On October 18, 2022, the Napa City Council voted unanimously to adopt the Napa 2040 General Plan, the City’s essential strategy document for guiding the implementation of key projects in Napa through the year 2040. The General Plan outlines the broad plan for addressing "big-picture" issues important to the Napa community, such as: land use, housing, transportation, climate change, community facilities, parks and recreation, historic resources, health and equity, safety, economic development, and more.
As the City evolves demographically, technologically, and economically over the next 20 years, so will policies and best practices that affect the City and the work done in Napa. The General Plan provides a roadmap for the future and provides a framework for additional strategic plans that leverage new information and realities.
The General Plan Update began over four years ago, with a step-by-step process that led with initial community outreach and understanding of community needs; analysis of existing conditions, trends, and opportunities; evaluation of alternatives; and ended with the drafting of the General Plan and the EIR. As part of the outreach process, the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) was formed, consisting of a representative range of community members working closely with City staff and the consultant team to provide valuable input, recommendations, and direction throughout the General Plan Update process. The GPAC was instrumental in the development of key policies and approaches to the General Plan.
Prior to adoption, the draft General Plan was presented to and discussed by the Napa City Council and the Planning Commission, with multiple rounds of edits that responded to comments made by the Council, Commission, and the public. The City Council held a public hearing to consider the 2040 General Plan on September 20, 2022, during which 40 speakers provided comments.
Upon receiving public comment, the City Council took action to adopt a resolution certifying the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and advance the hearing on the General Plan to October 18, subject to edits related to the public’s concerns. In addition to the edits recommended by City Council, City staff also provided clarifying edits to Chapter 1 of the General Plan to better reflect the history of the Rural Urban Limit line (RUL).
Up next, the City will evaluate interim changes to the Zoning Ordinance to ensure that new development is consistent with the Goals and Policies reflected in the General Plan. The Interim Zoning Ordinance will "bridge the gap" until the City completes a comprehensive update of the Zoning Ordinance.
The City is also in the process of updating the Housing Element which will serve as the City's housing plan for the next eight years (2023 - 2031). To learn more about the Housing Element Update and ways to participate, visit www.napahousingelement.com.
“We are grateful many Napa residents provided input on the Napa 2040 General Plan,” said Mayor Scott Sedgely. “From the start, we have always believed that community participation is the heartbeat of the process. As we look ahead to Napa’s bright future, we are proud to have cultivated a robust, community-oriented General Plan that our City can rely on for years to come.”
To learn more about the Napa 2040 General Plan, visit https://napa2040.com/.