2021/03/11 Planning Commission Agenda Packet
City of Rohnert Park
Planning Commission
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A MEETING
will be held on Thursday March 11, 2021 6:00 P.M.
* COVID-19 NOTICE *
Consistent with Executive Orders No. N-25-20 and No. N-29-20 from the Executive Department
of the State of California and the Sonoma County Health Official’s March 17, 2020 and March
31, 2020 Shelter in Place Orders, the Planning Commission Meeting will not be physically
open to the public and Planning Commissioners will be teleconferencing into the meeting via
Zoom Video Communications software.
How to observe the Meeting:
To maximize public safety while still maintaining transparency and public access, members of
the public can observe the meeting on Cable Channel 26 or by visiting meeting central on our
website https://www.rpcity.org/city_hall/city_council/meeting_central
How to submit Public Comment:
Members of the public may provide public comment by sending comments to the Recording
Secretary by email at planning@rpcity.org. Comments are requested by 3:00 p.m. on the day of
the meeting, but can be emailed until the close of the Agenda Item for which the comment is
submitted. Email comments must identify the Agenda Item Number in the subject line of the
email and should be a maximum of 350 words, which corresponds to approximately 3 minutes of
speaking time. The comments will be read for the record, with a maximum allowance of 30
minutes of total public comments, subject to the Chair’s discretion. If a comment is received
after the agenda item is heard but before the close of the meeting, the comment will still be
included as a part of the record of the meeting but will not be read for the record or considered in
connection with the agenda item.
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
(Austin-Dillon_____ Blanquie____ Lam____ Orloff____ Striplen____)
4. PUBLIC COMMENT – Persons who wish to speak to the Commission regarding an
item that is not on the agenda may do so at this time. Please see above for details on how to
submit public comments.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR - ADOPTION OF MINUTES
5.1 Approval of the Draft Minutes of the Planning Commission Meeting of February
11, 2021
Commissioner Motion/Roll Call Vote:
(Austin-Dillon_____ Blanquie____ Striplen____ Lam_____Orloff_____)
6. AGENDA ITEMS
6.1 STUDY SESSION – City of Rohnert Park –General Plan EIR Scoping
Meeting
6.2 PRESENTATION – City of Rohnert Park – Receive the Annual Status of the
General Plan for Calendar Year 2020
7. ITEMS FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION
8. ITEMS FROM THE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES STAFF
9. ADJOURNMENT
NOTE: If you challenge the nature of the proposed action in court, you may be limited to
raising only those issues you or someone else raised at public hearing(s) described in this agenda,
or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Rohnert Park at, or prior to the public
hearing(s).
AMERICAN DISABILITY ACT ACCOMMODATIONS: In compliance with the Americans
with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting please call
(707) 588-2231. Notification 72 hours in advance of the meeting will enable the City to make
reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102.35.104 AD Title
III).
CERTIFICATION OF POSTING OF AGENDA
I, Jennifer Sedna, Community Development Technician, for the City of Rohnert Park, declare
that the foregoing notice and supplementary agenda for the March 11, 2021 Planning
Commission Meeting of the City of Rohnert Park was posted and available for review on March
5, 2021 at Rohnert Park City Hall, 130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park, California 94928. The
agenda is available on the City of Rohnert Park’s website at www.rpcity.org.
Signed this 5th day of March, 2021 at Rohnert Park, California.
Jennifer Sedna
Appeals of any decisions made tonight must be received by the Planning Division within 10
days and no later than 5:00 p.m. on March 22, 2021.
Minutes of the Planning Commission Meeting
of the City of Rohnert Park
Thursday, February 11, 2021
6:00 P.M.
130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Orloff called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Chairperson Orloff.
3. ROLL CALL
Present: Daniel A. Blanquie, Chairperson
Tramaine Austin-Dillon, Commissioner
Fanny Lam, Commissioner
Marc Orloff, Commissioner
Charles Striplen, Commissioner
Absent: None.
Staff attending via Zoom Video Communications: Planning Manager, Jeff Beiswenger,
Planner I, Suzie Azevedo, and Recording Secretary, Jennifer Sedna.
Staff present: IS Analyst, Mike Son.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR - ADOPTION OF MINUTES
5.1 Approval of the Draft Minutes of the Planning Commission Meeting of January
28, 2021.
ACTION: Moved/seconded (Blanquie/Striplen) to adopt Minutes of the Planning
Commission Meeting of January 28, 2021.
Motion carried by the following unanimous (5-0-0) roll call vote: AYES:
Austin-Dillon, Blanquie, Striplen, Lam and Orloff; NOES: None; ABSTAIN:
None; ABSENT: None.
6. AGENDA ITEMS
6.1 PUBLIC HEARING – CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT – File No. PLUP20-
0004 – Erick T. Brown – Consideration of Resolution 2021-01 to allow an
increase in the Floor Area Ratio Factor (FAR) for a residential property at 4431
Hollingsworth Circle.
Suzie Azevedo, Planner I, presented the item and answered questions from the
Commission, including: if there was any response from the 300’ notice; noting that the
house adjacent has two stories and if this is a common Conditional Use Permit; and, that
.55 is the ratio that is permitted.
Public Hearing opened.
No Comments.
The applicant Erick Brown joined the meeting and there were no questions from the
Commission.
Public Hearing closed.
ACTION: Moved/seconded (Striplen/Lam) to approve Resolution 2021-01 to
allow an increase in the Floor Area Ratio Factor (FAR) for a residential property
at 4431 Hollingsworth Circle.
Motion carried by the following unanimous (5-0-0) roll call vote: AYES:
Austin-Dillon, Blanquie, Striplen, Lam and Orloff; NOES: None; ABSTAIN:
None; ABSENT: None.
9. ITEMS FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION
None.
10. ITEMS FROM THE DEVELOPMENT SERVICE STAFF
Staffperson Beiswenger noted there are study sessions coming up for the General Plan
including Circulation, Public Facilities, Health and Safety, and a Resiliency chapter in
March and April.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Orloff adjourned the regular meeting at 6:14 p.m.
____________________________________ ___________________________________
Marc Orloff, Chairperson Jennifer Sedna, Secretary
CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: March 11, 2021
Item No: 6.1
Prepared By: Jeffrey S. Beiswenger, AICP, Planning Manager
Michael P. Laughlin, AICP, Contract Planner
Agenda Title: General Plan EIR Scoping Meeting
RECOMMENDED ACTION: (1) Receive a presentation from staff and the City’s environmental
consultant, Rincon, regarding the scope of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the General
Plan Update; (2) take testimony from members of the public, groups or agencies; and (3) direct
staff to include any additional environmental issues raised to be addressed in the EIR.
BACKGROUND: The City of Rohnert Park General Plan articulates the long-term shared
community vision for the preservation, enhancement, and improvement of the City. It is a long-
range plan that directs decision making and establishes rules and standards for City
improvements and new development. It reflects the community’s vision for the future and is
intended to provide direction through the year 2040.
The objective of a General Plan is to provide the City with a roadmap for the future. The City’s
existing General Plan was completed in 2000 and guided the changes occurring in Rohnert Park
over the last 20 years. The 2040 General Plan update will provide the context to effectively plan
and manage Rohnert Park based on an updated set of goals, policies, and implementation
programs that reflect the values and aspirations for the future expressed by the community.
Additionally, the update will equip Rohnert Park with a policy framework to responsibly manage
future projects and have the capacity to accommodate the growth and development anticipated to
occur in the City of Rohnert Park for the next 20 years.
As required by California Government Code section §65302, the 2040 General Plan will cover the
following seven mandated elements: Land Use, Circulation, Conservation, Housing, Noise, Open
Space and Safety. In addition, the General Plan will include required air quality and environmental
justice information and topics. The City of Rohnert Park General Plan Update organizes the
required information into the following elements: Community Development (Land Use),
Circulation, Public Facilities and Services (Open Space), Resource Conservation (Conservation
and Open Space), Health and Safety (Safety and Noise). The Housing Element was updated in
2015 and will only be reformatted as part of the General Plan update. The Housing Element will
be updated again in 2023 as required by the state. In addition to these elements, Rohnert Park has
chosen to prepare optional elements, including an Economic Development Element and Climate
Change Element.
The Planning Commission and City Council are currently conducting study sessions on the
individual elements of the General Plan. Once these study sessions are completed, a draft of the
General Plan will be compiled and made available for public review.
To provide a contemporary plan that will guide the community to the year 2040, the General
Plan is being updated to reflect changes in the community, new issues and opportunities (as
identified from community input), changes in State law (such as reducing greenhouse gas
emissions), and new trends (changes in transit use, lowering vehicle miles traveled, impacts of
online shopping, and so forth). The Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan update program serves
several purposes:
• Provide the public opportunities for meaningful participation in the planning and decision-
making process;
• Provide a description of current conditions within the city and trends influencing the future
of the city;
• Identify planning issues, opportunities, and challenges that should be addressed in the 2040
General Plan;
• Explore land use and policy alternatives;
• Ensure that the General Plan is current, internally consistent, and easy to use;
• Provide guidance in the planning and evaluation of future land and resource decisions; and
• Provide a vision and framework for the future growth of Rohnert Park.
The 2040 General Plan update identifies and prioritizes opportunities to preserve the character of
the community, conserve natural resources, and direct land use policies that enable sustainable
growth and employment opportunities in Rohnert Park.
As part of the alternatives process for the General Plan update, there were 13 focus areas
evaluated for change in land use type and development intensity that may result in environmental
impacts. These focus areas are as follows:
• Northwest Specific Plan Area
• Wilfred-Dowdell Specific Plan Area
• Stadium Lands Planned Development
• Rohnert Park Expressway Shopping Centers
• Central Rohnert Park Priority Development Area
• Southwest Boulevard Shopping Center
• Former Gold Ridge Elementary School Site
• Northeast Specific Plan Area
• University District Specific Plan
• Canon Manor
• Southeast Specific Plan
• Sonoma Mountain Village Planned Development
• Other infill opportunity areas
It is anticipated that these potential changes in land use and intensity or density would be a
primary change in the General Plan that may result in environmental impacts.
ANALYSIS: Mintier Harnish and Rincon are in the process of preparing the environmental
document which will provide analysis of a broad range of environmental topics related to the
General Plan update, as listed below. The Scoping Meeting is an opportunity for the public, City
decision makers and agencies to make recommendations on environmental issues that should be
analyzed in the EIR. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires a public scoping
meeting to inform the public that the lead agency, the City of Rohnert Park, is evaluating a project
under the CEQA, and to solicit public comment regarding the potential environmental issues that
should be studied.
Whenever a jurisdiction determines that an EIR is required for a project, CEQA Guidelines require
that a Notice of Preparation (NOP) be prepared to allow for agencies and the public to comment
on potential environmental issues that should be studied in the report. The purpose of the
environmental scoping process under the CEQA Guidelines is to provide a means for the public
and other public agencies to provide “early input” in identifying and articulating any specific
environmental concerns or environmental items to be analyzed in the environmental document.
A NOP is the notice that initiates interagency dialogue and is required once an EIR is found to be
necessary by the lead agency, such as for the City of Rohnert Park for the General Plan update. A
NOP is a brief notice sent by the lead agency to notify the responsible agencies, trustee agencies,
and involved federal agencies that the lead agency plans to prepare an EIR for the project. The
purpose of the NOP is to solicit guidance from those agencies as to the scope and content of
environmental information to be included in the EIR.
The City sent out a NOP on February 26, 2021 to the State Clearinghouse, adjoining cities, local
and county agencies and districts, school districts, local tribes, utilities and state agencies. A notice
was also placed in the newspaper and is posted on the City’s website. The comment period for the
NOP ends on March 29, 2021.
The EIR will focus on the resource areas and issues applicable to General Plan update. The EIR
will also evaluate the potentially significant environmental impacts of the growth and development
contemplated by changes in land use and will evaluate whether there are feasible mitigation
measures that may lessen or avoid such impacts. The EIR will also evaluate alternatives to the
General Plan update. As the General Plan update does not include any specific construction or
development, but rather the potential for land use changes or development to be constructed in the
future, it will be prepared at a “program” level, such that it will generally evaluate the broad policy
impacts of the City’s General Plan update.
The EIR will evaluate potentially significant environmental effects related to the following
environmental issues:
• Aesthetics (Visual Resources)
• Agriculture/ Forestry Resources
• Air Quality
• Biological Resources
• Cultural and Tribal Resources
• Energy
• Geology and Soils
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• Hazards/Hazardous Materials
• Hydrology/Water Quality
• Land Use/Planning
• Mineral Resources
• Noise
• Population/Housing
• Public Services/Recreation
• Transportation/Traffic
• Utilities/Service Systems
• Wildfire
Next Steps in the Environmental Review Process
Once the Draft EIR document is completed, there will be a 45-day public review and comment
period on the document. The consultants and staff will then prepare written responses to any
comments received during the comment period.
A Final EIR will then be prepared. The Final EIR will require certification by the Planning
Commission and City Council prior to taking any action on the project. Finally, a Notice of
Determination will be filed with the County Clerk after a decision is made on the project.
It is anticipated that the Draft EIR will be available for review in the fall of 2021, and a hearing or
hearings on the project will occur in late 2021 or early 2022.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: None. This is a scoping meeting only to receive
and no action will be taken.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION: This item was advertised in the newspaper and on the City’s web
site and through various social media channels.
Planning Manager Approval Date: 3/4/2021
Attachments:
1. Notice of Preparation
ATTACHMENT 1
Draft Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan Update City of Rohnert Park
Notice of Preparation of an EIR 1 February 2021
NOTICE OF PREPARATION
of an Environmental Impact Report for the
Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan Update
Date: February 26, 2021
To: State Clearinghouse
Responsible Agencies
Trustee Agencies
NOP Comment Period: Written comments must be submitted to the City’s
Development Services Department no later than
March 29, 2021 by 5:00 p.m.
Project Location: City of Rohnert Park Planning Area (citywide, sphere of
influence, urban growth boundary) – see Figure 1
(attached)
Lead Agency Contact Person: Jeffrey Beiswenger
Planning Manager
130 Avram Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Telephone: (707) 588-2253
Email: JBeiswenger@rpcity.org
INTRODUCTION
This Notice of Preparation (NOP) has been issued to notify interested parties of the preparation of an
environmental impact report (EIR) for the Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan (General Plan update). The City
will be the lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and will prepare a
programmatic Environmental Impact Report (Program EIR) to evaluate the environmental effects
associated with the General Plan update.
This NOP and background documents associated with the General Plan update (the “project” under CEQA)
are available for review on the City’s General Plan Update webpage at: http://www.envisionrp.com/. This
NOP has been issued to provide an opportunity for responsible and trustee agencies to submit comments
on the scope of the EIR, relative to the project description. Agencies should comment on such information
as it relates to their statutory responsibilities in connection with the proposed project.
The City has determined that the proposed project may have a significant effect on the environment;
therefore, an EIR is being prepared. The EIR is intended to be a program-level document that will analyze
the effects of the proposed 2040 General Plan. Program EIRs generally analyze broad environmental effects
of the program, with the acknowledgment that site-specific environmental review may be required for
future actions (14 CCR 15168(a)). The purpose of a Program EIR is to allow the lead agency to consider
broad policy alternatives and program-wide mitigation measures at an early time when the agency has
greater flexibility to deal with basic problems or cumulative impacts. Because no specific development
projects are being proposed as part of the updates to the General Plan, the analysis will not be parcel-
Draft Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan Update City of Rohnert Park
Notice of Preparation of an EIR 2 February 2021
specific. Rather, the analysis will focus on the reasonably foreseeable direct and indirect physical
environmental effects that could result from the updates to the General Plan, including proposed land use
designation changes evaluated for the thirteen (13) focus areas described below. The analysis will compare
the net change of impacts as a result of the 2040 General Plan compared to 2021 existing conditions.
PROJECT BACKGROUND AND HISTORY
The objective of a General Plan is to provide the City with a roadmap for the future. The City’s existing
General Plan was completed in 2000 and guided the changes occurring in Rohnert Park over the last
20 years. The 2040 General Plan update will provide the context to effectively plan and manage Rohnert
Park based on an updated set of goals, policies, and implementation programs that reflect the values and
aspirations for the future expressed by the community. Additionally, the update will equip Rohnert Park
with a policy framework to responsibly manage future projects and have the capacity to accommodate the
growth and development anticipated to occur in the City of Rohnert Park for the next 20 years.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The 2040 General Plan update addresses the current needs and preferences of the community. The General
Plan Planning Area, which reflects the geographic area covered by the General Plan update, is shown on
Figure 1. The Planning Area encompasses all lands within the current city limits plus lands within the
City’s adopted Sphere of Influence and Urban Growth Boundary.
The 2040 General Plan will be Rohnert Park’s updated long-term framework for future growth and
development. The 2040 General Plan represents the community’s view of its future and contains the goals
and polices upon which the City Council and Planning Commission will base their land use and resource
decisions in the future. To provide a contemporary plan that will guide the community to the year 2040,
the General Plan is being updated to reflect changes in the community, new issues and opportunities (as
identified from community input), changes in State law (such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions), and
new trends (autonomous cars, impacts of online shopping, and so forth). The Rohnert Park 2040 General
Plan update program serves several purposes:
• Provide the public opportunities for meaningful participation in the planning and decision-making
process;
• Provide a description of current conditions within the city and trends influencing the future of the
city;
• Identify planning issues, opportunities, and challenges that should be addressed in the 2040 General
Plan;
• Explore land use and policy alternatives;
• Ensure that the General Plan is current, internally consistent, and easy to use;
• Provide guidance in the planning and evaluation of future land and resource decisions; and
• Provide a vision and framework for the future growth of Rohnert Park.
The 2040 General Plan update identifies and prioritizes opportunities to preserve the character of the
community, conserve natural resources, and direct land use policies that enable sustainable growth and
employment opportunities in Rohnert Park.
Draft Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan Update City of Rohnert Park
Notice of Preparation of an EIR 3 February 2021
As part of the alternatives process for the General Plan update, there were 13 focus areas evaluated for
change in land use type and development intensity that may result in environmental impacts. These focus
areas are as follows and are depicted in the project location map attached to this notice:
• Northwest Specific Plan Area
• Wilfred-Dowdell Specific Plan Area
• Stadium Lands Planned Development
• Rohnert Park Expressway Shopping Centers
• Central Rohnert Park Priority Development Area
• Southwest Boulevard Shopping Center
• Former Gold Ridge Elementary School Site
• Northeast Specific Plan Area
• University District Specific Plan
• Canon Manor
• Southeast Specific Plan
• Sonoma Mountain Village Planned Development
• Other infill opportunity areas
It is anticipated that these potential changes in land use and intensity or density would be a primary change
in the General Plan that may result in environmental impacts.
PROBABLE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS AND SCOPE OF THE EIR
The EIR for the proposed project will focus on the resource areas/issues applicable to this project. The EIR
will evaluate the potentially significant environmental impacts of the proposed project and will evaluate
whether there are feasible mitigation measures that may lessen or avoid such impacts. As the proposed
project does not include any specific construction or development, but rather the potential for land use
changes or development to be constructed in the future, the impact analysis will be programmatic and
cumulative in nature. The EIR will also identify and evaluate alternatives to the proposed project. The EIR
will evaluate potentially significant environmental effects related to the following environmental issues:
• Aesthetics (Visual Resources) • Hydrology/Water Quality
• Agricultural and Forest Resources • Land Use/Planning
• Air Quality • Mineral Resources
• Biological Resources • Noise
• Cultural and Tribal Resources • Population/Housing
• Energy • Public Services/Recreation
• Geology/Soils • Transportation/Traffic
Draft Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan Update City of Rohnert Park
Notice of Preparation of an EIR 4 February 2021
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions • Utilities/Service Systems
• Hazards/Hazardous Materials • Wildfire
NOP Comment Period: In accordance with the time limits identified in state law, your response to this
NOP must be submitted to the City at the earliest possible date, but not later than 5:00 p.m. on March
29, 2021 (31 days following the date this notice was first posted). Please submit written comments to the
Rohnert Park Development Services Department (including the contact person’s full name and address) to:
Jeffrey Beiswenger, AICP
City of Rohnert Park: Development Services Department
130 Avram Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Email: JBeiswenger@rpcity.org
Scoping Meeting: A virtual scoping meeting will be conducted as part of the regularly scheduled Planning
Commission meeting on March 11, 2021 beginning at 6:00 pm. This meeting is being conducted utilizing
teleconferencing and electronic means consistent with State of California Executive Order N-29-20 dated
March 17, 2020, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic; and in accordance with Executive Order N-29-20,
the public can observe the meeting on Cable Channel 26 or by visiting meeting central on our
website https://www.rpcity.org/city_hall/city_council/meeting_central. The agenda for this meeting will be
posted on or about March 5, 2021.
How to submit a public comment for the Scoping meeting:
Members of the public may provide public comment by sending comments to the Recording Secretary by
email at planning@rpcity.org. Comments are requested by 3:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting, but can be
emailed until the close of the Agenda Item for which the comment is submitted. Email comments must
identify the Agenda Item Number in the subject line of the email and should be a maximum of 350 words,
which corresponds to approximately 3 minutes of speaking time. The comments will be read for the record,
with a maximum allowance of 30 minutes of total public comments, subject to the Chair’s discretion. If a
comment is received after the agenda item is heard but before the close of the meeting, the comment will
still be included as a part of the record of the meeting but will not be read for the record or considered in
connection with the agenda item.
This NOP, Draft Alternatives Report, and background documents are available for review on the City’s
General Plan Update webpage at: http://www.envisionrp.com/
Draft Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan Update City of Rohnert Park
Notice of Preparation of an EIR 5 February 2021
Figure 1 – Project Location Map
1
Meeting Date: March 11, 2021
Item Number: 6.2
Prepared By: Jeffrey Beiswenger, Planning Manager
Agenda Title: Receive the Annual Status of the General Plan for Calendar Year 2020
Location: Citywide
Applicant/Owner: City of Rohnert Park
RECOMMENDED ACTION: No action required. Presentation only.
BACKGROUND: Government Code Section 65400 mandates that each city’s planning agency
submit an annual report on the status of the General Plan and progress on its implementation to
their legislative bodies, the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) and the
Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) each year. The report offers the
City’s progress on General Plan implementation, including the progress in meeting its share of
regional housing needs. The intent of this requirement is to ensure that the General Plan directs
all land use decisions and remains an effective guide for future development. The information
that follows is provided for compliance with the Government Code requirements related to the
provision of an annual report on the status of the Rohnert Park General Plan. Also included is the
Housing Element Progress Report.
ANALYSIS: The Rohnert Park General Plan 2020 was adopted in July 2000 and has been
amended a number of times since then. Staff is preparing a comprehensive update to the General
Plan (General Plan 2040). Until this update is completed and adopted by the City Council, the
City will continue to report on General Plan 2020. General Plan 2040 is expected to be adopted
in early 2022. The General Plan includes the following mandatory components:
• Land Use
• Transportation
• Open Space (Parks and Recreation)
• Environmental Conservation
• Health and Safety
• Noise
• Housing
Local governments are required to keep their General Plans current and internally consistent.
There is no specific requirement that a local government update its General Plan on a particular
timeline, with the exception of the Housing Element, which is required to be updated every eight
years.
The following report represents the progress the City has made towards implementing the goals
and policies of the General Plan during the 2020 calendar year. Goals where there has been
significant progress or action are cited specifically in the attached two reports: (1) Annual Report
CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA REPORT
Page 1
Attachment 1
Annual Report on the Status of the Rohnert Park General Plan
Calendar Year 2020
Government Code Section 65400 mandates that the planning agencies of cities submit an annual report on
the status of the General Plan and progress on the implementation to their legislative bodies, the
Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR), and the Department of Housing and Community
Development (HCD) each year. The report must address each City’s progress in its General Plan
implementation, including the progress in meeting its share of regional housing needs. The intent of this
requirement is to ensure that the General Plan directs all land use decisions and remains an effective guide
for future development. The information that follows complies with the Government Code requirements
related to the provision of an annual report on the status of the Rohnert Park General Plan.
Status of the Rohnert Park General Plan
The Rohnert Park General Plan was adopted in July 2000 and has been amended a number of times to stay
current. The General Plan includes the following mandatory components:
• Land Use
• Transportation/Circulation
• Housing
• Open Space (Parks and Recreation)
• Noise
• Health and Safety
• Environmental Conservation
Local governments are required to keep their General Plans current and internally consistent. There is no
specific requirement that a local government update its General Plan on a particular timeline, with the
exception of the Housing Element, which is required to be updated every eight years.
Despite constraints due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City made progress in 2020 toward achieving
General Plan Goals and Policies as listed in the subsequent tables in this report. Notably, the City has
continued to increase the supply of new housing and approve projects to supply housing into the next
decade. The City also continues to complete infrastructure project to serve new development, as well as
existing neighborhoods.
Page 2
General Plan Map Amendments
During 2020, the General Plan map was amended,
Table 1 – Map Amendments in 2020
Location Description
1 3.3 acres located at parcel
number 143-040-139
Regional
Commercial to High
Density Residential,
Five Creek
Masterplan
This 3.3 acre vacant parcel was designated on the General
Plan as Regional Commercial and was amended to High
Density Residential. This would allow for the construction of
an additional 74 dwelling units within the Five Creek
Masterplan area. Figure 2.2-1 (General Plan Diagram) was
updated accordingly.
2 Map and text amendments for
the 300 (+/-) University
District Specific Plan (UDSP)
area located south of Keiser
Ave., east of Petaluma Hill
Road, North of SSU campus
and Rohnert Park Expressway
and west of Synder Road.
Specific Plan, Estate
Residential. Revised
street layout
Amendments were made to the General Plan and UDSP to
change the density of the Estate Residential land use
designation from 2.0 to 2.5 dwelling units per area and the
minimum lot size from 15,000 sf to 14,000 sf. The street
pattern was also amended, which required amendment to a
number of figures within the General Plan document..
General Plan Goals
The following series of tables represents the progress the City has made towards implementing its general plan goals during the 2020
calendar year. As is to be expected, the City did not work on all goals in this calendar year and the list covers only activities that took
place in 2020.
Table 2 –Implementation of Land Use Goals and Policies in 2020
Goal or Policy Progress in 2020
Goal LU-B Provide soft urban edges and ensure that
designated intensities provide gradual
transition to open space at city edges.
On-going The University District and Southeast Specific Plan
provide low densities of housing and an open space
buffer as they transition towards Petaluma Hill Road.
Page 3
Goal LU-F Create a new mixed-use University District
north of Sonoma State University that would
draw visitors, serve as destination point for
the City, offer a wide mix of residential
employment opportunities and foster close
physical and visual relationship between the
campus and the City.
On-going Construction of housing in the University District
Specific Plan (UDSP) continued with 124 new homes
built in 2020. The affordable apartment complex in
was nearly completed in 2020 and households began
to move in. The project should be 100 complete and
fully occupied in 2021.
Goal LU-I Provide a range of housing variety in type and
price, including large-lot homes and housing
oriented to students.
On-going Construction of homes continues in the UDSP and
the Southeast Specific Plan (SESP, Willowglen) with
124 new homes built in UDSP and 64 homes built in
SESP. The municipal code was amended to allow
more flexibility to approve accessory dwelling units.
Three ADU were built in 2020.
Goal LU-K Promote a diverse range of jobs within the
city.
On-going The Planning Commission approved several site plan
and architectural reviews (SPARs) for new
businesses in Rohnert Park, including: a large
(180,000 sf) industrial complex, a home improvement
/ nursery store, a new hotel, and an expansion of an
existing commercial building to accommodate an
electrical contractor business.
Page 4
Table 3 –Implementation of Growth Management Goals in 2020
Table 4 –Implementation of Urban Form Goals in 2020
Goal or Policy Progress in 2020
Goal or Policy Progress in 2020
Goal GM-B Undertake efforts to facilitate provision of
housing affordable to low and very low income
household by exemption affordable housing
form any numerical “trigger cap” restrictions.
On-going The City’s growth management ordinance exempts
affordable housing units from trigger caps.
Goal GM-C Ensure that growth is paced to achieve General
Plan buildout over a 20-year period,
representing an annual average population
growth rate of one percent.
On-going Housing construction rates are averaging less than one
percent per year in Rohnert Park. The City has a
“backlog” of building permits under its growth
management ordinance as a result of relatively few
new units constructed between 2000 through 2013.
Goal GM-F Ensure all new development provides
necessary public facilities to support
development.
On-going In 2020, the City approved improvement plans and
physical improvements to support development in the
University District, Southeast and Stadium areas.
Construction also began on the Westside Fire Station.
The following infrastructure improvements were
completed: Tank 8 (1 million gallon water tank to
provide additional water storage for the community);
Martin Avenue and Carlson Avenue infrastructure
improvements (serves Five Creek area); infrastructure
improvements on Keiser Road (to serve University
District); and infrastructure improvements within Vast
Oak North. Street improvement within the Willowglen
project. Two parks were completed: Five Creek Park
and Willowglen Park.
Goal GM-H Minimize impacts – physical, visual and fiscal
– of growth and annexation on existing homes
and businesses.
On-going The City continued collecting maintenance annuity
fund deposits from builders in the University District
and special taxes for services in WIllowglen.
Page 5
Goal CD-B Establish strong connections between adjacent
neighborhoods and between neighborhoods and
activity centers in order to encourage walking and
biking.
On-going In 2020, the City continued to work towards plans
for the extension of the Hinebaugh Creek and
Copeland Creek bikeways within the University
District providing a safe way to walk and bike
between existing neighborhoods and this new
development.
Goal CD-C Establish an open space network that links
residential neighborhoods, parks and open space
areas.
On-going In 2020, the City continued developing plans for the
extension of the Hinebaugh Creek bikeway and Twin
Creeks Park within the University District,
culminating in a groundbreaking for a new trail
leading to Crane Creek Regional Park.
Goal CD-D Preserve and enhance views of the eastern
ridgeline.
On-going The specific plans in the vicinity of Petaluma Hill
Road are designed to protect the view of the hills
from within the specific plan area and from existing
properties.
Goal CD-F Maintain a distinct urban edge, while creating a
gradual transition between urban uses and open
space.
On-Going Specific Plans along City borders have gradual
transitions to open space and maintain scenic
corridors.
Table 5 –Implementation of Street System Goals in 2020
Goal or Policy Progress in 2020
Goal
TR-B
Maintain high levels of mobility along all major street
segments and at major intersections.
On-going In 2020, the City continued traffic signal
improvements, implemented its Automated Traffic
Management System (ATMS) on the Rohnert Park
Expressway and Golf Course corridors, and improved
the Golf Course Redwood Intersection.
Goal
TR-C
Build new roads and improve existing roadways,
where necessary, in conjunction with new
development.
On-going Roadway construction within the Stadium Lands
Planned Development Area (Martin Avenue) and on
Keiser Avenue were completed in 2020.
Page 6
Table 6 –Implementation of Transportation Demand Goal in 2020
Goal or Policy Progress in 2020
Goal TR-
1 and
TR-2
Establish LOS C as the minimum standard for all
arterial and collector roadway segments and
intersections. Require mitigation measures, as
needed, for new development that increases traffic
such that LOS levels fall below the established
minimum standard.
On-going Mitigation of traffic impacts is required of new
developments to maintain a minimum level of
service
Goal TR-
37
Provide continuous sidewalks along all existing and
future streets.
On-going Installation of sidewalks on existing streets are
required for any new development. All new street
construction requires the installation of sidewalks.
Goal TR-
43
Establish requirements for bicycle parking as part of
the Zoning Ordinance update. Ensure that secure
bicycle parking is provided in conjunction with new
development.
On-going All new commercial and industrial development
requires the installation of bicycle parking facilities.
New project entitlements include conditions of
approval to require the installation.
Goal TR-
N
Promote safe, efficient, and comfortable circulation
for cyclists and pedestrians throughout Rohnert
Park.
On-going Public Works continues to clean the creek paths by
removal of any trash, debris, and weeds. Multiple
sidewalks and multi-use paths around the City that
have deteriorated have been repaved and/or
replaced.
Table 7 –Implementation of Open Space Goals in 2020
Goal or Policy Progress in 2020
Goal
OS-D
Maintain and enhance the Petaluma Hill Road Scenic
corridor.
On-going Development along the east side of Petaluma Hill
Road will be designed to protect the view of the hills
to the east from the roadway. Sonoma Mountain
Village, Southeast Specific Plan and University
District Specific Plan are also designed to create
Page 7
view corridors of the hills to the east. CEQA
documents for development projects require
consideration of the impact of a development.
Goal
OS-E
Maintain publicly owned open space areas in their
natural state; provide public access in a manner that is
compatible with the conservation of habitat.
On-going As in previous years, in 2020 a number of the creeks
in Rohnert Park were cleared of rubbish and
overgrown vegetation to enhance their appearance
and improve the flow of runoff during winter storms.
Some of the paved trails along the top of creek bank
were also improved.
Goal
OS-G
Develop additional parkland in the City to meet the
standards of required park acreage for new residents.
On-going The Planning Commission recommended approval of
the SOMO Village plan which include new park
facilities as part of new residential development
(1,750 units). This project is expected to be
considered by the City Council for possible adopting
in early 2021.
Table 8 –Implementation of Wastewater Goals in 2020
Goal or Policy Progress in 2020
Goal
PF-7
Continue participation in the planning, financing and
construction of wastewater treatment capacity
expansions of the Subregional Wastewater Disposal
System. Explore opportunities for increasing
reclaimed water use and decreasing potable water
demand.
On-going Participation in regional coordination meetings.
Recycled water has been extended into new
developments at the University District, Southeast
Specific Plan and Stadium lands.
Goal
PF-P
Require developers to install or pay for new sewer
lines and other sewer improvements needed to
accommodate new development.
On-going New developments are required to provide and pay
for the necessary infrastructure including upgrading
existing sewer and wastewater systems or the
installation of new systems.
Page 8
Table 9 –Implementation of Water Supply and Conservation Goals in 2020
Goal or Policy Progress in 2020
Goal
PF-G
Continue to encourage water conservation through the
use of reclaimed water and reduction of water
consumption and discharge, for both existing and new
development.
On-going All new development requires water conserving
devices and where feasible, connecting irrigation
systems to recycled water.
Goal
PF-H
Ensure that groundwater withdrawal does not exceed
safe yield.
On-going The City monitors and manages its groundwater use
and groundwater levels are rising under Rohnert
Park. The City participates in the Joint Powers
Authority for the Santa Rosa Plain Groundwater
Sustainability Agency.
Table 10 –Implementation of Historic and Archaeological Resources Goals in 2020
Goal or Policy Progress in 2020
Goal
EC-A
Conserve historic and archaeological resources for the
aesthetic, educational, economic and scientific
contribution they make to Rohnert Park’s identity and
quality of life.
On-going New development approval must conform to the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Under CEQA, archaeological resources must be
mitigated if found in the development site.
Table 11–Implementation of Habitat and Biological Resources Goals in 2020
Goal or Policy Progress in 2020
Goal
EC-C
Protect special status species and supporting habitats
within Rohnert Park, including species that are State
or federally listed as Endangered, Threatened, or
Rare.
On-going The City regularly implements protection of
endangered, threatened, or rare species through
California Environmental Quality Act review for
any project.
Page 9
Goal
EC-C
Protect sensitive habitat areas and wetlands in the
following order of protection preference: 1)
avoidance, 2) on-site mitigation, 3) off-site
mitigation.
On-going The City regularly implements these policies
through the California Environmental Quality Act
review for any project.
Goal
EC-D
Maintain existing native vegetation and encourage
planting of native plants and trees.
On-going A Tree Preservation Ordinance became part of the
Zoning Ordinance in 2007. The Ordinance requires
a tree removal permit to remove any tree. Native
trees are required to be included in new landscape
plans for private development projects and for
public improvements.
Table 12 –Implementation of Water Quality Goals in 2020
Goal or Policy Progress in 2020
Goal EC-
F
Enhance the quality of surface and groundwater
resources and prevent their contamination.
On-going The City participates in a regular working group
hosted by the water board to coordinate activities on
maintaining and improving water quality.
Goal EC-
G
Undertake steps to minimize the depletion of
groundwater resources.
On-going The City has an adopted ground policy resolution
that limits groundwater pumping to 2,577 acre-feet
per year. The City manages its pumping to this level
and monitors groundwater levels (levels have been
rising since 2006). The City participates in the Joint
Powers Authority that is the Santa Rosa Plain
Groundwater Sustainability Agency.
Goal EC-
I
Ensure that the City’s drinking water continues to
meet or exceed water quality standards.
On-going The City monitors and maintains its water system
and regularly exceed state and federal water quality
standards.
Goal EC-
J
Discourage use of insecticides, herbicides, or toxic
chemical substances within the city and encourage
development and use of pesticide and fertilizer
management plans for landscaped areas.
On-going City Council revised the Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) program to eliminate the use of
Ranger Pro Glyphosate. The updated IPM includes
addition of alternatives to glyphosate approved by
Non-Toxic Neighborhoods.
Page 10
Table 13 –Implementation of Air Quality Goals in 2020
Goal or Policy Progress in 2020
Goal EC-K Continue to work toward improving air quality
and meeting all federal and state ambient air
quality standards by reducing the generation of
air pollutant from both stationary and mobile
sources, where feasible.
On-going New projects are required to implement mitigation
measures to reduce air quality impacts of new
development.
Table 14 –Implementation of Seismic and Geological Hazards Goals in 2020
Goal or Policy Progress in 2020
Goal HS-A Minimize the risk to life and property from
seismic and geologic hazards in Rohnert Park.
On-going The City enforces the Uniform Building Code and
requires soils reports for new development.
Table 15 –Implementation of Drainage, Erosion, Stormwater and Flooding Goals in 2020
Goal or Policy Progress in 2020
Goal HS-B Minimize the risk to life and property from
flooding.
On-going In accordance with Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) requirements, the
City does not prevent new development in areas of
flooding and requires drainage study and review
during its development review process. The City
adopted a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan which was
certified by FEMA and California OES.
Goal HS-C Control erosion and sedimentation to provide
flood protection and water quality.
On-going The City has adopted and enforces a grading
ordinance and requires all development be
designed to the Sonoma County low impact
Page 11
development standards. All construction projects of
any size are required to secure coverage under the
State Water Board’s General Construction Permit.
Table 16 –Implementation of Solid Waste Management and Recycling Goals in 2020
Goal or Policy Progress in 2020
Goal HS-D Reduce the generation of solid waste and recycle
those material that are used to slow the filling of
local and regional landfills, in accord with the
California Integrated Waste Management Act of
1989.
On-going The City encourage the recycling of household and
commercial waste and is continuing efforts to
improve recycling services. The City enforces
CALGreen requirements for construction and 50
percent of construction waste must be recycled.
Table 17 –Implementation of Hazardous Materials Goals in 2020
Goal or Policy Progress in 2020
Goal HS-E Minimize the risk to life and property from
the generation, storage and transportation of
hazardous material and waste in Rohnert
Park and assure the property disposal of all
hazardous waste that may be generated in
Rohnert Park.
On-going No specific activity in 2020, beyond on-going
monitoring
Goal HS-F Comply with all applicable regulations and
provisions for the storage, use and handling
of hazardous substance as established by
federal (EPA), State (DTSC, RWQCB, Cal
OSHA, CAL EPA) and local (County of
Sonoma, City of Rohnert Park) regulations.
On-going No specific activity in 2020, beyond on-going
monitoring
Goal HS-G Protect groundwater and soil from
contamination by hazardous materials.
On-going The City coordinates with the Sonoma County Waste
Management Agency, the Santa Rosa Subregional
System and other local agencies on hazardous waste
collection events and the dissemination of
Page 12
information regarding hazardous material
management. Signs at storm drains are maintained
on an ongoing basis throughout the City. City public
works, public safety and code enforcement staff
respond to and abate hazardous material spills.
Table 18 –Implementation of Emergency Management Goals and Policies in 2020
Goal or Policy Progress in 2020
Goal HS-H Use the Standardized Emergency
Management Plan as a guide for
emergency management in Rohnert Park.
On-going The City utilizes the National Incident Management System
to ensure a standard emergency response. In 2019, the City,
CalOES, and FEMA finalized and approved the Local
Hazard Mitigation Plan. As a result of annual fire events,
the City exercised its Emergency Management Plan.
Goal HS-I Cooperate with other public agencies to
store, organize, distribute and administer
emergency medical equipment, supplies,
services and communication systems.
On-going The City engages in a mutual aid program with neighboring
agencies, and exercised those in response in 2020 fire
events.
Goal HS-J As part of the concurrency requirement
for development on the west side,
construct a public safety station west of
US 101 in the general vicinity of the
Wilfred Avenue/Labath Avenue
intersection.
On-going Construction began in 2020.
Policy HS-23 Prepare and disseminate information to
help households prepare for emergency
situations.
On-going In response to the PG&E power shutoffs and fire events, the
City of Rohnert Park activated its Emergency Operations
Center. Frequent communication with the public was
accomplished through press releases, social media tools,
and other emergency notification methods and services.
Policy HS-24 Require adequate access for emergency
vehicles, including adequate street width
and vertical clearances, on new streets.
On-going For all projects, including new developments, and
infrastructure improvements, plans are reviewed and
approved by Public Safety personnel.
Page 13
Table 19 – New Emergency Management Policy in 2020
Goal or Policy Progress in 2020
Policy HS-26 Locate a new public safety station in the Stadium Lands
Planned Development; require new development on the
west side (west of Highway 101) to contribute funds to
the Public Facilities Financing Plan for construction.
In
progress
Construction began in 2020.
Table 20 –Implementation of Noise Goals in 2020
Goal or Policy Progress in 2020
Goal NS-A Protect public health and welfare by
eliminating or minimizing excessive noise
levels.
On-going Noise is evaluated as new projects are proposed in
compliance with the city noise ordinance.
Goal NS-B Minimize the exposure of noise-sensitive
uses – including residences, schools,
churches, hospitals and other public uses –
to excessive noise levels.
On-going In 2020, the City used its approval authority to review the
noise impacts of projects and impose conditions of
approval to minimize noise impacts.
Jurisdiction Rohnert Park
Reporting Year 2020 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31)
123 4
Name of Program Objective Timeframe in H.E Status of Program Implementation
The City shall continue to
work with regional
agencies to ensure an
adequate long-term water
supply and wastewater
disposal system.
Facilitate residential development
within the growth areas Ongoing Presently processing several Specific Plans and revisions of existing Specific
Plans.
During the application
and review process for
Specific Plans, ensure
that they provide for the
diversity of housing types
specified in the Land Use
and Growth Management
Element.
Promote a diversity of housing types. Ongoing
The approved Specific Plans in Rohnert Park provide a diversity of housing
types. Additional apartment complexes and single homes were under
construction in 2020. This includes very low-, low-, and moderate-income units.
Continue to publicize
openings on City boards
and commissions through
several newspapers.
Receive community wide
representation on boards and
commissions.
Ongoing The City advertises vacancies on boards and commissions in the local
newspaper and on the City web site.
Require the planting of
trees as part of residential
projects to provide
cooling during the
summer months.
Reduce the impact of summer heat on
parked vehicles and provide a more
pleasant living environment.
Ongoing
In open parking areas, the Zoning Ordinance requires the planting of one tree
for every four (4) parking spaces. Landscaped setbacks are required in all new
residential projects.
The City shall develop a
procedure to provide
expedited review where
possible for affordable
housing developments
(i.e., projects in which all
units are affordable to
moderate-, low-, very low-,
or extremely low-income
households).
To provide housing for low and
moderate income households.Ongoing
Affordable housing projects are proposed in several of the City's Specific Plan
areas and construction is expected to be completed during the RHNA period.
The City is working with the affordable housing developers to expedite the
development as much as possible. In 2021, we expect the 218 all-affordable
housing units at Redwoods at University District (formerly known as "Parkside")
to be completed and occupied.
The City shall develop
and distribute information
about Sonoma County
Community Development
Commission's (CDCRP)
rehabilitation programs to
individuals with
disabilities, seniors and
the elderly and advocacy
groups that represent
these special needs
groups.
To provide housing for individuals with
disabilities, seniors and the elderly.Ongoing Upon request the City will make this information available.
The City shall reach out
annually to developers of
supportive housing to
encourage development
of projects targeted for
persons with disabilities
including developmental
disabilities. The City shall
support applications for
County, State and Federal
funding in support of
housing construction and
rehabilitation for persons
with disabilities, including
developmental
disabilities.
To provide housing for persons with
disabilities including developmental
disabilities.
Ongoing
While the City does not have a specific program to provide housing for persons
with disabilities, a certain number of units within each apartment project are
required to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. The City supports the
programs of the Sonoma County, Community Development Commission to
assist persons with disabilities.
The City shall post
information regarding
local, State and Federal
fair housing programs in
public places, such as
City Hall, the Community
Center, the Senior Center
and local post offices.
To provide information regarding fair
housing programs.Ongoing This information is available at City Hall and will be made available at other
locations upon request.
The City shall continue to
partner with Sonoma
County Community
Development Commission
on housing rehabilitation
program for low- and
moderate-income
households.
To provide information to low- and
moderate-income households on
housing rehabilitation.
Ongoing The City will continue this partnership.
The City shall maintain
guidelines and sample
plans to assist owners of
wood-frame homes in
adequately securing
structures to foundations
and providing bracing
against earthquakes.
To assist homeowners in securing their
homes to foundations and providing
bracing against earthquakes.
Ongoing Most home bracing is performed by contractors who submit plans to the City for
approval and issuance of a Building Permit.
The City shall implement
actions and programs
prescribed in the Housing
Element in a timely
manner. The City shall
monitor and annually
report on its progress in
implementing the policies
and programs in the
Housing Element Annual
Report to the California
Department of Housing
and Community
Development and the
Office of Planning and
Research before April 1
each year.
Annual Report to the HCD and OPR Ongoing The City reports annually to the HCD and OPR by April 1.
Housing Programs Progress Report
Describe progress of all programs including local efforts to remove governmental constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing as identified in the housing
element.
Table D
Program Implementation Status pursuant to GC Section 65583
ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
(CCR Title 25 §6202)
Attachment 2
Jurisdiction Rohnert Park
Reporting Year 2020 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31)
Current Year
Deed Restricted 18
Non-Deed Restricted 0
Deed Restricted 25
Non-Deed Restricted 0
Deed Restricted 9
Non-Deed Restricted 3
176
231
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Income Rental Ownership Total
Very Low 0 0 0
Low 0 0 0
Moderate 0 0 0
Above Moderate 0 0 0
Total 0 0 0
Cells in grey contain auto-calculation formulas
Total Units Constructed with Streamlining
Total Housing Applications Submitted:
Number of Proposed Units in All Applications Received:
Total Housing Units Approved:
Total Housing Units Disapproved:
Total Units
Housing Applications Summary
Use of SB 35 Streamlining Provisions
Note: Units serving extremely low-income households are included in the very low-
income permitted units totals
Number of Applications for Streamlining
Building Permits Issued by Affordability Summary
Income Level
Very Low
Low
Moderate
Above Moderate
Units Constructed - SB 35 Streamlining Permits
Number of Streamlining Applications Approved
Total Developments Approved with Streamlining