2022/03/24 Planning Commission Agenda Packet
City of Rohnert Park
Planning Commission
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A MEETING
will be held on Thursday, March 24, 2022 6:00 P.M.
The use of a mask or facial covering when attending the council
meeting is strongly recommended, regardless of vaccination status.
To any member of the audience desiring to address the Planning Commission:
For public comment on items listed or not listed on the agenda, or on agenda items if unable to
speak at the scheduled time, you may do so upon recognition from the Chairperson.
Please fill out a speaker card prior to speaking.
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
24, 2022
Commissioner Motion/Roll Call Vote:
(Austin-Dillon_____ Lam____ Striplen____ Orloff_____Blanquie_____)
6. AGENDA ITEMS
6.1 Annual Status of the General Plan and Housing Element for Calendar Year
2021
6.2 Growth Management Annual Report
6.3 Information Item: Petroleum Fuel Ban
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 24, 2022 Planning
Commission Meeting of the City of Rohnert Park was posted and available for review on March
18, 2022 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 18th day of March, 2022 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 April 4, 2022.
Minutes of the Planning Commission Meeting
of the City of Rohnert Park
Thursday, February 24, 2022
6:00 P.M.
130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park
1.CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Lam called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Chairperson Lam.
3.ROLL CALL
Present:Tramaine Austin-Dillon, Commissioner
Daniel A. Blanquie, Commissioner
Fanny Lam, Chairperson
Marc Orloff, Commissioner
Charles Striplen, Vice Chairperson
Absent: None
Staff attending via Zoom Video Communications: Planning Manager, Jeff Beiswenger,
Housing Specialist, Jenna Garcia, Associate Planner, Suzie Azevedo, and Recording
Secretary, Jennifer Sedna.
4.PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
5.CONSENT CALENDAR - ADOPTION OF MINUTES
5.1 Approval of the Draft Minutes of the Planning Commission Meeting of February
10, 2022.
ACTION: Moved/seconded (Orloff/Blanquie) to adopt Minutes of the Planning
Commission Meeting of February 10, 2022.
Motion carried by the following unanimous (4-1-0) roll call vote: AYES:
Austin-Dillon, Blanquie, Lam, and Orloff; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: Striplen;
ABSENT: None.
6.AGENDA ITEMS
6.2 PUBLIC HEARING – Temporary Conditional Use Permit– File No.
PLUP21-0001 – D.R Horton – Consideration of Resolution 2022-03 amending a
Temporary Conditional Use Permit for a model home complex to allow for the
installation of temporary signage on Lot Nos. 77, 78, 79, 80, 81 and 82 at University
District Vast Oak North Phase 3B in the area south of O’Ryan Road, north of Hinebaugh
Creek and east of North Kerry Road in the Vast Oak North Phase 3B – Willow at
University District subdivision.
Jeffrey Beiswenger, Planning Manager, presented the item and answered questions from
the Commission, including: if banners will be removed with the closure of the model
home complex; if the signage allowance is related to the location of the complex; if other
businesses will want to apply for a similar permit in order to be allowed banner and other
additional signage; and, the period of time the permit covers is determined by the
signage.
Public Hearing opened.
Jorden Tappin, D.R. Horton, joined the meeting and answered questions from the
Commission, including: ensuring banners are removed upon completion of sales.
No public comments.
Public Hearing closed.
ACTION: Moved/seconded (Blanquie/Striplen) to adopt 2022-03 amending a
Temporary Conditional Use Permit for a model home complex to allow for the
installation of temporary signage on Lot Nos. 77, 78, 79, 80, 81 and 82 at
University District Vast Oak North Phase 3B in the area south of O’Ryan Road,
north of Hinebaugh Creek and east of North Kerry Road in the Vast Oak North
Phase 3B – Willow at University District subdivision.
Motion carried by the following unanimous (5-0-0) roll call vote: AYES:
Austin-Dillon, Blanquie, Lam, Orloff and Striplen; NOES: None; ABSTAIN:
None; ABSENT: None.
6.3 PUBLIC HEARING: Conditional Use Permit – File No. PLUP21-0007 – Chris
Townsend – Consideration of Resolution 2022-04 Approving a Conditional Use Permit
for a Large Residential Care Facility (more than six persons) at 6084 Country Club
Drive.
Associate Planner, Suzie Azevedo, presented the item and answered questions from the
Commission, including: if the neighbors were notified and if they submitted any
comment.
Public Hearing opened.
Chris Townsend and Janver Holly, applicants, joined the meeting.
No public comments.
Public Hearing closed.
ACTION: Moved/seconded (Austin-Dillon/Orloff) to adopt Resolution 2022-04
Approving a Conditional Use Permit for a Large Residential Care Facility (more
than six persons) at 6084 Country Club Drive.
Motion carried by the following unanimous (5-0-0) roll call vote: AYES:
Austin-Dillon, Blanquie, Lam, Orloff and Striplen; NOES: None; ABSTAIN:
None; ABSENT: None.
Through the Chair, Staffperson Jeffrey Beiswenger requested that Items 6.4 and 6.5 are
reordered due to the consultants in attendance.
ACTION: Moved/seconded (Orloff-Dillon/Blanquie) to reorder Items 6.4 and 6.5
are reordered due to the attending consultants.
Motion carried by the following unanimous (5-0-0) roll call vote: AYES:
Austin-Dillon, Blanquie, Lam, Orloff and Striplen; NOES: None; ABSTAIN:
None; ABSENT: None.
6.5 Presentation: 2023 Housing Element Status Update and Public Workshop.
Jenna Garcia, Housing Specialist, and 4Leaf Consultants: Elliot Pickett and Jane Riley,
presented the item.
ACTION: The Commission participated in the presentation and offered
comments and questions: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): if this includes the
category the City is short in the RHNA numbers; how affordability determines the
categorization of ADUs; HCD providing data for ADU affordability numbers;
which programs would promote ADUs; definition of different types of ADUs; the
Commission expressed support of Option A: Increasing ADU Assumptions. No
Net Loss: the Commission expressed support of Policies B and C: Decrease
development capacity and list sites as needed; Non-Unit Housing Objectives: the
Commission expressed support of Policy B: Include Non-unit housing objectives;
Consideration of Potential New Programs: if there are data from the churches
regarding allowing housing at these locations; which programs are supportive for
homelessness; the need for housing and church sites should have different
policies; policies to prevent conversion of affordable to market rate housing;
policy to address predatory landlords; policies to anti-displacement; decommodify
housing and promoting livability of City; programs to address income to cover
housing costs; which income level the Housing Land Trust model supports; if the
density bonus program is additional to what the City currently offers; how the
City regulates and monitors affordability units through the density bonus
program; how the City funds the Housing Land Trust Program; and, educational
programs are needed to educate residents about affordability.
6.4 PUBLIC HEARING: Zoning Code Amendment - PLMC22-0001 – City of
Rohnert Park - Consideration of Resolution 2022-05 Amending the Northwest Specific
Plan and Wilfred Dowdell Specific Plan, Amending 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 Amending
Section 17.07.020 (Footnotes) of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code to Prohibit New or
Expanded Fueling Facilities.
Jeffrey Beiswenger, Planning Manager, presented the item and answered questions from
the Commission, including: if this resolution is a ban or moratorium; the Development
Agreement with SOMO that prevents inclusion of the ban across all transects; inclusion
of the ban to cover private and non-commercial pumps; and, other jurisdictions that have
adopted or are currently working on adopting a similar ordinance.
Public Hearing opened.
Jenny Blaker supported the resolution to be consistent with the climate emergency and to
ensure allowance of EV charging stations, as well as encouraged caution with hydrogen
fueling stations.
Public Hearing closed.
ACTION: Moved/seconded (Blanquie/Striplen) to adopt 2022-05 Amending the
Northwest Specific Plan and Wilfred Dowdell Specific Plan, Amending 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 Amending Section 17.07.020 (Footnotes) of the
Rohnert Park Municipal Code to Prohibit New or Expanded Fueling Facilities
with three edits: changing Governor Newsom to Governor Brown; amend the date
to October 21, 2021; and, adding hydrogen fueling stations that are net zero or
carbon neutral.
Motion carried by the following unanimous (5-0-0) roll call vote: AYES:
Austin-Dillon, Blanquie, Lam, Orloff and Striplen; NOES: None; ABSTAIN:
None; ABSENT: None.
7. ITEMS FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION
None.
8. ITEMS FROM THE DEVELOPMENT SERVICE STAFF
Staffperson Beiswenger encouraged attendance to the upcoming Planning Commission
Academy.
9. ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Lam adjourned the regular meeting at 8:32.
____________________________________ ___________________________________
Fanny Lam, Chairperson Jennifer Sedna, Secretary
1
CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: March 24, 2022
Item No: 6.1
Prepared By: Jeffrey Beiswenger, Planning Manager
Agenda Title: Receive the Annual Status of the General Plan and Housing Element for
Calendar Year 2021
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive the Annual Report on the Status of the General Plan
and Housing Element for Calendar Year 2021.
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 City’s annual
reporting pattern is also considered by many state grant programs and delinquent reporting
disqualifies the City from many grant opportunities.
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, including progress on the Housing Element.
ANALYSIS: The City adopted its current General Plan 2020 in 2000 and this General Plan has
been amended a number of times, including the 2014 update to the Housing Element. General
Plan 2020 includes the following mandatory components:
• Land Use
• Transportation
• Open Space (Parks and Recreation)
• Environmental Conservation
• Health and Safety
• Noise
• Housing
Staff is preparing a comprehensive update to the General Plan (General Plan 2040), which is
expected to be ready for adoption in late 2022. Until this update is adopted, staff will continue to
report on General Plan 2020.
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
2
timeline, with the exception of the Housing Element, which is required to be updated every eight
years.
This staff report summarizes the progress the City has made towards implementing the goals and
policies of the General Plan during the 2021 calendar year. Two attachments are included: (1)
Annual Report on the Status of the Rohnert Park General Plan (Calendar Year 2021); and (2)
Housing Element Annual Progress Report (Calendar Year 2021). Progress on the General Plan,
with an emphasis on the Housing Element, are described in the following paragraphs.
General Plan Progress
In 2021, the City continued to approve projects and permits that implement the General Plan,
first adopted in 2000. The University District and Willowglen projects were envisioned in the
2000 General Plan, but home construction did not begin until 2016. Since that time, building
permits have been issued for 1,085 housing units in the University District since construction
began in 2016 (single family homes and a 218 unit apartment building), with permits issued for
176 single family homes in 2021. In Willowglen, building permits have been issued for over 300
units since construction began in 2017, with fifty-two units in 2021 (50 market rate homes, 2
affordable ownership duet units. Also in Willowglen, a 32 unit affordable apartment project
commenced construction and is expected to be fully occupied in 2022. Building permits for this
project were issued in late 2020.
In 2021, various infrastructure projects were planned, permitted and/or completed to support new
housing. In 2021, additional underground utility infrastructure roadway improvements and
landscaping enhancements were installed to support the new housing development. Keiser
Avenue was reconstructed in 2021 to provide a safe roadway connection between Petaluma Hill
Road and Synder Lane. In concert with the roadway construction, utility infrastructure was
extended to serve projects within the University District Specific Plan, between Keiser Avenue
and Hinebaugh Creek (Vast Oak North). The City issued the first building permits for homes
within Vast Oak North in 2021.
On the west side of Highway 101, construction in the Five Creek area (also known as Stadium
Lands) continued. To date, planning entitlements have been approved, and building permits
issued, for four apartment complexes, two hotels and a fire station in Stadium Lands. In 2021,
the construction of Fairfield Inn and the Westside Fire Station were completed.
In 2021, consistent with the General Plan, a Capital Improvements Program (CIP) was approved
to support public improvements, as follows:
• City Facilities. The CIP includes a concerted effort to maintain buildings, focusing on
maintenance projects like re-roofing of Public Safety Northern Station, upkeep of various
functional areas in the Animal Shelter, replacement of the audio/visual system at City
Hall, fire alarm system at the Performing Arts Center. The CIP also includes continued
implementation of the City’s updated Americans with Disabilities Act Self-Evaluation
and Transition Plan.
• Parks and Recreation. The CIP includes major maintenance and capital replacement
projects for parks and recreation facilities throughout the City, including playground
equipment replacement, cardio room floor replacement at the Sports Center, and various
projects at the Community Center. Reconstruction of off-street bicycle/pedestrian
pathways is ongoing. The CIP also includes construction of new recreational facilities,
including a new multi-use trail to Crane Creek Regional Park to provide access from the
urbanized area of Rohnert Park to nearby open space resources.
3
• Transportation. The FY 2021-22 Two-Year CIP includes street, bike and pedestrian
facility improvements including pavement preservation projects such as overlays and
street reconstruction projects; bicycle and pedestrian path reconstruction, including
accessibility upgrades; and traffic signal system improvements. Several major projects
for complete streets implementation throughout the City are planned for design or
construction in the Two-Year CIP period, including crossing enhancements at locations
where the bike path network crosses streets; pedestrian and bike enhancements including
new sidewalks, pedestrian lighting, improved bike lanes and enhanced streetscapes on the
Southwest Boulevard Corridor between Commerce Boulevard and Adrian Drive.
• Water System. The proposed CIP includes various improvements to the water system,
including upgrading water pipelines; replacing large commercial water meters; replacing
aging well pumps and motors; and upgrade of controls and telemetry to better monitor
well production and overall distribution and flow water supply and fire suppression. A
new water tank is also planned to serve new development on the east side of town.
• Wastewater System. The proposed CIP includes projects that preserve the sewer
collection system such as sewer line replacements and inflow-and-infiltration strategies in
the older section of Rohnert Park and manhole rehabilitation.
Housing Element Progress
The City’s Housing Element covers the period from 2015 to 2023, which aligns with the region’s
regional housing needs allocation (RHNA) cycle.
Through the RHNA process, the California Department of Housing and Community
Development (HCD), determines the total number of new housing units, at each income level,
that must be planned in each jurisdiction. Each local government’s Housing Element must
demonstrate that there are sufficient sites for these units and that the necessary policies and
strategies to meet the community’s housing needs are in place.
Area median income data is calculated and updated regularly by the California Department of
Housing and Community Development (HCD). The base income is defined by a household of
four and adjustments are made by HCD for other household sizes. The most current data for
Sonoma County, which became effective on July 2, 2021, is summarized in Figure 1 below.
4
For the current Housing Element cycle, Rohnert Park’s total regional housing needs allocation is
899 units. These are broken down by income level as shows in figure 2 below.
Figure 2: RHNA Allocations for 2015-2022 Cycle, By Income Level
Income Level RHNA Allocation
Very Low (50% AMI) 181 units
Low (80% AMI) 107 units
Moderate (120% AMI) 127 units
Above Moderate (Over 120% AMI) 484 units
TOTAL 899 units
The attached Housing Element Annual Progress Report shows the total number of housing units
permitted in the City from 2015 through 2021, compared with the RHNA allocation by income
level for this cycle. With 1,496 market rate units permitted since 2015, the City has far exceeded
its goal of 484 units for the “above moderate-income” level.
This past year saw permits issued for 7 affordable units, or 3 percent of the total units in 2021.
The City has also already exceeded its RHNA for housing affordable to low-income earners. The
City has not yet met its RHNA for housing affordable to very low-income and moderate-income
earners. Figure 3 below shows the RHNA allocations compared to units permitted through 2021
for each of the income levels.
5
Planning Manager Approval Date: 03/18/2022
Attachments:
1. Annual Report on the Status of the Rohnert Park General Plan (Calendar Year 2021)
2. Housing Element Annual Progress Report (Calendar Year 2021)
Page 1
Attachment 1
Annual Report on the Status of the Rohnert Park General Plan
Calendar Year 2021
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 2021 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 2021, the General Plan map was amended.
Table 1 – Map Amendments in 2021
Location Description
1 Bodway Parkway In August, Bodway Parkway was reclassified as a Collector Roadway.
2 SOMO Village In March 2021, the City Council approved a revision to the SOMO Village Project
along with amendments to the General Plan.
General Plan Goals
The following series of tables represents progress the City has made towards implementing its general plan goals during the 2021
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 2021.
Table 2 –Implementation of Land Use Goals and Policies in 2021
Goal or Policy Progress in 2021
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.
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 176 new homes
built 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
176 new homes built in UDSP and 52 homes and 32
Page 3
apartment units were built in SESP. The municipal
code was amended to allow more flexibility to
approve accessory dwelling units; 5 ADUs were built
in 2021.
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: the 310
Professional Center Drive Project, Holiday Inn
Express, and Burger King.
Page 4
Table 3 –Implementation of Growth Management Goals in 2021
Table 4 –Implementation of Urban Form Goals in 2021
Goal or Policy Progress in 2021
Goal CD-B Establish strong connections between adjacent
neighborhoods and between neighborhoods and
On-going In 2021, 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
Goal or Policy Progress in 2021
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 2021, the City approved improvement plans and
physical improvements to support development in the
University District, Southeast and Stadium areas.
Construction was completed on the Westside Fire
Station. Infrastructure improvements on Keiser Road
(to serve University District) and within Vast Oak
North were completed to serve the University District.
Street improvement within the Willowglen project were
also completed. Work began on Griffen’s Grove Park
in Vast Oak North.
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
activity centers in order to encourage walking and
biking.
between existing neighborhoods and new
development.
Goal CD-C Establish an open space network that links
residential neighborhoods, parks and open space
areas.
On-going In 2021, the City continued developing plans for the
extension of the Hinebaugh Creek bikeway and
Griffin’s Grove Park within the University District.
Construction began on 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 2021
Goal or Policy Progress in 2021
Goal
TR-B
Maintain high levels of mobility along all major street
segments and at major intersections.
On-going The CIP includes street, bike and pedestrian facility
improvements including pavement preservation
projects such as overlays and street reconstruction
projects; bicycle and pedestrian path reconstruction,
including accessibility upgrades; and traffic signal
system improvements. Several major projects for
complete streets implementation throughout the City
are planned for design or construction in the Two-
Year CIP period, including crossing enhancements at
locations where the bike path network crosses streets;
pedestrian and bike enhancements including new
sidewalks, pedestrian lighting, improved bike lanes
and enhanced streetscapes on the Southwest
Page 6
Boulevard Corridor between Commerce Boulevard
and Adrian Drive.
Goal
TR-C
Build new roads and improve existing roadways,
where necessary, in conjunction with new
development.
On-going Roadway construction on Keiser Avenue continued in
2021 with construction completion expected in 2022
Table 6 –Implementation of Transportation Demand Goal in 2021
Goal or Policy Progress in 2021
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.
Page 7
Table 7 –Implementation of Open Space Goals in 2021
Goal or Policy Progress in 2021
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. SOMO Village,
Southeast Specific Plan and University District
Specific Plan are also designed to create view
corridors of the hills to the east. California
Environmental Quality Act (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 2021 a number of the creeks
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 creek banks 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 City Council approved the SOMO Village plan
which include new park facilities as part of new
residential development (1,750 units).
Table 8 –Implementation of Wastewater Goals in 2021
Goal or Policy Progress in 2021
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 The City participated in regional coordination
meetings. Recycled water has been extended into new
developments at the University District, Southeast
Specific Plan and Stadium Lands.
Page 8
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.
Table 9 –Implementation of Water Supply and Conservation Goals in 2021
Goal or Policy Progress in 2021
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 2021
Goal or Policy Progress in 2021
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
CEQA. Under CEQA, archaeological resources
must be mitigated if found in the development site.
Page 9
Table 11–Implementation of Habitat and Biological Resources Goals in 2021
Goal or Policy Progress in 2021
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.
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
staff approval for tree removal, except for single-
family residences. 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 2021
Goal or Policy Progress in 2021
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
Page 10
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.
Table 13 –Implementation of Air Quality Goals in 2021
Goal or Policy Progress in 2021
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 2021
Goal or Policy Progress in 2021
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.
Page 11
Table 15 –Implementation of Drainage, Erosion, Stormwater and Flooding Goals in 2021
Goal or Policy Progress in 2021
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
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 2021
Goal or Policy Progress in 2021
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 encourages 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 2021
Goal or Policy Progress in 2021
Goal HS-E Minimize the risk to life and property from
the generation, storage and transportation of
On-going No specific activity in 2021, beyond on-going
monitoring.
Page 12
hazardous material and waste in Rohnert
Park and assure the property disposal of all
hazardous waste that may be generated in
Rohnert Park.
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 2021, 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
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 2021
Goal or Policy Progress in 2021
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
2021 fire events.
Page 13
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.
Completed Construction was completed in 2021.
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.
Table 19 – New Emergency Management Policy in 2021
Goal or Policy Progress in 2021
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.
Complete Construction was completed in 2021.
Table 20 –Implementation of Noise Goals in 2021
Goal or Policy Progress in 2021
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.
Page 14
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 2021, 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 ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Reporting Year 2021 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31)Housing Element Implementation
Planning Period 5th Cycle 01/31/2015 - 01/31/2023 (CCR Title 25 §6202)
1 3 4
RHNA Allocation by
Income Level 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Total Units to
Date (all years)
Total Remaining
RHNA by Income
Level
Deed Restricted - - - 109 7 18 - - -
Non-Deed Restricted - - - - - - - - -
Deed Restricted - - - 109 - 25 2 - -
Non-Deed Restricted - - - - - - - - -
Deed Restricted - - 3 2 - 9 - - -
Non-Deed Restricted - 1 2 2 - 4 5 - -
Above Moderate 484 86 125 169 408 306 176 226 - - 1,496 -
899
86 126 174 630 313 232 233 - - 1,794 146
Note: units serving extremely low-income households are included in the very low-income permitted units totals and must be reported as very low-income units.
Please note: The APR form can only display data for one planning period. To view progress for a different planning period, you may login to HCD's online APR system, or contact HCD staff at apr@hcd.ca.gov.
99
134
This table is auto-populated once you enter your jurisdiction name and current year data. Past year
information comes from previous APRs.
28 Moderate
181
107
127
Please contact HCD if your data is different than the material supplied here
136
2
Table B
Regional Housing Needs Allocation Progress
Permitted Units Issued by Affordability
47
-
Please note: For the last year of the 5th cycle, Table B will only include units that were permitted during the portion of the year that was in the 5th cycle. For the first year of the 6th cycle, Table B will include units that were permitted
since the start of the planning period.
Total RHNA
Total Units
Income Level
Very Low
Low
Attachment Two
Jurisdiction Rohnert Park
Reporting Year 2021 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31)
1 2 3 4
Name of Program Objective Timeframe in H.E Status of Program Implementation
HO 1.A
Following the approval of a specific plan and prior to construction,
the City shall require applicants to post sites designated for high-
density housing with visible, durable signs containing information
about the site’s development potential. The City shall require such
information to be provided in appropriate sales offices and to
prospective buyers of homes within the project.
Ongoing While the City does not consistently require this, this is common practice by most
developers.
HO 1.B
The City shall continue to work with regional agencies to ensure
an adequate long-term water supply and wastewater disposal
system.
Ongoing The City is presently processing several Specific Plans and revisions of existing Specific
Plans. The Eastside Trunk Sewer Line project was completed in 2014 which provides
sewer capacity for new housing development on the eastside of the community.
HO 1.C
The City shall continue annual review of the Growth Management
Program, pursuant to Policy GM-4 and the Growth Management
Ordinance, and evaluate the Program’s “trigger cap” to ensure that
the City’s fair share allocations can be achieved.
Ongoing The Growth Management Program is reviewed annually to ensure compliance with the
“trigger cap”.
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)
HO 3.A
The City shall continue to issue, in cooperation with other
jurisdictions in Sonoma County, mortgage credit certificates to
qualified low- and moderate-income, first-time homebuyers. The
City shall work with the Sonoma County Housing Authority to
ensure that Rohnert Park receives a share of future allocations.
Ongoing The County operates the Housing Authority programs for most of Sonoma County,
including all of the City of Rohnert Park. Information on how to access programs offered
through the Housing Authority is provided on the City's website and in-person upon
request. Currently, two Rohnert Park representatives serve on the Sonoma County
Community Development Committee, the body sets goals and priorities for the Housing
Authority.
HO 3.B
The City shall publicize affordable housing programs through the
City’s public communications and publications.
Ongoing All affordable housing programs offered in the City are included on the City's affordable
housing webspage and made available in-person at City Hall and other locations upon
request.
HO 3.C
The City shall work with the development community to conduct a
fee study to evaluate options and determine an appropriate
methodology for its Inclusionary Housing in-lieu fee calculation.
Based on findings from the study, the City shall adopt an in-lieu fee
methodology/calculation.
As requested by the
development community
The fee study was completed in 2019 and in-lieu fees implemented the same year, along
with the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance amendment.
HO 3.D
The City shall amend the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance to
remove the inclusionary housing requirements for market rate
rental projects, consistent with current City practices.
2015 The amendment to the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance was completed in 2019. Rohnert
Park now requires on-site inclusionary housing for for-sale projects of more than 50 units
and requires developers of smaller for-sale projects and all rental projects to pay an in-
lieu or nexus fee.
HO 3.E
The City shall develop an affordable housing and anti-
displacement strategy as part of the Central Rohnert Park Priority
Development Area (PDA).
2015 If housing is developed in the PDA, some affordable housing will be required. No existing
housing in the PDA will be eliminated.
HO 3.F
The City shall maintain and periodically review and update a
packet of information about the characteristics of affordable
housing, high-density development, and lower-income families.
The City shall actively provide this information to City staff and
decision-makers so that they can act in an informed manner and
educate the community.
Ongoing In 2021, the City contracted with a consultant to complete a comprehensive housing
needs analysis. This information is used in staff reports and communications with the
public and will be used in the upcoming Housing Element update. This information is also
available at City Hall upon request.
HO 3.G
The City shall apply for regional, State, and Federal funding for
affordable housing and provide documentation as needed in
support of partner applications for State and Federal financial
assistance.
Ongoing The City applies for funding as applicable and has recently applied for and received LEAP
and REAP awards, in addition to $14.7m in Project Homekey funds, which were awarded
in December 2021.
HO 3.H
The City shall conduct annual meetings with the development
community to discuss opportunities for collaboration between
market-rate and affordable housing developers.
Ongoing On request, the City meets with affordable housing developers to discuss properties
available for affordable housing projects. Market rate developers of ownership projects
with more than 50 units are required to provide a percentage of the housing for low and
moderate income buyers.
HO 3.I
The City shall maintain contacts with nonprofit housing
organizations to benefit from their expertise in developing and
supporting affordable housing, and shall refer potential developers
of such housing to these organizations for assistance.
Ongoing The City meets with nonprofit housing organizations on a regular basis. Developers are
referred to these organizations when they ask for assistance for providing affordable
housing.
HO 3.J
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).
2016 All review processes in the City are expedient, however, the City goes above and beyond
to expedite priority affordable housing developments. The City currently has two
affordable housing projects in review, both of which would serve individuals experiencing
homelessness. The first is the Homekey Rohnert Park project, which will provide 60 units
of interim housing. The second is Providence Supportive Housing which, if approved,
would provide 76 units of permanent supportive housing to homeless seniors. In both
cases, the City has created highly streamlined and expedited review processes.
HO 4.A
The City shall monitor rental housing units at risk of conversion to
market-rate by developing a list of units at risk of conversion within
10 years from the beginning of the Housing Element planning
periods and updating it on an annual basis.
2015; Annual City staff regularly monitor rental units at risk of conversion to market-rate and work with
owners to develop a plan to either extend the terms of the affordability covenant or
reduce displacement through referrals to Housing Authority and other affordable housing
programs.
HO 4.B
The City shall publicize existing State and Federal notice
requirements to nonprofit developers and property owners of at-
risk housing.
Ongoing City staff speak to the owners / property managers of affordable housing developments
on a regular basis and ensure the everyone is aware and properly noticed about at-risk
housing.
HO 4.C
The City shall meet with owners of at-risk units who intend to opt
out of a Section 8 contract to examine potential strategies to
preserve or replace the units (e.g., transferring the units to a
nonprofit developer).
Ongoing City staff will carry out this program when they are made aware of units that will be
r e m o v e d f r o m t h e S e c t i o n 8 p r o g r a m .
HO 4.D
The City shall hold a public hearing two years prior to the
expiration of affordability restrictions to ensure that noticing
requirements are met and to assist the tenants in finding other
locations for affordable housing.
Ongoing City will carry out this program when affordability restrictions on a project are set to expire
within two years.
HO 4.E
The City shall examine the feasibility of providing financial
resources and assisting owners with funding applications and
providing ongoing technical assistance and education to affected
tenants and the community at-large on the need to preserve at-risk
units.
2016 City will carry out this program when affordability restrictions on a project are set to
expire.
HO 5.A
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.
Ongoing The City will make this information available upon request.
HO 5.B
The City shall continue to provide funding, as feasible, to agencies
that work to prevent homelessness and/or provide services to the
homeless.
Ongoing In FY 21-22, the City Council dedicated $1.3m to address homelessness within the City.
The City applied for and was awarded $14.6m in State Homekey funding in late 2021 and
is currently processing an application for a 76-unit permanent supportive housing project.
HO 5.C
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.
Ongoing While the City does not have a specific program to provide housing for people 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 individuals with disabilities. In the
past year, the City has made housing for chronically homeless individuals a top priority.
(These are individuals who have been homeless for a year or more and have a disability.)
Most of the 60 units in the Homekey project and 76 units in the Providence House project
would be dedicated to chronically homeless individuals.
HO 6.A
The City shall post information regarding local, State, and Federal
fair housing in public places, such as City Hall, the Community
Center, the Senior Center, and local post offices.
ongoing Information on housing programs is made available by the City at City Hall and on the
City's affordable housing webpage.
HO 7.A
The City shall continue to partner with the Sonoma County
Community Development Commission (CDCRP) on housing
rehabilitation for low- and moderate-income households.
Ongoing The City will continue this partnership.
HO 7.B
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.
Ongoing Most home bracing is performed by contractors who submit plans to the City for approval
and issuance of a building permit.
HO 7.C
The City shall inform owners of multifamily housing whose
structures may be highly susceptible to seismic damage, and help
owners obtain financing for retrofitting.
Ongoing Most home bracing is performed by contractors who submit plans to the City for approval
and issuance of a building permit.
HO 7.D
The City shall include information about the need for residential
seismic retrofitting and retrofitting methods in the City’s
communications with residents, and shall publicize Fannie Mae’s
Project Impact Disaster Prevention Loan .
Ongoing Most home bracing is performed by contractors who submit plans to the City for approval
and issuance of a Building Permit.
HO 8.A
The City shall prepare and distribute handouts to the public and
maintain up-to-date information on the City’s website on ways to
improve energy efficiency in existing homes and in new
construction, and shall publicize programs available to assist
homeowners and landlords in making energy efficiency retrofits.
Ongoing City staff provide this information to the public upon request.
HO 9.A
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 at a public hearing with the City
Council. The City shall submit 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.
Ongoing; April 1st Annually The City submits the required report each year prior to the April 1 deadline.
City of Rohnert Park
Planning Commission Report
Meeting Date: March 24, 2022
Item No: 6.2
Subject: Annual Growth Management Report
Agenda Title: Receive and file the Annual Review of the Growth Management Program
per Municipal Code Section 17.19.030.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file the Annual Review of the Growth
Management Program per Municipal Code Section 17.19.030.
BACKGROUND: Chapter 17.19 of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code (RPMC) contains the
City’s Growth Management Program (GMP). The purpose of the GMP is to assure that the rate
of population growth does not exceed an average annual growth rate of one percent per year.
This allows for 225 market rate units per year, on average. The City conducts an annual review
under the GMP to monitor residential development. If necessary, the GMP allows the City to
impose “trigger caps” on new, market-rate building permits to ensure that an average population
growth rate of 1% per year is maintained.
The GMP requires that the annual review include:
• The number of units included in final discretionary approvals granted for each of the five
previous calendar years, within the July 2000 City Limits and within each Specific Plan
Area;
• The number of units included in final map filings within the July 2000 City Limits and within
each Specific Plan Area;
• The number of building permits approved within the July 2000 City Limits and within each
Specific Plan Area;
• Projected housing units by year per approved and pending development agreements; and
• Applications pending for new residential units or mixed-use developments with a residential
component.
If the annual report demonstrates that both the combined number of residential building permits
implemented in any two prior calendar years exceeds five hundred sixty (560) housing units, and
the development pace for the preceding three-year period has exceeded an average of two
hundred twenty-five (225) units per year, then a cap on new residential development in the
following calendar year shall be established.
The GMP allows “carry over” of building permits from year to year, which means that the City
can build up a bank of unit credits during years where less than 225 building permits are
“implemented” and use that bank during periods where the “trigger cap” could otherwise be
imposed. The GMP defines a building permit as “implemented” one year after it was issued
(roughly the time it takes to build and occupy a unit of housing). There is no requirement to
check this definition against the issuance of occupancy certificates.
The GMP exempts certain types of housing units from counting towards the trigger cap. These
types of housing units are required to be reported separately and include:
• Single-family dwellings on legal lots of record within the July 2000 City Limits that are
not within an approved subdivision;
• Housing that is affordable to low and very-low income households and affordable to
moderate-income households under the City’s inclusionary housing requirements;
• Second dwelling units (accessory dwelling units);
• Conversions of mobile homes or apartments to condominium ownership;
• Rehabilitation, remodel, or replacement of existing housing;
• Model homes (until they receive an occupancy permit); and
• Residential infill projects where there is adequate infrastructure and no general plan
amendment was required.
ANALYSIS: During the period from 2000 to 2014, very few new residential building permits
were issued. However, since 2015, building permits have been issued for a total of 1,714 new
housing units (excluding affordable and infill housing units). This is an average of approximately
200 residential building permits per year, which taken as a whole is consistent with a 1% annual
growth rate.
Exhibit A presents additional detail on the total number of residential building permits issued
within the 2000 City Limits and within each Specific Plan Area that are subject to the GMP.
Exhibit B presents detail on the building permits that were exempt from the GMP. Exhibit C
presents the number of non-exempt, residential building permits implemented or projected to be
implemented based on approved development plans and compares these to the GMP “trigger
caps” and the backlog of building permit credits.
Based on the analysis presented in Exhibit C, the City exceeded the Trigger Cap (both the two
year total of 560 units and the three year average of 225) in 2020, and relied on its bank of
building permit credits. The City did not exceed the Trigger Cap in 2021 and will not exceed the
Trigger Cap in 2022, because the two year total of permits “implemented” will be less than 560
units. Exhibit C also illustrates that the City has a large “bank” of building permit “credits”
(almost 2,800 units) that have accumulated since the GMP was adopted. This is result of very
slow growth in the period between 2000 and 2014. Before limiting growth, and reducing the
housing supply based on the trigger caps, this accumulation of annual unit credits would need to
be depleted. Assuming that non-exempt residential development continues at an average rate of
200-300 dwelling units per year, it is unlikely that Rohnert Park would have to begin limiting
residential construction within the next decade.
Planning Manager Approval Date: 3/18/2022
Attachments (list in packet assembly order):
1. Exhibit A – Annual review of Housing Units per Section 17.19.030.B.1-3
2. Exhibit B – Housing Units Not Subject to Growth Management Ordinance’s Trigger
Cap (Building Permits Issues)
3. Exhibit C – Growth Management Program Annual Housing Permits Implemented and
Trigger Cap Projections Table
Exhibit A – Annual Review of Housing Units per Section 17.19.030.B.1-3
16 17 18 19 20 21
Final Discretionary Approvals
2000 City Limits 0 135 0 0 0 0
Stadium Lands PD 0 135 0 0 74 0
Sonoma Mountain Village PD 0 0 0 0 0 0
Central Rohnert Park PDA 0 550 0 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0 0 0 0
Northwest SPA 0 0 0 0 0 0
Northeast SPA 0 0 0 0 0 0
University District SPA (Vast Oak, UDLLC & Bristol) 0 0 42 0 0 0
Southeast SPA 0 0 0 2 2 0
Total 0 685 42 2 74 0
Number of Units on Final Map
2000 City Limits 0 135 0 0 0 0
Stadium Lands PD 0 135 0 0 0 0
Sonoma Mountain Village PD 0 0 0 0 0 0
Central Rohnert Park PDA 0 0 0 0 0 0
Northwest SPA 0 0 0 0 0 0
Northeast SPA 0 0 0 0 0 0
University District SPA (Vast Oak, Bristol) 0 323 105 42 86 120
Southeast SPA 105 0 129 0 0 106
Total 105 458 234 42 86 226
Number of Non-Exempt Building Permits Issued**
2000 City Limits 0 0 150 124 0 0
Stadium Lands PD 0 0 135 0 0 0
Sonoma Mountain Village PD 0 0 0 0 0 0
Central Rohnert Park PDA 0 0 0 83* 0 0
Other 0 0 15 31 0 0
Northwest SPA 0 0 0 0 0 0
Northeast SPA 0 0 0 0 0 0
University District SPA (Vast Oak East & West, Bristol) 115 140 184 128 124 176
Southeast SPA 0 24 66 64 52 50
Total 115 164 400 306 176 226
*excludes seven affordable units in the Bella Creek Project
**excludes any affordable units (duets, apartments and townhomes)
Exhibit B – Housing Units Not Subject to Growth Management Ordinance’s
Trigger Cap (Building Permits Issued)
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Single-family Dwelling Lots not in a
Subdivision 0 0 0 0 0 0
Units Affordable to Low and Very Low
Income 0 3 220 7 52 2
Accessory Dwelling Units 1 2 0 0 3 5
Conversion of Mobile Homes Parks to
Condos 0 0 0 0 0 0
Model Homes 9 6 7 2 3 4
Exempted Infill Units 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 10 11 227 9 58 11
Exhibit C
Growth Management Program Annual Housing Permits Implemented and “Trigger Cap” Projects