Welcome

The Town of Windsor is excited to announce that it is conducting a technical update to the Windsor Zoning Ordinance. The Town initiated the update to refine the current Zoning Ordinance, address changes to State law, increase housing supply, consider changing community needs and opportunities, and ensure consistency with the 2040 General Plan. This effort will enable the Town to implement best practices to ensure the Zoning Ordinance meets the needs of the community now, and in the future.

The success of this planning effort will depend in part on input from the community to fully identify the community’s needs and expectations for development and building regulation. There will be many opportunities to participate in this update process. As this project progresses, this page will be your primary source for information related to the Zoning Ordinance Update, including project documents and news on upcoming public outreach opportunities.

What is a Zoning Ordinance?

The purpose of the zoning ordinance is to specify which uses are allowed on a given property, establish development standards, and implement the policies of the Town’s General Plan. The Zoning Ordinance classifies land by category or district (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural). By classifying land by these broad categories, the Town can assign specific development standards (i.e., parcel size, building height, yard setbacks, parking, landscaping), to maintain compatible and consistent development within a given area. These standards emphasize the importance of the interaction between structures, site layouts, public spaces, and neighboring development.

As required by State law, the Windsor Zoning Ordinance includes permitted land uses and development standards linked to and consistent with General Plan goals, policies, and programs. It is through this link that the land uses, and development standards implement the General Plan and establish the basis for project approvals.

Over time, it is essential that municipalities revisit the standards and regulations in their Zoning Ordinance. By revising and updating its Zoning Ordinance, Windsor will ensure its regulations comply with new State laws, are consistent with the 2040 General Plan, and reflect community values and expectations.

Previous Community Outreach

A community meeting was held on October 5, 2021 to provide an overview of the Zoning Ordinance Update. Meeting documents are provided below.

1. Zoning Ordinance Update Power Point Presentation
2. Questions and Responses
3. Recording of October 5, 2021 Community Meeting  (Type in Passcode: 7ftMcR7^)

A joint Town Council and Planning Commission meeting was held on May 19, 2021 to provide an overview of the Zoning Ordinance Update and receive input. You can view the meeting and the Power Point presentation from the meeting by clicking on the following links:

1. Town Council and Planning Commission Meeting
2. Zoning Ordinance Update Power Point Presentation

In May and June 2021, interviews were held with stakeholders, those that frequently use the Zoning Ordinance. Stakeholders included local developers, project design professionals, and community members. A summary of the stakeholder interviews can be viewed by clicking the following link:

1. Stakeholder Interview Summary

Notification regarding the future community meeting and Commission and Council meetings, will be sent to existing Town e-mail distribution groups and through the Town’s various social media outlets (such as Facebook and Nextdoor).  

If you would like more information or to be added to the e-mail distribution list please contact Kim Jordan, Planner III, at kjordan@townofwindsor.com. 

Opportunities for Participation

This page will be the hub for information on all events and opportunities to participate in the Zoning Ordinance Update. Please check back regularly.

Project Documents

• May 19, 2021 Power Point Joint Town Council and Planning Commission Public Meeting
• Current Zoning Ordinance

Project Funding

 The Zoning Ordinance Update is primarily funded through a State Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) grant intended to facilitate the acceleration of housing production and help local governments prepare for their sixth cycle Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). In the 2019-20 Budget Act, $250 million was allocated for all regions, cities and counties to do their part in increasing the availability of affordable homes Statewide. With this allocation, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) established the LEAP grant with $119 million available cities and counties.   LEAP provides one-time grant funding to cities and counties. Based on Windsor’s current population, $150,000 was available to the Town.

 On June 17, 2020, the Town Council adopted a resolution authorizing the application and receipt of LEAP grant funding for the update of the Zoning Ordinance with a focus on housing development.  In October 2020, the Town was awarded a $150,000 in LEAP grant funds for the preparation of an update to the Zoning Ordinance focusing on incorporating recent State housing laws and easing regulations to promote housing development within the Town.