2008/08/14 Planning Commission ResolutionItem No.:5
File No.: PL2008-014MC
PC RESOLUTION NO. 2008-28
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ROHNERT PARK, CALIFORNIA, REGARDING PROPOSED AMENDMENTS
TO SECTION 17.06.030 OF THE ROHNERT PARK MUNICIPAL CODE
REGARDING SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR OFF-STREET PARKING
(City of Rohnert Park)
WHEREAS, Chapter 17.06.030 of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code contains the parking
regulations that pertain to various land use types within the City;
WHEREAS, one of the City Council's five (5) identified goals is the promotion of
sustainability within the City of Rohnert Park;
WHEREAS, the City Council has requested that Staff explore amendments to the City's
current parking standards so as to achieve consistency with the standards of other Sonoma County
communities and to reduce the amount of pavement required for parking facilities;
WHEREAS, Staff has researched the parking requirements of the other Sonoma County
cities and has noted that the standards for the following three (3) land use categories are noticeably
different and merit amendments: "Hardware Store/Home Improvement Center," "Retail Sales Not
Listed Under Another Use Classification," and "Shopping Center";
WHEREAS, Staff has prepared proposed amendments for the parking standards for these
three (3) uses that would reflect the Council's direction;
WHEREAS, on August 14, 2008, the Planning Commission reviewed Planning
Application No. PL2008-014MC, the proposed amendments to Sections 17.06.030 of the Rohnert
Park Municipal Code regarding the proposed amendments to Section 17.16.030 of the Rohnert
Park Municipal Code regarding the specific requirements for off-street parking;
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Rohnert Park finds that pursuant to
Section 15061(b)(3) of the Guidelines for CEQA that the project is exempt under the General Rule
which states, "[t]hat CEQA applies only to projects, which have the potential for causing a
significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no
possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the
activity is not subject to CEQA';
WHEREAS, at the August 14, 2008 Planning Commission meeting, upon hearing and
considering all testimony and arguments, if any, of all persons desiring to be heard, the
Commission considered all the facts relating to Planning Application No. PL2008-014MC, the
proposed amendments to Section 17.16.030 of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code regarding the
specific requirements for off-street parking.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ROHNERT PARK DOES RESOLVE, DETERMINE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
Planning Commission Staff Report
Date: August 14, 2008
Page 5 of 7
Item No.:5
File No.: PL2008-014MC
Section 2. Findings. The Planning Commission, in recommending approval to the City
Council of Planning Application No. PL2008-014MC, the proposed amendments to Section
17.16.030 of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code regarding the specific requirements for off-street
parking, makes the following findings:
1. The proposed amendments would be consistent with the General Plan's direction to ensure
the continued protection of the City's natural resources, in that a reduction in parking lot
pavement would decrease the local "heat island" effect. The proposed amendments would
also be consistent with General Plan Policy CD -29 related to flexibility in parking
standards and General Plan Policy CD -55 related to the improvement of pedestrian safety
and circulation and the facilitation of walking to and from adjacent sites; and
2. The proposed amendments would benefit the public's overall health, safety and welfare, in
that the amendments would further the City's promotion of smart growth principles by
reducing the reliance on the automobile; thereby decreasing dependence on the automobile
and reducing the quantity of asphalt that can contribute to the heat island effect and the
generation of greenhouse gases; and
3. The proposed amendments would improve water quality and achieve compliance with the
Best Management Practices established by Sonoma County Water Agency, as a reduction
in pavement would contribute to a corresponding reduction in pollutants that contaminate
storm water.
Section 3. Environmental Clearance. In accordance with CEQA Section 15061(b)(3),
"[C]EQA applies only to projects, which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the
environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in
question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA."
The proposed amendments would result in positive benefits to residents and would further promote
the public health, safety and welfare; therefore staff has determined that the amendments are
exempt from CEQA review.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission does hereby
recommend to the City Council approval of Planning Application No. PL2008-014MC, the
proposed amendments to Section 17.16.030 of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code regarding the
specific requirements for off-street parking, to read as follows:
iLand Use Required Off -Street Parking (Spaces)
Use
Store/Home Improvement Store 11 space per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Off -Street Parking (Spaces)
Sales Not Listed Under Another Use 11 space per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Planning Commission Staff Report
Date: August 14, 2008
Page 6 of 7
Use
Item No.:5
File No.: PL2008-014MC
Required Off -Street Parking (3paces)
Shopping Center 11 space per 300 square feet of gross floor area
DULY AND REGULARLY ADOPTED on this 14th day of August, 2008, by the City of
Rohnert Park Planning Commission by the following vote:
David Armstrong, Vic—e-
r I
Attest:
Susan Azevedo, Akcording Secretary
AYES: � NOES: ABSENT: Z ABSTAIN:
Planning Commission
ADAMS ✓ AHANOTuAko---ARMSTRONG / CALLINAN / KILAT A-59—Pt
Planning Commission Staff Report
Date: August 14, 2008
Page 7 of 7