2022/02/24 Planning Commission Resolution 2022-051
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2022-05
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT
PARK RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL AMEND THE NORTHWEST
SPECIFIC PLAN AND WILFRED DOWDELL SPECIFIC PLAN, SECTION 17.06.840
(PERMITTED LAND USES) AND GLOSSARY TO CHAPTER 17.06, ARTICLE XV.A
(SONOMA MOUNTAIN VILLAGE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT ZONING DISTRICT)
OF THE ROHNERT PARK MUNICIPAL CODE; AND SECTION 17.07.020
(FOOTNOTES) OF THE ROHNERT PARK MUNICIPAL CODE TO PROHIBIT NEW
OR EXPANDED FUELING FACILITIES
WHEREAS, Article XI, Section 7 of the California Constitution authorizes cities to
adopt local police, sanitary, and other ordinances not in conflict with general laws; and
WHEREAS, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) has classified
gas stations and fuel storage locations as uses that may result in a brownfield site. Brownfield
sites are properties, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the
presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant; and
WHEREAS, common contaminants found at gas station sites include gasoline, diesel,
and petroleum oil, volatile organic compounds and solvents, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons,
and lead. Exposure to the types of contaminants present, or potentially present, at gas stations
threatens the public health, safety or welfare of neighboring communities; and
WHEREAS, the California Legislature, in enacting regulations for underground storage
tanks commonly used by gas stations, has made legislative findings that such underground tanks,
when used for the storage of hazardous substances and wastes, are potential sources of
contamination of the ground and underlying aquifers, and may pose other dangers to public
health and the environment; and
WHEREAS, with increased fuel economy standards for motor vehicles, an increase in
electric vehicles being used for transportation, and competition from large discount retailers, the
number of operating gas stations is expected to decline, and it is expected that there may be a rise
in the number of abandoned gas stations, which pose a direct threat to public health and safety
due to abandoned underground storage tanks, create public nuisances in the community, and
increase incidents of blight; and
WHEREAS, Governor Newsom’s Executive Order B-48-18, adopted in 2018, noted that
the transportation sector resulted in 50 percent of California’s total greenhouse gas emissions and
80 percent of the smog-forming oxides of nitrogen, and directed all state entities to work with
local government and the private sector to ensure at least 5 million zero-emissions vehicles on
California roads by 2030 and the creation of 250,000 zero emission vehicle charging stations to
support such vehicles; and
WHEREAS, Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-79-20, sets a goal to eliminate
new gasoline-powered vehicle sales by 2035; and
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WHEREAS, the City of Rohnert Park is a member of the Sonoma County Regional
Climate Protection Authority (RCPA), which has recommended that all member agencies
consider the adoption on prohibition of new gas station infrastructure by all of their member
agencies; and
WHEREAS, the City of Rohnert Park has adopted a resolution recognizing the existence
of a climate emergency , and the need to reduce and eventually eliminate harmful greenhouse gas
emissions, including those created by motor vehicle transportation; and
WHEREAS, the City of Rohnert Park supports the implementation of the RCPA Climate
Mobilization Strategy which includes “EV Access for All” provisions intended to decarbonize
the transportation sector by significantly reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and significantly
increasing the use of electric vehicles (EVs) charged with clean, carbon free power; and
WHEREAS, on October 12, 2022, the City Council reviewed a draft Climate Change
Element for the Rohnert Park General Plan, which documents that 67% of the greenhouse gas
emissions in Rohnert Park are associated with the transportation sector; and
WHEREAS, the draft Climate Change Element for Rohnert Park sets forth goals and
policies to reduce the City’s greenhouse emissions which include support for broader adoption of
electric vehicles (EVs) and expansion of EV charging infrastructure; and.
WHEREAS, changes to the Rohnert Park Municipal Code that reduce fossil fuel use in
the transportation sector, and promote expansion of EV charging infrastructure and greater
adoption of electric vehicles are consistent with the Climate Mobilization Strategy and the
City’s developing General Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission finds that, in general, businesses involving
gasoline and motor fuel vehicle sales may result in serious harmful effects, including but not
limited to , increases in the greenhouse emissions that contribute to climate change, increases in
air pollution, increases in vehicle traffic congestion, impacts on water quality, and other negative
environmental or secondary effects; and
WHEREAS, banning new petroleum-based fueling stations supports the larger goal of
electrifying the vehicle fleet; and
WHEREAS, existing provisions of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code authorize and
regulate the operation of “automobile service stations,” defined as “any business or premises
engaged in the sale of gasoline and other fuels and/or light maintenance activities such as engine
tune-up, lubrication and minor repairs,” in specified commercial and industrial zoning districts;
and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission recommends that the City prohibit new or
expanded automobile service station uses involved in the sale of gasoline, diesel or similar motor
vehicle fuel products for internal combustion engine vehicles, while continuing to regulate the
location and operation of other automobile service stations;
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WHEREAS, on January February 24, 2022 the Planning Commission held a public
hearing at which time interested persons had an opportunity testify either in support of or
opposition to the proposal;
WHEREAS, pursuant to California State Law and the Rohnert Park Municipal Code, a
public notice was published in the Community Voice a minimum of 10 days prior to the first
public hearing; and
WHEREAS; the Planning Commission has reviewed and considered the information
contained in Planning Application No. PLMC22-0001 for the proposed amendments to Title 17
Zoning of the Municipal Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning Commission of the City
of Rohnert Park makes the following findings, determinations and recommendations with respect
to the proposed amendments:
Section 1. The above recitations are true and correct.
Section 2. Environmental Review. The Planning Commission finds the approval of
this ordinance is exempt under Sections 15060(c)(2) of the CEQA Guidelines, as the activity will
not result in a direct or reasonable foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and
also exempt under Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because it can be seen with
certainty that there is no possibility that the adoption of this ordinance may have a significant
effect on the environment, because the effect of this ordinance is to prohibit any new, not already
approved automobile service station uses that involve the sale of fuels for combustion engine
vehicles, and to prohibit the expansion of those features of already existing automobile service
stations related to the sale of such fuels. In the alternative, the Planning Commission determines
that the basic purpose of this action is to prohibit development or expansion of gasoline stations
in the City in order to protect the public health, safety, and general welfare, and therefore is an
action for the protection of the environment and is categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA
Guidelines section 15307 (protection of natural resources) and 15308 (actions by regulatory
agencies for the protection of environment).
Section 3. Findings for Amendment of Northwest and Willfred-Dowdell Specific
Plans. With respect to the findings required under section 17.06.390 of the Rohnert Park
Municipal Code and Government Code section 65454 for amendment of the Willfred-Dowdell
Specific Plan and Northwest Specific Plan, having considered the materials in the staff report,
the testimony of the public and staff, the Planning Commission finds with respect to the
proposed amendments to each specific plan as follows:
1. Each specific plan amendment is consistent with the City's general plan.
Criteria Satisfied: Each of the specific plan amendments are consistent with both the
current 2020 General Plan and the proposed Climate Change policies with the draft 2040
General Plan. The majority (67%) of greenhouse gas emissions in Rohnert Park are
associated with the transportation sector and the draft Climate Change Element sets forth
goals and policies to reduce the City’s greenhouse emissions, which include support for
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broader adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and expansion of EV charging infrastructure.
Changes to the specific plans that reduce fossil fuel use in the transportation sector, and
promote expansion of EV charging infrastructure and greater adoption of electric
vehicles are consistent with the draft General Plan. The amendments are also consistent
the following goals in the current 2020 General Plan.
o CD-A Create pedestrian-oriented activity centers that serve as community focal
points. Gas stations are not conducive to the creation of pedestrian oriented
activity centers and banning new fueling facilities will increase the likelihood that
more pedestrian friendly activity areas are created.
o EC-F Enhance the quality of surface water and groundwater resources and
prevent their contamination. Underground tanks are a source of groundwater
pollution as they age and leak. Prevention the installation of new underground
tanks will reduce this risk.
o EC-K Continue to work toward improving air quality and meeting all federal and
State ambient air quality standards and by reducing the generation of air
pollutants both from stationary and mobile sources where feasible. Automobile
emissions from internal combustion engines is a known source of air pollutants.
Preventing the installation of new petroleum fueling stations will reduce
pollutants over time.
2. Each specific plan amendment will not adversely affect the public health and safety or
result in incompatible land uses.
Criteria Satisfied: The intent of the amendments to each specific plan is to improve the
city’s response to climate change which would result in the long-term benefit to public
health. Common contaminants found at gas station sites include gasoline, diesel, and
petroleum oil, volatile organic compounds and solvents, polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons, and lead. Exposure to the types of contaminants present, or potentially
present, at gas stations threatens the public health, safety or welfare of neighboring
communities. Underground tanks, when used for the storage of hazardous substances and
wastes, are potential sources of contamination of the ground and underlying aquifers, and
may pose other dangers to public health and the environment. In addition, as the number
of operating gas stations is expected to decline, the number of abandoned gas stations is
expected to increase, posing a direct threat to public health and safety due to abandoned
underground storage tanks, create public nuisances in the community, and increase
incidents of blight.
3. Each specific plan amendment provides the framework to phase and pace growth within
the specific plan area so as to ensure completion of all necessary public facilities
concurrently with completion of the specific plan.
Criteria Satisfied: Each amendment does not impact the phasing of the respective specific
plans. The amendments do not impact the phasing of growth in the specific plan, the
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specific plan requirements under each plan with respect to phasing and pacing of growth
remain in place.
4. Each specific plan amendment identifies adequate financing mechanisms for the
infrastructure and public facilities required to support the development.
Criteria Satisfied: Each proposed amendment does not impact the financing mechanisms
of the respective specific plan.
5. Each proposed specific plan amendment will not create internal inconsistencies within
the specific plan and is consistent with the purpose and intent of the specific plan it is
amending.
Criteria Satisfied: Each specific plan amendment does not create internal inconsistences,
and is being adopted to maintain consistency with the municipal code. Amending the
specific plans and the municipal code at the same time will impose a uniform ban on all
petroleum fueling facilities throughout the City, and does not conflict with the purpose
and intent of the specific plan.
Section 4. Amendment of Wilfred-Dowell Specific Plan.
Table 3.3-1: “Permitted and Conditionally Permitted Uses*” of the Wilfred-Dowell Specific Plan
is amended to read in its entirety as set forth in Exhibit A.
Section 5. Amendment of Northwest Specific Plan.
Table 5-1: “Permitted Uses” of the Northwest Specific Plan is amended to read in its entirety as
set forth in Exhibit B.
Section 6. Amendment of Rohnert Park Municipal Code section 17.06.840 (Permitted Land
Uses) – Table 1, “Land Uses” is amended to read in its entirety as follows:
Table 1. Land Uses
T3 T4 T5 T6 CS CP CB T7
A. RESIDENTIAL
Accessory Building P P P
Dwelling, Multifamily P P1 P1
Dwelling, Single Family P P
Guest House P P
Legend
P – Permitted
CUP – Conditional Use Permit Required
A – Administrative Use Permit Required
* - Uses marked with an asterisk are subject
to the applicable provisions of Rohnert Park
Municipal Code Chapter 17.07
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Home Occupancy A A A A
Large Family Daycare (9-14) P P P P P
Live-Work Unit P P P P
Manufactured/Mobile Home A CUP
Recreational Courts* P P
Row House P P2 P1,2
Small Family Daycare Home (8 or Less) P P P P
Temporary Use see Section 17.06.030 for all transects
Water Storage Cisterns P P P P P P P
B. LODGING
Bed & Breakfast Inn (up to 5 rooms) P P P
Hotel (no room limit) P P
Inn (up to 12 rooms) P P
School Dormitory P P P
C. OFFICE
Office2 CUP P P P P
D. RETAIL, GENERAL
Alcoholic Beverage Establishment* CUP CUP CUP
Cinema CUP P CUP
Commercial Recreation - Indoor* A P P CUP
Bar/Tavern/Night Club* CUP CUP CUP
Farmer's Market (daily or weekly, year-round) A A A A A A
Groceries, Specialty Foods A P P P
Kiosk A A A A A A
Liquor Store* CUP CUP CUP CUP
Live-Work Unit P P P P CUP
Mobile Home, RV and Boat Sales
Market Hall3 P P P P
Outdoor and Sidewalk Cafes* A P P P A
Paraphernalia Store CUP4 CUP5
Plant Nursery CUP A P
Push Cart P P P P A
Restaurant, Cafe, Coffee Shop A P P CUP A
Retail, General A P P CUP A
Smoking/Tobacco Store CUP5 CUP7 CUP
Theater/Performing Arts (for Movies, see "Cinema") CUP P P P CUP
E. CIVIC
Art, Public (fountains, statues, kinetic, participatory) P P P P P P P P
Amphitheater (outdoor) CUP CUP CUP P/
CUP6
CUP CUP
Club, Lodge, Private Meeting Hall P P P CUP
Auditorium (indoor) A P P P CUP
Library, Museum, Art Gallery A P P P P
Parking, Surface Lot P P P P P P P
Parking, Structured A P P P P
Parks P P P P P P P
Recycling Facility A* A* A* A
Religious Assembly A A P P P CUP
Temporary Use/Event A A A A A A A
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F. AGRICULTURE, FOOD & ANIMALS
Beekeeping - Commercial Roof (up to 10 hives)7 P P P P P
Beekeeping - Residential Yard (up to 2 hives) P P
Chickens (up to 2 hens; no roosters) P P A P
Crop Production, Horticulture, Orchard, Vineyard P A A
Domestic Animals P P P P
Domestic Animal Daycare A P P
Animal Rescue CUP CUP
Garden, Private or Community (less than 2 acres) P P P P P P P
Garden, Private or Community (more than 2 acres) A A A A A
Goats (up to 2 females; no males) P P A
Green Roof/Green Balcony P P P P P P P P
Greenhouse8 (commercial) CUP CUP CUP CUP CUP CUP CUP
Kennel CUP CUP
Plant Nursery CUP A P P
Slaughterhouse not allowed in any transect
Trees - Fruit or Nut P P P P P P P P
Vertical Garden/Green Wall P P P P P P
G. RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS
Solar Photovoltaic System (pole mounted) A P P P P
Solar Photovoltaic System (roof mounted) P P P P P P P P
Solar Water Heater (roof, wall or ground mounted) P P P P P P P
Wind Farm CUP
Windmill (horizontal axis - propeller type) P P P P
Windmill (vertical axis - cylindrical type) P P P P P P P P
H. SERVICES
Adult Day Program A P P CUP P
Automated Teller Machine (ATM) - no drive-thru P P P P P
Bank, Financial Services P A P P P
Business Support Services P P P P P
Catering P P P P
Child Day Care Facility A P P CUP
Health Care Facility P A P P P CUP
Incinerator (waste, medical waste, cremation) not allowed in any transect
Laboratory - Animal Testing not allowed in any transect
Laboratory - Medical, Analytical and Research A A P P
Laundry, Coin-Operated P A
Laundry, Dry Cleaning Plant A A P
Maintenance Repair Service - Client Site Services P P P
Maintenance Repair Service - Equipment, Appliances P P P
Meals Assembly P P P P P
Media Production A P P P
Medical Service - Major P P CUP CUP
Medical Service - Minor CUP P P P P
Mortuary, Funeral Home A A A
Office - Business, Service, Government P P P P P
Office - Professional, Administrative, Processing A P P P
Personal Services P A P P P
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Personal Services - Restricted A P P A
Printing and Publishing P P P P P
Seasonal Services CUP A
Storage - Outdoor Storage Yard CUP CUP A P
Storage - Warehouse/Indoor A P P
Studio - Art, Dance, Martial Arts, Music, etc. P P P P CUP
Veterinary Clinic, Animal Hospital CUP P P CUP
I. AUTOMOTIVE
Auto Vehicle Sales & Rental CUP
Car share/ Bicycle share Stations P P P P P P
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations P P P P P P
Fueling Station (alternative fuels only) CUP CUP
Vehicle Services CUP CUP
J. CIVIL SUPPORT
Cemetery CUP
Public Safety Facility A A A A P CUP
Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) A A A CUP
Residential Care Facilities for the Chronically Ill (RCFCI) A A A CUP
Homeless Shelter* CUP CUP P
Telecommunication Facility CUP CUP CUP CUP CUP CUP
Transitional Housing CUP CUP CUP
K. EDUCATION
College CUP CUP CUP
Elementary School - Private CUP CUP CUP CUP
Elementary School - Public P P P P
Junior High and High School - Private CUP CUP CUP CUP
Junior High and High School - Public P P P P
Childcare Center A A A A P A
Research and Development (R&D) A P P P
School - Specialized Education and Training A A P P P P
L. INDUSTRY, MANUFACTURING AND WHOLESALE
Commercial Food Processing CUP CUP CUP
Furniture/Fixtures Manufacturing, Cabinet Shop P P P
Manufacturing/Processing - Light CUP CUP CUP P
Manufacturing/Processing - Heavy CUP CUP
Wholesale Operations A A P
1 Only allowed on the ground floor where shop front or gallery is not required.
2 For Live-work units, see the Residential category.
3 A single story building with a taller story of up to twenty-five feet is allowed for this use.
4 Paraphernalia stores are subject to Municipal Code 8.33.
5 Smoking/tobacco stores are subject to Municipal Code 8.32.
6 Permitted at Village Center Civic Space only. Requires CUP elsewhere.
7 Minimum twenty feet away from property line.
8 For residential greenhouse, see Accessory Building under Residential. Note that the minimum two-story requirement does
not apply to the greenhouse use.
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Section 7. Amendment of Rohnert Park Municipal Code, Chapter 17.06, Article
XV.A., Glossary – The Glossary is amended to delete the definition of “Fueling Station,” and
add in its place the definition of “Fueling Station (alternative fuels only)” to read in its entirety as
follows:
"Fueling Station (alternative fuels only)." A retail business selling vehicle fuels, but not
including gasoline, diesel, or other motor vehicle fuels for combustion engines, and related
products. Hydrogen is an alternative fuel. A fueling station may also include a convenience
store of less than four hundred square feet.”
Section 8. Amendment of Rohnert Park Municipal Code section 17.07.020
(Footnotes) – Subsection C, “Automobile Service Station,” of Rohnert Park Municipal Code
section 17.07.020 (Footnotes) is amended to read in its entirety as follows:
C. AUTOMOBILE SERVICE STATION.
1. Service station uses may be permitted in indicated districts only with approval of a conditional use
permit and subject to the following provisions. The provisions of this section shall apply to all new
service stations. The provisions of this section shall also apply to the expansion of thirty percent
or greater in floor area, or a remodeling or any on-site development that would cost more, than
fifty percent of the value of the improvements on the parcel at the time of remodeling, excluding
land value, except that the provisions prohibiting the expansion, enlargement, reconstruction, or
relocation of features related to the sale of gasoline, diesel, or other motor vehicle fuels shall apply
to all service stations. The provisions of this section shall also apply to a service station which
after being closed for more than one hundred eighty days is to be reopened.
2. Combustion engine fuel sale uses prohibited.
a. No automobile service station may be established, or re-established for stations closed in
excess of 180 days, that involves the sale or distribution of gasoline, diesel, or other
motor vehicle fuels for use in vehicles with combustion engines. Alternative, clean fuels,
such as hydrogen are permitted.
b. All existing automobile service station uses involving the sale or distribution of gasoline,
diesel, or other motor vehicle fuels for combustion engines, shall not be enlarged,
extended, or moved to a different portion of the lot or parcel occupied by such use, with
respect to the portion of such use dedicated to the sale of gasoline, diesel, or other motor
vehicle fuels for use in combustion engines, including those site features such as storage
tanks, pumps, and fuel dispensers.
3. Minimum site standards.
a. No service station shall be constructed or operated on a lot having a depth or width less
than one hundred fifty feet.
b. No building or structure (including canopies) shall be located within twenty feet from any
curb face, or within ten feet of any interior parcel. No service station building shall be
located nearer than thirty-five feet from any street property (such setback shall be
measured at the building foundation).
c. No facility for dispensing fuel, and no dispenser in which the same is or may be located,
shall be nearer than twenty feet from any property line nor nearer than thirty-five feet
from any parking space. Further, no dispenser, pump, or facility for dispensing fuel shall
be located on a residential street frontage serving as a secondary access to the service
station site.
d. All outdoor storage shall be screened as provided for in this ordinance, however, a
display rack for automobile products no more than four feet wide may be maintained at
each dispenser area of a service station. If display racks are not located on dispenser
areas, they shall be placed within three feet of the principal building, and shall be limited
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to one per street frontage. The location of display racks and vending machines shall be
specified by the use permit. The storage of inoperative vehicles is prohibited.
e. Gas tank vent pipes or venting equipment for other fuels shall be incorporated into the
structures and concealed from public view.
4. Site Development Standards.
a. If a lot upon which a service station is constructed or maintained abuts a residential use or
a residentially zoned parcel, a six foot high solid masonry wall shall be constructed along
the full length of each property line abutting such properties; provided, however, such
wall height shall be reduced to three feet adjacent to the front yard of each adjacent
residential property or residentially zoned property.
b. All restroom entrances, unless interior to a main building, shall be screened from the
view of all adjacent properties and streets by means of decorative screens six feet in
height. The bottom of such screens shall be raised no less than twelve inches and no more
than eighteen inches above the finished grade for visibility and ventilation. Public
restrooms that are accessible to the general public and physically handicapped shall be
provided during all hours that the service station is open to the public.
c. All outside trash, garbage, refuse and recycling storage areas shall be enclosed by a gated
masonry structure not less than six feet in height, ten feet in width (outside dimension),
and ten feet in length (outside dimension). Openings to the storage areas shall be
designed so as to prevent a view of trash or materials stored from the street or adjacent
properties. Provisions for adequate vehicular access for the collection of such trash and
materials shall be provided to and from such areas.
d. Provisions shall be made in the area where Class II flammable liquids may be spilled to
prevent liquids from flowing into the interior of the service station buildings. Such
provisions may include grading driveways, raising doorsills, or other equally effective
means. Crankcase drainings and flammable liquids shall not be dumped into sewers but
shall be stored in tanks or tight drums outside buildings in a designated screened area
until removed from the premises by a licensed disposal company.
e. Tanks installed for crankcase drainings shall be installed in accordance with the
requirements for flammable liquid storage. In addition thereto, drainage lines terminating
inside a building shall be equipped with a suitable trap or check valve.
f. Service stations constructed in areas that are predominantly of residential character shall
be designed to maintain a residential atmosphere.
g. A water and air supply station, if provided for public use, shall be located out of traffic
flow areas and be shielded so to not create noise audible beyond the property line and
shall be kept in working condition.
h. Any loudspeaker system shall not be audible above daytime ambient noise levels beyond
the property boundaries. The system shall be designed to compensate for ambient noise
levels in the immediate area, and shall be directed away from, and not be located within
thirty feet of, any residential uses or residential districts.
i. Car wash facilities located next to residential uses or residential districts shall not be
operated between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. More restrictive time
requirements may be established as a condition of any conditional use permit.
5. Landscaping standards.
a. Planters shall be installed and maintained adjacent to every street frontage for the full
length thereof except for driveways. The street frontage landscaping shall be bermed to
be of sufficient height to help screen the dispenser areas from passing motorists.
b. A planting area shall be installed and maintained at the intersection of property lines at a
street corner to conform to the radius of such corner; provided, however, at no time shall
such planting area be less than one hundred fifty square feet. All plants shall respect the
visibility triangle provided in this ordinance.
c. All planting areas shall be separated from adjacent asphalt paving by concrete curbing at
least six inches in height. The site shall be entirely paved, except for buildings and
landscaped areas.
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d. Planters shall comply with the parking lot landscaping requirements of this ordinance.
e. All plants in any planter adjacent to a perimeter wall shall, when required by the planning
commission, be of a variety capable of growing to the height of such wall.
f. Permanent underground sprinkler systems shall be installed and maintained for every
landscaped area, and all such landscaped areas shall be planted and maintained in a neat,
orderly, and healthy manner.
6. Surface drainage. Flow lines shall be shown on all service station plans. Sheet flow shall not be
permitted across property lines. Surface runoff shall be carried under sidewalks into the gutter or
other drainage facility by means of a drainage structure approved by the city engineer.
7. Utilities. All utilities, including electrical, telephone, C.A.T.V., and similar service wires or cables
which provide direct service to the property, shall, within the exterior boundaries of the station
property, be installed underground. Related electrical equipment, such as, but not limited to,
surface-mounted transformers, pedestal-mounted terminal boxes, and meter cabinets, may be
placed above ground if they are enclosed and screened by fencing and/or landscaping as
appropriate.
8. Equipment. All hydraulic hoists and pits and equipment for lubrication, greasing, automobile
washing, and permitted repairs shall be enclosed entirely within a building.
9. Exterior lighting. All exterior lighting shall be so arranged and shielded as to prevent any glare or
reflection upon and cause any nuisance, inconvenience, or hazardous interference of any kind with
adjoining streets or properties.
10. Architectural control. All exterior walls should be constructed of rock, brick, stucco, wood, treated
metal or any combination thereof. All exterior elevations shall be compatible in design with
adjacent structures. Service bays should be oriented to have minimal visibility from adjacent
roadways. Service stations within shopping centers/business parks or similar complexes shall be
designed to reflect the architectural theme of the complex. Signage and exterior elevations shall be
subject to review and approval by the planning commission.
11. Access, parking, and circulation.
a. No such site shall have more than two driveways or means of access to any one street.
b. Each driveway shall be separated from adjacent residential property by a full height curb
extending at least five feet in length from the residential property line.
c. No driveway shall exceed a width of twenty feet at the sidewalk.
d. No driveway shall be permitted to encroach onto the return or curve of a street corner. A
distance of twenty feet, or more if needed for vehicle stacking distance, shall be
maintained between the return point and the beginning of the driveway depression.
e. Every service station shall have access to a collector or arterial standard street.
f. All deliveries shall be made on the service station site itself.
g. If a towing service is combined with a service station, a storage area completely screened
from public view, by a six foot high solid wall or fence, shall be provided at the rear of
the site. The size of the storage area, and extent of screening, shall be determined through
the use permit process. This area shall be added to the minimum lot size requirements.
h. No vehicles, trailers, or campers on any service station premises may be advertised or
offered for sale. There shall be no permanently disabled, junked, or wrecked vehicles
stored on site, except in cases of a tow service. Towed permanently disabled, junked, or
wrecked vehicles shall be stored on-site no longer than one week and they shall be stored
within the designated storage area.
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Exhibit A – Willfred-Dowdell Specific Plan Amendment
Automobile Service Stations**
** Subject to requirements forth in Rohnert Park Municipal Code section 17.07.020.C, including prohibitions
on sale of gasoline, diesel, and motor vehicle fuels for combustion engines.
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Exhibit B – Northwest Specific Plan Amendment
* Subject to requirements forth in
Rohnert Park Municipal Code
section 17.07.020.C, including
prohibitions on sale of gasoline,
diesel, and motor vehicle fuels for
combustion engines. *
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* Subject to requirements forth in
Rohnert Park Municipal Code
section 17.07.020.C, including
prohibitions on sale of gasoline,
diesel, and motor vehicle fuels for
combustion engines. *
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