums, townhomes, apartments, and dwelling groups containing more than four units, which also require a Conditional Use Permit. There are no additional requirements placed on residential or intermediate facilities.
Building Codes
In 2019, the City of St. Helena adopted the 2019 California Building Code with minor amendments. The changes made to this Code by the City, enumerated in the Governmental Constraints section of this document, do not unfairly treat residential and intermediate care homes differently than other residential uses.
Nevertheless, no specific exemptions to the 2019 California Building Code exist for housing for disabled persons. The City of St. Helena does not have local universal design requirements but adopted a reasonable 52 City of St. Helena Municipal Code, Title 17.
53 City of St. Helena Municipal Code, Title 17.
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accommodate ordinance in 2015 which provides a reasonable accommodation procedure related to "a zoning law or other land use regulation, policy or practice acts as a barrier to fair housing opportunities", including building codes and the issuance of Building Permits.
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9. Opportunities for Energy Conservation
Government Code Section 65583(a) (7) requires the “analysis of opportunities for energy conservation with respect to residential development.” 55 This is important due to the key role played by energy efficiency in determining the relative affordability of housing. Lower rates of energy usage decrease utility costs for residents, making a housing unit more affordable. The discussion that follows outlines current State policies and development standards along with local City policies that promote energy conservation for new and existing development in the City of St. Helena.
Instituted by legislative action in 1978 to reduce overall energy consumption statewide, the California Building Energy Efficiency Standards set thresholds and guidelines for energy efficiency for both residential and nonresidential construction. The revised standards for 2022 went into effect August 11, 2021, under Title 24, Part 6, of the California Code of Regulations. Title 24 is otherwise known as the California Building Standards Code. The energy requirements of the new State code are significantly more stringent than the prior codes (heat pump requirements for single-family and multi-family homes and businesses; electricity-ready requirements for single-family homes; and new solar power requirements for high-rises, hotels/motels, tenant spaces, offices, stores, restaurants, schools, and civic spaces) and are intended to progress to 100 percent clean electricity and carbon neutrality by 2050 or earlier.
In addition to the Building Energy Efficiency Standards, Part 11 of Title 24 contains California’s Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen). St. Helena adopted the revised standards in 2019, with amendments to require all new indoors plumbing fixtures to meet the 20 percent reduction in water use, a 20 percent reduction in cement use in foundations, and certified U.S. EPA Phase II certified wood-burning devices or pellet-fueled device. These amendments are not considered an impediment to housing development.
On a local level, the 2040 City of St. Helena General Plan Climate Change Element addresses energy conservation for residential development by including goals such as:
• reducing energy demand through improved building and design; • reducing consumption and divert waste; and
• increasing community engagement and advocacy.
The City participates in an AB811 program that allows commercial and residential property owners to finance renewable energy, water efficiency, and energy efficiency improvements through a property tax assessment.
Additionally, the City of St. Helena is currently implementing a program to reduce GHG emissions from City facilities and has an Active Transportation and Sustainability Committee and a Water Advisory Board that oversee its natural resources for energy conservation.
55 HCD Building Blocks for Effective Housing Elements, “Opportunities for Energy Conservation.” Accessed September 24, 2008. http://www.hcd.ca.gov/hpd/housing_element/index.html.
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The City has included Programs H-RR H-QQ through H-UU H-TT to educate, encourage, and fund pushes for energy conservation within the community. Through education provided by the City, residents, contractors, and property owners can learn about various ways to integrate energy conservation programs into St. Helena residential developments. The City also intends to stay up to date on State efficiency and building code standards to ensure new and rehabilitated housing developments provide future owners and tenants with longterm cost-savings and energy efficiency.56 Additionally, to further encourage energy efficiency, the City also aims to explore the possibility of offering low-interest loans for energy conservation measures, in addition to continuing to participate in AB-811 programs to finance local efforts. 56 See St. Helena Municipal Code Chapter 15.18
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10. Zoning for a Variety of Housing Types
Key Findings
• St. Helena’s Zoning Code allows for a variety of housing types in the City including multiple-family units, transitional and supportive housing, single-room occupancy units, manufactured and mobile homes, and accessory dwelling units. However, to comply with Section 65915 through 65918 of the California Government Code, St. Helena should amend the Zoning Code to reflect the new maximum density bonus provisions that were adopted by the State in 2020. Additionally, St. Helena must also amend the Zoning Code to allow for low barrier navigation centers, consistent with State law.
Multiple-Family Rental Housing
The St. Helena Zoning Code allows multiple-family dwellings by rightsubject to design review in the High Density Residential (HR) zoning district. Projects permitted by right require only routine approvals and are subject to design review by the Planning Commission. In addition, the Medium Density Residential (MR) district permits the construction of attached duplex or triplex units with a Conditional Use Permit.57 Multiple-family rental housing is subject to subjective design review, which poses a constraint to development. For more information regarding the design review process and development standards applied to multi-family housing, see the Governmental Constraints section.
Density Bonuses for Affordable Housing
Per California Government Code Sections 65915 through 65918, local governments are required to provide density bonus provisions to projects that comply with specific standards. Legislation approved in 2020 increased the maximum density bonus amounts for very-low-, low-, and moderate-income housing. The California Government Code describes how maximum densities shall be calculated for very low-, low-, and moderateincome housing in a tabular format. Additionally, local governments are also required to provide one or more incentives for qualifying projects and are required to accept an incentive proposed by a developer unless the incentive proposal is found to cause environmental harm, a health and safety issue, a cost reduction, a detriment to historical property, or otherwise contrary to law. Both density bonuses and incentives are granted based on the number of affordable units present in each project.
The City of St. Helena currently establishes density bonus provisions for affordable housing in Chapter 17.144 (Affordable Housing). The provisions in that Chapter do not reflect the new maximum density bonus tier framework that was adopted by the State in 2020. Because of this, the City is not currently in compliance and has included Program H-FH-G to commit the City to amend the Zoning Code for compliance with California Government Code Sections 65915 through 65918. The City is currently (20222023) updating undertaking a Comprehensive Zoning Code Update. Density bonus provisions in the Draft Zoning Code have been revised for 57 City of St. Helena. St. Helena Municipal Code, Title 17.
Agenda Item #10.1.
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compliance with State law. The Comprehensive Zoning Code Update is scheduled for adoption in fall 2023. the Affordable Housing Chapter for compliance with State law as part of a comprehensive Zoning Code update.
Housing for Permanent and Seasonal Agricultural Employees Sections 17021.5 and 17021.6 of the California Health and Safety Code establish specific requirements for the permitting of agricultural employee housing in a jurisdictions’ zoning code. Specifically, Section 17021.5 mandates that “employee housing providing accommodations for six or fewer employees shall be deemed a single-family structure with a residential land use.” 58 Furthermore, designated employee housing, as defined above, cannot be subject to Conditional Use Permit requirements, zoning variance, fees, taxes, or any other requirement other than those pertaining to a traditional single-family structure. Section 17021.6 pertains to larger employee housing facilities featuring a maximum of 36 beds in group quarters, or 12 single-family units.
Under this legislation, such units are deemed an agricultural land use and cannot be subject to any restrictions, conditional use requirements, zoning variance, fees, taxes, or other requirements not imposed on other agricultural uses in the same zone.
The City is in compliance with Sections 17021.5 or 17021.6 of the California Health and Safety Code. The A-20, AP, and W zoning districts allow large employee housing facilities (12 units or 36 beds) by right. Whereas, the WW, LR-1A, LR, MR, and HR zoning districts allow agriculture employee housing for six or fewer persons by rightsubject to design review. Housing for permanent and seasonal agricultural employees is subject to subjective design review, which poses a significant constraint to development. Program H-F H-F is included to commitcommits the City to amending the Zoning Code to replacing subjective design review with objective design standards and SB 330-compliant streamlined review. The City is currently (2023) undertaking a Comprehensive Zoning Code Update. The Draft Zoning Code incorporates objective development and design standards for residential development. These standards will apply to housing for permanent and seasonal agricultural employees. The Comprehensive Zoning Code Update is scheduled for adoption in fall 2023..
Zoning for Emergency Shelters, Transitional Housing, and Supportive Housing
AB-139 requires local government to identify a zone(s) where emergency shelters are allowed by-right without a conditional use or other discretionary permit. Local governments are authorized to impose only those development standards that apply to residential or commercial development within the same zone. However, a local government may impose specified objective standards, including standards for off-street parking based on demonstrated need, as specified. The intent of these regulations is to help streamline the development of varying housing types.
AB-139 requires the need for emergency shelter to be assessed based on the capacity necessary to accommodate the most recent homeless point-in-time count, the number of shelter beds available on a yearround and seasonal basis, the number of beds that go unused on an average monthly basis, and the percentage 58 California Government Health and Safety Code 17021.5 (b) Agenda Item #10.1.
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of those in emergency shelters that move to permanent housing. The bill also requires sufficient parking for employees and one space per two beds in the shelter. Under AB-139 and California Government Code Section 65651, local governments shall allow supportive and transitional housing as a by-right use in all districts where single-family and multiple-family dwelling unit uses are allowed. Additionally, the State requires that these uses shall be subject only to those regulations that apply to other residential dwellings (i.e., single-family dwellings, multiple-family dwellings) of the same type in the same district.
The City is in compliance with State laws related to emergency shelters, supportive housing, and transitional housing. Currently, tThe Zoning Code allows both supportive and transitional housing by-right in all residential zoning districts, and allowed in non-residential and mixed use zones subject to the same requirements imposed upon residential uses. Additionally, eEmergency shelters are identified as a by-right use in the I and SC zoning districts. According to a Point in Time Count provided by the Chief of Police, there is one homeless person who resides in St. Helena. There are several parcels in these zones that can accommodate an emergency shelter, including APN 009-580-022-000 (I zoning district) and APN 009-194-005-000 (SC zoning district). These parcels are vacant, habitable, and in proximity to transportation and services. Combined, they total 1.48 acres and can provide capacity for 15 beds, by conservative assumption of 10 beds/acre. Emergency shelters, transitional housing, and supportive housing are subject to subjective design review, which poses a significant constraint to development. Program H-F commits H-F is included to commit the City to amending the Zoning Code to replacing subjective design review with objective design standards and SB 330-compliant streamlined review through the currently ongoing (2023) Comprehensive Zoning Code Update. The Draft Zoning Code (released October 2022) incorporated objective development and design standards for residential development. The Comprehensive Zoning Code Update is scheduled for adoption in fall 2023.
Residential Care Facilities
California Government Code Section 65583 requires that housing elements provide a program to “address and where appropriate and legally possible, remove governmental constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing for persons with disabilities. The program shall remove constraints to and provide reasonable accommodations for housing designed for, intended for occupancy by, or with supportive services for, persons with disabilities.” In line with encouraging the development of housing for those with disabilities, the State requires that small, licensed residential care facilities (defined as facilities with six or fewer residents) be allowed “by right” in all residential zones. Additionally, the State, through HCD, requires that cities consider constraints to reasonable accommodation for large, licensed residential care facilities (defined as facilities with seven or more residents).59
The City of St. Helena allows both intermediate care and residential care facilities serving six or fewer persons as by-right uses in all the LR-1A, LR, MR, and HR residential zones., in For compliance with state law, the City 59 HCD Building Blocks for Effective Housing Elements, “Constraints for People with Disabilities.” Accessed May 19, 2022. https://www.hcd.ca.gov/community-development/building-blocks/constraints/constraints-for-people-with-disabilities.shtml Agenda Item #10.1.
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must allow these uses in any zone allowing single-family uses, subject only to the conditions imposed upon residential uses in the same zone. The City currently allows single-family homes in the A-20, W, and WW zones.
The City should revise the municipal code to allow residential care facilities of six or fewer in these zones. Just like all other residential uses, residential care facilities are subject to design review, which poses a significant constraint to development. Program H-F H-F is included to commit the City to amending the Zoning Code to replacing subjective design review with objective design standards and SB330-compliant streamlined review through the currently ongoing (2023) Comprehensive Zoning Code Update. The Draft Zoning Code (released October 2022) incorporated objective development and design standards for residential development. The Comprehensive Zoning Code Update is scheduled for adoption in fall 2023.Intermediate care and r Residential care facilities serving seven or more persons require the approval of a Conditional Use Permit. A use permit requirement in zones allowing multifamily uses is a constraint to the development of these uses. The City should revise the municipal code to allow residential care facilities of six or fewer in these zones. 60 Program H-F commits the City to updating the municipal code to allow residential care facilities in all zones, subject only to the requirements imposed upon single-family uses and facilities of seven or more in all zones, subject only to the same requirements as multifamily uses.
Low Barrier Navigation Centers
California Government Code Section 65660 identifies low barrier navigation centers are facilities that focus on moving people into permanent housing and connecting temporary residents with opportunities for income, public benefits, health services, shelter, and housing. Similar to displaced persons shelters, these facilities are intended to accommodate people with disabilities, pets and their owners, partners (if not a gender-specific site), the storage of possessions, and survivors of domestic violence. Specifically, the State mandates that low barrier navigation centers have services “to meet the diverse needs of (the) population.” As of 2018, low barrier navigation centers are allowed, subject to design review, by right wherever multiple-family dwellings and mixed-use development are allowed. In addition, local governments may not impose parking requirements onto low barrier navigation centers.
The City is not currently in compliance and has included Program H-F H-G to commit the City to amend the Zoning Code for compliance with California Government Code Section 65660. In updating the Code the City shall list low barrier navigation facilities as allowed by-right wherever multiple-unit dwellings and mixed-use development are allowed.
Single Room Occupancy (SRO)
Single-room occupancy residential units are a traditional form of affordable housing for very low- and lowincome individuals. These units consist of a single room, often between 80 and 250 square feet in size, with or without cooking and sanitary facilities, that is rented out, often on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. The St. 60 City of St. Helena Municipal Code, Title 17.
Agenda Item #10.1.
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Helena Municipal Code currently permits single-room occupancy type units in the form of Lodging Houses serving up to two paying occupants in an owner-occupied dwelling, as an accessory use in the LR and MR zoning districts. The HR zoning district currently allows single room occupancy units, subject to design review by-right. As defined under Chapter 17.04 of the Municipal Code, lodging houses are buildings other than hotels, motels or bed and breakfast inns, where individuals can pay a rent in exchange for accommodations, including room and board, or board alone. Lodging houses serving more than two and up to five occupants require a use permit. Accessory structures featuring cooking and sanitation facilities are required to meet design and building standards like those of standard single-family and second units. Units without such facilities are subject to significantly fewer requirements and are more likely to address very low- and low-income housing needs.61
Factory Built Housing and Mobile Homes
Government Code Section 65852.3(a) requires that manufactured and mobile homes, including the lots on which they are installed, meeting certain standards of construction and be subject to the same development standards that apply to conventional, stick built, single-family homes.62 In accordance with this legislation, the St. Helena Municipal Code, Title 17, defines a single-family dwelling to include a “mobilehome constructed to meet 1976 HUD standards, when placed on a permanent foundation, which is designed or used exclusively as a residence, including only one dwelling unit.” 63 Mobile units meeting the above definition are permitted under single-family site development standards in all zones that allow single-family housing units by right.
In addition, the Low Density Residential (LR), Low Density Residential One Acre Minimum (LR-1A), Medium Density Residential (MR) and High Density Residential (HR) districts specifically permit as an allowed use, permanent mobile homes constructed in accordance with the 1974 safety standards and installed on a permanent foundation. Chapter 17.100 of the Municipal Code sets forth requirements for the Mobilehome Park Overlay (MHP) zoning district that applies the State Mobilehome Parks Act to the establishment and operation of mobilehome parks within the boundaries of the City of St. Helena.64 Under these provisions of the Municipal Code, St. Helena fully adheres to the State standards regarding manufactured and mobile homes, and mobile home parks. Factory built housing and mobile homes are subject to subjective design review, which poses a significant constraint to development. Program H-F H-F is included to commit the City to amending the Zoning Code to replacing subjective design review with objective design standards and SB 330-compliant streamlined review through the currently ongoing (2023) Comprehensive Zoning Code Update, scheduled for adoption in fall 2023. The Draft Zoning Code (released October 2022) incorporated objective development and design standards for residential development in compliance with State law.. 61 City of St. Helena. St. Helena Municipal Code, Title 17. 62 GCS 65852.3(a) standards include the constructed or purchased after October 1976, certified under the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974, and installed on a foundation system pursuant to Section 18551 of the Health and Safety Code.
63 City of St. Helena. St. Helena Municipal Code, Title 17. 64 City of St. Helena. St. Helena Municipal Code, Title 17.
Agenda Item #10.1.
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Accessory Dwelling Units
The St. Helena Zoning Code allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in all residential zoning districts, in compliance with California Government Code Sections 65852.2 and 65852.22. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are defined as attached or detached dwelling units that provide independent living facilities on the same parcel as a legal single-unit or multiple-family unit dwelling, and which include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. Due to the lower cost of construction and reduced environmental impact, the State has enacted many laws aimed at incentivizing the development of ADUs to help combat the worsening housing crisis. The State requires local governments to treat all ADUs that comply with specific standards as ministerial approvals. Local governments reserve the exclusive right to impose specific design and development standards, which include, but are not limited to setbacks, minimum and maximum parcel size, and maximum height. Second units are exempt from the GMS in Municipal Code Section 17.152.040.
The St. Helena Zoning Code allows ADUS in all residential zoning districts, however, toOn January 10, 2023, the City adopted a new ADU Ordinance for achieve compliance with California Government Code Sections 65852.2 and 65852.22. The City now permits ADUs or JADUs on any lot that is zoned to allow single-family dwelling residential use or multifamily dwelling residential use (including all residential, mixed-use, and agriculturally zoned parcels), the City must allow ADUs in all zones that allow for residential uses, including the AP Zone, mixed-use and commercial zones. . Additionally, the several areas of Chapter 17.116.030 need to be revised for compliance with State law. This includes, but is not limited to, The updated Ordinance also addressed compliance issues related to the definition of a cooking facility, definition of an efficiency kitchen, allowing both an ADU and JADU for conversions on a lot with an existing or proposed single-family dwelling, separate conveyance of an ADU or JADU, and restricting bedroom count, to meet the requirements of State law.
The City is currently undertaking a Comprehensive Zoning Code Update that will address theseany remaining compliance issues that HCD may find in their review of the newly Adopted ADU Ordinance. Program H-F in this Housing Element commits the City to revising the code for additional compliance with State law by 2026, though the City expects to adopt the Zoning Code Update in summer/fall 2023.
Agenda Item #10.1.
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11. Housing Resources
Future Housing Need
State Housing Element law requires that a local jurisdiction accommodate a share of the region’s projected housing needs for the planning period, called the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). Compliance with this requirement is measured by the City’s ability to providing adequate land with adequate density and appropriate development standards to accommodate the RHNA. The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), as the regional planning agency, is responsible for allocating the RHNA to individual jurisdictions within the region.
For the sixth Housing Element cycle, the City of St. Helena has been allocated a RHNA of 256 units, divided into four income levels as follows:
• Very Low Income: 104 units (41 percent)12F
65 • Low Income: 59 units (23 percent)
• Moderate Income: 26 units (10 percent)
• Above Moderate Income: 67 units (26 percent)
The City must ensure the availability of residential sites at adequate densities and appropriate development standards to accommodate these units by income category.
Credits Towards RHNA
Projects with housing units approved or permitted that would not be occupied before the start of the planning period can be credited towards meeting the City’s RHNA. These units can count towards the RHNA based on affordability and unit count provided it can be demonstrated that the units can be built within the planning period of February 2023 through February 2031. Affordability (income category) is based on the actual or projected sale prices, rent levels, or other mechanisms establishing affordability of the units within the project.
In addition, the City can project the number of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) that may be built between 2023 and 2031, based on trends of ADU permitting during the last three years.
Pending or Approved/Entitled Projects
Currently there is one single-family residence and four moderate-income units, not to exceed 120 percent of the AMI, that are approved and undergoing building permit processing. In addition, there are 87 units that are pending planning/entitlement approval under the Hunter Subdivision project. While the Hunter Subdivision 65 The City has a RHNA allocation of 1034 very low income units (inclusive of extremely low income units). Pursuant to State law (AB 2634), the City must project the number of extremely low income housing needs based on Census income distribution or assume 50 percent of the very low income units as extremely low. Therefore, the City generally estimates 52 extremely low and 521 very low income units.
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project is proposing approximately 25 affordable units, because the affordable agreements are not in place at the time of Housing Element, all unit credits were assumed to be above moderate.
On February 7, 2023, the Planning Commission approved a resolution recommending that the City Council approve tThe Hunter Subdivision project was approved by the Planning Commission on February 7, 2023 and.
The Project is going before the City Council on May 1, 2023 where it is anticipated to receive planningCity Council approval in the near future. The Final Environmental Impact was released in October 2022 and the project is scheduled for hearing before the City’s Planning Commission in February of 2023. Once approved by the City Council, the applicant will need to record the tentative tract map with Napa County Recorders Office which is expected in the fall of 2023 and then submit for final map approval by the City Council in late 2023 to early 2024. The project may then undergo Design Review which could be completed within 12 months of final map approval; with the issuance of building permits expected in 2025. As referenced in Chapter 8, NonGovernmental and Governmental Constraints, recent trends show building permits were issued within four months of entitlement approval for recent housing unit developments, with many projects receiving building permits within a week of entitlement approval. Program H-A further ensures the City is committed to supporting the Hhunter Subdivision project through completion and finding alternative solutions if the project is not meeting timelines for the 6th Cycle. As an alternate strategy should there be delays with the Hunter Subdivision beyond control of the City, such as developer financing challenges, Thethe City has also included surplus capacity of 116 units in the above moderate-income category to ensure capacity to meet the RHNA is sustained throughout the planning period. Table 43 details the pending and entitled projects with housing units.
Table 36Table 43 Pending and Entitled Projects
Project
Number Address APN Zoning Project Description Net Units PL20-046 777 Pratt Ave. 009-030-060 Twenty-acre
Agriculture
District (A-20)
Construction of a single-family
residence
1 above
moderateincome
PL20-015 963 Pope St. 009-090-
012/013
Medium
Density
Residential
Construction of four (4) new deed
restricted affordable housing
units on a site with one (1)
existing deed restricted unit.
1 moderate
and 4 lowerincome
#2010-40 Terminus of
Adams Street
009-030-057 Medium
Density
Residential
Hunter Subdivision Tentative
Map to subdivide the 16.9-acre
parcel into 51 single-family lots
and a 3.4-acre multi-family
parcel. The applicant intends to
construct 51 single-family
residences, 11 ADUs, and 25
multi-family units.
87 above
moderateincome*
*The project is subject to Inclusionary Housing requirements with 20% affordable housing.
Projected Accessory Dwelling Units
Pursuant to Government Code Section 65583.1, the City can satisfy its regional housing need using ADU and junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU) trends and existing resources and incentives that promote their development. Using 2018-2021 data on ADUs/JADUs, the City has issued permits for approximately 9 ADUs on Agenda Item #10.1.
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average. Extending this trend over the next 8 years, the City can assume approximately 72 ADU units will be permitted over the next planning period. Feedback from public outreach and research on ADU rental prices indicated that ADUs are typically rented at market rate and should be considered above moderate.
Remaining RHNA
Accounting for the entitled, approved and pending projects, as well as projected ADUs, the City has a remaining RHNA of approximately 184 units, including 159 lower- and 25 moderate-income units. Existing pending and approved projects and ADU trends currently meets the City’s above moderate RHNA requirement. Table 44 details the existing progress towards the 6th cycle RHNA and the remaining RHNA that the City must demonstrate the availability of sites with appropriate zoning and development standards.
Table 37Table 44 Progress Towards RHNA
Income/
Affordability Category RHNA Allocation Pending or Approved Estimated ADUs Remaining RHNA Lower 163 4 0 159
Moderate 26 1 0 25
Above Moderate 67 88 72 0
Total 256 92 72 184
Residential Site Inventory
Following the analysis of RHNA credits, specific sites throughout the city were considered for potential for housing development. Site selection for the residential site inventory started with City owned sites where residential development is in line with short-term City goals, then vacant and nonvacant sites zoned for residential use, and lastly sites that could be rezoned to accommodate residential development or residential development at a higher density. Several constraints were considered for each site, including environmental concerns, utility or infrastructure access, feasibility of redevelopment during the next planning period, and realistic capacity assumptions. Sites identified for lower income housing must meet certain density and site requirements, including a minimum density of 20 units per acre, parcel size between 0.5 and 10 acres, and access to high performing schools, jobs, amenities, health care facilities, and grocery stores. Zoning designations with allowable density appropriate for lower income housing capacity include Mixed Use (12-20 du/ac) and High Density Residential (16-26 du/ac).
City-Owned Sites
A review of City-owned properties for sites that are feasible for housing and reflect City priorities was conducted by the City Council in 2021. There are three City-owned properties (1480 Main Street, 1572 Railroad Avenue, and Adams Street/Library Lane) where near-term affordable housing development is in line with community and City priorities for these sites. In 2015, Vernazza Wolfe Associates, Inc conducted a Feasibility Analysis and Comparison of Sites for New Affordable Housing Development which looked at site feasibility and Agenda Item #10.1.
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capacity for each of the three City-owned sites. The study evaluated potential risks and time to develop each site and identified the number of units, cost per unit, and funding gaps associated with each site. The analysis determined the three City-owned sites included in the site inventory are suitable for development of housing with 100 percent of units dedicated to lower-income housing. The capacity analysis factored in the size of the site, buildable footprints, maximum allowable floor area ratio and height, a ground-floor commercial assumption, and required open and support services spaces. The inventory incorporated the 2015 site feasibility and capacity analysis and revised certain assumptions as needed based on land use changes and new density bonus law. The City is interested in redeveloping these sites and intends to conduct studies to determine the most efficient use of these sites for housing and proceed with the findings for housing development by 2025, consistent with Program H-L. In 2022, the City hired an appraiser to get the most current real estate valuation of all city surplus sites. The City is engaging the services of a consultant in spring 2023 to help begin the surplus land act process.
Site 1: 1480 Main Street (APN 009-211-016)
Table 38Table 45 Site 1 Summary
Current Use Fire Stations and Vacant City Hall Structures Parcel Size 1.66 acres (0.9 acres available for redevelopment) Existing General Plan Land Use Central Business and Public/Quasi-Public Agenda Item #10.1.
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Existing Zoning Public/Quasi-Public
Proposed Land Use and Zoning Mixed-Use
Allowed Density 12 to 20 units/acre
Site Capacity 22 units
Assumed Capacity and Income
Category 6 Lower Income units
Site 1 is a 1.66-acre property owned by the City of St. Helena located at 1480 Main Street. City goals for the site include redevelopment of the portion of the site fronting Main Street with a visitor-serving commercial uses as a primary use and housing as a secondary use. All uses proposed for redevelopment on site are currently vacant.
Current uses on-site includeThe site is currently developed with the St. Helena Fire Department on the northern portion of the site and a vacant one-story building on the southwestern portion of the site. Only the vacant components of the site are proposed for redevelopment. A General Plan Amendment and Rezone change is proposed to change the land use and zoning designation from Central Business & Public/Quasi-Public to MixedUse. While the Mixed-Use Zone could potentially support 100 percent commercial development, the City has identified this site as suitable for mixed use housing development with intentions to develop.
The 2015 site feasibility and capacity analysis evaluated housing capacity of the site by analyzing current and adjacent land uses and zoning, site topography, environmental sensitivities, service connection feasibility, as well as setback, height, lot coverage, FAR, density, parking, and landscape requirements. The analysis identified two development scenarios for the site, resulting in a maximum capacity of approximately 44 units in scenario one or 46 units in scenario two. The assessment also accounted for the required number of-site parking spaces, 82 spaces in scenario one and 88 in scenario two. No environmental constraints or service connection obstacles were identified on the site. According to the analysis, development of 44 housing units would result in a building lot coverage of approximately 39 percent in both development scenarios. In the Draft Zoning Code tThere is currently no standard for building coverage in the proposed Mixed-Use zone, therefore the resulting lot coverage would not conflict with the City’s Zoning Ordinance. Due to the existing Fire Department, Tthe site developable area is assumed to be approximately 0.9 acres, with the removal of (the location of the vacant building on the southwestern portion of the site), which is approximately half the area assumed in the 2015 analysis. The inventory conservatively assumes a maximum of 6 housing units, as the site area could approximately 22 units based on half the units assumed in the 2015 study.
Agenda Item #10.1.
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Site 2: 1572 Railroad Avenue (APN 009-193-002)
Table 39Table 46 Site 2 Summary
Current Use Temporary City Hall
Parcel Size 0.93 acres
Existing General Plan Land Use Business and Professional Office Existing Zoning Business and Professional Office
Proposed Land Use and Zoning High Density Residential
Allowed Density 16.1 to 26 units/acre
Site Capacity 24 units
Assumed Capacity and Income
Category 20 Lower Income units
Site 2 is a 0.93-acre property owned by the City of St. Helena located at 1572 Railroad Avenue. City goals are in line with affordable housing development on the site. This site is currently used as a temporary location for City Hall. A General Plan Amendment and Rezone is proposed to change the land use and zoning designation to High Density Residential.
The entire 0.93-acre site is able to be redeveloped with the removal of the existing buildings. Based on allowed density under High Density Residential, 24 units would be permitted as a baseline. Density bonus provisions allowed with affordable housing projects would increase the number of units permitted on-site. However, 20 lower-income units were assumed, consistent with the 2015 site feasibility and capacity analysis, in order to ensure adequate off-street parking capacity. According to the 2015 site feasibility and capacity analysis, which evaluated housing capacity of the site by analyzing current and adjacent land uses and zoning, site topography, environmental sensitivities, service connection feasibility, as well as setback, height, lot coverage, FAR, density, parking, and landscape requirements, the site can accommodate a total of 20 housing units with adequate area Agenda Item #10.1.
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for the required 38 parking spaces. According to the 2015 assessment, development of 20 housing units on the site would result in a building lot coverage of approximately 31 percent and would be consistent with the maximum lot coverage allowed in High Density Residential zone, 45 percent. The 2015 feasibility analysis and site assessment did not identify any environmental constraints or service connection obstacles that would affect redevelopment of the site. Twenty housing units is slightly higher than 80 percent of the maximum allowable density, at 83 percent. However, given that the City owns and intends to redevelop the site for housing and that this is consistent with the findings 2015 site feasibility and capacity analysis, the development of 20 housing units on-site is considered feasible.
Agenda Item #10.1.
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Site 3: Adams Street (APN 009-150-006)
Table 40Table 47 Site 3 Summary
Current Use Vacant
Parcel Size 5.6
Existing General Plan Land Use Central Business
Existing Zoning Central Business
Proposed Land Use and Zoning Central Business
Allowed Density n/a
Site Capacity n/a
Assumed Capacity and Income
Category 31 Lower Income units
Site 3 is a 5.6-acre property owned by the City of St. Helena located at the terminus of Adams Street and the crossroads of Adams Street/Library Lane. City priorities of the site include a mix of public, commercial, and residential uses. The site is currently vacant but being leased for a small vineyard operation. No land use changes are proposed as residential uses are permitted on upper stories within the Central Business district.
The site inventory assumes a portion of the site, approximately 1.3 acres, would be dedicated for affordable housing, while the remainder of the site would be used for other public and commercial uses such as a potential location for City Hall and Police station. Based on the 2015 site feasibility and capacity analysis, which evaluated housing capacity of the site by analyzing current and adjacent land uses and zoning, site topography, environmental sensitivities, service connection feasibility, as well as setback, height, lot coverage, FAR, density, Agenda Item #10.1.
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parking, and landscape requirements, approximately 31 units could be accommodated on the portion of the site adjacent to the Public Library. The site would also accommodate 58 parking spaces where only 53 are required.
According to the 2015 site feasibility and capacity analysis, development of 31 housing units on the 1.3 acre portion of the site would result in a building lot coverage of 28 percent. There is no standard for building coverage in the Central Business zone, therefore the resulting lot coverage would not conflict with the City’s Zoning Ordinance. No environmental sensitivities or service connection constraints were identified for the site.
This site was identified as a housing opportunity site in the 5th housing element cycle.
Privately Owned Vacant and Nonvacant Properties
After reviewing the pending and approved projects, existing ADU/JADU trends, and City-owned properties, additional capacity is needed to fully accommodate the City’s RHNA and to allow for a buffer. A desktop and City tour of parcels that could accommodate more housing and meet the City’s regional housing needs was conducted. Pursuant to Government Code section 65583.2(a), these included:
• Vacant sites zoned for residential use
• Vacant sites zoned for nonresidential use that allow residential development • Residentially zoned sites that are capable of being developed at a higher density than existing conditions
• Commercially zoned sites that are capable of being developed at a higher residential density than existing conditions
• Sites suitable for rezoning to allow for residential uses or allow residential uses at a high density • Sites zoned for residential use or suitable for rezoning to allow residential uses with expressed property owner interest for residential development
Suitability of Nonvacant Sites
The City has recently seen redevelopment of nonvacant, residentially zoned parcels for housing development.
Recently redeveloped parcels included those with existing single-family residences. In addition, the City has recently seen the development of housing on sites with existing vineyards. Examples of recent development trends in residential zones and on properties with existing vineyards include the following:
• 632 McCorkle Avenue: The completed project demolished an existing single family residence to construct 8 new housing units
• 684 McCorkle Avenue: The completed project demolished an existing single family residence to construct 8 new, affordable housing units
• 963 Pope Street: The approved project merged two existing parcels with an existing single family home and constructed 4 new multi-family housing units; all 5 units will be affordable • 500 Mills Lane: The completed project constructed a single-family residence, ADU, and barn on a property with an existing vineyard
Agenda Item #10.1.
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• 601 Fulton lane: The completed project constructed a single-family residence, ADU, and barn on a property with an existing vineyard
The site inventory identified nonvacant residentially zoned sites with similar conditions to trends detailed above (nonvacant sites with existing, single-family residences). The projects listed above were infill sites that redeveloped parcels with existing single family residences with multi-family developments and affordable housing. These projects were located on parcels zoned Medium and High Density Residential. The conditions and characteristics of these projects are similar to Sites 6, 7, and 9 which each have one existing single-family residence and are zoned Median and High Density Residential.
The 632 McCorkle Avenue project had a density of 14.9 units per acre which is 57 percent of the maximum allowed density of the site, the 684 McCorkle Avenue project had a density of 14.7 units per acre which is 56 percent of the maximum allowed density, and the 601 Fulton Lane project had a density of 17.1 units per acre which is 107 percent of the maximum allowed density. The recent redevelopment projects have an average density of 15.5 units per acre, which equates to an average of 73 percent of the maximum allowed density on each site. The site inventory assumes a capacity of approximately 80 percent of the maximum allowed density on each site. This is slightly higher than the average density of recently constructed and approved projects.
However, the sites identified in the inventory are larger than the recent redevelopment projects listed above which allows for more efficient layout and greater capacity for development. In addition, two of the three recently redeveloped sites were narrow parcels where the parcel size and shape limited the configuration and available area for housing development on-site.
Other jurisdictions in the region have also seen redevelopment of nonvacant, residentially zoned parcels for housing development as well. Additional redevelopment projects on nonvacant, residentially zoned parcels in the region include the following:
• City of Calistoga – 2008 Grant Street: The approved project includes demolition of an existing residential structure, a three-sided wooden garage, and a large, fire-damaged shed on a 5.84-acre parcel and construction of 15 single-family homes
• City of Calistoga – Yellow Rose Ranch: The proposed project consists of the demolition of an existing single-family residence, barn, and four accessory buildings and construction of 46 single-family homes, 33 attached ADUs, and 12 detached ADUs
• City of Napa - Browns Valley Subdivision: The proposed project includes the demolition of a singlefamily residence, barn, and several outbuildings and construction of 11 single-family homes • City of Napa – Old Sonoma Road Mixed Use: The proposed project includes the demolition of nine existing non-historic buildings and rehabilitation of three existing historic buildings into two townhome clusters, six new condominium structures, eight single-family homes, and commercial space. The project proposes a total of between 155 and 162 housing units.
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• City of Napa – Redwood Grove Housing: The proposed project includes the removal of an existing single-family residence and construction of a two-story, 34-unit, multi-family, 100 percent affordable housing development.
Agenda Item #10.1.
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Site 4: 905 Main Street (APN 009-180-008)
Table 41Table 48 Site 4 Summary
Current Use Vacant
Parcel Size 0.27 acres
Existing General Plan Land Use Mixed-Use
Existing Zoning Service Commercial
Proposed Land Use and Zoning Mixed-Use
Allowed Density 12 to 20 units/acre
Site Capacity 5 units
Assumed Capacity and Income
Category 45 Above Moderate Income units
Site 4 is a 0.27-acre property located at 905 Main Street. The property is a vacant site in a location prime for development along Main Street. The property owner has expressed interest in development of the site with housing and community members have expressed support for this use. A zoning change is proposed to change the zoning designation from Service Commercial to Mixed-Use, which would bring the property into conformance with the existing General Plan land use designation and incentivize owner redevelopment of the site due to the new allowed on-site uses. In addition, mixed-use development incentives anticipated under Program H-P, such as streamlined design review and fee waivers, would further encourage development of housing on the site.. The Mixed-Use land use designation is a new designation introduced in the City’s recent 2040 General Plan Update. The City ’s Zoning Ordinance has not yet been updated to include a Mixed-Use zone, however, the City is currently in the process of updating the Zoning Ordinance to include a Mixed-Use zone consistent with the General Plan and anticipates to adopt these changes in Fall of 2023. Because the Mixed-Use zone has not yet been adopted in the Zoning Ordinance, there are no recent development trends in the city for sites zoned Mixed-Use. There are no known recent development projects in other cities within the Agenda Item #10.1.
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Napa Valley that are zoned for Mixed-Use but did not include residential uses. According to the City of Napa’s Housing Element Update, two recent mixed-use projects in the city had an average of 92 percent of the maximum allowed density of the sites. Napa’s sites inventory assumed a realistic density of 80 percent of the maximum allowed density of each site based on the density of recent developments with residential usesmixeduse developments, which averaged 83 percent of the maximum allowed density.66 There is potential that Site 4 could be developed with 100 percent commercial uses. However, the inventory only includes one site with a Mixed Use land use and only a assumes a total of four above-moderate housing units. In addition, , which is relatively low, and the property owner has expressed to the City that they are interested in developing housing on the -site.
The site is vacant, and the entire 0.27-acre site is able to be developed. Based on 80 percent of the maximum allowed density under Mixed-Use, five four above-moderate income units are feasible. 66 City of Napa. 2022. Housing Element Update.
file:///C:/Users/lsegal/Downloads/Napa%20Housing%20Element%20Rev%2002%2020230216.pdf Agenda Item #10.1.
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Site 5: Main Street between Mills Lane and Dowdell Lane (APN 009-660-005) Table 42Table 49 Site 5 Summary
Current Use Vacant
Parcel Size 1.8 acres
Existing General Plan Land Use Service Commercial
Existing Zoning Service Commercial
Proposed Land Use and Zoning High Density Residential
Allowed Density 16.1 to 26 units/acre
Site Capacity 456 units
Assumed Capacity and Income
Category 50 45 Lower Income units
Site 5 is a 1.8-acre property located on Main Street between Mills Lane and Dowdell Lane. The property is a vacant site in a location prime for development along Main Street. The site is privately owned currently but but a local affordable housing non-profit has secured an exclusive option to purchase the property to develop affordable housinghas been identified as an affordable housing site for future acquistionacquisition by an affordable housing non-profit group, consistent with an approved development agreement for the Farmstead Hotel. A General Plan Amendment and Rezone is proposed to change the land use and zoning designation from Service Commercial to High Density Residential to allow for affordable housing development. The affordable housing project is in the preliminary site design phase which is pending pursuant to adoption of the Housing Element Update and subsequent rezoning of the property to accommodate multi-family housing.
The entire 1.8-acre site is vacant and able to be developed. Based on allowed density under High Density Residential, a total of 46 45 housing units would be permitted. However, the property owner intends to develop Agenda Item #10.1.
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the site to accommodate 50 affordable housing units. The affordable housing non-profit organization that owns the site intends to develop a housing project affordable to households earning between 30 percent and 60 percent of the AMI (very low- and low-income). A conceptual site plan was analyzed The non-profit organization is currently developing project plans which consist ofwhich determined four-story development along Fountain Court and three-stories along Main Street with structured parking could yield . The project includes approximately 45 units which wouldand all required parking accommodate the required number of onsite parking spaces. The inventory assumes 45 units. . This is well below the maximum capacity of the site based on the site’s zoning and eligible density bonus. To be conservative, the inventory assumes a maximum of 46 housing units. While this is greater than 80 percent of the maximum allowable density of the site, the density bonus andit is consistent with the non-profit’s project plans and less than the maximum density of the project site (46 units). support development of up to the maximum density of the site.
Agenda Item #10.1.
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Site 6: 709 and 741 McCorkle Avenue (APN 009-100-031, -032) Table 43Table 50 Site 6 Summary
Current Use Single Family Residences
Parcel Size 0.9 acres each (1.8 acres combined)
Existing General Plan Land Use Medium Density Residential Existing Zoning Medium Density Residential
Proposed Land Use and Zoning Medium Density Residential Allowed Density 5.1 to 1614 units/acre
Site Capacity 28 5 units
Assumed Capacity and Income Category 48 Above Moderate Income units Site 6 is composed of two adjacent a 0.9-acre properties property that total 1.8 acres located at 709 and 741 McCorkle Avenue. Both properties areThe property is underutilized with one existing single family residence and with a large undeveloped space on each property. The site is considered underutilized based on the additional density, FAR, height, and lot coverage available. One of tThe property owner along with community members and local nonprofit groupss expressed interest in developing more housing on the site. The property owner inquired with the City regarding the possibility of subdividing the property pursuant to SB9, which would allow each the lot to be split into two lots with development of up to two units on each lot. The current land use and zoning designation is Medium Density Residential and no changes to land use or zoning are proposed.
The sites are is composed of two a single family lots which could accommodate 28 14 units under current land use regulations. Due to the existing residences on the sites, the inventory conservatively assumed additional Agenda Item #10.1.
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units would be added pursuant to SB 9. Each lot can be split into two lots with development of up to 2 units on each lot, for a total of 8 4 above moderate units (a net increase of 6 3 units). In addition, each lot could develop ADUs for a total net capacity of 10 5 units. However, a total of 8 4 above moderate income units were assumed (4 on each property), given the property owner’s development interests.
Agenda Item #10.1.
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Site 7: 821 Pope Street (APN 009-503-001)
Table 44Table 51 Site 7 Summary
Current Use Single Family Residence
Parcel Size 1.0 acres
Existing General Plan Land Use High Density Residential Existing Zoning High Density Residential
Proposed Land Use and Zoning High Density Residential
Allowed Density 16.1 to 26 units/acre
Site Capacity 26 units
Assumed Capacity and Income
Category 10 Lower Income and 10 Moderate Income units
Site 7 is a 1.0-acre property located at 821 Pope Street. The site is underutilized with one existing single-family residence and large undeveloped areas on-site. The site is considered underutilized based on the additional density, FAR, height, and lot coverage available. Land use designations and existing development surrounding the site consist of multi-family housing. The current land use and zoning designation is High Density Residential and no changes to zoning are proposed. This site mirrors the condition of properties that were recently redeveloped with multi-family housing in the city. Similar to the 632 McCorkle Avenue, 684 McCorkle Avenue, and 963 Pope Street projects, this site contains existing single family residences on a large parcel but is underutilized as it is located on a High Density Residential zone The entire 1.0-acre site is able to be redeveloped. Based on allowed density under High Density Residential, development of 26 units would be permitted. However, a total of 20 units, 10 lower income units and 10 moderate income units, is assumed in order to accommodate off-street parking capacity.
Agenda Item #10.1.
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This site was included in the 5th Cycle Housing Element and is considered non-vacant, therefore requiring byright approval for projects with at least 20% affordable units.
Agenda Item #10.1.
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Site 8: 882 and 886 College Avenue (APN 009-070-043, -044, -045) Table 45Table 52 Site 8 Summary
Current Use Vacant
Parcel Size 1.5 acres
Existing General Plan Land Use Public/Quasi-Public
Existing Zoning A-20 (Agriculture)
Proposed Land Use and Zoning High Density Residential
Allowed Density 16.1 to 26 units/acre
Site Capacity 39 units
Assumed Capacity and Income
Category 15 Lower Income and 15 Moderate Income units
Site 8 is composed of three adjacent properties that total 1.5 acres located at 882 and 886 College Avenue. All three properties are vacant and are owned by a single property owner who has expressed interest in residential development on these properties. The site is adjacent to areas with existing multi-family development. A General Plan Amendment and zoning change is proposed to change the land use and zoning designation from Public/Quasi-Public and Agriculture to High Density Residential.
The entire 1.5-acre site is able to be redeveloped. Based on allowed density under High Density Residential, 39 units would be permitted. However, a total of 30 units, 15 lower-income units and 15 moderate income units, is assumed in order to accommodate off-street parking capacity. Future development of the site would not be dependent upon lot consolidation as all three parcels are under the same ownership. Furthermore, Program H-ZZ would incentivize lot consolidation at the time the property is developed.
Agenda Item #10.1.
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Site 9: 1447 and 1515 Spring Street (APN 009-590-003, -010) Table 46Table 53 Site 9 Summary
Current Use Single Family Residences
Parcel Size 2.4 acres
Existing General Plan Land Use High Density Residential Existing Zoning High Density Residential
Proposed Land Use and Zoning High Density Residential
Allowed Density 16.1 to 26 units/acre
Site Capacity 62 units
Income Category 24 Lower Income and 24 Above Moderate Income units Site 9 is composed of two adjacent properties that total 2.4 acres located at 1447 and 151 Spring Street. Both properties are underutilized with one existing single-family residence and large undeveloped areas on each parcel. The overall site is considered underutilized based on the additional density, FAR, height, and lot coverage available. This site mirrors the condition of properties that were recently redevelopment with multifamily housing in the city. Similar to the 693632 McorkleMcCorkle Avenue, 684 McCorkle Avenue, and 963 Pope Street projects, this site contains existing single family residences on large parcels but is underutilized as it is located on a High Density Residential zone. The site is surrounded by single- and multi-family development and sites zoned High Density Residential, similar to the 693632 McorkleMcCorkle Avenue and 684 McCorkle Avenue projects. The current land use and zoning designation is High Density Residential and no changes to zoning are proposed.
The entire 2.4-acre site is able to be redeveloped. Based on allowed density under High Density Residential, 62 units would be permitted. However, a total of 48 units, 24 lower income units and 24 above moderate income Agenda Item #10.1.
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units, is assumed in order to accommodate site circulation improvements and adequate off-street parking capacity. The site is currently underutilized and does not meet the minimum density of the High Density Residential Zone (16.1 units/acre) with a current density of 0.83 units/acre. The site has two existing housing units, which equals approximately three percent of the total allowed capacity of the site (62 units). The existing building lot coverage is approximately eight percent and the maximum allowed lot coverage is 45 percent.
Future development of the site would not be dependent upon lot consolidation as all three parcels are under the same ownership. Furthermore, Program H-ZZ would incentivize lot consolidation at the time the property is developed.
This site was included in the 5th Cycle Housing Element, therefore requiring by-right approval for projects with at least 20% affordable units.
Agenda Item #10.1.
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Site 10: Spring Street between Hudson Avenue & Valley View Street (APN 009-441-023) Table 47Table 54 Site 10 Summary
Current Use Vineyard
Parcel Size 4.4 acres
Existing General Plan Land Use Medium Density Residential Existing Zoning Medium Density Residential
Proposed Land Use and Zoning High Density Residential
Allowed Density 16.1 to 26 units/acre
Site Capacity 114 units
Assumed Capacity and Income
Category 44 Lower Income and 44 Moderate Income units
Site 10 is a 4.4-acre parcel located on Spring Street between Hudson Avenue and Valley View Street. Recent property owner interest in residential development of the site indicates opportunity for housing. Additionally, Focus Group meetings showed interest in High Density Residential uses on this residentially zoned parcel in the form of town homes, which is compatible with the surrounding residential neighborhoods. The site is considered underutilized as it has a residential land use designation but is currently used as vineyards. As previously discussed, the City has seen recent development of housing on properties with existing vineyards.
Site 10 has greater development potential than the recently developed vineyard parcels since it is is located on a residentially zoned parcel, while the 500 Mills Lane and 601 Fulton Lane projects were located on parcels with a land use and zoning designation of Agriculture and therefore are only allowed to develop one housing unit and one ADU per parcel. A General Plan Amendment and zoning change is proposed to change the zoning from Medium Density Residential to High Density Residential.
Agenda Item #10.1.
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The entire 4.4-acre site is able to be redeveloped. Based on allowed density under High Density Residential, 114 units would be permitted. However, a total of 88 units, 44 lower income units and 44 moderate income units, is assumed in order to accommodate adequate off-street parking capacity.
This site was included in the 5th Cycle Housing Element and is considered non-vacant, therefore requiring byright approval for projects with at least 20% affordable units.
Agenda Item #10.1.
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Site 11: 601 Pope Street (APN 009-502-011)
Table 48 Site 11 Summary
Current Use Silverado Orchard Apartments
Parcel Size 2.9 acres (0.75 acres available for development) Existing General Plan Land Use High Density Residential Existing Zoning High Density Residential
Proposed Land Use and Zoning High Density Residential
Allowed Density 16.1 to 26 units/acre
Site Capacity 19 units
Assumed Capacity and Income
Category 15 Moderate Income units
Site 11 is a 2.9-acre parcel located at 601 Pope Street. The site is underdeveloped and is currently occupied by the Silverado Orchard Apartments on the northeastern portion of the site with a large 0.75-acre vacant area on the southwestern portion of the site. There is opportunity to expand the existing high density housing development on-site or develop additional housing. The current land use and zoning designation is High Density Residential and no changes to zoning are proposed.
The site developable area is assumed to be approximately 0.75 acres on the southwest portion of the site. The redevelopment area could accommodate approximately 19 units based on allowed density alone. However, 15 moderate income units are assumed in order to accommodate adequate off-street parking capacity and existing residential uses.
Agenda Item #10.1.
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Site 112: 1637 Spring Street (APN 009-600-018)
Table 49Table 55 Site 121 Summary
Current Use 8 Detached Residential Housing Units
Parcel Size 1.1 acres
Existing General Plan Land Use Medium Density Residential Existing Zoning High Density Residential
Proposed Land Use and Zoning High Density Residential
Allowed Density 16.1 to 26 units/acre
Site Capacity 28 units
Assumed Capacity and Income
Category 8 Additional Lower Income units
Site 12 11 is a 1.1-acre parcel located at 1637 Spring Street. Recent property owner interest in adding housing units on-site indicates there is opportunity to develop additional housing. The property owner emailed City Staff on March 7, 2022, interested in the development of additional housing units on the property . The property owner stated a desire to double the number of housing units on the site and expressed support for changing the land use designation from Medium Density Residential to High Density Residential, to match the current zoning.
Further, correspondence with the property owner confirmed they are interested in including the site in the site inventory. The land use designation of the site is currently Medium Density Residential, changed from High Density Residential during the latest General Plan Update in 2019. However, the site is still zoned High Density Residential and is adjacent to other parcels zoned High Density Residential. A General Plan Amendment is proposed to change the land use designation from Medium Density Residential to High Density Residential, in conformance with the current zoning designation.
Based on allowed density under High Density Residential, a total of 28 units would be permitted. With the existing 8 units and current on-site structures, the site is underutilized based on density, FAR, and lot coverage.
Agenda Item #10.1.
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BHowever, based on discussions with the property-owner and existing site layout, approximately 8 additional units could be accommodated on-site. Therefore, the inventory assumed 8 lower income units, resulting in 16 units total on-site, based on the property owner’s development interests. The site is underutilized and currently does not meet the minimum density of the High Density Residential Zone (16.1 units/acre) with a current density of 7.3 units/acre. The site has 8 existing housing units, which equals approximately 29 percent of the total allowed capacity of the site (28 units). The existing building lot coverage is approximately 30 percent and the maximum allowed lot coverage is 45 percent.
Site 123: 620 McCorkle Avenue (APN 009-502-003)
Table 50Table 56 Site 123 Summary
Current Use Single Family Residence
Parcel Size 0.76 acres
Existing General Plan Land Use Medium Density Residential Existing Zoning Medium Density Residential
Proposed Land Use and Zoning Medium Density Residential Allowed Density 5.1 to 16 units/acre
Site Capacity 12 units
Assumed Capacity and Income
Category 3 Additional Above Moderate Income units
Site 123 is a 0.76-acre parcel located at 620 McCorkle Avenue. The site is considered underutilized as it is zoned medium density residential but is currently developed with a single family residence. The site is considered underutilized based on the additional density, FAR, height, and lot coverage available. The site is surrounded by single- and multi-family development and properties zoned Medium and High Density Residential. In addition, community feedback from public meetings and public comment letters have shown the site is a strategic location for housing and the community is interested in including this site in the site inventory.
Agenda Item #10.1.
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The current land use and zoning designation is Medium Density Residential and no changes to zoning are proposed. This site also is adjacent to recent redeveloped sites at 632 McCorkle Avenue and 684 McCorkle Avenue, which removed an existing single-family residence with multi-family units.
The entire site could accommodate approximately 12 units based on allowed density alone. However, three3 additional above-moderate income units are assumed in order to accommodate adequate off-street parking capacity and existing residential uses. Therefore, the inventory assumed three3 additional above moderate income units, resulting in four4 units total onsite.
Agenda Item #10.1.
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Summary of Site Inventory
In combination with the City’s pending projects and ADU development trends, the site inventory provides adequate sites to meet the City’s RHNA allocation and buffer requirements. Between these three methods, the city can accommodate a total of 489 470482481472 housing units, including 204 207 lower-income, 738870 moderate-income, and 197 193 200199195 above moderate-income units. Table 57 shows a summary of the number of housing units accommodated by pending projects, ADU trends, and the site inventory.
Table 51Table 57 Summary of Housing Units
Lower Income
Moderate
Income
Above Moderate
Income Total
Pending Projects 4 1 88 93
ADU Trends 0 0 72 72
Site Inventory
Site 1 (1480 Main St.) 6 0 0 6
Site 2 (1572 Railroad Ave.) 20 0 0 20
Site 3 (Adams St.) 31 0 0 31
Site 4 (905 Main St.) 0 0 54 54
Site 5 (Main St. btw Mills Ln. and
Dowdell Ln.) 504645 0 0 504645
Site 6 (709 and 714 McCorkle Ave.) 0 0 48 84
Site 7 (821 Pope St.) 10 10 0 20
Site 8 (882 and 886 College Ave.) 15 15 0 30
Site 9 (1447 and 1515 Spring St.) 24 0 24 48
Site 10 (Spring St. btw Hudson Ave.
And Valley View St.) 44 44 0 88
Site 11 (601 Pope St.) 0 15 0 15
Site 112 (1637 Spring St.) 8 0 0 8
Site 132 (620 McCorkle Ave.) 0 0 3 3
Total 212208207 8570 2001965195 4974743472
St. Helena RHNA plus 20% Buffer 192 31 79 302
Surplus 201615 5439 121117116116 19195172171171
.
Agenda Item #10.1.
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Figure 48Figure 49 Residential Site Inventory Map
Figure 49 Residential Site Inventory Map
Agenda Item #10.1.
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Table 58 Vacant and Nonvacant Sites
Site Address APN Developable
Acres Existing Zoning Rezone Proposed
Proposed
Zoning
Minimum
Density
Maximum
Density
Used in Previous
HE? Nonvacant CityOwned
Lower
Income
Moderate
Income
Above
Moderate
Income
Total
Site 1 (1480 Main St.) 009-211-016 0.90 Public/Quasi-Public Yes Mixed-Use 12 20 No Nonvacant Yes 6 0 0 6 Site 2 (1572 Railroad Ave.) 009-193-002 0.93 Business and Professional Office
Yes High Density
Residential
16.1 26 No Nonvacant Yes 20 0 0 20
Site 3 (Adams St.) 009-150-006 5.6 Central Business Yes High Density Residential
16.1 26 Yes (Moderate
Income and Above)
Vacant Yes 31 0 0 31
Site 4 (905 Main St.) 009-180-008 0.27 Service Commercial Yes Mixed-Use 12 20 Yes (Moderate Income and Above)
Vacant No 0 0 54 54
Site 5 (Main St. btw Mills Ln. and
Dowdell Ln.)
009-660-005 1.8 Service Commercial Yes High Density
Residential
16.1 26 No Vacant No 4645 0 0 4645
Site 6 (709 McCorkle Ave.) 009-100-032 0.9 Medium Density Residential
No Medium Density
Residential
5.1 16 No Nonvacant No 0 0 4 4
Site 7 (821 Pope St.) 009-503-001 1.0 High Density
Residential
No High Density
Residential
16.1 26 Yes (Lower Income) Nonvacant No 10 10 0 20
Site 8 (882 and 886 College Ave.) 009-070-043, 009-070- 044, 009-070-045
1.5 Agriculture Yes High Density
Residential
16.1 26 No Vacant No 15 15 0 30
Site 9 (1447 and 1515 Spring St.) 009-590-010, 009-590- 003
2.4 High Density
Residential
No High Density
Residential
16.1 26 Yes (Lower Income) Nonvacant No 24 0 24 48
Site 10 (Spring St. btw Hudson
Ave. And Valley View St.)
009-441-023 4.4 Medium Density
Residential
Yes High Density
Residential
16.1 26 Yes (Moderate
Income and Above)
Vacant No 44 44 0 88
Site 11 (1637 Spring St.) 009-600-018 1.1 High Density
Residential
No High Density
Residential
16.1 26 No Nonvacant No 8 0 0 8
Site 12: 620 McCorkle 009-502-003 0.76 Medium Density
Residential
No Medium Density
Residential
5.1 16 No Nonvacant No 0 0 3 3
Total 204203 69 36 309308
Lower Income Capacity
Lower Income RHNA with 20 percent buffer: 192
Pending and Approved Projects (lower income) 4
Existing HDR capacity: Site 7 10
Existing HDR capacity: Site 9 24
Existing HDR capacity: Site 11 8
Remaining lower income shortfall 146
Sites with proposed rezone to HDR (Sites 2, 3, 5, 8, 10) 156 Agenda Item #10.1.
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Availability of Infrastructure and Services
The City of St. Helena is dedicated to improving existing and new infrastructure and facilities to support existing and future development. The City’s annual budget devotes funds towards the Public Works Department which provides design, construction, maintenance, and operation of public facilities and infrastructure within the city.
Public Works is responsible for infrastructure including streets, storm drains, parks, water treatment, water distribution, wastewater collection, and wastewater treatment. Environmental compliance services provided by Public Works also includes storm water pollution prevention, sustainability, protection of public trees and floodplain administration, response to infrastructure and weather emergencies. The city’s existing infrastructure system may require minor upgrades to address age and condition-related issues. New construction would be located in areas served by existing infrastructure.
With implementation of wastewater, water, and storm drainage system infrastructure improvements identified in the City’s Integrated Utility Master Plan, there would be adequate capacity to accommodate the City’s RHNA.
The Integrated Urban Master Plan analyzed future infrastructure and water supply capacity accounting for planned development within the city, including the Hunter Subdivision project, and estimated buildout proposed under the 2040 General Plan, which includes the development of 300 new housing units and population growth of an additional 700 residents within the city limitswould be about 7,400 residents by the year 2040. The City’s RHNA plans for the addition of a total of 254256 housing units within the planning period. Currently the city has a population of approximately 6,073. Therefore, the additional 256254 units would not exceed buildout assumed in the Master Plan, well within the 2040 General Plan housing development projection. With the 20 percent buffer, the number of additional housing units would be 302, which is not be significantly higher than what was projected under the 2040 General Plan. Therefore, the City’s planned infrastructure capacity can accommodate the City’s RHNA.
Wastewater System
The City’s Integrated Utility Master Plan was adopted in 2021 and serves as the guiding document for planning and implementing sewer system improvements through the year 2040. The plan is consistent with the population, land use, employment, and housing projections presented in the 2040 General Plan. The City also has a Sewer System Management Plan that was developed in 2006 and last updated in April 2016. The City’s sewer system service area consists of the City limits and includes approximately 24 miles of active gravity sewer pipelines, 0.4 miles of force mains, and two lift stations that convey flow to the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Improvements to the Wastewater Treatment Plant began in 2022 to adhere to stricter environmental requirements and are expected to be completed in 2023.
A capacity analysis of the existing wastewater collection system showed a storm event would result in multiple pipeline capacity deficiencies and sanitary sewer overflows at several locations with the existing system.
Wastewater collection systems improvement projects proposed by the Utility Master Plan included gravity main improvements with pipeline replacement and lift station improvements. These improvements would be Agenda Item #10.1.
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constructed based on prioritization within the Master Plan and developed as a Capital Improvement Project.
The improvements would be financed through City budgeting and collection of project impact fees. As discussed under the Government Constraints section, impact fees in the city do not represent a constraint to housing are appropriately sized to accommodate growth to 2040.
Potable Water System
The City’s Integrated Utility Master Plan serves as the guiding document for planning and implementing water system improvements through the year 2040, consistent with growth under the 2040 General Plan. Previously, the City utilized the Water Master Plan, developed in 2006, to identify infrastructure need to the year 2020. The City’s water system service area extends beyond the City limits to unincorporated areas in the Meadowood Napa Valley Resort/Neighborhood area and area between Chaix Lane and Zinfandel Lane along Main Street.
There are three main water supply sources: Bell Canyon Reservoir, Stonebridge wells, and an interconnection with the City of Napa. The City’s water system consists of approximately 47 miles of water distribution pipelines.
A capacity analysis of the existing water distribution system showed there is one pump station, the Holmes pup station, that does not have sufficient firm pumping capacity to meet maximum day demand. Evaluation of the existing treated water storage system capacity found one area that does not have adequate capacity to meet peak hour demand, fire flow storage, and emergency storage. Improvement projects proposed by the Utility Master Plan to prevent system failures caused by leaks, fails, and main breaks include rehabilitation and replacement of water main and transmission lines, which would enable the City to meet potable water demands. The potable water improvements would be constructed based on prioritization within the Master Plan and developed as a Capital Improvement Project. The improvements would be financed through City budgeting and collection of project impact fees. As discussed under the Government Constraints section, impact fees in the city do not represent a constraint to housing.
Storm Water System and Drainage System
The City’s Integrated Utility Master Plan guides planning and implementing the storm drainage system improvements through the year 2040 with growth projections consistent with the 2040 General Plan.
Previously, the Storm Drainage Master Plan, developed in 2000, served as the City’s guide to analyze the existing storm drain system and plan for implementation of improvements. The City’s storm drainage collection system service area consists of the city limits and includes street drainage, inlets, gravity pipelines, open channels, one storm water detention basin, and 33 outfalls that discharge in Sulphur Springs Creek, York Creek, or Napa River.
Evaluation of existing storm drainage capacity showed there would be multiple areas of flooding throughout the system in the event of a 10-year, 50-year, and 100-year storm. Improvement projects proposed by the Utility Master Plan to mitigate storm water system capacity issues include implementing an annual storm drain rehabilitation and replacement program with the assumption that approximately 1.25 percent of the system Agenda Item #10.1.
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would be replaced per year until 2040. Storm water infrastructure upgrades would be constructed based on prioritization within the Master Plan and developed as a Capital Improvement Project. The improvements would be financed through City budgeting and collection of project impact fees. As discussed under the Government Constraints section, impact fees in the city do not represent a constraint to housing.
Dry Utilities
PG&E is responsible for supplying electricity and natural gas to the City and surrounding areas. Other dry utilities such as telephone and data services and cable television are serviced by contracted providers within the city, including Xfinity and AT&T.
Circulation System
The City’s Circulation Element, updated in 2019 along with the General Plan, identifies the principal components of the City’s circulation system and issues related to parking, public transit, and pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. The Circulation Element also includes standards and guiding principles for implementing transportation improvements.
The City’s street network is largely grid based with some streets east of State Route 29 that are not fully connected to the network. State Route 29 (Main Street) is the main street used for traveling north-south throughout the city and is the main route for vehicles traveling between Lake County, northern Sonoma County, and the City of Napa and other destinations further south. It runs northwest to southeast through the city and divides the city in two. Congestion along State Route 29 is a major issue within the city and pushes traffic onto local city streets. Much of the traffic congestion seen in the city is caused by tourists traveling throughout the region. The primary transit option in the city is the Vine bus service, however ridership is low with only 0.9 percent of St. Helena residents commuting via transit. Future improvements to the City’s transportation network include improvements aimed at reducing congestion along State Route 29 and enhancing alternative modes of travel, including the addition of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.
Environmental Constraints
In 2019, the City certified a FEIR with the 2040 General Plan Update that analyzed all potential environmental impacts associated with the population and development growth proposed under the plan. City Council also adopted CEQA Findings and a Statement of Overriding Considerations identifying public benefits that override the significant and unavoidable impacts of the General Plan, including agricultural preservation, a balanced mix of land uses and sustainable land use pattern, creation of construction jobs, managing effects of regional traffic, and a shift to a multi-modal circulation system. Environmental clearance for future development projects may tier from the General Plan FEIR, thereby expediting the approval process. Mitigation measures set forth in the FEIR include measures to minimize impacts associated with potential flooding, and other environmental constraints.
Agenda Item #10.1.
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There are no known conditions that would preclude any of the selected sites from being developed within the planning period. Sites 4 and 7 are located in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood hazard zone, Zone X, an area of moderate- to low-risk. Development within Zone X would not preclude the properties from development, as future development would be subject to development standards contained within the Saint Helena Municipal Code, which incorporates FEMA standards for construction in flood hazard zones, as well as relevant policies within the City’s General Plan which regulate development in flood risk areas. In addition, future development would comply with applicable mitigation measures within the 2040 General Plan EIR, including HYDRO-1 which ensures that no development will impede waters in the floodway, raises base flood levels, or expose housing to undue risk from flooding. The remaining sites are not located within a FEMA flood zone. None of the sites are located within a state of local fire hazard severity zone.
References
Cal Fire. 2008. Draft Fire Hazar5d Severity Zones in LRA, Napa County. https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/media/6729/fhszl06_1_map28.pdf Federal Emergency Management Agency. 2022. FEMA Flood Map Service Center: Search By Address. https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search?AddressQuery=1480%20Main%20Street#searchresultsanchor St. Helena, City of. Integrated Utility Master Plan. St. Helena, CA. April 2021. https://www.cityofsthelena.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/public_works/page/2491/cosh_utility _master_plan_final_draft.pdf
St. Helena, City of. General Plan Update 2040. St. Helena, CA. June 2019. https://www.cityofsthelena.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/planning_resources/page/3505/final_ plan_compiled.pdf
Vernazza Wolfe Associates, Inc. 2015. Feasibility Analysis and Comparison of Sties for New Affordable Housing Development Final Report. Ventura, CA. September 2015.
Agenda Item #10.1.
Public Review Draft Needs Assessment | June 2022
3.Affirmatively Further Fair Housing (AFFH)
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AFFH Contents
1. Introduction and Overview .......................................................................................A-5
1.1 Approach to Analysis.........................................................................................................................................................A-5
1.2 Fair Housing Methodology.................................................................................................................................................A-6
2. Summary of Fair Housing Issues ...............................................................................A-9
2.1 Regional Trends .................................................................................................................................................................A-9
2.2 Local Trends...................................................................................................................................................................A-109
2.3 Enforcement and Outreach Capacity................................................................................................................................A-10
3. Segregation and Integration Patterns and Trends..................................................A-14
3.1 Race and Ethnicity ...........................................................................................................................................................A-14
3.2 Persons with Disabilities..................................................................................................................................................A-15
3.3 Familial Status .................................................................................................................................................................A-25
3.4 Household Income ...........................................................................................................................................................A-37
3.5 Racially and Ethnically Concentrated Areas of Poverty ....................................................................................................A-45
3.6 Disparities in Access to Opportunities..............................................................................................................................A-52
3.7 Disproportionate Housing Needs .....................................................................................................................................A-74
4. Local Area of Knowledge ..................................................................................A-10099
4.1 Stakeholder Input.......................................................................................................................................................A-10099
5. Sites Inventory Analysis ..................................................................................A-103101
5.1 Opportunity Areas....................................................................................................................................................A-103101
5.2 Improved Conditions................................................................................................................................................A-104102
6. Contributing Factors .......................................................................................A-110107 Tables
Table 1 Domains and List of Indicators for Opportunity Maps..............................................................................................A-8 Table 2 Fair Housing Organizations Active in Napa County ...............................................................................................A-11 Table 3 Racial/Ethnic Dissimilarity Trends (Napa County)...................................................................................................A-15 Table 4 Household Type and Tenure (Napa County)...........................................................................................................A-25 Table 5 Household Type and Tenure (St. Helena) ...............................................................................................................A-27 Table 6 Tenure by Household Type and Presence of Children (St. Helena) .........................................................................A-27 Agenda Item #10.1.
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Table 7 Housing Cost Burden of Lower-Income Households (2014-2018)..........................................................................A-85 Table 8 Substandard Housing Units (2019) ........................................................................................................................A-89 Table 9 Overcrowding by Tenure........................................................................................................................................A-91 Table 10 Proposed Sites Inventory Housing Unit Allocation .........................................................................................A-104102 Table 11 Factors that Contribute to Fair Housing Issues ..............................................................................................A-110107 Figures
Figure 1 Percent of Total Non-White Population (Napa County) .........................................................................................A-17 Figure 2 Percent of Total Non-White Population (St. Helena)..............................................................................................A-18 Figure 3 Predominant Populations (St. Helena) ...................................................................................................................A-19 Figure 4 Percent of Population with a Disability (Napa County)..........................................................................................A-20 Figure 5 Disability by Type (St. Helena) ...............................................................................................................................A-21 Figure 6 Percentage of Population with One or More Disabilities (St. Helena) ....................................................................A-23 Figure 7 Children in Married-Couple Households (Napa County) ........................................................................................A-29 Figure 8 Female Headed Households with Children, No Spouse/Partner Present (Napa County).........................................A-30 Figure 9 Population of Adults Living with Spouse/Partner (Napa County)...........................................................................A-31 Figure 10 Population of Adults Living Alone (Napa County)..................................................................................................A-32 Figure 11 Children in Married-Couple Households (St. Helena).............................................................................................A-33 Figure 12 Female Headed Households with Children, No Spouse/Partner Present (St. Helena) .............................................A-34 Figure 13 Population of Adults Living with Spouse/Partner (St. Helena)................................................................................A-35 Figure 14 Population of Adults Living Alone (St. Helena) ......................................................................................................A-36 Figure 15 Median Household Income (2015-2019)................................................................................................................A-38 Figure 16 Median Household Income (Napa County) ............................................................................................................A-41 Figure 17 Low and Moderate Income Population (Napa County) ..........................................................................................A-42 Figure 18 Median Household Income (St. Helena).................................................................................................................A-43 Figure 19 Low to Moderate Income Population (St. Helena) .................................................................................................A-44 Figure 20 Areas of High Poverty (Napa County) ....................................................................................................................A-47 Figure 21 Poverty Status (St. Helena) ....................................................................................................................................A-48 Figure 22 Neighborhood Segregation (St. Helena).................................................................................................................A-49 Figure 23 Racially Concentrated Areas of Affluence (Napa County) ......................................................................................A-55 Figure 24 Racially Concentrated Areas of Affluence (St. Helena)...........................................................................................A-56 Figure 25 Predominant White Population (Napa County)......................................................................................................A-57 Agenda Item #10.1.
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Figure 26 Predominant Populations and Median Household Income (St. Helena) .................................................................A-58 Figure 27 Walkability Index (St. Helena)................................................................................................................................A-61 Figure 28 TCAC Opportunity Areas – Education Outcomes (Napa County) ...........................................................................A-65 Figure 29 TCAC Opportunity Areas – Education Outcomes (St. Helena)................................................................................A-66 Figure 30 TCAC Opportunity Areas – Economic (Napa County).............................................................................................A-69 Figure 31 TCAC Opportunity Areas – Economic (St. Helena) .................................................................................................A-70 Figure 32 Job Proximity Index (St. Helena) ............................................................................................................................A-71 Figure 33 CalEnviroScreen 4.0 Percentile Scores (Napa County) ...........................................................................................A-77 Figure 34 TCAC Opportunity Areas – Environment (Napa County)........................................................................................A-78 Figure 35 CalEnviroScreen 4.0 Percentile Scores (St. Helena) ................................................................................................A-79 Figure 36 TCAC Opportunity Areas – Environment (St. Helena) ............................................................................................A-80 Figure 37 Overpayment By Renters (Napa County)................................................................................................................A-81 Figure 38 Overpayment By Homeowners (Napa County).......................................................................................................A-82 Figure 39 Overpayment By Renters (St. Helena) ....................................................................................................................A-83 Figure 40 Overpayment By Homeowners (St. Helena) ...........................................................................................................A-87 Figure 41 Housing Stock Age (2015-2019) ............................................................................................................................A-89 Figure 42 Overcrowded Households (Napa County) ..........................................................................................................A-9493 Figure 43 Overcrowded Households (St. Helena)...............................................................................................................A-9594 Figure 44 Sensitive Communities (Napa County)...............................................................................................................A-9897 Figure 45 Sensitive Communities (St. Helena) ...................................................................................................................A-9998 Figure 46 Mortgage Applications and Acceptance by Race ...........................................................................................A-102100 Figure 47 Location of Sites Inventory in Relation to TCAC/HCD Opportunity Areas.......................................................A-108105 Agenda Item #10.1.
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1.Introduction
In 2018, the California State Legislature passed Assembly Bill (AB) 686 to expand upon fair housing requirements and protections outlined in the Fair Employment and Housing Act. The law requires all State and local public agencies to facilitate deliberate action to explicitly address, combat, and relieve disparities resulting from past patterns of segregation to foster more inclusive communities. AB 686 created new requirements that apply to all housing elements due for revision on or after January 1, 2021. The passage of AB 686 protects the requirement to affirmatively further fair housing within State law.
AB 686 defined “affirmatively further fair housing (AFFH)” to mean “taking meaningful actions, in addition to combat discrimination, that overcome patterns of segregation and foster inclusive communities free from barriers that restrict access to opportunity.” AB 686 added an assessment of fair housing to the Housing Element which includes the following components:
• A summary of fair housing issues and assessment of the City’s fair housing enforcement and outreach capacity
• An analysis of segregation patterns and disparities in access to opportunities • An assessment of contributing factors
• An identification of fair housing goals and actions.67
1.1 Approach to Analysis
This AFFH analysis is consistent with the 2021 California Department of Housing and Community Development’s Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Guidance for All Public Entities and for Housing Elements (AFFH Guidance Memo) which provides guidance on the preparation of housing elements and ensures statutory requirements are satisfied, pursuant to Government Code Section 65583(c)(10).
This AFFH analysis evaluates fair housing issues on the following topics:
1. Fair Housing Enforcement and Outreach Capacity
2. Integration and Segregation Patterns and Trends
3. Racially and Ethnically Concentrated Areas of Poverty
4. Disparities in Access to Opportunity
5. Disproportionate Housing Needs
67 Housing and Community Development (HCD). 2021. https://www.hcd.ca.gov/community-development/affh/index.shtml Agenda Item #10.1.
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6. Other Relevant Factors, including historical disinvestment, lack of infrastructure improvements, and presence of older affordable housing units that may be at risk of conversion to market-rate housing.
Fair housing priorities goals and actions are also provided specific to St. Helena to address as implementation actions for the Housing Element. The goals and actions address the major contributing factors for the topics above.
1.2 Fair Housing Methodology
The California Government Code Section 65583 (10)(A)(ii) requires cities and counties to analyze areas of segregation, racially or ethnically concentrated areas of poverty, disparities in access to opportunity, and disproportionate housing needs, including displacement risk.
To conduct this analysis, the City utilized data from a variety of sources, including:
• The Housing and Community Development (HCD) AFFH Data Viewer • AFFH Segregation Report by ABAG
• Napa Sonoma Collaborative
• Urban Displacement Project (UDP)
• U.S Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• CalEnviroscreen
• California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (TCAC)
• The Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) • US Census American Community Survey (ACS)
• AllTransit
• Walk Score
Additionally, the analysis includes input from sources of local knowledge, including special needs groups, housing advocacy organizations, housing and services providers, and residents.
1.2.1 Housing and Community Development’s AFFH Viewer
The AFFH Data Viewer is a tool developed by HCD that features census block group and tract level data from an expansive collection of sources including ACS, HUD, TCAC, UDP, and CHAS. The Data Viewer tool serves as a resource for local and regional governments and provides the ability to explore spatial data patterns concerning fair housing enforcement, segregation and integration, racially and ethnically concentrated areas of poverty, and disparities in access to opportunities and housing. The Data Viewer is Agenda Item #10.1.
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intended to assist in the creation of policies that alleviate disparities, combat discrimination, and increase access to safe and affordable homes.
1.2.2 AFFH Segregation Report
The University of California, Merced and STIR Labs, on behalf of ABAG, prepared reports for jurisdictions in California studying segregation patterns and current land use policies that correlate with patterns of racial segregation. The report for St. Helena addresses racial and income segregation using the racial isolation index, racial dissimilarity index, and Thiel’s H-Index at the neighborhood level within and regional level.
1.2.3 Napa Sonoma Collaborative
The Napa Sonoma Collaborative (NSC) is a collaboration between Napa and Sonoma Counties that aims to address housing challenges within the region. NSC is made up of housing staff from jurisdictions within Napa and Sonoma Counties and is working to raise awareness and increase participation in the Housing Element update process. The collaborative conducted outreach to gather information on fair housing issues within local communities and discuss constraints to affordable housing.
1.2.4 Urban Displacement Project (UDP)
The UDP was developed to track neighborhood change and identify areas that are vulnerable to gentrification and displacement in California. Indicators of gentrification and displacement are measured at the census tract level based on data from the 2015 ACS. UDP indicators examine census tracts to identify areas that qualify as disadvantaged neighborhoods. Additionally, census tracts identified as disadvantaged neighborhoods by UDP’s criteria are further analyzed to explore changes in the percentage of college educated residents, non-Hispanic White population, median household income, and median gross rents over time to determine levels of gentrification and displacement risk.
1.2.5 CalEnviroscreen
The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment developed a screening methodology to identify communities disproportionately burdened by multiple sources of pollution. This tool, called the California Communities Environmental Health Screening Tool (CalEnviroScreen), utilizes existing environmental, health, and socioeconomic data to rank census tracts based on 20 distinct indicators. In general, if a community has a high score for that indicator, it is more impacted by pollution burdens and population vulnerabilities compared to other communities. Designated disadvantaged communities are those with CalEnviroScreen percentile scores of 75 or higher, meaning that they scored within the highest 25 percent of census tracts across California. There are no disadvantaged communities in St. Helena.
Agenda Item #10.1.