diff --git a/doc/source/contributor/CONTRIBUTING.rst b/doc/source/contributor/CONTRIBUTING.rst
index 83632d44de..b598178bc8 100644
--- a/doc/source/contributor/CONTRIBUTING.rst
+++ b/doc/source/contributor/CONTRIBUTING.rst
@@ -37,15 +37,45 @@ for learning, understanding and testing the `Gerrit Workflow
 Adding a release note
 =====================
 
-All new features should have a documented release note.  To add a release note
-run the following command:
+Kolla uses the following release notes sections:
+
+- ``features`` --- for new features or functionality; these should ideally
+  refer to the blueprint being implemented;
+- ``fixes`` --- for fixes closing bugs; these must refer to the bug being
+  closed;
+- ``upgrade`` --- for notes relevant when upgrading from previous version;
+  these should ideally be added only between major versions; required when
+  the proposed change affects behaviour in a non-backwards compatible way or
+  generally changes something impactful;
+- ``deprecations`` --- to track deprecated features; relevant changes may
+  consist of only the commit message and the release note;
+- ``prelude`` --- filled in by the PTL before each release or RC.
+
+Other release note types may be applied per common sense.
+Each change should include a release note unless being a ``TrivialFix``
+change or affecting only docs or CI. Such changes should `not` include
+a release note to avoid confusion.
+Remember release notes are mostly for end users which, in case of Kolla,
+are OpenStack administrators/operators.
+In case of doubt, the core team will let you know what is required.
+
+To add a release note, run the following command:
 
 .. code-block:: console
 
-   tox -e venv -- reno new <feature-being-added>
+   tox -e venv -- reno new <summary-line-with-dashes>
 
-Typically in this project we do not add release notes for bug fixes. Upgrade
-notes can be extremely helpful for operators so these are encouraged.
+All release notes can be inspected by browsing ``releasenotes/notes``
+directory.
+
+To generate release notes in HTML format in ``releasenotes/build``, run:
+
+.. code-block:: console
+
+   tox -e releasenotes
+
+Note this requires the release note to be tracked by ``git`` so you
+have to at least add it to the ``git``'s staging area.
 
 Adding a new service
 ====================