Chapter 17.07 — AMENDMENTS TO THE ZONING MAP AND TEXT

Sections:

• 17.07.010 Purpose.

• 17.07.020 General plan conformance required.

• 17.07.030 Prezoning for annexation.

• 17.07.040 Initiation of amendment.

17.07.050 Application.

• 17.07.060 Public hearings.

17.07.070 Considerations.

• 17.07.080 Modifications by city council.

The purpose of this chapter is to establish procedures to amend the zoning code text and to amend the city’s official zoning map, commonly referred to as a “rezone” or “rezoning.” The purpose of text amendments is to reflect a change in policy, adopted plans such as the general plan, or whenever the public necessity, the general community welfare, and good zoning practice warrant such amendment. All amendments to this title or zoning map shall be consistent with the general plan, any adopted specific plan, and other appropriate city policies. (Ord. 23-4 § 5 (Exh. A))

The community development director shall make an initial determination of general plan applicability to a specific parcel or proposal. When made verbally, such determination shall be advisory only. A formal determination in writing may be obtained upon written request of the city and payment of a fee as set forth by resolution of the city council. Such a formal determination may be appealed in writing to the planning commission and ultimately the city council pursuant to Chapter 17.12, Procedures for Appeals. (Ord. 23-4 § 5 (Exh. A))

The St. Helena Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 26-4, passed May 12, 2026.

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Title 17 Zoning Code | St. Helena Municipal Code

• A. Purpose. The purpose of prezoning property is to determine the zoning designation that will apply to property upon subsequent annexation to the city.

• B. Applicability. The prezoning process applies to unincorporated territory adjoining the city that is subject to a pending annexation.

  1. All properties that have been prezoned in such manner shall be annexed with the retention of their prezoning classifications.

  2. All properties that have not been prezoned in accordance with the provisions of this chapter shall automatically be zoned Twenty-Acre Agriculture (A-20) zoning district upon annexation.

• C. Initiation. Prezoning shall be initiated by city council. (Ord. 23-4 § 5 (Exh. A))

Amendments may be initiated by the city council, planning commission, community development director, or the owner or authorized agent of the owner of the property included in any proposed change. Individuals or groups seeking to change the zoning of an area independent of an application should contact the city council. (Ord. 23-4 § 5 (Exh. A))

A. Application. An application for a zoning amendment shall be prepared, filed, and processed in compliance with Section 17.04.020, Application process.

B. Responsibility. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide information regarding the findings described by Section 17.07.020, General plan conformance required, and Section 17.07.070, Considerations. (Ord. 23-4 § 5 (Exh. A))

The planning commission shall hold a properly noticed public hearing on all proposed zoning map and text amendments in compliance with Section 17.04.080, Public hearing notice, and make a recommendation to the city council. The planning commission may recommend the approval, modified approval, or denial of the proposed text or zoning map amendment. Following the planning commission hearing, the city council shall hold a public hearing prior to a final decision. (Ord. 23-4 § 5 (Exh. A))

The St. Helena Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 26-4, passed May 12, 2026.

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Title 17 Zoning Code | St. Helena Municipal Code

When considering an ordinance amending any of the provisions of this title, including an amendment to the zoning map, the planning commission and city council shall:

A. Take into consideration the consistency of the proposed amendment with the goals, policies and programs of the general plan, adopted planning commission (where applicable) and other existing city policies;

B. When considering the reduction of residential density, ensure compliance with California Government Code Section 65863 by either finding that the remaining sites identified in the housing element are adequate to accommodate the city’s share of the regional housing need or by identifying sufficient additional, adequate, and available sites with an equal or greater density so that there is no net loss in residential density; and

C. Ensure that there is no net loss of potential housing units. (Ord. 23-4 § 5 (Exh. A))

The following provisions shall be observed when the city council considers a modification to a proposed amendment:

A. The city council may modify any proposed amendment by making nonsubstantive changes in the wording of a proposed text amendment; or in the case of a rezoning, by reducing the area involved, or by adopting a more restrictive zoning classification without first referring the matter to the planning commission for a report and recommendation. However, any substantive change proposed by the city council that was not discussed by the planning commission shall be referred back to the planning commission for a report and recommendation.

B. When the city council has referred a matter back to the planning commission, it shall report back to the city council within thirty (30) days after the date of the city council referral unless the city council specifically allows for a longer period of time for the planning commission report and recommendation. Where action cannot be taken within thirty (30) days by the planning commission, a longer period of time may be requested and the city council may at its discretion grant such a request. Although no additional public hearing shall be required, the planning commission may at its discretion hold a public hearing prior to a report and recommendation on any matter referred to it by the city council. (Ord. 23-4 § 5 (Exh. A))