2014/01/23 Planning Commission MinutesROHNERT PARK PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
Thursday, January 23, 2014
The Planning Commission of the City of Rohnert Park met this date in a regular session commencing at 6:00
p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 130 Avram Avenue, with Chairperson Giudice presiding.
Call To Order
Chairperson Giudice called the meeting of the regular session to order at
approximately 6:00 p.m. with Chairperson Giudice leading the pledge.
Roll Call
Present: (4) Commissioners: Chairperson Giudice, Commissioner Adams,
Commissioner Blanquie and Commissioner Haydon, were present.
Commissioner. Commissioner Borba was excused.
Development Services Manager, Marilyn Ponton, Planner III, Jeff Beiswenger and
Secretary, Sonia Espino were present.
Declaration of
Abstention
Acknowledgement of
Chairperson Giudice acknowledged the posting of the Agenda of this meeting in
Public Noticing
three (3) public places, per the requirements of the Brown Act.
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner
Blanquie to approve the December 12, 2013 minutes as presented. The motion
passed with a 4-0 vote. (AYES: Adams, Blanquie, Haydon, Giudice; NOES: 0,
ABSENT: Borba).
Unscheduled Public
Appearances
Municipal Code
Planner III, Jeff Beiswenger presented the staff report. The Commission and staff
Amendment
have been working on upgrading and amending sections of the sign code. Staff
is presenting revisions based on comment from the Commission at the
File No. PL2013-029MC
November 14, 2013 Planning Commission meeting.
City of Rohnert Park
Points of discussion included the following:
• Flag poles
• Spinners
• Campaign signs
A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Commissioner,
seconded by Commissioner Blanquie to adopt Resolution No. 2014-04,
recommending adoption of a Negative Declaration and approval of an Ordinance
amending Chapter 17.27 (Signs) of the Zoning Ordinance with amendments as
discussed regarding pole and hand held signs. The motion passed with a 4-0
vote. (AYES: Adams, Blanquie, Hayden, Giudice; NOES: 0; ABSENT: Borba).
Planning Commission Minutes
January 23, 2014
Municipal Code
Planner III, Jeff Beiswenger presented the staff report. The City has initiated a
Amendments
project to update the Housing Element, part of the City's General Plan. The
Housing Element is required by the State of California to be updated periodically.
File No. PLZ02013-0001
The State's Housing and Community Development (HCD) department has a new
streamlined review process that jurisdictions can take advantage of, but only if all
City of Rohnert Park
the housing regulations of the jurisdiction are in compliance with State law.
Beiswenger reported that the City has identified a minor inconsistency within the
zoning code with State housing law. Section 17.07.020.M (Homeless Shelters)
requires a 600 foot separation between different shelters. State housing law has
a very specific requirement related to separation and only permits a separation
distance of 300 feet. This is a simple text amendment. Beiswenger
recommended approval of an Ordinance amending Section 17.07.020 ()
Homeless Shelters to comply with State law.
A brief discussion was held.
A motion was made by Commissioner Blanquie, seconded by Commissioner
Haydon to adopt Resolution 2014-03, recommending approval of an Ordinance
amending Section 17.07.020 (M) Homeless Shelters, of the Zoning Ordinance to
comply with State law. The motion passed with a 4-0 vote (AYES: Adams,
Blanquie, Haydon, Giudice; NOES: 0; ABSENT: Borba).
Discussion — Protecting
Planner III, Jeff Beiswenger, presented the item for discussion. The City of
Supply of Commercial
Rohnert Park is researching ways to address impacts from the new Graton Resort
Land
and Casino. One concern is that due to the large workforce from the casino,
development pressure to construct apartment buildings could increase, resulting
City of Rohnert Park
in the conversion of commercial land for residential development purposes along
with other impacts. Beiswenger said the use of City's limited supply of
commercial land for residential purposes could deprive the City of critical sales tax
dollars. Development Services staff has been investigating ways to help prevent
the conversion of commercial property to residential development.
The purpose of this discussion item is to outline the relevant issues to the
Planning Commission and request direction from the Commission on potential
changes to the general plan and/or zoning ordinance.
Consensus: Compile comments in favor of supporting maintaining commercial
property and forward to the City Council.
Items from the Planning
None.
Commission
Matters from Planning
Stakeholder Workshop; hearing on February 27th for University District
Staff
entitlements and possible February 13, 2014 meeting.
Adjour e t
There being no further business, Chairperson Giudice adjourned the meeting at
:30 p.m.
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C airpe son Secretary