Petaluma Argus Courier recently reported that the City of Petaluma has achieved more than 20% of its housing allocation requirements in the first year of a state- mandated eight-year housing cycle that calls for 1,910 new housing units through 2031. The housing element is a requirement under the city’s General Plan. It facilitates production of new housing for various income levels, households and family types in order to promote fair housing.

A housing specialist for the city told the council in March that the remaining 1,515 housing units will be spread over four different income categories of very low, low, moderate and above average income. Already, the city has provided 40% of the above moderate category housing, so we should expect to see more affordable units as the focus going forward. And of the 389 affordable units that are already in the pipeline, 119 permanent supportive units will help to provide a pathway from shelter to longer term housing solutions.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are being identified as a key strategy to additional affordable housing. Petaluma City Council approved new housing design standards for streamlining qualifying residential projects, back in February, including tree coverage minimums, no vinyl exteriors and 150 ft maximum building facades. “There’s a lot of push-back on both sides as to the construction of new units in Petaluma,” says Timo. “The fact is, the city’s general plan anticipated significantly more growth in population than we have seen. In order to house the folk who do live here, their adult children and the people who work in our schools and services, we must expect development in infill areas.”