2023/08/08 City Council Resolution 2023-063 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-063
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK,
ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO THE LAND USE MAP AND TEXT OF THE
GENERAL PLAN FOR THE SOUTHEAST SPECIFIC PLAN PROJECT LOCATED
SOUTH OF THE CANON MANOR SPECIFIC PLAN AREA, WEST OF PETALUMA
HILL ROAD, EAST OF BODWAY PARKWAY AND NORTH OF VALLEY HOUSE
DRIVE (VARIOUS APNS)
WHEREAS, the applicant, Penn Grove Mountain LLC filed Planning Applications
proposing amendments to the General Plan (PLGP22-0001), an amended Specific Plan (PLSP22-
0001), a revised Development Area Plan(PLDP22-0001), an amendment to the Development
Agreement (PLDA22-0001), and approval of an amended Tentative Map (PLSD22-0001), for
the Southeast Specific Plan ("Project") located south of the Canon Manor Specific Plan Area,
west of Petaluma Hill Road, east of Bodway Parkway and north of Valley House Drive (various
APNs), in accordance with the City of Rohnert Park Municipal Code ("RPMC"); and
WHEREAS,the purpose of the proposed amendments is to allow for a more gradual
transition of densities and for the addition of twenty-two single-family residential lots within the
fourth phase of the Project; and
WHEREAS, the proposed amendments require changes to the Land Use and Community
Design elements of the General Plan, attached to and incorporated in this Resolution as Exhibit
A, which include alterations to the lot and street configuration, amending the land use designation
from Rural Estate Residential to Low-Density Residential, and adding twenty-two lots to the
Project;
WHEREAS, the proposed amendments would also amend the Land Use Map of the
General Plan as provided on the amended General Plan Land Use Diagram, also attached to and
incorporated in this Resolution in Exhibit B; and
WHEREAS,the City has prepared the Southeast Rohnert Park Phase 4 Southeast Specific
Plan EIR Consistency Review dated June 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference, and
determines that the proposed amendments will not result in new environmental impacts not
previously evaluated in a previously certified EIR, or a substantial increase in previously identified
impacts ("Consistency Analysis") and the City has otherwise carried out all requirements for the
Project pursuant to CEQA; and
WHEREAS, on July 13, 2023, the Planning Commission held a public hearing at which
time interested persons had an opportunity to testify either in support or opposition to the proposal;
and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission reviewed and considered the information
contained in the General Plan Amendment application for the proposal and recommended approval
of the proposed amendments; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to California State Law and the Rohnert Park Municipal Code,
public hearing notices were mailed to all property owners within an area encompassing a 300-foot
radius of the subject property and a public hearing was published for a minimum of 10 days prior
to the public hearing in the Community Voice; and
WHEREAS,the City Council has reviewed and considered the information contained in
the staff report, attachments, exhibits, and related materials, which are incorporated herein by
reference, and held a duly noticed public hearing on August 8, 2023; at the hearing, all interested
persons were given an opportunity to be heard; the City Council received and considered the
staff report and all the information, evidence, and testimony presented in connection with this
project.
NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Rohnert
Park makes the following findings and determinations with respect to the proposed General Plan
Amendment and amendments to Land Use Map:
Section 1. Recitals. The above recitations are true and correct.
Section 2. CEQA Review.
On December 7,2010,the City Council of the City of Rohnert Park certified the Final EIR
for the Southeast Specific Plan Project, including adoption of associated CEQA Findings,
Statement of Overriding Considerations, and the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program,
as described in City Council Resolution No. 2010-134 (2010 EIR). CEQA Guidelines section
15162 provides that "no subsequent EIR shall be prepared" for a project unless the lead agency
determines that (1) "substantial changes are proposed in the project which will require major
revisions of the previous EIR"; or(2)"substantial changes occur with respect to the circumstances
under which the project is undertaken"; or (3) "new information of substantial importance ...
shows" one or more significant effects not discussed in the original EIR, greater severity to
previously-identified substantial effects, or newly-found feasible mitigation measures that would
substantially reduce significant effects. As described in the Consistency Analysis, the proposed
amendments will not result in new environmental impacts not previously evaluated in the 2010
EIR, or a substantial increase in previously identified impacts. The proposed amendments
(addition of twenty-two lots, alterations to the lot and street configuration, and amending the land
use designation from Rural Estate Residential to Low-Density Residential),are minor and will not
result in any changes to the proposed project not previously analyzed in the 2010 EIR and no new
information of substantial importance shows any significant effects or newly found feasible
mitigation measures that would substantially reduce significant effects. Further,the amendments
are consistent with the project analyzed in the 2010 EIR. Therefore, no additional environmental
review is necessary.
Section 3. Findings. The City Council makes the following findings concerning the
General Plan amendments proposed by Planning Application No. PLGP22-0001:
1. That the proposed site is appropriate for development under the General Plan's
Land Use Designations for the site.
The proposed General Plan amendments would decrease the number of lots
designated Rural Estate Residential, increase lots designated Low-Density
Residential,and add twenty-two lots within the Southeast Specific Plan. These land
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uses are consistent with proposed uses and the land use designations in the General
Plan and compatible with existing, ongoing development in the area.
2. That the proposed General Plan amendments would be consistent with specific
policies in the Land Use Element of the General Plan relative to the proposed
development.
The proposed amendments are consistent with specific policies, as amended, in the
Land Use and Community Design Elements of the General Plan applicable to the
Southeast Specific Plan area. The policies establish a primarily residential
development transitioning gradually from urban to open space uses on the city's
east side. The proposed development is consistent with such policies.
3. That a duly noticed public hearing has been held to receive and consider public
testimony regarding the proposed amendments to the General Plan Land Use Map.
A duly noticed public hearing on the proposed General Plan Amendments was held
on August 8, 2023.
4. That the proposed Project with the proposed General Plan amendments is
consistent with the General Plan.
The Specific Plan, as originally adopted, contains an extensive analysis of General
Plan consistency. The proposed amendments do not change this analysis. In fact,
the proposed amendments enhance the Project's consistency with General Plan
Goals LU-B (Provide soft urban edges and ensure that designated intensities
provide gradual transition to open space at city edges), LU-I (Provide a range of
housing variety in type and price, including large-lot homes and housing oriented
to students), HO-1 (Provide opportunities for housing development that
accommodate projected growth, mitigate potential constraints, and facilitate
mobility within the ownership and rental markets. Ensure adequate sites are
available to meet local housing needs), and HO-2 (Provide a diversity of housing
types that accommodate projected population and demographic changes and enable
residents to remain in Rohnert Park throughout their lives).
5. The General Plan amendment approved for this Project will not cause the General
Plan to become internally inconsistent.
The General Plan amendments proposed by the project applicant are minor
adjustments to accommodate the addition of twenty-two lots and provide a more
gradual transition within the Low-Density Residential area. The amendments
continue to implement the General Plan policies and goals. The General Plan
amendment and the remainder of the General Plan comprise an integrated,
internally consistent,and compatible statement of policies for the City. The various
land uses authorized for the project are compatible with the objectives, policies,
general land uses, and programs specified in the General Plan, as amended. The
project is compatible with and conforms to the objectives, policies, general land
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uses,and programs specified in the General Plan. The project furthers the objectives
and policies of the General Plan and does not obstruct their attainment. The Project
is in harmony with surrounding neighborhoods, and the site is physically suitable
for the development proposed.
6. That the City has considered and evaluated the goals, objectives and policies of the
General Plan and finds that the proposed General Plan amendments are in
compliance with the General Plan.
The General Plan comprises many objectives, policies, principles, programs,
standards, proposals and action plans (collectively, "policies"), as well as
performance standards. In 2010, the City fully evaluated the extent to which the
Project achieves each policy, including those pertaining to compatibility of land
use, protection of open space, standards regarding geology, soils and earthquake
risks, hazardous materials, flood hazards and drainage, protection of water quality,
protection of biological resources, transportation standards and goals, regional and
local housing needs,jobs/housing balance, noise, protection air quality, protection
of visual resources, standards for public services and utilities, protection of
architectural and historic resources, the provision of housing for all sectors of the
economic community, and the provision of employment opportunities for residents
of the City.
The proposed current amendments are minor in nature and do not change the City's
original considerations with respect to General Plan compliance. In fact, by
increasing the number of total housing units and affordable housing units provided,
the proposed amendments improve the Project's compliance with Housing Element
of the General Plan.
7. The City finds that the balance achieved by the Project among competing General
Plan policies is acceptable.
The Project achieves each applicable policy, to some extent, and represents a
reasonable accommodation of all applicable competing policies in the General
Plan.
Section 4. The City Council does adopt and amend the General Plan Land Use Diagram
and approve Planning Application No. PLGP22-0001, General Plan Amendments for property
located south of the Canon Manor Specific Plan area, west of Petaluma Hill Road, east of Bodway
Parkway and north of Valley House Drive (various APNs), amending the General Plan as shown
in the Southeast Specific Plan General Plan Amendments attached to this Resolution as Exhibit
A, and the General Plan Land Use Diagram as shown in the Southeast Specific Plan General
Plan Land Use Diagram Amendments attached to this Resolution as Exhibit B.
DULY AND REGULARLY ADOPTED on this 8th day of August, 2023.
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CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
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'odriguez, Mayor
ATTEST:
Syly eva City Clerk �~'- - -_
Attachments: Exhibit A and B
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2-37
Southeast Specific Plan Area
LU-22 Require preparation of a Specific Plan prior to approval of any development in the
southeast area.
The Specific Plan shall include a neighborhood park approximately five to eight acres in
size, as specified in OS-12. Development shall be in accordance with the development
program outlined in Table 2.4-3.
Table 2.4‐3:
Use Program: Southeast Specific Plan Area Land
Approx.
Gross
Acreage
Housing Units
Minimum‐Maximum
Approx. Non‐residential
Building Area (1,000 s.f.)
Rural / Estate Residential 15-20 9.13 10-20 19
Low Density Residential 20-22 27.69 100-180 160
Medium Density Residential 26-29 27.77 230-250 239
Mixed-Use Development 5-10 6.96 80-117 81 10
Parks 5-8 7.98
Total 80 79.53 420 -499 499 10
(Rev. 06/23)
LU-23 Permit neighborhood-oriented retail, offices, financial, business and personal services,
and other similar neighborhood-compatible uses.
LU-24 Permit a maximum FAR of 0.4 for retail-only development, and 1.0 for mixed use
development.
Only land devoted to non-residential uses shall be counted towards establishing the non-
residential FAR requirements.
LU-25 Allow residential uses in the mixed use area, as long as they do not front Bodway
Parkway.
LU-26 Allow the Mixed Use area to be developed with a mix of residential and commercial
uses, or with either one of those uses without the other.
Northeast Specific Plan Area
LU-27 Require preparation of a Specific Plan prior to approval of any development in the
Northeast area.
LU-28 Require that development in the Northeast Specific Plan area be in accordance with the
development program outlined in Table 2.4-4.
Resolution 2023-063
Exhibit A
Chapter 2: Land Use and Growth Manageme nt
Figure 3.2-13
Southeast Specific Plan Area Illustrative Diagram
Revised 6/23 Rohnert Park General Plan3-38Figure Not to Scale
Frontage Road and side-on
building orientation
Duplex Units mixed with single
family
Variety of
Housing
Types and
Sizes
Rural Estate Lots along
Petaluma Hill Road
provide transition to
County open space
Retail building to
define street and
corner; Parking
screened by
buildings
Apartments and
townhomes mixed with
Commercial; Front
doors along Valley
House Drive
Side on building orientation
along Valley House Drive
Berm and view fence creates
soft rural edge and preserves
views along Petaluma Hill Road Petaluma Hill RoadValley House Drive
NEIGHBORHOODPARK
Resolution No. 2023-063
Exhibit B