2024/03/28 Planning Commission Agenda Packet
City of Rohnert Park
Planning Commission
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A REGULAR MEETING
will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2024 6:00 P.M.
CITY HALL - COUNCIL CHAMBER
130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park, California
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. ROLL CALL
(Epstein_____ Striplen____ Lam____ Orloff____ Austin-Dillion____)
3. READING OF THE LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The City of Rohnert Park acknowledges Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards
of the land. Let it be acknowledged that the City of Rohnert Park is located within the
traditional homeland of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, comprised of Coast
Miwok and Southern Pomo peoples.
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
5. 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.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR - ADOPTION OF MINUTES
6.1 Approval of the Draft Minutes of the Planning Commission Meeting of
March 14, 2024.
Commissioner Motion/Roll Call Vote:
(Epstein _____ Striplen ____ Lam ____ Orloff _____ Austin-Dillion _____)
7. AGENDA ITEMS
7.1 MASTER BANNER SIGN PROGRAM - File No. PLSI24-0005–
Owner/Applicant: Sonoma State University (SSU) - The Planning Commission will
consider the adoption of Resolution No. 2024-04 for a Two -year Pilot Master Sign
Program and policy to allow the placement of banners on selected poles throughout the
City.
8. ITEMS FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION
9. ITEMS FROM THE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES STAFF
10. 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 the 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: Any member of the public who needs
accommodations should email the ADA Coordinator at jcannon@rpcity.org or by calling 707-588-2221.
The ADA Coordinator will use their best efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to provide as
much accessibility as possible while also maintaining public safety in accordance with the City procedure
for resolving reasonable accommodation requests. Information about reasonable accommodations is
available on the City website at:
https://www.rpcity.org/city_hall/departments/human_resources/a_d_a_and_accessibility_resources
CERTIFICATION OF POSTING OF AGENDA
I, Clotile Blanks, Community Development Technician, for the City of Rohnert Park, declare that the
foregoing notice and agenda for the March 28, 2024, Planning Commission Meeting of the City of
Rohnert Park was posted and available for review on March 22, 2024, 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 22nd day of March 2024 at Rohnert Park, California.
Clotile Blanks
__________________________
Minutes of the Planning Commission Meeting
of the City of Rohnert Park
Thursday, March 14, 2024
6:00 P.M.
130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Matthew Epstein called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Chairperson Matthew Epstein.
3. READING OF THE LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The City of Rohnert Park acknowledges Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards
of the land. Let it be acknowledged that the City of Rohnert Park is located within the
traditional homeland of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, comprised of Coast
Miwok and Southern Pomo peoples.
4. ROLL CALL
Present: Matthew Epstein, Chairperson
Charles Striplen, Vice Chairperson
Marc Orloff, Commissioner
Fanny Lam, Commissioner
Tramaine Austin-Dillon, Commissioner
Absent: None
5. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR - ADOPTION OF MINUTES
6.1 Approval of the Draft Minutes of the Planning Commission Regular
Meeting of February 22, 2024.
ACTION: Moved/Seconded (Striplen/Orloff) to adopt the Minutes of the Planning Commission
Meeting of February 22, 2024.
Motion carried by the following (5-0-0) roll call vote:
AYES: Epstein, Striplen, Orloff, Lam, Austin-Dillon; NOES: None; ABSENT: None
7. AGENDA ITEMS
7.1 Annual Review of the General Plan and Housing Element
Associate Planner, Elliott Pickett delivered a concise PowerPoint presentation.
Mr. Pickett addressed inquiries and feedback from the Commission regarding the General Plan.
During the meeting, Jenna Garcia, the Housing Manager, continued with the PowerPoint
presentation. She also addressed questions and comments from the commission regarding the
Housing Element.
Chairperson Epstein opened the discussion. With no comments or contributions from the public
or Commissioners, Chairperson Epstein concluded the discussion. As there were no actionable
items requiring a vote, no motions were made or carried out.
8. ITEMS FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION
None
9. ITEMS FROM THE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES STAFF
None
10. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Chairperson Matthew Epstein adjourned the regular meeting
at 6:29 p.m.
______________________________ ___________________________________
Matthew Epstein, Chairperson Recording Secretary – Clotile Blanks
Page 1
City of Rohnert Park
Planning Commission Report
Meeting Date: March 28, 2024
Item No: 7.1
Prepared by: Suzie Azevedo, Assistant Planner
Agenda Title: File No. PLSI24-0005 – Two -year Pilot Master Banner Program
Location: Various Locations along E Cotati Avenue and Rohnert Park Expressway
GP/Zoning: Various
Applicant/Owner: Sonoma State University
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt
Resolution No. 2024-04, approving a two-year Pilot Master Banner Program and policy for the
installation and display of banners on selected streetlight poles throughout the City.
BACKGROUND AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant, Sonoma State University
(SSU), has submitted an application for a Master Sign Program and policy to allow the
placement of banners on selected poles throughout the City to promote the University and
highlight Rohnert Park as a partner with the University.
Rohnert Park Zoning Code 17.27.050 regulates temporary banners that advertise and publicize
special events and local business activity to be held within Rohnert Park; however, this type of
program limits the installation of these banners to no more than 14 days, 4 times a year at
designated locations within the City. To facilitate the request, the City is proposing a two-year
“pilot” banner program designed to create, analyze and evaluate program procedures, assess the
program’s viability, effectiveness and efficiency, and identify potential issues or areas of
improvement, if necessary, for banners located on streetlight poles throughout the city.
The pilot banner program aims to allow Sonoma State University to install banner signs for
longer time frames throughout the year and would establish a set of sign criteria unique to this
specific type of placemaking enhancement and promotion of community-oriented establishments
and activities.
ANALYSIS: The City has had a tradition of allowing banners on City-owned light poles on an
informal basis for programs and projects directly associated with the City Departments, as well
as for non-profit organizations located in the City. These signs have been installed on a
temporary basis to promote civic activities or promote special events and recognize community
members (i.e. the City of Rohnert Park Armed Forces banner program). However, these
installations have been informal and temporary and the City does not have adopted standards to
Page 2
apply to these types of banner signs for long-term use. In addition, the Public Works Street
Maintenance Division has previously been charged with installation, purchasing of installation
hardware and ultimate removal of these signs. This task has resulted in impacts on core services
delivery.
The two-year pilot banner program would establish a set of design, operational and technical
considerations to evaluate the concept and its feasibility. This would allow the city and
stakeholders an opportunity to refine the approach, strategies and processes, if necessary, to
implement the planned full-scale program after the two-year period sunsets.
The adoption of a Pilot Master Banner Program for Sonoma State University will allow the
University to install signs on streetlight poles at specified locations and would require
compliance with conditions of approval that would include:
• Display of banners allowed under the pilot program are during the months of March,
April, May, June, July, August, and September.
• Compliance with specified design elements. Examples are included in Figure 1 and
Figure 2 below and include:
o Banner fabric- Banner fabric shall be durable and weather resistant, to include
substantial material, preferably standard 18 oz outdoor vinyl material;
o Banner size- Banner size is limited to 30 x 60, two-sided with 7” top and bottom
pole pockets;
o Banner message - Banner messages should be brief, and text font size and style
should be sufficient for maximum visibility; and
o Appropriate graphics - Graphic elements should be incorporated into the banner
design, generally representing not less than one-third of the area of banners.
• Removal of the signs during certain times of the year and around City recognized
holidays as noted above;
• Prompt removal and or replacement of tattered signs;
• A re -evaluation after the two-year sunset period;
• SSU responsibility for installation with an installation provider retained by SSU and
approved by the City, who is experienced and knowledgeable about the best practices for
traffic control and safety measures during installation/removal and who will use these
practices to their full extent while at work;
• A surety bond shall be filed to cover any expense that may be incurred by the city in
removing the banners. A liability insurance policy naming the city and its employees as
additional insureds of no less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) shall be provided.
The policy shall indemnify, defend and hold the city harmless for damage or injury
caused by such banners; and
• Prior to the installation of any signs, including replacement signs, the applicant will be
required to receive administrative approval from the City.
Page 3
Figure 1: Specifications
Figure 2: Design Elements
The following figures show locations the City has identified throughout the City for banner
placement under the pilot program. All street light poles are shown with a symbol ( ) and a
number; street light poles to be used for banners are highlighted in yellow.
Page 4
Rohnert Park Expressway – Commerce Boulevard to Petaluma Hill Boulevard
Page 5
E. Cotati Avenue – West City Limits east to City Limits
Chapter 17.27.080 of the Rohnert Park Municipal Code notes that all signs must be constructed
and maintained in compliance with the following standards and these standards have been added
as conditions of approval in the attached Resolution.
• Every sign and all parts, portions, and materials must be maintained in good repair. The
display surface of all signs must be kept clean, neatly painted, and free from rust,
cracking, peeling, corrosion, or other states of disrepair. This maintenance obligation
includes the replacement of broken faces, and repainting of rust, chipped, or peeling
structures or faces within fifteen days following written notification by the city.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The action is exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a project which has a potential for resulting
in either a direct physical change in the environment, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section
15378.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION: Public notification is not required for a Sign Program
Planning Manager Approval Date:
Attachments:
• Planning Commission Resolution 2024-04: SSU Sign Program
o Exhibit A – Pilot Master Banner Program Project Specifications
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2024-04
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF ROHNERT PARK APPROVING A TWO-YEAR PILOT MASTER BANNER
PROGRAM FOR THE INSTALLATION AND DISPLAY OF BANNERS ON SELECTED
STREETLIGHT POLES THROUGHOUT THE CITY
WHEREAS, the applicant, Sonoma State University, filed Planning Application No.
PLSI24-0005 for a Master Banner Sign Program for the installation of banners on selected
streetlight poles throughout the city, in accordance with the City of Rohnert Park Municipal
Code;
WHEREAS, Planning Application No. PLSI24-0005 was processed in the time and
manner prescribed by State and local law;
WHEREAS, the City proposes a two-year Pilot Master Banner Program for the
installation and display of banners by the applicant on selected streetlight poles throughout the
city;
WHEREAS, the proposed program would establish a set of design, operational and
technical considerations, test out the feasibility of the concept, and allow the city and
stakeholders an opportunity to refine the approach, strategies, and processes necessary to
implement a planned full-scale program;
WHEREAS, on March 28, 2024, the Planning Commission reviewed Planning
Application No. PLSI24-0005 at which time interested persons had an opportunity to testify
either in support of or opposition to the project;
WHEREAS, at the March 28, 2024 Planning Commission meeting, upon considering all
testimony and arguments, if any, of all persons desiring to be heard, the Planning Commission
considered all the facts relating to Planning Application No. PLSI24-0005.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ROHNERT PARK DOES RESOLVE, DETERMINE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
Section 2. Factors considered. The Planning Commission, in approving Planning
Application No. PLSI24-0005 makes the following factors, to wit:
A.That the proposed location of the use is in accordance with the objectives of the zoning
ordinance and the purposes of the district in which the sign is located.
Criteria Satisfied. The locations selected are desirable for the intent of the pilot program
as pole banners are typically used as a promotional and placemaking enhancement tool.
They also aim to raise awareness of and promote local civic and community events and
highlight organizations in an effective manner, while enhancing neighborhood identity.
The banners submitted are appropriately sized and designed. Approving the pilot
2
Reso 2024-04
program will create a framework and policy to allow for future approval of banners on
streetlight poles throughout the City.
B.That the proposed location of the sign and the conditions under which the sign would be
operated and maintained will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare, or
materially injurious to properties or improvements in the vicinity.
Criteria Satisfied. The sign installation work will be completed with the appropriate
checks and balances in regard to traffic control and other best practices. Installation
providers will be licensed, insured and bonded appropriately. The banners installed will
be attractive and present an orderly appearance and will not be detrimental to the public
health, safety or welfare, or materially injurious to properties or improvements in the
City.
Section 3. Environmental Clearance. - The action is exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is not a project which has a potential for
resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, pursuant to CEQA
Guidelines Section 15378.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission does hereby
approve Planning Application No. PLSI24-0005 subject to the following conditions:
1. The Pilot Banner Program approval shall expire one year from the Planning
Commission approval date, unless prior to the expiration, signs are installed and
displayed per the approved pilot banner program or an extension is requested.
2.The banner installation program shall comply with all applicable provisions of the
Rohnert Park Municipal Code and any state or federal agency requirements.
3. Banner timeframes allowed under the pilot program include the months of March,
April, May, June, July, August, and September.
4.Compliance with specified design elements including:
a.Banner fabric- Banner fabric shall be durable and weather resistant, to
include substantial material, preferably standard 18 oz outdoor vinyl
material.
b. Banner size- Banner size is limited to 30 x 60, 2 sided with 7” top and
bottom pole pockets.
c.Banner message - Banner messages should be brief, and text font size and
style should be sufficient for maximum visibility; and
d. Appropriate graphics - Graphic elements should be incorporated into the
banner design, generally representing not less than one-third of the area of
banners.
5. A surety bond shall be filed to cover any expense that may be incurred by the city in
removing the banners. A liability insurance policy naming the city and its
employees as additional insureds of no less than two million dollars ($2,000,000)
3
Reso 2024-04
shall be provided. The policy shall indemnify, defend and hold the city harmless
for damage or injury caused by such banners.
6. Installation providers must be experienced and knowledgeable about the best
practices for traffic control and safety measures associated with banner installation
and removal and implement these best practices during work on this project.
Installation providers must be approved by the City prior to initiation of work.
7.A re-evaluation after the 2-year sunset period shall be instituted at which time the
City and applicant will meet and confer to measure and assess the process, evaluate
the program’s performance and identify areas of improvement, modification or
changes to conditions of approval, if necessary.
8. The signs shall conform to Exhibit A attached hereto with regard to design,
materials, installation and best practices as it relates to public health, safety and
welfare.
9. Every sign and all parts, portions and materials must be maintained in good repair.
The display surface of all signs must be kept clean, neatly painted, and free from
rust, cracking, peeling, corrosion or other states of disrepair. This maintenance
obligation includes the replacement of broken faces, repainting of rust, chipped or
peeling structures or faces within fifteen days following written notification by the
city. When there is a change or discontinuance of a business or occupancy such that
a sign no longer represents a place of business or occupancy, the sign must be
removed or the name of the prior business or occupant either removed, or the sign
face covered in a manner that blends with the building or supporting structure.
10.Prior to the installation of any signs, including replacement signs, the applicant will
be required to receive administrative approval from the City.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said action shall not be deemed final until the
appeal period has expired and that the appeal period shall be ten (10) working days from the date
of said action. No building permits shall be issued until the appeal period has expired, providing
there are no appeals.
DULY AND REGULARLY ADOPTED on this 28th day of March, 2024 by the City of
Rohnert Park Planning Commission by the following vote:
AYES: _____ NOES:_____ ABSENT:_____ ABSTAIN:_____
AUSTIN-DILLON _____ EPSTEIN _____ LAM _____ ORLOFF ____STRIPLEN _____
________________________________________________________
Matthew Epstein, Chairperson, Rohnert Park Planning Commission
4
Reso 2024-04
Attest: ______________________
Clotile Blanks, Recording Secretary
Attachment: Exhibit A – Pilot Master Banner Sign Program Project Specifications
SCOPE
Together, Sonoma State University and Almaden
Global propose the production and installation of light
pole banners for the City of Rohnert Park.
We feel strongly that light pole banners are an eye-
catching marketing tool that will promote the City of
Rohnert Park and Sonoma State University, and
would be an effective way of branding community with
neighborhood identity.
EXHIBIT A
Banner Size: 30x60”, 2 sided with 7” top and bottom pole pockets
Material: Standard 18 oz. outdoor vinyl material
Full Color
Installed
PROJECT
SPECIFICATIONS
EXHIBIT A
EXHIBIT A
EXHIBIT A
EXHIBIT A
EXHIBIT A
EXHIBIT A
EXHIBIT A
Your
Friendly
Campus
in the
Friendly
City
An
Affordable
Public
University
In the
Heart of
Wine
Country
A
Picturesque
Setting to
Live and
Learn
Connected
with
Our
Community
An
Incredible
University
Experience
EXHIBIT A
Rooted
in
Liberal
Arts
and
Sciences
Small
Class
Sizes
#1
Transfer
Graduation
Rates
in the CSU
Top 5
First Time
First Year
Graduation
Rates
in the CSU
Awarded
One
of the
Most
Beautiful
Campuses
#1
University
Housing in
California
EXHIBIT A
Be A Part
of the
Community
1
More
Mile to
Campus
2
More
Miles to
Campus
Affordable
Degrees
Within
Reach
A
Place
Where
You
Belong
Your
Future
Begins
Here
EXHIBIT A
Your
Friendly
Campus
in the
Friendly
City
EXHIBIT A