The state legislature is pushing ADUs as a way to address the housing crisis, and Vice Mayor Jim Ernest said that was a good idea in many ways. But he said the new rules would allow multiple ADUs per parcel, while also removing some of the development impact fees. Photo courtesy of iStock

DIXON, CA (MPG) – At the Feb. 3 meeting of the Dixon City Council, they considered amendments to housing-related provisions in Dixon’s Zoning Ordinance to align with updated California state law.

The changes mostly focused on updates and clarifications regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), such as clarifying the number and type allowed on certain lots, modifying rental limitations, eliminating some parking requirements, applying new processes for permit review, clarifying building occupancy and notification requirements, etc.

The state legislature is pushing ADUs as a way to address the housing crisis, and Vice Mayor Jim Ernest said that was a good idea in many ways. But he said the new rules would allow multiple ADUs per parcel, while also removing some of the development impact fees. He said if the city can’t collect those fees, they can’t expand the services and infrastructure needed to support those new homes. 

Councilmember Don Hendershot said these changes limited local control: “They’re shoving this down our throats, and I don’t appreciate it.”

Councilmember Kevin Johnson asked how many ADU permits are processed each year in the city, and Community Development Director Raffi Boloyan said there are not many, averaging no more than seven. 

Councilmember Thom Bogue asked what would happen if the council did not approve the updates. City Attorney Doug White said that the California Department of Housing and Community Development has been pretty heavy-handed, and they could bring a lawsuit against the city. They can also designate the city’s housing element as noncompliant, which would legally allow builders to skip the local review process altogether, giving the city no control over new development. 

Mayor Steven Bird said, “It’s a question of having some control or no control.”

The council voted 4-1 to approve the updates, with Hendershot dissenting.

The council then reviewed community events in 2026 that are eligible for city co-sponsorship, which can include personnel costs for staff time to assist with traffic management, safety and event operations. The city also waives fees for the use of city-owned facilities and equipment rentals.

To be eligible for co-sponsorship, events must be held within city limits, broadly appeal to residents and be free and open to the public.  

Staff recommend the following events for co-sponsorship: Farmer’s Market (Wednesdays from May through October), May Fair Parade (May 9), Grillin & Chillin (July 4), Railroad Days (June 20-21), Downtown Holiday Open House (Nov. 22) and the Christmas Tree Lighting (Dec. 5). 

Staff said some events were not recommended for co-sponsorship under the policy, such as the Art and Wine Walk and Brewfest, since they are ticketed events and not free to the public. 

Councilmember Johnson said the ticket money from those events goes directly toward the cost of the Christmas Tree Lighting, so “city support is warranted.”

Since both of those events take place in the 2026-2027 fiscal year, staff said they can bring those back as a separate item in the next budget discussion. 

The council voted unanimously to approve the 2026 co-sponsorships, along with the associated budget amendment of $103,018 for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. 

Councilmember Johnson said he’s proud of the cooperative effort on these events and he wants the organizers to know “we’re a team.” 

Finance Director Kate Zawadzki introduced a proposal for the formation of the Dixon Industrial Development Authority, which would be used to issue debt when financing projects, such as expanding the police department and building the new fire station. 

The council would be the board for the new agency, “and we would solely use this agency for the issuance of lease revenue bonds,” said Zawadzki. The city could use an agency operated by the state, but it would cost a fee of $10,000 to $20,000 each time.  

Zawadzki said the main advantage of this process is getting better interest rates in the market, allowing the city to pay off the debt with impact fees as they’re collected. 

The council voted unanimously to approve the first reading, and a public hearing will be held on this topic at the next council meeting. 

The council also approved $23,115 to cover the cost of physical wellness evaluations for Dixon firefighters through Life Scan Wellness Center. The city agreed, in the most recent contract with the firefighters, to fund these fitness examinations every other year to ensure their continued health, as they serve in a physically demanding and high-risk job. 

The next meeting of the Dixon City Council is scheduled for Feb. 17.