Healdsburg Advances Sweeping Housing Changes

City Council to discuss next steps in implementing state-mandated housing reforms

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Healdsburg is poised to see changes to the city's housing with sweeping state laws following a recommendation from the Planning Commission to adopt new ordinances updating the city's land use code. The changes involve allowing up to 4 units on former single-family lots and streamlining approval for small-scale developments of up to 10 units.

Why it matters

These housing reforms are part of California's efforts to address the state's housing shortage by increasing development capacity and reducing regulatory barriers, especially for 'missing middle' housing types. Healdsburg's actions will shape how these state mandates are implemented at the local level.

The details

The proposed amendments to Healdsburg's land use code would formalize state-mandated changes from SB 9, which allows up to 4 units on former single-family lots, and SB 684/1123, which permits streamlined approval for small-scale developments of up to 10 units. While staff is not recommending immediate action on additional measures like AB 1033 (allowing separate sales of ADUs) and SB 10 (allowing cities to rezone for up to 10 units), the City Council may consider pursuing those options in the future.

  • The Planning Commission first reviewed draft ordinances in September 2025 and held a public hearing on Jan. 27, 2026, ultimately recommending approval.
  • The Healdsburg City Council meeting to discuss the proposed ordinances is scheduled for February 17, 2026.

The players

Healdsburg City Council

The governing body of the city of Healdsburg that will decide whether to introduce the proposed housing ordinances.

Healdsburg Planning Commission

The city's planning advisory body that reviewed and recommended approval of the draft housing ordinances.

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What’s next

If approved on first reading, the ordinances would return to the City Council for a second reading before taking effect.

The takeaway

Healdsburg's actions to implement state-mandated housing reforms will serve as an example for other California cities grappling with how to balance local control with the need to increase housing supply and affordability.