Housing Element Implementation
Petaluma's 6th Cycle Housing Element covers 2023–2031 and requires the City to plan for 1,910 new housing units across all income levels (the Regional Housing Needs Allocation, or RHNA). The City Council adopted the Housing Element in March 2023 and has since been carrying out its required programs, including zoning code updates, affordable housing project support, and administration of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.1,4,5
As of the 2025 progress report accepted in May 2026, the City had issued 652 building permits, representing about 34.1% of the RHNA target, with 333 units entitled, 230 permits issued, and 99 certificates of occupancy completed in 2025 alone. The Planning Commission reviewed the 2024 progress report in July 2025 and noted concerns about stalled projects and the likelihood that certain opportunity sites will be developed.6,7
A major zoning update (Phase 1 of the Petaluma Zoning Reform project) implementing Housing Element programs is working through the Planning Commission. The Commission held study sessions and continued public hearings in August, September, and October 2026, and voted unanimously to recommend the Phase 1 ordinance to City Council at its October 13, 2026 meeting.3,8,9,10
Complete project timeline
Each entry links the meeting and documents it comes from.
City Council reviews public draft Housing Element11
The City Council received a presentation on the Public Draft 6th Cycle Housing Element and provided direction to staff; no vote was taken. Council members raised concerns about affordable housing financing, the realism of meeting affordability targets on market-rate sites, and environmental sensitivities of certain parcels.
General Plan Advisory Committee reviews HCD-driven revisions12
The GPAC received a presentation on proposed Housing Element revisions in response to state HCD comments and provided feedback to inform the City Council's subsequent discussion, according to a later Boards & Commissions Report dated March 14, 2023. Members raised concerns about density assumptions and utility capacity constraints.
Council accepts 2022 Annual Housing Element Progress Report13
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-032 N.C.S. (vote 7-0) accepting the Annual Housing Element Progress Report for the 2022 calendar year and authorizing staff to submit it to HCD and the Governor's Office of Planning and Research.
Planning Commission recommends adoption of 6th Cycle Housing Element14
The Planning Commission voted 6-0 (one absent) to adopt Resolution 2023-03 recommending City Council approval of the General Plan Amendment to repeal the 2015–2023 Housing Element and adopt the 2023–2031 Housing Element.
City Council adopts 6th Cycle Housing Element4,5
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-037 N.C.S. (vote 7-0), repealing the 2015–2023 Housing Element, adopting the 2023–2031 Housing Element with findings of substantial compliance with State Housing Element Law, and approving an addendum to the Negative Declaration.
Council accepts 2023 Annual Housing Element Progress Report15
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-020 N.C.S. (vote 7-0) accepting the Annual Housing Element Progress Report for the 2023 calendar year, documenting 395 units permitted, representing 20.7% of the 6th Cycle RHNA allocation.
City Council approves Housing Successor Agency Annual Report for FY 2022–202316
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-019 N.C.S., approving the Annual Housing Successor Agency Report for July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023 and directing staff to submit it to HCD and OPR as part of the Housing Element Annual Progress Report. The vote was 7-0.
Residential Care Facility ordinance process begins17
The City initiated a two-stage regulatory update to residential care facility permitting as part of Housing Element Program 7 implementation.
Council approves 2023–2024 CDBG CAPER18
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-120 N.C.S. (vote 7-0) approving the CDBG 2023-2024 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report documenting use of $370,388 in federal funds, and authorizing its submission to HUD.
Council holds first public hearing on 2025–2030 CDBG Consolidated Plan19
The City Council held a public hearing to receive community input on the proposed 2025–2030 CDBG Consolidated Plan; no vote or formal action was recorded at this hearing.
Council approves 2025–2030 CDBG Consolidated Plan and FY 2025–2026 Annual Action Plan20
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025-045 N.C.S. (vote 7-0) approving the 2025–2030 CDBG Consolidated Plan and FY 2025–2026 Annual Action Plan, allocating $330,000 in federal CDBG funds and authorizing the City Manager to execute required HUD documents.
Council accepts 2024 Annual Housing Element Progress Report21
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025-064 N.C.S. (vote 6-0) accepting the Annual Housing Element Progress Report for the 2024 calendar year and authorizing submission to HCD and OPR.
CDBG 2024–25 CAPER submitted to HUD22
The 2024–25 CDBG Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report was submitted to HUD.
Council approves 2024–2025 CDBG CAPER23
The City Council adopted Resolution No. 2025-141 N.C.S. (vote 6-0) approving the CDBG 2024-2025 CAPER documenting expenditure of the full $330,388 CDBG allocation, and authorizing the City Manager to submit it to HUD.
Planning Commission study session on Residential Care Facility zoning amendments24
The Planning Commission held a study session on proposed zoning text amendments to implement Housing Element Program 7 for residential care facilities, receiving non-binding comments with no formal action taken.
Planning Commission approves Gallaher Senior Living project27
The Planning Commission voted 7-0 to approve site plan and architectural review, state density bonus waiver requests, and a tree removal permit for the Gallaher Senior Living RCFE at 1221 Petaluma Boulevard North, an 82-unit senior housing project contributing to RHNA obligations.
Council first reading of RCF zoning ordinance28
The City Council voted 6-1 to introduce Ordinance No. 2920 N.C.S. on first reading, streamlining land use regulations in the IZO and SmartCode to facilitate development of residential care facilities.
Council adopts RCF zoning ordinance on second reading2
The City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2920 N.C.S. on second and final reading (vote 6-1, Vice Mayor DeCarli voting no), allowing residential care facilities by right in more zones with clear parking standards.
Support letters issued for affordable housing projects30
The Council issued support letters for Washington Commons (MidPen Housing, 825 E. Washington) and Meridian at Petaluma North Station (Danco Communities, 890 N. McDowell).
Unified RCF consolidation ordinance — first reading31
A broader RCF consolidation ordinance consolidating four RCF definitions into one and permitting RCFs by right across all residential, mixed-use, and commercial zones passed first reading 6-1 (DeCarli dissenting).
CDBG 2026–27 Annual Action Plan approved32
The Council approved the 2026–27 CDBG Annual Action Plan.
Planning Commission study session on Phase 1 zoning amendments8
The Planning Commission held a study session on Phase 1 draft amendments to the IZO and SmartCode implementing Housing Element programs, the General Plan, and state law; commissioners raised concerns about director authority, parking minimums, and inclusionary housing. No action was taken.
Planning Commission opens Phase 1 zoning amendment public hearing9
The Planning Commission opened a public hearing on Phase 1 IZO and SmartCode amendments and continued it to September 29, 2026; the decision was not recorded in the minutes available.
Council approves 2025–2026 CDBG CAPER34
The Council adopted Resolution 26-131 N.C.S. (vote 7-0) approving the CDBG 2025-2026 CAPER documenting use of $306,350 in federal funds, and authorizing the City Manager to submit it to HUD.
Planning Commission continues Phase 1 public hearing; continued again to October 1310
The Planning Commission continued the Phase 1 zoning amendment public hearing; by vote of 6-0 the item was continued to the October 13, 2026 regular meeting. Commissioners approved several amended recommendations by straw poll.
Planning Commission votes to recommend Phase 1 zoning ordinance to City Council3
The Planning Commission unanimously recommended the Phase 1 IZO and SmartCode ordinance to City Council, including allowances for cannabis manufacturing, alcoholic beverage establishments, card rooms, and general retail in specified zones.
Ongoing RHNA compliance — rezoning milestones (future target)35
The City must demonstrate ongoing progress toward RHNA housing production targets through IZO amendments and development approvals by this date.
Ongoing work
The City Council regularly accepts and submits Annual Housing Element Progress Reports to HCD and OPR, tracking the City's progress toward its RHNA targets; reports for 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 have each been accepted by resolution. The Planning Commission also reviews these annual reports, as it did with the 2024 report in July 2025.6,7,13,15,21,36
The City administers its federal CDBG program on an ongoing basis, submitting annual CAPERs to HUD; reports covering fiscal years 2023–2024, 2024–2025, and 2025–2026 have each been approved by the City Council.18,23,34
Money
Not in the record yet
- What is the outcome of the unified RCF consolidation ordinance that passed its first reading in April 2026 — has it been adopted on second reading?
- When will the Phase 1 IZO and SmartCode amendments go to City Council, and what is the expected adoption date?
- What is the current status of Phase 2 of the Petaluma Zoning Reform project, which was described as targeting June 2027?
- What is the current status of the Washington Commons (MidPen Housing) and Meridian at Petaluma North Station (Danco Communities) affordable housing projects for which the Council issued support letters?
- How many units have been completed or certificates of occupancy issued as of late 2026, and is the City on track to meet its 2023–2031 RHNA targets across all income categories?
- Has HCD certified the 6th Cycle Housing Element as fully compliant, or are there any outstanding compliance issues?
- What happened with the stalled projects noted by the Planning Commission in July 2025, specifically Haystack Pacifica and 890 Petaluma Boulevard North?
- Has the City pursued or decided against a pilot program to temporarily suspend inclusionary housing requirements, as discussed at the August 2026 Planning Commission study session?
- What is the total City budget or staffing dedicated to Housing Element implementation beyond the federal CDBG funds?
Sources
- The City's description of the project
- City Council, Feb 23, 2026, item 7: Housing Element Implementation Program: Adoption (Second Reading) of an Ordinance to Adopt a Zoning Text Amendment to Modify the City of Petaluma Implementing…
Meeting → Staff Report, p. 1 → - Planning Commission, Oct 13, 2026, item 2: Continued Public Hearing from September 29, 2026 – Recommendation to the Planning Commission to receive a staff presentation and public comment and consider a…
Meeting → - City Council, Mar 20, 2023, item 8: Public Hearing and Resolution Adopting a General Plan Amendment to Repeal the 2015 2023 Petaluma Housing Element, Adopt the Petaluma Housing Element of the…
Meeting → Staff Report, p. 1 → - City project record: Housing Element adopted
- City Council, May 4, 2026, item 9: Resolution Accepting the Annual Housing Element Progress Report for the 2025 Calendar Year and Authorizing Staff to Submit the Report to the California…
Meeting → - Planning Commission, Jul 8, 2025, item 1: Sixth Cycle Housing Element: 2024 Annual Progress Report (APR) MATERIALS FOR THIS MEETING ITEM WERE PUBLISHED ON 07/07/2025 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Meeting → - Planning Commission, Aug 25, 2026, item 4: Study Session – Recommendation to the City of Petaluma Planning Commission to receive a Staff Presentation and conduct a Study Session on Phase 1 of the…
Meeting → Boards Commissions Report, p. 1 → - Special Planning Commission, Sep 15, 2026, item 2: Public Hearing – Recommendation to the City of Petaluma Planning Commission to Receive a Staff Presentation and Public Comment and Conduct a Public Hearing to…
Meeting → Staff Report, p. 1 → - Special Planning Commission, Sep 29, 2026, item 2: Continued Public Hearing from September 15, 2026 – Recommendation to the Planning Commission to receive a staff presentation and public comment and consider a…
Meeting → Staff Report, p. 1 → - City Council, Oct 3, 2022, item 9: Presentation, Discussion, and Feedback on Draft 6th Cycle Housing Element
Meeting → Staff Report, p. 1 → - General Plan Advisory Committee, Feb 16, 2023, item 5: PROJECT AND STAFF UPDATES a. Updates on initiatives related to the General Plan Update GPU b. Clarifying questions from GPAC members
Meeting → - City Council, Mar 6, 2023, item 9: Resolution Accepting the Annual Housing Element Progress Report for the 2022 Calendar Year and Authorizing Staff to Submit the Report to the California…
Meeting → - Planning Commission, Mar 14, 2023, item 2: Public Hearing and Resolution recommending that the City Council adopt a General Plan Amendment to repeal the 20152023 Housing Element, adopt the City of…
Meeting → Boards & Commissions Report, p. 1 → - City Council, Mar 11, 2024, item 6: Resolution Accepting the Annual Housing Element Progress Report for the 2023 Calendar Year and Authorizing Staff to Submit the Report to the California…
Meeting → Attachment 1 - Resolution, p. 2 → - City Council, Mar 11, 2024, item 4: Resolution Approving the Annual Housing Successor Agency Report July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023, pursuant to Health and Safety Code §34176.1 and Directing Staff…
Meeting → Staff Report, p. 1 → - City project record: Residential Care Facility ordinance process begins
- City Council, Sep 16, 2024, item 11: Public Hearing to Receive Comments on the 20232024 Draft Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) and Resolution Approving the Community…
Meeting → Staff Report, p. 1 → - City Council, Mar 17, 2025, item 8: Public Hearing to Receive Comments on the City’s 20252030 Proposed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Consolidated Plan for the U.S Department…
Meeting → Staff Report, p. 6 → - City Council, Apr 21, 2025, item 9: Public Hearing to Present Findings and Receive Comments on the City’s 20252030 Draft Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consolidated Plan, the Fiscal…
Meeting → Attachment 1 - Resolution, p. 2 → - City Council, May 19, 2025, item 15: Resolution Accepting the Annual Housing Element Progress Report for the 2024 Calendar Year and Authorizing Staff to Submit the Report to the California…
Meeting → - City project record: CDBG 2024-25 CAPER submitted
- City Council, Sep 15, 2025, item 11: Public Hearing to Receive Comments on the 20242025 Draft Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) and Resolution Approving the Community…
Meeting → Staff Report, p. 4 → - Planning Commission, Oct 14, 2025, item 2: Study Session Recommendation to the City of Petaluma Planning Commission to Receive a Staff Presentation and Public Comment and Conduct a Study Session to…
Meeting → Boards Commissions Report, p. 1 → - Planning Commission, Dec 9, 2025, item 3: Public Hearing – Housing Element Implementation: Recommendation to the City of Petaluma Planning Commission to Adopt a Resolution Recommending City Council…
Meeting → Boards Commissions Report, p. 1 → - City project record: RCF Ordinance 2920 NCS — Planning Commission approval
- Planning Commission, Dec 9, 2025, item 4: Public Hearing – Recommendation to the City of Petaluma Planning Commission to Conduct a Public Hearing and Consider a Resolution determining eligibility for…
Meeting → Boards Commissions Report, p. 4 → - City Council, Jan 26, 2026, item 9: Housing Element Implementation Program: Introduction (First Reading) of an Ordinance to Adopt a Zoning Text Amendment to Modify the City of Petaluma…
Meeting → Staff Report, p. 10 → - City project record: RCF Ordinance 2920 NCS — Council first reading
- City project record: Affordable housing support letters issued
- City project record: Unified RCF ordinance — first reading
- City project record: CDBG 2026-27 Annual Action Plan approved
- City project record: 2025 Housing Element Progress Report submitted
- City Council, Sep 28, 2026, item 9: Public Hearing to Receive Comments on the 20252026 Draft Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) and Resolution Approving the Community…
Meeting → Staff Report, p. 1 → - City project record: Ongoing RHNA compliance — rezoning milestones
- City Council, Apr 21, 2025, item 10: Resolution Accepting the Annual Housing Element Progress Report for the 2024 Calendar Year and Authorizing Staff to Submit the Report to the California…
Meeting →
This page is written with AI from the City's meeting records, staff reports, minutes and adopted budgets, and reviewed before it's published. Every statement links to its source. Last updated Nov 3, 2026. Report a problem.