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1990/02/26 City Council MinutesRohnert Park City Council Minutes February 26, 1990 Adjourned Regular Meeting RE: GENERAL PLAN The Council of the City of Rohnert Park met this date in adjourned regular session commencing at 7:00 p.m. in the City Offices, 6750 Commerce Boulevard, Rohnert Park, with Mayor Hollingsworth presiding. Call to Order Mayor Hollingsworth called the adjourned regular session to order at approximately 7:02 p.m. and led the pledge of allegiance. Roll Call Present: (4) Council member Cochran, Eck, Spiro and Hollingsworth Absent: (0) None Late: (1) Councilman Hopkins (time of arrival noted in the minutes) Staff present for all or part of the meeting: City Manager Callinan, City Attorney Flitner, Planning Director Skanchy, Assistant to the City Manager Leivo, and Director of Public Works /City Engineer Brust. General Plan Mayor Hollingsworth gave a brief overview of the last meeting which was held on February 20th and stated that public comment was received at that meeting on the Land Use element of the General Plan and suggested that the City Council not deal with anything outside of the city boundaries and that he feels the Council should bring in the sphere of influence to our city limits. Councilman Hopkins Councilman Hopkins arrived at the meeting, the time being arrives approximately 7:05 p.m. Mayor Hollingsworth made a motion to bring in the sphere of influence to the existing city limits, commenting that this would result in an ultimate city population of 40,000. Councilman Eck seconded the motion. City Manager Callinan advised the Council that a request had been received from Mr. Tom Roberts, who owns property in the area west of our city limits, to have that property annexed into the city. Referring to a plan on display, he brought Council's attention to the new frontage road in the northwest area of the city and pointed out an area that should be included in the sphere of influence. Councilman Eck commented that he had concerns that in considering all the criteria such as sewer, that allowing an area into the sphere of influence might be construed as 1 February 26, 1990 promising that it would be considered for annexation. Councilman Hopkins stated that if we do not expand the sphere of influence to the west that since i t i s in +►,e ty h ... l.11l. I. VU ll l.y l +.lit•,.y may or may not do something with it but having it as part of our sphere of influence we could clean up the area. Councilmember Spiro queried why it would be wise to pull in the sphere of influence and if a problem could exist if it were not, explaining that tonight's discussion concerning same has caught her a little off guard. Councilman Cochran explained that the Government Code definition of sphere of influence has changed and that under the new definition we need to be more restrictive. Councilman Hopkins noted that taking a check on our sphere of influence would alert Marin County that we would not pick up any of their load. Mayor Hollingsworth stated he believes keeping a check on commercial and residential growth is wise at this point. Council member Spiro queried that if we pull in our sphere of influence and any future annexations take place, could there be repercussions? Councilman Cochran stated that it is difficult to predict what will happen 5 or 6 years from now and that we need to focus on today. Further discussion followed regarding the sphere of influence and the pro's and con's of making provisions for commercial development during which discussion the topic of adding new cities to accommodate growth was briefly discussed. City Manager Callinan referred to a recent newspaper article condoning the development of new cities to provide for growth in the future, stating copies of said article were before the Council tonight. Council member Spiro informed that she feels more commercial development would dilute existing commercial development, that the city is filled with discount type businesses, and that we should try for other types of business. She also stated she does not believe we have the base in Rohnert Park to support many more commercial establishments and that she thinks we need industrial rather than commercial enterprises. Council member Spiro stated that as she understands it the Council can vote on the sphere of influence matter but that LAFCO sets the policies. Councilman Hopkins explained that LAFCO has almost always gone along with the City's recommendations and actions. City Manager Callinan stated for the record that LAFCO wants the sphere of influence to go out to Stony Point Road. 2 February 26, 1990 Mayor Hollingsworth amended his motion to pull the sphere of influence into the city limits on its eastern boundary, to extend it westward to Dowdell Avenue, to allow for commercial development. Said amended motion was seconded by Councilman Eck and the amended motion was unanimously approved. City Manager Callinan requested that a February 15th letter from LAFCO containing comments on the Draft General Plan, be included for the record, a copy of which letter attached to the original set of these minutes. City Manager Callinan also stated that three (3) letters had been submitted after the close of the February 20th General Plan meeting from 1) A. H. Henke, Sonoma Grove; 2) Leslie Kormier, 1045 Camino Coronado; 3) Richard A. Brada, Sonoma Grove. He added that a telephone message had been received from Chip Worthington for tonight's meeting stating that he feels 40,000 population is too low. Purpose of the The Council proceeded to discuss and make changes to the General Plan Advanced Draft of the General Plan. Mayor Hollingsworth requested a brief review of Chapter 1 - Purpose of the General Plan as he had a few minor changes. Councilman Eck suggested that use of the word "immunizes" contained in item 5. of 1.1 "Purpose" may make the City sound too defensive. Councilman Eck also suggested that under the "General Principles" section that it might be stressed that the City recognizes its responsibility to the citizens, citing the input received from the citizens survey. Mayor Hollingsworth suggested that under the "General Policies" section that the words "ultimate" and "within the existing City limits is anticipated to total approximately 40,000" be omitted. Councilman Cochran suggested that rather than state "citizens committee" as stated in the "General Principle" section that a statement to the effect that "a thorough General Plan review and update including but not limited to public hearings, public work shops, and public comments" should be added. General Plan -Land Discussion was held concerning the Land Use and Growth Use and Growth section of the General Plan. City Manager Callinan advised that changes made as a result of previous meetings and attorneys comments have been included on the gold colored Land Use and Growth section which is before the Council tonight. 91 February 26, 1990 Councilman Eck stated that he thinks the "Goals" read better now. Assistant to the City Manager Leivo gave a detailed explanation of the changes made to the Goals section contained in the Land Use and Growth element thus far, Further discussion was held during which it was the consensus of the City Council to include the Goals as is with the exception that the word "superior" be substituted with the word "adequate" in the Goal listed on Page L.4. Councilman Eck advised that he feels the City should stress that one of its goals is to provide levels of services which are in line with our ability to pay and that we maintain levels of services to assure our citizens are adequately supplied. A wide ranging discussion was held during which each Council member participated in making suggested changes or deletions to the Land Use and Growth element of the Draft General Plan. Each Goal, Principle, Proposal, Objective, Standard, and Implementation Measure was studied and discussed by the Council. Mayor Hollingsworth queried if the Council wished to continue due to the lateness of the hour and the fact that the meeting had been scheduled to adjourn at 9:00 P.M. and it was now after that time. It was the consensus of the Council to continue as there were not that many items left to discuss. Discussion on the Land Use and Growth element concluded. Councilman Cochran suggested that the General Plan be put in Advanced Draft form before a public hearing is set. Councilman Eck requested that two items be added: (1) Regarding along Hwy. 101, he suggested that a set number of 30 or 40 foot landscape setbacks be provided for commercial development on both sides of the freeway; and (2) that improvements for Roberts Lake Road be incorporated into the Plan. Councilman Eck also suggested the need for a Design Review Board. Discussion followed during which Councilman Cochran advised that such a Board would only duplicate the efforts of our Planning Commission and listed problems experienced by the City of Santa Rosa with their Design Review Board. 4 Upon conclusion of the discussion it was the consensus of the City Council to approve the draft of the Land Use and Growth element with the changes suggested tonight. Adjournment There being no further business, Mayor Hollingsworth adjourned the meeting at approximately 9:34 p.m. to Tuesday, March 6, 1990 at 7:00 p.m. % 1 De 4ty C Clerk /� j 5 Li Mayor Purpose of the General Plan THE ATTACHED CONTAINS CHANGES AGREED TO BY THE CITY COUNCIL AT THEIR ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING TO DISCUSS THE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE ON FEBRUARY 26, 1990', St, 'A O Deputy City Clerk �^ LA Goal: Maintain and enhance existing family oriented residential neighborhoods and assure that new residential neighborhoods are family oriented. Principle 1. Continue to develop residen- tial areas according to a neighborhood concept and in such a manner so as to give each neighborhood its unique iden- tity. Proposal 1. Complete development of public improvements in the "M" Section including development of a neighborhood park and elementary school so as to create a neighborhood identity. Proposal 2. Continue to use the Commu- nity Development Agency and whatever grant funds are available to provide in- ducement loans to property owners in older residential neighborhoods to up- grade the existing residential units. Proposal 3. Provide park improvements in the undeveloped areas on the south side of the Rohnert Park Junior High School and east of the Public Safety building, adjacent to Benecia Parkto pro- vide additional recreation facilities. Goal: Create a compatible and diversified mix of open space, public, residential, com- mercial and industrial land uses in the City. 1.4 r� r �r Advanced Draft rderly and harmo- inert Park and its e City's superior and densities for mits shall be des - ,ma County Gen- Standard 1. Detached single family de- velopment within the City limits shall be constructed at a density of approximately one to five dwelling units per acre and ap- proximately 13 persons per acre. Standard 2. Intermediate density resi- dential development shall be constructed at a density of no more than nine dwelling units per acre and approximately 25 per- sons per acre. Standard 3. High density residential de- velopment shall be constructed at an approximate density often to thirty dwell- ing units per acre and from 25 to 75 persons per acre. Standard 4. Institutional land uses shall be constructed at a land coverage rate of no more than 25 percent. Standard 5. Professional /office and all types of commercial and industrial devel- opment shall be constructed at a land coverage rate of up to 30 to 35 percent. Standard 6. Off street parking shall be provided at a general rate of one space per250 square feet of gross building area for most institutional, professional /office and warehouse land uses. Standard 7. Off street parking shall be provided at a general rate of one space Advanced Draft Purpose of the General Plan per 200 square feet of gross building area for most commercial uses. Standard 8. Off street parking shall be provided at a general rate of one space per four seats in theaters, auditoriums and similar land uses. Standard 9. Off street parking shall be provided at a general rate of one space peremployee (atthe plant at a given time) for most industrial uses. Standard 10. Off street parking shall be provided at a general rate of one space per instructor and one space per for stu- dents for most educational facilities. Standard 11. Off street parking stan- dards may be reduced in cases of in- novative development which reduces the use of automobiles and, thus, needed off - street parking. Proposal 4. Draft a special overlay zon- ing category of "University Related ", des- ignate "University Related" areas sur- rounding Sonoma State University, and develop regulatory language that will guarantee Sonoma State University par- ticipation in land use decisions which affect the University environs. Objective 2. Control the location and type of development and manage the rate at which development takes place, especially in resi- dential areas. Principle 2. Pace residential growth in such a manner as to not overtax the City's infrastructure and school facilities. Implementation Measure 1. Encour- age the establishment of new cities statewide so as to provide housing opportunities closer to job markets and prepare for the expected migra- tion into the state. Implementation Measure 2. Work with the State, regional organizations, the County, and local governments to guar- antee a regional approach for providing balanced housing and job markets. Objective 3. During the next ten years, encourage commercial and industrial de- velopment on at least 187 acres, half of the vacant commercial and industrial land. Principle 3. Strip type of commercial de- velopment shall be discouraged. Implementation Measure 3. Actively pro- mote and encourage commercial and in- dustrial development on vacant parcels generally west of the Northwestern Pa- cific Railroad and within the City limits. Implementation Measure 4. Encourage development of a commercial recreation vehicle storage lot to accommodate Rohnert Park residents. Goal: Insure an aesthetically pleasing com- munity. Objective 4. By 1995, designate a perma- nent open space buffer surrounding the City boundaries and determine ways to assure that this buffer remains permanent. Principle 4. Maintain the concept of com- munity separators and open space around the City. Implementation Measure 5. Work with Sonoma County to maintain the agricul- tural lands around the City and to prevent the intrusion of rural residential develop- 1.5 `ra ENMIMEq, Y Purpose of the General Plan Advanced Draft ments such as the Canon Manor Subdi- vision. Implementation Measure 6. Use feasible methods to establish a green belt around the City including maintenance of com- munity separators, identified in the Son- oma County General Plan, annexation and imposition of City preservation zon- ing, the purchase of development ease- ments, the purchase of property, and uses of land consistent with open space objectives. Implementation Measure 7. In order to preserve community separators, es- tablish standards and procedures for the granting to the City of open space lands, preservation easements, and/ or development rights in exchange for provision of public services by the City, annexation, and /or authorization of development. Objective 5. Maintain aesthetically pleasing neighborhoods, community facilities, streets, parks, and schools. Principle 5. Encourage quality develop- ment with good architectural features and extensive landscaping throughout the community, but especially along U.S. Highway 101 frontage and major streets. Policy 2. Use all resources at the City's disposal to assure the proper mainte- nance of the physical stock of the com- munity through code enforcement pro- grams, public relations, grants, and loans. Policy 3. Use drainage canal and creek right -of -ways for a variety of purposes in- cluding stormwater drainage, permanent open space, trails and bikepaths, wildlife habitat, native plant landscaping, and 1.6 similar mutually compatible purposes. Policy 4. Continue to project an image of quality and good government by providing architecturally attractive City buildings in order to promote community pride, such as was done with the Community Center, the Sports Center, the Perform- ing Arts Center, and the Library buildings. Standard 12. There should be a 30 to 40 foot landscape setback for com- mercial and industrial development lo- cated east and west of U.S. Highway 101, generally along frontages on Commerce Boulevard, Redwood Drive, and U.S. Highway 101. Implementation Measure 8. Continue to insure that the U.S. Highway 101 image of the City is continually improved and enhanced. Implementation Measure 9. Strive to get as much street frontage on parks and school grounds as is reasonably possible in order to maximize the open space benefit to the surrounding residents. Implementation Measure 10. Continue to require landscaping and tree planting along the sides and medians of streets so as to give a sense of community unity and caring. Goal: Maintain land use patterns consis- tent with the ability to pay for and assure adequate levels of public services and facilities. Objective 6. Contain development within the existing City limits until at least 1995. Policy 5. The City will anticipate in its planning a population of approximately Advanced grant` Purpose of the General Plan_ 40,000 within the existing City limits IrrrplemcntatioIa .r"easura 1i. Petition LAFCO to: a) draw the Rohnert Park sphere of influence back to the exist - ing City limits with one exception, and b) expand the sphere of influence ap- proximately 500 feet west of the exist - ing City limits north and south of Wilfred Avenue. Objective 7. Continue to provide additional facilitiesto accommodate existing and antici- pated levels of physical and economicgrowth. Policy 6. Continue to work cooperatively with the Cotati - Rohnert Park Unified School District to assure that planning and growth of the City is coordinated with the planning and growth of the District. Policy 7. Maintain development fees at a sufficient level to finance infrastructure costs and capital improvements. Standard 13. One public safety station housing fire fighting equipment shall be established for each 10,000 residents. Standard 14. One branch library building shall be deemed sufficient for a popula- tion of 40,000. Standard 15. One high school campus shall be deemed sufficient to meet the needs of a population of 40,000. Standard 16. One junior high school campus and one middle school campus shall be deemed sufficient to meet the needs of a population of 40,000. Standard 17. Generally, there should be one elementary school campus for each 5,000 residents, located within one mile from those residences. Standard 1 a. One regi onal park of ap- proximately 50 acres within five miles of the center of Rohnert Park shall be deemed sufficient to meet the needs of a population of 40,000. Standard 19. There should be one neigh- borhood park of approximately five acres for each 5,000 residents, located with one mile from those residences. Standard 20. There should be one out - doorswimming pool foreach 10,000 resi- dents. Standard 21. At least one indoor sports center complex shall be deemed suffi- cient for a population of 40,000. Standard 22. There should be one indoor recreation center for each 10,000 resi- dents. Standard 23. One hospital site shall be deemed sufficient for a population of 40,000. Standard 24. One animal shelter facility shall be deemed sufficient for a popula- tion of 40,000. Proposal 5. Encourage Sonoma County to upgrade the quality of improvements in the Canon Manor subdivision area by requiring paved streets, curbs, gutters, street lights, and municipal water and sewer systems in order to eliminate the conflict between the individual waterwelis and septic systems in the area. Implementation Measure 12. Workwith Sonoma County to create assessment districts in the Canon Manor area so EW Purpose of the General Plan Advanced Draft as to upgrade services to urban stan- dards. Implementation Measure 13. Encourage the State to fulfill its responsibilities and obligations to complete the U.S. 101/ Rohnert Park Expressway Interchange and the U.S. 101/Wilfred Avenue /Golf Course Drive Freeway Interchange. Implementation Measure 14. Develop two Public Safety (police and fire) substa- tions, one in the area south of East Cotati Avenue in the vicinity of Snyder Lane, the "M" section, and one in the area west of U.S. 101. The "M" section station will be designed according to the residen- tial firehouse concept. Implementation Measure 15. Construct a refuse collection station on Seed Farm Drive, north of the corporation yard. Implementation Measure 16. Cooperate with the Sonoma County Library System in the operation of the library on Hunter Drive and continue to provide financial assistance as needed to maintain the physical structure of the City library in an acceptable manner. Implementation Measure 17. Develop a new Civic Center on City Hall Drive which will serve as the pivotal point of the down- town area. Implementation Measure 18. Develop a new, modern animal shelter at a location to be determined. Implementation Measure 19. Improve Roberts Lake including provision of parking, landscaping, and bank stabi- lization. Advanced Draft Land Use CHAPTER 2 - LAND USE Goals • Maintain and enhance existing family oriented residential neighborhoods and assure that new residential neighbor- hoods are family oriented. • Create a compatible and diversified mix of open space, public, residential, com- mercial and industrial land uses in the City. • Insure an aesthetically pleasing commu- nity. • Maintain land use patterns consistent with the ability to pay for and assure adequate levels of public services and facilities. 2.1 - Introduction This chapter outlines the goals, policies, objectives, principles, standards, and pro- posals by which Rohnert Park can continue the orderly development that has been its experience to date with the overall objective of making Rohnert Park a very nice and pleasant place in which to live, work, or do business. Rohnert Park's land use pattern has been developed overthe years generally using as a guide the original master plan for the City envisioned by the founders but with signifi- cant changes made to it, especially during the last 15 years. Rohnert Park is one of the newest communi- ties in Sonoma County, having been founded in 1956 and incorporated in August 1962. Rohnert Park has evolved over the years from a bedroom community to a well -bal- V +� E. anced community with pleasant residential neighborhoods, parks, schools, a state uni- versity, community center, sports center, performing arts center, commercial shop- ping centers, and industrial parks, which include large employers such as Hewlett - Packard Company, State Farm Insurance Company, and Compumotor, plus a large numberof small and medium size businesses. Most of the development in Rohnert Park has taken place since 1973 at which time the population was 11,500. As of January 1, 1989, the population was 33,369. The City has developed a solid, mixed eco- nomic base, a variety of residential types, many civic facilities, and educational facili- ties. The physical development of the City is af- fected by the U.S. Highway 101 which runs north and south through the community, separating the east side from the west side. The Northwestern Pacific Railroad also bi- sects the City, extending in a southeast to northwest direction. Several major flood control channels extend through the City from the east to the west, including Five Creek Diversion, Hinebaugh Creek, and Copeland Creek. The total area of the City is 4,362 acres. Nearly half of the land in Rohnert Park is devoted to residential uses (see Fig. 2.1). Over670 acres of land is used for streets and highways, approximately the total area of the City when it was incorporated. About one quarter of the area in the City is devoted to in- dustrial, commercial, and office uses. Presently, 3,700 acres are developed, com- pared to 678 acres of undeveloped land (see Fig. 2.2). Ofthe developed land, 1,858 acres (58 percent) is used for residential purposes, 644 acres (18 percent) is used for public and W L� • f V 2.2 Land Use Advanced D = .._., Figure e LAND - _ DEVELOPED AND UNDEVELOPED LAND Rohnert Park, 1989 Public /Quasi- Public 669 Acres (15 %) ■uuem ■ ee eu em ■uu.e ■uem . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . ■... e ■.e me .e Residential 2,001 Acres (46 %) Streets & Highways 673 Acres (15 %) Total Area = 4,362 Acres Industrial 592 Acres (14 %) Offices/Professional 64 Acres (2 %) Commercial 363 Acres (8 %) Figure 2.2 'FEVELOPED AND UNDEVELOPED X. Rohnert Park, Under -' ---- ' 678 Aci _doped 3,684 Acres (84 %) Total Area ® 49362 Acres Advanced Draft Land Use Figure 2.3 DEVELOPED LAND USE WITHIN CITY LIMITS Rohnert Park, 1989 Public /Quasi - Public (Parks, Schools, etc.) 644 Acres (18 %)X Streets & FE hways k. 560 Acres (15 %) Industrial 3 Commercial tt••x; v.;::• . :4::: `'?•,`ter• :,:. Total Area = 3,684 Acres quasi - public uses, 560 acres (15 percent) is used for streets and highways, 402 acres (11 percent) is used for industrial uses, 179 acres (5 percent) is used for commercial uses, and 41 acres (1 percent) is used for offices (see Fig. 2.3). The pattern of uses assigned to undevel- oped land is markedly different from the existing development pattern (see Fig. 2.4). Most undeveloped land has been set aside for industrial uses (190 acres or 28 percent) and commercial uses (184 acres or 27 per- cent), and 143 acres of undeveloped land (21 percent) would be suitable for residential development. Undeveloped commercial and industrial land is generally located west of the Northwest Pacific Railroad and undeveloped residen- tial land is generally east of the railroad (see Fig. 2.5). ��It01iME,yE T The total acreage remaining to be developed for residential units within the existing City limits is 143 acres. This undeveloped land would accommodate 1,902 dwelling units, based on approved preliminary plans. Most of the units would be built in the southeast area of the City referred to as M and R neigh- borhoods. At full build -out, Rohnert Park would have approximately 15,479 residential units (see Fig. 2.6). The total population of Rohnert Parkat "build - out" within the City limits will be approxi- mately 40,000. This assumes an average of 2.52 persons per dwelling unit. To achieve the aforementioned goals, land uses should continue to be allocated so as to provide maximum opportunity for all types of economic and urban activity generating the least amount of friction. 2.3 i6f g� E� Land Use Advanced DratFt Figure i UNDEVELOPED Rohnert Park, • Public /Quasi -Public (Parks, Schools, etc.) 25 Acres (4°i°L,,,,, Residential 143 Acres (21 %) Commercial 184 Acres (27 %) 2.2 - Residential Streets & Highways 113 Acres Industrial 190 Acres (28 %) Off ces/Professional 23 Acres (3 %) For the most part, the City's residential de- velopment has been based on the "neighbor- hood" concept. Following this concept, ele- mentary schools and parks have been clus- tered together in neighborhoods. Schools, parks, and neighborhood shopping centers have been placed within convenient walking distances of nearby residences. Of the existing land designated for residen- tial use within the existing City limits, 7 per- cent, or approximately 143 acres is undevel- oped. As of September 1989, Rohnert Park's hous- ing stock was composed of 13,531 units (see Fig. 2.7). Residential development through the mid 2.4 1990's will be limited due to the lack of sufficient wastewater treatment capacity. Through a cooperative understanding with the property owners, the City has allotted building permit allotments for resi- dential projects for years 1989 through 1992 (see Fig. 2.8). Additional wastewater treat- ment capacity will not be available until the mid- 1990's according to the City of Santa Rosa which operates the subregional sewerage treatment system. Wastewater treatment capacity is needed for approxi- mately 1,137 residential units, in addition to building permit allotments, to complete the development within the existing City limits. During the past decade, the City experi- enced significant growth in development of apartment units and condominiums. Devel- opment of such unit types has slowed in recent years for a variety of reasons, includ- Advanced Draft Land Use 2.5 a� nawry `l Lend Use Advanced Dram Dwelling Units 16000 14000 12000 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 W Figure 2.7 TOTAL DWELLING UNITS R®hnert Perk, 1980-1993 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 Year Figure 2.6 DWELLING UNIT BUILD -OUT AND ESTIMATED POPULATION WITHIN EXISTING CITY LIMITS BY NEIGHRnRHOOD Rohnert Park TOTAL NO. CONDO- MULTIPLE MOBILE TOTAL OF PERSONS SINGLE MINIUM FAMILY HOME NUMBER AT 2.52 PER NEIGH- BORHOODS FAMILY UNITS DWELLING DWELLING UNITS UNITS DWELLING UNITS OF UNITS DWELLING UNITS A 603 332 886 — 1,821 4,589 B 828 80 524 126 1,558 3,926 C 668 681 534 286 2,169 5,466 D 579 — — — 579 1,459 E 485 88 — 309 882 2,223 F 618 — — 618 1,557 G 749 110 — — 859 2,165 H 809 256 — — 1,065 2,684 J 137 — — — 137 345 L 611 37 101 — 749 1,887 M 1,270 936 254 *152 2,612 6,582 R 160 — 120 — 280 706 S 361 539 653 — 1,553 3,914 West of 101 _ -52Z -52Z 1.504 TOTAL 7.878 3.059 3.072 1.470 15.479 39.007 *Sonoma Grove Travel Trailer Park Dwelling Units 16000 14000 12000 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 W Figure 2.7 TOTAL DWELLING UNITS R®hnert Perk, 1980-1993 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 Year Advanced Draft Land Use ing changes in the federal and state tax laws which removed some investment incentives for multi - family housing. The City has strived to provide the opportu- nity to develop residential areas to suit differ- ent consumer preferences, tastes and pur- chasing ability. By granting certain property high density residential zoning, the City is extending to property owners and developers an eco- nomic privilege not enjoyed by property owners whose property is designated as low density residential zoning. Public interest requires that the City ask for some contribu- tion from the owners of high density residential property which will benefit the residents of those areas. Thiscan be accom- plished by requiring that a substantial portion of the multi - family parcels be developed as usable open space. This will not only contrib- ute to making the City more livable, but in the long run, the areas will be more marketable and economically viable. 2.3 - Mobile Home Parks In 1989, there existed five mobile home parks in Rohnert Park with 1,338 occu- pied units. Three of the parks with a total of 720 spaces are reserved for adults. In 1985, the City of Rohnert Park entered into a contract with the owners of the mobile home parks, commonly called the "Green Book." The purpose of the "Green Book" was to moderate increases in mobile home space rents and mediate rent disputes between park owners and residents. In 1987, voters approved by initiative a Mobile Home Rent Control Ordinance. The Ordinance was the subject of a suit filed by the park owners. In February 1990, the judge decided that the 1987 initiative did not invalidate the initial "Green Book" contract. This decision has clouded the status of the City's pro- grams to control mobile home park space rents. The City currently is reviewing its options. 2.4 - Commercial The land use plan provides for a central regional commercial area along the Rohnert Park Expressway on both sides of U.S. High- way 101 Interchange from Hinebaugh Creek 2.7 Figure 2.8 SCHEDULED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT Rohnert Park, 1989 -1995 SINGLE CONDO- MULTI- FAMILY MINIUM FAMILY TOTAL YEAR UNITS UNITS UNITS UNITS 1989 297 0 0 297 1990 40 0 230 270 1991 125 0 0 125 1992 39 40 40 119 1993 0 0 0 0 1994 0 0 0 0 1995 Q Q Q Q TOTAL 5Q1 4Q 2D Bill ing changes in the federal and state tax laws which removed some investment incentives for multi - family housing. The City has strived to provide the opportu- nity to develop residential areas to suit differ- ent consumer preferences, tastes and pur- chasing ability. By granting certain property high density residential zoning, the City is extending to property owners and developers an eco- nomic privilege not enjoyed by property owners whose property is designated as low density residential zoning. Public interest requires that the City ask for some contribu- tion from the owners of high density residential property which will benefit the residents of those areas. Thiscan be accom- plished by requiring that a substantial portion of the multi - family parcels be developed as usable open space. This will not only contrib- ute to making the City more livable, but in the long run, the areas will be more marketable and economically viable. 2.3 - Mobile Home Parks In 1989, there existed five mobile home parks in Rohnert Park with 1,338 occu- pied units. Three of the parks with a total of 720 spaces are reserved for adults. In 1985, the City of Rohnert Park entered into a contract with the owners of the mobile home parks, commonly called the "Green Book." The purpose of the "Green Book" was to moderate increases in mobile home space rents and mediate rent disputes between park owners and residents. In 1987, voters approved by initiative a Mobile Home Rent Control Ordinance. The Ordinance was the subject of a suit filed by the park owners. In February 1990, the judge decided that the 1987 initiative did not invalidate the initial "Green Book" contract. This decision has clouded the status of the City's pro- grams to control mobile home park space rents. The City currently is reviewing its options. 2.4 - Commercial The land use plan provides for a central regional commercial area along the Rohnert Park Expressway on both sides of U.S. High- way 101 Interchange from Hinebaugh Creek 2.7 Land Use Advanced Draft and the Laguna de Santa Rosa on the west to the Northwestern Pacific Railroad on the east. In addition, there are neighborhood or service commercial areas designated throughout the City, each located to serve a well- defined area. In the regional commercial area on the east side of U.S. 101, 14 acres remain to be devel- oped. In the regional commercial area on the west side of U.S. 101, a 61 -acre parcel remains south of the Expressway between the Laguna de Santa Rosa and the property owned by K- Mart. 2.5 - U.S. Highway 101 Frontage Most of U.S. Highway 101 frontage has been designated commercial and industrial in order to accommodate the types of uses that de- sire freeway exposure. In recent years the City has improved its image along the U.S. 101 by eliminating some poorly maintained buildings and by working with the owners of the properties to upgrade their buildings and landscaping. The former drive -in theater area at the north- west corner of the City (annexed in 1988) is designated for commercial development. At present, the area is being used on an interim basis as a recreational vehicle storage yard. The City has ordered the removal of the recreational vehicles. In consideration of the public interest, the City requires developers to provide open space, extensive landscaping, plazas, and tree -lined streets in commercial areas. The City has added to such requirements during the past few years. Such site design requirements are justified be- 2.8 cause, by granting commercial zoning to certain properties, the City extends a greater privilege to the developers and landowners than if it granted residential zoning. 2.6 - Industrial /Distribution The City has large areas designated for industrial and service activities. The major employer in Rohnert Park is the Hewlett Packard plant located at the south edge of the City (1,200 employees). By 1995, Hewlett Packard anticipates 3,000 em- ployees in Rohnert Park. Regional offices of State Farm Insurance bounded by the Ex- pressway and State Farm Drive employ 900 employees. The regional offices of Pacific Bell employ 400 individuals. The most re- cent industrial addition to Rohnert Park is Compumotor which employs 350 persons. Sonoma State University, located just out- side the eastern City limits, also is a major community employer. It employs 883 indi- viduals. On the east side of U.S. 101, the industrial/ distribution areas include the lands between the railroad tracks and U.S. 101, from Hine - baugh Creek north to Golf Course Drive. Located in this area are the California Wood Products factory, Pacific Bell's regional of- fices, Heald Business School, Big 4 Rents, Northbay Boats, Transworld Financial, the Sequoia Business Park, plus a large number of small and medium size firms. On the east side of the freeway there remains 33 acres yet to be developed of the 126 acres desig- nated for industrial /distribution use. On the west side of the U.S. 101, the indus- trial /distribution area includes the lands from Redwood Drive to the westerly city limits, Advanced Draft Land Use Date Certified 8/19/74 Figure 2.9 LIST OF MASTER ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORTS Rohnert Park, 1974 to 1989 Area iik (acres) Approximate Boundaries COFEGO E.I.R. 275 North - Hinebaugh Creek 9/26/74 Western Gold E.I.R. 60 6/27/77 Siskel Industrial 121 Development E.I.R. 1/11/79 Quantas E.I.R. 288 11/23/81 Hewlett Packard E.I.R. 225 South - Copeland Creek East - Railroad tracks West - City limits North - Executive Avenue South - Hinebaugh Creek East - Railroad tracks West - Commerce Boulevard North - Business Park Drive South - Hinebaugh Creek East - Redwood Drive West - City limits North - East Cotati Avenue South - East Railroad Avenue East - City limits West - Railroad tracks North - a line 2000 feet south 2.9 of East Cotati Avenue South - East Railroad Avenue East - City limits West - Railroad tracks 8/25/87 East Cotati Avenue 205 North - Rancho - Cotate High School Annexation E.I.R. and Sonoma State University South - Hewlett Packard plant East - City limits West - Camino Colegio 7/24/89 Northwest Rohnert Park 78 North - City limits Programmed E.I.R. South - Business Park Drive East - Mt. Shadow Golf Course West - City limits 2.9 �• U�ii ii- 6w F-I • 7 74:771 t /; 2.1® Advanced Draft Land Use between Hinebaugh Creek on the south, to Business Park Drive on the north. The Laguna Verde Industrial Park, in the Labath Avenue area, has many individual businesses and industrial uses in medium - sized buiidings ranging from 9,000 sq. ft. to 30,000 sq. ft. in area. The Rohnert Business Park, north of the Laguna Verde Industrial Park, is comprised of large lots ranging from 5 acres to 20 acres in area. It is designed to attract large users. To date, The Press Democrat /New York Times and the Compumotor facilities are located in this area. Most of the areas on the east and west sides of U.S. Highway 101 have been subdivided. Improvements have been installed, includ- ing underground utilities, sewer mains, water mains, streets, curbs, gutters, and drainage facilities. The existing improvements make the areas available for immediate develop- ment. Master environmental impact reports were prepared and certified (see Fig. 2.9) in order to give City officials as much up front information as was available at the earliest opportunity. 2.7 - Sphere of Influence The sphere of influence represents the ulti- mate urban boundary of the City as envi- sioned and approved by the Sonoma County Local Agency Formation Commission ( LAFCO), the political body that has authority to approve annexations to cities. The sphere of influence is the area to be ultimately an- nexed and served by the City. The current LAFCO- approved sphere of in- fluence comprises the area from the existing City limits on the north, south and west and generally extends to Petaluma Hill Road on the east, excepting therefrom the areas ex- cluded by LAFCO on the east that are in Williamson Act agricultural preserves (see Fig. 2.10). Sonoma State University is excluded from the City's sphere of influence. Sewer and water mains within the existing City limits were sized to only serve the area generally within the City limits. No provision has been made for extending sewer and water service to the sphere of influence areas. As related in Chapter 1 and elsewhere in the Land Use element, the City's policy is to limit development to areas within the existing City limits. This policy is based on the wants of citizens, wastewater treat- ment plant limitations, the difficulties and costs of extending water and sewer serv- ice east of the City limits, and related issues. It would be misleading to indicate that the City intends to annex areas within the sphere of influence in the foreseeable future. The Canon Manor area between the City's easterly City limits and Petaluma Hill Road was included in the City's sphere of influence by LAFCO although the City specifically requested that area not be included. This area is addressed separately in this ele- ment (see 2.11 - Canon Manor). There exists a limited commercial devel- opment area immediately outside the City limits and sphere of influence. This area is located north and south of Wilfred Ave- nue and west of Redwood Drive. Red- wood Drive has been substantially im- proved by the City. It is anticipated that the State will improve the U.S. Highway 101/Wilfred Avenue on and off ramps in 2.11 {�PW�Np� T Land Use Advanced Draft the nextfewyears. The area consequently will become a prime site for commercial development. Suitable public services to support such commercial development would be available only from the City of Rohnert bark= As part of the preparation of this General Plan, the City, by action of the City Coun- cil on February 26, 1990, indicated that the sphere of influence should be much smaller (see Fig. 2.11) than the currently LAFCO- approved sphere of influence. It is anticipated that the City will make application to LAFCO to obtain a sphere of influence in agreement with the City Council's action. 2.8 - Sonoma State University Sonoma State University is located on 214 acres on the easterly City limits contiguous to and east of the Rancho Cotate High School and the University Park residential subdivi- sion and north of East Cotati Avenue. For many years, the Sonoma State Univer- sity has had a significant influence on the City of Rohnert Park and the adjacent City of Cotati. It will undoubtedly continue to play a large role and have a significant influence on the City. Many employees and students of the University live and shop in Rohnert Park even though it is by and large a commuter university. The University's 1989/90 enrollment is 7,100 total students. The University currently has a staff of 500 and a faculty of 383,_ thus employing 883 people at an annual payoll of $24 million. The University is masterplanned for 18,000 to 20,000 total students at build - out, estimated to be within 15 to 25 years 2.12 according to the University's Dean of Admini- stration and Records. At buildout, there would be approximately 1,500 faculty and staff. Unlike in many other communities near universities, there does not exist an area predominantly populated by students in Rohnert Park. Students live throughout the City. Planning in Rohnert Park should take into account the housing needs of Sonoma State students, faculty and staff as well as impacts on community facilities and services. 2.9 - Schools Rohnert Park is served by the Cotati - Rohnert Park Unified School District. The City and District have as good a working relationship as can be found within the State of California. The cooperation starts at the top with annual meetings and discussions between the City Council and the Board of Education. Offi- cials of the City and the School District have long acknowledged that inter - agency coop- eration is to their mutual advantage and more importantly serves and benefits the citizens of Rohnert Park. Presently, the School District operates one high school, one continuation school, one junior high school, and six elementary schools within Rohnert Park. The School District encompasses both the cities of Rohnert Park, Cotati, and some surrounding area. The enrollment as of October 1988 for the District was: Advanced Draft Land Use s 0 DR. 16, ,fGIWAy 1)4 It 1yT X22222 - I L (f" " SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY Fig 2.11 PROPOSED SPHERE OF INFLUENCE N CITY COUNCIL ACTION ON FER 26, 1990 0 9000 2000 3000 Land Use Advanced Draft School Total Enrollment Within Of Entire Rohnert Rancho Cotate High School, nark District including continuation school (includes 9 -12) 1,554 1,554 Rohnert Park Junior High School - 795 795 Middle School 0 179 Elementary Schools 4,300 4,376 Special Education 90 90 Alternative Education fQ QQ TOTAL 6299 7.054 Recently, the City sold the District a site on Labath Avenue for the development of a permanent continuation school. The City and School District have worked together in the past to develop elementary school campuses on which relocatable build- ings were constructed in order to house students living in new residential areas. The cooperation between the City and the School District in developing such facilities has negated the need for double sessions. The Gold Ridge Elementary School on Golf Course Drive is located on City -owned land. The land and buildings are leased to the School District. The School District has indicated an interest in acquiring a portion of the City's public facilities site in Neighborhood M for develop- ment of an elementary school. As a result, the City is purchasing additional land for the planned park in this area. Schools are located adjacent to park sites which provide maximum utilization of open space and recreational facilities associated with parks and school sites. The City and the School District have worked out programs under which the City maintains the turf areas and playfields on the school grounds as part of its regular park maintenance program. 2.14 The School District reimburses the City for such services. The City and the School District also have an ongoing cooperative program that maximizes the utilization of City facilities and School District facilities with the latter facilities being made available to the City forcommunity use when such use would not conflict with educa- tional related activities. In turn, the City has developed some recreational facilities on school sites which are used by the schools during school hours and which are available to the community during non - school hours. One undeveloped area for such improve- ment is located between the Junior High School and Benecia Park. The School District has indicated a need for anew middle school and /or junior high school site. Given the large acreage required for such a site, the District is looking in the area outside the City limits. Areas in the planning area are also in the following school districts (see Fig. 2.12): 1. Bellevue Union Elementary School District and Santa Rosa High School District 2. Penngrove Elementary School District and Petaluma High School District 2.10 - Northern Planning Area The areas to the north of Rohnert Park are designated a community separator in the Sonoma County General Plan. Neverthe- less, there will be substantial develop- ment pressures in this area between Rohnert Park and Santa Rosa during the next several years. Advanced Draft Land Use 'T En euu••.u• f� Stl1411iEST rr � MgiW�Y ,b* A FAIRWAY • • • • • 1R. � • i i � z rrOTATI- ROHNERT PARK UNIPIEU SCHOOL DISTRICT BELLEVUE UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT/ SANTA ROSA HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT DUNHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT ,y',r..t- ."%.fr .107 :`•.'4f LIBERTY SCHOOL DISTRICT PENNGROVE SCHOOL DISTRICT SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY C% ♦u•. • • • i ■ • • �y ■ ■ •OO SCHOOL DUMCTS R • E•. PARK AREA, __ ..._.. pe. 2.15 Land Use Advanced Draft from Todd Road to Rohnert Park is al- ready extensively developed. The area includes large commercial and industrial operations. The largest is Friedman Brothers Hardware. Scattered rural residential development has occurred along Mountain View Ave- nue and northwest of Rohnert Park. Should additional homes be constructed, the community separator between Rohnert Park and Santa Rosa will gradu- ally disappear. Development in these areas also depends upon rural roads, water wells, and septic systems. While such facilities may prove initially adequate, as additional homes are built the facilities no longer prove appropriate. The costs of retroactively providing adequate streets, safe water supplies, appropriate wastewater collec- tion and treatment, and other services may prove prohibitively high. 2.11 - Canon Manor Canon Manor Subdivision is located immedi- ately south of Sonoma State University and East Cotati Avenue, east of the City's east- erly City limits, and west of Petaluma Hill Road. Large lot development has been allowed by the County on parcels which are served by dirt roads and which have individ- ual water wells and septic tanks. City con- cern about the proliferation of water wells and septic tanks in close proximity to each other has been expressed to the County of Sonoma. The Sonoma County Department of Public Health has raised concerns about the infiltration of nitrates from septic systems into water wells. Public improvements, commonly pro- vided within the City limits, either do not 2.16 exist or were not constructed to City Stan= dards. It has been consistent City policy_ that in order to annex Canon Manor: 1. Public facilities in the Canon Manor should be improved to City stan- dards, and 2. Canon Manor property owners and residents should pay the entire cost of the required public improvements in addition to other commonly re- quired payments. The costs of such improvements would be substantial, probably more than $100,009 per acre. Undoubtedly, pressure will be placed on the City in the future to consider annexing this area in order to extend services. Given the tremendous costs that would be involved in bringing this subdivision up to the City's standards, which would have to be assumed by the residents of Canon Manor, it is highly unlikely thatthe residents ofthe Canon Manor area will petition for annexation. 2.12 - Community Facilities Administrative Offices The City has many community facilities (see Fig. 2.13). The City's administrative offices (City Hail) are housed in a 6,600 square foot building located at 6750 Commerce Boule- vard. Built in 1972, the building is where the City Council and all City commissions meet. City operations have outgrown the building and some areas of it are overcrowded. Finance and purchasing staff are moving to offices in the Codding Center until such time as the ultimate Civic Center (new City Hall) project is undertaken. Advanced Draft Land Use TDOD �d�awt,R Tt MILLBRAE AVE./ •• �.ur..•■r■.,./ UY • • ■ r ■ 1♦ ■ � a FAIRWAY a • WILFRED AVE. • L ® COU_^ �f3 11t i was f.■.. • • • 0 ' 3 } :• > i • >•.■■■lb °• 2 • 8 ® ' �5 ROiNERi PARK DPREMAY O ENTERPRISE DR. LEGEND••. ■.•.... •� P SONOYA FACIUTY ��...111��p ��A AIE s STATE i UNIVERSITY iQ CITY HALL — PRESENT 0.84 4 a Q2 CINC CENTER SITE 6.50 ■ ■ Q3 UBRARY 1.24 SOUIFIIIiSf ©7 - • • • • EAST COTATI A)& Q4 CODOING CENTER : 1.46 ♦ ♦ . ■ SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER .COMMUNITY OUTREACH �♦ ••� . • FOR YOUTH CENTER .MISCELLANEOUS USES .s • ` r ■ Q CORPORATION YARD 253 • '4♦ i i i © COMMUNITY CENTER COMPLEX : 14.54 ♦••~ •• • + 00 i COMMUNITY CENTER • ••• • e•• •� • .SPORTS CENTER .PERFORMING ARTS THEATRE • ; . M �tq !•• 40 7Q BURTON AVE RECREATION CENTER 1.16 •i Ti+ ■ r © R.P. STADIUM 8.03 ° Q ANIMAL SHELTER w �® ■ ® PUBUC SAFETY BLDG. N0. 1 0.75 • • • Q7 PUBUC SAFETY BLM NO. 2 0.95 r � ® MOUNTAIN SHADOWS GOLF 130.00 �± COURSE — SOUTH ® MOUNTAIN SHADOWS QW 150.00 • `... ■ ■ • • i • COURSE — NORTH ® ROSERTB LAKE AREA 6.00 EAST RAILROAD AVE. ® HOSMAL SITE 10.00 ® LADY BUG RECREATM CEN7ER --- © BENECIA PARK RECREAlM CFlM - -- PARKS ARE SHOW ON LAND USE MAP Fig. 213 MAJOR CITY OWNED COMMUNITY FACIL.ITlES 1'V ROHNERT PARK, 1989�� 0 1000 2000 3000 Ay OF Nf� Land Use ,advanced Draft Parks Most City parks have been located in con- junction with elementary and junior high schools. Some parks have community cen- ter buildings, such as Benecia Park Recrea= tion Building, Burton Avenue Recreation Building, and Ladybug Recreation Building. Additional buildings are expected to be built in other parks, including Golis Park and in M Neighborhood Park. Community Center Complex The City's Community Centercomplex at the southwest corner of the Rohnert Park Ex- pressway and Snyder Lane houses three outstanding community facilities: a 20,000 square foot Community Center Building; a 33,000 square foot Sports Center, and a 37,000 square foot, 500 seat Performing Arts facility. Office space in the community center is inadequate. An office addition is being considered. Otherwise, these fa- cilities are adequate and will be through the next ten years. The City hastwo existing Public Safety facili- ties, one on Southwest Boulevard and an- other on Country Club Drive. The South- west Boulevard station serves as the Public Safety Department headquarters. The office space is seriously overcrowded. This is perhaps the most serious City facility problem. The first phase of the Civic Center will be a main station for the Department of Public Safety. With new development occurring in the southeast portion of the City, there exists a need for a Public Safety substation in the area. With limited access across U.S. Highway 101, there also exists a need for 2.18 a Public Safety substation west of the highway. Substations are planned to be developed shortly in the area south of East Cotati Avenue and on the west side of U.S. 101. m- The City owns 8.37 acres north of the Ex- pressway, west of the railroad, and south of Hinebaugh Creek on City Hall Drive which is planned forthe development of a Civic Center complex. An approved conceptual site plan for the complex includes three buildings: a Public Safety facility, a City Hall facility, and a separate City Council Chamber building (see Fig. 2.14). Architects are preparing Advanced Draft Land Use ��t %n plans for the first phase of the complex which will be the headquarters building for the Department of Public Safety. Construction is expected to start in 1990. Rohnert Park Stadium The City -owned Rohnert Park Stadium on Labath Avenue has been widely used since it was built in 1981. Originally the home for a California League professional baseball team, the facility is now home to the nation- ally famous Guanella Bros. fastpitch softball team. It is also used for various countywide school and recreational softball leagues and other activities throughout the year. Rohnert Park weather can be cold at night during softball season. Cold weather can dis- m courage attendance. In order to improve spectator comfort, construction of a roof over the stands is planned. We.- Roberts Lake, in the northwest corner of the City, is a five acre man -made lake which is stocked with fish. The lake has become a recreational resource for many fishing en- thusiasts, young and old, as well as a good location for model boat hobbyists. Access to the lake will be much improved with the completion of Roberts Lake Road so use of the lake is expected to increase. The lake area needs to be refurbished and the banks should be stabilized to accommo- date the added users. The lake should be Figure 2.14 CIVIC CENTER DESIGN PLAN Rohnert Park, 1989 c" rw 1 oRrdE I Lamimse qe�y-@ = �== a 1� ROHNERT PARK leXPRESSWNY Note: Approved by the City Council on July 24, 1989 N �o 1co Robinson, Mills and Williams 2.19 E-401 Land USG Advanced Draft deepened to provide habitat for a wider variety of fish. Golf Courses The City presently owns two golf courses which comprise nearly 280 acres. The Mountain Shadows South Course totals approximately 130 acres and the Mountain Shadows North Course approximately 150 acres. Both golf courses are operated by American Golf Corporation under a lease arrangement with the City. In addition to providing open space landscaped frontage along Golf Course Drive, the golf courses provide open space vistas at other street lo- cations throughout the area. Approximately 482 homes have rear yards which back onto the golf courses, thus providing open space vistas to their occupants. The City recently had a feasibility study prepared which- indi- cates that the area could support another golf course in addition to the ones already being constructed in the county. The August 1989 study prepared by Economic Research Associates, entitled, "Market DemandAnaly- 2.20 sis for Rohnert Park Golf Course," is incorpo- rated herein by reference. The City has a reversionary interest in a 10 acre "hospital" site between Medical Center Drive and Rohnert Park Expressway. Title to the site is presently held by Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital with whom the City en- tered into an agreement in hopes of getting a hospital built in town. Title should revert to the City in the near future because Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital will not develop a hospital on the site. The City has also been working with others interested in developing a hospital on the site. However, to date, nothing has occurred which would indicate early development of a hospital. Animal Shelter The City's animal shelter facility is located at the west end of J. Rogers Lane adjacent to the City's wastewater pumping facility. The shelter is operated by the Sonoma County Advanced Draft Land Use Humane Society under a contract with the City. FAIRE, a volunteer citizens group, provides help to the Humane Society. The need fora new, larger, and more modern animal shelter has been recognized by the City Council, which has committed the City to developing a new one, the size and location of which have not yet been determined. Some consideration is being given to locating any new shelter at a location more readily acces- sible to residents than the location of the existing shelter. Construction of an indoor aquatics center has been contemplated for many years. The original concept was to build the indoor pool adjacent to the Sports Center. The City Council is considering construction of an aquatics center capable of accommodating international and national caliber competi- tion as well as regional and local meets. The site next to the Sports Center could not accommodate an aquatics center of such magnitude. Consequently, a site on the Rancho Cotate High School is being consid- ered. The City Council commissioned a financial feasibility study for the aquatics center. The August 1989 study prepared by Economic Research Associates, titled, "Economic Evaluation of Proposed Rohnert Park Aquatic Center," projects a substantial annual oper- ating deficit for the center. The City Council has the project on hold pending analysis of financial resources and determination of community support. W-41 r, Land Use Figure 2.15 PLANNED PUBLIC FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS Advanced draft City Hall Overcrowded Civic Center Neigh. Centers Need In G & M Sections Construct In G & M Sections COM. Center Additional office space Office addition Sports Center Adequate None Arts Center Adequate None Public Safety Overcrowded offices Civic Center New development Southeast substation Limited access across 101 west substation Stadium Improve spectator comfort Install roof over stands Roberts Lake More use anticipated Refurbish lake and area Golf Courses Market for added course Develop new course Hospital No hospital in City Maintain title to site Animal Shelter Inadequate size & design Construct new shelter Aquatic Center Refer to feasibility study Project on hold Codding Center Dedicated senior center Remodel building Youth services center Remodel building Cemetery None exist In vicinity None Convalescent Hosp. None exist in vicinity None Disposal Site Full In ten years County search for site C0� Q9nJPr During 1989, the City purchased the Cod - ding Enterprises office building at 100 Enter- prise Drive. The City intends to use this 14,680 square foot building for a senior citi- zens center, a youth center, and other com- patible purposes. CemeLM The City does not have a cemetery and needs one. Convalescent Hospital The City does not have a convalescent hospital and needs one. L� There has never been a dump or land fill site within the planning area. Solid waste v vlaV 0%.F & %0 is tr nv pr%� ed � v0-0 a n lty C 2.22 tral Disposal Site on Mecham Road, ap- proximately 4.5 miles southwest of Rohnert Park and outside of the planning area. The site's service area includes most of Sonoma County. It is anticipated that the site will be full by the end of the century. Sonoma County has begun the process to identify future solid waste disposal sites. There is no suitable dis- posal site located within the planning area. To summarize, while the City of Rohnert Park has superior public facilities, there exist specific needs (see Fig. 2.15). 2.13 - Public Improvement Financing Revenues for the general conduct of government in Rohnert Park come from a variety of sources. Property tax receipts have increased from approximately Advanced Draft Land Use �'91 $500,000 in fiscal year 1979 -80 to over $1,900,000 in fiscal year 1988 -1989. Sales tax revenues increased almost as much as propertytaxes from almost $600,000 in fiscal year 1979- 1980to almost $1,800,000 in fiscal year 1988 -1989. Nevertheless, Rohnert-Park received only $53 of sales tax per person, the lowest of any city in Sonoma County, compared to an average of all cities in the county of $126 per person. Another major source of reve- nues is the transient occupancy tax set at ten percent of motel room rentals. This new tax increased from $237,000 in fiscal year 1987 -1988 to over $632,000 in fiscal year 1988 -1989 primarily due to the popu- larity of the Red Lion Inn. Franchise fees from Pacific Gas & Electric and Multi Vision Cable TV totaled over $327,000 in the last fiscal year. Business license tax revenues were $262,000 in fiscal year 1988 -1989. The City earned interest on investments of idle funds which totaled nearly $1,400,000. The City leases its two golf courses to American Golf Corpora- tion which generates at least $325,000 per year. Another significant source of funds are subventions from State Motor Vehicle License Fees calculated at a rate of $35.88 per capita or approximately $1,100,000 in fiscal year 1988 -1989. From all revenue sources, the City received over $10,000,000 in fiscal year 1988 -1989. In general, approximately forty percent of expenditures are devoted to public safety purposes, 21 percent for general govern- ment, 20 percent for public works, and 16 percent for parks and recreation. The City also receives revenues from special charges. These revenues are placed in special funds. Cash balances in selected special funds as of June 30,1989 are as follows: RM Land Use Advanced Draft Water Utility Fund $1,056,106 Sewer Revenue Fund $1,036,488 Garbage Utility Fund $102,713 Development Improvement Fund Per Acre for Development Fee $1,159,431 Special Water Connection Fee 11,091 Sewer Serv. Connection Fee Fund $4,841,196 Improvement Project Fund $1,947,290 Annexation Fees $488,405 Copeland Creek Drainage Fund $90,820 G.O. Bonds of 1968 Fund $21,398 Reserves General Fund Reserve $1,751,000 Special Reserves $1,363,433 Of note, Rohnert Park does not have substantial amounts of outstanding gen- eral obligation debt. The Community De- velopment Agency of the City of Rohnert Park issued $12,000,000 in bonds to be repaid from tax increments. The City has issued special assessment bonds for specific projects which will be repaid from special assessments assigned to prop- erty owners that specifically benefit from the improvements. The regional wastewater treatment plant has had two types of improvements, those designed to preserve existing capacity and those that expand capacity. Sewer user charges are utilized to repay debt issued for projects designed to preserve and improve the capacity of the plant to treat existing wastewater flows. Sewer connection fees paid by developers are used to repay debt issued for projects designed to expand the capacity of the treatment plant. Specific financing methods are selected for public improvements depending upon the nature of the project. For instance, the City created a special assessment district in northwest Rohnert Park to help finance improvementsto Redwood Drive. Comm unity Development Agency funds, 2.24 donations, and annexation fees were used to finance construction of the new Per- forming Arts Center. Remodeling of the Senior Center portion of the Codding Center is being accomplished largely using federal grant funds. Landscaping and park improvements are paid for from the Capital Outlay Fund, a portion of general government expenditures. 2.14 - Land Use Map The Land Use Map illustrates the City's in- tentions for the development and growth within the existing City limits and for the preservation of the agricultural lands within the unincorporated areas contiguous to the City. The following definitions apply to the desig- nations on the Land Use Map. 1. Permanent Open S ace: Lands spe- cifically designated for preservation and retained as virtually free of structural development and specifically including golf courses, waterways, and lands set aside and developed for active recrea- tional use including regional and neigh- borhood parks. 2. Extensive Agricultural: Those lands where conditions support farms and where moderate scale farming occurs and where there exists a density of at least one dwelling unit per 20 acres. 3. Diverse Agricultural: Those landswhere conditions support farms but where small acreage intensive farming and part -time farming activities are predomi- nant and where there exists a density of one dwelling unit per 10 to 19 acres. Advanced Draft Land Use 4. Open Land Residential: Detached single family residential development constructed at a density of one dwelling unit per 9 acres so as to provide for housing opportunities within and main- tain a rural setting. 5. Rural Residential: Detached single family residential development con- structed at a density of from one dwell- ing unit per one to four acres so as to provide housing opportunities within and maintain a low density rural- suburban setting. 6. Low Density Residential: Detached single family residential development within an urban setting constructed at a density of from one to five dwelling units per acre (depending upon the size of the units) so as to provide housing for approximately 13 residents per acre. 7. Intermediate Density Residential: Many types of residential structures including single family, mobile home, duplex, townhouse, condominium, and multiple family construction built at a density of from five to nine dwelling units per acre so as to provide housing for approxi- mately 25 persons per acre. 8. High Density Residential: Apartment and condominium structures built at a density of ten to thirty dwelling units per acre so as to provide housing for from 25 to 75 persons per acre. 9. Institutional: Publicand private schools, universitie s and colleges, religiousbuild- ings, governmental offices, and com- munity service uses and lands where structures cover up to 25 percent of the lot. Parking is generally provided at a rate of one space per four seats in a chapel or auditorium, at one space per 250 square feet of gross building area for office and service facilities, and /or at one space per instructor and one space per four students for educational facili- ties. 10. Professional /Office: General business offices, medical offices and clinics, legal offices, technical offices, and manage- ment services offices where structures cover up to 30 to 35 percent of the lot and parking is provided at a general rate of one space per 250 square feet of gross building area. 11. Neighborhood Commercial: Shopping centers or clusters of street front stores that serve an immediate neighborhood where structures cover up to 30 to 35 percent of the lot and parking is pro- vided at a general rate of one space per 200 square feet of gross building area. 12. Community Commercial: Large shop- ping centers and central shopping ar- eas that provide a wide variety of goods and services not generally found in neighborhood shopping centers where structures cover up to 30 to 35 percent of the lot and parking is provided at a general rate of one space per200 square feet of gross building area. 13. Regional Commercial: Shopping cen- ters and businesses that provide both City -wide and regional services where structures cover up to 30 to 35 percent of the lot and parking is provided at a general rate of one space per200 square feet of gross building area. Thesetypes of centers rely on customers making vehicular trips and do not necessarily W1 Land Use Advanced Draft 9 ' benefit from being located in high - volume pedestrian areas so regional commercial areas need good vehicular access. 14. Industrial /Distribution: General busi- ness services, general business offices, manufacturing, processing, repairing, and packaging with general heavy truck traffic and outdoor storage where struc- tures cover up to 30 to 35 percent of the lot and parking is generally provided at one space per employee and /or one space per 500 square feet of gross warehouse building area. 15. Public: Public buildings including pub- lic safety stations, the Community Center complex, the Civic Center site, and the Stadium, where structures cover up to 30 to 35 percent of the lot and parking is provided at a general rate of one space per 200 square feet of gross building area. 16. Areas Subject to Flooding: Areas sub- ject to flood during a storm with a greater than one percent chance of occurrence in any year (the 100 -year flood). The Land Use Map is a reflection of the land use goals contained within this ele- ment. The Map maintains the existing residential neighborhoods (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, L, R, and S sections) and establishes the development patterns for the new "M" section. Residential neigh- borhoods include open space areas, schools, other public uses, and commer- cial centers. Open spaces further define residential neighborhoods. The Land Use Map designates amounts of vacant com- mercial and industrial land sufficient to ensure a greater diversity of land uses in the future. In that substantial amounts of 2.26 land for additional residential develop- ment are not designated, residential development will occur at a pace that will not overtax the City's infrastructure and school facilities. Land use patterns were established after considering the nature and characteris- tics of the circulation system. Traffic volumes expected to be generated by given land uses were used to determine future traffic flows. Projected circulation system improvements are those needed to assure adequate levels of service for anticipated land uses. Streets of specific classifications are configured to specifi- cally serve land uses that would generate only as much traffic as the street is de- signed to handle. For instance, Country Club Drive, a collector serves only that area between Southwest Boulevard and Fairway Drive while Snyder Lane, an arte- rial, constitutes a major north /south route which serves the entire community. Major traffic generating community facilities, such as the High School and Community Center, are located on Snyder while the northern Public Safety Station is the only public facility located on Country Club Drive. The Circulation system is designed to discourage traffic through residential neighborhoods. In addition to developed residential areas, future housing development sites are identified on the Land Use Map. These development sites include only those for which the City has available public serv- ice capacity. These sites include a multi- family housing site on 'Enterprise Drive.This site for elderly housing is lo- cated near a planned senior center, pub- lic transit stations, the Library, and shop- ping. One relatively small area on the north edge of the City and areas in the Advanced Draft Land Use f. southeast portion of the City area are also designated for residential development. By providing for commercial and indus- trial development, the Land Use Map is consistent with the goal to develop and maintain an approximate balance between jobs and housing units. In support of efforts to preserve existing neighbor- hoods, the map does not indicate intru- sion of incompatible land uses in residen- tial neighborhoods. The Land Use Map is designed to be consistent with conservation goals. In that the Land Use Map indicates limited development, it is designed to protect groundwater and minimize the potential of toxic substance contamination. It indi- cates that waterways will be maintained as open space corridors that serve a variety of purposes. The pace of develop- ment, as indicated on the Land Use Map, is constrained so as to not overtax waste- water treatment plant capacities. The maintenance of and increase of open space is an basic element of the Land Use Map. Within the City limits, the Map indi- cates additional open space sites so asto maintain the existing mixture of develop- ment and open space. Since areas set aside for development will be within the existing City limits, there will not be sub- stantial amounts of development in sur- rounding open space areas. There will be time to devise ways to permanently in- sure an open space buffer around the community. Noise is a relatively minor problem in Rohnert Park. The essential goal is to maintain low noise levels. Relationships between land use and the circulation system are designed so as to prohibit increases in traffic noise that will impact noise sensitive uses. Correspondingly, the Land Use Map indicates that residen- tial development, and other noise sensi- tive uses, will be located away from the major noise source, U.S. Highway 101. Commercial and industrial uses, which are not as sensitive to noise, would be located near U.S. Highway 101. Land use patterns are designed to mini- mize injury, loss of life and property damage from natural catastrophes and hazardous conditions. Newdevelopment is designated in areas which are not subject to serious risks due to flooding, earthquake, and other natural hazards. Public Safety stations are sited to im- prove the City's response to emergencies in the southeast and west portions of the community. There exist two relatively small areas that are subject to flooding. One area is lo- cated north of the Rohnert Park Express- way at the eastern City limit. This is the proposed hospital site. Should develop- ment occur on this site, measures will have to be incorporated in the project to eliminate the risk of flooding and to as- sure that the development does not in- crease the risk of flooding elsewhere. The second flood prone site is located west of the railroad in the southernmost section of the City. While this land is designated for industrial development and is part of the Hewlett Packard site, no development is anticipated. 2.15 - Objectives, Principles, Policies, Standards, Proposals, and Implementa- tion Measures Since its inception, Rohnert Park has strived to become a separate and distinct commu- nity with its own identity. As a new commu- 2.27 I1'f &N ®R Land Use Advanced Draft nity, its officials wanted to develop a city in which it would be a pleasure to reside, raise a family, and do business. The fact that it was comprised of large parcels of land made it possible through meaningful negotiations with landowners and developers to develop qual- ity designed-neighborhoods, good traffic cir- culation systems, abundant community fa- cilities, and pleasing and plentiful recreation areas. Rohnert Park is recognized throughout the area as a well planned, organized and aesthetically pleasing city with an abundance of community facilities. Such, however, does not mean that there are not still meaningful goals and objectives that ought to be identi- fied and pursued. Such is the intent of this section. 1. Promote the orderly and harmonious development of Rohnert Park and its environs and preserve the City's supe- rior quality of life. 2. Control the location and type of devel- opment and manage the rate at which development takes place, especially in residential areas. 3. During the next ten years, encourage commercial and industrial development on at least 187 acres, half of the vacant commercial and industrial land. 4. By 1995, designate a permanent open space buffer surrounding the City boundaries and determine ways to assure that this buffer remains perma- nent. 5. Maintain aesthetically pleasing neigh- borhoods, community facilities, streets, 2.28 parks, and schools. 6. Contain development within the exist- ing City limits until at least 1995. 7. Continue to provide additional facilities to accommodate existing and antici- pated levels of physical and economic growth. 1. Continue to develop residential areas according to a neighborhood concept and in such a manner so as to give each neighborhood its unique identity. 2. Pace residential growth in such a manner as to not overtax the City's infrastructure and school facilities. 3. Strip type of commercial development shall be discouraged. 4. Maintain the concept of community separators and open space around the City. 5. Encourage quality development with good architectural features and exten- sive landscaping throughout the com- munity, but especially along U.S. High- way 101 frontage and major streets. 1. Land uses and densities for areas out- side the City limits shall be designated as in the Sonoma County General Plan, 1989. 2. Use all resources at the City's disposal to assure the proper maintenance of the physical stock of the community through code enforcement programs, Advanced Draft Land Use public relations, grants, and loans. 3. Use drainage canal and creek right -of- ways foravariety of purposes including stormwater drainage, permanent open space, trails and bikepaths, wildlife habitat, native plant landscaping, and similar mutually compatible purposes. 4. Continue to project an image of quality and good government by providing architecturally attractive City build- ings in order to promote community pride, such as was done with the Community Center, the Sports Center, the Performing Arts Center, and the Library buildings. 5. The City will anticipate in its planning a population of approximately 40,000 within the existing City limits. 6. Continue to work cooperatively with the Cotati - Rohnert Park Unified School District to assure that planning and growth of the City is coordinated with the planning and growth of the District. 7. Maintain development fees at a suffi- cient levelto finance infrastructure costs and capital improvements. 1. Detached single family development within the City limits shall be constructed at a density of approximately one to five dwelling units per acre and approxi- mately 13 persons per acre. 2. Intermediate density residential devel- opment shall be constructed at a den- sity of no more than nine dwelling units per acre and approximately 25 persons per acre. 3. High density residential development shall be constructed at an approxi- mate density of ten to thirty dwelling units per acre and from 25 to 75 per- sons per acre. 4. Institutional land uses shall be con- structed at a land coverage rate of no more than 25 percent. 5. Professional /office and all types of commercial and industrial development shall be constructed at a land coverage rate of up to 30 to 35 percent. 6. Off street parking shall be provided at a general rate of one space per250 square feet of gross building area for most institutional, professional /office and warehouse land uses. 7. Off street parking shall be provided at a general rate of one space per200 square feet of gross building area for most commercial uses. 8. Off street parking shall be provided at a general rate of one space perfourseats i n theaters, auditoriums and similar land uses. 9. Off street parking shall be provided at a general rate of one space per employee (at the plant at a given time) for most industrial uses. 10. Off street parking shall be provided at a general rate of one space per instructor and one space per for students for most educational facilities. 11. Off street parking standards may be reduced in cases of innovative de- velopment which reduces the use of automobiles and, thus, needed off- 2.29 ( IlT Y street parking. Land Use Advanced Draft 12. There should be a 30 to 40 foot land- scape setback for commercial and industrial development located east and west of U.S. Highway 101, gener- ally along frontages on Commerce Boulevard, Redwood Drive, and U.S. Highway 101. 13. One public safety station housing fire fighting equipment shall be established for each 10,000 residents. 14. One branch library building shall be deemed sufficient for a population of 40,000. 15. One high school campus shall be deemed sufficient to meet the needs of a population of 40,000. 16. One junior high school campus and one middle school campus shall be deemed sufficient to meet the needs of a popu- lation of 40,000. 17. Generally, there should be one elemen- tary school campus for each 5,000 resi- dents, located within one mile from those residences. 21. At least one indoor sports center com- plex shall be deemed sufficient for a population of 40,000. 22. Thoro should be one indoor recreation center for eac i 1 v,0%U residents. 23. One hospital site shall be deemed suf- ficient for a population of 40,000. 24. One animal shelter facility shall be deemed sufficient for a population of 40,000. - 01 1. Complete development of public im- provements in the "M" Section includ- ing development of a neighborhood park and elementary school so as to create a neighborhood identity. 2. Continue to use the Community Devel- opment Agency and whatever grant funds are available to provide induce- ment loans to property owners in older residential neighborhoods to upgrade the existing residential units. 0 18. One regional park of approximately 50 acres within five miles of the center of Rohnert Park shall be deemed suffi- cient to meet the needs of a population of 40,000. 4 19. There should be one neighborhood park of approximately five acres for each 5,000 residents, located with one mile from those residences. 20. There should be one outdoor swimming pool for each 10,000 residents. 2.30 Provide park improvements in the un- developed areas on the south side of the Rohnert Park Junior High School and east of the Public Safety building, adjacent to Benecia Park to provide ad- ditional recreation facilities. Draft a special overlay zoning category of "University Related ", designate "University Related" areas surrounding Sonoma State University, and develop regulatory language that will guarantee Sonoma State University - participation in land use decisions which affect the University environs. Advanced Draft Land Use 5. Encourage SonomaCountyto upgrade the quality of improvements in the Canon Manor subdivision area by requiring paved streets, curbs, gutters, street lights, and municipal water and sewer systems in order to eliminate the con- flict-between the individual water wells and septic systems in the area. Implementation Measures 1. Encourage the establishment of new cities statewide so as to provide housing opportunities closer to job markets and prepare forthe expected migration into the state. of development easements, the pur- chase of property, and uses of land consistent with open space objectives. 7. In order to preserve community separators, establish standards and procedures for the granting to the City of open space lands, preserva- tion easements, and/or development rights in exchange for provision of public services by the City, annexa- tion, and /or authorization of devel- opment. 8. Continue to insure that the U.S. High- way 101 image of the City is continually improved and enhanced. 2. Work with the State, regional organiza- tions, the County, and local govern- 9. ments to guarantee a regional approach for providing balanced housing and job markets. 3. Actively promote and encourage com- mercial and industrial development on vacant parcels generally west of the Northwestern Pacific Railroad and within the City limits. 4. Encourage development of a commer- cial recreation vehicle storage lot to accommodate Rohnert Park residents. 5. Work with Sonoma County to maintain the agricultural lands around the City and to prevent the intrusion of rural residential developments such as the Canon Manor Subdivision. 6. Use feasible methods to establish a green belt around the City including maintenance of community separators, identified in the Sonoma County Gen- eral Plan, annexation and imposition of City preservation zoning, the purchase Strive to get as much street frontage on parks and school grounds as is rea- sonably possible in order to maximize the open space benefit to the surround- ing residents. 10. Continue to require landscaping and tree planting along the sides and me- dians of streets so as to give a sense of community unity and caring. 11. Petition LAFCO to: a) draw the Rohnert Park sphere of influence back to the existing City limits with one exception, and b) expand the sphere of influence approximately 500 feet west of the existing City limits north and south of Wilfred Avenue. 12. Work with Sonoma County to create assessmentdistricts in the Canon Manor area so asto upgrade servicesto urban standards. 13. Encourage the State to fulfill its respon- sibilities and obligations to complete 2.31 �y of Nr� Land Use Advanced Draft the U.S. 101 /Rohnert Park Expressway Interchange and the U.S. 101/WiIfred Avenue /Golf Course Drive Freeway Interchange. 14. Develop two Public Safety (police and fire) substations, one in the area south of East Cotati Avenue in the vicinity of Snyder Lane (in the "M" section) and one in the area west of U.S. 101. The "M " section station will be designed accordingtothe residential firehouse concept. 15. Construct a refuse collection station on Seed Farm Drive, north of the corpora- tion yard. 16. Cooperate with the Sonoma County Library System in the operation of the library on Hunter Drive and con- tinue to provide financial assistance as needed to maintain the physical struc- ture of the City library in an acceptable manner. 17. Develop anew Civic Center on City Hall Drive which will serve as the pivotal point of the downtown area. 18. Develop a new, modern animal shelter at a location to be determined. 19. Improve Roberts Lake including provision of parking, landscaping, and bank stabilization. 2.32 INTER- OFFICE MEbD TO: Peter M. Callinan, City Manager FROM: Carl Eric Leivo,� Assistant to the City Manager RE: Ames nts to Chapter 1, DATE: February 21, 1990 Purpose of the General Plan At their meeting on February 21, 1990, the City Council directed that certain changes be made in Chapter 1, specifically in the "General Principle." In addition during the last few weeks, citizens and consultants have suggested additions. The proposed changes have been drafted and are highlighted (see Advanced Draft, Purpose of the General Plan) . I will review each change in order. Legal counsel and the environmental consultant recommended that the General Plan list the reasons why the City is undertaking this update of the General Plan. While never written down, the City Council and the community in general have verbally stated such reasons. The City's staff and consultants have tried to distill such comments into five reasons. Citizens and the City's consultants pointed out the need to define what con- stitutes a goal, objective, principle, policy, standard, proposal, implementa- tion measure, and action. Staff has paraphrased the definitions used in the State General Plan Guidelines. •_•- ' *5.3A • u,1141 The consensus of the City Council was to indicate the dates of public general plan meetings held by the City Council. This section will continue to be updated to list additional opportunities for public comment. Staff has reviewed all the goals, objectives, principles, policies, standards, proposals, implementation measures, and actions to determine whether their classification matches the incorporated definitions. Some statements were mislabeled. The summary lists (on colored paper already distributed in Febru- ary) indicate proposed changes in classification. It is proposed that Chapter 1 include a Summary of the goals, objectives, principles, policies, standards, proposals, implementation measures, and actions. In so doing, Chapter 1 would serve as an executive summary of the entire General Plan. As the City Council makes changes in the General Plan, those changes will be incorporated in the summary. . ,.k- Page 2 Citizens and the City's consultants indicated that the General Plan should show the connections between goals, objectives, principles, policies, stand- ards, proposals, implementation measures, and actions. It is proposed that the summary would show these relationships. Pave 1.3. General Principle Citizens recOMMIMded and the City Council directed on February 20, 1990 that a definition of "thorough General Plan review and update" be incorporated. Staff has drafted such a definition. Pave 1.3: General Policy 1, On February 20, 1990, the City Council debated growth issues and reached consensus on several issues. Staff has attempted to incorporate the City Council's decisions in General Policy 1. Pave 1-3• General Poli 2 This exact language was incorporated Draft of the General Plan. in light the planning process on February 21, statement as a general policy. in the text of the Planning Commission of the City Council's discussion about 1990, it seemed proper to list this Ntmbers of the City Council asked for modifications in the description of the climate. ADVANCED DRAFT AwF' February 28, 1990 CITY COUNCIL: Arthur F. Hollingsworth, Jr., Mayor Charlie Cochran David L. Eck Warren K. Hopkins Linda Spiro PLANNING COMMISSION: Vida Jones, Chairperson (held office until January 1, 1990) Michael Mullins, Chairman (assumed office January 1, 1990) Jim Davis (resigned February 13, 1990) John Hamilton Barney Hirson John GiertZ (appointed February 13, 1990) CITY MANAGER: Peter M. Callinan PLANNING DIRECTOR: Paul Skanchy The City of Rohnert Park 6750 Commerce Boulevard Rohnert Park, California 94928 (707) 795 -2411 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS PRINCIPLE CONTRIBUTING STAFF: Peter M. Callinan, City Manager Joseph D. Netter, Assistant to the City Manager Carl Eric Leivo, Ph.D., AICP, Assistant to the City Manager Roland L. Brust, City Engineer, Director of Public Works Paul Skanchy, Planning Director Diane Tomkins, Desktop Publishing TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: Lorraine Roberts, Administrative Secretary Maria E. McConnell, Secretary II Judy Hauff, Secretary I Lillie Brooks, Secretary I Millie Williams, Secretary I Robert E. Dennett, Director of Public Safety Michael Harrow, Finance Director Michael Grice, Theatre Manager Caroline Fabio, Administrative Assistant Angela Fogle, Accountant/Auditor Guy Miller, Recreation Supervisor Jerry Bick, Public Safety Division Commander John Ellis, Public Safety Officer Troy Dettling, Personnel Assistant II CONSULTANTS: Earth Metrics, Incorporated Goodrich Traffic Group Hudis and Associates, Engineers Illingworth and Rodkin, Inc., Acoustical Engineers Advanced Draft Purpose of the General Plan CHAPTER 1 - PURPOSE OF THE GENERAL PLAN 1.1 - Purpose The purpose of the General Plan is to provide guidelines for the physical development of the City and of any lands outside the City boundaries which, in the City's judgment, bear a relationship to its planning. This Plan is an integrated, internally consistent, and compatible statement of policies. This General Plan update is designed to accomplish the following purposes for the City of Rohnert Park: 1. Facilitate coordination between the City of Rohnert Park and other units of government and entities (notably Sonoma State University, the Cities of Cotati and Santa Rosa, and Sonoma County) with regard to plan- ning and development issues. 2. Account for the problems and needs of the San Francisco Bay Area when making planning decisions in Rohnert Park. 3. Assure that day to day planning decisions are made within the con- text of the most recent pertinent and reliable information so as to protect the City from over burdened City services. 4. Prepare a foundation for a continu- ing general planning process. 5. Assure that the General Plan for the City of Rohnert Park complies with State law so as to immunize the City, to the fullest extent possible, from legal challenges to planning deci- sions. Authorityand requirement for a General Plan is contained in the California Government Code, Section 65300 et seq. The law allows the implementation of state law re- quiring a General Plan in ways that accom- modate local conditions and circumstances. The City of Rohnert Park adopted a General Plan on June 18, 1973. Over the years, sections of this General Plan were revised and updated. In addition, since 1973 the California Legislature approved laws requir- ing that the General Plan contain certain in- formation. Thus, it was suitable to undertake a thorough update of the Rohnert Park Gen- eral Plan. This document is that General Plan update. The General Plan addresses the mandated elements required by Government Code Section 65302; to wit, elements related to: (a) land use, (b) circulation, (c) housing, (d) conservation, (e) open space, (f) noise, and (g) safety. The General Plan includes the General Plan land use map, text, and figures. It provides an overall understanding of the policies and goals of the City. In addition, it spells out programs for achieving the goals. Various terms are used to define City development directions. The following definitions apply: 1. Goal: An abstract, general expres- sion of an ideal value, future condi- tion or state toward which planning and planning implementation meas- ures are directed. 2. iv : An achievable, measur- able and time - specific condition or 1.1 Purpose of the General Plan Advanced Draft state which may pertain to one par- ticular aspect of a goal or which may be one of several successive steps toward achieving a goal. 3. Principle: A fundamental guiding rule or doctrine based on commu- nity values, generally accepted pro- fessional doctrines, current technol- ogy and General Plan goals and objectives. 4. Policy: A commitment of the City Council based on General Plan goals and objectives which serves as a guide to action. 5. Stands, rd: Specifications, measured in terms of quality or quantities, that must be complied with or satisfied. 6. Proposal: A description of how a specific undertaking, project, or implementation of a development policy will affect a specific area or site. 7. Implementation Measure or Action: A procedure, project, program or technique that carries out a general plan policy. The General Plan is internally consistent. That is, the goals, objectives, policies, and programs for each of the respective ele- ments do not conflict with each other, but rather support each other. The General Plan draft was distributed widely to interested organizations and individuals, reviewed and discussed and amended during public hear- ings, and approved by the Planning Commis- sion and the City Council. Through this process, consistency was assured between 1.2 all elements of the General Plan. All economic segments of the Rohnert Park community had an opportunity to participate in the development of this General Plan. The City first held aTown Meeting on October 29, 1989. One hundred and forty -two people attended the meeting. Those attending di- vided up into groups and listed their ideas about the future of Rohnert Park (see Appen- dix ll). The City also distributed a "Citizens' Canvas" to every mailing address in Rohnert Park. Of the over 13,500 surveys mailed, over 4,000 were returned (see Appendix III). The Planning Commission held publicforums on the General Plan on November 13, 1989 and November 15, 1989 (see Appendix IV). The public input obtained through these methods was used to formulate a draft General Plan. Copies of the draft General Plan were distributed to a variety of inter- ested organizations. The Planning Commis- sion held public meetings to discuss the plan. The meetings were exclusively devoted to consideration of the General Plan. Planning Commission recommendations were pre- sented to the City Council. The City con- ducted a General Plan Open House on February 3, 1990. Citizens were able to ask questions and recommend changes in the draft General Plan prepared by the Planning Commission (see Appendix V). The City Council also held public meet- ings devoted to discussion of the General Plan on February 12, 20, and 26 (see Appendix VI). Thus, ample opportunity was afforded to all those who wished to partici- pate in development of the General Plan. The City recognizes its responsibility to implement the General Plan, to continually monitor its status, and to keep citizens and other agencies apprised concerning the Plan's status. The essence of the General Plan is contained in the listed goals, ob- jectives, principles, policies, standards, Advanced Draft Purpose of the General Plan proposals, and implementation measures or actions. These have been listed ac- cording to element, illustrating their nested interrelationships (see Summary of General Plan Goals, Objectives, Prin- ciples, Policies, Standards, Proposals, and Implementation Measures or Actions) (attached). The General Plan is a flexible document. State law allows four amendments of an element each year. GENERAL PRINCIPLE If and before the City does any annexation of lands for residential, commercial, and /or in- dustrial development, the City shall do a thorough General Plan review and update, focusing on the entire sphere of influence area and including required environmental documentation. A thorough General Plan re�viewand u dat ia process c ly appointed b th City Council, which pre- pare a rig recommendations after following, as much as possible, the local process for preparing and adopting a general plan revision suggested by the State of California. 2. At the time of each proposed amend- ment to the General Plan, all other ele- ments of the General Plan shall be reviewed. 1.2 - Regional Setting Rohnert Park is located in Sonoma County, which is one of the nine Bay Area counties which comprise the San Francisco Bay Area Region. The counties and cities of the region make upthe Association of Bay Area Govern ments (ABAG). Sonoma County is bounded on the south by Marin County, on the west by the Pacific Ocean, on the north by Mendocino County, and on the east by Napa and Lake Counties. Rohnert Park is approximately 45 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. U.S. Highway 101 extends through the City of Rohnert Park in an almost exact north and south alignment. Rohnert Park sits immediately adjacent to the City of Cotati and midway on U.S. High- way 101 between the cities of Santa Rosa to the north and Petaluma to the south. Rohnert Park rests on flat land which has a gentle downward slope to the northwest. The area enjoys a relatively mild climate. With easy access to the San Francisco Bay Area, the Pacific Ocean, the Russian River resortarea, the Redwoods, andthe Sonoma - Napa county wine country, Rohnert Park is conveniently located in a beautiful area, recognized as a very favorable location in which to reside. 1.3 f RECEIVED LOCAL AC�t 9 F &L40 COMMISSION / 575 ADMINISTRATION DRIVE, ROOM 104A I SANTA ROSA, CA 95403.2888 / (707) 527.2577 0(l�(1(l °n L °nrCO February 15, 1990 Paul Skanchy, Planning Director City of Rohnert Park 6750 Commerce Blvd. Rohnert Park, CA 94928 -2486 Re: Comments on Draft General Plan Dear Paul: I have just reviewed the December 31, 1989 draft (courtesy of County Planning, please send us a copy if you can). The major comment I would like to make concerns the General Principle on page 1.2. The draft General Plan according to that principle will review and update the City's General Plan with required environmental documentation, focusing on the entire sphere of influence if and when the City does any annexation for lands designated for residential, commercial or industrial uses. The reason for this principle is primarily because there is no sewage capacity for development within the sphere area. On the basis of this General Principle, I conclude the proposed General Plan will have no utility for LAFCO. Also, LAFCO should assume no annexation for any purpose will be proposed until the General Principle has been accomplished. If this is not a correct assumption, it needs to be clarified. In addition and in order the forestall confusion for property owners and residents within the Sphere of Influence, it is suggested the City ask LAFCO to consider drawing the Sphere back to existing city limits and base any expansion of it on the environmental documentation the intended General Plan update would produce. If you review Section 56425 of the Government Code, you will see findings LAFCO must make for spheres of influence which include, among other factors, the ability to extend urban services. On this basis and the General Principle, there does not appear to be a reason to have a sphere of influence beyond the present city limits. I would appreciate a response to this major concern of LAFCO staff. The following are other comments to specific areas within the proposed General Plan. MEMBERS Warren K. Hopkins, Chairman Councilman, City of Rohnert Park EXECUTIVE OFFICER ALTERNATE MEMBERS Tom W. Schopflin Ernest L. Carpenter H. E. Boyett James R. Wilkey Supervisor, Fifth District Public Member Alternate Public Member ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE OFFICER Janet Nicholas Donna J. Mackenzie Supervisor, First District Ben T. Collins John J. Healy Councilman, City of Healdsburg Councilman, City of Santa Rosa Nick Esposti Supervisor, Fourth District 1. Sewerage Population Growth and Housing Unit Data. The data seem to conflict concerning the number of residential units left to build and sewerage capacity. For example, 143 acres equates to 1,902 dwelling units, (p. 2.3,) for a total build -out population of 38,900. Then, the document states the City's estimate of available sewerage capacity is 1,514 residential unit equivalents which would mean, given the above, a shortfall of 388 units not getting sewer. Yet on page 2.4 there is a statement that wastewater capacity is needed for 1,351 residential units for build -out. Then again, on page 4.2, 1.b, there is a statement existing wastewater treatment capacity will only enable construction of 817 housing units. As the lack of availability of sewer (whether it be collection, treatment or facility needs) is going to be a major concern, the General Plan should clearly show what sewerage capacity is available for all land uses projected in the General Plan at buiidout. A chart showing these data by land use type and number of unit equivalents would be helpful. 2. Schools. The discussion on pp. 2.11 to 2.12 should include how cost of the needed new schools is to be borne. It may be difficult to pass the $85 million dollar bond proposed by the School District, on a two - thirds vote. Recently, LAFCO has been looking at some measures, some rather creative, which are being considered state -wide to address the lack of state funding and problems of passing voter - approved bonds. The City should identify a set of goals to address this issue. The General Plan also mentions the Cotati - Rohnert Park School District is looking outside of the city limits for acreage for new schools. This does not seem practical given the General Plan's General Principle on no annexations due to lack of critical services. It would also seem to be inconsistent to address changing school district boundaries if these areas are outside of the city limits (Proposal No. 7), for the same reason. 3. Water. The General Plan should note the Sonoma County Water Agency has asked staff to address the feasibility of increasing allotments to cities and other eligible purveyors. It is not at all clear at this point if the finite sources under the guise of the SCWA are available for increasing allotments indefinitely and /or at least to the level requested by Rohnert Park. 4. Open Space. Just to comment the goals on purchasing and preserving open space along the edges of the Sphere of Influence are laudable. One of the issues which will surely face LAFCO in the relatively near future is the need to set aside community separators, sensitive areas and open space. 5. Canon Manor. The General Plan description of the circumstances and status of this subdivision appears accurate. However, Proposal No. 1, asking the County to upgrade the area is probably not feasible. What would be useful is for the General Plan to set a goal to work with Sonoma County to perhaps set up assessments for these residents and future developers in order to get the services in compliance with urban standards so this subdivision could be annexed. 6. South of Todd - Santa Rosa Avenue. This area is well outside of the - 2 - Rohnert.Park Sphere of Influence and should not be addressed, given the context of the other comments regarding the existing sphere. However, to comment on this area for purposes of clarification, meetings are being held between Santa Rosa and County officials with business owners in the area in order to find a way to address the need to provide services, at least water for fire protection purposes. If the City of Rohnert Park is concerned, they may want to consider participating in these discussions. 7. Housing. The entire areas of the City for all practical purposes is in a redevelopment area. Under current law, there is a requirement for a set aside for affordable housing. This is not specifically addressed in the new General Plan. Given the constraints mentioned in the Housing Section i.e; development costs and fees, it would appear development of any affordable housing will be very difficult unless policies are developed to help meet these costs. The City should add specific goals in order to complete the housing element by addressing the means for providing the required affordable housing in the redevelopment area. I am submitting these comments to the LAFCO as the preparation of the Rohnert Park General Plan involves the status of the Sphere of Influence. We have in the past, invited officials to address or "scope" projects such as specific plans and general plans with the Commission. If this is desirable on your part, please let us know. I will inform you of any additional comments from the Commissioners. Yo truly, G Donna J. Macke zie Assistant Executive Officer jj c: Commissioners Janie Walsh, Community Development Commission Tim Mayer, Environmental Section, Department of Public Works Richard Rogers, Planning Department - 3 -