Key Highlights

Here are the key takeaways from Santa Rosa's Missing Middle Housing initiative:

• Santa Rosa's 2025 rezoning plans aim to increase the housing supply by allowing more diverse housing types.
• The initiative focuses on "missing middle housing," which includes duplexes, fourplexes, and townhomes.
• This rezoning seeks to create more affordable housing options for residents.
• New design standards will ensure that new buildings are compatible with existing neighborhood scales.
• The changes primarily target central neighborhoods, suburban districts, and transit corridors to promote walkability.
• Residents can get involved by attending upcoming city hall meetings.

Introduction

Have you noticed the gap in housing options between single-family homes and large apartment complexes? Santa Rosa is tackling this issue head-on with a new initiative focused on "missing middle housing." This forward-thinking approach to housing development aims to diversify the city's housing stock. The 2025 rezoning plan is designed to create more attainable and varied living choices for everyone, from young professionals to retirees, fostering more vibrant and walkable communities throughout Santa Rosa.

Overview of Missing Middle Housing and Santa Rosa’s 2025 Rezoning Plans

Santa Rosa’s 2025 rezoning plans are centered on introducing missing middle housing to address the city's housing needs. This strategy involves updating zoning laws to permit a wider range of housing types, which have been largely absent from new construction for decades. The goal is to create a more balanced and affordable housing market.

By embracing middle housing, the city aims to build more resilient and accessible neighborhoods. The following sections will explain what this type of housing is, the objectives of the rezoning initiative, and some key terms you should know.

What is Missing Middle Housing?

So, what exactly is missing middle housing? The term, coined by architect Daniel Parolek, refers to the range of multi-unit or clustered housing types that fall between single-family homes and large-scale apartment buildings. Think of duplexes, fourplexes, courtyard apartments, and townhomes. These buildings are "house scale," meaning they are designed to be compatible in size and form with the single-family homes in a neighborhood.

Historically, these middle housing types were common in neighborhoods built before the 1940s, creating diverse and walkable communities. You could find a mix of single-family homes and smaller multi-unit buildings on the same block, providing housing choices for people at different life stages and income levels.

The "missing" label comes from the fact that these housing options have been largely absent from construction for over 40 years due to zoning regulations that favored either single-family homes or large apartment complexes. Santa Rosa's initiative aims to bring these valuable housing types back into the fold.

Objectives of the 2025 Rezoning Initiative

The primary objective of Santa Rosa's 2025 rezoning initiative is to tackle the local housing crisis. Like many California cities, Santa Rosa faces a significant gap between housing demand and supply, which has driven up costs and limited options for many residents. This rezoning is a proactive step by local government to create more affordable housing choices.

By allowing missing middle housing, the plan encourages a more efficient use of land. These housing types can increase density gently without constructing towering buildings that feel out of place. This approach supports the creation of more walkable neighborhoods where amenities like shops, restaurants, and transit are within easy reach, reducing reliance on cars.

Ultimately, the initiative aims to build a more inclusive community. Providing a wider range of housing options helps meet the needs of different households, from millennials seeking starter homes to baby boomers looking to downsize. The goal is to foster a vibrant housing market that serves all of Santa Rosa's residents.

Key Terms Explained—Zoning, Middle Housing, Urban Infill

To better understand the conversation around Santa Rosa's housing plans, it helps to know a few key terms. These concepts are central to the city's strategy for increasing the housing supply and creating more diverse neighborhoods.

Zoning, for instance, refers to the municipal rules that dictate how land can be used. These regulations determine what types of buildings can be constructed in certain areas, influencing everything from building height to the number of units allowed. Historically, strict zoning has been a barrier to developing varied middle housing types.

Here are a few terms that are central to the discussion:

• Zoning: Local government regulations that classify land for specific uses, such as residential, commercial, or industrial.
• Middle Housing: House-scale buildings with multiple units, such as duplexes, triplexes, and courtyard apartments, that bridge the gap between single-family homes and large apartment buildings.
• Urban Infill: The process of developing vacant or underused parcels within existing urban areas, which helps prevent sprawl and promotes the efficient use of land and infrastructure.

The Need for Missing Middle Housing in Santa Rosa

The call for missing middle housing in Santa Rosa stems directly from a pressing need to address the city's housing crisis. For years, residents have faced escalating home prices and a lack of diverse rental options, creating a significant affordability challenge. The current housing supply is heavily weighted toward single-family homes and large apartment buildings, leaving a gap.

This initiative is a direct response to that gap. By reintroducing house-scale, multi-unit options, Santa Rosa can increase its housing supply in a way that integrates smoothly into existing neighborhoods. The next sections will explore the specific market trends driving this need and the demographics that stand to benefit most.

Housing Market Trends and Demand

Current housing market trends reveal a major disconnect between what people want and what is available. A 2017 report from the National Association of Realtors highlighted that "60 percent of millennials want to live in walkable communities with easy access to shopping, food, services, and transit." [Source: https://www.westerncity.com/article/how-ensure-missing-middle-housing-not-missing-your-citys-policy-planning-and-zoning] This growing demand for walkable urban living is a key driver behind the push for missing middle housing.

Santa Rosa is not alone in facing this affordability crisis; many local governments across California are exploring similar solutions. Cities like Sacramento and Berkeley have already voted to allow multi-unit housing on lots previously zoned for single-family homes. These actions signal a statewide shift toward embracing gentle density to combat the housing shortage.

By following this trend, Santa Rosa is positioning itself to better meet the evolving needs of its population. The goal is to create a housing market that provides more choices and helps stabilize costs, making the city more accessible for current and future residents.

Gaps in Santa Rosa’s Housing Supply

For decades, Santa Rosa's housing supply has been polarized. On one end, you have single-family homes, and on the other, large multi-story apartment buildings. This has created a significant gap in the market, leaving very few options in between. This is the "missing middle" that the city's rezoning initiative aims to fill.

The lack of diverse building types means there are limited choices for people who don't want or can't afford a traditional single-family home but also don't want to live in a large apartment complex. This gap particularly affects moderate-income households, young families, and older adults looking to downsize.

By enabling the construction of duplexes, townhomes, and other house-scale buildings, Santa Rosa can close this gap in its housing supply. Addressing this is a crucial step in alleviating the housing crisis and creating a more balanced and equitable community for all residents.

Target Demographics for Middle Housing

Missing middle housing is designed to meet the housing needs of a wide range of people, but certain demographics stand to benefit the most. Shifting lifestyle preferences and economic pressures have made these housing types more appealing than ever.

Younger generations, particularly millennials, are often seeking entry-level homeownership opportunities in walkable neighborhoods. At the same time, a large number of baby boomers are looking to downsize from larger single-family homes into something more manageable without leaving their communities. Middle housing provides an ideal solution for both groups.

The target demographics for these new housing options include:

• Millennials: Seeking affordability and walkable lifestyles close to amenities.
• Baby Boomers: Looking to downsize while aging in place within their neighborhoods.
• Single Professionals: Needing smaller, more affordable living spaces.
• Small Families: Searching for attainable housing choices that offer more space than a typical apartment.

Neighborhoods & Areas Affected by Santa Rosa’s Rezoning

Santa Rosa’s rezoning for housing development will not be applied uniformly across the city. Instead, the changes will be focused on specific neighborhoods and areas where gentle density can be most effective. The initiative targets locations that can support more residents without drastically changing the neighborhood's character.

The primary affected areas will likely include central residential districts, underutilized suburban areas, and corridors along major transit routes. By concentrating new housing in these zones, the city can enhance walkability and make better use of existing infrastructure. The following sections offer more detail on the potential changes in these key areas.

Map of Proposed Rezoning Zones

While an official, detailed map of the proposed rezoning zones is still being finalized by the city, the plan focuses on integrating missing middle housing into specific parts of Santa Rosa. The goal is to add housing in areas that can best support it, such as those with access to public transit and existing amenities. You can check the city's official planning website for the latest updates and detailed maps.

The general approach is to rezone areas currently dominated by single-family housing or underutilized commercial lots. For illustrative purposes, here is a table showing what the proposed zoning changes might look like in different types of affected areas.

Central and East Santa Rosa—Potential Changes

Neighborhoods in central and East Santa Rosa are prime candidates for the proposed zoning changes. These areas often feature a mix of older homes and are already relatively dense, making them well-suited for the gentle addition of new housing units. The initiative aims to build upon the existing character of these communities.

The potential changes could involve allowing property owners to build duplexes or triplexes on lots that are currently restricted to single-family homes. This would increase the number of housing units available without requiring the construction of large, out-of-scale buildings. The focus will be on ensuring new structures blend seamlessly with the surrounding architecture.

By strategically increasing density, these zoning changes can transform central and East Santa Rosa into even more walkable neighborhoods. More residents support more local shops, cafes, and services, creating a vibrant community feel where people can accomplish daily errands without needing a car.

Impacted Suburban Districts and Transit Corridors

Beyond the central city, Santa Rosa's rezoning initiative will also impact suburban districts and key transit corridors. These areas are targeted for their potential to support new growth in a sustainable way. Placing more housing near public transportation is a key strategy for reducing traffic and improving accessibility.

In suburban neighborhoods, the changes might involve allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) or small-scale cottage courts on larger lots. This approach adds housing diversity without disrupting the suburban feel. Along transit corridors, the city may permit slightly larger buildings, like townhomes or courtyard apartments, to maximize the benefits of public transit access.

The focus on these areas aims to achieve several key goals:

• Increase housing options in areas with good transit connections.
• Reduce dependency on personal vehicles.
• Create more equitable access to housing across the city.
• Promote the development of complete, walkable communities.

New Design Standards and Zoning Updates for 2025

A critical part of the 2025 rezoning is the introduction of new design standards. These updates aren't just about allowing new middle housing types; they are about ensuring these new building types are attractive and fit well within Santa Rosa's neighborhoods. The city is moving toward regulations that prioritize good design over simple density calculations.

This approach ensures predictable built results and maintains the character of a community. Instead of just focusing on the number of units, the new standards will regulate building form, scale, and placement. The following sections detail the types of housing permitted and the architectural guidelines that will shape them.

Types of Missing Middle Housing Permitted

The Santa Rosa rezoning initiative will allow for a variety of missing middle housing types. This diversity is key to creating a balanced housing market that can meet the needs of many different residents. These building types are designed to be compatible in scale with single-family homes, ensuring they integrate well into existing neighborhoods.

These options provide a gentle increase in density while offering more housing choices than are currently available. Unlike large apartment buildings, these structures maintain a residential feel and often include private entrances and outdoor spaces. The goal is to provide the benefits of multi-unit living without sacrificing neighborhood character.

The permitted housing types will likely include:

• Duplexes, Triplexes, and Fourplexes: Two to four units in a single building that looks like a large house.
• Townhomes: Attached single-family homes that are typically owner-occupied.
• Courtyard Apartments: Several units arranged around a shared courtyard space.
• Cottage Courts: A cluster of small, detached homes on a single lot.
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Smaller, independent units located on the same lot as a single-family home.

Architectural Guidelines for Middle Housing

To ensure new middle housing fits into existing neighborhoods, Santa Rosa's 2025 initiative will include specific architectural guidelines. The city is adopting a form-based approach, a concept championed by firms like Opticos Design. This method focuses on the physical form of buildings—their size, scale, and placement—rather than just their use or the number of housing units inside.

These guidelines will regulate elements like building height, setbacks from the street, and minimum lot size. For example, a new fourplex might be required to have a similar height and footprint to a large single-family home, helping it blend in visually. The goal is to regulate form to produce predictable, high-quality results that enhance the neighborhood's character.

This approach provides flexibility for developers while giving the community assurance about what new construction will look like. By focusing on how a building looks and feels within the streetscape, the city can encourage the development of attractive, human-scale housing that contributes positively to the neighborhood.

Sustainability, Parking, and Accessibility Requirements

Beyond aesthetics, the new design standards for Santa Rosa will also emphasize sustainability, parking, and accessibility. These requirements are essential for creating modern, livable communities that are both environmentally friendly and inclusive.

Parking is a major consideration. Traditional zoning often requires excessive off-street parking, which increases construction costs and encourages car dependency. The new standards may reduce parking minimums, especially for developments near transit, making projects more affordable and promoting a more efficient use of land. This aligns with the goal of creating walkable neighborhoods.

Key requirements will likely cover:

• Sustainability: Encouraging energy-efficient designs and the use of sustainable building materials.
• Accessibility: Ensuring new units are accessible to people with disabilities, promoting inclusivity.
• Parking: Implementing flexible or reduced parking requirements to lower housing costs and support walkability.
• Green Space: Requiring shared green spaces or private outdoor areas for residents to enjoy.

Conclusion

In summary, the Missing Middle Housing initiative in Santa Rosa represents a significant transformation in how the city approaches its housing challenges. By addressing gaps in the housing supply and introducing new design standards, this initiative aims to create more diverse and affordable living options for residents. While there are valid concerns regarding community impact and infrastructure, the potential benefits, such as increased accessibility and sustainability, offer a promising outlook for the future of Santa Rosa. To ensure your voice is heard, make sure to attend the upcoming city hall meeting on this important topic. Your participation is key in shaping the city's housing landscape!

A list of properties proposed to be included within the Missing Middle Housing Combining District is provided here: Proposed MMH Properties

Understanding the properties proposed for inclusion in the Missing Middle Housing Combining District is essential for those interested in local development. These properties typically encompass a variety of housing types, such as duplexes, courtyard apartments, and fourplexes, which cater to the growing demand for affordable and higher density living. As stakeholders evaluate potential sites, careful planning ensures the efficient use of land while promoting walkable neighborhoods and maintaining community amenities. This initiative aims to address the housing crisis in Santa Rosa effectively.

A list of properties proposed to be included within the Missing Middle Housing Combining District is provided here: Proposed MMH Properties

Proposed properties for the Missing Middle Housing Combining District include a variety of housing types aimed at addressing Santa Rosa's affordability crisis. This initiative encompasses accessory dwelling units, duplexes, and courtyard apartments designed to enhance walkable neighborhoods and meet the growing demand for middle housing. Each site is selected based on its potential for efficient land use, compliance with new zoning ordinances, and contributions to the overall housing supply, ensuring diverse and accessible options for current and future residents.

A list of properties proposed to be included within the Missing Middle Housing Combining District is provided here: Proposed MMH Properties

Proposed properties for inclusion in the Missing Middle Housing Combining District aim to address the growing demand for diverse housing options in Santa Rosa. These properties consist of various middle housing types such as duplexes, fourplexes, and courtyard apartments. By offering a multifaceted approach to development, they facilitate an efficient use of land while ensuring easy access to amenities and walkable neighborhoods. This initiative not only meets housing needs but also supports sustainable growth within the community.

View full meeting

Meeting agendas and outcomes related to Santa Rosa’s Missing Middle Housing initiative can be viewed online. This transparency fosters community engagement and allows residents to stay informed about important developments. Stakeholders are encouraged to review resources provided, including detailed plans and informational videos. With careful planning and consideration of public input, the city aims to address the growing demand for diverse housing types through its 2025 rezoning strategy. Your participation is crucial in shaping a more affordable and accessible housing future.

Project Timeline

The project timeline for the Missing Middle Housing initiative in Santa Rosa spans several key milestones. Initially, stakeholder meetings will take place to gather input from local residents and policymakers, ensuring community engagement and transparency. Following this, a draft ordinance will be prepared for review by the City Council, expected in early 2024. The final proposal is aimed for approval by mid-2025, aligning with the growing demand for diverse housing types and effective land use strategies to address the housing crisis.

Informational Videos

A collection of informational videos illustrates the principles and vision behind missing middle housing in Santa Rosa. These resources provide visual insights into proposed zoning changes, showcasing various middle housing types such as duplexes, cottage courts, and townhouse developments. Engaging presentations from city planners and stakeholders delve into the benefits of promoting diverse housing options, aimed at addressing the affordability crisis and enhancing community livability. Such visual aids serve as valuable tools for understanding the implications of the zoning ordinance and upcoming changes.

Contact

For inquiries related to the Missing Middle Housing initiative in Santa Rosa, connecting with local planners and city council representatives is essential. The Santa Rosa City website offers resources and contact information for stakeholders involved in this zoning update. Additionally, attending community meetings can provide insights into ongoing discussions and allow for direct communication with officials. Engaging in these conversations not only keeps residents informed but also involves them in shaping the future of their neighborhoods.

Amy Nicholson

Bringing a wealth of experience in urban planning, Amy Nicholson has emerged as a key advocate for innovative housing solutions in Santa Rosa. Her efforts focus on promoting missing middle housing types, emphasizing the importance of affordable living arrangements that cater to diverse demographics. Through technical assistance and stakeholder engagement, Nicholson plays a pivotal role in shaping policies that address the housing crisis while ensuring sustainable, walkable neighborhoods. Her vision advocates for efficient use of land, maximizing density without compromising quality of life.

How the Concept of Missing Middle Housing Is Being Used in California

A growing recognition of missing middle housing is reshaping California’s urban landscape. This concept promotes a diverse array of housing types, such as duplexes, fourplexes, and accessory dwelling units, aimed at addressing the state's housing crisis. Local governments are implementing policies to facilitate middle housing projects, ensuring efficient land use and accessibility for various demographics, including millennials and baby boomers. This initiative not only enhances walkable neighborhoods but also offers solutions to the affordability challenges prevalent in cities like Santa Rosa and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can residents get involved in Santa Rosa’s rezoning hearings?

Residents, homeowners, and other stakeholders can participate by attending public hearings held by the Santa Rosa City Council. You can provide feedback during public comment periods at these meetings. Meetings are held at City Hall, 100 Santa Rosa Avenue. Check the official city calendar at santa-rosa.legistar.com for upcoming dates and agendas.

What is the timeline for rezoning implementation?

The new zoning ordinance is being developed with a target for adoption in 2025. After the Santa Rosa City Council approves the ordinance, implementation will occur in phases. For the most current timeline and specific details on each phase, residents should monitor the city's official planning department website.

What are the main concerns about the missing middle housing initiative?

Common concerns raised during similar initiatives include potential impacts on neighborhood character, increased traffic, and parking shortages. Some also question whether the new supply will truly improve affordability. The city is conducting due diligence to address these concerns through careful planning, new design standards, and public engagement sessions.

Lastly, is blanket rezoning without knowing the neighborhood wise? Leave your thoughts in the comments.

Sign up for Sonoma County Navigator

Discover Sonoma County! Latest News, places to play, stay, eat, live, shop, learn and more!

Signup

Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.