On the agenda: Healdsburg meeting — public safety camera (Mar 16)

CITY OF HEALDSBURG
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT
SUCCESSOR AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Meeting Date: March 16, 2026
Time: 06:00 PM
City Hall Council Chamber
401 Grove Street
Healdsburg, CA 95448
To join by computer, tablet, or mobile device:
Go to https://zoom.us/join and type in the Webinar ID: 815 8894 3494 or follow this link:
healdsburg.gov/zoom (Pre-registration for the meeting is not required.)
To view the agenda online, visit healdsburg.gov/agendas. To view the Council Meeting
PowerPoint presentations or correspondence received after the agenda packet has been
posted, visit healdsburg.gov/presentations. To electronically submit correspondence regarding
an item on the agenda, please email [email protected]. Documents and
correspondence received 72 hours prior to the meeting will be posted by 10:00 a.m. the
following business day.
Interpretation Services
Interpretation services are available on-site during City Council meetings. To utilize this
service, please see the interpreter located in the back of the Council Chamber.

1.

CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
1.a

Pledge of Allegiance

1.b

Approval of Agenda

2.

REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION(S)

3.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS
3.a

Proclamation Recognizing the 40th Anniversary of Taqueria El Sombrero

3.b

Proclamation Recognizing March 15-21, 2026 as National Surveyors
Week

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City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Agenda

3.c

March 16, 2026

SMART Sales Tax Renewal Presentation
In September of 2025, the Council requested a presentation on the SMART Sales
Tax renewal effort. Suzanne Smith from Sure Shot Strategies will provide
information on the upcoming SMART Sales Tax Renewal.

3.d

Annual Fire Department Update
Receive the annual Fire Department Update.

4.

CITY MANAGER REPORTS

5.

PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS ON THE CONSENT CALENDAR AND NON
AGENDA ITEMS
This time is set aside to receive comments from the public regarding matters of general
interest not on the agenda, but related to City Council/RSA business. Pursuant to the
Brown Act, however, the City Council cannot consider any issues or take action on any
requests during this comment period. Public comment on non-agenda items is limited to
thirty (30) minutes total for all speakers, with each speaker given no more than three (3)
minutes. If there are more than ten (10) audience/public comment speakers, the Mayor
may reduce each speaker’s time from three (3) minutes so that all speakers have an equal
time to speak. At the Mayor’s discretion, the public comment period may be extended past
30 minutes. Members from the public wishing to speak on a Consent Agenda item should
notify the Mayor during Public Comments.

6.

CONSENT CALENDAR
The following items listed on the Consent Calendar are considered routine in nature or
have been previously reviewed by the Council and require little or no further discussion by
the Council, public, or applicant and action will be taken by the City Council by a single
motion. A Councilmember may request that an item be removed from the Consent
Calendar and action taken separately. Consent by a majority of the Councilmembers
present will be required in order to remove the item. In the event an item is removed, the
matter will be considered immediately following the adoption of the Consent Calendar.
6.a

Traffic Signal Maintenance Contract Amendment with DC Electric Group,
Inc.
Adopt a Resolution approving an amendment to the traffic signal maintenance
contract with DC Electric Group, Inc., increasing the contract amount by $30,000 for
a total not-to-exceed amount of $75,000 and authorizing the City Manager to
execute the contract amendment.

6.b

Land Use Code Amendments to address recent state laws related to SB
9 and SB 684/1123 2nd Reading

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City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Agenda

March 16, 2026

1. Pass an ordinance amending Healdsburg Municipal Code Title 20 to add
Section 20.20.125: SB9 Housing Development.
2. Pass an ordinance amending Healdsburg Municipal Code Title 20 Section
20.20.040: Small Lot Subdivisions and replacing with Section 20.20.040 titled
Small Lot Subdivisions and Housing Development to implement SB 684 and
SB 1123.

6.c

Dry Creek Water Treatment Plant Upgrades – Cryptosporidium
Treatment Project
Adopt a Resolution accepting the Dry Creek Water Treatment Plant Upgrades Cryptosporidium Treatment Project, Project WA001, as complete and authorizing
staff to file Notice of Completion with the County Recorder.

6.d

Establish Fees for Senate Bill 684 and Senate Bill 1123 Implementation
Adopt a Resolution establishing a Tentative Map fee and Final/Parcel/Annexation
Map fee pursuant to Senate Bill 684 (SB 684) and Senate Bill 1123 (SB 1123).

6.e

Housing Annual Progress Report 2025
Accept the 2025 Annual Progress Report (APR) and authorize its submission to the
Governor’s Office of Planning and Research and the California Department of
Housing and Community Development.

6.f

Approval of Minutes
Approve the March 2, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes.

7.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

8.

OLD BUSINESS

9.

NEW BUSINESS
9.a

City Council Manual of Procedures and Protocols
Review draft City Council Manual of Procedures and Protocols and provide direction
to staff.

10. COUNCIL REPORTS ON MATTERS OF INTEREST OCCURRING SINCE
PREVIOUS REGULAR MEETING/EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT REPORTS
11. ADJOURN CITY COUNCIL/RSA MEETING

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City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Agenda

March 16, 2026

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
12.a

Future Agenda Items List for 2026

SB 343 - DOCUMENTS RELATED TO OPEN SESSION AGENDAS: Any writings
or documents provided to a majority of the City Council/Redevelopment Successor
Agency Board regarding any item on this agenda after the posting of this agenda
and not otherwise exempt from disclosure, will be made available for public review
in the City Clerk's Office located at City Hall, 401 Grove Street, Healdsburg, during
normal business hours. If supplemental materials are made available to the
members of the City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency Board at the
meeting, a copy will be available for public review at the City Hall Council
Chambers, 401 Grove Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448.
These writings will be made available in appropriate alternative formats upon
request by a person with a disability, as required by the Americans with Disabilities
Act.
DISABLED ACCOMMODATIONS: The City of Healdsburg will make reasonable
accommodations for persons having special needs due to disabilities. Please
contact Raina Allan, City Clerk, at Healdsburg City Hall, 401 Grove Street,
Healdsburg, California, 431-3317, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting, to ensure
the necessary accommodations are made.

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Item 3.a
CITY OF HEALDSBURG
PROCLAMATION
A PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF
HEALDSBURG
CELEBRATING
THE
40TH
ANNIVERSARY OF TAQUERIA EL SOMBRERO
WHEREAS, Taqueria El Sombrero was founded on March 6, 1986, by Benjamin and
Celina Sanchez; and
WHEREAS, in the early 1970s, Benjamin Sanchez came to the United States from Mexico
alone, leaving behind his wife Celina and their young children in pursuit of opportunity and the
hope of building a stable and prosperous life for his family; and
WHEREAS, after establishing work in Sonoma County’s vineyards and securing a home,
Benjamin returned to Mexico to reunite with Celina, and later brought their children to join them,
reuniting the family in Healdsburg after years of sacrifice and determination; and
WHEREAS, Benjamin and Celina worked throughout Sonoma County’s vineyards for
fifteen years, demonstrating resilience and dedication while saving to realize their dream of
opening a family-owned restaurant; and
WHEREAS, with the support of their children, Ben and Lety, who helped their parents
tirelessly during the early years of operation, Taqueria El Sombrero became a beloved gathering
place rooted in family values, hard work, and authentic hospitality; and
WHEREAS, their son, Jimmy Sanchez, now carries forward the family legacy by
overseeing the restaurant’s day-to-day operations, ensuring continuity across generations while
preserving the traditions and spirit established by his parents; and
WHEREAS, for four decades, Taqueria El Sombrero has served not only food but also
community, becoming an anchor of local culture, familiarity, and connection in the heart of
Healdsburg’s plaza; and
WHEREAS, the restaurant has demonstrated an enduring commitment to community
service and generosity through support and donations benefiting numerous local schools and
organizations; and
WHEREAS, the City of Healdsburg proudly recognizes local businesses whose dedication,
perseverance, and community spirit strengthen the social and cultural fabric of our city; and
WHEREAS, Taqueria El Sombrero represents the spirit of Healdsburg itself, familycentered, hardworking, welcoming, and deeply connected to community history and identity.

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Item 3.a
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the City Council of the City of Healdsburg do
hereby recognize and celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Taqueria El Sombrero, honoring the
Sanchez family for four decades of entrepreneurship, cultural contribution, and community
stewardship.
Dated: March 16, 2026
So Ordered:

__________________________________________
J. Chris Herrod, Mayor

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Item 3.b
CITY OF HEALDSBURG
PROCLAMATION
A PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HEALDSBURG DECLARING MARCH 15-21, 2026 AS
NATIONAL SURVEYORS WEEK IN THE CITY OF
HEALDBURG
WHEREAS, Surveying has been an essential element in the development of the human
environment since the beginning of recorded history and it is a requirement in the planning and
execution of nearly every form of construction with its most familiar modern uses in the fields of
transport, building and construction, communications, mapping, and the definition of legal
boundaries for land ownership; and
WHEREAS, in order to accomplish their objectives, surveyors use elements of
engineering, physics, mathematics, astronomy, law, and history; and
WHEREAS, since the colonial days of the United States, surveyors have been leaders in
the community, statesmen, influential citizens, and shapers of cultural standards. Former notable
surveyors include George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Lewis and Clark,
Daniel Boone, and Henry David Thoreau, among many others; and
WHEREAS, many services are now provided through the use of sophisticated surveying
equipment and techniques, including satellite-borne remote sensing devices and automated
positioning, measuring, recording, and plotting equipment; and
WHEREAS, the establishment of the week of March 15-21, 2026 as National Surveyors
Week is a fitting tribute to all surveyors.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the City Council of the City of Healdsburg
hereby declares the week of March 15-21, 2026, as National Surveyor’s Week in the City of
Healdsburg.
DATED: March 16, 2026
SO ORDERED:
________________________________
J. Chris Herrod, Mayor

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Item 3.c

SMART for the Future:

A 30 Year Extension, Without Raising Taxes

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Item 3.c

SMART: More Than a Train
Connecting The North Bay
Essential: Provides reliable transportation for students, seniors, and workers.
Connective: A backbone for the North Bay’s "multi-modal" network.
Climate & Community:
• Reduces carbon emissions by taking cars off the road.
• Enhances local bike/pedestrian infrastructure through the multi-use pathway
• Connects residents to jobs, healthcare, and education across Sonoma and Marin.
Supports Livable Communities
• Provides access to opportunity; 31% of riders have household income under $60K
• Helped communities win over $133M in Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities grants
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Item 3.c

Protecting Our Investment:
Continuing Vital Transit Without Raising Taxes
The Big Picture: This measure does not raise taxes. It reauthorizes the existing public
revenue stream for SMART.
The Impact:
• Ensures the long-term survival of the North Bay’s only passenger rail and multi-use
pathways.
• Record usage: Ridership/use estimate = 1.4M riders/1.2M pathway trips in FY26
• Reduced vehicle trips by 920K in FY25; carried 23M+ passenger miles
Regional Benefit:
• Surging ridership: Nearly 30% growth in the last year
• Provides a viable alternative to the congestion of the Highway 101 corridor.
• Free fares for youth and seniors- farebox recovery has increased along with these new
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users

Item 3.c

Built in accountability
• The SMART Initiative is on the ballot in June 2026 and is:
• Independent: Funds are audited annually by a Citizen’s
Oversight Committee and spent only on SMART.
• Locally controlled: Decisions are made here in the North
Bay, not in Sacramento or Washington D.C.
• A force-multiplier: SMART makes us a self-help region and has
brought over $735m in grants to our region.
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Broad Community-Based Support
SMART is Locally Controlled and Widely Endorsed
Broad Coalition Support:
• Voters: Over 71,000 signatures collected—3 months ahead of schedule.
• Labor: North Bay Labor Council, OE3, SEIU1021, et al
• Environment: Sierra Club, Marin and Sonoma County Bicycle Coalitions.
• Business: North Bay Leadership Council, Local Chambers of
Commerce (Santa Rosa, San Rafael, Petaluma).
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Item 3.c

Item 3.c

QUESTIONS?

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Item 6.a

CITY OF HEALDSBURG
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA STAFF REPORT

MEETING DATE: March 16, 2026
SUBJECT:

Traffic Signal Maintenance Contract Amendment with DC Electric Group,
Inc.

PREPARED BY:

Curt Bates, Principal Engineer

STRATEGIC INITIATIVE(S):
Maintain and Improve Infrastructures and Facilities

RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Adopt a Resolution approving an amendment to the traffic signal maintenance contract with DC
Electric Group, Inc., increasing the contract amount by $30,000 for a total not-to-exceed amount
of $75,000 and authorizing the City Manager to execute the contract amendment.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT/OUTREACH:
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND:
The Public Works Department maintains thirteen signalized intersections. The Public Works
Department also maintains six above ground lighted crosswalks, and three flashing beacons. The
traffic signal maintenance contract includes a comprehensive maintenance and repair program to
provide performance, reliability, and functional requirements necessary to achieve a high quality
of operation at a reasonable cost to the City. While enhancing public perception and experience,
the traffic signal maintenance contract is designed to maximize safety and minimize delay, with
an overall reduction in cost and exposure to the City.
The City currently relies on contract services from DC Electric Group, Inc. to provide support for
traffic signal system maintenance and repair. The annual traffic signal maintenance contract
provides 24-hour support and a full inventory of replacement parts.
Contracted services include annual equipment maintenance, unscheduled maintenance and repair,
as well as additional services as needed by the City. No extra work is performed without consent
from the City, and a quote or informal bid is submitted for approval prior to commencement of
said extra work. All maintenance and repairs are performed in accordance with the California
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, City standards and specifications, and Caltrans

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Item 6.a
standard specifications.
The authorized contract amount for this fiscal year is $45,000 and this is the fifth year of the fiveyear contract.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
The Public Works Department has used the full balance of the available funding on the contract
this fiscal year. The costs to date included performing routine required preventative maintenance
inspections at all traffic signals, replacing faded street name signs at various intersections,
replacing signal lamps and photo cells, replacing the traffic signal controller at Healdsburg Avenue
and Parkland Farms, several emergency responses, replacing implementing advance pedestrian
crossing timing at Healdsburg Avenue and Matheson Street as well as Healdsburg Avenue and
North Street, and troubleshooting problems at Healdsburg Avenue and Boxheart Drive. To
accommodate the expected expenses and have adequate funding for possible emergency work, it
is recommended that this fiscal year’s authorized contract be increased by an additional $30,000.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP:
Not applicable.
ALTERNATIVES:
As an alternative, City Council may choose to reject this amendment and provide further direction
to staff.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The proposed increase to the DC Electric Group, Inc. contract will increase the current Fiscal Year
not-to-exceed amount from $45,000 to $75,000. It is anticipated that there are sufficient
appropriations in the streets fund to support the proposed contract increase.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
If the City Council chooses to approve the amendment, the project is not subject to environmental
review because the proposed repair or maintenance will occur to existing structures or facilities
and qualifies for a class 1 categorical exemption under California Environmental Quality Act
Guidelines Section 15301.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Resolution with Exhibit A

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Item 6.a
CITY OF HEALDSBURG
RESOLUTION NO. ___-2026
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HEALDSBURG APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE
TRAFFIC SIGNAL MAINTENANCE CONTRACT WITH DC
ELECTRIC GROUP, INC., INCREASING THE CURRENT
YEAR NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT FROM $45,000 TO
$75,000 AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
EXECUTE THE CONTRACT AMENDMENT
WHEREAS, the Public Works Department maintains 13 signalized intersections; and
WHEREAS, the Public Works Department also maintains six above ground lighted
crosswalks, and three flashing beacons; and
WHEREAS, the traffic signal maintenance contract includes a comprehensive
maintenance and repair program to provide performance, reliability, and functional requirements
necessary in order to achieve a high quality of operation at reasonable cost to the city; and
WHEREAS, the traffic signal maintenance contract is designed to maximize safety and
minimize delay, with an overall reduction in cost and exposure to the city; and
WHEREAS, the annual traffic signal maintenance contract provides 24-hr support and a
full inventory of replacement parts; and
WHEREAS, City Council awarded the FY 2021-22 traffic signal maintenance contract to
DC Electric Group, Inc. on August 2, 2021; and
WHEREAS, the resolution authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement and
amendments for four additional years upon mutual consent by the City and DC Electric Group,
Inc.; and
WHEREAS, the Public Works Department has already used the full balance of available
funding on the contract this fiscal year and anticipates another $30,000 in maintenance and repair
costs during FY 2025-26; and
WHEREAS, staff is recommending that council approve an amendment to add additional
funding for required maintenance and repairs to the current traffic signal maintenance contract
scope of work, and authorize the City Manager to execute the FY 2025-26 amendment on behalf
of the city; and
WHEREAS, the proposed maintenance will occur to existing structures or facilities and
qualifies for a Class 1 categorical exemption under California Environmental Quality Act
Guidelines Section 15301.

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Item 6.a
Resolution No. -2026
Page 2

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Healdsburg
hereby:
1. Finds that the proposed maintenance will occur to existing structures or facilities and
qualifies for a Class 1 categorical exemption under California Environmental Quality Act
Guidelines Section 15301. Therefore, no further CEQA or environmental review is
required.
2. Approves an amendment to the traffic signal maintenance contract between the City of
Healdsburg and D.C. Electric Group Inc. to add additional funding for required
maintenance and repairs, increasing the current not-to exceed amount by $30,000 for FY
2025-26.
3. Authorizes the City Manager to execute the amendment on behalf of the City.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Healdsburg this
16th day of March 2026, by the following vote:
SO ORDERED:

ATTEST:

________________________________
J. Chris Herrod, Mayor

__________________________________
Raina Allan, City Clerk

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Item 6.a
Resolution No. -2026
Page 3

Exhibit A
Account Number

FY 24-25 Budget Amendment
Increase
Decrease
Description
Amount
Amount

510-6162-43205-0000

$30,000

N/A

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Increase Streets Repairs and
Maintenance Expense for DC
Electric Group Contract

Item 6.b

CITY OF HEALDSBURG
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA STAFF REPORT

MEETING DATE: March 16, 2026
SUBJECT:

Land Use Code Amendments to address recent state laws related to SB 9
and SB 684/1123 2nd Reading

PREPARED BY:

Ellen McDowell, Senior Planner

STRATEGIC INITIATIVE(S):
Provide Effective Governance

RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
1. Pass an ordinance amending Healdsburg Municipal Code Title 20 to add Section 20.20.125:
SB9 Housing Development.
2. Pass an ordinance amending Healdsburg Municipal Code Title 20 Section 20.20.040: Small Lot
Subdivisions and replacing with Section 20.20.040 titled Small Lot Subdivisions and Housing
Development to implement SB 684 and SB 1123.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT/OUTREACH:
A public hearing notice was published in the Press Democrat and posted at City Hall.
BACKGROUND:
On February 17, 2026, the City Council introduced an ordinance adding Section 20.20.125: SB9
Housing Development, and an ordinance amending Healdsburg Municipal Code Title 20 Section
20.20.040: Small Lot Subdivisions and replacing with Section 20.20.040 titled Small Lot
Subdivisions and Housing Development to implement SB 684 and SB 1123.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
Amendments to the Healdsburg Municipal Code include:
1) Adding Section 20.20.125 (SB9 Housing Development) to implement Senate Bill
9 and formalize Urban Lot Split and Two Unit Development requirements in the
Healdsburg Municipal Code. The addition of this new chapter will provide clarity to
applicants, staff, and decision makers, while ensuring compliance with state law.
2) Replacing Title 20, Section 20.20.040 (Small Lot Subdivisions) with a new Section
20.20.040 (Small Lot Subdivisions and Housing Development) and other minor
conforming changes to remove references to the previous small lot subdivision

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Item 6.b
section and add new references to include Small Lot Subdivisions and Housing
Development throughout the code. This new section will implement Senate Bill 684
and Senate Bill 1123 and provide clarity to applicants, staff, and decision makers,
while ensuring compliance with state law.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP:
Not applicable.
ALTERNATIVES:
No alternatives are provided in that the requested action is the second reading of an ordinance.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The recommended action related to Healdsburg Municipal Code amendments will not result in a
direct fiscal impact to the City.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
The amendments are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to
Public Resources Code section 21080.17 and CEQA Guidelines section 15282(h), which exempts
adoption of ordinances implementing State law regarding SB9 and SB 684/1123. Further, the
proposed Amendments are categorically exempt from CEQA because it can be seen with certainty
that there is no possibility that the adoption of the proposed Amendments will have a significant
effect on the environment. (CEQA Guidelines, 14 Cal. Code of Regs. Section 15061(b)(3)).
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Senate Bill 9 Housing Development Ordinance
2. Senate Bill 684 / Senate Bill 1123 Small Lot Subdivisions and Housing Development Ordinance

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Item 6.b

CITY OF HEALDSBURG
ORDINANCE NO. ____
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HEALDSBURG ADDING SECTION 20.20.125 TO THE
HEALDSBURG MUNICIPAL CODE TO IMPLEMENT SENATE
BILL 9 AND SENATE BILL 450 (CEQA EXEMPT)
WHEREAS, on January 1, 2022, Senate Bill 9 (Chapter 162, Statutes of 2021) (“SB 9”)
went into effect, amending Section 66452.6 of the California Government Code and adding to the
Government Code Sections 65852.21 and 66411.7, requiring ministerial approval of certain
additional housing units and “urban lot splits,” as defined, on properties within single-family
zones; and
WHEREAS, on January 1, 2025, Senate Bill 450 (“SB 450”) went into effect, amending
SB 9 by reducing the authority of local jurisdictions to regulate SB 9 projects, including restrictions
on applicable standards, and strict approval timelines; and
WHEREAS, state law allows a local agency to adopt an ordinance to implement the
provisions in SB 9 as amended by SB 450; and
WHEREAS, the City of Healdsburg has implemented land use policies based on the
Healdsburg 2030 General Plan, which provide an overall vision for the community and balance
important community needs, and the City seeks to ensure that SB 9 projects are consistent with
those policies; and
WHEREAS, the City of Healdsburg Municipal Code (HMC) Chapter 20 Land Use Code
(LUC) regulates allowable and development standards within the City; and
WHEREAS, HMC amendments (“Amendments”) are proposed to establish an application
process and approval requirements for compliance with SB 9 as amended by SB 450 ; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a Workshop on September 23, 2025, at which
time it reviewed the proposed Amendments and considered all public comments, written and oral,
and provided input on policy options to staff on the revisions; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on January 27,
2026, at which time it reviewed the proposed Amendments and considered all public comments,
written and oral, on the revisions and the related CEQA exemption; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission made the following affirmative findings pursuant
to HMC Section 20.28.280 in support of the proposed addition to the Municipal Code and
recommended the City Council adopt an ordinance approving them:

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Item 6.b
A. The Amendments are consistent with the Healdsburg 2030 General Plan including the
goals and policies of the Housing Element, in that no conflicts with any Goals, Policies,
Programs or measures of the Healdsburg General Plan 2030 have been identified, and
the Amendments promote the development of housing.
B. The Amendments are consistent with the objectives of the Land Use Code contained in
Section 20.04.010 given that: a) adoption of the proposed Amendments will continue to
protect and promote the public health, safety and general welfare of the community by
providing updated standards; and b) the Amendments will implement the goals, policies,
and programs contained in the Healdsburg 2030 General Plan and Housing Element.
C. The Planning Commission has conducted a public hearing on the draft Amendments
with hearing notices provided as prescribed in Land Use Code Section 20.28.080,
including newspaper publication at least 20 days prior to the hearing date.
D. The Amendments are “not a project” under the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) pursuant to Government Code sections 65852.21(k) and 66411.7(n), because
they are being adopted to implement Government Code sections 65852.21 and 66411.7.
Even if the Amendment were considered a project, they would be exempt from CEQA
pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (the “common sense exemption”)
because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the Amendments
will have a significant effect on the environment. The proposed Amendments make
clarifying changes to the Municipal Code and will not allow for, nor encourage, any
more development than is already anticipated under the City’s General Plan, or
otherwise allow for or promote physical changes in the environment and, therefore, it
can be seen with certainty that there is not a possibility that the proposed Amendments
may have a significant impact on the environment.
WHEREAS, on February 17, 2026, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing at
which time it reviewed the proposed Amendments and considered all public comments, written
and oral, on the revisions and the related CEQA exemption; and
WHEREAS, based upon the Planning Commission’s findings and recommendations, the
City Council finds that the Amendments are consistent with the General Plan including the Goals,
Policies, and Implementation Measures of the Housing, Land Use, and Economic Development
Elements of the adopted General Plan, and that the Amendments are internally consistent with all
other provisions of the Municipal Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Healdsburg does ordain as follows:
Section 1.

Findings.

The above recitals are hereby declared to be true and correct findings of the City Council
of the City of Healdsburg.

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Item 6.b
Section 2.
CHAPTER 20.20 Standards for Specific Land Uses shall be amended to include a
new Section 20.20.115 titled “Senate Bill 9 – Housing Development” and read as follows:
A. Purpose.
The purpose of this section is to establish objective standards and regulations to govern the
development of qualified Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) projects within the City of Healdsburg. The
establishment of these regulations will result in the orderly subdivision and development of
qualified SB 9 projects, while ensuring that new units are consistent with objective standards and
do not create any significant impacts with regard to public health or safety. The regulations are
intended to implement state law as reflected in Government Code Sections 65852.21 and 66411.7
and any successor provisions. If any standard or requirement contained herein is more restrictive
than what is allowed for under state law, then state law shall control.
B. Definitions.
“Adjacent parcel” means any parcel of land that is (1) touching the parcel at any point; (2)
separated from the parcel at any point only by a public right-of-way, private street or way, or
public or private utility, service, or access easement; or (3) separated from another parcel only
by other real property which is in common ownership or control of the applicant.
“Car share vehicle” means a motor vehicle that is operated as part of a regional fleet by a public
or private car sharing company or organization and provides hourly or daily service.
“Common ownership or control” means property owned or controlled by the same person,
persons, or entity, or by separate entities in which any shareholder, partner, member, or family
member of an investor of the entity owns ten percent or more of the interest in the property.
“High quality transit” means a transit corridor with a fixed-route bus service or rail service that
meets a service interval frequency of 15 minutes or less during peak commute hours.
“Net habitable square feet” is the finished and heated floor area fully enclosed by the inside
surface of walls, windows, doors, and partitions, and having a headroom of at least six and a half
feet, including working, living, eating, cooking, sleeping, hall, service, and storage areas, but
excluding garages, carports, parking spaces, cellars, half-stories, and unfinished attics and
basements.
“Two-Unit Development” means a development that proposes no more than two new primary
dwelling units or proposes to add one new unit to one existing unit, all subject to this Section.
Individual primary dwelling units that comprise a Two-Unit Development may be referred to as
an “SB 9 Unit”.
“Urban Lot Split” means a subdivision of an existing parcel into no more than two separate parcels
that meets all the criteria and standards set forth in this section.
C. SB 9 Urban Lot Split Eligibility.

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Item 6.b
The Planning and Building Director shall ministerially review an application for an Urban Lot
Split and shall approve the application if the project meets all of the criteria in Government Code
Section 66411.7 as well as all of the following requirements:
1. Parcel Requirements. The parcel subject to the Urban Lot Split is located within one of the
City’s single family residential zones: R-1-3,500, R-1-6,000, R-1-12,500, R-1-20,000, R1-40,000 or DR, and is not any of the following:
a. Established through a prior exercise of an Urban Lot Split as provided for in this
section.
b. Adjacent to another parcel where either the owner of the parcel proposing to be
subdivided or any person acting in concert with said owner has previously subdivided
that adjacent parcel using an Urban Lot Split. For the purposes of this section, "any
person acting in concert" with the owners includes, but is not limited to, an individual
or entity operating on behalf of, acting jointly with, or in partnership or another form
of cooperative relationship with, the property owner.
c. Located within a historical landmark property included on the State Historic Resources
inventory, as defined in Section 5020.1 of the Public Resources Code, or within a site
that is designated or listed as a City or County landmark pursuant to a City or County
ordinance.
d. Fully encumbered with a conservation easement or identified for conservation in an
adopted natural community conservation plan pursuant to the Natural Community
Conservation Planning Act (Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division
3 of the Fish and Game Code), habitat conservation plan pursuant to the Federal
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. Section 1531 et seq.), or other adopted
natural resource protection plan.
e. Designated prime farmland or farmland of Statewide importance, as defined pursuant
to United States Department of Agriculture land inventory and monitoring criteria, as
modified for California, and designated on the maps prepared by the Farmland
Mapping and Monitoring Program of the Department of Conservation, or land zoned
or designated for agricultural protection or preservation by a local ballot measure.
f. Contains wetlands, as defined in the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Manual,
Part 660 FW 2 (June 21, 1993), that would prevent the development of the parcel.
g. Located within a very high fire hazard severity zone, as determined by the Department
of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to Government Code Section 51178, or within
a high or very high fire hazard severity zone as indicated on maps adopted by the
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to Section 4202 of the Public
Resources Code. This subsection does not apply to parcels that have been excluded
from specific hazard zones by actions of the City pursuant to Government Code Section
51179(b), or parcels that have adopted fire hazard mitigation measures pursuant to
existing building standards or state fire mitigation measures applicable to the
development.
h. Has a hazardous waste site that is listed pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5
or a hazardous waste site designated by the Department of Toxic Substances Control

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Item 6.b
pursuant to Section 25356 of the Health and Safety Code, unless the State Department
of Public Health, State Water Resources Control Board, or Department of Toxic
Substances Control has cleared the site for residential use or residential mixed uses.
i. Located within a special flood hazard area subject to inundation by the one percent
annual chance flood (100-year flood) as determined by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) in any official maps published by FEMA. However, an
Urban Lot Split may be located on a parcel described in this subsection if the parcel is
otherwise eligible for approval under the provisions of this section and the project
applicant is able to satisfy all applicable Federal qualifying criteria demonstrating
either of the following is met:
i. The site has been subject to a letter of map revision prepared by the FEMA and
issued to the City.
ii. The site meets FEMA requirements necessary to meet minimum floodplain
management criteria of the National Flood Insurance Program pursuant to Part
59 (commencing with Section 59.1) and Part 60 (commencing with Section
60.1) of Subchapter B of Chapter I of Title 44 of the Code of Federal
Regulations.
j. Located Within a regulatory floodway as determined by the FEMA in any official maps
published by the FEMA, unless the project has received a no-rise certification in
accordance with Section 60.3(d)(3) of Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
k. Contains habitat for protected species identified as candidate, sensitive, or species of
special status by State or Federal agencies, fully protected species, or species protected
by the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. Section 1531 et seq.), the
California Endangered Species Act (Chapter 1.5 (commencing with Section 2050) of
Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code), or the Native Plant Protection Act (Chapter 10
(commencing with Section 1900) of Division 2 of the Fish and Game Code).
2. The Urban Lot Split would not require demolition or alteration of either of the following:
a. A contributing structure located within either a historic district that is included on the
California Register of Historical Resources or within a historic district listed or
designated pursuant to a City or County ordinance.
b. An existing exterior structural wall of a structure located within either a historic district
that is included on the California Register of Historical Resources or within a historic
district listed or designated pursuant to a City or County ordinance.
3. The Urban Lot Split would not require the demolition or alteration of any of the following
types of housing:
a. Housing that is subject to a recorded covenant, ordinance, or law that restricts rents to
levels affordable to persons and families of moderate, low, or very low income.
b. Housing that is subject to any form of rent or price control through a public entity's
valid exercise of its police power.
c. A parcel or parcels on which an owner of residential real property has exercised the
owner's rights under Government Code Section 7060 et seq. to withdraw
accommodations from rent or lease within 15 years before the date that the
development proponent submits an application.

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Item 6.b
d. Housing that has been occupied by a tenant in the last three years.
4. Objective development standards. The following standards apply to all Urban Lot Splits:
a. The Urban Lot Split shall create no more than two new parcels of approximately equal
area provided that one parcel shall not be smaller than 40% of the lot area of the original
parcel proposed for subdivision. In no instance shall any resulting parcel be smaller
than 1,200 square feet in area.
b. No more than two dwelling units shall be permitted on each lot resulting from an Urban
Lot Split. For the purposes of this subsection, “dwelling unit” means a primary
dwelling unit, an SB 9 unit, an accessory dwelling unit, or a junior accessory dwelling
unit.
c. The following requirements related to the design or to improvements of the parcel:
i. The front parcel line of any newly created parcel shall be the parcel line that is
closest to or parallel to the public or private road that serves the parcel.
ii. No more than one driveway cut is permitted for each parcel.
iii. The requirements of this subsection c shall be waived by the Planning and
Building Director if the applicable regulation at issue would physically
preclude the construction of two SB 9 units on either resulting parcel or would
result in an SB 9 unit from being less than 800 square feet in floor area.
d. Easements for access and public and private utilities shall be provided for any newly
created parcel that does not front a public street or private street that provides access to
the public right of way.
e. Separate utility meters shall be provided for each parcel prior to recordation.
f. Required rear and side yard setbacks shall equal four feet, except that no setback shall
be required for an existing legally created structure or a structure constructed in the
same location and to the same dimensions as an existing legally created structure.
g. The Urban Lot Split shall conform to all applicable objective requirements of the
Subdivision Map Act (commencing with Government Code Section 66410), except
as otherwise expressly provided in Government Code Section 66411.7.
Notwithstanding Government Code Section 66411.1, no dedications of rights-ofway or the construction of offsite improvements may be required as a condition of
approval for an Urban Lot Split, although easements may be required for the
provision of public services and facilities.
h. Proposed adjacent or connected dwelling units shall be permitted if they meet building
code safety standards and are designed sufficiently to allow separate conveyance.
5. Additional Requirements for Urban Lot Splits.
a. The correction of nonconforming zoning conditions may not be required for
approval of an Urban Lot Split.
b. Parcels created by an Urban Lot Split may be used for residential purposes only
and may not be used for rentals of less than 30 days.
c. Owner-Occupancy Affidavit. The applicant for an Urban Lot Split shall sign an
affidavit, in the form approved by the City Attorney, stating that the applicant
intends to occupy one of the housing units on the newly created lots as its principal
residence for a minimum of three years from the date of the approval of the Urban

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Item 6.b
Lot Split. This subsection shall not apply to an applicant that is a “community land
trust,” as defined in clause (ii) of subparagraph (C) of paragraph (11) of subdivision
(a) of Section 402.1 of the Revenue and Taxation Code or is a “qualified nonprofit
corporation” as described in Section 214.15 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.
i. If any existing dwelling unit is proposed to be demolished, the applicant will
comply with the replacement housing provisions of Government Code Section
66300(d).
j. An Urban Lot Split is subject to all impact or development fees related to the creation
of a new parcel and applicable fee schedules adopted by the City Council.
d. Recorded Covenant. Prior to the approval and recordation of the parcel map, the
applicant shall record a restrictive covenant and agreement in the form prescribed by
the City Attorney, which shall run with the land and provide for the following:
i. A prohibition against further subdivision of the parcel using the Urban Lot Split
procedures as provided for in this section;
ii. A limitation restricting the property to residential uses only; and
iii. A requirement that any dwelling units on the property may be rented or leased
only for a period longer than thirty (30) days.
The City Manager or designee is authorized to enter into the covenant and agreement on
behalf of the City and to deliver any approvals or consents required by the covenant. The
above restrictions shall also be notated on the final parcel map.
6. Specific Adverse Impacts. In addition to the criteria listed in this section, a proposed Urban
Lot Split may be denied if the building official makes a written finding, based on a
preponderance of the evidence, that the proposed housing development project would have a
specific, adverse impact upon public health and safety, for which there is no feasible method
to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact. A “specific adverse impact” is
a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified
written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the
application was deemed complete. Inconsistency with the zoning ordinance or general plan
land use designation and eligibility to claim a welfare exemption are not specific health or
safety impacts.
D. SB 9 Two-Unit Development Eligibility.
The Planning and Building Director shall ministerially approve an application for a Two-Unit
Development if the project meets all of the criteria in Government Code Section 65852.21 and all
of the following requirements:
1. Parcel Requirements. The parcel subject to the Two Unit Development is located within one
of the City’s single family residential zones: R-1-3,500, R-1-6,000, R-1-12,500, R-1-20,000 or
R-1-40,000, and is not any of the following:
a. Fully encumbered with a conservation easement or identified for conservation in an
adopted natural community conservation plan pursuant to the Natural Community
Conservation Planning Act (Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division
3 of the Fish and Game Code), habitat conservation plan pursuant to the Federal
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. Section 1531 et seq.), or other adopted
natural resource protection plan.

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Item 6.b
b.

Designated prime farmland or farmland of Statewide importance, as defined pursuant
to United States Department of Agriculture land inventory and monitoring criteria, as
modified for California, and designated on the maps prepared by the Farmland
Mapping and Monitoring Program of the Department of Conservation, or land zoned
or designated for agricultural protection or preservation by a local ballot measure.
c. Contains wetlands, as defined in the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Manual,
Part 660 FW 2 (June 21, 1993), that would prevent the development of the parcel.
d. Located within a very high fire hazard severity zone, as determined by the Department
of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to Government Code Section 51178, or within
a high or very high fire hazard severity zone as indicated on maps adopted by the
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to Section 4202 of the Public
Resources Code. This subsection does not apply to parcels that have been excluded
from specific hazard zones by actions of the City pursuant to Government Code Section
51179(b), or parcels that have adopted fire hazard mitigation measures pursuant to
existing building standards or state fire mitigation measures applicable to the
development.
e. Has a hazardous waste site that is listed pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5
or a hazardous waste site designated by the Department of Toxic Substances Control
pursuant to Section 25356 of the Health and Safety Code, unless the State Department
of Public Health, State Water Resources Control Board, or Department of Toxic
Substances Control has cleared the site for residential use or residential mixed uses.
f. Located within a special flood hazard area subject to inundation by the one percent
annual chance flood (100-year flood) as determined by FEMA in any official maps
published by the FEMA. However, a Two-Unit Development may be located on a
parcel described in this subsection if the parcel is otherwise eligible for approval under
the provisions of this section and the project applicant is able to satisfy all applicable
Federal qualifying criteria demonstrating either of the following is met:
i.
The site has been subject to a letter of map revision prepared by the FEMA
and issued to the City.
ii.
The site meets FEMA requirements necessary to meet minimum floodplain
management criteria of the National Flood Insurance Program pursuant to
Part 59 (commencing with Section 59.1) and Part 60 (commencing with
Section 60.1) of Subchapter B of Chapter I of Title 44 of the Code of Federal
Regulations.
g. Located within a regulatory floodway as determined by the FEMA in any official maps
published by FEMA, unless the project has received a no-rise certification in
accordance with Section 60.3(d)(3) of Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
h. Contains habitat for protected species identified as candidate, sensitive, or species of
special status by State or Federal agencies, fully protected species, or species protected
by the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. Section 1531 et seq.), the
California Endangered Species Act (Chapter 1.5 (commencing with Section 2050) of
Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code), or the Native Plant Protection Act (Chapter 10
(commencing with Section 1900) of Division 2 of the Fish and Game Code).
2. The Two-Unit Development is not located in either the following:
a. A contributing structure within a historic district included on the State Historic
Resources Inventory, as defined in Section 5020.1 of the Public Resources Code,
or historic property or district pursuant to a City or County ordinance.
b. A parcel individually listed as a historical resource included in the State Historic
Resources Inventory, as defined in Section 5020.1 of the Public Resources Code, or

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Item 6.b
within a property individually designated or listed as a City or County landmark under
a City or County ordinance.
3. The Two-Unit Development would not require the demolition or alteration of any of the
following types of housing:
a. Housing that is subject to a recorded covenant, ordinance, or law that restricts rents to
levels affordable to persons and families of moderate, low, or very low income.
b. Housing that is subject to any form of rent or price control through a public entity's
valid exercise of its police power.
c. A parcel or parcels on which an owner of residential real property has exercised the
owner's rights under Government Code Section 7060 et seq. to withdraw
accommodations from rent or lease within 15 years before the date that the
development proponent submits an application.
d. Housing that has been occupied by a tenant in the last three years.
4. Objective development standards for SB 9 units (Two-Unit Developments. The following
objective development standards and regulations apply to the development of SB 9 units.
a. Number of units permitted. For parcels not created through an Urban Lot Split, the
following unit types and count shall be permitted on a single parcel provided the
provisions of this Section have been met:
i.
A primary dwelling unit;
ii.
A primary dwelling unit and an SB 9 unit;
iii.
A primary dwelling unit, SB 9 unit, and/or any combination of ADU(s),
JADUs as provided by Section 20.20.010 and state law, provided that no
more than four units total, in any of the above combinations, shall be allowed
on a single parcel.
b. For parcels created through an Urban Lot Split, the following unit types shall be
permitted provided the provisions of this Section have been met:
i.
Up to two primary dwelling units, consisting of existing or proposed primary
dwellings or SB 9 units; or
ii.
Any combination of a primary dwelling unit or SB 9 unit and an ADU or
JADU.
iii.
No more than two units shall be allowed on a parcel resulting from an Urban
Lot Split.
c. Unit size and new construction. The maximum size for one SB 9 unit shall be 1,750 net
habitable square feet with a maximum height of 35 feet.
d. Setbacks.
i.
The minimum front yard setback for any new SB 9 dwelling unit shall be in
conformance with the zoning designation for the proposed unit. The setback
shall be measured from the front wall to the front property line.
ii.
Side and rear setbacks shall be a minimum of 4 feet from the side and rear
property lines.
iii.
No setback shall be required for an existing structure or a structure
constructed in the same location and to the same dimensions as an existing
structure.
e. Units shall not be constructed in the following locations:
i.
In areas encumbered by a recorded easement, including but not limited to,
public utility easements, conservation easements, access easements, general
public easements and open space easements.

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Item 6.b
ii.

Within 25 feet of a stream or creek, with the exception of Foss Creek, in
which case the setback shall be 35’ pursuant to Section 20.24.090.
f. Required Parking. One on-site parking space is required per unit, unless:
i.
The property is located within one-half mile of a high-quality transit corridor
or major transit stop; and/or
ii.
There is a designated parking area for one or more car share vehicles within
one block of the parcel.
Any required parking space may be covered or uncovered and shall be a minimum of
9’x18’ pursuant to Section 20.16.155.
g. Occupancy Requirements. Dwelling units created by a Two-Unit Development may be
used for residential uses only. An SB 9 unit may be rented or sold separately from the
primary dwelling unit; however, no SB 9 unit shall be rented for a period of less than
30 days and may not be occupied as a short-term rental unit.
h. Driveways and Access. All dwelling units on a parcel shall be served by a common
driveway from the nearest public or private street. Driveway access to all new units shall
be compliant with the City of Healdsburg Fire Department standard details and
specifications for driveways and turnarounds.
i. Proposed adjacent or connected dwelling units shall be permitted if they meet building
code safety standards and are designed sufficient to allow separate conveyance.
j. The proposed Two-Unit Development shall provide a separate gas, electric and water
utility connection directly between each SB 9 unit and primary dwelling unit and the
utility.
k. Two Unit Developments shall be subject to all impact or development fees related to
the development of a new dwelling unit.
l. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no housing development project shall be permitted on a
site pursuant to this article if the underlying parcel falls within any provision under
Section 20.20.120(C)(c - m).
m. If any existing dwelling unit is proposed to be demolished, the applicant will comply
with the replacement housing provisions of Government Code Section 66300(d).
n. Because the City’s Growth Management Ordinance is preempted by Government Code
Sections 65852.21 or 66411.7, units developed under this section shall not be subject to
the Growth Management Ordinance.
o. The Planning and Building Director, or their designee, shall modify or waive any
standard if the standard would have the effect of physically precluding the construction
of two units on either of the resulting parcels created pursuant to this chapter or would
result in a unit size of less than 800 square feet. Any modifications of development
standards shall be the minimum modification necessary to avoid physically precluding
two units of 800 square feet each on each parcel.
5. Objective Design Standards for SB 9 Units.
The following objective design standards apply to all housing developments and urban lot
splits processed under Government Code § 65852.21 and § 66411.7 (SB 9). These
standards are intended to ensure that new SB 9 units are compatible with the existing
character of Healdsburg’s neighborhoods while allowing ministerial approval as required
by State Law.
a. The maximum building height for any primary SB 9 unit shall not exceed 35 feet
in height.
b. Upper stories shall be setback a minimum of 10’ from side property lines.

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Item 6.b
c. All landscaping shall apply with the City’s Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinance.
d. The Planning and Building Director, or their designee, shall modify or waive any
standard if the standard would have the effect of physically precluding the construction
of two units on either of the resulting parcels created pursuant to this chapter or would
result in a unit size of less than 800 square feet. Any modifications of development
standards shall be the minimum modification necessary to avoid physically precluding
two units of 800 square feet each on each parcel.
6. Specific Adverse Impacts. In addition to the criteria listed in this section, a proposed Two-Unit
Development may be denied if the building official makes a written finding, based on a
preponderance of the evidence, that the proposed housing development project would have a
specific, adverse impact upon public health and safety, for which there is no feasible method
to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact. A “specific adverse impact” is
a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified
written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the
application was deemed complete. Inconsistency with the zoning ordinance or general plan
land use designation and eligibility to claim a welfare exemption are not specific health or
safety impacts.
E. Applications and Processing.
1. An application for a proposed housing development pursuant to this section shall be
considered and approved or denied within 60 days from the date the City receives a
completed application. If the City has not approved or denied the completed application
within 60 days, the application shall be deemed approved.
2. If the City denies an application for a proposed housing development pursuant paragraph
2 above, the City shall, within 60 days from the date the City receives a completed
application, return in writing a full set of comments to the applicant with a list of items that
are defective or deficient and a description of how the application can be remedied by the
applicant.
Section 3.

Environmental Compliance.

The City Council finds that the proposed ordinance Amendments are “not a project” under the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Government Code sections 65852.21(k)
and 66411.7(n), because they are being adopted to implement Government Code sections 65852.21
and 66411.7.
Even if the Amendments were considered a project, they would be exempt from CEQA pursuant to
CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (the “common sense exemption”) because it can be seen with
certainty that there is no possibility that the municipal code Amendments will have a significant effect
on the environment. The proposed Amendments make clarifying changes to the Municipal Code and
will not allow for, nor encourage, any more development than is already anticipated under the City’s
General Plan, or otherwise allow for or promote physical changes in the environment and, therefore,
it can be seen with certainty that there is not a possibility that the proposed Amendments may have a
significant impact on the environment.
Section 4.

Severability.

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Item 6.b
If any provision of this ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held
invalid, the remainder of the ordinance and the application of such provision to other persons or
circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
Section 5.

Effective Date and Publication.

This Ordinance of the City of Healdsburg shall be effective thirty (30) days after the date of its
passage. Before expiration of fifteen (15) days after its passage, this Ordinance or a summary thereof
as provided for in Government Code Section 36933, shall be published at least once in a newspaper
of general circulation published and circulated in the City of Healdsburg, along with the names of the
City Council members voting for and against its passage.
INTRODUCED by the City Council of the City of Healdsburg on the 17th day of February, 2026, and
PASSED and APPROVED at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 16th day of March, 2026,
by the following vote:
SO ORDERED:

ATTEST:

J. Chris Herrod, Mayor

Raina Allan, City Clerk
Dated:

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Item 6.b
CITY OF HEALDSBURG
ORDINANCE NO. ____
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HEALDSBURG AMENDING HEALDSBURG MUNICIPAL
CODE SECTION 20.20.040 IN ITS ENTIRETY (SMALL LOT
SUBDIVISIONS) TO IMPLEMENT SENATE BILLS 684 1123,
AND MAKING OTHER CONFORMING CHANGES (CEQA
EXEMPT)
WHEREAS, on October 11, 2023, the Governor of the State of California signed Senate
Bill 684 (”SB 684”), amending Section 65852.28 of the California Government Code and adding
to the Government Code Sections 65852.28, 65913.4.5, and 66499.41 requiring ministerial
approval of a subdivision of 10 or fewer parcels and 10 or fewer residential units that meet
specified requirements, effective July 1, 2024; and
WHEREAS, the California legislature subsequently enacted Senate Bill 1123 (SB 1123),
signed by the Governor of the State of California on September 19, 2024, amending Government
Code Sections 65852.28 and 66499.41 to, among other things, expand the ministerial approval
process to certain vacant single-family zoned lots, with such amendments becoming operative on
July 1, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the California legislature subsequently enacted Assembly Bill 130 (AB 130),
signed by the Governor of the State of California on June 30, 2025 with immediate effect, to allow
for the above-described subdivisions to create remainder parcels that do not count toward the 10parcel limit; and
WHEREAS, state law allows a local agency to adopt an ordinance to implement the
provisions in SB 684 as subsequently amended by SB 1123 and AB 130; and
WHEREAS, the City has implemented land use policies based on the 2030 Healdsburg
General Plan, which provides an overall vision for the community and balance important
community needs, and the City seeks to ensure that projects submitted under SB 684 as amended
by SB 1123 and AB 130 are consistent with those policies; and
WHEREAS, the City of Healdsburg Housing Element Program 5 requires the City to
continue ongoing practices for priority processing of housing development projects and increase
opportunities for streamlining the housing development processes; and
WHEREAS, the City of Healdsburg Municipal Code (HMC) Title 20 Land Use Code
(LUC) regulates allowable uses and development standards within the City; and
WHEREAS, HMC Section 20.20.040 (Small Lot Subdivisions) allows for small lot
subdivisions but was adopted prior to SB 684 and SB 1123; and

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Item 6.b
WHEREAS, by amending Section 20.20.040 in its entirety (“Amendments” or “Small Lot
Subdivisions), the City of Healdsburg will continue to allow for small lot subdivisions and housing
development in compliance with state law; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Amendments implement requirements of state law the City’s
General Plan and Housing Element; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Amendments are intended to implement SB 684, SB 1123 and
AB 130, and are not considered a project under Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000)
of the Public Resources Code, as provided in Government Code Sections 65852.28(e),
65913.4.5(b), and 66499.41(i).
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a Workshop on September 23, 2025, at which
time it reviewed the proposed Amendments and considered all public comments, written and oral,
and provided input on policy options to staff on the revisions; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on January 27,
2026, at which time it reviewed the proposed Amendments and considered all public comments,
written and oral, on the revisions and the related CEQA exemption; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission made the following affirmative findings pursuant
to HMC Section 20.28.280 in support of the proposed Amendments and recommended the City
Council adopt an ordinance approving them:
A. The Amendments are consistent with the Healdsburg 2030 General Plan including the
goals, and policies of the Housing Element, in that no conflicts with any Goals, Policies,
Programs or measures of the Healdsburg General Plan 2030 have been identified, and
the Amendments encourage the development of housing.
B. The Amendments are consistent with the objectives of the Land Use Code contained in
Section 20.04.010 given that: a) adoption of the proposed Amendments will continue to
protect and promote the public health, safety and general welfare of the community by
providing updated standards; and b) the Amendments will implement the goals, policies,
and programs contained in the Healdsburg 2030 General Plan and Housing Element.
C. The Planning Commission has conducted a public hearing on the draft Amendments
with hearing notices provided as prescribed in Land Use Code Section 20.28.080,
including newspaper publication at least 20 days prior to the hearing date.
D. The Amendments implement SB 684 as amended by SB 1123 and AB 130, and are not
considered a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as provided
in Government Code Sections 65852.28(e), 65913.4.5(b), and 66499.41(i).
WHEREAS, on February 17, 2026, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing at
which time it reviewed the proposed Amendments and considered all public comments, written
and oral, on the revisions and the related CEQA exemption; and

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Item 6.b
WHEREAS, based upon the Planning Commission’s findings and recommendation, the
City Council finds that the Amendments are consistent with the General Plan including the Goals,
Policies, and Implementation Measures of the Housing, Land Use, and Economic Development
Elements of the adopted General Plan, and that the Amendments are internally consistent with all
other provisions of the Municipal Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Healdsburg does ordain as follows:
Section 1.

Findings.

The above recitals are hereby declared to be true and correct findings of the City Council of the
City of Healdsburg.
Section 2. Title 20, Section 20.20.040 (“Small Lot Subdivisions”) shall read as follows:
A. Purpose.
The Purpose of this section is to establish and implement the provisions and intent of California
Senate Bill 684 (SB 684, 2023) as amended by Senate Bill 1123 (SB 1123, 2024) and Assembly
Bill 130 (AB 130, 2025), which seek to streamline the approval process for certain residential
housing developments, promote infill development near transit and urban services, and support the
State’s goals for housing production and affordability.
B. Definitions.
“Extremely low-income household” has the meaning set forth in Health & Safety Code Section
50106.
“Low-income household” has the meaning set forth in Health & Safety Code Section 50079.5.
“Qualified urban use” has the meaning set forth in Public Resources Code Section 21072.
“Substantially surrounded” has the meaning set forth in Public Resources Code Section
21159.25(a)(2).
“Very low-income household” has the meaning set forth in Health & Safety Code Section 50105.
“Net habitable square feet” as the finished and heated floor area fully enclosed by the inside surface
of walls, windows, doors, and partitions, and having a headroom of at least six and a half feet,
including working, living, eating, cooking, sleeping, hall, service, and storage areas, but excluding
garages, carports, parking spaces, cellars, half-stories, and unfinished attics and basements.
“Vacant Parcel” a lot which has no permanent structure, unless the permanent structure is
abandoned or uninhabitable.
C. Small Lot Subdivision.
The Planning and Building Director shall ministerially review, without a hearing, an application
for a parcel map or tentative and final map for a housing development project as described in this

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Item 6.b
section and shall approve or deny the application within sixty days from the receipt of a complete
application if the criteria in Government Code Section 66499.41 and this section are satisfied. The
Director shall approve the parcel map or tentative and final map for the subdivision if it meets all
the following requirements:
1. The parcel being subdivided meets either of the following:
a. The parcel is located within one of the following zones allowing multi-family
residential: RM, CD, CS, GMU, or MU; or
b. The parcel is a vacant parcel located within one of the following single-family
residential zones: R1-3,500, R1-6,000, R1-12,500, R1-20,000, R1-40,000.
2. The proposed subdivision will result in ten or fewer parcels and the housing
development project on the parcel proposed to be subdivided will contain ten or fewer
residential units, not including any permitted accessory dwelling units or junior
accessory dwelling units. The subdivision may designate a remainder parcel, as
defined in Government Code Section 66424.6, and the remainder parcel shall not be
counted against the 10 parcel maximum.
3. The parcel is substantially surrounded by qualified urban uses and meets the following
lot area requirements:
a. No larger than five acres, if the parcel is zoned for multi-family residential; or
b. No larger than one and one-half acres, if zoned for single-family residential.
4. The parcel is a legal parcel.
5. The parcel was not established pursuant to a prior SB 684, SB 1123 or SB 9 lot split.
6. Minimum Lot Area. The newly created parcels meet the following minimum lot area
requirements:
a. No smaller than 600 square feet if zoned for multi-family residential;
b. No smaller than 1,200 square feet if zoned for single-family residential.
7. Form of Ownership. The proposed housing units on the parcel proposed to be
subdivided are one of the following:
a. Constructed on fee simple ownership lots;
b. Part of a common interest development;
c. Part of a housing cooperative, as defined in Civil Code Section 817;
d. Owned by a community land trust meeting the requirements of
Government Code Section 66499.41; or
e. Part of a tenancy in common, as described in Civil Code Section 685.
8. Minimum Density. The proposed subdivision must meet one of the following:
a. If the parcel is identified in the Housing Element for the current planning
period, the development must result in at least as many units as projected
for the parcel in the Housing Element.
b. If the parcel is not identified in the Housing Element for the current
planning period, the development must result in at least 66% of the
maximum allowable residential density for the parcel.
9. Unit Affordability. The subdivision shall comply with both of the following:

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Item 6.b
a. The subdivision shall comply with Section 20.20.030 (Inclusionary
Housing).
b. If the parcel is identified to accommodate low- or very low-income
households, the development must result in at least as many low- or very
low-income units as projected in the Housing Element. These units shall
be subject to a recorded affordability restriction of at least 45 years.
10. Maximum Floor Area. The average total area of floorspace for the proposed housing
units on the parcel proposed to be subdivided does not exceed 1,750 net habitable
square feet.
11. The housing development project on the parcel proposed to be subdivided would not
require demolition or alteration of any of the following types of housing:
a. Housing that is subject to a recorded covenant, ordinance, or law that
restricts rents to levels affordable to persons and families of low-, very
low-, or extremely low-income.
b. Housing that is subject to any form of rent or price control through a
public entity’s valid exercise of its police power.
c. Housing occupied by tenants within the five years preceding the date of
the application, including housing that has been demolished or that tenants
have vacated prior to the submission of the application for a development
permit.
d. A parcel on which an owner of real residential property has exercised the
owner’s rights under Chapter 12.75 (commencing with Section 7060) of
Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code to withdraw
accommodations from rent or lease within 15 years before the date that
the development proponent submits an application.
12. The parcel being subdivided is not any of the following:
a. Either prime farmland or farmland of statewide importance, as defined
pursuant to United States Department of Agriculture land inventory and
monitoring criteria, as modified for California, and designated on the maps
prepared by the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the
Department of Conservation, or land zoned or designated for agricultural
protection or preservation by a local ballot measure that was approved by
the voters of that jurisdiction.
b. Wetlands, as defined in the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Manual,
Part 660 FW 2 (June 21, 1993).
c. Within a very high fire hazard severity zone, as determined by the
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection pursuant to Section 51178 of
the Government Code, or within a high or very high fire hazard severity
zone as indicated on maps adopted by the Department of Forestry and Fire
Protection pursuant to Section 4202 of the Public Resources Code.
d. A hazardous waste site that is listed pursuant to Section 65962.5 of the
Government Code or a hazardous waste site designated by the Department
of Toxic Substances Control pursuant to Section 25356 of the Health and

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Item 6.b

e.

f.

g.

h.

Safety Code, unless the State Department of Public Health, State Water
Resources Control Board, or Department of Toxic Substances Control has
cleared the site for residential use or residential mixed uses.
Within a delineated earthquake fault zone as determined by the State
Geologist in any official maps published by the State Geologist, unless the
development complies with applicable seismic protection building code
standards adopted by the California Building Standards Commission under
the California Building Standards Law (Part 2.5 (commencing with Section
18901) of Division 13 of the Health and Safety Code), and by the building
department under Chapter 12.2 (commencing with Section 8875) of
Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
Within a special flood hazard area subject to inundation by the 1 percent
annual chance flood (100-year flood) as determined by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency in any official maps published by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency. If a development proponent is
able to satisfy all applicable federal qualifying criteria in order to provide
that the site satisfies this subparagraph, the City of Healdsburg shall not
deny the application on the basis that the development proponent did not
comply with any additional permit requirement, standard, or action adopted
by the City of Healdsburg that is applicable to that site. A development may
be located on a site described in this subparagraph if either of the following
are met: (1) the site has been subject to a Letter of Map Revision prepared
by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and issued to the City of
Healdsburg; or (2) the site meets Federal Emergency Management Agency
requirements necessary to meet minimum flood plain management criteria
of the National Flood Insurance Program pursuant to Part 59 (commencing
with Section 59.1) and Part 60 (commencing with Section 60.1) of
Subchapter B of Chapter I of Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Within a regulatory floodway as determined by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency in any official maps published by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency, unless the development has received a
no-rise certification in accordance with Section 60.3(d)(3) of Title 44 of the
Code of Federal Regulations. If a development proponent is able to satisfy
all applicable federal qualifying criteria in order to provide that the site
satisfies this subparagraph and is otherwise eligible for streamlined
approval under this section, the City of Healdsburg shall not deny the
application on the basis that the development proponent did not comply
with any additional permit requirement, standard, or action adopted by the
City of Healdsburg that is applicable to that site.
Lands identified for conservation in an adopted natural community
conservation plan pursuant to the Natural Community Conservation
Planning Act (Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 2800) of Division 3
of the Fish and Game Code), habitat conservation plan pursuant to the

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Item 6.b
federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. Sec. 1531 et seq.), or
other adopted natural resource protection plan.
i. Habitat for protected species identified as candidate, sensitive, or species of
special status by state or federal agencies, fully protected species, or species
protected by the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. Sec.
1531 et seq.), the California Endangered Species Act (Chapter 1.5
(commencing with Section 2050) of Division 3 of the Fish and Game Code),
or the Native Plant Protection Act (Chapter 10 (commencing with Section
1900) of Division 2 of the Fish and Game Code).
j. Lands under conservation easement.
13. Map Act Compliance. The proposed subdivision shall conform to all applicable
objective requirements of the Subdivision Map Act (commencing with Government
Code Section 66410), except as otherwise expressly provided in this section and
Government Code Section 66499.41.
14. Utilities. The parcels created pursuant to this section must be served by a public water
and sewer system.
15. Existing Dwelling Units. The proposed subdivision shall not result in any existing
dwelling unit being alienable separate from the title to any other existing dwelling
unit on the parcel.
16. Objective Standards. The development proposed on the parcels shall comply with all
objective zoning standards, objective subdivision standards, and objective design
review standards applicable to the parcel as provided in the zoning district in which
the parcel is located, except that a proposed housing development is not required to
comply with minimum requirements on size, width, depth, or dimensions of an
individual parcel beyond the minimum parcel size.
a. The maximum building height for any primary SB 684/1123 unit shall not
exceed 35 feet in height.
b. Upper stories shall be setback a minimum of 10’ from side property lines.
c. All landscaping shall apply with the City’s Water Efficient Landscaping
Ordinance.
17. Replacement Units. If any existing dwelling unit is proposed to be demolished, the
applicant will comply with the replacement housing provisions of Government Code
Section 66300(d).
18. Development on Each Parcel Required. At least one residential structure in
compliance with applicable provisions of the California Building Standards Code
must be developed on each resulting parcel that does not already contain an existing
legally permitted residential structure or is reserved for internal circulation, open
space, or common area. A remainder parcel, as defined in Government Code Section
66424.6, may be designated that retains existing land uses or structures, does not
contain any new residential units, and is not exclusively dedicated to serving the
housing development project.

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Item 6.b
19. Accessory Dwelling and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units. Accessory dwelling units
and/or junior accessory dwelling units shall not be permitted on a parcel created
through this section, unless the newly created parcel is 5,000 square feet or larger.
20. Prohibition of Urban Lot Splits. A parcel created under this section shall not be further
subdivided pursuant to an urban lot split under Chapter 17.04, Article II and Article
III or Government Code Section 66411.7.
21. Declaration of Prior Tenancies. If any existing housing is proposed to be demolished,
the owner of the property proposed for the subdivision shall sign an affidavit, in the
form approved by the Planning and Building Director, stating that none of the
conditions listed in Section 11 above exist and shall provide a comprehensive history
of the occupancy of the units to be altered or demolished for the past five years on a
form approved by the Planning and Building Director.
22. Specific Adverse Impacts. In addition to the criteria listed in this subsection, a
subdivision proposed under this section may be denied if the Planning and Building
Director makes a written finding, based on a preponderance of the evidence, that the
proposed subdivision or proposed housing development project would have a specific,
adverse impact upon public health and safety, for which there is no feasible method to
satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact.
A “specific adverse impact” is a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable
impact, based on objective, identified written public health or safety standards,
policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed
complete. Inconsistency with this zoning ordinance or general plan land use
designation and eligibility to claim a welfare exemption are not specific health or
safety impacts.
23. Enforcement. The City Attorney shall be authorized to abate violations of this section
and to enforce the provisions of this section and all implementing agreements and
affidavits by civil action, injunctive relief, and any other proceeding or method
permitted by law. Remedies provided for in this section shall not preclude the City of
Healdsburg from any other remedy or relief to which it otherwise would be entitled
under law or equity.
D. Housing Development of Small Lot Subdivisions.
1. The Planning and Building Director shall ministerially review, without hearing, an
application for a housing development project on a lot that is subdivided pursuant to
Section 20.20.040(C) and Government Code Section 66499.41, and shall approve or deny
the application within 60 days from the receipt of a complete application.
2. Qualifying Criteria. The Planning and Building Director shall approve the housing
development project if it meets all the following requirements:
a. The proposed housing development is on a lot created in accordance with
Section 20.20.040(C) and Government Code Section 66499.41.
b. The proposed housing development complies with all objective zoning
standards, objective subdivision standards, and objective design review
standards applicable to the parcel as provided in the zoning district in which the

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Item 6.b
parcel is located that do not conflict with Section 20.20.040(C) and Government
Code Sections 65852.28 and 66499.41; provided, however:
i. The Planning and Building Director, or their designee, shall modify or
waive any standard if the standard would have the effect of physically
precluding the construction of the development project at the minimum
densities specified in Section 20.20.040(C)(8). Any modifications of
development standards shall be the minimum modification necessary.
ii. No setback between the units is required, except as provided in the
California Building Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations).
iii. Required rear and side yard setbacks from the original lot line shall equal
four feet, except that no setback shall be required for an existing legally
created structure or a structure constructed in the same location and to the
same dimensions as an existing legally created structure.
iv. Parking. One parking space, which may be uncovered or not enclosed,
shall be required per unit constructed on a parcel created pursuant to the
procedures in this section, except that no parking may be required where
the parcel is located within one-half mile walking distance of either a stop
located in a high-quality transit corridor, as defined in Public Resources
Code Section 21155(b), or a major transit stop, as defined in Public
Resources Code Section 21064.3.
v. Floor Area Ratio Standards. The following floor area ratios shall apply:
a. For a housing development project consisting of three to seven
units, inclusive, the floor area ratio is 1.0.
b. For a housing development project consisting of eight to ten units,
inclusive, the floor area ratio is 1.25.
2. In addition to the criteria listed in this section, a proposed housing development may
be denied if the building official makes a written finding, based on a preponderance
of the evidence, that the proposed housing development project would have a
specific, adverse impact upon public health and safety or the physical environment,
for which there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid the specific,
adverse impact. A “specific adverse impact” is a significant, quantifiable, direct, and
unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified written public health or safety
standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was
deemed complete. Inconsistency with the zoning ordinance or general plan land use
designation and eligibility to claim a welfare exemption are not specific health or
safety impacts.
3. The City Attorney shall be authorized to abate violations of this chapter and to
enforce the provisions of this chapter and all implementing agreements and affidavits
by civil action, injunctive relief, and any other proceeding or method permitted by
law. Remedies provided for in this chapter shall not preclude the City of Healdsburg

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Item 6.b
from any other remedy or relief to which it otherwise would be entitled under law or
equity.
E. Building Permits for Housing Development of Small Lot Subdivisions.
The Building Official shall issue a building permit for one or more residential units that
are part of a housing development project on a lot that is subdivided pursuant to Section
20.20.040(C) and Government Code Section 66499.41, and shall approve the application
if the criteria in Government Code Section 65852.28 and this section are satisfied by
meeting the following criteria:
1. The applicant has received a tentative map or parcel map approval for the
subdivision.
2. The applicant has submitted a complete building permit application.
3. Any dedication, improvement, and sewer requirements identified in the approved
tentative map or parcel map or its conditions of approval shall be guaranteed to the
City of Healdsburg’s satisfaction.
4. The applicant must submit proof, to the satisfaction of the Planning and Building
Director, of a recorded covenant and agreement enforceable by the City of
Healdsburg that the applicant agrees the building permit is issued on condition that
a certificate of occupancy or equivalent final approval for the building will not be
issued unless the final map has been recorded.
5. Specific Adverse Impacts. In addition to the criteria listed in this section, issuance
of a building permit may be denied if the Building Official makes a written finding,
based on a preponderance of the evidence, that the proposed housing development
project would have a specific, adverse impact upon public health and safety or the
physical environment, for which there is no feasible method to satisfactorily
mitigate or avoid the specific, adverse impact. A “specific adverse impact” is a
significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective,
identified written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they
existed on the date the application was deemed complete. Inconsistency with the
zoning ordinance or general plan land use designation and eligibility to claim a
welfare exemption are not specific health or safety impacts.
6. Enforcement. Code Enforcement shall be authorized to abate violations of this
section and to enforce the provisions of this section and all implementing
agreements and affidavits by civil action, injunctive relief, and any other
proceeding or method permitted by law. Remedies provided for in this section shall
not preclude the City of Healdsburg from any other remedy or relief to which it
otherwise would be entitled under law or equity.
7. Growth Management Allocations. Projects submitted under this section shall be
exempt from the Growth Management Ordinance.
8. Inclusionary Housing Ordinance. Projects submitted under this section shall be
subject to the City’s Inclusionary Housing Ordinance.
Section 3. Title 20, Section 20.08.025. “Permitted and conditionally permitted uses” shall read as
follows:

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Item 6.b
The following uses may be permitted or conditionally permitted in all R-1 districts. Chapter 20.28
HMC, Article V describes the procedures for obtaining a conditional use permit.
Table 2 Permitted (P) and conditionally permitted (C) uses: R-1 District
Accessory dwelling unit and junior accessory dwelling unit, subject to HMC § 20.20.010
P
Accessory structures located on the same site with a permitted or conditionally permitted use, P
including private garages and carports, one guest house or accessory living quarters without a
kitchen, storehouses, garden structures, noncommercial greenhouses, recreation rooms, and
hobby areas within an enclosed structure
Boarding houses
C
Churches, convents, monasteries, parish houses, parsonages, rectories, and other religious
C
institutions
Day care, large family, subject to HMC § 20.20.055
C
Day care, small family
P
Employee housing as defined in Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17008 for six or fewer
P
employees in accordance with Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17000, et seq.
Golf courses and driving ranges
C
Home occupations, subject to HMC § 20.20.005
P
Neighborhood convenience retail stores, subject to HMC § 20.20.070
C
Private recreational parks and swim clubs
P
Private schools and colleges, not including art, craft, dancing, music, business, professional or C
trade schools and colleges
Private stables or areas for the keeping of one horse, cow, llama, goat or similar large farm or P
hobby animal on a site not less than two acres in net area; provided, that one additional large
animal may be kept for each additional acre of area of the site; and provided, that no stable
shall be located closer than 50 feet to any property line, closer than 50 feet to any dwelling
unit on the site, or closer than 100 feet to any other dwelling on surrounding properties
Public utility and public service pumping stations, power stations, equipment buildings,
C
installations, service yards, drainage ways and structures, storage tanks, reservoirs, and
transmission lines found by the planning commission to be necessary for the public health,
safety and welfare
Raising of fruit and nut trees, vegetables, and horticultural specialties (no on-site sales)
P
Raising for commercial purposes poultry (except roosters and crowing fowl), rabbits,
C
chinchillas, potbellied pigs and other similar small animals on a site at least 20,000 square
feet in net size; provided, that there shall be at least 1,000 square feet of site area for each
fowl or animal. No structure housing poultry or small animals shall be located closer than 50
feet to any property line or closer than 25 feet to a dwelling on the site
Raising or keeping for educational, hobby or noncommercial purposes poultry (except
P
roosters and crowing fowl), rabbits, chinchillas, guinea pigs and similar small animals limited
to a total of 10 animals, not including dogs and cats. Animal pens or cages shall not be located
in a required front yard or street side corner yard and shall be located a minimum of 20 feet
from a property line

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Item 6.b
Table 2 Permitted (P) and conditionally permitted (C) uses: R-1 District
Residential care, general
Residential care, limited
Residential visitor lodging operations, subject to HMC § 20.20.060
Single-family dwelling, detached, one per lot
Single-family dwelling, attached, one per lot, in the R-1-3,500 District
Small lot subdivisions, subject to HMC § 20.20.040

C
P
C
P
P
P

Supportive housing
P
Swimming pools used solely by persons resident on the site and their guests; provided, that no P
swimming pool or accessory mechanical equipment shall be located in a required front yard
or less than five feet from a property line
Temporary subdivision sales offices, subject to HMC § 20.20.025
P
Transitional housing
P
Vacation rental homes
-Vacation timeshares
-Notes:
-- = not permitted
Section 4. Title 20, Section 20.08.035. “Maximum building height” shall read as follows:
A.

The maximum building height for all primary structures in R-1 districts shall be 35 feet.

B.
HMC § 20.16.065 allows exceptions for ancillary structures, including chimneys, antennas
and similar architectural features.
C.

Accessory dwelling unit building heights are regulated in HMC § 20.20.010.

D.

Accessory building heights are regulated in HMC § 20.16.030.

Section 5. Title 20, Section 20.08.050. “Permitted and conditionally permitted uses” shall read as
follows:
The following uses may be permitted and conditionally permitted in the RM District. Chapter 20.28
HMC, Article V, describes the procedures for obtaining a conditional use permit.
Table 4 Permitted (P) and conditionally permitted (C) uses: RM District
Specific Use
Permitted (P) and Conditionally Permitted (C) Uses
RM
Regulations
Accessory dwelling unit
P
HMC § 20.20.010
Accessory structures and uses located on the same site as
P
a conditional use
Boarding houses
C

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Item 6.b
Table 4 Permitted (P) and conditionally permitted (C) uses: RM District
Specific Use
Permitted (P) and Conditionally Permitted (C) Uses
RM
Regulations
Churches, convents, monasteries, parish homes, rectories,
C
parsonages and other religious institutions
Commercial nursery growing grounds
C
Day care, general and large family
P
Day care, limited and small family
P
Golf courses and driving ranges
C
Hostels affiliated with American Youth Hostels or an
C
equivalent organization approved by the planning director
Mobile home parks
C
HMC § 20.20.020
Multifamily dwellings
P
Neighborhood convenience retail stores
C
HMC § 20.20.070
Private recreation parks and swim clubs
C
Private schools and colleges, including elementary, junior
high and high schools, but not including art, craft, music,
C
dancing, business, professional, or trade schools and
colleges
Private stables and raising of poultry (except roosters),
C
HMC § 20.08.025
rabbits, chinchillas and other small animals
Public utility and public service pumping stations, power
stations, equipment buildings, installations, service yards,
drainage ways and structures, storage tanks, reservoirs,
C
and transmission lines found by the planning commission
to be necessary for the public health, safety and welfare
Residential care, general
C
Residential care, limited
P
Residential visitor lodging operations
C
HMC § 20.20.060
Supportive housing
P
Small lot subdivisions
P
HMC § 20.20.040
Transitional housing
Vacation rental homes
Vacation timeshares

P
---

Section 6. Title 20, Section 20.08.055. “Minimum development standards” shall read as follows:
The following standards apply to development within the RM District, except for small lot
subdivisions as provided for by HMC § 20.20.040.

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Item 6.b
Section 7. Title 20, Subsection 20.28.105(a) shall read as follows:
A.
The following applications are minor design review applications, subject to review by the
planning and building director. More complex or sensitive projects may be referred to the
planning commission:
1. Minor changes to the exterior of existing nonresidential buildings that require a
building permit. This includes, but is not limited to, significant facade changes,
relocation of storefront doors and windows, etc.
2. A change of use in a nonresidential building and site not involving substantial site
changes. This determination will be made at the time of business license
application.
3. Changes to a nonresidential site not involving major structural or site changes or
changes of use. This includes site alterations such as construction of parking shade
structures or other accessory structures.
4. Construction of or an expansion greater than 500 square feet to a one-family
dwelling on a site uphill and visible from a scenic highway or road, or located
within a scenic ridgeline corridor designated by the General Plan as determined by
the planning and building director.
5. Construction of one single-family dwelling within the Grove Street Neighborhood
Plan.
6. Construction of new single-family dwellings where design review is required as a
condition of approval of subdivision maps.
7. Within Character Area 1 (as identified in the Citywide Design Guidelines Chapter
4), construction of one single-family dwelling or a new second story addition, or
significant change to the primary facade. A significant change to a primary facade
is one that results in a substantive change to the appearance of the front of the
building that is visible from the street. This could include enclosure of a front porch,
removal of window(s), demolition of some or all of the primary facade, an addition
to the primary facade, a change in roof form or other similar alterations that
fundamentally change the appearance of the primary facade.
8. Small lot subdivisions pursuant to Section 20.20.040.
9. Projects subject to minor design review by any other provision of the Land Use
Code.
Section 8. Title 20, Section 20.08.080. “Design Review” shall read as follows:
A. All development is subject to design review as prescribed in Chapter 20.28 HMC, Article IV.
B. Notwithstanding the above, single-family dwellings on existing lots of record are not subject to
this requirement, provided that when an applicant applies for more than three building permits for
single-family dwellings on a block or on a block face within one year, the dwellings shall be subject
to design review.
Section 9. Table 10 of Section 20.28.145. shall read as follows:

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Item 6.b
Table 10 Permitted and conditionally permitted uses: PR, CD
and CS Districts
Permitted (P) and Conditionally Permitted
(C) Uses
PR CD
Residential Uses
Accessory dwelling unit
P P
Day care, general
-- C
Day care, limited
-- P
Homeless shelters
-- -Multifamily dwellings located on the same site C P
as a commercial use – above ground floor
Multifamily dwellings located on the same site -- P
as a commercial use – any floor
Residential care, general
-- C
Residential care, limited
-- P
Single-room occupancy dwellings located on
C P
the same site as a commercial use – above
ground floor
Single-room occupancy dwellings located on
-- P
the same site as a commercial use – any floor
Small lot subdivisions
-- P
Supportive housing
P P
Transitional housing
P P
Vacation rental
-- C
Section 10.

CS
P
C
P
P
P

Specific Use
Regulations
HMC § 20.20.010

P
C
P
P

P
P
P
P
--

HMC § 20.20.040

Table 11 of Section 20.28.150. shall read as follows:
Table 11 Permitted and conditionally permitted uses: GMU District

Permitted (P) and Conditionally Permitted (C) Uses
Residential Uses
Accessory dwelling unit and junior accessory dwelling unit
Boarding house
Day care, large family
Day care, small family
Duplex dwelling, one building per lot of record
Employee housing for six or fewer employees in
accordance with Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17000, et seq.

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Specific Use Regulations
P
C
P
P
P
P

HMC § 20.20.010

Item 6.b
Table 11 Permitted and conditionally permitted uses: GMU District
Permitted (P) and Conditionally Permitted (C) Uses
Employee housing agriculture, seven to 12 agricultural
employees
Residential care, general
Residential care, limited
Single-family dwelling, detached
Supportive housing
Small lot subdivisions
Transitional housing
Vacation rental home

Specific Use Regulations
C
C
P
P
P
P

HMC § 20.20.040

P
--

[NO OTHER CHANGES TO TABLE 11 ARE PROPOSED]
Section 11. Table 12 of Section 20.28.155. shall read as follows:
Table 12 Permitted (P) and conditionally permitted (C) uses: MU District
Permitted (P) and Conditionally Permitted (C) Uses
Residential Uses
Accessory dwelling unit and junior accessory dwelling unit
Employee housing for six or fewer employees in accordance
with Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17000 et seq.
Home occupations
Residential uses as part of a mixed use development
Multifamily dwellings not part of a mixed use development
Residential care, general
Residential care, limited
Single-family attached dwellings not part of a mixed use
development
Small lot subdivisions
Supportive housing
Transitional housing
Vacation rental homes

Specific Use Regulations
P
P

HMC § 20.20.010

P
C
P
C
P
P

HMC § 20.20.005

P

HMC § 20.20.040

P
P
--

Section 12. Title 20, Section 20.08.160. “Minimum development standards” shall read as follows:
The following standards apply to development within the commercial zoning districts, except for
small lot subdivisions as provided for by HMC § 20.20.040.

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Item 6.b
Section 13. Title 20, Section 20.08.165. “Maximum floor area ratio and site coverage” shall read as
follows:
The maximum floor area ratio and site coverage requirements for commercially zoned parcels are as
follows, except for small lot subdivisions as provided for by HMC §20.20.040:
Section 14. Environmental Compliance.
The City Council finds that the proposed ordinance Amendments implement Senate Bill 684 and
Senate Bill 1123 and are not considered a project under the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA), as provided in Government Code S
Sections 65852.28(e), 65913.4.5(b), and 66499.41(i).
Section 15.

Severability.

If any provision of this ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held
invalid, the remainder of the ordinance and the application of such provision to other persons or
circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
Section 16.

Effective Date and Publication.

This Ordinance of the City of Healdsburg shall be effective thirty (30) days after the date of its
passage. Before expiration of fifteen (15) days after its passage, this Ordinance or a summary thereof
as provided for in Government Code Section 36933, shall be published at least once in a newspaper
of general circulation published and circulated in the City of Healdsburg, along with the names of the
City Council members voting for and against its passage.
INTRODUCED by the City Council of the City of Healdsburg on the 17th day of February, 2026, and
PASSED and APPROVED at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 16th day of March, 2026,
by the following vote:
SO ORDERED:

ATTEST:

J. Chris Herrod, Mayor

Raina Allan, City Clerk

Dated:

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Item 6.c

CITY OF HEALDSBURG
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA STAFF REPORT

MEETING DATE: March 16, 2026
SUBJECT:

Dry Creek Water Treatment Plant Upgrades – Cryptosporidium Treatment
Project

PREPARED BY:

Patrick Fuss, Utility Engineering Manager

STRATEGIC INITIATIVE(S):
 Pursue Initiatives that Promote Environmental Stewardship
 Maintain and Improve Infrastructure and Facilities

RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Adopt a Resolution accepting the Dry Creek Water Treatment Plant Upgrades - Cryptosporidium
Treatment Project, Project WA001, as complete and authorizing staff to file Notice of Completion
with the County Recorder.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT/OUTREACH:
The finding of cryptosporidium and the steps the City has been taking to address this finding has
been indicated in the annual water consumer confidence reports starting 2019.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Healdsburg owns and operates a water utility that provides drinking water to the
community to meet public health needs. In compliance with requirements of the United States
Environmental Protection Agency, the City in 2018 conducted sampling under Long Term 2
Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule and found that the three well fields had low levels (less
than 0.0075 per liter) of cryptosporidium, an intestinal parasite. As a result, the City is required to
provide treatment to reduce 99 percent (referred to as Log 2 removal) of cryptosporidium. The
most cost-effective (lowest overall cost) approach was found to be cartridge filtration. The
Division of Drinking Water (DDW) agreed to the approach of cartridge filtration for
cryptosporidium treatment.
Staff engaged a consultant to prepare plans and specifications to bid and construct cartridge
filtration at Fitch and Dry Creek well fields and pursued the Dry Creek well field improvements
first to best serve the City’s water supply needs.
In accordance with City purchasing policy, Staff advertised the Dry Creek Water Treatment Plant

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Item 6.c
Upgrades – Cryptosporidium Treatment Project, Project WA001 for bidding from September 6,
2024, to October 10, 2024. On October 10, 2024, three bids were received and the lowest
responsive was received from Cats4U, Inc. from Healdsburg, CA, in the amount of $748,186. Staff
recommended that City Council adopt a resolution awarding the work of this contract to Cats4U,
and City Council awarded the construction contract on November 18, 2024.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
Project WA001 consisted of installation of six filters filter vessels with valving and piping
modifications to filter the water prior to its being stored in the clear well tank. The project included
modifications to the controls at the Dry Creek Water Treatment Plant to incorporate differential
pressure across the filters and turbidity (cloudiness of the water) into the control strategy. Project
WA001 also included modifications to the existing fence at the Corporation Yard.
The initial contract amount was $748,186 with an authorized contingency of $74,820. The final
contract amount was $794,427.08 and included six change orders totaling $50,241.08.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP:
The project location is at the Dry Creek Water Treatment Plant located at the City corporation yard
site. This location has been used as a City facility since the 1930s and is previously disturbed.
While the work area is in a location that is paved, it does abut the Dry Creek riparian area. The
project included a wildlife exclusion fence between the work area and Dry Creek to prevent the
ingress of frogs, turtles, and other wildlife into the project work area.
ALTERNATIVES:
The City Council could choose to not accept the Project as complete and provide further direction
to staff. Staff does not recommend this alternative, as the work is complete and notice of
completion should be recorded to close out this contract.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total budget for the Dry Creek Water Treatment Plant Upgrades – Cryptosporidium Treatment
Project WA001is $1,149,406. Project expenses including design costs, materials testing, staff time,
and construction total $1,000,816. The project was funded entirely by the Water Operating Fund
and the $148,590 in unused appropriations will be available in the Water Operating Fund to support
other operating or capital needs.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
Accepting the Project as complete is an administrative action and therefore not defined as a
“project” and is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Title 14, the California Code of Regulations, Section 15378(b)(2).
ATTACHMENT(S):
Resolution
Certificate of Completion
Notice of Completion

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Item 6.c
CITY OF HEALDSBURG
RESOLUTION NO. ___-2026
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HEALDSBURG ACCEPTING THE DRY CREEK WATER
TREATMENT PLANT UPGRADES – CRYPTOSPORIDIUM
TREATMENT PROJECT (PROJECT WA001) AS COMPLETE
AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO FILE THE NOTICE OF
COMPLETION
WHEREAS, the City’s well fields tested positive for cryptosporidium; and
WHEREAS, staff proposed and the State accepted cartridge filtration to remove
cryptosporidium; and
WHEREAS, staff developed a capital improvement project to construct cryptosporidium
filtration at both the Fitch and Dry Creek well fields with Dry Creek well field being the higher
priority; and
WHEREAS, on November 18, 2024, the City Council awarded the Dry Creek Water
Treatment Plant Upgrades – Cryptosporidium Treatment Project, Project WA001 (Project) to
Cats4U, Inc. (Contractor) in the amount of $748,186, with a contingency amount of $74,820; and
WHEREAS, the Project consisted of insurance requirements adjustments, barbed wire on
fencing, additional aggregate base under paving, demolition of concrete not in the Plans, and
reconciliation of contract quantities to match field actual quantities; and
WHEREAS, the work of the Project and related change orders approved by the City
Manager are within the approved project budget; and
WHEREAS, on February 12, 2026, the Contractor finalized the Project in accordance with
the contract documents to the satisfaction of the City; and
WHEREAS, the City’s Utility Engineering Manager has reviewed all the completed work
and finds the work complete per the prepared plans and agreed upon change orders; and
WHEREAS, accepting the Project as complete is an administrative action and therefore
not defined as a “project” and is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Title 14, the California Code of Regulations, Section 15378(b)(2).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Healdsburg
hereby:

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Item 6.c
Resolution No. -2026
Page 2
1. Finds that accepting the Project as complete is an administrative action and therefore not
defined as a “project” and is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Title 14, the California Code of Regulations, Section
15378(b)(2).
2. Accepts the project as complete and authorizes staff to file a Notice of Completion with
the County Recorder’s Office.
3. Authorizes staff to release any retention due and payable to Cats4U, Inc. thirty-five (35)
days after the recordation of the Notice of Completion subject to any retention requirements
permitted by law.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Healdsburg this 16th
day of March 2026, by the following vote:
SO ORDERED:

ATTEST:

________________________________
J. Chris Herrod, Mayor

__________________________________
Raina Allan, City Clerk

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Item 6.c

54 of 139

Recording Requested by:

Item 6.c

Healdsburg City Clerk

When Recorded Return to:
Healdsburg City Clerk
401 Grove Street
Healdsburg, Ca. 95448

CITY OF HEALDSBURG
NOTICE OF COMPLETION
Project Title:

Dry Creek Water Treatment Plant Upgrades – Cryptosporidium
Treatment, Project WA001

Site Address or Dry Creek Water Treatment Plant, 550 Westside Road, Healdsburg, CA
Location:
Property Owner:

City of Healdsburg

Address:

401 Grove Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448

Nature of Owner’s Title in Fee
Interest
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT I, Patrick Fuss, P.E., Utility Engineering Manager, of the City
of Healdsburg, California, on March 03, 2026, did file with the City Clerk of the City of Healdsburg, my
Certificate of Completion of the following described work the contract for doing which was heretofore
awarded to Cats4U, Inc. on November 18, 2024, in accordance with the City Clerk and approved by the
City Council of said City;
That said work and improvements were actually completed on February 12, 2026;
That acceptance of the said work and improvements was ordered by City Council Resolution No____ on
March 16, 2026
That said work and improvements consisted furnishing and installing filter vessels and cartridge

media for the purpose of treating for cryptosporidium, related instrumentation and piping
modifications, and other such items of work as more specifically described in the plans and
specifications approved by the City Council of the City of Healdsburg.

I, Patrick Fuss, P.E. of the City of Healdsburg do hereby certify, under penalty of perjury, that the
foregoing is true and correct.

DATED:

ATTEST:

Patrick D. Fuss, P.E., Utility Engineering Manager

Raina Allan, City Clerk

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Item 6.d

CITY OF HEALDSBURG
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA STAFF REPORT

MEETING DATE: March 16, 2026
SUBJECT:

Establish Fees for Senate Bill 684 and Senate Bill 1123 Implementation

PREPARED BY:

Ellen McDowell, Senior Planner

STRATEGIC INITIATIVE(S):
Effective Governance

RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Adopt a Resolution establishing a Tentative Map fee and Final/Parcel/Annexation Map fee
pursuant to Senate Bill 684 (SB 684) and Senate Bill 1123 (SB 1123).

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT/OUTREACH:
Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND:
In 2022, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 121-2022 approving a new tentative map fee
and engineering final/parcel/annexation map fee to establish lower fees as a result of the
implementation of Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) which allows ministerial approval of a parcel map for an
urban lot split.
California Senate Bill 684 (SB 684), enacted in 2023 and effective as of July 1, 2024, is designed
to streamline the approval process for small-scale residential developments. SB 684 allows any
parcel zoned for multi-family housing and under 5 acres in size to be developed with 10 or fewer
units, including subdivision into individual parcels for single-family units.
California Senate Bill 1123 (SB 1123), signed into law on September 19, 2024, and effective July
1, 2025, builds upon SB 684 to further streamline the development of small-scale housing projects.
It aims to increase affordable homeownership opportunities by expanding ministerial approval
processes to include vacant lots in single-family residential zones. SB 1123 allows for the
development of up to 10 units on vacant lots zoned for single-family residential.
Staff recommends establishing processing fees that align with those approved on Resolution No.
121-2022 for ministerial SB 684 and SB 1123 project applications.

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Item 6.d
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
Under State law, fees charged for applications must not exceed the estimated reasonable cost of
providing the service for which the fee is charged. Given the process for SB 684 and SB 1123
applications are ministerial and do not require Planning Commission or City Council meetings.
Staff’s analysis is that the proposed fees are reasonable in light of the expected City costs needed
to process SB 684 and SB 1123 applications, such as staff time and consultant time. The fees are
based on similar fees for permits of similar complexity, including the currently established SB 9
fees, and based on the time required to evaluate and process the applications.
SB 684 and SB 1123 approvals cannot require discretionary review and will no longer require
Planning Commission or City Council approval and associated staff reports and presentations,
similar to SB 9 processing.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP:
Fee reductions to incentivize SB 684 and SB 1123 subdivisions are designed to encourage the
subdivision of properties within the City of Healdsburg. Subdivisions that meet SB 684 and SB
1123 requirements would incentivize smaller units, allowing Healdsburg workers a potential
housing opportunity closer to work. Proximity of home and employment could reduce vehicle trips
which in turn reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
ALTERNATIVES:
The City Council may reject the proposed action and provide direction to staff.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The analysis provided indicates that less staff time is needed to process the applications, and the
fees collected will support associated staff and consultant costs. The recommended action will
continue to align with staff and consultant time, and therefore no impact to the General Fund is
expected.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
The proposed amendments to the City’s Master Fee Schedule are statutorily exempt from CEQA
Section 15273(a) which exempts the establishment, modification, structuring, restructuring or
approval of rates, tolls, fares and other charges by public agencies.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Resolution
2. Exhibit A

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Item 6.d
CITY OF HEALDSBURG
RESOLUTION NO. ____
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HEALDSBURG ESTABLISHING A TENTATIVE MAP FEE
AND FINAL/PARCEL/ANNEXATION MAP FEES PURSUANT
TO SENATE BILL 684 (SB 684) and SENATE BILL 1123 (SB
1123)
WHEREAS, California Senate Bill 684 (SB 684), enacted in 2023 and, effective July 1,
2024, is designed to streamline the approval process for small-scale residential developments. SB
684 allows any parcel zoned for multi-family housing and under 5 acres in size to be developed
with 10 or fewer units, including subdivision into individual parcels for single-family units; and
WHEREAS, California Senate Bill 1123 (SB 1123), signed into law on September 19,
2024, and effective July 1, 2025, builds upon SB 684 to further streamline the development of
small-scale housing projects. It aims to increase affordable homeownership opportunities by
expanding ministerial approval processes to include vacant lots in single-family residential zones.
SB 1123 allows for the development of up to 10 units on vacant lots zoned for single-family
residential; and
WHEREAS, SB 684 and SB 1123 went into effect and requires jurisdictions to
ministerially review applications; and
WHEREAS, ministerial review incurs less staff time for review; and
WHEREAS, these changes necessitate revisions to planning and public works fee titles to
include SB 684 and SB 1123, where applicable, and to ensure they are charged proportionately in
relation to the amount of staff time; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has previously established a fee for staff review of Tentative
Maps in the amount of $4,974.98, and a fee for Final/Parcel/Annexation Map in the amount of
$11,648.12, and the City now intends to reduce those fee amounts to address reductions resulting
from SB 684 and SB 1123;and
WHEREAS, the City Council has considered the staff report, and any public comment and
correspondence received regarding this matter.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG DOES
HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Recitals. The recitals set forth above constitute the true and correct findings of
the City Council and are incorporated herein by reference.
Section 2. Fee Adoption. The SB 684 and SB 1123 fees set forth in Exhibit A attached
hereto and incorporated herein by reference are hereby approved and adopted and City staff is

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Item 6.d

Resolution No.
Page 2
directed to impose and collect such fees. The fees will be incorporated into the City’s Master Fee
Schedule under the Planning Department and Public Works Department Sections.
Section 3. Annual Adjustment. The fees shall be adjusted for inflation every year by
applying the then current Consumer Price Index – All Urban Consumers for the San FranciscoOakland-San Jose area, as calculated by the U.S. Department of Labor, for the month of April.
The fee may be rounded down to the nearest whole dollar.
Section 4. Review. It is the intention of the City Council to review the fees on a periodic
basis and, if warranted, to revise such fees based thereon.
Section 5. Use of Fee Revenue. The revenues raised by payment of the fees established
by this Resolution shall be used to reimburse staff time necessary for project review.
Section 6. Severability. The fees and all portions of this Resolution are severable. If any
section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this Resolution is for any reason held
invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of
this Resolution. Should any of the fees be adjudged to be invalid and unenforceable by a body of
competent jurisdiction, the remaining fees shall be and continue in full force and effect, except
those fees that have been adjudged invalid. The City Council hereby declares that it would have
passed this Resolution and each of the fees set forth, and each section, subsection, phrase or clause
thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, phrases or clauses be
declared unconstitutional on their face or as applied.
Section 8. CEQA. The adoption of the fees herein is intended to recover costs necessary
for staff review time, therefore these fee revisions are statutorily exempt from California
Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15273(a) which
exempts the establishment, modification, structuring, restructuring, or approval of rates, tolls, fares
and other charges by public agencies.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Healdsburg this 16th
day of March, 2026, by the following vote:
SO ORDERED:

ATTEST:

________________________________
J. Chris Herrod, Mayor

_________________________________
Raina Allan, City Clerk

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Item 6.d
EXHIBIT A
HEALDSBURG PLANNING DEPARTMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FEES
NEW SB 684/SB 1123 FEES
Planning – Tentative Map
SB 684/SB 1123

Base Fee
$4,134.96

Public Works – Final/Parcel/Annexation Map
SB 684/SB 1123

Base Fee
$8,377.04

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Item 6.e

CITY OF HEALDSBURG
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA STAFF REPORT

MEETING DATE: March 16, 2026
SUBJECT:

Housing Annual Progress Report 2025

PREPARED BY:

Stephen Sotomayor, Housing Director

STRATEGIC INITIATIVE(S):
Advance Affordable Housing

RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Accept the 2025 Annual Progress Report (APR) and authorize its submission to the Governor’s
Office of Planning and Research and the California Department of Housing and Community
Development.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT/OUTREACH:
This report is required by the State of California as part of the City’s General Plan Housing
Element, which was developed through extensive community engagement and input. The City’s
Annual Progress Report will be heard during a public meeting in which an opportunity for public
comment is provided.
BACKGROUND:
The Healdsburg 2030 General Plan provides a comprehensive long-range plan used to inform and
guide decision-making by residents, property owners, business interests, and elected and appointed
City officials principally regarding the public and private land use and development that shapes
Healdsburg’s physical environment.
The City of Healdsburg completed a thorough revision of its General Plan, which was adopted by
the City Council on July 6, 2009. Among the mandated components of the General Plan is the
Housing Element, consisting of goals, policies and programs designed to ensure the City can
effectively meet future housing demands by furthering the development, improvement, and
preservation of housing. Governed by State Planning Law (Government Code §65580 et seq., as
amended), the Housing Element requires regular updating and certification by the State
Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) every eight years.
Per State Planning Law (Article 10.6, California Government Code), the City of Healdsburg
updated its General Plan Housing Element for the 6th Cycle Housing Element that covers the

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Item 6.e
period of 2023–2031, replacing the expired 5th Cycle Housing Element that was updated and
adopted on November 17, 2014, certified on January 8, 2015, and covered the period of 2015–
2023.
The City Council officially adopted the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update on May 1, 2023.
Subsequently, on May 2, 2023, the update was submitted to the Department of Housing and
Community Development (HCD). On June 29, 2023, the City received official State certification
for the updated plan.
The Housing Element Annual Progress Report (“APR”) satisfies the reporting requirements for
the State as it provides an annual update on the progress made towards implementation of the
General Plan Housing Element through 2031, to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research
and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) (Government
Code §65400). A key focus of the APR is documenting the City's progress in meeting its share of
regional housing needs, as outlined in the adopted Housing Element.
On March 18, 2024, the City Council received the 2023 APR, marking the first APR for the 6th
Cycle Housing Element. The report was subsequently submitted to and accepted by the California
Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the Governor’s Office of
Planning and Research.
On March 17, 2025, the City Council received the 2024 APR, which marked the second APR for
the 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). The report was subsequently
submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the
Governor’s Office of Planning and Research.
The 2025 APR represents the third Annual Progress Report for the 6th Cycle Regional Housing
Needs Allocation (RHNA). This report is required for the City of Healdsburg to maintain
compliance with Housing Element Law. The APR must be submitted to the California Department
of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the Governor’s Office of Planning and
Research by April 1, 2026.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
Staff recommend that the City Council accept the 2025 Annual Progress Report (APR) and
authorize its submission to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research and the California
Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
Highlights of the City’s 2025 Annual Progress Report
The 6th Cycle APR requires a comprehensive overview of the City's actions to implement the
adopted General Plan Housing Element. The APR highlights two main areas: the City's progress
toward its RHNA for 2025 and the status of implementing the Housing Element's goals, policies,
and programs.
Housing Production & Progress Towards RHNA

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Item 6.e
The chart below illustrates the City's progress toward its 6th Cycle Regional Housing Needs
Allocation (RHNA) since the start of the 6th Cycle Projection Period. The chart summarizes the
housing production data included in Attachment A of the Annual Progress Report.
RHNA Allocation & Progress for the 6th Cycle (2023-2031)
Income
Group

RHNA
Allocation

Very Low

190

Low

Progress
Prior to
2025

2025 Units

Progress To
Date

% RHNA
Complete

35

0

35

18.42%

109

42

0

42

38.53%

Moderate

49

1

18

19

38.78%

Above
Moderate

128

70

52

122

95.31%

Total

476

148

70

218

45.80%

In 2025, the City reported a total of 70 housing units toward its RHNA allocation. Of these units,
18 units were categorized as moderate-income, primarily reflecting the production of Accessory
Dwelling Units (ADUs). The remaining 52 units were categorized as above moderate income,
including the completion of a 43-unit condominium development at 131 Saw Mill Circle as well
as several new single-family homes constructed throughout the city.
With the addition of these units, the City has now completed 218 units toward its total RHNA
allocation of 476 units, representing approximately 45.8% of the City’s 6th Cycle RHNA
obligation.
While the majority of units completed during this reporting year were market-rate units, several
significant deed-restricted affordable housing developments are currently under construction
within the City. These projects include 155 Dry Creek Commons, the North Village Bowman
Apartments, and Saggio Hills Phase I and II. Units associated with these developments will be
counted toward the City's lower-income RHNA obligations once construction is completed and
certificates of occupancy are issued.
Staff anticipates that these units will be reflected in the 2026 and 2027 Annual Progress Reports
and will account for the majority of the City's lower-income RHNA progress.
Upon City Council acceptance, this Annual Progress Report will be submitted to the State by the
April 1, 2026, deadline, ensuring the City remains in compliance with Housing Element law.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP:
Not applicable.

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Item 6.e
ALTERNATIVES:
The City Council may choose not to accept the submission of the City’s Annual Progress Report
or make changes to the information in the report. Should the Council choose this course of action,
staff would seek additional Council direction.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the proposed action.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
The Annual Progress Report is an informational document required to comply with State reporting
requirements. It does not constitute a "project" under CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section
15378(b)(5), which exempts administrative and organizational government activities that do not
result in direct or indirect environmental changes. Additionally, per CEQA Guidelines Section
15060(c)(3), activities that are not classified as projects are not subject to environmental review.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Attachment A: Table B Annual Progress Report

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Item 6.e

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Item 6.f

CITY OF HEALDSBURG
CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
March 2, 2026
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER
401 Grove Street, Healdsburg
.

CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Mayor/Chairperson Herrod called to order the concurrent meeting of the City Council and
Redevelopment Successor Agency of the City of Healdsburg at 6:00 p.m. with the following
Council Members present:
Present: Council Members/: Edwards, Hagele, Kelley, Mitchell and Mayor Herrod
Board Members
Absent: Council Members/: None
Board Members
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
On a motion by Councilmember Kelley, seconded by Vice Mayor Edwards, approved the March
2, 2026, City Council and Redevelopment Successor Agency meeting agenda as submitted. The
motion carried on a unanimous voice vote. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
None.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS
MARCH 2026 AS RED CROSS MONTH

–

PROCLAMATION

RECOGNIZING

Mayor Herrod with Council concurrence issued a Proclamation declaring March 2026 as
American Red Cross Month in the City of Healdsburg.
Cindy Jones thanked the Council for the Proclamation and commented on the services provided
by the American Red Cross.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS
–
PROCLAMATION
MARCH 2026 AS WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

RECOGNIZING

Mayor Herrod with Council concurrence issued a Proclamation declaring March 2026 as
Women's History Month in the City of Healdsburg.

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Item 6.f
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
March 2, 2026
Page 2
Gina Fortino Dickson thanked the Council for the Proclamation and commented on the different
roles women have in the community.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS
UPDATE

–

ANNUAL

POLICE

DEPARTMENT

Chief of Police Matt Jenkins provided information of the Police Department during calendar year
2025, including major accomplishments, current staffing levels, department staffing by year,
calls for service, response times, police reports, crime rates, use of force and pursuits and trends
in Healdsburg. Chief Jenkins further provided information on the Community Oriented & Equity
Policing Team (CORE), Technology improvements including live interpretation in the field, AI
assisted report writing and public safety camera systems. Additionally Chief Jenkins provided
information on the Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) System, Racial Identity and
Profiling Act (RIPA), Military Equipment Policy, emergency management, community
engagement, noted what the Police Departments role is in immigration and what’s ahead for
2026.
Mayor Herrod inquired if the City Council was interested in agendizing a future discussion on
public safety camera systems.
Following a brief discussion, there was Council majority to agendize a future discussion on
public safety camera systems.
Public Comment
Adina Flores commented on the City Council, Mercy Wellness and mentioned she would return
to Healdsburg.
Brigette Mansell thanked the Council for their continued service to Healdsburg.
Council Comments
Councilmember Hagele commented on the Police Departments involvement in the community.
Councilmember Kelley thanked Chief Jenkins and the Police Department for all their hard work
and dedication to the Healdsburg community and inquired about the increase in assaults and
decrease in reported crimes.
Councilmember Mitchell inquired about the CORE policing team and the number of job
applications the Police Department receives.

67 of 139

Item 6.f
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
March 2, 2026
Page 3
Vice Mayor Edwards commented on the number of job applications received by the Police
Department
Mayor Herrod commented on his experience taking a ride along with a Police Officer, thanked
the Police Department for their dedication and service to the community and inquired about how
social unrest would be responded too in partnership with the County.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
City Manager Kay announced the upcoming forty niners flag football program coming to
Healdsburg, the two budget outreach meetings happening this week, an outreach meeting on the
multicultural center on Tuesday, March 10th at 6:00 p.m., the St. Patrick’s Day parade and
opening weekend of the Foley Family Community Pavilion.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS ON
AGENDA ITEMS

THE CONSENT CALENDAR AND NON

Walter Keiser Russian River Property Owners Association inquired if the Council would be
interested in submitting a letter of support for the application to form a water district and thanked
the Police Department for solving the kidnapping case in Healdsburg.
Sarah Pittinger opined on beach volleyball and encouraged the Council to create sand volleyball
courts in Healdsburg.
Adina Flores commented on the Cannabis process conducted in Healdsburg and perceived
conflict of interests of Councilmembers.
Brigette Mansell thanked Council for hiring a new communication position, expressed
appreciation for City Council and their service to Healdsburg.
Don Hernandez thanked the Council, Chief Jenkins and the community and opined on allowing
Mercy Wellness to operate a cannabis dispensary in Healdsburg.
CONSENT CALENDAR
On a motion by Councilmember Kelley, seconded by Councilmember Mitchell, approved the
Consent Calendar as follows:
A. RECEIVE THE MONTHLY INVESTMENT REPORT FOR JANUARY 2026
Received and approved the Monthly Treasurer’s Investment Report for January 2026. (Ayes
5, Noes 0, Absent – None)

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Item 6.f
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
March 2, 2026
Page 4
B. APPROVAL OF DISBURSEMENT REPORT FOR WITHDRAWALS DURING THE
MONTH OF JANUARY 2026
Approved the Disbursement Report for January 2026. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
C. AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE
30, 2025
Approved the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 audited financial statements based on an audit
performed in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent –
None)
D. GENERAL FUND GRANT FUNDS FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA FOR
THE VILLA CHANTICLEER MODERNIZATION PROJECT
Adopted Resolution No. 18-2026, titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG APPROVING THE ACCEPTANCE OF GENERAL FUND
GRANT FUNDS FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA NATURAL RESOURCES
AGENCY FOR THE VILLA CHANTICLEER MODERNIZATION PROJECT,
APPROVING THE ASSOCIATED PROJECT INFORMATION PACKAGE REQUIRED
BY THE STATE FOR SAID GRANT FUNDS, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
TO EXECUTE THE
GRANT AGREEMENT AND ALL GRANT RELATED
DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY, AND AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR
2025-2026 BUDGET.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
E. PROCUREMENT OF CITY FLEET VEHICLES
Adopted Resolution No. 19-2026, titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF VARIOUS CITY
FLEET VEHICLES, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE
RELATED PURCHASE ORDER CONTRACTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY, AND
AMENDING THE ADOPTED BUDGET.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
F. CITY OF HEALDSBURG MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE ORDINANCE AND
POLICY AND REVIEW AND APPROVE ANNUAL MILITARY EQUIPMENT
REPORT

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Item 6.f
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
March 2, 2026
Page 5
Adopted Resolution No. 20-2026, titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 7071
RENEWING CHAPTER 2.60 OF THE HEALDSBURG MUNICIPAL CODE ENTITLED
MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE ORDINANCE, HEALDSBURG MILITARY
EQUIPMENT USE POLICY 707, AND FINDING THAT THE ANNUAL MILITARY
EQUIPMENT REPORT COMPLIES WITH THE STANDARDS OF APPROVAL SET
FORTH IN GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 7071(d).” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
G. SECOND
AMENDMENT
TO
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT

THE

FREEBIRD

DISPOSITION

AND

Adopted Resolution No. 21-2026, titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE AND ENTER INTO THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO
DISPOSITION AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY
OF HEALDSBURG, FREEBIRD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, LLC, AND SAGGIO
HILLS LOT 3, L.P., FOR THE SAGGIO HILLS AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT AT
450 PARKLAND FARMS BOULEVARD.” (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
H. GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL REPORT 2025
Accepted the annual report and direct staff to file it with the appropriate state agencies. (Ayes
5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
I. GROWTH MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE ANNUAL REPORT
Accepted the 2025 Growth Management Annual Report. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
J. LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT
This item was removed from the Consent Calendar to be voted on separately.
K. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approved the February 17, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes. (Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)
The motion to approve the Consent Calendar as above carried on a unanimous roll call vote.
(Ayes 5, Noes 0, Absent – None)

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Item 6.f
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
March 2, 2026
Page 6
LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT
On a motion by Councilmember Mitchell, seconded by Councilmember Kelley, adopted
Resolution No. 22-2026, titled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HEALDSBURG APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE
AND ENTER INTO THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO DISPOSITION AND
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF HEALDSBURG,
FREEBIRD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, LLC, AND SAGGIO HILLS LOT 3, L.P., FOR
THE SAGGIO HILLS AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT AT 450 PARKLAND FARMS
BOULEVARD.” The motion carried on a roll call vote, with Councilmember Hagele abstaining.
(Ayes 4, Noes 0, Absent – None, Abstaining - Hagele)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS – HOUSING LAND TRUST PRESENTATION
Housing Director Sotomayor provided background information on the Housing Land Trust, how
a Housing Land Trust model may benefit Healdsburg and introduced Joe Naujokas and Richard
Burg, representatives of the community group working on the Housing Land Trust model.
Joe Naujokas provided information on the Healdsburg Housing Land Trust (HHLT), who is a
part of the HHLT.
Richard Burg reviewed the HHLT mission statement and the concept of the HHLT.
Mr. Naujokas further reviewed how feasible a Land Trust would be, the vision for how the
HHLT would be governed, how funds would be raised, the creation of a technical working group
and the current and future phases of the Land Trust. Additionally, Mr. Naujokas reviewed the
next steps and the considerations for support.
Public Comment
Brigette Mansell commented on the Healdsburg Housing Land Trust, inquired if a Land Trust
would be feasible and expressed support for a Land Trust.

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Item 6.f
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
March 2, 2026
Page 7
Mark McMullen commented on the Healdsburg Housing Land Trust and expressed support for a
Land Trust.
Council Comments
Councilmember Hagele was supportive of a Land Trust, including an ex officio on the board of
directors for the Land Trust, inquired what the ask was of Council, if the Local Preference Policy
could be utilized in the Housing Land Trust and if the City could bond against TOT.
Councilmember Mitchell inquired how funding for the Land Trust would work, was supportive
of continuing to support the creation of an HHLT with staff and wanted more information on
structure before moving forward with supporting funding for the HHLT.
Councilmember Kelley inquired about what the proposed model of the Land Trust would be, was
supportive of a Land Trust non-profit in Healdsburg and commented on the types of expertise
who should be included in the Land Trust.
Vice Mayor Edwards commented on the proposed Land Trust, getting by in from the community
and expressed appreciation for the community group taking on this task and trying to make it
work.
Mayor Herrod inquired about the groups of people the community group has talked with to date
on the proposed Land Trust and thanked Mr. Naujokas and the community group for their work
and leadership on this topic.
COUNCIL REPORTS ON MATTERS OF INTEREST OCCURRING SINCE PREVIOUS
REGULAR MEETING/EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT REPORTS
Councilmember Kelley has nothing to report.
Councilmember Mitchell had nothing to report.
Councilmember Hagele reported he attended the Northern California Power Agency L&R,
Commission and Executive Committee meetings in Roseville.
Vice Mayor Edwards reported he attended the Russian River Watershed Association Board
meeting, announced the Steelhead festival, Earth Day and Drug Take Back events, commented
on the feedback received from the Senior Citizen Advisory Commission “When the Time
Comes” program and noted the St. Patrick’s Day dinner at the Senior Center.
Mayor Herrod reported he took a ride along with a Healdsburg Police Officer, visited the
Healdsburg Museum to see the 70’s exhibit and attended the Activist Fair.

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Item 6.f
City Council/RSA Regular Meeting Minutes
March 2, 2026
Page 8
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency business to discuss, the
meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:54 p.m.
APPROVED:

ATTEST:

_________________________________
J. Chris Herrod, Mayor

__________________________________
Raina Allan, City Clerk

73 of 139

Item 9.a

CITY OF HEALDSBURG
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA STAFF REPORT

MEETING DATE: March 16, 2026
SUBJECT:

City Council Manual of Procedures and Protocols

PREPARED BY:

April Mitts, Assistant City Manager

STRATEGIC INITIATIVE(S):
- Provide Effective Governance

RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Review draft City Council Manual of Procedures and Protocols and provide direction to staff.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT/OUTREACH:
The City Council held a goal setting workshop on April 18, 2025, at Healdsburg Golf Club at
Tayman Park Clubhouse. The workshop was open to the public and included multiple
opportunities for public comment. At the workshop, City Council identified a goal to update its
protocols. This was affirmed by City Council on June 2, 2025.
BACKGROUND:
The City Council first adopted protocols on November 4, 2013 (Resolution No. 128-2013), in an
effort to ensure the orderly and efficient conduct of its meetings. On May 19, 2014 (Resolution
No. 65-2014), City Council revised those protocols to address certain questions and comments
received from the public concerning the public comment process. On March 19, 2018 (Resolution
No. 20-2018), City Council further revised the protocols making them more comprehensive and
included and/or referenced language found in City Council adopted resolutions, the City’s
Municipal Code, and best practices in other Sonoma County cities.
One of the 2025-2026 City Council goals is to update the City Council protocols, including a
comprehensive review and look at best practices from other agencies.
On August 4, 2025, the City Council appointed a subcommittee of Council Member Mitchell (then
Mayor Mitchell) and Council Member Kelley to work with staff to further review the existing
protocols and make recommendations to the full City Council for consideration.
On October 20, 2025, the subcommittee provided a progress update to City Council and City

74 of 139

Item 9.a
Council provided feedback regarding taking positions on legislation and ballot measures.
On January 20, 2026, staff provided a progress update to City Council and City Council provided
feedback regarding remote participation.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
Following the January 20, 2026, City Council meeting the City Council subcommittee and staff
met three additional times completing the draft protocols based on direction from the full City
Council, best practices, administrative clean up, and current practices.
During this process, the subcommittee met a total of seven times to discuss and refine the drafted
City Council protocols:
- September 3, 2025
- September 30, 2025
- October 23, 2025
- January 7, 2026
- January 29, 2026
- March 2, 2026
- March 9, 2026
Attachment 1: Summary of the subcommittee recommended updates based on City Council
direction and subcommittee, staff, and attorney review. This summary does not include minor,
administerial updates; however, these are shown in the redlined version.
Attachment 2: City Council Manual of Protocols - redlined.
Attachment 3: City Council Manual of Protocols.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP:
None.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could opt to provide further direction to staff to revise protocols.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact is anticipated from the adoption of the proposed protocols.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
There is no environmental impact associated with this item.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Summary
Redline Protocols
Clean Version of Protocols

75 of 139

Item 9.a
Original
Agenda
Section

Updated
Agenda
Section

All
I.A.
I.B.
I.E.
I.F.
I.G.

N/A
I.A.
I.B.
N/A
N/A
I.E.

All Updated to be Gender Neutral
Adoption of Rosenberg's Rules of Order
Regular Meetings
Closed Session
Study Sessions
Meetings to be Public

- Updated document to be general neutral
- Updated to reflect current practice
- Updated to reflect current practice
- Removed, covered under Brown Act: Closed Session
- Removed, covered under Brown Act: Special Meetings
- Updated language to be more concise

All
Page 5
Page 5
Page 6
Page 6
Page 6

I.H.

I.F.

Attendance

- Removed last paragraph, as it is duplicative of Section II.C.

Page 6

Preparation of Agenda and Agenda Packets

- Updated langauge to reference the Brown Act and removed language
defining the City Clerks role
Pages 6-7
- Removed language not relevant to how the Council governs itself

II.A.

II.A.

Agenda Topic

Summary of Update

Page in Redlined
Protocols

II.B.

II.B.

Placing Items on the Agenda

- Added the purpose
- Changed from a majority of Councilmembers to a concurrence of
one other Councilmember
- Updated to reflect current practice

II.C.

II.C.

Teleconferencing/Remote Public Participation

-Updated language to reference allowable participation as permitted
Pages 7-8
by the Brown Act and the American with Disabilities Act

II.D.
II.E.

N/A
II.D.

Order of Business
Agenda Content/Order

II.E.4.

N/A

Approval of Minutes

II.E.7.

II.D.6.

Public Comments

II.E.8.

II.D.7.

Consent Calendar Items

II.E.9.

II.D.8.

Public Hearing

II.E.10.
II.E.11.

II.D.9.

New Business and Old Business

II.F.

II.E.

II.G.
II.G.5.
III.B.

II.F.
N/A
III.B.

Page 7

- Updated to reflect current practice
- Updated to reflect current practice
- Moved to Section VII.A. (pages 17 & 18)
- Updated to reflect current practice
- Updated to reflect current practice
- Changed from a majority of the Councilmembers may remove an
item to any Councilmember may request an item be removed from
the Consent Calendar
- Updated language to be more concise and cross reference Section
IX
- Combined New and Old Business into one section titled, "Business
Items"

Page 8
Pages 8-10

General Procedure for Presentation/Discussion of Agenda Items

- Updated to reflect current practice

Page 10

Public Comment
Public Hearings - General Procedure
Power and Duties of Presiding Officer

- Updated to reflect current practice
- Removed section, it is duplicative of Section IX (page 20)
- Updated to reflect current practice

Pages 10-11
Pages 11-13
Pages 13-14

76 of 139

Page 8
Page 9
Page 9
Page 9
Pages 9-10

Item 9.a
Original
Agenda
Section

Updated
Agenda
Section

Agenda Topic

IV.A.

IV.

Correspondence from the Public regarding Agenda Items

V.C.
V.F.
VI.A.
VI.C.

V.C.
V.F.
VI.A.
VI.C.

Interruptions
Decorum and Order, Audience
Voting Procedures
Conflict of Interest

VII.A.

VII.A.

Preparation of Minutes

VII.C.

N/A

Reading of Minutes

Summary of Update
-Updated language to add specificity for Councilmembers who
receive non-priviledged documents related to open session agenda
items
- Updated to reflect current practice
- Updated to be consistent with new Brown Act requirements
- Updated to reflect current practice
- Updated to reflect current and best practices
- Updated lanaguage to clarify a supermajority
-Updated to reflect legal requirements for recusal
- Updated to reflect that Action Minutes shall serve as the official
record
- Updated to reflect current practice
- Updated to reflect current practice
- Added new language for approval of minutes is to be placed on the
Consent Calendar within 60 days of the meeting occuring

Page in Redlined
Protocols

Page 14

Page 15
Page 15
Page 16
Page 17
Page 17
Page 18

N/A

VII.C.

Minutes

VIII.A.1.
VIII.A.2.

VIII.A.1.
VIII.A.2.

Ordinances & Resolutions

VIII.C.

VIII.C.

Enactment of Ordinances

IX.B.

N/A

Rights of Interested Persons

IX.C.

IX.B.

Public Hearings - General Procedure

IX.D.
IX.E.
IX.G.

IX.C.
IX.D.
IX.F.

Public Hearings - Presentation of Evidence
Public Hearings - Continuances
Public Hearings - Record of Hearing

- Added language outlining process
- Updated to reflect current practice
- Updated to reflect current practice
- Updated to reflect current practice
- Updated to reflect current practice

X.D.

X.D.

Proclamations

- Added language for maximum number of proclamations per meeting Page 24

XI.G.
XII.A.
XII.B.
XIII.A.
XIV.A.
XV.

XI.G.
XII.A.
XII.B.
XIII.A.
N/A
XV.

City Council Goal Setting

- Updated language to bi-annual reports

Page 25

Correspondence

- Updated to reflect current practice

Page 25

Requests for Information
Council/Staff Relations
City Boards, Commissions, and Committees

- Updated to reflect current practice
- Removed language, not necessary in protocols
- Updated to reflect current practice

Page 26
Page 26
Page 27

- Added a definition of ordinances
- Added a definition of resolutions
- Updated to remove duplicative language
- Updated to reflect current practice
- Updated to remove language that is duplicative of what is in the
Brown Act
- Updated to remove language that is duplicative of other provisions

77 of 139

Page 18

Page 18

Pages 19-20

Page 20
Pages 20-21
Page 22
Page 22-23
Page 23

Item 9.a
Original
Agenda
Section
XVII.
N/A
N/A

Updated
Agenda
Section
XVII.
XVIII.A.
XVIII.C.

Agenda Topic
Stationery Use and Related Guidelines
District Elections
Positions on ballot measures

Summary of Update
- Updated to reflect current practice
- Added new language regarding District Elections
- Added new language regarding positions on ballot measures

78 of 139

Page in Redlined
Protocols
Page 28
Page 29
Pages 29-30

Item 9.a

CITY COUNCIL
MANUAL OF PROCEDURES AND
PROTOCOLS
Adopted
March 19, 2018

4916-9506-5748 v1

79 of 139

Item 9.a

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Subject
I.

II.

III.

IV.

Page

COUNCIL MEETINGS

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.

Adoption of Rosenberg’s Rules of Order
Regular Meetings
Adjourned Meetings
Special Meetings
Closed Session
Study Session
Meetings to be Public
Attendance
Quorum

AGENDA

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.

Preparation of Agenda & Agenda Packets
Placement of Items on Agenda by Councilmembers
Teleconferencing/Remote Public Participation
Order of Business
Agenda Content/Order
General Procedure for Presentations
Public Comments at Council meetings

PRESIDING OFFICER

A.
B.

Mayor to Preside
Powers and Duties of Presiding Officer

CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE PUBLIC REGARDING
AGENDA ITEMS

A.

Written Correspondence

V. DEBATE AND DECORUM
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.

4916-9506-5748 v1

Getting the Floor
Questions to Staff
Interruptions
Points of Order
Decorum and Order, Council and City Staff
Decorum and Order, Audience
Enforcement of Decorum
Failure to Observe Rules of Order
Use of Technology
Bring Your Own Device

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5
5
5
5
6
6
6
6
6
6
7
7
7
8
10
10
12
12

13
13
13
14
14
14
14
14
15
15
15

Item 9.a

Subject
VI.

Page

VOTING

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Voting Procedure
Failure to Vote
Conflict of Interest
Reconsideration and Rescission of Prior Action
Lost Motion

VII. MINUTES
A.
B.
C.

Preparation of Minutes
Minutes of Hearings
Reading of Minutes

16
17
17

VIII. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, AND CONTRACTS
A.
B.
C.
D.

Preparation of Ordinances, Resolutions, and Contracts
Prior Approval by Administrative Staff
Enactment of Ordinances
Adoption of Resolutions

IX. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.

X.

Application and Definition
Rights of Interested Persons
General Procedure
Presentation of Evidence
Continuances
Decision
Record of Hearing
Powers and Duties Generally
Term
Selection of Mayor and Vice Mayor
Proclamations

XI.

COUNCIL GOALS

XII.

CORRESPONDENCE

A.
B.
C.

17
17
17
18
18
18
18
19
20
20
20

MAYOR AND VICE MAYOR: RESPONSIBILITIES/SELECTION

A.
B.
C.
D.

15
15
16
16
16

21
21
21
22

22

Correspondence received directly by Councilmembers
Correspondence received at City Hall
Community Communications

22
23
23

XIII.

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

23

XIV.

COUNCIL/CITY STAFF RELATIONS

23

4916-9506-5748 v1

-3-

81 of 139

Item 9.a

Subject

Page

XV.

CITY BOARDS, COMMISSION, AND COMMITTEES

24

XVI.

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

25

XVII.

STATIONERY USE AND RELATED GUIDELINES

26

XVIII.

GENERAL

26

CONDUCT BY COUNCILMEMBERS

27

XIX.

APPENDIX A - Rosenberg’s Rules of Order

29

APPENDIX B - Resolution No. 100-2006

30

4916-9506-5748 v1

-4-

82 of 139

Item 9.a
I.

COUNCIL MEETINGS
A.
Adoption of Rosenberg’s Rules of Order
The Council adopts Rosenberg’s Rules of Order as the general procedures for
conducting its meetings unless otherwise specified in this manual. In the event of
a conflict between this manual and Rosenberg’s Rules of Order, the provisions of
this manual shall control. When necessary to resolve issues that may arise over
process, the Mayor will refer to the City Attorney who will act as the
Parliamentarian. Upon such advice, the Council will vote and follow the decision
of the majority.
B.

Regular Meetings
The City Council shall hold its regular meetings on the first and third Mondays of
each and every calendar month beginning at 6:00 p.m. unless, by a majority vote of
Councilmembers present and eligible to vote on the matter at a regular City Council
meeting, the City Council elects to cancel a regularly scheduled City Council
meeting. In the event that a regular City Council meeting falls on a recognized City
holiday, the meeting shall be held on the next regular business day at 6:00 p.m., or
at such other time as the City Council may choose. Regular Unless otherwise
determined by the Council or necessary based on the nature of the meeting or an
emergency, City Council meetings shall be held at City Hall, 401 Grove Street,
Healdsburg, CA.
In November or December of each year, the City Clerk will present the City Council
for consideration and action the proposed meeting schedule for the following
calendar year, noting the regular meeting dates that fall on a City recognized holiday
and anticipated special meeting dates.
The time and/or place of regular City Council meetings may be amended by City
Council resolution following adequate notice of an intent to amend the regular
meeting time and/or place of such meetings. A resolution changing the regular
meeting time and/or meeting place of a regular City Council meeting shall become
effective 60 days following adoption of such resolution.
Council meetings may be broadcast live on the City’s website, Facebook, Zoom,
and YouTube. Council meetings may also be rebroadcast on the City’s local
government access channel.

C.

Adjourned Meetings
Any regular or adjourned regular meeting may be adjourned to a time, place, and
date specified in the order of adjournment but not beyond the next regular meeting.
If no time is stated in the order of adjournment, it shall be the same time as for a
regular meeting. An adjourned regular meeting is a regular meeting for all purposes.

D.

Special Meetings
Special meetings may be called at any time by a majority of the City Council or by
the City Manager. The notice shall specify the time and place of the special meeting

4916-9506-5748 v1

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Item 9.a

E.

F.

and the business to be transacted. No other business shall be considered at such
meetings.
Closed Session(s)
The City Council may meet in closed session as authorized under the Ralph M.
Brown Act.
Study Session(s)
The purpose of study sessions are is for the City Councilmembers to discuss items
in-depth and provide possible direction to staff.
No action shall be taken other than providing direction on study session items and
no official minutes are required.

G.E.

Meetings to be PublicBrown Act
All regular, adjourned, and special meetings of the a quorum or more of the City
Council shall be open and public and held in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown
Act. (Government Code sections 54950, et seq.); provided, however, the City
Council may hold closed sessions from which the public may be excluded as
allowed by law.

H.F.

Attendance
Councilmembers are expected to attend all meetings of the City Council.
Councilmembers will strive to inform the City Clerk as early as possible when they
will be out of town or absent from a meeting to ensure that a quorum will be present
at all meetings.

I.G.

II.

Quorum
The Council consists of five (5) members, one of whom is the Mayor. Three
members of the Council shall constitute a quorum and shall be sufficient to transact
business. If fewer than three (3) Councilmembers appear at a regular meeting, no
meeting shall occur.

AGENDA
A.

Preparation of Agenda and Agenda Packets
The City Clerk shall prepare an agenda for each Council meeting containing the
time of commencement of the meeting, the specific items of business to be
transacted and the order thereof. The City Clerk shall arrange the matters to be
brought before the Council according to the order of business outlined in Section
II.E.
Agendas for all Council meetings shall comply with the Brown Act and these
Protocols.
Electronic agenda packets for all regular meetings will be distributed to the City
Council and staff by the City Clerk at least 72 hours before the meeting. Special

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meeting agendas/packets will be distributed as soon as practicable, but no later than
24 hours prior to the meeting, in accordance with the Brown Act.
Additionally, the electronic agenda packets may be posted on the City’s website
and notifications sent to those subscribing to agenda notifications.
All agenda items, with few exceptions such as presentations, require a completed
staff report including all pertinent attachments/exhibits such as ordinances,
resolutions, contracts, etc.
B.

Placement of Items on Upcoming Agendas by Councilmembers
Councilmembers may make a request during “Council Reports” to add an item to a
subsequent meeting agenda. The purpose of the City Council discussion on such a
request will be limited to whether it will be placed on a future agenda. A
concurrence of one Councilmember, in addition to the Councilmember who
suggested the item, will be sufficient to place the item on a subsequent agenda, for
discussion.
At the subsequent meeting (“Meeting No. 2”), discussion on the matter will focus
on the subject matter to be agendized, including: the details of the Council’s
request; staff time required to research the matter and prepare the staff report; other
priorities; and timeline of when the item would be placed on the agenda. No staff
report shall be prepared for this discussion, and the primary purpose is for the
Council to provide direction to staff, not to take further action. If the Council would
like to move forward, the item The item will be further discussed, and a staff report
presented, at a subsequent meeting (“Meeting No. 3”).
The City Manager shall have the discretion to skip Meeting No. 2
and place the item on a future agenda for action if, in the City Manager’s
determination, the item does not require significant work from staff or additional
information from Council.

C.

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Teleconferencing/Remote Public Participation
Councilmembers may participate in meetings by teleconference as permitted by the
Brown Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.Any Councilmember who
wishes to participate in a Council meeting by teleconference shall advise the City
Clerk at least ten calendar days prior to the City Council meeting in order to
properly agendize participation by teleconference as required by Government Code
section 54953. Councilmembers requesting teleconference participation must
notify the City Clerk as soon as practicable to allow compliance with applicable
noticing and access requirementsAny location at which a Councilmember wishes
to teleconference must be open to the public. The Councilmember shall take all
necessary steps to comply with the provisions of the Ralph M. Brown Act related
to teleconferencing as instructed by the City Clerk and/or City Attorney or the
Councilmember shall not participate in such meeting.

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When remote participation is provided, members of the public will be allowed to
observe and address the Council using the access methods identified on the agenda.
D.

Order of Business
At the time set for each regular meeting, the Mayor shall call the meeting to order
and the business of the Council shall be taken up for consideration and disposition
in the order set forth in Section E below except that with consent of a majority of
the Councilmembers present, items may be taken up out of order.

E.D.

Agenda Content/Order
The agenda shall contain the title headings and shall be conducted in the order and
manner as set forth below:
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
The Mayor will note for the record the Councilmembers present at the meeting
and the City Clerk shall enter the names of the Councilmembers present and
absent in the minutes.
2 . Report on Study Session(s) and Closed Session(s)
If a closed session is held prior to the Council meeting, the Mayor will report
out on the actions/directions, if any given/taken at the closed sessionany
reportable actions.
3. Approval of Agenda
The Mayor will ask if any changes to the order of business in the agenda are
desired and those changes must be approved by a majority of the
Councilmembers prior to the approval of the agendaThe City Council will vote
on approval of agenda.
4. Approval of Minutes
5.4.Announcements/Presentations
Presentations will should be limited to 10 minutes per presentationeach
including Q&A. If more than one person will be presenting, the entire
presentation by all presenters shall not exceed the allotted 10 minutes. It is
suggested that PowerPoints should be limited to 10 slides.
At the discretion of the Presiding Officer, presentation of proclamations maybe
streamlined by only reading the opening and last paragraph. Proclamations will
not be read if the requesting person/group is not present.
6.5.City Manager Reports
The City Manager may, from time to time, give reports provide updates

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regarding matters of general interest to the Council. Normally no public
comment or action is taken on the subject matter.No Council action will be
taken.
7.6.Public Comments on Items on the Consent Calendar and Non AgendaNonAgenda Items
This period is set aside at City Council meetings for members of the public to
address the City Council on items of City businessany item of interest to the
public within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council, other than
scheduled agenda items. Public speakers should adhere to the provisions of
Section II.G regarding time limits, decorum, etc.Comments are limited to three
minutes, unless otherwise determined by the Presiding Officer. The Presiding
Officer may ask those wishing to make a public comment to state their name
and address (although not legally required to provide either).; a sign-in sheet
will be provided at the podium where speakers can provide their contact
information. Such information would only be used for City business. Members
from the public wishing to speak on a Consent Agenda item should do so during
Public Commentsthis time.
8.7.Consent Calendar Items
Items that are routine in nature or have been previously reviewed by the Council
and require little or no further discussion by the Council, public, or applicant,
are considered Consent Items. The Council may act on these items in one
motion. Operational expenditures, regardless of expenditure amount, which are
approved in the budget such as purchase of vehicles, miscellaneous equipment,
contracts for services, etc. as well as ministerial actions (i.e. Final Maps) may
also be included in the Consent Calendar.
Councilmembers will make every attempt to get their questions regarding
Consent Items answered by staff in advance.
The Council may act on these items in one motion unless .Aany Councilmember
may requests that an item be removed from the Consent Calendar and action
taken separately. Consent by a majority of the Councilmembers present will be
required in order to remove the item. In the event an item is removed, the matter
will be considered immediately following the adoption of the Consent Calendar.
9.8.Public Hearings
The Council shall conduct all public hearings in accordance with Sections --- IX
------- the provisions of Sections IX.A through IX.G and public comments shall
be provided as outlined in Section II.G(5)and applicable law.
10.9. Old Business Items
The Council shall consider items of City business and the introduction and
adoption of ordinances and the adoption of resolutions or motions, as
appropriate.Old Business items are typically action items that the City Council
has previously considered, or on which the Council has previously deliberated
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and/or received reports.
11. New Business
New Business items are typically action items that have not been considered
previously by the City Council.
12.10. Council Reports on Matters of Interest occurring since previous
regular meeting/expense reports
Individual Councilmember’s reports and comments on: (1) Council appointed
committees and commissions as well as volunteer activities related to City
business; and (2) meetings/trainings/conferences, etc. attended where eligible
travel expenses are paid by the City as required by AB 1234 and City Council
Resolution No. 100-2006, attached hereto as Appendix B.
13.11. Written Communications
Reports on actions taken by the City Council’s various Committees and
Commissions will be provided under this section. No Council action is required.
14.12. Adjournment of Meeting
135. Future Agenda Items
Staff will prepare Aa list of future agenda items that maywill included two
months of agenda items out with the understanding that items may change from
time to time depending on other priorities or as items of an important nature
arise.
FE.

General Procedure for Presentation/Discussion of Agenda Items
The Council procedure for consideration of items on the agenda shall be
conductedis as follows:
1.
2.
3.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

GF.
1.

Staff presents its report.
Council members may ask questions of staff.
Public comment.
The Mayor opens the public comment period
Members of the public are provided with the opportunity to comment on the
subject matter being considered
The Mayor closes public comment
The Mayor may ask staff to answer questions raised during public comment.
The Council deliberates on the issue and, if appropriate, takes action.
The Mayor announces the final decision of the Council

Public Comments at Council/Boards/Commissions/Committees Meetings
All oral comments by members of the public at City Council meetings shall
bePublic comment shall be conducted as follows:
a. When time is made available for public comment, theAny person who

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wishes to speak is requested to come to the podium, state his/hertheir name and
address for the record, and, if speaking for an organization or other group,
identify the organization or group represented.
b. Remarks Comments shall should be addressed only to the Council as a
whole, and not to individual members, staff, or members of the public.
c. Councilmembers and staff generally will not respond to individual
comments. At the end of public comment, the Mayor willmay, in their
discretion, direct any outstanding questions to staff.
c. Questions, if any, should be directed to the Mayor who will determine
whether, or in what manner, an answer will be provided.
2. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items is generally accommodated as
specified on the City Council agenda and is limited to thirty (30) minutes total
for all speakers, with each speaker given no more than three (3) minutes. If
there are more than ten (10) audience/public comment speakers, the Mayor
may reduce each speaker’s time from three (3) minutes so that all speakers
have an equal time to speak. At the Mayor’s discretion, the public comment
period may be extended past 30 minutes.
3. Public comment is limited to items within the subject matter jurisdiction of the
City. Each comment is limited to three (3) minutes, unless otherwise
determined by the Presiding Officer. An individual may only speak once during
any public comment period.
4. Public Comment on Agenda Items - Any member of the public wishing to
address the Council orally on City business matters appearing on the Council
agenda may do so when that item is taken up by the Council, or as otherwise
specified by the Mayor.
a. Public comment shall be limited to three (3) minutes.
5.

b.
In lieu of public comment persons may submit comments in writing, in
advance, care of the City Clerk, for prior distribution to the Council. Submission
of comments in writing is encouraged.
5.
Public Hearings - When a matter for public hearing comes before the
Council, the Mayor will open the public hearing. Upon opening the public
hearing and before any motion is adopted related to the merits of the issue to be
heard, the Mayor shall inquire if there are any persons present who desire to speak
on the matter which is to be heard or to present evidence respecting the matter.
a. Any person desiring to speak or present evidence, upon being recognized

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by the Mayor, may speak or present evidence relevant to the matter being heard.
No person may speak without first being recognized by the Mayor.
b. Public comment shall be limited to three (3) minutes per speaker.
c. The Mayor shall conduct the meeting in such a manner as to afford due
process.
d. All persons interested in the matter being heard by the Council shall be
entitled to submit written evidence or remarks, as well as other evidence.
e. No person will be permitted during the meeting to speak about matters or
present evidence which is not germane to the matter being considered. A
determination of relevance shall be made by the Mayor, but may be appealed
to the full Council.
g. Written communications and petitions concerning the subject matter of the
hearing will be noted, read aloud, or summarized by the Mayor. A reading in
full shall take place if requested by any Councilmember.
6. Members of the public may submit, and are encouraged to submit, comments
in writing to the City Council relating to any items of City business, whether on
the City Council agenda or otherwise. Such written comments will be
distributed to all members of the Council and considered and acted upon, or not
acted upon, as the City Council in its judgment may deem appropriate.
7. Speakers shall not present the same or substantially same items or arguments to
the Council repeatedly or be repetitious in presenting their oral comments. If a
matter has been presented orally before the Council, whether the Council has
taken action, or determined to take no action, the same or substantially same
matter may not be presented orally by the same person any further. Nothing in
the foregoing precludes submission of comments to the City Council in writing
for such action or non-action as the Council, in its discretion, may deem
appropriate.
8. In order to expedite matters and to avoid repetitious presentations, whenever
any group of persons wishes to address the Council on the same subject matter,
the Mayor may request that a spokesperson be chosen by the group or that there
be a limit on the number of such persons addressing the Council. The Mayor
may set a time limit for the total presentation. No group shall arrange itself so
as to use individual speakers’ times in sequential order to circumvent the time
limits.
9. Any of the foregoing guidelines may be waived by majority vote of the
Councilmembers present when it is deemed that there is good cause to do so
based upon the particular facts and circumstances involved.
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10. Unruly conduct by the public such as undue noise, hissing, profanity, or
physical disturbance shall not be permitted and persons engaging in such
conduct shall be removed from the meeting, as explained in Section V.F.
III.

PRESIDING OFFICER
A.

Mayor to Preside
The Mayor shall be the Presiding Officer at all meetings of the City Council. In the
absence of the Mayor, the Vice Mayor shall preside.
In the absence of both the Mayor and Vice Mayor, the Councilmember with the
longest period of continuous service shall serve as the Presiding Officer. Should
there be two or more Councilmembers of equal length of service, the
Councilmember who received the highest number of votes in the most recent
election shall function as the Presiding Officer.

B.

Powers and Duties of Presiding Officer
1. Participation
The Presiding Officer may move or second from the Chairmake any motion or
second any motion. He/sheThey shall not be deprived of any of the rights and
privileges of a Councilmember by reason of his/hertheir acting as Presiding
Officer.
2. Questions to be Stated
The Presiding Officer shall state every question coming before the City Council,
announce the decision of the City Council on all subjects and decide all questions
of order; subject, however, to an appeal to the City Councilby any
Councilmember, in which event a majority vote of the Councilmembers present
shall govern and conclusively determine such question of order. Voting on all
resolutions and ordinances shall be by roll call vote called by the City Clerk, and
the Mayor shall be entitled to vote on all questions, his or hertheir name being
called last.
3. Maintaining Order and Decorum
The Presiding Officer shall be responsible for the maintenance of order and
decorum at all meetings, consistent with applicable law. Any decision or ruling
of the Presiding Officer may be appealed by request of any Councilmember.
The Presiding Officer shall call for roll call to see if the Chair’s ruling shall be
upheld. If the roll call loses, the Presiding Officer’s ruling may be modified.
4. Signing of Documents
The Presiding Officer shall sign all ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and other
documents necessitating his/hertheir signature, which were adopted in
his/hertheir presence, unless hethey/she is are unavailable, in which case an
alternate Presiding Officer may sign such documents.

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IV.

CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE PUBLIC REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
A.

Written Correspondence
All writings (including correspondence and emails received, written or electronic,
pertaining to an agenda item shall be forwarded to relating to an agenda item must
be forwarded to the City Clerk.
Councilmembers who receive any non-privileged documents relating to an opensession agenda item, less than 72 hours before the meeting, should forward the
documents to the City Clerk as soon as practicable, but no later than the next
business day.
Non-privileged public records relating to an open-session agenda item that a
majority of the Council receives will be made available for public inspection, as
required by Government Code Ssection 54957.5,.
Correspondence pertaining to an item on the agenda and submitted to the City
Clerk’s Office by 12:00 p.m. the Wednesday before the Council meeting will be
distributed to the Council prior to the Council meetingincluded in the agenda packet.
Written correspondence received after the Wednesday deadline and before noon
10:00 a.m. the day of the meeting will be distributed to Councilmembers at the
Council meeting and posted on the City websitemade available for public review as
soon as practicable. All written correspondence pertaining to matters on the agenda
and received after 102:00 pa.m. on the day of the meeting will be available for
public review on the City website.in the public meeting binder.

V.

DEBATE AND DECORUM
A.

Getting the Floor
Councilmembers wishing to speak during Council meetings shall raise their hand
or otherwise indicate to the Presiding Officer their desire to speak and gain
recognition by the Presiding Officer. Councilmembers shall confine themselves to
the question under debate.

B.

Questions to Staff
Every Councilmember desiring to question the City staff shall, after recognition by
the Presiding Officer, address his/hertheir questions to the presenter of an agenda
item, the City Manager, or the City Attorney. The City Manager or City Attorney
shall be entitled either to answer the inquiry himself/herselfthemreselves, or to
designate a member of his/hertheir staff for that purpose.

C.

Interruptions
Councilmembers will endeavor not to interrupt other Councilmembers. A
Councilmember, once recognized, shall not be interrupted when speaking unless
called to order by the Presiding Officer, unless a point of order is raised by another

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Councilmember, or unless the speaker chooses to yield to a question by another
Councilmember. If a Councilmember, while speaking, is called to order by the
Presiding Officer, he/shethey shall cease speaking until the question of order is
determined; if determined to be in order, he/shethey may proceed. Members of the
City staff, after recognition by the Presiding Officer, shall hold the floor until
completion of their remarks, or until recognition is withdrawn by the Presiding
Officer.
D.

Points of Order
The Presiding Officer shall determine all points of order subject to the ability of any
Councilmember to appeal to the Council. He/sheThey may request an opinion of
the City Attorney in making such determination. Council decision shall
conclusively determine any question of order.

E.

Decorum and Order, Council and City Staff
While the Council is in session, the Councilmembers and City staff shall endeavor
to preserve order and decorum. A member shall neither, by conversation or
otherwise, delay or interrupt the proceedings or the peace of the Council, nor disturb
any member while speaking or refuse to obey the directives of the Presiding Officer.

F.

Decorum and Order, Audience
Public members attending Council meetings shall observe the same rules of order
and decorum applicable to the Council and staff. No person shall use loud, profane,
threatening, or personally abusive language, or engage in any other disorderly
conduct so as to disrupt, disturb, or otherwise impede the orderly conduct of any
Council meeting. Persons who violate this rule may be barred from attendance for
the remainder of the Council meeting, provided that the Mayor has notified the
person to conduct himself/herselfthemselves in a manner consistent with this rule,
and warned the person that he/shethey will be removed if he/shethey continues to
disrupt the Council meeting. If after notification and warning the person persists in
disrupting the meeting, the Mayor shall may order the person to leave the Council
meeting and may recess the meeting if necessary. If the person does not remove
himself/herselfthemselves, the Mayor may request the Sergeant- at- Arms or any
law enforcement officer who is on duty at the meeting to remove that person from
the Council Chamber. Removal mustwill be based on conduct that actually disrupts,
disturbs, or impedes the meeting. This rule applies equally to conduct occurring in
person or through any remote participation platform.

G.

Enforcement of Decorum
The Chief of Police, or his or hertheir designee, shall serve as the Sergeant-at-Arms
at the City Council meetings and he/shethey shall attend meetings when requested
by the Presiding Officer, City Manager, or City Council. He/sheThey shall be
available to attend all meetings immediately upon request. He/sheThey shall carry
out all orders given by the Presiding Officer for the purpose of maintaining order
and decorum at the Council meetings. Any Councilmember may move to require

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the Presiding Officer to enforce the rules, and the affirmative vote of a majority of
the Councilmembers present shall require him/herthem to do so.

VI.

H.

Failure to Observe Rules of Order
Rules adopted to expedite the transaction of the business of the Council in an
orderly fashion are deemed to be procedural only and the failure to strictly observe
such rules shall not affect the jurisdiction of the Council or invalidate any
otherwise lawful
action taken at a meeting by the Councilthat is
otherwise held in conformity with law.

I.

Use of Technology
Use of communication system devices (such as phones, iPads, tablets, and laptops)
during Council meetings by Councilmembers shall be limited to accessing the
agenda materials and any information relevant to the meeting.

J.

Bring Your Own Device
Councilmembers frequently perform position related tasks that require connecting
to city-provided resources, systems, and/or email. In support of these tasks,
Councilmembers and may wish to use their own portable devices such as laptops,
tablets, and smartphones as specified in Resolution No. 1053-202214. In the event
that a Councilmember does not wish to receive and access the agenda materials
electronically, a paper copy of the agenda packet will may be provided. the
afternoon of the Thursday before the meeting.

VOTING
A.

Voting Procedure
When any motion is in order, a vote thereon shall be taken either by voice vote or
roll call and entered in the record. Motions may be passed by a simple majority of
the members present at a properly quorumed noticed meeting unless otherwise
required by City ordinance or state law. A supermajority of the Council is four
members.
If a Councilmember participates via teleconference, a roll call vote shall be required
in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act.

B.

Failure to Vote
Every member should vote unless disqualified due to a conflict. Recusal without a
conflict, which results in a tie vote, should be avoided as thwarting Council action,
but no Councilmembers shall be forced to vote. Tie votes shall result in no action
taken.

C.

Conflict of Interest
Any Councilmember who has a financial interest or other conflict of interest in any
matter coming before the City Council shall state the nature of the disqualification

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and disqualify themselves from discussing or voting on that matter. The
Councilmember shall leave the Council Chamber before any discussion on the
matter commences and shall remain outside of the Council Chamber until the
matter is concluded. If the matter is on the Consent Calendar, the Council Member
shall pull the item, announce his/hertheir conflict, and refrain from participating in
any Council discussion or consideration of that item while the Council considers
that item. A Councilmember stating such disqualification shall not be counted as
part of a quorum and shall be considered absent for the purpose of determining the
outcome of any vote on such matter.
D.

Reconsideration and Rescission of a Prior Action
A motion to set aside a vote (in essence to reconsider or a motion to rescind (repeal,
cancel, nullify) shall be permitted only as outlined in Rosenberg’s Rules of Order.

E.

Lost Motions
A lost motion is one that fails to receive the necessary number of votes to carry. Tie
votes result in a lost motion.

VII. MINUTES
A.

Preparation of Minutes
Minutes of Council meetings will be action minutes. Action minutes will include
final motions and will note for the record how each Councilmember voted. Council
and staff discussion and comments will not be included in the minutes. The City
Clerk or the designee will have exclusive responsibility for preparation of the
minutes. The City Clerk or designee will take summary minutes at each Council
meeting. The minutes will consist of: (a) a summary of the item of discussion; (b)
the names of the persons commenting and/or testifying on the item, if known; (c)
names of Council persons moving and seconding the action,; (c) specific action
taken by the Council; and (d) the vote of each Council member for each agenda item.
The summary action minutes shall serve as the official record and shall be retained
indefinitely. will
Although the City will endeavor to record/video tape the meetings, said
recordings/videos shall be for reference purposes only. The retention of
recordings/videos will be set by City Council resolution as part of the City wide
records retention policy.
Any direction for alterations in the minutes shall be made only by action of the City
Council.
Corrections or typographical or clerical errors are not considered alterations.

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B.

Minutes of Public Hearings
Whenever the Council acts in a quasi-judicial proceeding, such as hearings defined
in Section IX.A, the minutes shall contain a summary of the evidence.

C.

Reading of Minutes
Unless the reading of the minutes of a Council meeting is ordered by a majority
vote of the Council, such minutes may be approved without reading so long as the
City Clerk has previously furnished each Councilmember with a copy.

C.

Approval of Minutes
Approval of minutes will be placed on the Consent Calendar within 60 days of the
meeting occurring.

VIII. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, AND CONTRACTS
A.

Preparation of Ordinances, Resolutions, and Contracts
1. Ordinances
An ordinance is a local law with the force of legislation, and usually amends the
Municipal Code. Most ordinances require two readings before the City Council
and are effective thirty days after adoption. Ordinances are generally used to
update the Municipal Code, make zoning changes, adopt development
agreements, or implement regulatory schemes.
All ordinances shall be reviewed and approved before presentation, as to form
and legality, by the City Attorney. Ordinances and shall be presented to the
Council only when ordered by the Council or City Manager, or prepared by the
City Attorney on his/hertheir own initiative.
2. Resolutions
A resolution is a formal administrative or policy action. They are adopted at one
meeting and effective immediately. Resolutions are used for a much broader
range of actions than ordinances, including approval of contracts and fee
schedules, policy updates, and regulations implementing ordinances.
All resolutions shall be reviewed and approved by the City Attorney. In matters
of urgency, a resolution may be presented verbally in motion form together with
instructions for written preparation for later execution.
3. Contracts
All contracts shall be approved as to form by the City Attorney and shall be
presented to Council for approval unless the Council has delegated that authority
to the City Manager or other staff, or to the City Attorney. The City Council
has delegated authority to the City Manager to approve contracts and
expenditures of up to $50,000 (Healdsburg Municipal Code Section 3.24).

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B.

Prior Approval by Administrative Staff
All ordinances, resolutions, and contract documents shall, before presentation to the
Council, have been approved as to form by the City Attorney and shall have been
examined and approved for administration by the City Manager or his/hertheir
authorized representative.

C.

Enactment of Ordinances
Ordinances shall be introduced for first reading by motion. When ordinances, other
than urgency ordinances, are altered after introduction, they shall must be reintroduced at a subsequent meeting. If ordinances are not altered after introduction,
they may be passed only at a regular or adjourned regular meeting held at least five
(5) days after alteration. Corrections of typographical or clerical errors are not
considered alterations.
1. Passage
Ordinances shall be considered for adoption on second reading. Ordinances
may be passed by motion and a majority vote of the Council, except for those
ordinances which require a super majority vote for approval.
Ordinances, except for urgency ordinances, shall not be passed within five (5)
days of their introduction. Adoption of an ordinance may be placed on the
Consent Calendar unless otherwise prohibited by law.
2. Reading
After reading the title, further reading of the text is waived.
3.2.Urgency Ordinance
An urgency ordinance is an ordinance for the immediate preservation of the
public peace, health or safety of the City. It may be passed immediately upon
introduction either at a regular or special meeting, and may be effective
immediately. It must declare the factsinclude findings explaining constituting
the urgency and requires a supermajority vote to passit may be passed by four
(4) affirmative votes.
4. Publication
The City Clerk shall cause each ordinance to be published as required by state
law.
5.3.Effective Date
Ordinances take effect thirty (30) days after final passageadoption, provided
they are published at least once after passageadoption. Certain ordinances,
including urgency ordinances and those relating to an election or taxes, take
effect upon adoption. An ordinance takes effect immediately if it is an
ordinance calling or otherwise relating to an election, of an urgent nature
relating to the public peace, health or safety, relating to street improvement
proceedings, relating to taxes for the usual and current expenses of the City, or

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by particular provisions of law prescribing the manner of its passage and
adoption.
D.

IX.

Adoption of Resolutions
Resolutions may be adopted by motion (roll call vote to be called by the City Clerk)
on the date they are first presented to the Council. It is not required that resolutions
be read, either in full or by title only. Resolutions may be adopted as amended by
the Council on the date they are first presented unless the Council by majority vote
directs the City Clerk to place an amended resolution on a subsequent meeting
agenda for adoption.

PUBLIC HEARINGS
A.

Application and Definition
The following procedural rules shall apply to all hearings before the City Council.
As used herein, “hearing” shall include all public hearings required by State law or
City ordinance, and proceedings for the revocation, suspension, or reinstatement of
permits, licenses, and franchises.

B.

Rights of Interested Persons
On the date and at the time and place designated in the notice, the Council shall
afford any interested person or his/hertheir authorized representative, or both, the
opportunity to present documentary evidence, and/or to present statements,
arguments, or contentions orally and/or in writing, subject to the rules on addressing
the Council and rules hereinafter stated.

C.B.

General Procedure
The Council procedure for the conduct of public hearings is generally as follows:
1. For quasi-judicial hearings, Councilmembers disclose any ex parte
communications or information obtained outside the Council Chamber, such as
field trips, views of the premises, and discussions with individuals
2. Mayor introduces item.
3. Council Members may ask questions regarding procedure and responses.
4. Staff presents its report; up to 15 minutes.
5. Council members may ask questions of staff.
1. The Mayor opens the public hearing.
6.
The applicant or appellant has the opportunity tomay present comments,
testimony, or arguments; up to fifteen (15) minutes. In the case of an appeal

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7.

when the appellant is different from the applicant, the appellant should be called
up first to provide comments or testimony

Council may ask questions of the appellant and appellant may respond.
8. Applicant may present comments, testimony, or arguments; up to fifteen (15)
minutes.
9. Council may ask questions of the applicant and applicant may respond
10. The Mayor will invite members of the public to comment. In the case of an
appeal, appellant and applicant teams may only speak during their allotted
presentation and rebuttal time. Public comment will be limited to 3 minutes per
speaker, or any other equal amount (per person) determined by Mayor.
11. Respond to comments as appropriate and additional Council questions, as
directed by Mayor.
12. The appellant may have an additional speaking time/ rebuttal, if desired; up to
10 minutes.
13. The Council may ask questions of appellant and appellant responses.
14. The applicant may have an additional speaking time/ rebuttal, if desired; up to
10 minutes.
15. The Council may ask questions of applicant and applicant may respond.
16. The public hearing is closed.
17. The Council deliberates on the issue.
18. The Council takes action.
2.19.
C.

Presentation of Evidence
Public hearings need not be conducted according to technical rules of evidence.
The Council may consider all information presented, including oral statements,
documents, petitions, staff reports, and maps and other drawings as evidence. Any
party may voluntarily offer their comments under oath.
3. Oral Evidence
All oral statements which are relevant to the subject matter of the hearing may
be considered by the Council. Oral evidence may be taken on oath or
affirmation at the request of any interested party or his/hertheir authorized
representative.

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4. Exhibits and Documents
Exhibits and documents used by the City staff and any persons participating in
the hearing may be considered as evidence.
5. Communications and Petitions
All communications and petitions may be considered as evidence by the
Council.
6. Staff Reports
Whenever practicable, a written staff report shall be prepared and summarized
aloud as part of the staff presentation. Said report shall be considered as
evidence.
7. Large Maps and Displays
Large size maps and displays presented for use at the hearing shall, whenever
practicable, be displayed in full view of the participants and the audience. Said
maps or displays, or authentic reductions thereof, may be considered as
evidence.
8. Admissible Evidence
The hearing need not be conducted according to technical rules relating to
evidence and witnesses. Any relevant evidence shall be admitted if it is the sort
of evidence on which responsible persons are accustomed to rely in the conduct
of serious affairs, regardless of the existence of any common law or statutory
rule which might make improper the admission of such evidence in civil
actions.
D.

Continuances
Any hearing being held, noticed, or ordered to be held by the Council may, by
motion, be continued by a majority vote of the Council. If the hearing is not
continued to a date certain, the City will re-notice the hearingat the request of staff,
an applicant or an appellant, or by majority vote of the Council to any subsequent
regular or adjourned meeting of the Council provided that if the hearing is continued
to a time less than 24 hours after the time specified in the order on notice of hearing,
a copy of the order or notice of continuance shall be posted outside the Council
Chamber forthwith following the meeting at which the order of continuance was
made. A request for continuance by an applicant or appellant may only be made in
accordance with the Healdsburg Municipal Code.

E.

Decision
The Council shall consider all evidence properly presented in accordance with the
rules stated herein and, unless otherwise provided by law, said decision or
determination shall be made by motion, resolution, or ordinance, as appropriate.
Action may be taken thereon at a subsequent meeting of the Council. Any
Councilmember who failed to hear portions of the hearing and who did not
familiarize himself/herselfthemselves with the hearing or conduct thereof so as to

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be able to publicly state that he/shethey wereas familiar with the issues and
evidence presented at the hearing shall should disqualify himself/herselfthemselves
from discussing or voting on such matter.
F.

X.

Record of Hearing
An electronic recording shall be made of the oral evidence presented at the hearing.
Said recording, together with all documents, maps, exhibits, and displays admitted
into evidence, shall be retained by the City Clerk for a period of one (1) year from
the date of the close of the hearing. In lieu of retaining said recording, the City
Clerk may prepare a typewritten transcript thereof which shall be retained for the
same period of time.

MAYOR AND VICE MAYOR: RESPONSIBILITIES/ SELECTION
A.

Powers and Duties Generally.
The Mayor shall be the official head of the City for all ceremonial purposes and
hethey or she shall perform all duties imposed upon him or herthem by the laws of
the State or by ordinance of the City Council. The Mayor shall serve in such
capacity at the pleasure of the City Council. (Healdsburg Municipal Code 2.20.010)

B.

Term
The Mayor is appointed for a one-year term at the first regular meeting in December
on non-election years or immediately following the installation of the newlyelected Councilmembers if the results of the election are not certified at the first
Council meeting of December.
The Vice Mayor is appointed for a one-year term. The Vice Mayor is not a natural
ascendancy to Mayor and there is no rotation system for selecting the Mayor or the
Vice Mayor. The Vice Mayor shall also serve at the pleasure of the other
Councilmembers.

C.

Selection oOf Mayor Aand Vice Mayor
1. Presiding Officer for Selection of Mayor
The officer presiding over the selection process shall serve as Mayor Pro
Tempore and preside over Council meetings until a Mayor is elected. The
individual functioning as Presiding Officer for the election of Mayor shall be in
the following order:
a. The incumbent Mayor if still on the Council.
b. The incumbent Vice Mayor if still on the Council.
c. The Councilmember with the longest period of continuous service. Should
there be two or more Councilmembers of equal length of service, the
Councilmember who received the highest number of votes in the most
recent election shall function as the Presiding Officer.
2. Nominations

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The Presiding Officer shall call for nominations from the dais for Mayor and
Vice Mayor. The Presiding Officer, at his/hertheir discretion, may call for
separate nominations. Each nomination must receive a second and be accepted
by the nominee prior to a vote on the nomination.
3. Voting
If only one Councilmember is nominated for Mayor and Vice Mayor, the
Presiding Officer shall call for a vote on the nomination. If two or more
Councilmembers are nominated for each of the positions and those nominations
receive a second and are accepted by the nominees, the Presiding Officer shall
ask for separate votes on each of the nominations.
In the event that separate nominations are called for Mayor and Vice Mayor the
same voting procedure shall be followed.
If the incumbent Mayor is no longer on the Council, the newly selected Mayor
will assume the role of Presiding Officer immediately following the selection.
If the incumbent Mayor is on the Council and during non-election years; the
Mayor and Vice Mayor term will be effective the first of the year.
D.

XI.

Proclamations
Proclamations are issued and/or scheduled for presentation at a City Council
meeting at the discretion of the Mayor in consultation with the City Manager.
Proclamations shall be limited to three per meeting, unless otherwise directed by the
Mayor.

COUNCIL GOALS
A.

Council Goals are set by the City Council.

B.

Staff will prepare an update on City issues, trends, and relevant information to assist
the City Council with preparations for their goal setting process.

C.

The purpose of the goal setting process is to establish a limited number of high
priority consensus goals that the City will focus on for the next year.

D.

Staff will develop projected outcomes for each goal for approval by the City
Council.

E.

The City Manager is an active participant in the goal setting process. Other staff,
such as Department Heads may also participate in goal setting at the direction of the
City Council and/or City Manager.

F.

Staff will take steps to distribute Council goals to staff and the public.

G.

The City Council will review progress on the goals quarterlybi-annually.

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XII.

CORRESPONDENCE
A.

Correspondence received directly by Councilmembers
All correspondence, (including e-mails and, text messages) received directly by
individual Councilmembers, regardless of whether they are received on a Cityissued or personal email account, pertaining to City business is public information
and part of any administrative record. Any communications are subject to the Public
Records Act. Councilmembers shall forward a copy of said correspondence to the
City Manager and City Clerk for the official record.

B.

Correspondence received at City Hall
The City Manager or his/hertheir designee is authorized to receive and open all mail
addressed to the City Council, with the exception of correspondence marked
confidential. He/sheThey shall give it immediate attention to the end that all
administrative business referred to in said communications and not necessarily
requiring Council action may be disposed of between Council meetings. Any
communication requiring Council action shall be placed upon the agenda. All
correspondence requiring a response shall be answered or acknowledged as soon
as practicable. Electronic copies of all correspondence received and responses, if
any, shall be provided to all members of the Council.
Correspondence marked confidential will be date stamped and placed in the
addressee’s respective mail box.
Correspondence directed to the City Council and/or the City Manager relating to
Council business is a public record and available to the public upon request.

C.

Community Notifications
In an effort to increase communications with the community, every effort will be
made to notify residents of issues that will affect their neighborhood that will be
coming before the Council or any of the City’s boards, commissions, and advisory
committees.

XIII. REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION
A.

All Councilmembers’ requests for information, regardless of subject matter, such
as information on affordable housing from the Planning and Building Department,
shall be submitted to the City Manager or City Attorney. All informationWhen
appropriate, information gathered will be distributed to all Councilmembers without
a notation indicating which Councilmember requested the information.

XIV. COUNCIL/STAFF RELATIONS
A.

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City staff shall acknowledge the Council as the policy makers, and the City Council
shall acknowledge staff as administering the Council’s policies.
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B.A. Council-Manager Relations
The City Council and its members shall deal with the administrative services of the
City only through the City Manager, except for purpose of inquiry, and neither the
City Council nor any member thereofno City Councilmember shall give orders to
any subordinates of the City Manager. The City Manager shall take orders and
instructions from the City Council majority only when sitting in a duly held meeting
of the City Council, and no individual Councilmember shall give any orders or
instructions to the City Manager.
No individual Councilmember shall in any manner attempt to influence the City
Manager in the making of any appointment or in the purchase of supplies.
The City Manager and the City Attorney are the only officials directly appointed by
the City Council. All department heads, Assistant City Manager, City Clerk, and
their subordinates are supervised by the City Manager.
C.B.

Council relies on staff for technical work and reports.

D.C.

Staff handles all labor negotiations.

E.D.

Council shall not attempt to coerce or influence staff in the preparation of staff
reports, the making of appointments, the awarding of contracts, the selection of
consultants, the processing of development applications, or the granting of licenses
or permits. The Council shall not attempt to change or interfere with the operating
policies and practices of any City department.

F.E.

Councilmembers should confer with the City Manager on issues of concern. The
City Manager shall provide written notice to the City Council on all matters of
major impact to the City.

G.F.

The City Manager and the City Attorney shall receive annual performance reviews.

H.G. Staff provides support to Councilmembers serving on regional agencies, boards or
commissions, or on any League of California Cities affiliated committee or body.
XV.

CITY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES
A.

All applicants for City boards, commissions, or advisory committees shall complete
and file a standard application form with the City Clerk.

B.

The City Clerk shall advertise any vacancies in the local newspaper and post the
vacancies on the City’s website and social media. After the deadline to submit
applications, the City Clerk shall report to the City Council at the next available
Council meeting the number of applications received. If Council determines that
sufficient applications were received, Council may form a a Council
subcommittee will be formed to interview the applicants and make

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recommendations to the full Council. After the interviews, the subcommittee will
make recommendations to the City Council on the most qualified applicants to be
considered for appointment.
C.

Attendance by Councilmembers at Council Committee/Commission meetings
Councilmembers may attend meetings of Council-appointed boards, commissions,
and advisory committees but are cautioned about becomingwill not become involved
in the meeting’s discussion or business, and to will avoid even the appearance of bias
on any matter that could, at some point, come before the Council.
From time to time, members of the City Council who have not been appointed to a
particular committee may wish to attend and participate in the discussion. The
Brown Act (Government Code section 54952.2(c)(6)) states that when a majority
of the members of a legislative body attend an open and noticed meeting of a
standing committee of that body, the members of the legislative body who are not
members of the standing committee may attend only as "observer." Thus, if a
quorum of the City Council is present at the committee meeting and all members
present wish to participate, the meeting must be noticed as a special meeting of the
City Council.
If a Councilm Member wishes to attend a meeting of a committee to which that
Member has not been appointed, s/hethey shall announce his/hertheir intent to
participate in the meeting at the regular City Council meeting held immediately
prior to the committee meeting. If it appears that a quorum of the Council wishes
to attend the committee meeting, upon consensus of the majority of the Council,
the Mayor shall call a special meeting of the City Council to be held in place of the
committee meeting. If appropriate, the meeting shall be noticed as a joint meeting
of the Council and the committee or commission. The agenda for the special
meeting of the City Council shall indicate that no final decision shall be reached at
the special meeting, but that the matter will return to the full Council with a
recommendation.

XVI. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
A.

Councilmembers shall avoid disclosing information, which is confidential or not
generally known or readily available to the public, concerning the business or of the
City, for the purpose of benefiting any private interest.

B.

If the City Council, in closed session, has provided direction to City staff on proposed
terms and conditions for any type of negotiations whether property acquisition or
disposal, a proposed or pending claim or litigation, and/or employee negotiations,
all contact with the other party should be by the designated City staff representative
handling the negotiations or litigation. Unless otherwise authorized by a majority
of the City Council, a Councilmember shall not have any contact or discussions
with the other party or its representatives involved with the negotiations, nor
communicate any discussion conducted in closed session. All public statements,

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information, and press releases should be handled
spokesperson.

by the designated staff

XVII. STATIONERY USE AND RELATED GUIDELINES
A.

City letterhead may Official use of City letterhead shall be guided by the following
criteria:
1. City letterhead: shall be used by the Mayor and Councilmembers only for
official City correspondence and communications.
Personal Stationery without City Logo: shall be used by any member of the City
Council to communicate individual positions, conduct personal
correspondence, or communicate positions that may be in opposition to
established City Council positions or decisions. Personal stationery shall be
printed at the expense of the individual Councilmember.
2. It is the policy of the City Council that tThe use of City letterhead, title, City
Seal, logo, other insignia and/or Councilmember title on personal matters is not
permitted.

B.

The use of the City Seal, logo, or other insignia, on personal matters is not permitted.

C.B.

All Councilmember business cards printed hereafter will contain only the person’s
Councilmember’s name, title, City Hall address, and telephone number (home or
personal cellular telephone numbers optional). Business names and/or addresses are
prohibited.

D.C.

All documents/correspondence using the City letterhead are public documents.
Copies of all correspondence/documents shall be provided to the City Manager.

E.D.

All Councilmembers are should be copied on correspondence signed by the Mayor
or other Councilmembers.

XVIII. GENERAL
A.

District Elections
1. On April 21, 2025, the City Council adopted an Ordinance establishing
district-based elections for all five Councilmembers. Prior to the adoption
of the Ordinance, each member of the City Council was elected in at-large
elections by registered voters of the entire City.
2. The City Council understands the value of citywide governance regardless
of the method by which each Councilmember is elected. Governing
citywide allows for the continuation of inclusive and accessible customer
service, the most effective use of taxpayer resources, and consistency in
City services.

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3. Each member of the City Council will continue to serve all of the people
of Healdsburg, govern on a citywide basis, considering the needs and
interests of the entire community, regardless of the district in which a
resident resides or a proposed project is located, or from which a
Councilmember is elected.
4. Resources will continue to be allocated based on long-term strategic
planning efforts, with citywide considerations of equitable service levels
and financial capacity.
5. Council fiscal management, best practices, and City systems will continue
to reflect services provided to all residents citywide.
Travel
1. Travel arrangements for City related business should be coordinated with the
City Clerk and/or City Manager’s Office staff.

B.

2. Receipts and travel expense reports are to be submitted no later than 30 days
after the date of the meeting, conference, or event. Expenses shall be
reimbursed in accordance with City Council Resolution No. 100-2006
(Appendix B).
3.

C.

Councilmembers must report under Reports from Council attendance
at the meeting, conference, event, etc. in order to be eligible for
reimbursement.

Ballot Measures
1.
The City Council may take an official position (support, oppose, or
take no position) on a ballot measure when the Council determines
that the measure or proposition directly relates to the City’s
governmental interests, fiscal health, service delivery, infrastructure,
public safety, environmental goals, or overall community well-being.
2.

Criteria for Taking a Position. In considering whether to take a
position on a ballot measure, the City Council may evaluate the
following factors:
a. Direct fiscal or operational impacts to the City.
b. Effects on City authority, governance, or regulatory
responsibilities.
c. Impacts on City services, infrastructure, or public programs.
d. Alignment with adopted City policies, plans, or strategic goals.
e. Broad and demonstratable benefit or detriment to City residents.

3.

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Process
a. Any proposed Council position shall be considered at a duly
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b. A Council position shall be adopted by no fewer than four
Councilmembers.
a.c.
XIX. CONDUCT BY COUNCILMEMBERS, COMMISSIONERS AND COMMITTEE
MEMBERS
A.

To increase public confidence in City government; assist Councilmembers, and
Committee, and Commission members with decision-making; and to encourage
high standards of behavior by Councilmembers and Committee/Commission
members the following Code of Conduct shall be followed by the City
Councilmembers and Committees and Commissions of the City of Healdsburg:
1. Council members are expected to read staff reports and supporting information
in the agenda packets and get necessary clarification on issues prior to Council
meetings.
2. Study sessions are held to help educate the Council and allow staff to receive
comments and direction to bring items back on a later agenda for possible action.
3. In order to reach the best possible solutions, information is shared freely between
Council members during Council meetings.
4. Council members treat each other, the public, and staff with respect at all times.
5. There is a respect for differing opinions.
6. The Council will address the issue(s) before the body based on the merits and
substance of the matter regardless of the person/group presenting those issues.
7. The Council, overall, strives for consensus.
8. There are individual interests and areas of expertise of Council members –
allowing the Council to rely on one another for information and positive action.
9. Council looks to boards, commissions, and committees for independent advice
and possible legislative actions.

B.

Ethical Considerations
1. Comply with the Law. Councilmembers and Board and Commission members
shall comply with all applicable laws in the performance of their public duties.
2. Conduct of Councilmembers, Board and Commission Mmembers. The
professional and personal conduct of members must be above reproach and
avoid the appearance of impropriety.
While it is understood that
Councilmembers, and Board and Commission members enjoy First Amendment

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rights, they should refrain from abusive conduct, personal charges, or verbal
attacks upon the character or motives of other members of the Council, Boards,
Commissions, staff, or the public that is intended to disrupt and not further the
City’s business.
3. Respect for Process. Councilmembers, and Board and Commission members
shall perform their duties in accordance with the processes and rules of order
established by Council governing the deliberation of public policy issues,
meaningful involvement of the public, and implementation of policy decisions
of the Council by City staff.
4. Decisions based on Merit. Councilmembers and Boards and Commission
members shall base their decisions on the merits and substance of the matter at
hand, rather than on unrelated considerations.
5. Gifts and Favors. Councilmembers and Board and Commission members shall
follow the laws and regulations that apply to the acceptance of gifts or favors by
a public official.
6. Confidential Information. Councilmembers and Board and Commission
members shall respect the confidentiality of information concerning the
property, personnel, or legal affairs of the City. They shall neither disclose
confidential information without proper legal authorization, nor use such
information to advance their personal, financial, or other private interests.
7. Use of Public Resources. Councilmembers and Board and Commission
members shall not use public resources, such as staff time, equipment, supplies,
or facilities, for private gain or personal purposes.
8. Advocacy. Councilmember and Board and Commission members shall
represent the official policies or positions of the Council, Board, or Commission
to the best of their ability when designated as delegates for this purpose. When
presenting their individual opinions and positions, Councilmembers and Board
and Commission members shall explicitly state they do not represent the
position of the entire Council, the Board, or the Commission.
9. Positive Work Environment. Councilmembers and Board and Commission
members shall support the maintenance of a positive and constructive work
environment for City staff, private citizens, and businesses dealing with the City.
Councilmembers and Board and Commission members shall recognize their
roles in individual dealings with City staff.

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APPENDIX A
ROSENBERG’S RULES OF ORDER

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APPENDIX B
RESOLUTION NO. 100-2006

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CITY COUNCIL
MANUAL OF PROCEDURES AND
PROTOCOLS
Adopted:

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Subject
I.

II.

III.

IV.

Page

COUNCIL MEETINGS

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.

Adoption of Rosenberg’s Rules of Order
Regular Meetings
Adjourned Meetings
Special Meetings
Brown Act
Attendance
Quorum

AGENDA

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

Preparation of Agenda & Agenda Packets
Placement of Items on Agenda by Councilmembers
Teleconferencing/Remote Public Participation
Agenda Content/Order
General Procedure for Presentations/Discussion of Agenda Items
Public Comment

PRESIDING OFFICER

A.
B.

Mayor to Preside
Powers and Duties of Presiding Officer

CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE PUBLIC REGARDING
AGENDA ITEMS

A.

Written Correspondence

V. DEBATE AND DECORUM
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.

VI.

Getting the Floor
Questions to Staff
Interruptions
Points of Order
Decorum and Order, Council and City Staff
Decorum and Order, Audience
Enforcement of Decorum
Failure to Observe Rules of Order
Use of Technology
Bring Your Own Device

VOTING

A.
B.
C.

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Voting Procedure
Failure to Vote
Conflict of Interest

5
5
5
5
5
6
6
6
6
6
7
8
9
9
10

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11
11
11
11
11
11
12
12
12
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D.
E.

Reconsideration and Rescission of Prior Action
Lost Motion

VII. MINUTES
A.
B.
C.

Preparation of Minutes
Minutes of Public Hearings
Approval of Minutes

13
13
13

VIII. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, AND CONTRACTS
A.
B.
C.
D.

Preparation of Ordinances, Resolutions, and Contracts
Prior Approval by Administrative Staff
Ordinances
Adoption of Resolutions

IX. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

X.

Application and Definition
General Procedure
Presentation of Evidence
Continuances
Decision
Record of Hearing
Powers and Duties Generally
Term
Selection of Mayor and Vice Mayor
Proclamations

XI.

COUNCIL GOALS

XII.

CORRESPONDENCE

A.
B.
C.

13
14
14
15
15
15
16
16
16
17

MAYOR AND VICE MAYOR: RESPONSIBILITIES/SELECTION

A.
B.
C.
D.

13
13

17
17
17
18

18

Correspondence received directly by Councilmembers
Correspondence received at City Hall
Community Communications

19
19
19

XIII.

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

19

XIV.

COUNCIL/CITY STAFF RELATIONS

19

XV.

CITY BOARDS, COMMISSION, AND COMMITTEES

20

XVI.

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

21

XVII.

STATIONERY USE AND RELATED GUIDELINES

21

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Subject
XVIII.

XIX.

Page

GENERAL

A. District Elections
B. Travel
C. Ballot Measures

21
22
22

CONDUCT BY COUNCILMEMBERS

23

APPENDIX A - Rosenberg’s Rules of Order

25

APPENDIX B - Resolution No. 100-2006

26

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I.

COUNCIL MEETINGS
A.
Adoption of Rosenberg’s Rules of Order
The Council adopts Rosenberg’s Rules of Order as the general procedures for
conducting its meetings unless otherwise specified in this manual. In the event of
a conflict between this manual and Rosenberg’s Rules of Order, the provisions of
this manual shall control. When necessary to resolve issues that may arise over
process, the Mayor will refer to the City Attorney who will act as the
Parliamentarian.
B.

Regular Meetings
The City Council shall hold its regular meetings on the first and third Mondays of
each and every calendar month beginning at 6:00 p.m. unless, by a majority vote of
Councilmembers present and eligible to vote on the matter at a regular City Council
meeting, the City Council elects to cancel a regularly scheduled City Council
meeting. In the event that a regular City Council meeting falls on a recognized City
holiday, the meeting shall be held on the next regular business day at 6:00 p.m., or
at such other time as the City Council may choose. Unless otherwise determined by
the Council or necessary based on the nature of the meeting or an emergency, City
Council meetings shall be held at City Hall, 401 Grove Street, Healdsburg, CA.
In November or December of each year, the City Clerk will present the City Council
for consideration and action the proposed meeting schedule for the following
calendar year, noting the regular meeting dates that fall on a City recognized holiday
and anticipated special meeting dates.
Council meetings may be broadcast live on the City’s website, Facebook, Zoom,
and YouTube. Council meetings may also be rebroadcast on the City’s local
government access channel.

C.

Adjourned Meetings
Any regular meeting may be adjourned to a time, place, and date specified in the
order of adjournment but not beyond the next regular meeting. If no time is stated
in the order of adjournment, it shall be the same time as for a regular meeting. An
adjourned regular meeting is a regular meeting for all purposes.

D.

Special Meetings
Special meetings may be called at any time by a majority of the City Council or by
the City Manager. The notice shall specify the time and place of the special meeting
and the business to be transacted. No other business shall be considered at such
meetings.

E.

Brown Act
All meetings of a quorum or more of the City Council shall be held in accordance
with the Ralph M. Brown Act.

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II.

F.

Attendance
Councilmembers are expected to attend all meetings of the City Council.

G.

Quorum
The Council consists of five (5) members, one of whom is the Mayor. Three
members of the Council shall constitute a quorum and shall be sufficient to transact
business. If fewer than three (3) Councilmembers appear at a regular meeting, no
meeting shall occur.

AGENDA
A.

Preparation of Agenda and Agenda Packets
Agendas for all Council meetings shall comply with the Brown Act and these
Protocols.
Electronic agenda packets for all regular meetings will be distributed to the City
Council and staff at least 72 hours before the meeting. Special meeting
agendas/packets will be distributed as soon as practicable, but no later than 24 hours
prior to the meeting.
Additionally, the electronic agenda packets may be posted on the City’s website
and notifications sent to those subscribing to agenda notifications.

B.

Placement of Items on Upcoming Agendas by Councilmembers
Councilmembers may make a request during “Council Reports” to add an item to a
subsequent meeting agenda. The purpose of the City Council discussion on such a
request will be limited to whether it will be placed on a future agenda.. A
concurrence of one Councilmember, in addition to the Councilmember who
suggested the item, will be sufficient to place the item on a subsequent agenda, for
discussion.
At the subsequent meeting (“Meeting No. 2”), discussion on the matter will focus
on the subject matter to be agendized, including details of the Council’s request;
staff time required to research the matter and prepare the staff report; other
priorities; and timeline of when the item would be placed on the agenda. No staff
report shall be prepared for this discussion, and the primary purpose is for the
Council to provide direction to staff, not to take further action. If the Council would
like to move forward, the item will be further discussed, and a staff report presented,
at a subsequent meeting (“Meeting No. 3”).
The City Manager shall have the discretion to skip Meeting No. 2 and place the
item on a future agenda for action if, in the City Manager’s determination, the item
does not require significant work from staff or additional information from Council.

C.

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Brown Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Councilmembers requesting
teleconference participation must notify the City Clerk as soon as practicable to
allow compliance with applicable noticing and access requirements.
When remote participation is provided, members of the public will be allowed to
observe and address the Council using the access methods identified on the agenda.
D.

Agenda Content/Order
The agenda shall contain the title headings and shall be conducted in the order and
manner as set forth below:
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
The City Clerk shall enter the names of the Councilmembers present and absent
in the minutes.
a. Approval of Agenda
The City Council will vote on approval of agenda.
2 . Report on Closed Session(s)
If a closed session is held prior to the Council meeting, the Mayor will report
out any reportable actions.
3. Announcements/Presentations
Presentations should be limited to 10 minutes each. If more than one person
will be presenting, the entire presentation by all presenters shall not exceed 10
minutes. PowerPoints should be limited to 10 slides.
At the discretion of the Presiding Officer, presentation of proclamations maybe
streamlined by only reading the opening and last paragraph. Proclamations will
not be read if the requesting person/group is not present.
4. City Manager Reports
The City Manager may provide updates regarding matters of general interest to
the Council. No Council action will be taken.
5. Public Comments on Items on the Consent Calendar and Non-Agenda
Items
This period is set aside for members of the public to address the City Council
on any item of interest to the public within the subject matter jurisdiction of the
Council, other than scheduled agenda items. Comments are limited to three
minutes, unless otherwise determined by the Presiding Officer. . Members from
the public wishing to speak on a Consent Agenda item should do so during this
time.
6. Consent Calendar Items
Items that are routine in nature or have been previously reviewed by the Council

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and require little or no further discussion by the Council, public, or applicant,
are considered Consent Items. Operational expenditures, regardless of
expenditure amount, which are approved in the budget such as purchase of
vehicles, miscellaneous equipment, contracts for services, etc. as well as
ministerial actions (i.e. Final Maps) may also be included in the Consent
Calendar.
Councilmembers will make every attempt to get their questions regarding
Consent Items answered by staff in advance.
The Council may act on these items in one motion unless any Councilmember
requests that an item be removed from the Consent Calendar and action taken
separately. In the event an item is removed, the matter will be considered
immediately following adoption of the Consent Calendar.
7. Public Hearings
The Council shall conduct all public hearings in accordance with Sections IX
and applicable law.
8. Business Items
The Council shall consider items of City business and the introduction and
adoption of ordinances and the adoption of resolutions or motions, as
appropriate.
9. Council Reports on Matters of Interest occurring since previous regular
meeting/expense reports
Individual Councilmember’s reports and comments on: (1) Council appointed
committees and commissions as well as volunteer activities related to City
business; and (2) meetings/trainings/conferences, etc. attended where eligible
travel expenses are paid by the City as required by AB 1234 and City Council
Resolution No. 100-2006, attached hereto as Appendix B.
10. Written Communications
Reports on actions taken by the City Council’s various Committees. No Council
action is required.
11. Adjournment of Meeting
12. Future Agenda Items
Staff will prepare a list of future agenda items that may include two months of
agenda items with the understanding that items may change from time to time
depending on other priorities or as items of an important nature arise.
E.

General Procedure for Presentation/Discussion of Agenda Items
The Council procedure for consideration of items on the agenda is as follows:
1. Staff presents its report.

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2. Council members may ask questions of staff.
3. Public comment.
6. The Mayor may ask staff to answer questions raised during public comment.
7. The Council deliberates on the issue and, if appropriate, takes action.
F.

Public Comment
1. Public comment shall be conducted as follows:
a. Any person who wishes to speak is requested to come to the podium, state
their name and address for the record, and, if speaking for an organization
or other group, identify the organization or group represented.
b. Comments should be addressed to the Council , and not to individual
members, staff, or members of the public.
c. Councilmembers and staff generally will not respond to individual
comments. At the end of public comment, the Mayor may, in their
discretion, direct any outstanding questions to staff.
2. Public comment is limited to items within the subject matter jurisdiction of the
City. Each comment is limited to three (3) minutes, unless otherwise determined
by the Presiding Officer. An individual may only speak once during any public
comment period.
3. Public Comment on Agenda Items - Any member of the public wishing to
address the Council orally on City business matters appearing on the Council
agenda may do so when that item is taken up by the Council, or as otherwise
specified by the Mayor.
4. In lieu of public comment persons may submit comments in writing, in
advance, care of the City Clerk, for prior distribution to the Council.
Submission of comments in writing is encouraged.

III.

PRESIDING OFFICER
A.

Mayor to Preside
The Mayor shall be the Presiding Officer at all meetings of the City Council. In the
absence of the Mayor, the Vice Mayor shall preside.
In the absence of both the Mayor and Vice Mayor, the Councilmember with the
longest period of continuous service shall serve as the Presiding Officer. Should
there be two or more Councilmembers of equal length of service, the
Councilmember who received the highest number of votes in the most recent
election shall function as the Presiding Officer.

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B.

Powers and Duties of Presiding Officer
1. Participation
The Presiding Officer may make any motion or second any motion. They shall
not be deprived of any of the rights and privileges of a Councilmember by
reason of their acting as Presiding Officer.
2. Questions to be Stated
The Presiding Officer shall decide all questions of order; subject, however, to an
appeal by any Councilmember, in which event a majority vote of the
Councilmembers present shall govern . Voting on all resolutions and ordinances
shall be by roll call vote called by the City Clerk, and the Mayor shall be entitled
to vote on all questions, their name being called last.
3. Maintaining Order and Decorum
The Presiding Officer shall be responsible for the maintenance of order and
decorum at all meetings, consistent with applicable law.
4. Signing of Documents
The Presiding Officer shall sign all ordinances, resolutions, contracts, and other
documents necessitating their signature, which were adopted in their presence,
unless they/ are unavailable, in which case an alternate Presiding Officer may
sign such documents.

IV.

CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE PUBLIC REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
A.

Councilmembers who receive any non-privileged documents relating to an opensession agenda item, less than 72 hours before the meeting, should forward the
documents to the City Clerk as soon as practicable, but no later than the next
business day.
Non-privileged public records relating to an open-session agenda item that a
majority of the Council receives will be made available for public inspection, as
required by Government Code Section 54957.5,.
Correspondence pertaining to an item on the agenda and submitted to the City
Clerk’s Office by 12:00 p.m. the Wednesday before the Council meeting will be
included in the agenda packet. Written correspondence received after the
Wednesday deadline and before 10:00 a.m. the day of the meeting will be
distributed to Councilmembers at the Council meeting and posted on the City
website. All written correspondence pertaining to matters on the agenda and
received after 10:00 a.m. on the day of the meeting will be available for public
review on the City website.

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V.

DEBATE AND DECORUM
A.

Getting the Floor
Councilmembers wishing to speak during Council meetings shall raise their hand
or otherwise indicate to the Presiding Officer their desire to speak and gain
recognition by the Presiding Officer. Councilmembers shall confine themselves to
the question under debate.

B.

Questions to Staff
Every Councilmember desiring to question the City staff shall, after recognition by
the Presiding Officer, address their questions to the presenter of an agenda item,
the City Manager, or the City Attorney. The City Manager or City Attorney shall
answer the inquiry themselves, or designate a member of their staff for that purpose.

C.

Interruptions
A Councilmember, once recognized, shall not be interrupted when speaking unless
called to order by the Presiding Officer, unless a point of order is raised by another
Councilmember, or unless the speaker chooses to yield to a question by another
Councilmember. If a Councilmember, while speaking, is called to order by the
Presiding Officer, they shall cease speaking until the question of order is
determined; if determined to be in order, they may proceed.

D.

Points of Order
The Presiding Officer shall determine all points of order subject to the ability of any
Councilmember to appeal to the Council. They may request an opinion of the City
Attorney in making such determination. Council decision shall conclusively
determine any question of order.

E.

Decorum and Order, Council and City Staff
While the Council is in session, the Councilmembers and City staff shall endeavor
to preserve order and decorum. A member shall neither, by conversation or
otherwise, delay or interrupt the proceedings or the peace of the Council, nor disturb
any member while speaking or refuse to obey the directives of the Presiding Officer.

F.

Decorum and Order, Audience
No person shall engage in any conduct so as to disrupt, disturb, or otherwise impede
the orderly conduct of any Council meeting. Persons who violate this rule may be
barred from attendance for the remainder of the Council meeting, provided that the
Mayor has warned the person that they will be removed if they continue to disrupt
the Council meeting. If after notification and warning the person persists in
disrupting the meeting, the Mayor may order the person to leave the Council
meeting and recess the meeting if necessary. If the person does not remove
themselves, the Mayor may request the Sergeant-at-Arms or any law enforcement
officer who is on duty at the meeting to remove that person from the Council
Chamber. Removal will be based on conduct that actually disrupts, disturbs, or
impedes the meeting. This rule applies equally to conduct occurring in person or
through any remote participation platform.

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VI.

G.

Enforcement of Decorum
The Chief of Police, or their designee, shall serve as the Sergeant-at-Arms at the
City Council meetings and they shall attend meetings when requested by the
Presiding Officer, City Manager, or City Council. They shall be available to attend
all meetings immediately upon request. They shall carry out all orders given by the
Presiding Officer for the purpose of maintaining order and decorum at the Council
meetings. Any Councilmember may move to require the Presiding Officer to
enforce the rules, and the affirmative vote of a majority of the Councilmembers
present shall require them to do so.

H.

Failure to Observe Rules of Order
Rules adopted to expedite the transaction of the business of the Council in an
orderly fashion are deemed to be procedural only and the failure to strictly observe
such rules shall not affect the jurisdiction of the Council or invalidate any otherwise
lawful action taken by the Council.

I.

Use of Technology
Use of communication system devices (such as phones, tablets, and laptops) during
Council meetings by Councilmembers shall be limited to accessing the agenda
materials and any information relevant to the meeting.

J.

Bring Your Own Device
Councilmembers frequently perform position related tasks that require connecting
to city-provided resources, systems, and/or email. In support of these tasks,
Councilmembers may wish to use their own portable devices such as laptops,
tablets, and smartphones as specified in Resolution No. 103-2022.

VOTING
A.

Voting Procedure
When any motion is in order, a vote thereon shall be taken either by voice vote or
roll call and entered in the record. Motions may be passed by a simple majority of
the members present at a properly noticed meeting unless otherwise required by
City ordinance or state law. A supermajority of the Council is four members.
If a Councilmember participates via teleconference, a roll call vote shall be required
in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act.

B.

Failure to Vote
Every member should vote unless disqualified due to a conflict. Recusal without a
conflict, which results in a tie vote, should be avoided as thwarting Council action,
but no Councilmembers shall be forced to vote. Tie votes shall result in no action
taken.

C.

Conflict of Interest
Any Councilmember who has a financial interest or other conflict of interest in any

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matter coming before the City Council shall state the nature of the disqualification
and disqualify themselves from discussing or voting on that matter. The
Councilmember shall leave the Council Chamber before any discussion on the
matter commences and shall remain outside of the Council Chamber until the
matter is concluded. If the matter is on the Consent Calendar, the Council Member
shall announce their conflict, and refrain from participating in any Council
discussion or consideration of that item. A Councilmember stating such
disqualification shall not be counted as part of a quorum and shall be considered
absent for the purpose of determining the outcome of any vote on such matter.
D.

Reconsideration and Rescission of a Prior Action
A motion to reconsider shall be permitted only as outlined in Rosenberg’s Rules of
Order.

E.

Lost Motions
A lost motion is one that fails to receive the necessary number of votes to carry. Tie
votes result in a lost motion.

VII. MINUTES
A.

Preparation of Minutes
Minutes of Council meetings will be action minutes. Action minutes will include
final motions and will note for the record how each Councilmember voted. Council
and staff discussion and comments will not be included in the minutes. The City
Clerk or the designee will have exclusive responsibility for preparation of the
minutes. The action minutes shall serve as the official record and shall be retained
indefinitely.
Any direction for alterations in the minutes shall be made only by action of the City
Council.
Corrections or typographical or clerical errors are not considered alterations.

B.

Minutes of Public Hearings
Whenever the Council acts in a quasi-judicial proceeding, such as hearings defined
in Section IX.A, the minutes shall contain a summary of the evidence.

C.

Approval of Minutes
Approval of minutes will be placed on the Consent Calendar within 60 days of the
meeting occurring.

VIII. ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, AND CONTRACTS
A.

Preparation of Ordinances, Resolutions, and Contracts
1. Ordinances

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An ordinance is a local law with the force of legislation, and usually amends the
Municipal Code. Most ordinances require two readings before the City Council
and are effective thirty days after adoption. Ordinances are generally used to
update the Municipal Code, make zoning changes, adopt development
agreements, or implement regulatory schemes.
All ordinances shall be reviewed and approved before presentation, as to form
and legality, by the City Attorney. Ordinances shall be presented to the Council
only when ordered by the Council or City Manager or prepared by the City
Attorney on their own initiative.
2. Resolutions
A resolution is a formal administrative or policy action. They are adopted at one
meeting and effective immediately. Resolutions are used for a much broader
range of actions than ordinances, including approval of contracts and fee
schedules, policy updates, and regulations implementing ordinances.
All resolutions shall be reviewed and approved by the City Attorney. In matters
of urgency, a resolution may be presented verbally in motion form together with
instructions for written preparation for later execution.
3. Contracts
All contracts shall be approved as to form by the City Attorney and shall be
presented to Council for approval unless the Council has delegated that authority
to the City Manager or other staff, or to the City Attorney. The City Council
has delegated authority to the City Manager to approve contracts and
expenditures of up to $50,000 (Healdsburg Municipal Code Section 3.24).
B.

Prior Approval by Administrative Staff
All ordinances, resolutions, and contract documents shall, before presentation to the
Council, have been approved as to form by the City Attorney and shall have been
examined and approved for administration by the City Manager or their authorized
representative.

C.

Ordinances
Ordinances shall be introduced for first reading by motion. When ordinances, other
than urgency ordinances, are altered after introduction, they must be re-introduced
at a subsequent meeting Corrections of typographical or clerical errors are not
considered alterations.
1. Passage
Ordinances may be passed by motion and a majority vote of the Council, except
for those ordinances which require a super majority vote.
Ordinances, except for urgency ordinances, shall not be passed within five (5)
days of their introduction. Adoption of an ordinance may be placed on the

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Consent Calendar unless otherwise prohibited by law.
2. Urgency Ordinance
An urgency ordinance is an ordinance for the immediate preservation of the
public peace, health or safety of the City. It may be passed immediately upon
introduction either at a regular or special meeting, and may be effective
immediately. It must include findings explaining the urgency and requires a
supermajority vote to pass.
3. Effective Date
Ordinances take effect thirty (30) days after adoption, provided they are
published at least once after adoption. Certain ordinances, including urgency
ordinances and those relating to an election or taxes, take effect upon
adoption.
D.

IX.

Adoption of Resolutions
Resolutions may be adopted by motion on the date they are first presented to the
Council. Resolutions may be adopted as amended by the Council on the date they
are first presented unless the Council by majority vote directs the City Clerk to
place an amended resolution on a subsequent meeting agenda for adoption.

PUBLIC HEARINGS
A.

Application and Definition
As used herein, “hearing” shall include all public hearings required by State law or
City ordinance, and proceedings for the revocation, suspension, or reinstatement of
permits, licenses, and franchises.

B.

General Procedure
The Council procedure for the conduct of public hearings is generally as follows:
1. For quasi-judicial hearings, Councilmembers disclose any ex parte
communications or information obtained outside the Council Chamber, such as
field trips, views of the premises, and discussions with individuals
2. Mayor introduces item.
3. Council Members may ask questions regarding procedure and responses.
4. Staff presents its report; up to 15 minutes.
5. Councilmembers may ask questions of staff.
6. The Mayor opens the public hearing.
7. The appellant may present comments, testimony, or arguments; up to fifteen

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(15) minutes.
Council may ask questions of the appellant and appellant may respond.
8. Applicant may present comments, testimony, or arguments; up to fifteen (15)
minutes.
9. Council may ask questions of the applicant and applicant may respond.
10. The Mayor will invite members of the public to comment. In the case of an
appeal, appellant and applicant teams may only speak during their allotted
presentation and rebuttal time. Public comment will be limited to 3 minutes per
speaker, or any other equal amount (per person) determined by Mayor.
11. Respond to comments as appropriate and additional Council questions, as
directed by Mayor.
12. The appellant may have an additional speaking time/ rebuttal, if desired; up to
10 minutes.
13. The Council may ask questions of appellant and appellant responses.
14. The applicant may have an additional speaking time/ rebuttal, if desired; up to
10 minutes.
15. The Council may ask questions of applicant and applicant may respond.
16. The public hearing is closed.
17. The Council deliberates on the issue.
18. The Council takes action.
C.

Presentation of Evidence
Public hearings need not be conducted according to technical rules of evidence.
The Council may consider all information presented, including oral statements,
documents, petitions, staff reports, and maps and other drawings as evidence. Any
party may voluntarily offer their comments under oath.

D.

Continuances
Any hearing may, by motion, be continued by a majority vote of the Council. If the
hearing is not continued to a date certain, the City will re-notice the hearing.

E.

Decision
The Council shall consider all evidence properly presented in accordance with the
rules stated herein and, unless otherwise provided by law, said decision or
determination shall be made by motion, resolution, or ordinance, as appropriate.
Any Councilmember who failed to hear portions of the hearing and who did not

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familiarize themselves with the hearing or conduct thereof so as to be able to
publicly state that they were familiar with the issues and evidence presented at the
hearing should disqualify themselves from discussing or voting on such matter.
F.

X.

Record of Hearing
An electronic recording shall be made of the oral evidence presented at the hearing.
Said recording, together with all documents, maps, exhibits, and displays admitted
into evidence, shall be retained by the City Clerk for a period of one (1) year from
the date of the close of the hearing.

MAYOR AND VICE MAYOR: RESPONSIBILITIES/ SELECTION
A.

Powers and Duties Generally.
The Mayor shall be the official head of the City for all ceremonial purposes and
shall perform all duties imposed upon them by the laws of the State or by ordinance
of the City Council. The Mayor shall serve in such capacity at the pleasure of the
City Council. (Healdsburg Municipal Code 2.20.010)

B.

Term
The Mayor is appointed for a one-year term at the first regular meeting in December
on non-election years or immediately following the installation of the newlyelected Councilmembers if the results of the election are not certified at the first
Council meeting of December.
The Vice Mayor is appointed for a one-year term. The Vice Mayor is not a natural
ascendancy to Mayor and there is no rotation system for selecting the Mayor or the
Vice Mayor. The Vice Mayor shall also serve at the pleasure of the other
Councilmembers.

C.

Selection of Mayor and Vice Mayor
1. Presiding Officer for Selection of Mayor
The officer presiding over the selection process shall serve as Mayor Pro
Tempore and preside over Council meetings until a Mayor is elected. The
individual functioning as Presiding Officer for the election of Mayor shall be in
the following order:
a. The incumbent Mayor if still on the Council.
b. The incumbent Vice Mayor if still on the Council.
c. The Councilmember with the longest period of continuous service. Should
there be two or more Councilmembers of equal length of service, the
Councilmember who received the highest number of votes in the most
recent election shall function as the Presiding Officer.
2. Nominations
The Presiding Officer shall call for nominations from the dais for Mayor and
Vice Mayor. The Presiding Officer, at their discretion, may call for separate

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nominations. Each nomination must receive a second and be accepted by the
nominee prior to a vote on the nomination.
3. Voting
If only one Councilmember is nominated for Mayor and Vice Mayor, the
Presiding Officer shall call for a vote on the nomination. If two or more
Councilmembers are nominated for each of the positions and those nominations
receive a second and are accepted by the nominees, the Presiding Officer shall
ask for separate votes on each of the nominations.
In the event that separate nominations are called for Mayor and Vice Mayor the
same voting procedure shall be followed.
If the incumbent Mayor is no longer on the Council, the newly selected Mayor
will assume the role of Presiding Officer immediately following the selection.
If the incumbent Mayor is on the Council and during non-election years; the
Mayor and Vice Mayor term will be effective the first of the year.
D.

XI.

Proclamations
Proclamations are issued and/or scheduled for presentation at a City Council
meeting at the discretion of the Mayor in consultation with the City Manager.
Proclamations shall be limited to three per meeting, unless otherwise directed by the
Mayor.

COUNCIL GOALS
A.

Council Goals are set by the City Council.

B.

Staff will prepare an update on City issues, trends, and relevant information to assist
the City Council with preparations for their goal setting process.

C.

The purpose of the goal setting process is to establish a limited number of high
priority consensus goals that the City will focus on for the next year.

D.

Staff will develop projected outcomes for each goal for approval by the City
Council.

E.

The City Manager is an active participant in the goal setting process. Other staff,
such as Department Heads may also participate in goal setting at the direction of the
City Council and/or City Manager.

F.

Staff will take steps to distribute Council goals to staff and the public.

G.

The City Council will review progress on the goals bi-annually.

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XII.

CORRESPONDENCE
A.

Correspondence received directly by Councilmembers
All correspondence, including e-mails and text messages received directly by
individual Councilmembers, regardless of whether they are received on a Cityissued or personal email account, pertaining to City business is public information
and part of any administrative record. Any communications are subject to the Public
Records Act.

B.

Correspondence received at City Hall
The City Manager or their designee is authorized to receive and open all mail
addressed to the City Council, with the exception of correspondence marked
confidential.
Correspondence marked confidential will be date stamped and placed in the
addressee’s mail box.
Correspondence directed to the City Council and/or the City Manager relating to
Council business is a public record and available to the public upon request.

C.

Community Notifications
In an effort to increase communications with the community, every effort will be
made to notify residents of issues that will affect their neighborhood that will be
coming before the Council or any of the City’s boards, commissions, and advisory
committees.

XIII. REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION
A.

All Councilmembers’ requests for information, regardless of subject matter, shall
be submitted to the City Manager or City Attorney. When appropriate, information
gathered will be distributed to all Councilmembers without a notation indicating
which Councilmember requested the information.

XIV. COUNCIL/STAFF RELATIONS
A.

Council-Manager Relations
The City Council shall deal with the administrative services of the City only
through the City Manager, except for purpose of inquiry, and no City
Councilmember shall give orders to any subordinates of the City Manager. The City
Manager shall take orders and instructions from the City Council majority only
when sitting in a duly held meeting of the City Council, and no individual
Councilmember shall give any orders or instructions to the City Manager.
No individual Councilmember shall attempt to influence the City Manager in the
making of any appointment or in the purchase of supplies.

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The City Manager and the City Attorney are the only officials directly appointed by
the City Council. All department heads, Assistant City Manager, City Clerk, and
their subordinates are supervised by the City Manager.

XV.

B.

Council relies on staff for technical work and reports.

C.

Staff handles all labor negotiations.

D.

Council shall not attempt to coerce or influence staff in the preparation of staff
reports, the making of appointments, the awarding of contracts, the selection of
consultants, the processing of development applications, or the granting of licenses
or permits. The Council shall not attempt to change or interfere with the operating
policies and practices of any City department.

E.

Councilmembers should confer with the City Manager on issues of concern. The
City Manager shall provide written notice to the City Council on all matters of
major impact to the City.

F.

The City Manager and the City Attorney shall receive annual performance reviews.

G.

Staff provides support to Councilmembers serving on regional agencies, boards or
commissions, or on any League of California Cities affiliated committee or body.

CITY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES
A.

All applicants for City boards, commissions, or advisory committees shall complete
and file a standard application form with the City Clerk.

B.

The City Clerk shall advertise any vacancies in the local newspaper and post the
vacancies on the City’s website and social media. After the deadline to submit
applications, the City Clerk shall report to the City Council at the next available
Council meeting the number of applications received. If Council determines that
sufficient applications were received, Council may form a subcommittee to
interview the applicants and make recommendations to the full Council.

C.

Attendance by Councilmembers at Council Committee/Commission meetings
Councilmembers may attend meetings of Council-appointed boards, commissions,
and advisory committees but will not become involved in the meeting’s discussion
or business, and will avoid even the appearance of bias on any matter that could, at
some point, come before the Council.
From time to time, members of the City Council who have not been appointed to a
particular committee may wish to attend and participate in the discussion. The
Brown Act (Government Code section 54952.2(c)(6)) states that when a majority
of the members of a legislative body attend an open and noticed meeting of a
standing committee of that body, the members of the legislative body who are not

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members of the standing committee may attend only as "observer." Thus, if a
quorum of the City Council is present at the committee meeting and all members
present wish to participate, the meeting must be noticed as a special meeting of the
City Council.
XVI. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
A.

Councilmembers shall avoid disclosing information, which is confidential or not
generally known or readily available to the public, concerning the business or of the
City, for the purpose of benefiting any private interest.

B.

If the City Council, in closed session, has provided direction to City staff on proposed
terms and conditions for any type of negotiations whether property acquisition or
disposal, a proposed or pending claim or litigation, and/or employee negotiations,
all contact with the other party should be by the designated City staff representative
handling the negotiations or litigation. Unless otherwise authorized by a majority
of the City Council, a Councilmember shall not have any contact or discussions
with the other party or its representatives involved with the negotiations, nor
communicate any discussion conducted in closed session. All public statements,
information, and press releases should be handled by the designated staff
spokesperson.

XVII. STATIONERY USE AND RELATED GUIDELINES
A. City letterhead may:
1.

be used by the Mayor and Councilmembers only for official City correspondence
and communications.
2. The use of City letterhead, title, City Seal, logo, other insignia and/or
Councilmember title on personal matters is not permitted.

B. All Councilmember business cards will contain only the Councilmember’s name, title, City
Hall address, and telephone number. Business names and/or addresses are prohibited.
C. All documents/correspondence using the City letterhead are public documents. Copies of all
correspondence/documents shall be provided to the City Manager.
D. All Councilmembers should be copied on correspondence signed by the Mayor or other
Councilmembers.
XVIII. GENERAL
A. District Elections
1. On April 21, 2025, the City Council adopted an Ordinance establishing district-based
elections for all five Councilmembers. Prior to the adoption of the Ordinance, each
member of the City Council was elected in at-large elections by registered voters of the
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entire City.
2. The City Council understands the value of citywide governance regardless of the
method by which each Councilmember is elected. Governing citywide allows for the
continuation of inclusive and accessible customer service, the most effective use of
taxpayer resources, and consistency in City services.
3. Each member of the City Council will continue to serve all of the people of Healdsburg,
govern on a citywide basis, considering the needs and interests of the entire community,
regardless of the district in which a resident resides or a proposed project is located, or
from which a Councilmember is elected.
4. Resources will continue to be allocated based on long-term strategic planning efforts,
with citywide considerations of equitable service levels and financial capacity.
5. Council fiscal management, best practices, and City systems will continue to reflect
services provided to all residents citywide.
B. Travel
1. Travel arrangements for City related business should be coordinated with the City Clerk
and/or City Manager’s Office staff.
2. Receipts and travel expense reports are to be submitted no later than 30 days after the
date of the meeting, conference, or event. Expenses shall be reimbursed in accordance
with City Council Resolution No. 100-2006 (Appendix B).
3. Councilmembers must report under Reports from Council attendance at the meeting,
conference, event, etc. in order to be eligible for reimbursement.
C. Ballot Measures
1. The City Council may take an official position (support, oppose, or take no position) on
a ballot measure when the Council determines that the measure or proposition directly
relates to the City’s governmental interests, fiscal health, service delivery, infrastructure,
public safety, environmental goals, or overall community well-being.
2. Criteria for Taking a Position. In considering whether to take a position on a ballot
measure, the City Council may evaluate the following factors:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Direct fiscal or operational impacts to the City.
Effects on City authority, governance, or regulatory responsibilities.
Impacts on City services, infrastructure, or public programs.
Alignment with adopted City policies, plans, or strategic goals.
Broad and demonstratable benefit or detriment to City residents.

3. Process
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a. Any proposed Council position shall be considered at a duly noticed public meeting.
b. A Council position shall be adopted by no fewer than four Councilmembers.
XIX. CONDUCT BY COUNCILMEMBERS, COMMISSIONERS AND COMMITTEE
MEMBERS
A.

To increase public confidence in City government; assist Councilmembers,
Committee, and Commission members with decision-making; and to encourage
high standards of behavior by Councilmembers and Committee/Commission
members the following Code of Conduct shall be followed by the City
Councilmembers and Committees and Commissions of the City of Healdsburg:
1. Councilmembers are expected to read staff reports and supporting information
in the agenda packets and get necessary clarification on issues prior to Council
meetings.
2. Study sessions are held to help educate the Council and allow staff to receive
comments and direction to bring items back on a later agenda for possible action.
3. In order to reach the best possible solutions, information is shared freely between
Councilmembers during Council meetings.
4. Councilmembers treat each other, the public, and staff with respect at all times.
5. There is a respect for differing opinions.
6. The Council will address the issue(s) before the body based on the merits and
substance of the matter regardless of the person/group presenting those issues.
8. There are individual interests and areas of expertise of Councilmembers –
allowing the Council to rely on one another for information and positive action.
9. Council looks to boards, commissions, and committees for independent advice
and possible legislative actions.

B.

Ethical Considerations
1. Comply with the Law. Councilmembers and Board and Commission members
shall comply with all applicable laws in the performance of their public duties.
2. Conduct of Councilmembers, Board and Commission Members. The
professional and personal conduct of members must be above reproach and
avoid the appearance of impropriety.
While it is understood that
Councilmembers, and Board and Commission members enjoy First Amendment
rights, they should refrain from abusive conduct, personal charges, or verbal
attacks upon the character or motives of other members of the Council, Boards,

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Commissions, staff, or the public that is intended to disrupt and not further the
City’s business.
3. Respect for Process. Councilmembers and Board and Commission members
shall perform their duties in accordance with the processes and rules of order
established by Council governing the deliberation of public policy issues,
meaningful involvement of the public, and implementation of policy decisions
of the Council by City staff.
4. Decisions based on Merit. Councilmembers and Board and Commission
members shall base their decisions on the merits and substance of the matter at
hand, rather than on unrelated considerations.
5. Gifts and Favors. Councilmembers and Board and Commission members shall
follow the laws and regulations that apply to the acceptance of gifts or favors by
a public official.
6. Confidential Information. Councilmembers and Board and Commission
members shall respect the confidentiality of information concerning the
property, personnel, or legal affairs of the City. They shall neither disclose
confidential information without proper legal authorization, nor use such
information to advance their personal, financial, or other private interests.
7. Use of Public Resources. Councilmembers and Board and Commission
members shall not use public resources, such as staff time, equipment, supplies,
or facilities, for private gain or personal purposes.
8. Advocacy. Councilmember and Board and Commission members shall
represent the official policies or positions of the Council, Board, or Commission
to the best of their ability when designated as delegates for this purpose. When
presenting their individual opinions and positions, Councilmembers and Board
and Commission members shall explicitly state they do not represent the
position of the entire Council, the Board, or the Commission.
9. Positive Work Environment. Councilmembers and Board and Commission
members shall support the maintenance of a positive and constructive work
environment for City staff, private citizens, and businesses dealing with the City.
Councilmembers and Board and Commission members shall recognize their
roles in individual dealings with City staff.

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APPENDIX A
ROSENBERG’S RULES OF ORDER

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APPENDIX B
RESOLUTION NO. 100-2006

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3/11/2026 – Page 1
CITY OF HEALDSBURG
CITY COUNCIL FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

(NOTE: The schedule is tentative and subject to change pending final publication and posting of the City Council meeting agenda)

March 25, 2026
City Council Goal Setting Session
April 6, 2026

Proclamation celebrating the Healdsburg High School Girls Basketball team
Volunteer Appreciation Month Proclamation
Arts, Culture and Creativity Month Proclamation
Marie Sparks Volunteer of the Year Award
Investment Report – February 2026
Disbursement Report – February 2026
Acceptance of the Foley Family Community Pavilion Project
Reject Bids Received for the Grove Street Undergrounding Project
Professional Services Agreement Amendment with Myriad Engineering, Inc.
Public Art Grant Awards
Update on Local Preference Policy Disparate Impact Study

April 20, 2026

Fair Housing Month Proclamation
Annual Update from Healdsburg Library Commissioner Andy Elkind
Healdsburg Arts and Culture Branding
Acceptance of Public Improvements – North Village
MOU with Corazon Healdsburg and Healthcare Foundation Northern Sonoma County for Abel De Luna
Community Center Multicultural Center Improvements Project
Badger Park Schematic Design Contract
Fiscal Year 2026-27 City Council Goal Adoption
Budget Development Update

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Station Area Professional Services Agreement Award and Community Advisory Committee Selection
Process
Police and Fire Facility Space Planning
Foley Family Community Pavilion Public Art Project Award
May 4, 2026

Public Service Week Proclamation
Bike Month and Bike to Work Day Proclamation
Farmers’ Market Agreement
Prune Packers Baseball Club Facility Use Agreement

May 11, 2026

Special Meeting
Budget

May 18, 2026
List of Projects to be Funded by Senate Bill 1 - "The Road Repair and Accountability Act"
Selection of City Council Subcommittee to Interview Library Commission Applicants

(NOTE: The schedule is tentative and subject to change pending final publication and posting of the City Council meeting agenda)

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