2023/08/08 City Council Resolution 2023-064 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-064
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK,
ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO THE SPECIFIC 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, in conjunction with Planning Application No. PLSP22-0001, the Project
proposes approval of an amended Southeast Specific Plan, attached to and incorporated in this
Resolution as Exhibit A; 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 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 Planning Application No. PLSP22-0001 for the proposed revised Southeast Specific
Plan 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 with respect to the proposed amended specific plan:
Section 1. Recitals. That 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 the
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
amended Southeast Specific Plan proposed by Planning Application No. PLSP22-0001 pursuant
to Rohnert Park Municipal Code section 17.06.390:
1. The specific plan or specific plan amendment is consistent with the city's general
plan.
The amended Specific Plan would continue to implement the General Plan's goals
for the Southeast Specific Plan Area as described in the Land Use and Community
Design Element, as recommended to be amended. The amended Specific Plan
complies with the goals and policies of the City's Housing Element and
inclusionary housing ordinance. The proposed amended plan will increase the
amount of housing provided by the Project consistent with regional needs and the
Housing Element.
2. The specific plan or specific plan amendment will not adversely affect the public
health and safety or result in incompatible land uses.
The amended Specific Plan is not expected to have negative impacts on the health
or well-being of project residents or occupants of the surrounding land uses. The
proposed twenty-two new lots can be served by existing and planned infrastructure
that has been constructed to support the project and are in character with
surrounding neighborhoods.The proposed land use changes provide a more gradual
Resolution 2023-064
Page 2 of 4
transition between residential densities and will not result in incompatible land
uses.
3. The specific plan or 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; or,
alternately, a statement of public policy consideration can be adopted and/or an
exception granted in accordance with general plan policies GM-10, GM-1 I, and
GM-I2.
This is the final phase of the Willowglen project. Each phase of the project is
designed to provide for adequate infrastructure and to be integrated with existing
City public improvements, as described in the specific plan. The timing of the
construction of public facilities will be paced to meet the needs of the development.
The off-site infrastructure necessary to serve the development, including the
twenty-two proposed new lots, is already in place. The infrastructure systems
internal to the Willowglen project can be extended as Phase 4 builds out. The water
service strategy is consistent with the City's long-term water supply plans and its
water capacity charge program.
4. The specific plan or specific plan amendment identifies adequate financing
mechanisms for the infrastructure and public facilities required to support the
development.
The project will be subject to the payment of fees to provide for and maintain public
infrastructure such as Public Facilities Financing Plan fees and Water Capacity
Charges to help fund off-site improvements; City-wide and Regional Traffic fees;
Pavement Maintenance fees; Public Services Impact fees; Park payments, and
Maintenance of on-site Infrastructure fees. In addition, the developer has worked
with the City to form a Community Facilities District, to provide for ongoing
maintenance and services, and a Homeowners Association to maintain certain
private facilities.
5. The 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.
The amended Specific Plan would continue to implement the purpose and intent of
the Southeast Specific Plan Area as described in the Introduction. The proposed
amendments ensure that the Specific Plan remains internally consistent.
6. The proposed specific plan is consistent with the planning and prezoning
designation provided for the specific plan area, pursuant to Government Code
Sections 65300 and 65859, or alternatively functions as prezoning for the
unincorporated territory.
The site is zoned "Specific Plan District (SP)," which is implemented through the
land use designations on the City's General Plan Land Use Diagram. The proposed
Specific Plan, as amended, is consistent with these designations, as amended.
Resolution 2023-064
Page 3 of 4
Section 4. The City Council does hereby approve Application No. PLSP22-0001 and
adopt the amended Southeast Specific Plan in the form provided at Exhibit A, which replaces
and amends the prior Southeast Specific Plan in its entirety.
DULY AND REGULARLY ADOPTED on this 8th day of August, 2023.
CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
manth riguez, Mayor
ATTEST:
Sylvia Lopez Cuevas,City Clerk
Attachment: Exhibit A -
__
__
ELWARDA/\ GIUDICE: SANBORN: OLLINGSWORTH ADAMS: RODRIGUEZ
AYES: (5. NOES: (cp) AB ENT: (9r)) ABSTAIN: )
Resolution 2023-064
Page 4 of 4
AUGUST 2023 i
City of Rohnert Park
Southeast Specific Plan
Adopted December 2010
Amended November 25, 2014
Resolution No. 2014-164
Amended April 23, 2019
Resolution No. 2019-044
Amended August 8, 2023
Resolution No. 2023-064
Resolution No. 2023-064Exhibit A
AUGUST 2023 i
AUGUST 2023 i
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
1. INTRODUCTION
A. Background and Plan Purpose 1
B. Planning Process 1
C. Specific Plan Contents 2
D. How to Use This Plan 2
E. Statutory Authority 3
F. Relationship to the General Plan 3
G. Relationship to Other Plans and Regulations 4
2. DESCRIPTION OF PLAN AREA
A. Regional Setting 5
B. Local Setting 5
C. General Site Characteristics 5
D. Jurisdictions 7
3. LAND USE ELEMENT
A. Introduction 8
B. Land Use Policies 8
C. Land Use Designations 8
D. Land Use Designations Summary 13
E. Affordable Housing 15
4. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS 16
5. CIRCULATION ELEMENT
A. Existing Circulation 19
B. Roadway Classifications and Standards 19
C. Transit Service 20
D. Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation 20
E. Private Drive / Lane 21
F. Projected Traffic Volumes 21
G. Emergency Vehicle Access 21
H. Phasing 21
6. PUBLIC SERVICES ELEMENT
A. Introduction 24
B. Access and Circulation 24
C. Water Service 24
D. Sanitary Sewer Service 25
E. Storm Drainage System 25
F. Parks and Recreation 26
G. Schools 26
H. Police and Fire 26
I. Finances 26
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AUGUST 2023 ii
7. DESIGN GUIDELINES 28
8. IMPLEMENTATION ELEMENT
A. Development Review and Approval Process 29
B. Financing 29
C. Amendments to the Specific Plan 29
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS 30
LIST OF RELATED TECHNICAL STUDIES 30
SOUTHEAST SPECIFIC PLAN
AUGUST 2023 iii
LIST OF FIGURES PAGE
Figure 2-1 Specific Plan and Planned Development Areas 6
Figure 3-1 Conceptual Land Use Plan 10
Figure 3-2 Conceptual Development Plan 11
Figure 3-3 Mixed Use Area 14
Figure 5-1 Circulation Plan 22
Figure 5-2 Conceptual Phasing Plan 23
LIST OF TABLES PAGE
Table 2-1 SESPA Parcels 5
Table 3-1 Permitted Uses 13
Table 3-2 SESPA Land Use Program 14
Table 4-1 Development Standards 17
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AUGUST 2023 1
1. INTRODUCTION
A. Background and Plan Purpose
The present document has been prepared in response to the City of Rohnert Park’s
Municipal Code Chapter 17.06, Article VIII, Sections 17.06.290-450, SP-Specific Plan
District. This chapter outlines the requirements for the preparation, adoption and
implementation of Specific Plans in certain areas of the community. The Southeast
Specific Plan area, the subject of this Plan document, was identified in the City’s General
Plan, as adopted in July of 2000 and amended in 2010. The purpose of the Plan,
consistent with the aims of Chapter 17.06, SP-Specific Plan District, is to provide a vehicle
for ensuring that this area of the City is master planned. It is also to ensure that the
phasing and ultimate development of the property involved is consistent with a vision that
is both compatible with the existing community and responsive to the vision of the General
Plan.
B. Planning Process
As outlined in the aforementioned Chapter of the Municipal Code, there are two primary
phases of activity that the Specific Plan process entails. The first of these is the
submission of a Preliminary Application that is then followed with a Specific Plan, the
subject of the present document. A Preliminary Application for the Southeast Specific Plan
was submitted to the City of Rohnert Park in February of 2002. In preparing the
Preliminary Application, the property owners, Penn Grove Mountain, LLC, undertook the
preparation of a variety of engineering and technical studies to both document the existing
conditions on the site as well as to develop some preliminary concepts for the physical
development of the land uses and activities established for this area in the General Plan;
in addition, several meetings were held with representatives of the City of Rohnert Park to
discuss the proposed Specific Plan. Upon completion of the Preliminary Application and
presentation to the Planning Commission and the City Council, additional technical
studies were undertaken as well as a process of interaction with representatives of the
City of Rohnert Park to review more detailed information on the proposed development.
Following the Specific Plan procedure, the present document was submitted to the City of
Rohnert Park and a draft Environmental Impact Report was prepared. The present
document reflects, therefore, the information contained in the Preliminary Application as
well as the subsequent refinement of plan concepts and incorporates feedback from the
City's representatives. The present document will be submitted to the Planning
Commission and City Council for review and public hearings. Upon the approval of the
City Council the Plan will be implemented as an ordinance.
SOUTHEAST SPECIFIC PLAN
AUGUST 2023 2
C. Specific Plan Contents
The present Plan contains the following four elements:
• Land Use, which establishes the land use pattern and standards for uses allowed in
the plan area;
• Circulation, which, based on the transportation requirements generated by the land
uses in the Plan area, establishes a circulation system necessary to accommodate
vehicular and pedestrian movements.
• Public Services, which based on the land use pattern outlines the strategies for
providing public safety, recreation, utility and school services.
• Design Guidelines, which address recommended site planning, building and open
space relationship, architecture and land design and public access; and
• Implementation, which provides information on the actions needed to implement the
Plan, including General Plan and zoning changes, if needed, and phasing.
D. How to Use This Plan
As adopted by the City of Rohnert Park, the Plan represents a public document that
establishes the amount, type and location of urban development that will be permitted in
the Southeast Specific Plan area. The Plan also provides development standards and
design guidelines for the development and recommends specific actions to implement the
plan and financing methods and sources to fund improvements.
As the property owners move forward to implement the project, the detailed development
plans will be subject to review by the City for consistency with the Specific Plan. It is
anticipated that the future development plans for the area will be consistent with the
Specific Plan and therefore the environmental issues associated with development will
have been assessed in the environmental documentation which has been prepared as
part of the Specific Plan process. Further assessment, if required, can be limited to site-
specific impacts of the individual development plans.
Subsequent steps in the development process, including Development Area Plans,
subdivision and other procedures are administered according to the Municipal Code.
SOUTHEAST SPECIFIC PLAN
AUGUST 2023 3
E. Statutory Authority
California Law, specifically Section 65450-65457 of the Government Code, empowers
cities to employ specific plans to provide for the systematic implementation of the General
Plan by linking the implementing policies of the General Plan with the individual
development proposals in a defined area.
This Specific Plan conforms to the various principles and requirements of State Planning
and Zoning Law, Article 8, Specific Plans of Chapter 3. Local Planning by providing the
following information:
• (1) The distribution, location, and extent of the uses of land, including open space,
within the area covered by the plan.
• (2) The proposed distribution, location, and extent and intensity of major components
of public and private transportation, sewage, water, drainage, solid waste disposal,
energy, and other essential facilities proposed to be located within the area covered by
the plan and needed to support the land uses described in the plan.
• (3) Standards and criteria by which development will proceed, and standards for the
conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources, where applicable.
• (4) A program of implementation measures including regulations, programs, public
works projects, and financing measures necessary to carry out paragraphs (1), (2),
and (3).
• (5) A statement of the relationship of the specific plan to the general plan.
F. Relationship to the General Plan
The City of Rohnert Park’s General Plan provides a comprehensive statement of the
objectives, themes and policies which the community is seeking to achieve in the areas of
land use, growth management, community design, transportation, open space, parks and
public facilities, environmental conservation, health and safety, noise, and housing. The
current Specific Plan, as an instrument which promulgates and is an extension of the
General Plan, incorporates, by definition, the stated general objectives, themes and
policies and, where more specific objectives and policies are stated, makes reference to
such objectives and policies and provides further elaboration on the ways in which the
Specific Plan is responsive to this guidance.
A comprehensive discussion of the General Plan goals, policies, and programs that
provide direction and input to the Southeast Specific Plan and the various related
elements are included as Attachment C: General Plan Analysis.
SOUTHEAST SPECIFIC PLAN
AUGUST 2023 4
G. Relationship to Other Plans and Regulations
The Southeast Specific Plan Area (SESPA) is within Sonoma County and within the City
of Rohnert Park’s Sphere of Influence and 20-year Urban Growth Boundary. Annexation
into the City of Rohnert Park has been completed and the specific plan area is currently
under development. Actions required for the ongoing implementation of the Specific Plan
are discussed in greater detail in Chapter 7: Implementation.
Policy documents and ordinances of both of Sonoma County and The City of Rohnert
Park provide guidance on the development process and requirements in the plan area.
State and regional agencies also exercise jurisdictional authority over development
activities in the plan area. The following City policy documents apply to the plan area:
• City of Rohnert Park General Plan
• City of Rohnert Park Zoning Ordinance
SOUTHEAST SPECIFIC PLAN
AUGUST 2023 5
2. DESCRIPTION OF PLAN AREA
A. Regional Setting
The City of Rohnert Park is located in central Sonoma County approximately a one hour
drive north of the San Francisco Bay Area. With the Pacific Ocean to the west, the
community lies within the Cotati Valley and is bounded to the south by the City of Cotati
while the City of Santa Rosa lies to the north.
B. Local Setting
As shown in Figure 2-1, the Southeast Specific Plan Area (SESPA) lies within the City of
Rohnert Park’s city limit in the extreme southeast corner of the City. The SESPA is
bounded to the north by the Canon Manor Specific Plan Area, to the east by Petaluma Hill
Road and undeveloped land, to the south Valley House Drive and undeveloped land, and
to the west by Bodway Parkway and land in the Sonoma Mountain Village Planned
Development.
C. General Site Characteristics
The SESPA consists of relatively flat land rising gently from east to west with no
significant natural or manmade features or changes in topography. The neighborhood
park is complete and phase 3 is currently under development. The current development
and remaining development are as shown in Table 2-1.
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AUGUST 2023 6
SOUTHEAST SPECIFIC PLAN
AUGUST 2023 7
Table 2-1 Current and Planned Development*
Phase Area Parcels Owner % of Total
1 29.2 ac. 108** Varied – under active development; includes
developer Penn Grove Mtn LLC
37%
2 16.0 ac. 129 Penn Grove Mtn LLC 20%
3 14.3 ac. 106 Penn Grove Mtn LLC 18%
4 20.1 ac. 76 Penn Grove Mtn LLC 25%
*Includes 2 lots owned by Penn Grove Mtn LLC and changes to Phases 3 and 4 in 2019 Specific Plan amendment.
**Includes Mixed Use parcel for future apartments, townhomes and commercial.
D. Jurisdictions
The SESPA falls entirely within the city limits of the City of Rohnert Park. Other
government agencies with jurisdiction in the plan area include:
• State of California Regional Water Quality Control Board, which reviews and regulates
activities that affect water quality in California;
• State of California Department of Fish and Game, which reviews projects affecting fish
and wildlife habitat; and
• Department of the Army - Corps of Engineers which regulates activities and
development in the navigable waters of the United States
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which reviews and regulates activities that affect habitat
of threatened and endangered species
SOUTHEAST SPECIFIC PLAN
AUGUST 2023 8
3. LAND USE
A. Introduction
This section of the Specific Plan provides information and guidance on the range of land
uses and the general levels of development to be accommodated within the SESPA. Also
provided are development standards which provide more specific guidance on physical
development parameters such as setbacks, building height, FAR’s, and the like.
B. Land Use Policies
Information on the Land Use policies for the SESPA, which have been established in the
General Plan, are provided in Attachment C: General Plan Analysis.
C. Land Use Designations
As shown in the City of Rohnert Park General Plan, the land uses intended for
development within the SESPA include residential and mixed-use as well as a park.
Following guidance provided by the General Plan, the proposed development to be
accommodated in the SESPA may be characterized as a residential community adjacent
to the existing Canon Manor residential development and bounded to the east by
Petaluma Hill Road, the south by Valley House Drive, and the west by Bodway Parkway.
Within the residential community, as contemplated in the General Plan and shown in
Figure 3-1: Conceptual Land Use Plan and illustrated in Figure 3-2: Conceptual
Development Plan, different densities of housing will be accommodated. Adjacent to the
residential development will be a mixed-used area. Incorporated within the fabric of the
residential development will be a park to serve local residents. The Specific Plan has
established 6 specific plan land use designations. Each specific plan land use
designations is consistent with an existing general plan land use designation. Table 3-1:
Permitted Uses identifies uses that are unconditionally permitted and those that require
special permits or approvals. Those uses not specifically listed are not permitted unless
determined by the City to be substantially similar to a listed use. A description of the
specific plan land uses follows:
• The Rural Estate Residential (RE) land use is the lowest density land use,
accommodating up to 2 single-family detached residential units per gross acre.
This district is intended for very low-density residential development on large estate
lots of typically 17,000 sq.ft. or larger in size. This district, located at the perimeter
of the city, is intended to provide a transition from the more urban development to
the open space/agricultural areas outside the city. This land use category is
consistent with the "Rural Estate Residential" General Plan designation.
• The Low Density Residential (LD) land use designation is also intended for
single-family detached residential units. The density for this land use designation is
between 4.0 and 6.0 units per gross acre. This land use category is consistent with
the "Low Density Residential" General Plan designation and can accommodate the
following housing types:
SOUTHEAST SPECIFIC PLAN
AUGUST 2023 9
Conventional Lots: Units that take garage and front door access from the
public street.
Executive Estate Lots.: Units that take garage and front door access from
the public street. Executive Estates have larger, deeper lots and are able to
accommodate a greater array of enhanced home options and backyard
amenities, including accessory dwelling units..
Duets: Two attached units separated by a common lot line. Duets can be
designed similar to conventional lots with garage access from the street or
private drive/lane.
• The Southeast Medium Density or SE Medium Density (SEMD) classification
envisions detached single-family housing and/or duets with an overall density
ranges from 6.1 to 12.0 units per gross acre. This land use designation is
consistent with the "Medium Density Residential" General Plan designation. The
SE Medium Density Designation can accommodate a variety of lot types including:
Conventional Lots: Units that take garage and front door access from the
public street.
Motorcourt Cluster: Units that take garage access from a private drive/lane
and front door access from the public street and private drive/lane.
Duets: Two attached units separated by a common lot line. Duets can be
designed similar to conventional lots with garage access from the street or
private drive/lane.
• The Mixed-Use (MU) land use classification envisions a development pattern that
encompasses businesses, retail shops, institutions, service organizations and
residences in a compatible, pedestrian environment. The appropriate residential
component of this land use will be multifamily (apartments) and attached single-
family units (townhomes). See Figure 3-3: Mixed Use Area. This land use allows for
the development of integrated centers that combine a supportive mix of land uses,
either within the same building or in clusters of buildings. This land use is
consistent with the “Mixed Use” General Plan Designation.
• The Park (P) land use classification accommodates neighborhood-scale park
development to support the recreational needs of the adjacent residences. This
land use designation is consistent with the "Parks/Recreation" General Plan
designation.
In addition to the aforementioned land uses, Figure 3-1 designates 3 view corridor areas
that have been sited to preserve and enhance views to the eastern ridgeline of the hills
east of Petaluma Hill Road. Each corridor shall consist of a 50-foot wide area of land at
the terminus of the street. No structures shall be permitted within these corridors, except
for transparent (see-through) fences. No trees shall be planted within view corridors.
Berms shall be permitted as necessary for sound attenuation.
A 50-foot buffer has also been designated along the length of Petaluma Hill Road to
preserve the scenic qualities of this roadway. In no case shall trees or shrubs that exceed
25 feet in height upon maturity be planted within the buffer to preserve views.
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Figure 3-1 Conceptual Land Use Plan
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Figure 3-2 Conceptual Development Plan
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Table 3-1: Permitted Uses
Land Use Category RE LD MD MU P
Single Family Home P P P
Duets P
Townhouse P
Multi-Family Housing (Apartments) P
Secondary Unit P
Bed and Breakfast Inn C
Accessory Structure (non-habitable) – Shall be subject to RPMC Section
17.10.060
I I I
Community Center P
Small Day Care Home (8 or fewer children) P P P P
Large Day Care Home (9 or more children) C C C C
Community Gardens P
Family Care Home/Residential Care Facility (6 or fewer people) P P P P
Private School/Education C C C C
Single Room Occupancy Boarding House A A A
Fraternity/Sorority C C C
Religious Assembly C C C C
Antenna, Vertical/Satellite Dish, Communication Facility C C C C
Home Occupation P P P P
Amusement Center (video games, billiards, theatre or indoor
amusement)
C
Animal Hospital / Veterinary Clinic – small animals only, no outdoor
facilities
C
Bank/Savings & Loan/Credit Union P
Bar/Nightclub/Live Entertainment – subject to permitting requirements,
refer to Land Use Footnote “r” Section 17.07
C
Barber/Beauty Shop P
Health and Beauty Spa/Massage Therapy C
Clubs and Lodges/Public Assembly C
Dry Cleaning (only minor processing on-site)/Laundromat/Tailor P
Grocery/Food Market/Bakery P
Restaurant (café, microbrewery, sit-down or take-out)- refer to land use
footnote R Section 17.07
P
Retail Sales (Florist, Antiques, Interior Design, Hardware, clothing, etc.) P
Office (Professional/ Administrative/Medical/Dental) P
Laboratory (in conjunction with medical, dental or optical use) P
Professional Services (small scale postal, copy, printing) P
Medical Clinic C
Pharmacy (drive-through windows not permitted) P
Art Studios/Galleries (Photography, fine arts) C
Public Facility (Police, fire and other government uses) C C C C
Studios (Dance, Martial Arts) P
Health Club P
Liquor Store (off-Sale) - subject to permitting requirements, refer to Land
Use Footnote “r” Section 17.07
C
Park, Playfield, playground, sport court P
Detention Basin/Water Storage Facility P
(P) Permitted (C) Conditionally permitted by Planning Commission (A) Administrative Permit (T) Temporary
Conditional Permit (I) Uses Allowed as incidental to Primary Use
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AUGUST 2023 13
D. Land Use Designations Summary
Table 3-2: SESPA Land Use Program presents a comparison between the guidance
provided in Table 2.4-3 Land Use Program: Southeast Specific Plan Area of the General
Plan and the proposed Specific Plan.
Table 3-2: SESPA Land Use Program
Land Use
2000 General Plan (As Amended 2022) Specific Plan
Gross
Acres1
Density
Range
(Du/Ac)
Unit
Range
(Min. –
Max)
Non-
Residential
Bldg Area
(1,000 s.f.)
Approx.
Gross
Acres
Units
Density
(Du/Ac)
Non-
Residential
Bldg Area
(1,000 s.f.)
Rural Estate
Residential 9.13 Up to
2.21 up to 20 n.a. 9.13 192 2.1 n.a
Low Density
Residential 27.69 4-6 110-166 n.a. 27.69 160 5.8 n.a
Medium
Density
Residential3
27.77 6.1-12 169-333 n.a. 27.77 239 8.6 n.a
Mixed Use
Development 6.96 n.a. 81 10 6.96 81 n.a. 10
Parks 7.98 n.a. n.a. n.a. 7.984 n.a. n.a. n.a.
Total 79.53 n.a. 360-600 10 79.53 499 n.a. 10
Notes:
1. Gross Acreage includes all rights-of-way located within the project boundary, measured to the center line of the
street
2. Rural Estate residential unit count includes one existing unit.
3. In the Specific Plan, the SE Medium Density land use category is consistent with the Medium Density General Plan
Land Use Designation.
4. Includes a 5.0 net acre park and a 2.1 net acre basin (7.1 net acres total)
As indicated in the table, the proposed specific plan land uses are generally consistent in
terms of the General Plan’s vision for the Specific Plan area.
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Figure 3-3 Mixed Use Area
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E. Affordable Housing
The City of Rohnert Park’s Affordable Housing Ordinance requires all new housing
projects of five units or more to provide at least 15% of all units as affordable. This
equates to 75 of the 499 total units within the SESPA. The ordinance provides a number
of options to meet this requirement ranging from on-site construction, land donation to a
non-profit developer, transfer of inclusionary unit credits and in-lieu fees for the
construction of off-site affordable units. Additional affordable units may be provided in
addition to the required inclusionary units.
The SESPA has been designed to allow for either on-site or off-site construction of
affordable units. The Specific Plan’s wide range of housing types including duets,
apartments, townhomes, and small single-family homes, which provides numerous
opportunities to provide on-site affordable housing consistent with the City’s affordable
requirements. The development agreement for the project includes the Affordable
Housing Plan for the project.
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4. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS
This Chapter describes standards for the development of each designation within the plan
area. Table 4-1: Development Standards, sets forth the minimum requirements for lot
area, coverage, floor area ratios, height, and setbacks, except as allowed through the City
development and design review process, planned area process, or as otherwise indicated
by the Specific Plan. The intention of these standards is to provide quantifiable guidance
on the development desired in each of the land use categories.
For issues not specifically addressed by the development standards or the Specific Plan,
the City of Rohnert Park Zoning Code shall apply and shall be based upon the most
compatible zoning designation as determined by the planning director or his/her designee.
Park development standards are intentionally excluded from Table 5-1: Development
Standards. Park development standards shall be the same as those specified in the
Parks (P-I) zoning district of the City of Rohnert Park Zoning Code.
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Table 4-1: Development Standards
Development Requirement Rural Estate
Low Density Southeast Medium Density
Mixed-Use Conventional Executive
Estate
Conventional
Lot
Motorcourt
Cluster Duets(1)
Minimum Lot Area (SF) 17,000 5,000 6,000 3,000 3,000 1,800 n/a
Minimum Lot width (feet) (2) 90 50 50 35 50 30 n/a
Minimum Lot Depth (feet) (2) 100 90 120 55 60 n/a
Maximum Residential Density
(du/acre) 2 6 6 12.0 (3) 12.0 (3) 12.0 (3) 24
Maximum Building Height (feet)
Primary Building (4) 35 35 35 35 35 35 45
Accessory Structure (5) 12(6) 12 12 12 n/a n/a n/a
Minimum Front Setback (feet) (7)
Porch 20 10 10 5 (8) 5 (8) 5 (8) n/a
Primary Building 20 15 15 10 8 8 10
Garage (accessed from public
street) 20 20 20 20 20 18 n/a
Garage (accessed from private
aisle/lane) n/a n/a n/a 18 18 18 n/a
Minimum Side Setback (feet) (7)
Primary Building (interior lot
line) 10 5 5 4 0/8 aggregate (10) 0/8 aggregate (10) n/a
Primary Building (corner lot
line) 20 10 10 10 7 10 10
Minimum Rear Setback (feet) (7)
Primary Structure 25 15 (11) 20 10 10 5 (12) 10
Garage (detached) 5 5 5 5 n/a n/a n/a
Minimum Private Open Space
Per Unit (SF) n/a 750 1,500 400 (14) 350 (14) 250 (14) 50 (15)
Maximum Floor Area Ratio Factor
(FAR)
Refer to City of
Rohnert Park
Zoning Code
Refer to City of
Rohnert Park
Zoning Code
Refer to City of
Rohnert Park
Zoning Code
Refer to City of
Rohnert Park
Zoning Code
Refer to City of
Rohnert Park
Zoning Code
Refer to City of
Rohnert Park
Zoning Code 2.0 commercial/
1.15 Resid. (16)
Maximum Lot Coverage (%) 30% 50% 50% 50% 60% 70% 80%
Parking (17)
2 covered per
unit (Plus 1 per
secondary
dwelling unit)
2 covered per
unit (Plus 1 per
secondary
dwelling unit)
2 covered per
unit (Plus 1 per
secondary
dwelling unit)
2 covered per
unit (Plus 1 per
secondary
dwelling unit)
2 covered per unit
(Plus 1 per
secondary
dwelling unit)
1 covered per
unit (Plus 1 per
secondary
dwelling unit)
- Affordable
Housing (2)
- Refer to City of
Rohnert Park
Zoning Code
Fence/ Garden or Courtyard Wall
Max Height (feet)
Front Yards 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Rear/ Side yards (18) 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
Secondary Dwelling Units (19)
Max Height (feet) 28 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Min Size (SF) 350 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Max Size (SF) 700 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
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Table 4-1: Development Standards Table 4-1 Notes:
1. Duets are two attached units located on two separate lots.
2. Dimensions are measured at the center of the lot. Flag lots are permitted.
3. Maximum Residential Density refers to the gross overall density for the overall specific plan land use district.
4. Towers, spires, cupolas, chimneys, elevator penthouse, water tanks, monuments, and similar structures and necessary mechanical
appurtenances covering not more than twenty percent of the top floor roof area may exceed the maximum permitted height in the
underlying zoning district by ten feet by conditional use permit.
5. Accessory structures are defined as detached structures such as sheds and small out structures not intended to serve as a living
quarter. These are not permitted on duet lots, on mixed-use parcels, or within the 50-foot Petaluma Hill Road setback. All accessory
structures shall meet the requirements of Rohnert Park Zoning Code section 17.10.060 as it pertains to accessory structures. For
purposes of this specific plan, detached garages are not considered accessory structures.
6. All homes backing up to Petaluma Hill road shall be single story. No structures are permitted within the 50-foot setback, which is
measured from existing right-of-way.
7. Minor projections such as bay windows, fireplaces, balconies, dormers and other minor architectural projections may encroach up to 2
feet into the front yard setback and up to 3 feet into side and rear yard setbacks. However, projections are allowed on one side yard
only as one side must maintain at least 4’ clear for full fire packs. Intrusions into setbacks shall not exceed more than 30% of the total
length of one wall only. Full clearance on opposing side yard setback without overhangs is needed.
8. Front yard setback and Public Utility Easements may need to be expanded in specific locations to accommodate additional room for
utility boxes, transformers, and other infrastructure pursuant to the requirements of the public utility company.
9. Duet garages may be accessed either directly from the street or private drive/lane
10. Minimum setback to property line may be 0' or 3' minimum; however, the aggregate distance between buildings shall be no less than 8
feet.
11. Dimension may be reduced to a minimum of 10 feet for up to 55% of the width of the building.
12. Due to the configuration of duet units, the rear setback is often synonymous with the side yard setback. Garages may be setback a
minimum of 5 feet in either condition; however, living areas shall be setback a minimum of 10 feet when adjacent to another lot’s private
rear yard.
13. Garage access from a private drive / lane shall have a minimum driveway apron dimension of 5 feet or less or 18 feet or more to deter
parked cars from blocking the drive aisle. This dimension shall be measured from the edge of the drive aisle/ lane to the face of garage
door.
14. Private open space shall provide a minimum dimension of 10 feet in any one direction. Private open space may be provided in the
front, rear or side yards as long as the area is defined by a fence or wall and may be split into two areas if necessary. Private open
space areas may be split into two separate areas as long as the minimum dimension is met for all spaces and the cumulative area of all
spaces meets the minimum area requirement.
15. This requirement applies to residential uses only and may be provided in the form of balconies, porches or decks. The minimum
dimension shall be 6 feet.
16. FAR for commercial buildings shall not exceed 0.4. FAR for residential building shall not exceed 1.15 and shall have a minimum
density of 12.2 du/ac. Mixed use buildings, if proposed, are permitted to increase the FAR in accordance with the General Plan.
17. Tandem spaces are permitted in order to meet the parking requirements.
18. Wall and fence heights may be increased to allow for sound attenuation per the recommendation of an acoustical study.
19. Secondary units are defined as either an attached or detached unit intended for use as a separate living unit but under the s ame
ownership as the primary unit. Secondary units must include separate access, a bathroom, a kitchenette, and a separate park ing
space. This space may be provided as a tandem garage space or an uncovered space but must be located on the same lot as the unit.
Secondary units shall be subject to the same minimum setbacks as the primary structure. Secondary units are only permitted on Rural
Estate Lots.
20. Affordable housing projects parking ratio shall comply with California Government Code Section 65915-65918 Density Bonus Parking
Requirement.
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5. CIRCULATION ELEMENT
A traffic noise assessment was performed as part of the SESPA planning process to
determine the extent to which traffic along the major thoroughfares adjacent to the area
had the potential to generate noise levels in excess of established standards. The findings
of this assessment are that noise generated by traffic along Petaluma Hill Road, Bodway
Parkway, and Valley House Drive is anticipated to be such that mitigation measures such
as sound walls, berm, setbacks, or any combination of these would be required. The
precise design and configuration of these measures will be developed in collaboration with
City representatives.
Circulation in the Southeast Area consists of a series of Arterials, Collector, and local
roadways as illustrated in Figure 5-1: Circulation Plan. Existing roadways surrounding the
site include Bodway Parkway, Valley House Drive, and Petaluma Hill Road. Bodway
Parkway is an existing Major Collector. The project will improve Bodway Parkway within
the existing right-of-way by adding an additional 6-foot sidewalk to the easterly side of the
street, along the project’s frontage. Valley House Drive and Petaluma Hill Road are both
Minor Arterials. Improvements to Valley House Drive include a meandering 8-foot wide
Class I bikeway/sidewalk. Petaluma Hill Road improvements include widening the existing
roadway by 20 feet to accommodate left and right turn lanes at the signalized intersection
at Valley House Drive, a 7-foot sidewalk with curb and gutter, and an 8-foot multi-use path
with curb and gutter, and a 6-foot on-street bike lane. All new roadways interior to the
project area consist of Minor Streets, 42-foot wide Neighborhood Streets, and 24 feet wide
private drives and 20-foot wide private drives at motorcourts. All streets, except for
private drives and motorcourts, are public.
The Design Guidelines presented in Chapter 6 of this document provide additional
guidance and direction in planning for new development.
A. Existing Circulation
Existing circulation in the vicinity of the SESPA is provided via three principal roadways
including Petaluma Hill Road, located on the eastern boundary of the site which is the
principal north/south regional roadway, Valley House Drive to the south serving east-west
traffic, and Bodway Parkway to the west, also serving north/south movements. The
Phase 1 interior circulation system for Phases 1-2 is complete and the Phase 3 interior
circulation system is under construction.
B. Roadway Classifications and Standards
The General Plan provides guidance on the sizing and physical and functional
characteristics of roadways within the City of Rohnert Park. For the SESPA, the General
Plan’s Master Street Plan (Figure 4.1-1 in the General Plan) indicates the following
classifications for roadways shown on the Plan:
• Bodway Parkway: Minor Collector (2 lanes) [Per Resolution N. 2021-097]
• Valley House Drive: Minor Arterial (4 lanes) [Proposed]
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• Petaluma Hill Road: Minor Arterial (2 lanes) [Existing]
The street sections which correspond to these classifications are shown in Attachment A:
the Public Services Plan.
C. Transit Service
Transit services in the vicinity of the SESPA are provided by Sonoma County Routes 44,
46 and 52 that operate on Petaluma Hill Road and Camino Colegio. The project, when
implemented, will add incrementally to the demand for transit services that can be met by
the transit provider.
D. Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation
Pedestrian and bicycle circulation within the SESPA will be facilitated by a network of
sidewalks and bicycle lanes which will be developed along with the roadway system. This
system is demonstrated in Figure 5-1: Circulation Plan. The local street system has been
designed as a grid network of streets with sidewalks, short blocks, and multiple
intersections to maximize connectivity and allow pedestrians to maneuver easily
throughout the SESPA. A direct east-west connection has been provided in the form of a
through street that extends from the park/mixed use area and the Rural Estate
neighborhood. This connection along with one through north-south connection has been
designated as a “Major Pedestrian Corridor”. Major Pedestrian Corridors are intended to
provide direct connections through the site for pedestrians traveling along these
sidewalks. Neck-downs or bulb-outs shall be provided at key intersections to promote
safer pedestrian street crossings.
In addition to improved connectivity within the site, an 8-foot multi-use trail along Valley
House Drive and a 6-foot sidewalk along Bodway Parkway provide both bicyclists and
pedestrians with easy access to adjacent neighborhoods. The multi-use trail will be
grade-separate from the street, providing a safer environment for trail-users. Both the
Valley House and Bodway pedestrian corridors are also considered Major Pedestrian
corridors and should be carefully designed to minimize driveway accesses and vehicular
interruptions. This may be achieved through the use of motor court homes or by siding
homes onto these roadways.
The Valley House Drive and Bodway Parkway pedestrian corridors have also been
designed to promote connectivity with existing and planned adjacent neighborhoods by
providing direct connection to existing sidewalks and providing enhanced pedestrian
crossings to future development planned just west of the SESPA. Figure 5-1
demonstrates the conceptual location for these crossings. Crossing enhancements may
include features such as bulb-outs, enhanced paving materials, lighted crosswalks or
other design features that alert vehicles of a pedestrian presence and encourage drivers
to slow down. The final designs of these intersections are subject to future review and
approval by the City of Rohnert Park.
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E. Private Drive / Lane
1. Dead end lanes are allowed if lane length does not exceed 150'.
2. Maximum 6 residential units.
3. No parking shall be allowed.
4. Lanes shall connect to streets that provide minimum 20' clear width.
5. Access shall be through a Standard 250 A, C, or D curb cut unless otherwise approved by the City Engineer.
6. Lighting shall meet the City's minor street requirements for uniformity ratio and minimum maintained foot candle
specifications. All streetlights shall be LED.
7. Signs will be posted with "No Parking Fire Lane"
F. Projected Traffic Volumes
In order to assess the potential demands for transportation services in the SESPA and
given the possibility of different types of commercial development within the mixed-use
area, two alternative scenarios were used. One examined the development of the 20,000
s.f. of space for a small retail center while the other analyzed the requirements for office
development. Under the first scenario, the retail center, an average of about 5,000 daily
vehicle trips would be generated while under the second scenario, the office development,
the trips would be somewhat lower. Refer to the Southeast Specific Plan Traffic Impact
Study, which is on file with the City of Rohnert Park Planning Division (File numbers 2003-
031, -054 and –005).
G. Emergency Vehicle Access
Access for emergency vehicles, including police and fire, will be provided via the network
of streets that will be developed as part of the project.
H. Phasing
As shown in Figure 5-2, Conceptual Phasing Plan, the project will be developed in several
phases according to market demands. At each stage of development, roads will be
constructed to provide access to the new residences while ensuring a logical roadway
pattern is available for utility services, fire access, and life safety equipment as needed
and appropriate. The first three phases are under active development at this time.
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Figure 5-1: Circulation Plan
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Figure 5-2: Conceptual Phasing Diagram
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6. PUBLIC SERVICES ELEMENT
A. Introduction
In support of the residential, mixed-use and park development within the SESPA, public
services will be required. These services include access and circulation, water service,
sanitary sewer service, and storm drainage management. The Public Services Plan,
provided as Attachment A, describes the delivery approach concepts for each of these
systems. Following are brief summaries of the planned improvements for each service.
B. Access and Circulation
The existing roadways which provide primary access to the SESPA, i.e. Petaluma Hill
Road, Valley House Drive, and Bodway Parkway, will require different levels of
improvement in order to accommodate the future transportation demands generated by
the new development. In the case of Petaluma Hill Road, which is a fully improved county
highway, the project will include the installation of additional pavement to allow for the
installation of an 8-foot bike lane constructed according to County Standards along the
project’s frontage. A traffic signal at the Petaluma Hill Road/Valley House Drive
intersection already exists as well as a new left and right turn lanes at the traffic signal.
South of Valley House Drive, additional pavement will also be added to accommodate
longer deceleration lanes. Bodway Parkway will be upgraded from its existing situation
(which includes two traffic lanes, a median and a bikeway/sidewalk on the western side of
the roadway) to include a new 6-foot sidewalk on the east side of the parkway along the
frontage of the SESPA. Finally, with the elimination of the property on the south side of
Valley House Drive from the Urban Growth Boundary, the existing improvements to Valley
House Drive are adequate to serve the proposed traffic flow. Improvements to both
Bodway and Valley House are not included in the Public Facilities Financing Plan.
Streets and sidewalks required for internal circulation within the SESPA will be developed
in accordance with the City of Rohnert Park Manual of Standards, Details and
Specifications (most current edition).
C. Water Service
As part of the Specific Plan process the Rohnert Park Final Water Supply Assessment,
(Winzler and Kelly, January 2005) was prepared to determine the availability of water
needed to serve the project area. The Specific Plan also considers water conservation
and a water conservation plan was prepared. Both the water assessment and the water
conservation plan are on file with the City of Rohnert Park Development Services
Department (File numbers 2003-031 and -054). Consistent with the objective of water
conservation, low flow devices will be installed within the new homes and drought tolerant
landscaping materials will be utilized. The developers of the SESPA will continue to work
with the City of Rohnert Park to construct appropriate water saving and water generating
projects, consistent with state law.
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AUGUST 2023 25
New development within the SESPA will pay the City’s most current water capacity
charge. This charge funds upgrades to the City’s water system to serve new development.
The project will need to construct or fund the construction of a 12” water main extension
from the City’s water tank on Camino Colegio to the project.
D. Sanitary Sewer Service
The owners of the SESPA property have entered into an agreement with the County of
Sonoma and the developers of the Sonoma Mountain Village to provide a collector sewer
system for Canon Manor, the Southeast Specific Plan, and the lands formerly owned by
Agilent Technologies. This system consists of a gravity main from the intersection of
Bodway Parkway and Camino Colegio, a sewerage lift station, and a force main to an
adequately sized trunk line sewer provided by the Public Facilities Financing Plan. These
facilities are complete.
E. Storm Drain System
Runoff and storm water, which requires management within the SESPA, will be collected
and conveyed through a series of interconnected drop inlets, catch basins, manholes, and
pipes. Rain gardens will be used in large residential lots and in the commercial and
multifamily areas. Additional filtering or low impact design elements will be included in the
design to meet SUSUMP requirements; storm water quality enhancement or cleaning for
the 2-year storm event.
Except for the commercial and multifamily sections, all the storm water will tie into a storm
water detention facility located adjacent to the park at the project’s western boundary. The
total area of the detention basin is about 1.8 acres. The storm water detention facility or
detention basin will attenuate the increase in runoff created by the development of the
property to be at the same present rate. This will result in no net increase in peak runoff in
the 100-year storm event. In addition to attenuating the peak runoff, the detention facility
will also provide a means of infiltration for ground water recharge and an improvement in
water quality by settling of sediment. After release through the detention basin outlet
structures, the runoff will drain into two existing systems located in Bodway Parkway and
converge just to the west of the intersection of Bodway Parkway and Valley House Drive.
The point of reference within the watershed that is used to compare pre and post project
flows is located on the Sonoma Mountain Village site. An existing storm drain in the
Sonoma Mountain Village site currently conveys water from Bodway Parkway and the
SESPA. This storm drain system will continue to serve the SESPA after development.
This will be possible since the SESPA will have no net increase in peak flows up to the
100 year storm.
The upstream collection facilities will be funded by the developers of the SESPA. A
Preliminary Stormwater Mitigation Plan has also been prepared as part of the Specific
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AUGUST 2023 26
Plan process and can be found on file at the City of Rohnert Park Planning Divisions (File
numbers 2003-031 and -054).
F. Parks and Recreation
A new community park is proposed within the SESPA as shown in Figure 10: Master Park
Plan. This Public Services Plan proposes a 5 ± net acre park and, rectangular in nature,
adjacent to Bodway Parkway. The park’s proposed east-west orientation allows it to be
integrated into the SESPA’s proposed pedestrian promenade and view corridor.
G. Schools
The project proponents have contacted the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District to
determine services available to the Southeast Area. A school district representative
indicated that currently the Southeast Rohnert Park Specific Plan area would be served by
the following schools:
Elementary School: Monte Vista
Middle School: Lawrence E. Jones Middle School
High School: Rancho Cotate & Technology High
H. Police and Fire
The City of Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety will provide police and fire services
to this area. The Department of Public Safety provides police, fire and other related
services with cross-trained personnel under a single administrative umbrella. SESPA can
currently be served by the City’s Fire Station in M section. The City’s Public Facilities
Financing Plan includes funding of a new fire station in the southwest portion of the City to
serve planned growth.
I. Finances
Major off-site infrastructure is paid for by the City’s Public Facilities Financing Plan and the
Water Capacity Charge programs. The SESPA development will pay into these fees.
Ongoing maintenance for service for the SESPA project will funded by special tax
assessments collected through a Community Facilities District (CFD). The services funded
by the special taxes include provision of public safety services that are in addition to those
services provided before the formation of the Community Facilities District; the
maintenance, rehabilitation and reconstruction of publically owned pavement; the
maintenance, rehabilitation and reconstruction of publically owned landscapes, parks,
SOUTHEAST SPECIFIC PLAN
AUGUST 2023 27
playgrounds, signage, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, decorative walls and street lighting; and
the permitting, operation, maintenance , monitoring, rehabilitation and reconstruction of
publicly owned drainage and storm water treatment systems within the District. This also
includes all the appurtenances and work (such as engineering, planning, designing,
construction and coordination) to provide and maintain the services.
The special tax rate for the CFD is established annually. The calculations to establish the
tax rate are informed by the provisions of the Development Agreement between the
developer and the City.
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7. DESIGN GUIDELINES
The Design Guidelines are presented as Attachment B to this document.
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8. IMPLEMENTATION ELEMENT
A. Development Review and Approval
The Southeast Specific Plan was approved by the City Council in 2010 and annexation of
the site to the City was completed in 2011. Both actions were subject to preparation of an
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to evaluate the environmental effects of these actions.
The City Council certified the EIR in taking action on the project. In 2014, minor
amendments to the Specific Plan and Development Area Plan were approved to eliminate
alley-loaded single family lots and incorporate motorcourt homes.
Final maps for Phases 1 and 2 have been approved and construction of homes within
those phases is underway. The neighborhood park on the western side of the project is
nearing completion. Current amendments to project plans are proposed to reflect a better
understanding of development patterns.
B. Financing
The developers of the SESPA will fund the installation of public facilities and services in
the SESPA and will also contribute through the City of Rohnert Park Public Facilities
Financing Plan and agreements with the County of Sonoma for the funding of off-site
services. These fees also include school mitigation fees, park fees, sewer and water
connection fees, storm drain fees, engineering plan check fees, grading plan and permit
fees, building plan and permit fees, housing in-lieu fees, traffic signal fees, and area-wide
impact fees.
The maintenance of open spaces, landscape medians and other similar features will be
financed through the established Community Services District.
C. Amendments to the Specific Plan
Amendments to this Specific Plan shall be made in accordance with applicable sections of
the Rohnert Park Municipal Code, Chapter 17.06, Article VIII, Section 17.06
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List of Attachments:
Attachment A: Public Services Plan, Civil Design Consultants, Inc. October 27, 2010
Attachment B: City of Rohnert Park Southeast Specific Plan Design Guidelines,
prepared by William Hezmalhalch Architects, Inc. May 2006
Attachment C: General Plan Analysis
List of Related Technical Studies (on File at the City of Rohnert Park Planning
Division File no. 2003-031, -054, and –005)
• City of Rohnert Park Southeast Specific Plan Preliminary Application, presented by
Redwood Equities, LLC, February 2002
• Final Report – Southeast Specific Plan Market Analysis, Economic & Planning
Systems, Inc. February 2002.
• Final Report – Southeast Specific Plan Market Analysis, Economic and Planning
Systems, February 2002; a revision to this report was prepared in 2006.
• Updated Geotechnical Engineering Investigation – Proposed Residential Development
7279 Petaluma Hill Road, Rohnert Park, California, Southeast Specific Plan,
Michelucci & Associates, Inc. December 2002.
• Results of 2001 Survey for Special-Status Plant Species, Southeast Specific Plan
Area, Rohnert Park, California; Laurence P. Stromberg, Ph.D., Wetlands Consultant;
May 2001.
• Jurisdictional Delineation – Redwood Equities, LLC Property, Gibson & Skordal, LLC,
Wetlands Consultants, June 2002
• Letter: from Calvin C. Fong, Chief, Regulatory Branch, Department of the Army, San
Francisco District, Corps of Engineers, to Tom Skordal.
• A Cultural Resources Evaluation of the Southeast Specific Plan Area, in Rohnert Park,
Sonoma County, California, submitted by Archaeological Resource Service, January
2002.
• Southeast Specific Plan Traffic Impact Study for the City of Rohnert Park, Whitlock &
Weinberger Transportation, Inc. January 2003.
• Addendum to SESPA Traffic Impact Study, Whitlock & Weinberger Transportation,
March 6, 2003.
• Environmental Site Assessment, Phase 1 Investigation, Harris & Lee, Environmental
Sciences, March 2001.
• Traffic Noise Assessment, Illingworth & Rodkin, Inc. April 6, 2003.
• Public Facilities Financing Plan, Harris and Associates, May 25, 2004
• Public Services Plan, Civil Design Consultants, Inc. 2003.
• Rohnert Park Final Water Supply Assessment, Winzler and Kelly, January 2005
• Water Conservation Plan for Southeast Specific Plan, John Olaf Nelson Water
Resources Management, May 2008
• Preliminary Stormwater Mitigation Plan, Civil Design Consultants, Inc., 2008
Preliminary Stormwater Mitigation Plan