HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022/07/14 Planning Commission Agenda Packet
City of Rohnert Park
Planning Commission
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A MEETING
will be held on Thursday, July 14, 2022 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. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
(Austin-Dillon_____ Blanquie____ Lam____ Orloff____ Striplen____)
4. PUBLIC COMMENT – Persons who wish to speak to the Commission regarding an
item that is not on the agenda may do so at this time. Please see above for details on how
to submit public comments.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR - ADOPTION OF MINUTES
5.1 Approval of the Draft Minutes of the Planning Commission Meeting of June 23,
2022
Commissioner Motion/Roll Call Vote:
(Austin-Dillon_____ Blanquie ____ Orloff ____ Striplen _____ Lam _____)
6. AGENDA ITEMS
6.1 Presentation: Public Review Draft of the General Plan 2040 Policy Document
- City of Rohnert Park
7. ITEMS FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION
8. ITEMS FROM THE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES STAFF
9. ADJOURNMENT
NOTE: If you challenge the nature of the proposed action in court, you may be limited to
raising only those issues you or someone else raised at public hearing(s) described in this agenda,
or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Rohnert Park at, or prior to the public
hearing(s).
AMERICAN DISABILITY ACT ACCOMMODATIONS: In compliance with the Americans
with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting please call
(707) 588-2231. Notification 72 hours in advance of the meeting will enable the City to make
reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102.35.104 AD Title
III).
CERTIFICATION OF POSTING OF AGENDA
I, Jennifer Sedna, Community Development Technician, for the City of Rohnert Park, declare
that the foregoing notice and agenda for the July 14, 2022 Planning Commission Meeting of the
City of Rohnert Park was posted and available for review on July 7, 2022 at Rohnert Park City
Hall, 130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park, California 94928. The agenda is available on the City
of Rohnert Park’s website at www.rpcity.org.
Signed this 7th day of July, 2022 at Rohnert Park, California.
Jennifer Sedna
Appeals of any decisions made tonight must be received by the Planning Division within 10
days and no later than 5:00 p.m. on July 25, 2022.
Minutes of the Planning Commission Meeting
of the City of Rohnert Park
Thursday, June 23, 2022
6:00 P.M.
130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Lam called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Chairperson Lam.
3. ROLL CALL
Present: Tramaine Austin-Dillon, Commissioner
Daniel A. Blanquie, Commissioner
Fanny Lam, Chairperson
Marc Orloff, Commissioner
Charles Striplen, Vice Chairperson
Absent: None
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR - ADOPTION OF MINUTES
5.1 Approval of the Draft Minutes of the Planning Commission Meeting of May 26, 2022
ACTION: Moved/seconded (Striplen/Blanquie) to adopt Minutes of the Planning Commission
Meeting of May 26, 2022.
Motion carried by the following unanimous (4-0-1-0) roll call vote: AYES: Blanquie, Orloff,
Striplen, and Lam; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: Austin-Dillon; ABSENT: None.
6. AGENDA ITEMS
6.1 SITE PLAN AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW – PLSR22-0008 – Bear Republic Brewing
Company – Consideration of Resolution 2022-11 approving Site Plan and Architectural Review for the
addition of a 1,680 square foot Jumbotrac outdoor tent located at 5000 Roberts Lake Road (APN 160-
010-031).
Suzie Azevedo, Assistant Planner, presented the item.
Staffmember Thompson, Fire Marshall, answered a question from the Commission regarding the
requirements for California Fire Code Ordinance 920.
Applicant, Richard Norgrove, Sr., Owner of Bear Republic, answered questions from the Commission,
including: presence of fire extinguishers; costs of adding sprinkler system; reason for the type of tent
selected; and, expected life expectancy of tent.
ACTION: Moved/seconded (Blanquie/Orloff) to adopt Resolution 2022-11 approving Site Plan
and Architectural Review for the addition of a 1,680 square foot Jumbotrac outdoor tent located
at 5000 Roberts Lake Road (APN 160-010-031).
Motion carried by the following unanimous (5-0-0) roll call vote: AYES: Austin-Dillon,
Blanquie, Orloff, Striplen, and Lam; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None.
6.2 Informational Presentation: Downtown Project – City of Rohnert Park.
Darrin Jenkins, City Manager, presented the item.
ACTION: The Commission participated in the presentation and offered the following comments
and questions: plans for the overall downtown corridor in the Rohnert Park Central Priority
Development Area Plan; percentage of development of office space; if the Laulima plan will be
incorporated; the challenge with economic dynamics and if the hotel remains a component of the
plan; how the selection of the diversity of art, food, and other businesses will be promoted; if the
City will condition leases to control the types of business allowed; consultation with the Tribe
for site design, signage, etc. to be respectful in a meaningful way; incorporation of solar, water
use, other efficiencies; if the City will sell land for others to build such as hotels and housing;
how the City controls the occupancy and branding of the spaces; what role the City plays for
retail development; if it’s possible to control when a parcel is developed; and, if the City or a
non-profit will develop a space to provide social services.
7. ITEMS FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION
The Commission inquired about the Roberts Lake Road encampment and requested an update.
8. ITEMS FROM THE DEVELOPMENT SERVICE STAFF
Staffperson Beiswenger stated that the General Plan Policy Document will be presented to the
Commission on July 14th.
9. ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Lam adjourned the regular meeting at 7:09.
____________________________________ ___________________________________
Fanny Lam, Chairperson Jennifer Sedna, Secretary
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CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: July 14, 2022
Item No: 6.1
Prepared By: Jeffrey Beiswenger, Planning Manager
Agenda Title: Presentation on the Public Review Draft of the General Plan 2040 Policy
Document
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive a presentation on the public review draft 2040 General
Plan Policy Document.
BACKGROUND: Staff has completed the public review draft of General Plan 2040. The City
of Rohnert Park last made a comprehensive update of its General Plan in 2000. To provide a
contemporary plan that will guide the community through the year 2040, the General Plan needs
to be updated to reflect changes in the community, including new issues and opportunities
identified through community input, changes in state law (such as reducing greenhouse gas
emissions), and new trends. The Rohnert Park General Plan 2040 is intended to provide a vision
and framework for the future growth of Rohnert Park that is internally consistent, easy to use,
and that will provide guidance in the planning and evaluation of future land and resource
decisions.
As part of the General Plan update process, staff has received input on the draft elements from
the City Council, Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission and Bicycle and
Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC). A variety of methods have been used to collect public
input including a General Plan web site, community workshops and “pop-ups” at community
events such as the Farmer’s Market, Founder’s Day, “I Heart Rohnert Park” and others. The City
has received meaningful input from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (Tribe) through
several consultation meetings. This input from the Tribe has been especially important to help
staff revise the Elements to more accurately reflect the Tribal Reservation, reflect the Tribe’s
contributions to community, and craft effective policies related to the protection of cultural
resources and future consultation activities between the Tribe and the City.
The version of the General Plan policy document attached to this staff report is the full public
review draft. It is the result of a robust public engagement process and reflects input from the
public, interest groups and decision-makers. While this is an important document in the General
Plan 2040 update process, it is not the final version. It will serve as the basis for the
environmental impact report, and the public review process as required by California law. Based
on this process we anticipate modest changes will be necessarily prior to launching the approval
process later this year.
The General Plan policy document now includes the following chapters:
• Introduction
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• Our Vision, Our Future
• Racial, Social and Environmental Justice Element
• Community Development Element
• Economic Development Element
• Climate Change Element
• Circulation Element
• Public Facilities and Services Element
• Health and Safety Element
• Resource Conservation Element
• Housing Element
The policy document is the heart of the General Plan update process. This document is made up
of a collection of “elements,” or topic chapters. The state-mandated topics are land use,
circulation, housing, conservation, open space, noise, safety, air quality and environmental
justice. A jurisdiction may elect to include additional elements that address issues of local
concern. Under state law, if optional elements are included in the general plan, they carry the
same weight of law as those that are legally mandated. General plans may be organized in a way
that the jurisdiction chooses provided the required topics are addressed (see Table 1).
Table 1
Elements of the Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan
Rohnert Park Elements:
State Mandated Elements Optional Land Use Circulation Housing Conservation Noise Open Space Safety Air Quality Environmental Justice Racial, Social and Environmental Justice
Community Development
Economic Development
Climate Change
Circulation
Public Facilities and Services
Health and Safety
Resource Conservation
Housing
Source: Mintier Harnish, 2020
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Planning Area
State law requires cities to adopt a general plan that addresses physical development within city
limits, as well as any land outside its boundaries, “which in the planning agency’s judgment,
bears relation to its planning.” The Planning Area for the 2040 General Plan is shown on Figure
1 and depicts:
• City Limits. The jurisdictional limits of Rohnert Park where zoning and other municipal
regulations apply.
• Sphere of Influence (SOI). Determined by Sonoma County’s Local Area Formation
Commission, this boundary includes all land within the City Limits, plus land outside the
City Limits where the City could expand in the future (e.g. Northeast area) or where the
City provides services (e.g. Canon Manor area).
• Urban Growth Boundary (UGB). The voters of Sonoma County renewed UGBs in 2019.
UGBs limits the urban expansion of cities until 2040. Specifically, the UGB prevents
Rohnert Park or any other city from expanding city serves (e.g. water and sewer) or
approving development that would result in new homes or businesses outside this line.
The purpose of the Planning Area is to provide the opportunity to evaluate the effects of future
growth in the entire Planning Area and to develop further analysis of the values of the
surrounding open space and agricultural areas beyond the existing and planned urban area.
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Figure 1
Planning Boundaries
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To help ensure that appropriate actions are taken to implement the 2040 General Plan, the
General Plan includes a set of implementation programs. These programs identify the specific
steps to be taken by the City to implement the policies. They may include revisions of current
codes and ordinances, plans, capital improvements, programs, financing, and other measures that
should be assigned to different City departments after the General Plan is adopted. While some
policies can be implemented as part of standard City operations, some policies require specific
programs to assure their implementation. These implementation programs are included as the last
section in each element in a format illustrated on Figure 2 below.
Figure 2
How to Read Implementation Programs
Environmental Impact Report
To accompany the policy document, an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will be prepared
consistent with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The EIR
will analyze the potential significant impacts of the proposed General Plan’s policies and
identifies measures to mitigate those impacts. Staff expects that have a Draft EIR available to
public within the next few months. A public meeting will be held during the review and
comment period to present the major findings of the Draft EIR and to receive comments from the
public and members of the Planning Commission and City Council.
Summary of Policy Document
A brief summary of each chapter of the General Plan policy document is included below and the
complete document is included as an attachment to this staff report.
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1. Introduction. The introduction outlines the purpose of the 2040 General Plan, as a
“long-range plan that guides decision-making and establishes rules and standards for
development and city improvements.” The chapter explains the General Plan
organization and how each element is structured with goals, policies and implementation
programs.
2. Our Vision, Our Future. This chapter provides a user-friendly overview of the City’s
overall vision and how the new General Plan will help achieved that vision. This chapter
provides a look at eight focus areas (see Figure 3) that will see larger changes over the
next 20 years. The discussions of each area provide a framework for the community’s
expectations about the future of these areas, and to express the City’s vision in a more
tangible way.
Figure 3
Focus Areas
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3. Racial, Social and Environmental Justice Element. The Council felt that it was
important to include this Element in the General Plan and asked staff to expand on the
State required topic of environment justice to also include racial and social issues. The
environmental justice component complies with Senate Bill 1000 (SB 1000). SB 1000
requires general plans to incorporate environmental justice goals, policies, and objectives
to address health risks in disadvantaged communities. SB 1000 directs local agencies to
consider policies that reduce exposure to pollutants or other hazards, promote healthy
habits, prioritize infrastructure improvements and programs that address the needs of
disadvantaged communities, and promote civic engagement in the public decision-
making process.
4. Community Development Element. The Community Development Element establishes
land use designations that identify the type and intensity of uses allowed in the City,
together with the goals, policies and implementation activities that will support these land
uses. The designations are shown on the Land Use Diagram, which graphically illustrates
the boundaries for distinct land use designations (and is correlated with the city’s zoning
map). The intent of these land use designations is also described through text and a table
of accompanying development standards. While this element preserves many of the goal
and policies of the current general plan, it also introduces new goals and policies that
create a flexible business park designation to support economic development.
5. Economic Development. This is a new element to the Rohnert Park General Plan, which
is focused specifically on goals and policies that support long term economic health for
the community. The element includes the following highlights:
• Fiscal Health – policies are included to ensure that the City can generate enough
revenue to maintain and provide high-quality municipal services.
• Business Park Designation - a key policy in this section is to “Establish a
Business Park Designation and Provide Incentives.” The City has four geographic
areas which have vacant properties, underdeveloped properties or properties that
could be redeveloped. The proposed policy and goals would be to create one
designation for these areas that would encourage a wide range of uses to respond
to dramatic changes in the economic landscape.
• Downtown Rohnert Park – policies are included to increase the vibrancy of
downtown. Successful downtowns serve to generate financial, community and
social benefits.
• Business Attraction, Retention and Expansion – business attraction and retention
is an important economic development activity that not only maintains and
increases city revenues but also supports the community’s workforce. Rohnert
Park experiences significant workforce “leakage” meaning that residents leave the
City to find employment. As Figure 4 illustrates that over 18,000 workers leave
the city every day to find employment elsewhere. The goal and policies in the
section provide guidance for attracting, retaining and expanding businesses,
which ideally will provide higher quality jobs for residents, reduce the need for
commuting and support city services.
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Figure 4
Commuting Patterns (2017)
6. Climate Change Element. The City Council requested the preparation of the Climate
Change element due to the importance of this issue for the City. The Council adopted
Resolution 2021-026 in early 2021, to “endorse the declaration of a climate emergency.”
The climate emergency resolution directs the City to address Climate Change through the
following measures:
• Transition away from fossil fuel;
• Collaborate on climate issues;
• Achieve zero net emission as quickly as possible;
• Provide for full community participation;
• Accelerate adaptations and resiliency strategies;
• Develop a mobilization strategy;
• Provide a climate liaison; and
• Educate City employees and Rohnert Park residents.
The goals and policies of the draft Climate Change Element have been developed to help
address the measures adopted with Resolution 2021-026, as well as to help the City
comply with various state laws around greenhouse reduction. The goals, policies and
implementation program in the General Plan will provide the roadmap for the City’s
work to transition to a low carbon economy and adapt to a changing climate.
7. Circulation Element. The single largest change impacting the Circulation Element is the
shift from using a level of service analysis to set policy to using a Vehicle Miles Traveled
(VMT) analysis to set policy. VMT is a metric which holistically seeks to reduce vehicle
miles traveled through changes in land use, creation of improved bike and pedestrian
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facilities, and encouraging the use of alternative travel mode choices (transit, walking,
biking, carpooling etc.)
The Circulation Element provides a policy framework to address emerging trends in the
transportation sector (e.g. Uber and Lyft, bike-share and scooter-share, electric vehicles
and autonomous vehicles). These emerging trends will continue to influence travel
choices within Rohnert Park, which in turn can alter infrastructure needs. New policies
will help prepare Rohnert Park for these emerging trends.
8. Public Facilities and Services Element. This element includes eleven sections that each
include goals and policies related to a type of public service.
• General Public Facilities and Services – focused on the effective provision of
public facilities and services. New policy areas include sustainable business
practices for City operations and facilities and assuring that public facilities are
climate resistant.
• Parks and Recreation – provides for a system of parks and trails to meet
community needs. New policies call for long-term park maintenance, parkland
dedication requirements for new development and considering the location and
amenities of parks for maximum community benefit and use.
• Water supply and Delivery – continued focus on water use efficiency and
recycled water use along with ongoing coordination on regional water supplies
from Sonoma Water and the Santa Rosa Plain Groundwater Basin.
• Wastewater - Rohnert Park is part of a subregional treatment system operated by
the City of Santa Rosa. In 2013 / 2014, the City built the East Side Trunk Sewer
which provided additional capacity for new development on the eastern side of
Rohnert Park. Policies in the new General Plan will mostly focus on modest
improvements to the existing system. No major system changes are anticipated.
• Stormwater – since the last General Plan update, stormwater management
techniques and requirements have changed significantly. There are many new
policies in this section to improve stormwater quality and allow for on-site
stormwater infiltration (ie. Low Impact Development or LID).
• Law Enforcement – new policy areas included related to staffing benchmark
standards, police equipment and facilities, police communications, community
policing strategies, community engagement, and collaboration with schools /
employers / institutions, and mutual aid.
• Fire and Emergency Services – section includes a goal and policies which are
designed to ensure high quality fire and emergency response.
• Utilities – new policy areas include utility services modernization, utility siting
coordination, utility provider coordination, renewable energy, PACE program,
streamlining of solar installations, and cooperation with Sonoma Clean Power.
• Communications Infrastructure – section responds to the increased need for and
importance of state-of-the-art communications infrastructure and focuses on the
creation and maintenance of this infrastructure.
9. Health and Safety Element. While this element preserves many of the goal and policies
of the current general plan, it also introduces new goals and policies based primarily on
new hazards induced by climate change. New policy topics include:
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• Communication protocols in emergencies;
• Cooling center locations;
• Post-disaster rebuilding;
• Ensuring of continuity of operations;
• Wildfire inter-agency planning;
• Wildland-Urban interface;
• Fire access;
• Defensible space;
• Hazard mitigation partnerships;
• Limiting of impervious surfaces in new development;
• Noise protection through site planning techniques;
• Hazardous materials plans for businesses; and
• Hazardous waste remediation coordination.
10. Resource Conservation Element. This is an existing element of the current general plan
with some important updates. It is organized in the follow sections:
• Historical Cultural and Archaeological Resources – new policies include support
for historic landmark designations and tribal consultation compliance.
• Habitat and Biological Resources – new policies in this section call for: biological
resource assessments for development projects; sensitive project design in areas
with known endangered plant and animal species; preferences for native plants
and trees; and protection and enhancement of Rohnert Park’s urban forest.
• Water Conservation – this section encourages water conservation through the use
of recycled water, low impact development (LID) which allows for water
infiltration to restore ground water, and water efficiency initiatives for existing
buildings.
• Open Space – the policies in this section are largely carried over from the existing
general plan and provide a policy framework for the preservation and
maintenance of open space.
• Air Quality – the policies of this section have been largely carried over from the
existing general plan and provide a policy framework for maintaining a high level
of air quality and serve to mitigate or reduce exposure to any adverse air quality
impacts.
11. Housing Element. Rohnert Park’s current Housing Element, which was adopted on
November 25, 2014 and addresses housing needs for the 2015-2023 projection period.
This section contains the goals, policies, and programs extracted from that 2015-2023
Housing Element, and is currently being updated as a separate (but related) project to the
2040 General Plan.
12. Glossary. Includes definitions of terms that are unique to the General Plan.
NEXT STEPS: Now that the public review draft of the General Plan 2040, Policy Document
has been completed, efforts will turn to the completion of the draft Environmental Impact
Report. This will be completed so that it can be circulated for public comment within the next
few months.
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Work on the Housing Element is also continuing as a parallel effort. The Housing Element has a
State mandated timeline for adoption by early 2023. Therefore, the project will progress
independently of the full 2040 General Plan, in order to ensure that the City will be able to adopt
the Housing Element on time.
Figure 5 below shows how far we have advanced in the General Plan schedule. The EIR will be
circulated for public comment when complete. At that point we can assess whether any
significant changes need to be made to the General Plan and progress to adoption hearings.
Figure 5
Schedule
Planning Manager Approval Date: 07/06/22
Attachments (list in packet assembly order):
1. General Plan Policy Document
Introduction
Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022 Page 1-1
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Rohnert Park is a central Sonoma County city along US Highway 101 in the northern San Francisco Bay Area.
Sonoma County is characterized by rolling hills and valleys, and Rohnert Park lies within the broad Cotati
Valley, which is bounded by the coastal hills to the west and the Sonoma Mountains to the east. Several
creeks run through the city, originating in the Sonoma Mountains and draining to the Laguna de Santa Rosa.
The mountains, hills, and surrounding fields and wetlands provide a rural backdrop to the city.
From the start, the City of Rohnert Park was based on the planning concept of the “neighborhood unit,” which
clustered homes around local schools and parks. Each of the original neighborhoods consisted of 200 to 250
homes centered on a 10-acre school and 5-acre park site. The idea behind this design was that no child
would have to walk more than one-third of a mile to school, and the school would be the center of a
cohesive neighborhood. Commercial and industrial development would be large enough and diverse
enough to support the entire community. Rohnert Park became one of the earliest master-planned
communities in the country and was developed without a traditional “downtown.” Recently, there has been
more focus on creating a downtown core with an interconnected public realm, to support the traditional
neighborhoods.
Public Review Draft Policy Document
Page 1-2 Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022
Purpose of the General Plan
The Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan is a long-range plan that guides decision-making and establishes rules
and standards for development and city improvements. Not only does the update reflect the City’s vision for
the future and provide direction through the year 2040, California law also requires that every county and city
adopt a general plan “for the physical development of the county or city, and of any land outside its
boundaries which in the planning agency’s judgment bears relation to its planning.” (Gov. Code, § 65300) A
general plan serves as the jurisdiction’s “constitution” or “blueprint” for future decisions concerning a variety
of issues including land use, health and safety, and resource conservation. All area plans, specific plans,
subdivisions, public works projects, and zoning decisions must be consistent with the direction provided in
the City’s General Plan.
The City of Rohnert Park last updated its General Plan in 2000. To provide a contemporary plan that will
guide the community to the year 2040, the General Plan needs to be updated to reflect changes in the
community, including new issues and opportunities identified through community input, changes in state law
(such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions), and new trends (e.g. autonomous cars, impacts of online
shopping). The Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan is intended to provide a vision and framework for the future
growth of Rohnert Park that is internally consistent, easy to use, and that will provide guidance in the
planning and evaluation of future land and resource decisions.
Using the General Plan
The General Plan is used by the City Council, Planning Commission, and City staff to make decisions with
direct or indirect land use and resource management implications. It also provides a framework for inter-
jurisdictional coordination of planning efforts among officials and City staff and other government agencies.
City residents, property owners, and businesses also use the General Plan for guidance for particular
geographic areas or for particular subjects of interest to them.
The General Plan is the basis for a variety of regulatory measures and administrative procedures. California
planning law requires consistency between the General Plan and its implementing programs, such as zoning
and subdivision ordinances, capital improvement programs, area plans, specific plans, environmental review
procedures, and building and housing codes.
Over time the city’s population will change, its goals will evolve, and the physical environment in which its
residents live and work will be altered. In order for the General Plan to be a useful document, it must be
monitored and periodically revised to respond to and reflect changing conditions and needs.
The General Plan should be reviewed annually to evaluate the progress in achieving its goals. A more
comprehensive and thorough review should be done every five to ten years to assess whether the plan
needs to be refined or updated to reflect changes in local conditions, local priorities, or State law. State law
permits the General Plan to be amended up to four times in any calendar year, unless special conditions
apply as defined by Government Code sections 65358(c) and (d). Each amendment may contain more than
one change to the General Plan.
1. Introduction
Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022 Page 1-3
General Plan Key Terms
The following terms are used to describe the geographic boundaries used in the General Plan:
City Limits. Includes the area within the city’s municipal boundary over which the City exercises land
use authority and provides public services, also called incorporated area.
Sphere of Influence (SOI). The City’s Sphere of Influence (SOI) is established by the Sonoma County
Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) and is defined as a planning boundary outside of a
city’s legal boundary (i.e., city limits) that designates the city’s probable future boundary and service
area. An SOI includes both incorporated and unincorporated areas within which the City will have
primary responsibility for the provision of public facilities and services.
Urban Growth Boundary. The Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) is defined by LAFCO as “a boundary
adopted by a city and/or approved by voter initiative to define the limits of its urban development.” In
2019, residents voted to renew the City’s UGB through the year 2040. The UGB limits intense
development around the city, protecting open space. The UGB is intended to ensure efficient and
orderly growth patterns; stability and certainty in long-term planning; a well-designed mix of
residential, commercial, business park and open space uses; and, adequate and efficient delivery of
public services and facilities.
Planning Area. State law requires cities to adopt a general plan that addresses physical development
within city limits, as well as any land outside its boundaries, “which in the planning agency’s judgment,
bears relation to its planning.” This larger area is referred to as the City’s “Planning Area.” The Planning
Area for the 2040 General Plan encompasses the entire area within the city limits, SOI, and UGB. The
purpose of the Planning Area is to provide the opportunity to evaluate the effects of future growth in
the entire Planning Area and to develop further analysis of the values of the surrounding open space
and agricultural areas beyond the existing and planned urban area. The Planning Area for the 2040
General Plan is shown on Figure 1-1.
Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Reservation Lands. While not subject to State and Local
planning laws, the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (FIGR) Reservation is located generally west
of the City limits. The City is actively engaged in consultation with FIGR on a variety of projects
including updates to the General Plan. The City has cooperative agreements with FIGR and receives
funding to provide police and fire and emergency service, roadway maintenance and social services.
A more detailed summary of the Tribe’s contributions to the Rohnert Park community are included in
the Public Facilities Element.
Public Review Draft Policy Document
Page 1-4 Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022
Figure 1-1 Planning Boundaries
1. Introduction
Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022 Page 1-5
General Plan Organization
The 2040 General Plan is made up of a primary document, the Policy Document, and a set of five white
papers, each of which provides background information on the existing conditions in Rohnert Park.
General Plan Policy Document
The Policy Document is the heart of the General Plan update process. This document is made up of a
collection of “elements,” or topic chapters. The State-mandated elements are land use, circulation, housing,
conservation, open space, noise, safety, air quality, and environmental justice (and air quality in certain
locations) (Gov. Code, § 65302). A jurisdiction may elect to include additional elements, referred to as
“optional” elements, that address issues of local concern, such as economic development (Gov. Code,
§ 65303.). Under State law, if optional elements are included in the general plan, they carry the same weight
of law as those that are legally mandated. General plans may be organized anyway the jurisdiction chooses
provided the required topics are addressed.
Table 1-1 shows how the elements of the Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan are organized to meet the
requirements of State law.
Elements of the Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan
Rohnert Park Elements:
State Mandated Elements Optional Land Use Circulation Housing Conservation Noise Open Space Safety Air Quality Environmental Justice Racial, Social and Environmental Justice
Community Development
Economic Development
Climate Change
Circulation
Public Facilities and Services
Health and Safety
Resource Conservation
Housing
Source: Mintier Harnish, 2020
The Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan Policy Document is organized into twelve chapters consisting of the
Introduction, Our Vision, Our Future, and nine elements.
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The following provides a brief description of each chapter in the 2040 Rohnert Park General Plan Policy
Document. The two- or three-letter acronym following each element’s name represents the letters used to
refer to the goals and policies under that element. See Section 1.6, Reader’s Guide, for further information on
use of these acronyms.
1. Introduction
The Introduction chapter provides an overview of the General Plan and includes a Reader’s Guide
(Section 1.6) that provides useful information on how to read and use the goals, policies, and programs
presented in each element.
2. Our Vision, Our Future
This chapter provides an expanded description of the future envisioned for key areas in the
community. It describes the major change areas and illustrates what these areas are envisioned to
become in the next 20 years.
3. Racial, Social, and Environmental Justice Element (RSEJ)
The Racial, Social, and Environmental Justice Element includes goals, policies, and implementation
programs that promote racial, social, and environmental justice issues and support local efforts to
increase public involvement from a diverse cross-section of the population in local governance
processes. The themes addressed in this Element lay the foundation for creating a more equitable and
inclusive environment for all residents, businesses, visitors, and organizations of Rohnert Park.
4. Community Development Element (CD)
The Community Development Element establishes the pattern and intensity of land use in the city and
sets forth policies and standards to guide future development and growth management. This Element
also includes community design guidelines and serves as the primary vehicle for ensuring that new
land uses are logically organized and developed in a way that is sustainable and enhances Rohnert
Park’s unique identity.
5. Economic Development Element (ED)
The Economic Development Element provides goals and policies to ensure the fiscal health of the city.
This Element guides Rohnert Park’s efforts to support and attract unique and local businesses, more
efficiently use non-residential land, and build upon existing assets.
6. Climate Change Element (CC)
The Climate Change Element identifies the sources of GHGs in the city and seeks to lay out specific
strategies for mitigating and adapting to climate change impacts for the City. It contains an inventory of
greenhouse gas emissions from 2010 and 2015, expected climate-related changes to natural hazards
throughout the life of the General Plan, and climate adaptation strategies to mitigate these changes.
7. Circulation Element (C)
The Circulation Element focuses on providing a balanced, multimodal transportation network that
meets the needs of all users of City’s system streets and paths for safe and convenient travel. Beyond
a transportation plan, this element is a strategy for addressing infrastructure needs to ensure the
adequate circulation of people, goods, and services.
8. Public Facilities and Services Element (PF)
The Public Facilities and Services Element provides goals, policies, and programs to guide the
provision of essential public facilities and services, including parks and recreation; water supply and
1. Introduction
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delivery; wastewater collection and treatment; stormwater management; solid waste, recycling, and
organics; law enforcement; fire and emergency services; utilities; communication infrastructure; and
schools and libraries.
9. Health and Safety Element (HS)
The Health and Safety Element provides for the protection of the community from any unreasonable
risks associated with the effects of hazards and disasters. This element addresses a variety of topics
including emergency preparedness, wildfire, seismic and geologic hazards, flooding hazards, water
quality, noise, and hazardous materials.
10. Resource Conservation Element (RC)
The Resource Conservation Element focuses on conserving and enhancing the city’s natural and open
space environment for present and future residents. This element addresses a variety of topics,
including historic and archeological resources, habitat and biological resources, water conservation,
open space, air quality, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions.
11. Housing Element (HE)
The Housing Element ensures that there is adequate land in place to accommodate the City’s fair
share of population growth. The City adopted the 2015-2023 Housing Element in 2014 to identify and
address housing needs in compliance with State housing law. The 2040 General Plan integrates the
City’s current 2015-2023 Housing Element by formatting the document to be consistent with the 2040
General Plan and making technical corrections to some of the data included in the Housing Element.
12. Appendices: Glossary and Data Reports
Definition of key terms used in the 2040 General Plan and data reports on key topic areas.
General Plan White Papers
Early in the development of the 2040 General Plan update, five white papers were developed to provide a
“snapshot” in time of the existing conditions and trends for key topic areas. The five General Plan white
papers developed are as follows:
Land Use and Community Character
Economics
Transportation
Climate Change
Environmental Justice
The white papers presented physical, social, and economic resource information that was used to support
the preparation of the 2040 General Plan. The white papers serve as the foundation for understanding the
factual context for making policy decisions. The contents of the White Paper are included in Appendix A to
the General Plan. The 2018 Local Hazards Mitigation Plan and 2019 UGB Ballot Measure are included in
Appendix B and C in the General Plan.
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Reader’s Guide
Goals and Policies
Each element contains the goals and policies that the City will use to guide future land use, development,
resource management, and environmental protection decisions. A goal is a statement that describes in
general terms a desired future condition or “end” state. Goals describe ideal future conditions for a topic and
tend to be very general and broad. A policy is a clear and unambiguous statement that guides a specific
course of action for decision-makers to achieve a desired goal. The goals and policies in the General Plan are
presented in a standard format. An explanation of this format, using a sample goal and policy, is illustrated
on Figure 1-2
Figure 1-2 How to Read Goals and Policies
1. Introduction
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Implementation Programs
To help ensure that appropriate actions are taken to implement the 2040 General Plan, the General Plan
includes a set of implementation programs. These programs identify the specific steps to be taken by the
City to implement the policies. They may include revisions of current codes and ordinances, plans, capital
improvements, programs, financing, and other measures that should be assigned to different City
departments after the General Plan is adopted. While some policies can be implemented as part of standard
City operations, some policies require specific programs to assure their implementation. These
implementation programs are included as the last section in each element in a format illustrated on
Figure 1-3.
Figure 1-3 How to Read Implementation Programs
The Icon
While the City has included the majority of policies and implementation measures that support Green House
Gas Emission Reductions and Climate Adaptation in its Climate Change Element, some policies and actions
relate to multiple elements. The [insert leaf icon] icon indicates policy actions that are supportive of the City’s
Climate Change Mitigation Adaptation Goals that appear in other elements of the General Plan.
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Milestone Documents
In addition to the white papers, the City prepared additional documents at various milestones during the
2040 General Plan update process.
Visioning Summary
During Fall 2018, community members were asked to provide input on a vision for
Rohnert Park. Input was collected through Mad Libs-style exercises at Founder's Day,
Community Workshop #1, and two online surveys accessed through the General Plan
Update website. This document summarizes the findings.
Alternatives Report
The City published the Alternatives Report in October 2019. This report is a
milestone of the Alternatives Phase of the General Plan Update project, which
develops and explores different options for how the city could grow in the
future and how the General Plan Update project could address major policy
issues. This phase included discussions with community members,
stakeholders, and decision-makers about General Plan organization, population
projections, land use capacity assessment and alternatives, and policy options.
This process provided the community with an opportunity to discuss pros and
cons of different growth alternatives and ways to achieve the vision and build consensus for a Preferred
Alternative. The Preferred Alternative provided the framework for future growth and resource protection and
established the basis for the updated goals, policies, and implementation programs that comprehensively
address land use, mobility, public facilities, environmental quality, water conservation, and healthy
communities.
Some of the items listed below are planned for future dates that have not been confirmed
at this time. Please check the City’s website for dates and locations.
Draft General Plan
Based on input from City leadership, the public, and City staff, the Draft General Plan is a compilation of
goals, policies, and implementation programs. A series of study sessions were held with the Planning
Commission and City Council, with invitations made to community groups and stakeholders, to review each
of the elements in more detail. Based on feedback received at these meetings, the City revised the elements
and released the Public Review Draft General Plan on <<DATE>>. The City Council reviewed the final draft of
the Public Review Draft General Plan on <<DATE>> and provided City staff with additional feedback and
direction to proceed with environmental review.
1. Introduction
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Environmental Impact Report
Prepared consistent with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) analyzes the potential significant impacts of the proposed General Plan’s
policies and identifies measures to mitigate those impacts. The City published the Draft EIR on <<DATE>>. A
public meeting was held during the review and comment period to present the major findings of the Draft
EIR and to receive comments from the public and members of the Planning Commission and City Council.
Final General Plan
The Public Review Draft General Plan was revised based on the EIR analysis, public hearings, and ultimately
the direction from the City Council. The Final General Plan was adopted by the City Council on <<DATE>>.
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Community Engagement
The 2040 General Plan was shaped by an extensive community engagement approach to ensure all
community members had the opportunity to be involved as an integral component in the 2040 General Plan
update process. The City gathered community input through the following methods:
Townhall Meeting
In April 2018, the City initiated the General Plan Update process with a townhall meeting. The meeting
introduced participants to the basics of general plans, why Rohnert Park’s needs to be updated, and how
Rohnert Park planned on approaching the update process, including a general project timeline. Attendees
were then asked to participate in an exercise, where they were given the opportunity to identify issues and
opportunities that the General Plan should address.
Stakeholder Interviews
The City engaged a number of stakeholders during the General Plan Update process. The stakeholders
represented a variety of organization and interests, including the Chamber of Commerce, developers, and
environmental and community organizations.
Visioning Workshop
In November 2018, the City held a visioning workshop. City staff
and consultants briefed community members on the basics of
general plans, including their structure, content, timeline, and the
opportunities to be involved in the General Plan Update. They then
described two workshop exercises to gather community input on
the vision for the General Plan and identifying areas in Rohnert Park
where there are opportunities for change.
Pop-Up Events
To collect additional feedback, the City hosted several pop-up booths at community events, where
community members could engage with City staff and give input on the General Plan Update. The City
hosted booths at farmers’ markets in August 2018 and June 2019, at Founder’s Day in October 2018, and at I
Heart Rohnert Park, a community event in February 2019. At these events, community members were asked
to give feedback on what they would like to see improved in their neighborhoods and in their city.
Rohnert Park Draft General Plan Community Open House
<<INSERT DESCRIPTION AFTER THIS EVENT HAPPENS>>
Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)
The TAC consists of City agency directors, deputy directors, and senior management staff who oversee
agencies, departments, or programs, and implement policies that the General Plan will address, as well as
representatives from relevant outside agencies and organizations. The TAC was established to provide data,
information, and feedback at key points during the General Plan update process.
Planning Commission and City Council Meetings and Working Sessions
The Planning Commission and City Council were engaged in each step in the development of the 2040
General Plan. Their insight and guidance were integral to the project’s development at each key milestone.
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Online Engagement
To help expand the outreach efforts of the General Plan, the City maintained a project website
(www.envisionrp.com) to provide information on the process including General Plan information, meeting
dates and locations, past meeting minutes, and related documents. The City regularly updated and used the
project website throughout the General Plan Update process to keep community members informed and
involved.
As part of the project website, the City maintained Engagement HQ, a platform that was used to collect
community feedback throughout the General Plan Update process. Engagement HQ allowed the City to
engage with the community through surveys, polls, and mapping exercises. It was used throughout the
update process to collect feedback on a wide range of topics.
Our Vision, Our Future
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2
Rohnert Park is a friendly, family-oriented city that is transitioning from its master planned residential roots to
a dynamic and vibrant city that meets the full range of community and social needs of it residents. While
Chapters 3 through 11 provide the goals, policies, and programs that will be used to guide land use and
resource decisions, this chapter provides the overall planning framework for the community. Contained in this
chapter are the City’s Vision Statement and Guiding Principles that were developed by the community to
express their aspirations for Rohnert Park in the year 2040. This chapter also provides a look at eight focus
areas in the community that will see larger changes over the next 20 years. The discussions of each area are
designed to provide a framework for the community’s expectations about the future of these areas, and to
express the City’s vision and guiding principles in a more tangible outcome.
Section Title Page
Vision and Guiding Principles .................................................................................................................................... 2-2
Northwest Area .................................................................................................................................................................... 2-6
Dowdell Avenue Corridor ............................................................................................................................................. 2-8
Rohnert Park Expressway Corridor...................................................................................................................... 2-10
Central Rohnert Park ...................................................................................................................................................... 2-12
Southwest Boulevard Commerical Corridor ................................................................................................ 2-15
University District .............................................................................................................................................................. 2-17
SOMO Village/Willowglen Area ........................................................................................................................... 2-19
Northeast Specific Plan Area ................................................................................................................................... 2-21
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Vision and Guiding Principles
The Vision and Guiding Principles reflect what community members value most about their community and
the shared aspirations of what they envision their community becoming in the future. These aspirational
statements guided and inspired the goals and policies contained in this General Plan.
Vision
The Vision Statement is an aspirational statement that sets the overall direction for
the General Plan’s goals, policies, and programs. During the development of the
General Plan, residents participated in visioning exercises during a community
workshop and as part of community events. These exercises and discussions with
the Planning Commission and City Council helped to develop a Vision Statement
that guides this General Plan.
Vision Statement 2040
Rohnert Park is a thriving, family-friendly community that is a
safe, enjoyable place to live, work, and play.
Guiding Principles
Guiding Principles are central ideas that articulate the City’s commitment to achieving the Vision Statement.
They establish the framework for the ideas and concepts integral to the General Plan and served as
touchstones during the process to develop and refine the goals, policies, and programs.
Environmental, Social, and Environmental Justice
Encourage and support efforts to increase participation in the local political process and to improve
local conditions relative to racial, social, and environmental justice issues.
Create a more equitable and inclusive city for all residents of Rohnert Park, with a focus on members of
the community who have not been previously heard.
Community Development
Support, foster, and enhance the family-oriented, friendly culture of Rohnert Park.
Create attractive spaces for residents to gather.
Ensure a sustainable Rohnert Park balances growth with community resources.
Economic Development
Attract and retain unique local businesses as well as other businesses that would contribute to the
fiscal sustainability of the city.
Build on existing assets.
Hold fiscal responsibility as an important factor in city decisions.
Climate Change
Emphasize climate resiliency, sustainability, and adaptation as an integral part of the community.
Circulation
Maintain a safe, efficient, and connected transportation system.
“A vision without a
plan is just a
dream. A plan
without a vision
just passes time.
Vision with a plan
can change the
world.”
[Various Authors]
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Embrace all modes of transportation (e.g., bus, transit, bike, auto) to provide flexibility in transportation
options to residents, employees, and visitors in Rohnert Park.
Improve connection points between the different modes of transportation, including attention to last-
mile connectivity.
Use transportation demand management to improve traffic congestion.
Public Facilities and Services
Ensure that all Rohnert Park residents have access to well-maintained infrastructure and parks and
quality services and programs.
Health and Safety
Ensure that the city is prepared for foreseeable local hazards (e.g., earthquakes, flood, fire) and
associated challenges (e.g., erosion, drainage, stormwater management) through up-to-date
emergency management and notification procedures.
Promote continued reduction, reuse, and recycling within the city.
Resource Conservation
Respect and preserve the historic, archeological, and biological resources in Rohnert Park.
Invest in water and air quality improvement measures and programs.
Housing
Provide housing that meets the needs of all current and future residents.
Drivers of Change
Beyond the Vision Statement and Guiding Principles, this chapter also provides a deeper look at the social,
economic, and political drivers of change that have further shaped the goals, policies, and programs in this
General Plan.
Changes to the look and feel of the city rarely happen in a vacuum. Typically, change is the result of the city
adapting to local and regional economic, social, political, or environmental trends. Change can also be
proactively driven by the city’s desire to create more jobs, build more housing, provide more amenities,
and/or foster a sense of community. As much of the community is built out, the drivers of change are more
relevant for newer development areas outside the existing urban fabric, as well as for the revitalization of
corridors and older commercial areas. Most of the existing neighborhoods will not be directly affected.
The following lists the various regional and local drivers that have informed the Vision, Guiding Principles,
goals, policies, and programs of the 2040 General Plan:
Adding two new elements to the General Plan to address current needs related to racial, social, and
environmental justice issues and to address issues related to climate change and climate resiliency,
sustainability, and adaptation;
Increasing need for higher-paying jobs;
Shifting retail trends to more online shopping and implications for commercial centers and associated
parking lots;
Ensuring a long-term balance between a solid employment base and adequate housing supply and
choice;
Developing a vibrant, walkable Downtown District;
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Enabling infill development to revitalize older parts of the community;
Improving connectivity between the city and Sonoma State University;
Accounting for the impacts of California Tiger Salamander habitat on development in portions of the
city; and
Coordinating development efforts to overcome challenges of fragmented parcelization in
undeveloped areas.
Focus Areas
Eight geographic locations were identified as focus areas for the Rohnert Park General Plan. These eight
locations are key areas of future development, redevelopment, and change within the community.
This chapter describes and illustrates each of the eight focus areas, which are identified on Figure 2-1 and are
listed below:
Northwest Area
Dowdell Avenue Corridor
Rohnert Park Expressway Corridor
Central Rohnert Park
Southwest Boulevard Shopping Center
University District
SOMO Village/Willowglen Area
Northeast Specific Plan
The following discussion for each focus area is not meant to be specific policy direction or plan for
development, but an overall concept of what these areas could become over the next 20 years.
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Figure 2-1 Areas of Interest
FEDERATED
INDIANS OF
GRATON
RANCHERIA
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Northwest Area
Location
The Northwest Area lies west of Highway 101 and includes areas within the
Northwest Specific Plan and the Wilfred-Dowdell Specific Plan. The area is
generally bounded by Millbrae Avenue to the north, Redwood Drive to the east,
Business Park Drive to the south, and the western city limits. The Federated Indians
of Graton Rancheria Reservation, which include Graton Resort and Casino, is
adjacent to this area (see Figure 2-2). In addition to the Reservation, the Tribe is a
significant property owner in the Northwest Specific Plan area.
Acreage
Approximately 108 acres
Issues and Opportunities
The issues and opportunities related to the Northwest Area reflect some of the
same items related to the entire Westside of the city (west of Highway 101). While
other parts of Rohnert Park are built on a neighborhood model that is based on
physical and social connectivity, the Westside lacks the features that would have
established a sense of place or established a “neighborhood” form for those living
on this side of town.
Since much of the area south of Business Park Drive has already been built out, the
Northwest Area is the last remaining sizable and developable area on the
Westside. This area offers an opportunity to foster a more balanced mix of land
uses that offer employment opportunities. In a long-term view, a more balanced
land use mix (supported by encouraging more non-residential development) would
promote a more stable local economy and increased access to living wage jobs
within the city. In pursuing non-residential development in the Northwest Area,
there is an opportunity to create employment-focused centers.
The Tribe is an important partner with the City in the Northwest area and elsewhere in the community. The
Tribe has made significant contributions to public improvements that serve the Northwest area that were
initiated with the opening of the Casino in 2013. Through a Memorandum of Understanding, the Tribe has
provided funding for: improvements to Golf Course Drive, including payments for on-going maintenance;
purchase of a new fire truck; construction of a new fire station; and on-going funding to enhance public safety
capacity and other public services.
Future Land Uses and Planning Framework
In the 2040 General Plan, a new Business Park designation will replace existing
Commercial, Mixed-Use, and Industrial designations in the Northwest Area to
encourage non-residential development supporting more employment
opportunities.
Vision for the
Northwest
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The Business Park designation is expected to provide land for higher-paying jobs and discourage additional
housing development in an area with limited residential services. This designation allows a mix of office,
industrial, and institutional uses, with supporting retail and commercial uses and an emphasis on flexible use
of space. Although the Wilfred/Dowdell Village Specific Plan (amended 2014) and Northwest Specific Plan
(2014) have already been approved, this General Plan provides opportunities to modify these plans to create
flexibility and invite more higher-paying employment uses to this area.
Figure 2-2 Northwest Area
Source: Google, 2021
Features
Employment center focus to
provide living wage jobs in
the community.
Reduce need for residents to
work outside of Rohnert
Park.
Reduce expansion of
residential into areas lacking
neighborhood support
facilities.
Good access to Highway 101
corridor and supporting
services.
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Dowdell/Labath Corridor
Location
The Dowdell Avenue Corridor encompasses the entire length of Dowdell Avenue
that is within the city limits and adjacent properties. Located on the Westside of
Highway 101, Dowdell Avenue starts at Millbrae Avenue at the northern city limits
and extends south. It cuts off just south of Golf Course Drive West, but restarts at
Business Park Drive, continuing south until it intersects with Martin Drive, slightly
north of Rohnert Park Expressway and under 400 feet away from Hinebaugh Creek
(see Figure 2-3).
Distance
1.3 miles
Issues and Opportunities
On the Westside, there is minimal character and connectivity between different
portions of the area. Dowdell Avenue, which extends through the center of much of
the Westside, provides a unique opportunity to knit together the urban fabric of this
area by enhancing this corridor to serve as the major north-south link on the
Westside. Much in the way that Rohnert Park Expressway serves this function on
the east side of Highway 101, this corridor will provide a similar link through the
Westside area.
Approximately 3,700 Rohnert Park residents already live on the Westside in
existing mobile home parks and apartment complexes, and additional apartments
are slated for development in the Stadium Lands and on Tribal-owned land in the
future. When these are complete, the population on the Westside is expected to
grow to by approximately 5,000 persons. On top of existing needs, this new
residential development will require additional planning for parks, schools, and
various public services on the Westside.
Future Land Use and Planning Framework
On the north end, Dowdell Avenue passes through Business Park-designated areas.
South of that, it passes several regional retail stores, including Costco and Ashley
HomeStore, and proposed apartments and hotel with the Stadium Lands project. It
is a backbone corridor to the residential uses on the Westside and includes a
neighborhood park and designated bike lanes.
In the Dowdell Avenue Corridor, improvements to both streetscape and new
construction will open up north-south travel for pedestrian and bicycle travel on the
Westside. Continuing the implementation of the Stadium Lands design guidelines
will invigorate the Dowdell Avenue Corridor with pedestrian-friendly features and
green landscaping, emphasizing a more human-scale built environment. The corridor also has the potential to
connect to the Hinebaugh Creek trail system.
The corridor also faces a number of connectivity challenges. A vehicular/multi-modal crossing of Highway
101 at State Farm and a pedestrian bicycle crossing of Copeland Creek would greatly enhance circulation in
the city and east/west connectivity. However complete funding for the overcrossings have not been
Enhancements
for Dowdell
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identified to date. A final challenge to address will be the incorporation of enhanced transit services in the
corridor area to help reduce vehicle use.
Figure 2-3 Dowdell Avenue Corridor
Source: Google, 2021
Features
Establish a signature corridor
in the Westside that reflects
the unifying feel of Rohnert
Park Expressway to the east.
Require enhanced
landscaping along the
corridor using native and
drought-tolerant plants.
Become the principal north-
south linkage for multi-
modal travel, with bicycle
and pedestrian facilities.
Evaluate adding a
roundabout at Business Park
Drive to create a signature
location in corridor.
Orient new structures to
Dowdell Avenue to provide
pedestrian-friendly
environment.
Reduce access points along
corridor by encouraging
reciprocal access driveways.
Develop plan to connect
Rohnert Park Expressway,
future Highway 101
overcrossing at State
Farm/Business Park, and
planned trail overpass on
Highway 101 at Copeland
Creek.
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Rohnert Park Expressway Corridor
Location
The Rohnert Park Expressway Corridor encompasses the entire length of the
Rohnert Park Expressway (RPX) and bisects the city into northern and southern
halves. On the Westside, it runs directly south of the Rancho Verde Mobile Home
Park. On the east side, it runs directly north of the Sonoma State University
campus (see Figure 2-4).
Distance
3.5 miles
Issues and Opportunities
The RPX is one of the most important east-west roadways in Rohnert Park. While
much of the corridor has been developed, there are still opportunities to continue to
enhance the linkages between east and west RPX to create one seamless
experience for expressway users as well as a definitive and complete identity for
Rohnert Park. It has the potential to be a signature multi-modal corridor that serves
as the spine of the city, and from which all parts of the city are accessible on foot,
bike, car, or transit.
The Highway 101 and RPX intersection is where many regional travelers get a first
impression of Rohnert Park. As one of the regional gateways to the city, this area
has the opportunity to create a notable sense of place for the community. Design
guidelines will support the city’s effort to create an unforgettable look and feel at
the city’s major gateway and along the entire corridor.
Design guidelines for RPX are especially relevant for the portion of the corridor that
lies to the west of Highway 101. Here, the corridor’s identity has not yet taken shape,
and there is more opportunity for design guidelines to mold its look and feel. RPX to
the west of Highway 101 also runs adjacent and provides access to several regional
shopping centers. With the changing face of retail shifting to a more online and/or
experiential shopping formats, the City has the opportunity to reimagine, and
potentially reduce, the space that is currently reserved for parking cars. Instead of a
swath of flat pavement, re-dedicating some of the parking area for small retail and
office spaces through infill development would create a more vibrant and appealing
area, as well as create more opportunities for businesses to locate in Rohnert Park.
Future Land Use and Planning Framework
The RPX corridor has five significant opportunity areas (see Figure 2-4).
West of Highway 101. This area is envisioned streetscape enhancement and
bicycle/pedestrian facilities. As described above, redevelopment of existing
shopping centers to reduce parking, bring commercial facilities up to face the corridor, enhance
landscaping, and create a notable entry feature to this area.
101 Gateway. Enhancements should include increased safety for bicycles/pedestrians and
enhancement of the location as a gateway through signage, color, and landscaping.
Define the
gateways
Enhance the
edge
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Downtown. Plans are moving forward on the redevelopment of the old State Farm campus to create a
vibrant, mixed-use center. As planned, this area will become the city center, or downtown area, and
will provide an enhanced sense of place for Rohnert Park as a whole. With the adjacent SMART station,
this area is also the key link to the region. See the next section for more information (see Section 2.5).
The Boulevard Edge. Maintain the beauty of the existing corridor and provide more connections to
this corridor for bicycle and pedestrians.
University District. At the east end of the RPX corridor is the University District and Sonoma State.
Both areas can be enhanced as a key node anchoring the corridor on the east end. An enhanced
gateway and signage should be planned to call out this special location (see Section 2.8)
Figure 2-4 Rohnert Park Expressway Corridor Sections
Source: Urban Green, 2019
Features
Major east-west corridor through the city that identifies Rohnert Park. Enhance the entire corridor to
create a corridor that contains common design notes but allows design differences to celebrate the
differences of each opportunity area.
Enhance the Westside portion of the corridor with new commercial infill and streetscape features.
Establish the Rohnert Park Downtown, providing shops, offices, public spaces, and open space. Create
a hub to multi-modal transportation, providing a center for SMART, bus transit, and bicycle movement.
Create a new node at the east end of the corridor with entry signage and design features that highlight
the area as an important part of Rohnert Park. Make Sonoma State a key feature, providing a more
youthful design aesthetic. Enhance services to be more university/student oriented.
COPELAND CREEK TRAIL
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Central Rohnert Park
Location
This area encompasses the entirety of the 2016 Central Rohnert Park Priority
Development Area (PDA) planning area. The PDA occupies a triangular planning
area, bounded by Highway 101 to the west, the SMART rail line and the multiuse
path corridor to the east, and Avram Avenue/Santa Alicia Drive to the south
(see Figure 2-5).
Acreage
Approximately 333 acres
Issues and Opportunities
The PDA features the creation of a new Downtown District that will be the focal
point of activity within Rohnert Park. The downtown is envisioned to include a
vibrant mix of retail, office, and residential uses, centered at the intersection of
Rohnert Park Expressway and State Farm Drive. A key destination feature will be
the downtown train platform for the SMART train, operational since 2017. It will
take advantage of its proximity to the SMART train and bike facilities and will set
itself up to become an important transportation hub for not only Rohnert Park
residents, but also visitors from all over the region. The Downtown District is
envisioned to be a walkable, vibrant destination for Rohnert Park residents. By
design, the Downtown District will include community facilities and open areas
that will be accessible to the entire community.
The northern half of the PDA features a mix of existing light industrial and office
uses. The City aims to protect the existing businesses in this area and promote
infill development of similar uses. This is a good opportunity to bolster the higher-
paying employment opportunities that typically develop on areas that allow for
light industrial and office uses.
Future Land Use and Planning Framework
Much of the uses currently seen within the PDA planning area will remain the
same. The main exception is the future Downtown District. This site, previously an
office park and currently (2021) vacant, will feature a healthy mix of uses from
retail and office uses to high-density residential spaces. The Downtown District is
about 50 acres of the entire PDA. The City intends to use the services of a private
developer to bring the Downtown District vision to life.
The future
Downtown for
Rohnert Park
2. Our Vision, Our Future
Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022 Page 2-13
Many existing uses reflect a hybrid of office and light industrial uses. Existing land
uses that fit the new Business Park General Plan description will be re-designated
as a Business Park, allowing more flexibility in use.
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Figure 2-5 Aerial of Central Rohnert Park
Source: Google, 2021
Features
Working with a private
developer, transform the
former State Farm campus
into a dynamic urban-center
development consisting of
retail and restaurant space,
office space, apartments,
for-sale townhomes, and a
boutique hotel.
Enhance the area as a
transit-oriented
development creating a hub
for SMART, bus transit,
bicycles, and pedestrians.
Maintain the unique design
attributes of the RPX
corridor.
North of RPX, focus on
business park uses and
application of the new
Business Park designation
that will allow more flexibility
and more transparent
allowed uses and
development process.
2. Our Vision, Our Future
Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022 Page 2-15
Southwest Boulevard Commercial Corridor
Location
The Southwest Boulevard Commercial Corridor is located near the southwest border of the city, extending
along Southwest Boulevard between Commerce Boulevard and Adrian Drive (see Figure 2-6).
Acreage
Approximately three acres.
Issues and Opportunities
This shopping corridor is in the City’s original neighborhood and includes its first
shopping center. For many years, residents have noted the need for reinvestment
and revitalization in this corridor. This General Plan offers the opportunity to inject
renewed interest into this corridor by changing what kinds of uses are allowed in
this area. The City’s first roundabout will be located in this corridor and offers an
opportunity to re-imagine this auto-centric corridor into a multi-modal corridor
that supports the City’s original neighborhoods and a physical connection with the
City of Cotati.
Future Land Use and Planning Framework
The existing General Plan designates half of this area for mixed-use development
and the other half for Commercial development. The 2040 General Plan shifts
everything to a mixed-use designation.
Like other shopping centers in the city, there is also an opportunity to reimagine
some excess parking for additional uses There is an estimated 20,000 square feet
of additional development available on the parking lots.
With the designation change and reuse of parking areas, it is the City’s hope that
these changes provide financial incentives to upgrade the shopping center.
Revitalize
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Figure 2-6 Southwest Boulevard Commercial Corridor
Source: Google, 2021
Features
Redevelopment of corridor to enhance design and function of the center, while remaining a
neighborhood serving commercial node.
Redevelop as a mixed-use center combining commercial and residential uses on the site.
Enhance streetscape amenities, such as landscaping and bicycle/pedestrian facilities.
2. Our Vision, Our Future
Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022 Page 2-17
University District
Location
The University District Specific Plan (UDSP) lies directly north of SSU and Rohnert
Park Expressway, south of Keiser Avenue, and west of Petaluma Hill Road
(see Figure 2-7).
Acreage
Approximately 301 acres
Issues and Opportunities
The University District Specific Plan (UDSP) is a master planned residential and
commercial development within the city’s east side. It is slated to provide 1,645
residential units (estimate as of May 2020 amendment) and commercial uses when
it is fully complete. As a large and new residential neighborhood, it will be
important to ensure that residents of the UDSP will have easy access to the
amenities of Rohnert Park. This location is also a prime location to provide
commercial services to the large student population at SSU.
Sonoma State University is not in the city limits but is included in the 2040 General
Plan Planning Area. Its proximity to the city creates many opportunities. To make
the most of having such an incredible educational asset next to Rohnert Park,
enhancing connectivity to and from campus can benefit both Rohnert Park
residents and SSU students. Students who wish to live, dine, shop, or play in
Rohnert Park should be able to easily access all of the city’s amenities. Similarly,
Rohnert Park residents who wish to take advantage of higher education and
cultural opportunities should be able to easily access SSU facilities. Once the
Downtown District is fully developed and realized, these connections will be even
more important to facilitate access to a regional attraction.
Future Land Use and Planning Framework
The 2040 General Plan will encourage relatively minor, but helpful, changes, such
as wayfinding signage that clearly indicates pathways to SSU as well as various
Rohnert Park amenities. Moreover, both SSU and the UDSP will greatly benefit
from consistent improvements along the Rohnert Park Expressway, especially
when considering connection to the areas west of Highway 101 (see Section 2.4).
Connecting
to the city
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Figure 2-7 Aerial of University District
Source: Google, 2021
Features
Provide gateway signage
and design features that set
this area as an important
node on the RPX corridor.
Provide enhanced
wayfinding signage to those
traveling to SSU and taking
advantage of community
services.
Enhance bicycle and
pedestrian connectivity,
especially linkages to the
city’s future downtown
development.
Encourage commercial
services that support the
neighborhood and a
connection to the University
and Green Music Center.
2. Our Vision, Our Future
Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022 Page 2-19
SOMO Village/Willowglen Area
Location
The SOMO Village/Willowglen Area is located at the southeast edge of the city,
south of Camino Calegio, west of Petaluma Hill Road, north of East Railroad
Avenue, and east of the SMART right-of-way on the west. Bodway Parkway is the
north-south boundary between the two projects, with SOMO Village to the west
side and Willowglen to the east (see Figure 2-8).
Acreage
Approximately 175 acres in SOMO Village
Approximately 80 acres in Willowglen
Issues and Opportunities
SOMO Village is one of two adopted Planned Development (PD) Districts within
Rohnert Park. These Planned Development Districts are specially tailored zoning
districts which designate the zoning regulations for the accompanying project, set
specific development standards, and ensure that zoning and the General Plan are
consistent. SOMO Village planned development was approved for a total of
1,694 residential units plus 56 second dwelling units and 825,307 square feet of
commercial, retail, and services. The project proposes adaptive reuse of the
existing HP/Agilent buildings and adoption of a new form-based zoning code.
The Willowglen portion of the area is primarily a residential project (up to 477 units)
that offers a range of housing types and densities. The project includes large-lot
single-family homes, low-density homes on approximately 3,000 to 5,000 square
foot lots, a mix of medium-density units and duplexes, and apartments. The
housing includes the provision of 72 units affordable to lower-income households.
These units are included in the 36-unit apartment complex, 14 duets (duplexes) (28
units), and 8 townhomes.
Future Land Use and Planning Framework
Combined, these two projects will provide up to 2,171 housing units plus an
additional 56 second dwelling units. SOMO Village will also provide a large area of
commercial, retail, and services. Taken as a whole, these projects will add notably
to the development on the south side of the community.
As part of the General Plan, integration of this area into the established fabric of the
community will be important. Connections to the City’s proposed Downtown Area
and overall multimodal transportation system will be supported. Enhanced
connections for the SMART system and the city’s bikeway and parks system will
also be important.
SOMO Village
Willowglen
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Figure 2-8 Aerial of SOMO Village / Willowglen
Source: Google, 2021
Features
Mixed-use pedestrian-
oriented community.
Major planned development
for the southeast portion of
the city.
Well-designed
neighborhoods supporting a
mix of housing types and
affordability’s.
Reuse and enhancement of
existing commercial
buildings designed to
address job generation
within the community.
SOMO Village will also
provide commercial and
retail support services to this
new population, reducing
vehicle miles traveled to
other parts of the
community.
2. Our Vision, Our Future
Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022 Page 2-21
Northeast Specific Plan Area
Location
The Northeast Specific Plan (NESP) area is located outside current (2021) city limits,
between the University District Specific Plan and G Section. The project site is
bounded by Keiser Avenue to the south; Snyder Lane to the west; Moura Lane to
the north; and the City’s Urban Growth Boundary, Crane Creek, and Petaluma Hill
Road to the east (see Figure 2-9).
Acreage
Approximately 268 acres
Issues and Opportunities
The NESP area is currently under County jurisdiction; however, the plan area is
proposed for eventual annexation into the city. Over the last decade, there has
been on-going difficulty in getting a specific plan proposal together, mainly due to
fragmented ownership of the parcels within this plan area.
The Specific Plan Area is the last large area in the city without an approved
development plan. It is an important opportunity site for future housing and
neighborhood recreational amenities.
Future Land Use and Planning Framework
The NESP currently proposes the development of a residential community of over
1,000 dwelling units in a variety of housing densities and types, in addition to over
50 acres of parks, open space, and bikeways.
What could
this area
look like?
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Figure 2-9 Aerial of Northwest Specific Plan Area
Source: Google, 2021
Features
Develop a future residential
area in the northeast that
reflects the neighborhood
structure of other sections in
the city.
Protect water and riparian
resources in the area.
Provide park and open space
areas that meet the needs of
this development and the
city.
Provide multi-modal
connectivity between this
area and the rest of Rohnert
Park.
2. Our Vision, Our Future
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Racial, Social, and
Environmental Justice Element
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3
Racial, social and environmental justice for all is an important
American ideal. The conversations about ethnic and racial
disparities in our country have made it clear that our
governments, communities, and people need to rededicate
themselves and take actions toward creating a culture of
belonging, equity, and racial justice. The City recognizes that it
needs to increase its efforts to ensure that all the members of
the Rohnert Park community (i.e., residents, workers, business
owners, local organizations, and visitors) regardless of race,
ethnicity, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability,
and socio-economic status feel valued, safe, respected,
included, and secure. Increasing diversity and inclusion
involves enhancing meaningful community engagement,
considering the implications of City decisions for all members
of the community, and exploring new approaches to meet the
changing needs of Rohnert Park.
The relationship with the Federated Indians of Graton
Rancheria (Tribe) is of particular importance to the City. The
lands Rohnert Park occupies are within the ancestral territory
of Tribal members, which also includes large portions of Sonoma and Marin counties. While the Coast Miwok
and Southern Pomo peoples were subjected to genocide, forced removal from lands and other atrocities,
2019 City Demographics
As of 2019, the median household
income in Rohnert Park was $71,585 and
the per capita income was $34,880.
Educational attainment in the city is
relatively high, with 90.9 percent of
residents over the age of 25 having at
least a high school diploma, and of those,
29.3 percent have a bachelor’s degree or
higher. In Rohnert Park, 61.0 percent of
residents identifying as white (alone, not
Hispanic or Latino), 26.9 percent as
Hispanic or Latino, 6.7 percent Asian, 3.0
percent as two or more races, 3.8 percent
as Black or African American, and 1.3
percent as American Indian and Alaska
Native, Native Hawaiian, and other Pacific
Islander.
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the Tribe is a vibrant and thriving tribal government, with their own laws and policies governing their citizens.
The City seeks to work cooperatively with the Tribe on important shared interests.
Generally, areas of Rohnert Park score between the 40th and 60th percentile on statewide environmental
quality and health assessment tools CalEnviroScreen 3.0 and the California Healthy Places Index. In other
words, the environmental quality in Rohnert Park is average for the state. This Element includes goals,
policies, and implementation programs that promote environmental justice and support local efforts to
increase public involvement in local governance processes. The themes addressed in this Element lay the
foundation for creating a more equitable and inclusive environment for all residents, businesses, visitors, and
organizations of Rohnert Park.
3. Racial, Social, and Environmental Justice Element
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Racial and Social Justice
This section identifies goals and policies which seek to advance City efforts toward diversity and inclusivity.
Implementation of the programs will allow the City to monitor its progress in achieving racial, social, and
environmental justice. It is the City’s intent to take actionable efforts to establish a more racially and socially
just community. The following goals and policies are intended to promote equality in Rohnert Park.
To support equity, inclusion, and access to opportunities for all
community members, employees, businesses, visitors, and local
organizations.
RSEJ-1.1 Communitywide Implementation
The City shall work with the Sonoma County Office of Equity to support equal access to
employment opportunities for all community members.
RSEJ-1.2 Welcoming City
The City shall promote Rohnert Park as a welcoming, safe, and inclusive community for all
people.
RSEJ-1.3 Housing Affordability and Access
The City shall encourage access to affordable housing opportunities for all residents.
RSEJ-1.4 Celebrate City Diversity
The City shall develop and invest in arts, informational materials, and other community
programming that celebrates diversity.
To respect, protect, and promote the civil and human rights of all
members of the community.
RSEJ-2.1 Culturally Proficient Services
The City shall provide culturally proficient services.
RSEJ-2.2 Socially Disadvantaged Populations
The City shall develop and implement policies, services, and programs designed to address
the needs of socially disadvantaged and vulnerable community members.
RSEJ-2.3 Diverse Representation
The City shall ensure diverse representation on all City boards, committees, and commissions.
RSEJ-2.4 Advancing Racial and Social Equity Work
The City shall encourage appointed City boards, committees, and commissions to advance the
City’s racial and social equity goals, policies, and programs.
RSEJ-2.5 Diverse City Staff
The City shall use equitable and anti-bias hiring procedures that focus on recruiting, hiring, and
retaining a diverse City staff.
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RSEJ-2.6 City Staff Training
The City shall expand training regarding explicit and implicit bias; racial and cultural sensitivity;
de-escalation; LGBTQ+ topics; racial profiling avoidance; diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.);
and personal resiliency for all City staff using the most contemporary and effective methods
available.
RSEJ-2.7 Enhance Public Safety Collaboration
The City shall strengthen its longstanding commitment to public safety by engaging
community stakeholders and underrepresented minority groups to address enhanced public
safety accountability and community relations.
RSEJ-2.8 Crisis and Homelessness Response Model
Further the City’s commitment to develop and implement an alternative response model to
enhance crisis intervention and assistance to those experiencing homelessness.
RSEJ-2.9 Consult and Cooperate with the Tribe on Programs
The City shall meet with the Tribe to cooperate and consult on agreed upon topics of mutual
interest. Further, the City shall develop and implement policies, services and programs in
consultation with all communities of color.
To broaden income and employment opportunities for all Rohnert Park
residents.
RSEJ-3.1 Financial and Employment Assistance
The City shall work with the County of Sonoma Human Services Department to improve
resident access to and awareness of available financial and employment assistance.
RSEJ-3.2 Quality Living Wage
The City shall promote access to a quality living wage for all community members.
RSEJ-3.3 Employment Training
The City shall work with organizations and local non-profits to improve resident access to and
awareness of available employment training resources.
RSEJ-3.4 Workforce Development
The City shall collaborate with public and private universities, colleges, and technical schools
to support the development, training, and retention of a skilled and diverse workforce.
3. Racial, Social, and Environmental Justice Element
Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022 Page 3-5
Environmental Justice
The State enacted Senate Bill 1000 (SB 1000) in 2016 in response to increasing concerns about vulnerable
communities in California that experience disproportionate environmental impacts. SB 1000 requires general
plans adopted after January 1, 2018, to incorporate goals, policies, and objectives related to environmental
justice. Effective environmental justice policies are those that reduce the unique or compounded health risks
in disadvantaged communities by reducing disproportionate exposure to pollutants or other hazards,
promote healthy habits, prioritize necessary infrastructure improvements and programs, and promote civic
engagement in the public decision-making process. The City of Rohnert Park is committed to fostering a
healthy environment for all city residents. The following goals and policies are intended to guide the
advancement of environmental justice in Rohnert Park.
To ensure that all land use decisions benefit Rohnert Park residents and
do not create a disproportionate burden to any resident based on
location, income, race, color, educational status, or national origin.
RSEJ-4.1 Equitable Public Services
The City shall equitably provide public services and infrastructure, including parks, recreational
facilities, community gardens, and public safety facilities, to all Rohnert Park residents.
RSEJ-4.2 Environmental Protection
The City shall carefully consider environmental protection measures to ensure the equitable
treatment of all neighborhoods.
RSEJ-4.3 Environmental Justice Considerations
The City shall consider potential adverse health and safety impacts associated with land use
decisions and reduce negative impacts on residents from hazardous materials, industrial
activities, facility locations, and design features.
RSEJ-4.4 New Incompatible Land Uses
The City shall avoid the introduction of new incompatible land uses and consider the potential
impacts of adding uses with environmental hazards into existing residential areas.
RSEJ-4.5 Placement of New Residential Uses
The City shall consider the potential impacts from neighboring land uses and their impacts,
prior to approving new residential land uses.
RSEJ-4.6 Safe and Sanitary Housing
Through implementation of the Housing Element, the City shall provide standards for
development that promote safe and sanitary housing.
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To ensure all residents have access to healthy foods, education, green
spaces, and medical services.
RSEJ-5.1 Healthy Food Providers
The City shall encourage farmers markets and healthier food options, particularly near child-
oriented uses (e.g., schools, day care, parks).
RSEJ-5.2 Acceptance of Government-Issued Vouchers
The City shall coordinate with farmer’s market vendors and local food retailers to continue to
accept payment through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), which allows residents in the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition
Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to purchase food with their program benefits.
RSEJ-5.3 Access to Community Assets
The City shall identify and address gaps in access to residential, commercial, recreation
facilities, natural open space areas, and physical and mental health resources, to help ensure
that these resources are equitably available to all residents.
RSEJ-5.4 Equity in Capital Projects
The City shall promote equitable investment in capital improvements citywide.
3. Racial, Social, and Environmental Justice Element
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Civic Engagement in the Public Decision-
Making Process
Racial, social, and environmental justice efforts must be rooted in a strong culture of civic engagement in the
City’s decision-making processes. Studies have shown that well-rounded public engagement processes
increase social capital in projects and promote equitable community development. The City is committed to
goals and policies that build social capital through engagement and empowerment of the public, while
emphasizing public participation, transparency, and inclusion. The purpose of this section is to ensure
residents are informed and empowered related to City decisions that may impact their health and well-
being. The following goals and policies relate to civic engagement in the public decision-making process.
To fully engage the public in City decision-making and facilitate public
involvement in civic life.
RSEJ-6.1 Accessibility to City Events
The City shall schedule City events using different days, times, and formats (i.e., virtual and
digital accessibility) to encourage and facilitate participation among community members with
work, school, and other obligations that conflict with more traditional scheduling.
RSEJ-6.2 Innovative Communication
The City shall promote and implement a wide range of new and innovative approaches utilizing
current technologies and outreach techniques to facilitate communication between members
of the community and City-elected officials and staff members.
RSEJ-6.3 Facilitate a Culture of Inclusion
The City shall work with non-profit, faith, education, and other community-based partners to
facilitate a culture of inclusion, empathy, compassion, acceptance, and unity.
RSEJ-6.4 Transparent Public Decision-Making
The City shall ensure transparent public decision-making processes through effective public
outreach, engagement, and participation that is inclusive of socially disadvantaged individuals
and groups.
RSEJ-6.5 Supportive Collaboration
The City shall continue to collaborate with other organizations and groups to provide services
and programs for all Rohnert Park residents.
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Implementation Programs
Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2023 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing A Social and Racial Justice Equity
Survey
The City shall conduct an annual
survey which measures the
successfulness of advancing social
equity and diversity citywide and
report the results of the survey to
the City Council and community.
RSEJ-1.1:
Communitywide
Implementation
RSEJ-1.2:
Welcoming City
RSEJ-2.1: Culturally
Proficient Services
RSEJ-2.2: Socially
Disadvantaged
Populations
RSEJ-2.4: Advancing
Racial and Social
Equity Work
RSEJ-4.3:
Environmental
Justice
Considerations
City Manager
3. Racial, Social, and Environmental Justice Element
Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022 Page 3-9
Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2023 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing B Racial, Social, and Environmental
Justice Outreach
The City shall prepare and use
clear and inclusive outreach
materials, expand media
campaigns, and implement other
strategies (i.e., translation services)
to increase and advance racial,
social, and environmental justice
initiatives.
RSEJ-1.1:
Communitywide
Implementation
RSEJ-2.2: Socially
Disadvantaged
Populations
RSEJ-6.1:
Accessibility to City
Events
RSEJ-6.2: Innovative
Communication
RSEJ-6.3: Facilitate a
Culture of Inclusion
RSEJ-6.4:
Transparent Public
Decision-Making
RSEJ-6.5: Supportive
Collaboration
City Manager
C Expand Recruitment for City
Employment Opportunities to
Attract Diverse Candidates
The City shall determine effective
recruitment strategies to attract
diverse candidates to City
employment opportunities.
The City shall work with
educational institutions and other
entities to promote city job
opportunities with technical
schools and college students.
RSEJ-1.2:
Welcoming City
RSEJ-2.3: Diverse
Representation
RSEJ-2.5: Diverse
City Staff
RSEJ-3.4: Workforce
Development
City Manager
Human
Resources
D Public Safety Training
The City shall increase funding to
support non-post-mandated
training for Public Safety staff, such
as in explicit and implicit bias,
sensitivity, de-escalation, LGBTQ+,
and racial profiling.
RSEJ-2.6: City Staff
Training
City Manager
Public Safety
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Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2023 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing E Civilian Police Academy
The City shall continue to facilitate
and expand participation in the
Rohnert Park Civilian Academy to
educate community members on
law enforcement policies,
practices, and problem solving, as
well as promote the opportunity for
one-on-one interaction with
Department members in a relaxed
environment.
RSEJ-2.7: Enhance
Public Safety
Collaboration
City Manager
Public Safety
F Community Engagement
The City shall prepare and
implement programs that include
new and innovative mechanisms to
communicate and engage
members of the community who
are not typically active in civic
issues to foster stronger
relationships with the City and the
Police Department, such as mobile
device surveys, community
meetings, and community
roundtables.
RSEJ-2.7: Enhance
Public Safety
Collaboration
RSEJ-6.2: Innovative
Communication
City Manager
Public Safety
G Career and Job Training
The City shall coordinate with local
organizations and non-profits to
organize an annual career and job
fair with local employers to
highlight local job openings and
employment training opportunities
for Rohnert Park residents.
RSEJ-3.1: Financial
and Employment
Assistance
RSEJ-3.3:
Employment
Training
RSEJ-3.4: Workforce
Development
City Manager
Human
Resources
H Healthy Food Access Regulations
Audit and Update
The City shall conduct an internal
audit of City regulations, including,
but not limited to, the Zoning
Ordinance, to identify and remove
any administrative barriers to
increased access to healthy foods.
RSEJ-5.1: Healthy
Food Providers
RSEJ-5.2:
Acceptance of
Government-Issued
Vouchers
Development
Services
3. Racial, Social, and Environmental Justice Element
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Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2023 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing I Capital Improvement
Prioritization
The City shall establish a defined
set of criteria that measures and
prioritizes equitable distribution of
Capital Improvement Projects (CIP)
citywide and use the criteria in all
future CIP Program decisions.
RSEJ-5.4: Equity in
Capital Projects
City Manager
Public Works
J Staff Resiliency and Stewardship
The City shall implement and
expand new and innovative
programs to improve resiliency and
mental and physical health, such as
technologies providing 24/7
access to counseling services and
support of staff stewardship and
mentoring.
RSEJ-6.2: Innovative
Communication
RSEJ-6.5: Supportive
Collaboration
City Manager
Human
Resources
Community Development
Element
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4
The City of Rohnert Park is located in a beautiful setting surrounded by scenic open space areas including
the Sonoma Mountains and open agricultural areas with creeks that meander through the neighborhoods.
This access to nature encourages healthy living and creates value for the community. Within the community,
the neighborhood-focused design takes center stage in defining the community form. Several regional
shopping centers are clustered along Highway 101 and the City’s planned Downtown area is located
between Highway 101 and the SMART rail corridor. Sonoma State University is located just outside the city’s
eastern limit and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria’s reservation land flanks the city’s western limit,
shaping both the community’s form and its local economy.
The Community Development Element serves the three purposes outlined below.
1. This Element provides policies establishing land use designations that identify the type and intensity
of uses permissible in the Planning Area. These designations are shown on the Land Use Diagram,
which graphically illustrates the boundaries for distinct land use designations. The intent of these
land use designations is also described through text and a table of accompanying development
standards.
2. The Element presents the City’s philosophy for growth management, development, and natural
resource protection with a series of goals and policies. The focus of this section is to preserve
agricultural, rural, and open space lands while directing growth within the existing city limits, sphere
of influence, or urban growth boundary.
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3. The Element promotes the future image of the city with goals and policies which relate to the
physical structure, management, and appearance of the city’s built environment. Community design
influences the way people experience and remember a city. It plays an important role in creating a
distinctive identity of the community and influences the quality of life of residents. While community
design relates predominantly to the aesthetic quality of the urban form, it can also have a significant
impact on economic development, community health, safety, vitality, public services, and circulation.
New development in the city will create value and enhance the City’s identity, and this Element
provides a framework to support this growth in a sustainable way that attracts new employers,
employees, and residents while minimizing loss of natural resources. This Element serves as the
primary vehicle for ensuring that land uses, new and old, are organized and developed in a way that
is sustainable and enhances Rohnert Park’s unique identity as a family-friendly and fun place to live,
work, and play.
Goals, policies, and implementation programs in this Element are organized under the following headings.
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General Plan Land Use Framework
State planning law requires a general plan to describe the general distribution, location, and extent of
planned land uses within the jurisdiction’s planning area. The Land Use Diagram (Figure 4-1) uses color-
coded land use designations to express the intended use of land within the Planning Area. The Land Use
Diagram depicts proposed land uses for Rohnert Park through the year 2040.
The Land Use Diagram also illustrates the city’s Sphere of Influence, as approved by the Local Agency
Formation Commission (LAFCO) and the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB), which has been recently
reapproved and extended until 2040 by voters.
A total of 16 land use designations are shown on the Land Use Diagram. Descriptions of each land use
designation include density and intensity standards to guide and regulate future development. The Land Use
Diagram is largely implemented through the city’s zoning regulations. Each land use designation has a
corresponding set of compatible zoning districts. Whereas the land use designations in the General Plan are
intentionally broad, the zoning designations are more detailed and provide a variety of specific development
standards, including permitted and conditional uses, building heights, setbacks, lot coverage, and parking
requirements. While the Land Use Diagram guides zoning, it is not the same as the City’s Zoning Map. By
definition, the Land Use Diagram is intended to be more general than the Zoning Map.
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Figure 4-1 General Plan Diagram
Density and Intensity Standards
State planning law requires general plans to establish “standards of population density and building intensity”
for the various land use designations in the plan (Government Code Section 65302(a)). To satisfy this
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requirement, the General Plan includes standards for each land use designation appearing on the Land Use
Diagram. These standards are stated differently for residential development, which uses density standards
and nonresidential development. The following are explanations of how these standards are applied to each
land use designation. Specific Plans and Planned Developments within the city must match the land use
development intensities and standards outlined in the Rohnert Park General Plan.
The General Plan establishes density/intensity standards for each land use classification. Residential density
standards are expressed in terms of the number of housing units per gross acre (including public streets and
other rights-of-way). Non-residential use intensity standards are expressed in terms of the maximum
permitted ratio of gross floor area to site area (Floor Area Ratio or FAR). FAR is a broad measure of building
bulk that controls both visual prominence and traffic generation. It can be clearly translated to a limit on
building bulk in the Zoning Ordinance and is independent of the type of use occupying the building.
Density (housing units per gross acre) and intensity (FAR) standards are for gross developable land (that is,
including streets and other rights-of-way), but excluding areas subject to physical or environmental
constraints, as well as areas dedicated for creekside/greenways or habitat protection (see Figure 4-2).
Figure 4-2 Residential Density and FAR Calculation
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Residential Development
Residential
development is typically
described in terms of
allowed density range
(minimum and
maximum) measured in
“dwelling units per gross
acre” or “du/ac.”
Residential density is
calculated by dividing
the number of housing
units on the site
(excluding accessory
dwelling units) by the
gross acreage of the
site. Figure 4-3 shows
prototypical examples of
different residential densities for one-acre properties. State planning law requires general plans to include
standards for measuring population density. Population density is determined by multiplying the maximum
number of dwelling units allowed within a land use designation by the average number of persons per
household (as determined by the California Department of Finance).
Non-Residential Development
Non-residential
development is
typically described in
terms of floor area
ratio (FAR). FAR refers
to the ratio of building
floor space to the
square footage of the
building site. FAR is
calculated by dividing
the floor area of all
buildings on the site by
the total square
footage of the site (see
Figure 4-4). For
example, a 12,500
square foot building on
a 25,000 square foot
site has a FAR of 0.5.
The maximum FAR
standard determines
the maximum allowable intensity of development on a building site. As an example, a maximum FAR of 0.75
would allow 75,000 square feet of building floor area on a 100,000 square foot lot. The 75,000 square feet
could be provided in one or more single-story or multiple-story buildings.
Figure 4-3 Illustration of FAR
Figure 4-4 Illustration of FAR
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When calculating FAR, the building square footage includes finished interior spaces and excludes parking
garages, structured parking levels, and exterior open space, such as courtyards, roof gardens, and balconies.
The gross acreage of the site is also used for the FAR calculation.
Figure 4-4 illustrates various building configurations representing FARs of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0. As shown in the
diagram, different interpretations of the same FAR standard can result in very different building forms and
site characteristics.
Mixed -Use Development
The density and intensity of mixed-use developments that include both residential and non-residential uses
are described in terms of FAR for the non-residential uses and dwelling units per acre for the residential
uses.
Exceptions
The Zoning Ordinance can provide specific exceptions to the FAR limitations for uses with low-employment
densities, such as research facilities, or low peak-hour traffic generation, such as hospitals. Intensity
standards for non-residential and mixed-use development are for the entire development site; that is,
intensities on individual parcels may exceed the maximum, provided the overall development project does
not exceed the stipulated intensity.
For residential uses, in contrast, density standards apply to individual parcels. The Planning Commission may
permit, subject to findings, deviations in residential density standards on individual parcels for clustered
development with common open space, as stipulated in the policies included later in this chapter, provided
overall project density is not exceeded.
Additionally, Planned Developments or Specific Plan areas which are subject to form-based zoning codes
are exempt from the general FAR limitations set forth below. The density standards applicable to such areas
are established by the applicable form-based code.
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Land Use Designations & Buildout
A central component of the Land Use Element is the inclusion of a diversity of land use designations to
adequately classify and distinguish the various land uses needed within the Planning Area, as well as
descriptions that distinguish between corresponding levels of intensity, density, and allowable uses as
required by Government Code Section 65302(a)). These are documented in Table 4-1.
The General Plan Land Use Diagram (see Figure 4-1) provides a graphical representation of the distribution of
allowed land uses within the Planning Area, providing directon for where and what kind of development may
occur.
General Plan Land Use Designations and Development Density and Intensity Standards
Designation Density/Intensity
RR Rural Estate Residential
This designation is intended for single-family detached residential
development on the city’s east side to provide transition between urban
and open space uses.
Residential
Density:
2.0 du/ac or less
Floor Area Ratio:
N/A
RE Estate Residential
This designation is intended for single-family detached residential
development that provides for larger homes and private open space areas
and transistions between urban and open space uses.
Residential
Density:
2.1-4.0 du/ac
Floor Area Ratio:
N/A
LDR Low Density Residential
This designation is mainly intended for detached single-family dwellings
but may permit attached single-family units provided each unit has
ground-floor living area and private outdoor open space. This designation
is typically applied to areas of predominantly single-family character.
Residential
Density:
4.1-6.0 du/ac
Floor Area Ratio:
N/A
MDR Medium Density Residential
This designation is intended for attached or detached single-family
housing. Multifamily housing type is not permitted. Side-by-side duplexes
not separated by a property line or without individual heating systems are
permitted, provided they are similar in appearance to single-family
structures. This designation is typically applied to areas of predominantly
single-family character where a greater diversity of housing type is
intended.
Residential
Density:
6.1-12.0 du/ac
Floor Area Ratio:
N/A
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Designation Density/Intensity
HDR High Density Residential
This designation allows a wide range of housing types, from single-family
attached to multifamily. This designation is intended for specific areas
where higher densities may be appropriate.
Residential
Density:
12.1-30.0 du/ac
Floor Area Ratio:
N/A
CN Commercial – Neighborhood
This designation allows stores, personal service establishments, offices,
financial businesses, and restaurants and cafes that serve the everyday
needs of the immediate neighborhood. Department or big-box stores are
not permitted. Autocentric uses such as gas stations, auto sales and repair,
and drive-through establishments are discouraged. Hotel and motel uses
are allowed.
Residential
Density:
N/A
Floor Area Ratio:
Maximum FAR 0.4
(hotel uses have
maximum FAR 1.5)
CR Commercial – Regional
This designation is intended for more autocentric uses and uses that attract
consumers from outside the city, such as shopping centers, department
stores, chain restaurants, and big-box stores. Neighborhood-oriented
commercial uses are allowed but limited within this district. Hotels and
motel uses are allowed.
Residential
Density:
N/A
Floor Area Ratio:
Maximum FAR 0.4
(hotel uses have
maximum FAR 1.5)
O Office
This designation is intended to provide sites for administrative, financial,
business, professional, medical and public offices, and support commercial
uses. Hospitals, extended care and other similar facilities are also
permitted in specific locations.
Residential
Density:
N/A
Floor Area Ratio:
Maximum FAR 1.0
BP Business Park
This designation is intended to provide more sites for employment
opportunities, especially jobs that provide a living wage. This designation
allows a mix of office, industrial, and institutional uses, with supporting
retail and commercial uses and an emphasis on flexible use of space.
Residential
Density:
N/A
Floor Area Ratio:
Maximum FAR 0.5
for non-office uses
and 0.65 for office
uses; discretionary
increases
permitted up to
FAR 1.0
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Designation Density/Intensity
MU Mixed -Use
This designation accommodates a variety of compatible businesses,
stores, institutions, service organizations, and residences in a pedestrian-
oriented setting. Allowable uses include multifamily residences, retail
shops, financial, business and personal services, and restaurants.
Residential
Density:2.0 to 75
du/acre
depending on
planned area
Floor Area Ratio:
FAR 0.3-1.5
(without
residential mix) -
2.0 (with
residential mix)
depending on
planned area
P/I Public/Institutional
This designation provides for schools, government offices, transit sites, and
other facilities that have a unique public character. Religious facilities are
not called out separately on the General Plan Diagram, although they
would be permitted in this designation as well as other residential and
commercial districts.
Residential
Density:
N/A
Floor Area Ratio:
Maximum FAR 0.5
P/R Parks/Recreation
This designation provides for parks for active and passive recreation,
recreation complexes, community fields, public golf courses, stadiums,
arboretums, and greenways. Ancillary facilities such as concession stands,
clubhouses, and equipment rental are also allowed.
Residential
Density:
N/A
Floor Area Ratio:
Maximum FAR
0.10
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Designation Density/Intensity
OSE Open Space for Environmental Conservation
This designation includes sites with environmental and/or safety
constraints. Included are riparian corridors, sensitive habitats, and wetlands.
For sites entirely within this designation, development is limited to one
housing unit per existing legal parcel, provided policies in Chapter 6:
Environmental Conservation, as well as protection standards that may be
specified in the Zoning Ordinance or elsewhere, are adhered to. For
parcels partially within this designation, no development is permitted
within the Open Space designated area if other land within the parcel does
not have environmental and/or safety constraints. Land area with this
designation shall not be used in calculating allowable development.
However, for parcels that include creekside buffers, development rights
that would result if adjacent land uses were to be extended into a buffer
can be transferred for land in the buffer that is directly accessible to the
public, subject to a maximum 10-foot depth, on an acre-for-acre basis, to
the developable parts of the parcel.
Residential
Density:
N/A
Floor Area Ratio:
FAR 0.5
OSA Open Space for Agriculture and Resource Management
This designation includes orchards and cropland, grasslands, and very low-
density rural residential areas, not to exceed one housing unit per 20 or 40
acres, provided that one housing unit may be built on each existing parcel.
Agriculture is permitted with fewer restrictions on keeping animals than in
the residential classifications. This classification will also accommodate any
greenbelts and/or urban buffer areas that may be designated in the future.
Greenbelts are open space, park land, and agricultural areas located
outside urban areas, as opposed to urban parks located within developed
areas.
Residential
Density:
N/A
Floor Area Ratio:
Maximum FAR
0.05
PIM Public/Institutional/Medium Density Residential
This designation shown as a striped area on the General Plan Diagram
would allow either of the two uses represented by the striping, or a
combination of the two (Public/Institutional and Medium Density
Residential) consistent with their separate land use classifications.
Residential
Density:
6.1-12.0 du/ac
Floor Area Ratio:
Maximum FAR 0.5
It is common for the City to update the Land Use and Circulation Diagrams over time.
Please check with the Planning Division of the City of Rohnert Park Development Services
Department to ensure you have the current version.
General Plan Buildout
In addition, policies for specific areas or sites in the General Plan may restrict development intensities to less
than what may otherwise be permitted under a specific land use classification.
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Gross density standards and assumed averages for residential categories are listed in Table 4-1 design
standards specified in the Community Design Element and/or the Zoning Ordinance should also be
consulted in addition to the density/intensity standards in this element.
Residential Projections
Plan Bay Area 2040 has produced household projections for cities throughout the Bay Area. For Rohnert
Park, Plan Bay Area forecasts growth of 5,200 households between 2010 and 2040, 3,605 of which would be
in the two Priority Development Areas. Based on the DOF housing data, it is estimated that the city has grown
by 600 households since 2010. Development capacity data for the major growth areas within the city are
shown in the lower part of Table 4-2. These estimates show potential for 5,343 new dwelling units, with 56
percent planned to be multifamily units, very similar to the existing proportion. This development capacity
would accommodate the citywide Plan Bay Area projection; however, the PDAs show capacity for only 2,529
units, in contrast to the Plan Bay Area projection of 3,605.
Existing and Projected Rohnert Park Households 2010 to 2040
Non-Residential Projections
The projected incremental net growth for industrial jobs (manufacturing and transportation/warehousing)
over the next ten years would create demand for around 129,200 square feet. This represents a broad
estimate because some specific industrial uses are more labor intensive than others. In addition, another
25,000 square feet would be needed to achieve an optimal 5 percent vacancy rate. Also, demand from other
categories, such as institutional uses, could potentially use industrial spaces as well. The retail sector is also
developing local distribution centers for “last mile” delivery to consumers as a way of serving increased
online as well as reducing building footprints necessary for in-store shopping. This will increase demand for
industrial space even as new retail centers develop with smaller building formats. New industrial business
relocations or startups could also create substantially greater demand for industrial development in the
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future. The increase in cannabis businesses anticipated in Santa Rosa may increase demand from other
industrial businesses for space in places like Rohnert Park. Beyond 2027, we estimate demand for industrial
space could total about 530,000 square feet. Combined with existing demand, there is a need for 40 to 63
acres of industrial property, depending on site coverage of building space. The city currently has 44 vacant
acres designated for industrial. However, discussions with commercial real estate brokers indicate that
marketable industrial sites are becoming scarce in Rohnert Park. This is partially driven by the fact that not all
vacant acreage is available on the market. This is one reason why maintaining a healthy vacancy rate and
surplus land supply is important.
Rohnert Park Non-Residential Vacant Land Development Capacity by Land Use
Goals and Policies for Land Use Designations
CD-1 To guide the development of a mix of land uses that fulfill residents’
daily needs, provide for economic and job growth, and provide
recreational and entertainment amenities.
CD-1.1 General Plan Land Use Diagram
The City shall maintain and implement a Land Use Diagram for purposes of describing the
types of allowed land uses by geographic location and the density and/or intensity of allowed
uses within each designation. To the extent feasible, the boundaries on the Land Use Diagram
should follow natural or human-made boundaries, such as:
parcel boundaries
roads
rail lines
utility corridors
water courses
CD-1.2 Zoning Consistency
The City shall ensure that zoning designations are consistent with the General Land Use
Diagram (Figure 4-1).
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CD-2 To promote the effective implementation and use of the General Plan
Land Use Diagram.
CD-2.1 General Plan Land Use Amendments
When reviewing proposed General Plan amendments to modify or change land use
designations or the General Plan Land Use Diagram, the City shall consider if the proposal:
maintains consistency with the General Plan Vision, Guiding Principles, and relevant goals
and policies;
is consistent with adopted Urban Growth Boundary;
minimizes the creation of a land use that is inconsistent with the policies, land uses, or
development standards of surrounding parcels;
enhances compatibility with existing or planned uses in the area;
addresses new physical, social, or economic factors that are relevant and were not present
at the time of the General Plan adoption;
reduces the potential for undesired, growth-inducing precedent;
demonstrates appropriate infrastructure and services are available, or amendment is
conditioned on requirement to provide or appropriately fund needed infrastructure and
services; and
demonstrates community benefits that offset any negative impacts on the fiscal health of
the city.
CD-2.2 Land Use Boundary Interpretation
The City Manager shall designate a qualified Zoning Administrator who shall have the authority
to interpret the alignment of all land use boundaries depicted on the General Plan Land Use
Diagram, consistent with the goals and policies of the General Plan, subject to appeal to the
Planning Commission and City Council.
CD-2.3 Concurrent Zoning Change Processing
The City shall process zone changes, if necessary, concurrently with General Plan amendments
to assure zoning consistency.
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Land Use Patterns for Quality of Life
A community that maintains a high quality of life promotes a positive physical, social, and economic
environment that supports the overall well-being of its residents. The purpose of this section is to improve
residents’ quality of life by ensuring access to work, recreation, entertainment, and services. This section
contains policies that encourage a built environment conducive to live/work balance through strategic mixes
and patterns of land uses. When implemented, these policies also serve to enhance community health and
reduce greenhouse gas emmissions.
CD-3 To foster a thoughtful balance and mix of land uses that support an
overall high quality of life for Rohnert Park residents.
CD-3.1 Community Focal Points
The City shall encourage the development of mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented activity centers
that serve as community focal points in Rohnert Park.
CD-3.2 Accessibility to Resources
The City shall maintain and encourage land use patterns that maximize residents’ accessibility
to parks, open space, and shopping opportunities.
CD-3.3 Transitions to Surrounding Neighborhoods
The City shall provide transitions to established neighborhood areas by ensuring appropriate
setback standards and step backs for upper-story levels of multi-story structures, adjacent to
residential uses.
CD-3.4 Complete Local Streets
The City shall design local streets to accommodate all street users with comfortable
pedestrian environments as the priority, including street tree planting between the street and
sidewalk, minimized curb cuts, sidewalks on both sides of streets, and low-impact
development features, where feasible.
CD-3.5 Infill Growth
The City shall promote high-quality, compact infill growth that enhances the character of
existing neighborhoods, complements the identity of subareas, and improves the bike,
pedestrian, and transit orientation.
CD-3.6 Range of Housing Types
The City shall require a range of housing types in large development projects.
CD-3.7 Encourage Development Agreements
The City shall encourage project applicants to enter into development agreements with the
City, to provide community benefits and grant vested development rights which would allow
sites to develop over a multi-year period. The City shall process Development Agreement
approvals concurrent with project entitlements.
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CD-4 To ensure that growth does not outpace ability to provide services to
residents.
CD-4.1 Annual Limit on Residential Development
The City shall continue to monitor and enforce its voter-approved Growth Management
Ordinance in order to maintain an average development pace of 225 housing units per year.
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Community Form and Identity
An important aspect of a community’s growth is its physical character and how this contributes positively to
the community’s identity and economic base. Through community design, the City can build an urban fabric
that strengthens its assets and continues to support and grow the identity of Rohnert Park.
Rohnert Park was established in 1956 as a master planned community. The city has since developed based
on the concept of “neighborhood units,” in which single-family residences are clustered around a centrally
located school and park, creating quiet neighborhoods attractive to families. Commercial centers are
located at the edge of neighborhoods, generally clustered adjacent to Highway 101, and primarily accessed
by car. This style of development has greatly influenced Rohnert Park’s community form, which impacts the
way people experience and identify with their community, contributing to the community’s overall identity.
The City is working towards creating a Downtown around the SMART Station, which would transform the
area into a more lively, mixed-use center that serves as a focal point of the community, providing
neighborhood gathering spaces as well as a vibrant and innovative employment district. The future
Downtown is expected to become a key contributor to defining Rohnert Park’s form in the upcoming
decades, providing community gathering spaces that encourage social interaction and strengthen
connection between people.
Rohnert Park’s form and identity is also defined by scenic views of the surrounding mountains and the creek
corridors that wind through the community. There is an opportunity to enhance this connection by
preserving natural landscapes, improving creek corridors, street planting, and park landscaping, which will
build community identity and provide multi-faceted benefits to public health and the environment. Since
2000, the Rohnert Park Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) has encouraged a defined urban edge, cohesive
pattern of urbanization, promoted efficient and orderly growth patterns, supported stability and certainty in
long-term planning, and ensured that lands outside the UGB are not prematurely or unnecessarily converted
to urban uses. The UGB has successfully protected what makes Rohnert Park a unique place. In November
2019, Rohnert Park residents voted to renew and extend the UGB until December 31, 2040, and conform its
limits to match the City’s approved Sphere of Influence.
The goals and policies in this section aim to ensure that as Rohnert Park grows and evolves in form, it
maintains its scenic views and family-friendly neighborhoods while also creating opportunities for dynamic
gathering places and strong employment centers, that enhance the Rohnert Park experience.
CD-5 To maintain a compact urban form through a defined urban growth
boundary and distinct urban edge.
CD-5.1 Gateways
The City shall designate gateway points at major entrances to the city and use landscaping,
wayfinding signage, and other streetscape design techniques a to provide visual emphasis to
the gateway.
CD-5.2 Soft Edges
The City shall ensure that design treatment at the edge of urban uses results in a visual
transition to open space, by:
Prohibiting the use of solid walls along these edges;
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Requiring use of materials and design to promote soft edges (such as wooden or other
rustic materials for fences and lanscaping); and
Encouraging development at the edge of the city to face outwards.
CD-5.3 UGB Renewal
The City shall support urban development within its UGB and strive to renew and maintain the
UGB,consistent with the land use needs of the city in 2040.
CD-6 To maintain Rohnert Park’s scale and character while strengthening a
sense of place as the city changes.
CD-6.1 Clear Development Regulations
The City shall promote design excellence by ensuring City development regulations clearly
express intended outcomes, reinforce quality design, and are easily implemented and
monitored.
CD-6.2 Land Use Compatibility
The City shall ensure that development of adjacent residential and commercial areas are
designed to be compatible.
CD-6.3 Minimize Growth Impacts
The City shall work with project applicants to minimize the impacts—physical, visual, and
fiscal—of growth and annexation on existing homes and businesses.
CD-6.4 Strengthen Neighborhood Identity
The City shall use streetscape improvements that support and accent the identity of the
different neighborhoods in Rohnert Park, including the city’s original neighborhoods (A,B, and C
sections and Southwest Boulevard), the Downtown area, and the commercial and recreational
areas of the city.
CD-6.5 Preserve Open Space and Natural Features
The City shall ensure that the existing open spaces, parks, and creeks in Rohnert Park are
preserved and maintained to reinforce the relationship between Rohnert Park and its natural
setting.
CD-6.6 Visual Continuity
The City shall develop and enhance design and wayfinding linkages between different parts of
the city to create visual continuity along major corridors and creekside greenways, reinforcing a
continuous experience of the city. Linkages should strive to connect major destinations such as
shopping centers, Downtown, and Sonoma State University campus.
CD-6.7 Standards for Nonresidential Development
The City shall require new nonresidential development be compatible with surrounding
neighborhoods and the community as a whole. Nonresidential development shall be designed
to encourage pedestrian and bicyle activity with appropriately designed site circulation
facilities and amenities.
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CD-6.8 Eastern Ridgeline
The City shall preserve and enhance the iconic views of the eastern ridgeline both in public
space and along corridors.
CD-6.9 Maintain View Corridors
The City shall minimize disruption of existing views by new development and maintain “view
corridors” by:
keeping the views to the north and east of the city “open” by not allowing buildings or tall
trees to be placed at the street ends and ensuring landscaping frames the views;
keeping the eastern edge of the north-south streets at the city’s eastern edge open by
ensuring that landscaping frame and permit views;
Providing a landscape buffer and building setbacks and stepbacks on Snyder Lane
between Keiser Avenue and Golf Course Drive to retain views of the ridgeline;
Maintaining a minimum 50-foot setback from Petaluma Hill Road for any new development
west of Petaluma Hill Road;
Maintaining a 100-foot seperation between “G” section and any new structures to the south.
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Residential Development
California is under pressure to develop more housing over the coming decades. The policies in this section
describe the provision of a range of housing types for Rohnert Park residents. Additionally, it is vital that the
City is able to balance the provision of housing with the City’s ability to provide services. To ensure that
Rohnert Park does not develop faster than its ability to provide services to new residents, the Growth
Management Ordinance was developed to manage the pace of housing development. The Growth
Management Ordinance helps ensure predictable growth. It helps regulate growth from year to year, and
allows both the City and the project applicants greater flexibility in timing for their projects and supports
predictability. Affordable housing for low- and very-low income households are exempt from the Growth
Management Ordinance.
CD-7 To provide a range of housing types in type and price, including large-lot
homes and housing oriented to students and seniors. Provide a variety
of housing in all neighborhoods and reserve sites, where appropriate, for
housing types that would ensure that Rohnert Park remains an inclusive
community.
CD-7.1 Mixed Housing Types
The City shall allow stacked flats, townhomes, and multifamily dwellings to be integrated with
single-family residences where appropriate.
CD-7.2 Housing Location Priorities
The City shall prioritize new housing development in the City Center and Station Center
subareas at densities sufficient to support transit use and with access to employment and
community services in the region.
CD-7.3 High-Density Housing Near Transit
The City shall increase minimum density limits for higher-density housing near transit,
particularly within one-half mile of the SMART rail station.
CD-7.4 Housing for All Income Levels
The City shall support and encourage the provision of housing to a broad range of income
levels, including market-rate and affordable housing.
CD-7.5 Address Regional Housing Needs
The City shall recognize the availability of housing as a vital issue of statewide importance and
cooperate with other local governments and the State in addressing regional housing needs,
and balance regional and State considerations with the community’s interest in preserving
Rohnert Park’s quiet, safe, small-town feeling and desire for carefully planned and managed
growth.
4. Community Development Element
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Residential Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods are Rohnert Park’s building blocks. Rohnert Park’s neighborhood structure is characterized
by homes clustered around a school and a park. The neighborhood unit model of development has served
as the city’s blueprint since inception, and this section ensures that future planning efforts will focus on
honoring the existing character when developing more housing.
CD-8 To encourage sustainable development of diverse and distinctive
neighborhoods that build on the patterns of the natural landscape,
provide an attractive and safe environment for street users, and are
responsive in their location and context.
CD-8.1 Maintain Neighborhood Character
The City shall ensure that new development in existing neighborhoods is respectful of the
character of existing uses and causes minimal design intrusion.
CD-8.2 Neighborhood Park Location and Design
The City shall ensure that neighborhood parks are located and designed for easy pedestrian
access. Where possible, neighborhood parks should also be designed to preserve and
showcase natural features, connect to trails, and be close to schools and higher-density
housing.
CD-8.3 Sustainable Development Practices
The City shall promote sustainable development practices that result in more energy and
water-efficient development, responsive to the mild climate conditions in the Sonoma Valley.
CD-8.4 Building-Street Interaction
The City shall encourage buildings to foster a sense of place by addressing transitions between
the street and building.
CD-8.5 Continuous Streets
The City shall provide streets at the edges of each phase of development in order to provide
flexibility and better continuity for later development phases.
CD-8.6 Fine-Grained Street Patterns
The City shall ensure that future development supports a fine-grained, closely spaced, and
integrated street patterns that provide continuity between neighborhoods, have a human scale,
enhance the character of neighborhoods and activity centers.
CD-8.7 Limit Cul-de-Sac Use
The City shall limit cul-de-sac use to no more than 10 percent of the length of all streets in a
subdivision and require pedestrian and bicycle connections at cul-de-sac ends.
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Employment and Retail Districts
From an older generation of industrial areas and unincorporated edges, a new type of district is emerging in
Rohnert Park. These areas—north of Downtown in Central Rohnert Park, west of Highway 101, and at SOMO
Village—are envisioned to feature a flexible mix of light industrial, office, retail, hospitality, and higher-density
housing. It will be critical for the City to ensure that development in these areas creates cohesive, successful
districts that contribute to Rohnert Park’s overall quality of place. The Central Rohnert Park Priority
Development Area Plan (2016) describes a distinct character for the Triangle Business Subarea north of
Downtown. The SOMO Village Development Plan (2020) lays the groundwork for a walkable, complete
district showcasing sustainability. The Wilfred/Dowdell Village Specific Plan (amended 2014) and Northwest
Specific Plan (2014) have described and set terms for future development in individual portions of Northwest
Rohnert Park, which this General Plan modifies to create flexibility and invite more higher-paying
employment uses to this area
Rohnert Park has an ample supply of commercial development serving both local and regional needs. As
commercial sites are developed, augmented and changed, there is an opportunity to ensure that they
reinforce Rohnert Park’s identity, contribute to the economy, function successfully for residents who walk,
bike and use transit, as well as drive, and adapt to changing needs and preferences. They must also be
flexible enough to adapt to new kinds of tenants that may not require the same kind of physical form.
Commercial centers in Rohnert Park occur at two scales – neighborhood and regional. Neighborhood
commercial buildings are typically one to two story with local serving uses. The regional commercial uses
are mainly concentrated along the Highway 101 corridor and include a number of big-box retailers. While the
City is focusing its efforts towards experiential retail with a distinctive sense of place into its Downtown
District (Section 4.8), the existing commercial centers also present an opportunity for Rohnert Park to make
the shift towards flexible “re-industrial” development, allowing for mixed-retail and industrial businesses that
reflect current market needs.
Rohnert Park’s commercial areas and neighborhoods are either along or connected by commercial corridors.
Three of the main corridors include Commerce Boulevard, Southwest Boulevard, and State Farm Drive.
Revitalization and enhancement of these corridors will serve to connect and create attractive and distinctive
districts and neighborhoods in Rohnert Park. It is hoped that the types of businesses and amenities along the
corridors will be a unique reflection of the residents and visitors that they serve. In 2007, the City prepared
corridor concept plans for Rohnert Park’s three main corridors. The concept plans and strategies were
designed to improve the corridors so they are visually appealing; encourage walking, bicycling, and transit;
and foster the revitalization of underutilized properties. Concept plans for Southwest Boulevard included
designs and ideas for a round-about at Commerce Boulevard and potential lane reductions to allow for
implementation of beneficial improvements.
CD-9 To create flexible employment and retail districts that are integrated
with the city around them and contribute to its quality of place.
CD-9.1 Employment and Retail Synergy
Within flexible, mixed-use areas, the City shall require that the location and design of
employment and retail development support cross-use, with restaurant and entertainment
spaces in close proximity and easily accessible to workplaces.
4. Community Development Element
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CD-9.2 Mixed-use District Framework
The City shall require that all mixed-use districts (Northwest, Downtown, Southwest Boulevard
ando SOMO) be organized and linked internally around a framework of green connections and
key corridors. These links shall also connect and enhance connectivity and greenways
throughout the city. Mixed use districts in Northwest Rohnert Park should be linked along the
Dowdell Avenue corridor and connected to the Triangle Business District across Highway 101.
CD-9.3 Design for a Transition in Energy Sources
The City shall encourage developers in its mixed-use districts to partner with Sonoma Clean
Power and include solar power infrastructure with energy storage (e.g. batteries), vehicle
charging stations and distributed renewable energy production.
CD-9.4 Flexible Building Types
The City shall ensure that commercial developments can function for multiple purposes,
including, but not limited to, small makerspaces, larger retail, service professions, office space,
and high value light industrial and food production facilities. The flexibility should seek to limit
the amount of vacant commercial land and more easily respond to the market. The focus
should be on active uses that have significant daytime activity. Warehousing, storage, and
other inactive uses with very little daytime activity should be avoided in employment and retail
districts.
CD-9.5 Revitalize Southwest Boulevard Corridor
The City shall use public investment and mixed-use zoning and public-private partnerships to
promote and support the unique local businesses along Southwest Boulevard.
CD-9.6 Corridor Enhancements
The City shall implement streetscape improvements to transform Southwest Boulevard,
Commerce Boulevard, and State Farm Drive into attractive multimodal streets that can attract
investment.
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Downtown
The Central Rohnert Park Priority Development Area Plan (PDA Plan) establishes a vision for a vibrant mixed-
use “Downtown” area near the new Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) commuter rail station. It
includes strategies to support a walkable Downtown destination and transportation hub with access to a
variety of jobs, housing, shopping, services, and transportation options. The vision and policies established in
the PDA Plan have been codified in the Downtown District Amenity Zone shown on Figure 4-5. The General
Plan reaffirms and advances the City’s goal to create a vibrant new central place.
CD-10 To create a distinctive character and identity for Central Rohnert Park,
particularly in the areas defined as Downtown and around the SMART
station, with a strong pedestrian focus and high-quality buildings and
landscape.
CD-10.1 Public Gathering Places
The City shall require new development to provide public plazas, gathering places, and
pedestrian amenities that contribute to the character of the street and public realm, with high
standards for building materials, landscape design, lighting, safety, furniture, programming, and
views.
CD-10.2 Public Realm Enhancements
The City shall support public realm enhancements that improve bike and pedestrian
connectivity, comfort, and access from neighborhoods to the destinations in Central Rohnert
Park and the SMART rail station, including connections along Rohnert Park Expressway and
State Farm Drive.
CD-10.3 Downtown Streetscape Character
The City shall focus public investments inside the Downtown District Amenity Zone to create
an urban Downtown streetscape palette that accents each of the Downtown subareas and
forms a cohesive overall identity for Downtown.
CD-10.4 Downtown Development Standards
The City shall implement the Form Based Code for the Downtown District Amenity Zone to
guide future building forms that accommodates a higher-intensity and mixed-use program
while creating a strong pedestrian orientation and sense of place in the Downtown District
Amenity Zone.
CD-10.5 Diverse Building Types
The City shall allow diverse building types and styles that are compatible and consistent with
the character of development in Sonoma County.
4. Community Development Element
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CD-10.6 High-Quality Design
The City shall support high-quality architecture, streetscape, and landscape design features in
the Downtown District Amenity Zone.
CD-10.7 Centralized Downtown Parking
The City shall employ a number of strategies to centralize downtown parking to create a
desirable downtown environment. This may include the establishment of a parking assessment
district, removal of parking requirements on individual sites, consolidation of parking on one
site, and/or Transportation Demand Measures. This will allow the flexibility to place buildings
where needed to create a downtown environment
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Figure 4-5 Central Rohnert Park Plan Concept and Downtown District Amenity Zone
4. Community Development Element
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Special Area Plans
The Rohnert Park General Plan provides a comprehensive set of goals and policies that the community uses
to guide development. Other plans, which will be referred to as Special Area Plans, are also used to guide
development in specific areas of the city and do so in accordance with the goals and policies set forth in the
General Plan. These Special Area Plans are categorized as Specific Plans, Planned Developments, and
Priority Development Areas (see Figure 4-6). Most of the future development capacity within Rohnert Park
lies within these areas, and as such, these plans will shape the future character of Rohnert Park.
A specific plan is a tool for the systematic implementation of the General Plan. It links the policies of the
General Plan with the individual development proposals of a defined area. Rohnert Park in 2020 has four
adopted specific plans, which are the University District Specific Plan, Southeast Specific Plan, Northwest
Specific Plan, and the Wilfred-Dowdell Specific Plan. The Northeast Specific Plan is the only designated area
without an adopted specific plan as of 2020.
A planned development is a zoning district (P-D) and is intended to accommodate a wide range of
residential, commercial, and industrial land uses, which are mutually-supportive and compatible with existing
and proposed development on surrounding projects. A P-D zoning district is tailored to specific projects, sets
specific development standards that help the project integrate into its surroundings, and ensures that zoning
and the General Plan are consistent. Once established, the P-D zoning district becomes, in effect, the zoning
for the area within its respective boundaries. Rohnert Park in 2020 has three adopted planned developments,
which are the Station Center Planned Development, Stadium Lands Planned Development, and the SOMO
Village Planned Development.
Priority Development Areas (PDAs) are areas within existing communities that local governments have
identified and approved for future growth. Identified areas are typically accessible by one or more transit
services and are often located near established job centers, shopping districts, and other services. Local
governments with PDAs are eligible for PDA planning funds, staffing assistance, and technical assistance
through the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the Association of Bay Area Governments
(ABAG). In 2020, Central Rohnert Park and SOMO Village are identified PDAs.
In addition to the SPAs, PDs, and PDAs, the rural residential Canon Manor Subdivision is located directly east
of the city and west of Petaluma Hill Road, within the city’s Sphere of Influence and UGB, which would allow
it to be annexed to the city. The City currently provides sewer service to the Canon Manor Subdivision
through an outside service agreement. The Canon Manor Subdivision is “inhabited” (more than 12 resident,
registered voters) and any annexation would require voter support and approval by the Local Area Formation
Commission (LAFCO). For the sake of completeness, the element includes one goal and policy related to the
Canon Manor Subdivision.
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Figure 4-6 Special Area Plans
4. Community Development Element
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CD-11 To ensure Special Area Plans are prepared and implemented for
strategic new growth areas with complex land use programs.
CD-11.1 Maintaining Special Area Plans
The City shall require that specific plans and planned developments be prepared, amended,
updated, and implemented pursuant to this General Plan for the areas illustrated on Figure 4-6.
CD-11.2 Northeast Specific Plan
The City shall require the preparation of a Specific Plan prior to approval of any development in
the Northeast Specific Plan Area. The Plan shall include the following land use program and
elements:
Land Use Program: Northeast Specific Plan Area
Gross
Acreage
Housing Units
Minimum-
Maximum
Rural / Estate Residential 25-30 40-60
Low Density Residential 110-125 575-635
Medium Density Residential 10-14 100-140
High Density Residential 11-14 200-250
Parks 12
Total
170 915-1,085
(Rev. 10/02)
Program Elements:
Approximately 8 acres of parkland with clear connections to both Snyder Lane and the
proposed Five Creek greenway;
A Greenway along Five Creek;
Medium and High Density Residential grouped along the Five Creek greenway and
park(s).
Medium and High Density Residential development located at least 200 feet away from
the edge of the Snyder Lane right-of-way;
100-foot wide buffer or parkway on the south side of G Section; and
Completion of the Synder Lane street scaping program.
CD-11.3 Business Park Designation
The City will work with land owners in the Northwest and Wilfred Dowdell and the Triangle
Business District to take advantage of the Business Park designation, with the focus on
developing uses that create employment opportunity for higher wage jobs.
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CD-11.4 Content of Specific Plans and Final Development Plans for Planned Developments
New and amended Specific Plans and Final Development Plans for Planned Developments will
include the following components:
A land use program as specified for each Specific Plan and Planned Development area
in the General Plan, including the maximum and minimum development for each land
use type;
A detailed traffic study, prepared by a City-approved traffic/transportation planner, and
reasonable mitigation measures to mitigate traffic impacts resulting from the
development;
The proposed location and capacity of major infrastructure components, including
sewer, water, drainage, solid waste disposal, energy, and other essential facilities
proposed to be located within the area covered by the Specific Plan/Planned
Development;
A site-specific biological assessment of wetlands, habitat areas, and creeksides by a
City-approved biologist and a program for conservation/mitigation to the extent
feasible;
Survey for California tiger salamander, both in breeding habitat and adjacent upland
estivation habitat, with appropriate mitigation, including avoidance and minimization
measures;
Cultural resources survey, carried out in consultation with the Federated Indians of
Graton Rancheria;
A program for conservation of the natural resources along creeks and standards for the
conservation, development, and use of natural resources where applicable;
A program for park and open space in accordance with the General Plan designation,
including access and connections to the bicycle system;
A hydrology study and plan for drainage for the area, with a goal to minimize runoff
from new development;
A plan to prevent stormwater pollution, including measures to be incorporated as part of
development on individual sites;
Demonstration of adequate water supply; and
A plan, including standards and criteria, for development phasing.
CD-11.5 Specific Plan Phasing
Include within each Specific Plan and Planned Development, standards and criteria by which
development will be phased, and standards for the conservation, development and utilization
of natural resources, and protection of cultural resources.
4. Community Development Element
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CD-11.6 Public Health and Service Facility Exemption
Permit hospitals, schools, police and fire stations, parks, and other facilities that serve a vital
public interest, subject to findings and necessary environmental review, to be located in a
Specific Plan/Planned Development area, even if a Specific Plan or Planned Development for
the area has not been adopted.
CD-11.7 Land Use Compatibility
As part of development of Specific Plans and Planned Developments, through site planning
and other techniques, ensure adequate transitions between incompatible uses, while
promoting the General Plan intent of integrated development of compatible uses.
CD-12 To ensure appropriate study of Canon Manor Subdivision before any
consideration of annexation.
CD-12.1 Require Preparation of “Special Plan” if Annexation is Considered
Consider initiating annexation of Canon Manor Subdivision only if requested by the residents of
the subdivision and the following conditions are met:
Adequate public facilities, meeting Rohnert Park’s Rural Estate Residential standards,
are fully funded or installed prior to annexation;
No facility improvement costs are borne by the City of Rohnert Park; and
All land in Canon Manor is included in the annexation.
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Public Art
Public art can include sculpture, statues, monuments, murals, fountains, and other forms of art that beautify
and enrich civic spaces within the city. Public art can increase a sense of community, place, and identity,
celebrate the history and heritage of a place, and showcase the work of local artists. It can be a catalyst for
change and have a positive social and economic impact on communities. Public art not only enlivens the
public realm but is also an expression of a community’s unique identity and tells a story. The policies in this
section call for the continued promotion of art in public places.
CD-13 To promote art and culture in Rohnert Park.
CD-13.1 Art in Public Places
The City shall encourage the integration of art and cultural components in public places and
facilities.
CD-13.2 Art in New Development
The City shall encourage areas of new development and redevelopment to include art and
cultural components.
CD-13.3 Public Art Placement
The City shall encourage public art to be placed in highly visible and high traffic areas, such as
along major thoroughfares or in public gathering spaces.
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General Plan Consistency and
Maintenance
The General Plan is a living document that must reflect the City’s needs and desires, which evolve over time.
The effectiveness of the General Plan ultimately depends on how the City implements and maintains the
Plan over its lifetime. State law requires that most actions of local government affecting the physical
environment be consistent with the General Plan and sets out guidelines for general plan monitoring,
updating, and amendment. State law also requires the General Plan to be consistent with other State laws
and rules, including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). This section ensures that the City
maintains a high level of attention to the General Plan by providing for regular review and updating to ensure
that City regulations and ordinances are consistent with the General Plan, as well as consistency with
overarching State law.
CD-14 To provide a clear framework for the ongoing administration,
maintenance, and implementation of the 2040 General Plan consistent
with State law.
CD-14.1 Five-year General Plan Review
The City shall conduct a thorough review of the General Plan every five years from the date of
final approval, and revise and update as necessary.
CD-14.2 Implementation Program Monitoring
The City shall maintain and annually review the General Plan Implementation Programs. As part
of this process, the City shall update the prioritization of programs based on applicability,
relevance, timing of initiation, and availability of funding and resources.
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Implementation Programs
Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2020 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing A Zoning Ordinance Update for Clear
Development Regulations
The City shall review the Zoning
Ordinance to ensure that standards and
regulations are clear, reinforce quality
design, and are easily monitored.
CD-1..2: Zoning
Consistency
CD-6.1: Clear
Development
Regulations
Development
Services
B Urban Forest Master Plan
The City shall prepare and update every
five years an Urban Forest Master Plan.
The Plan should include the types of trees
appropriate to Rohnert Park’s natural
environment and identify locations in the
city that would benefit most from tree
plantings.
CD-3.2:
Accessiblity to
Resources
CD-6.5:
Preserve Open
Space
CC-7.3:
Preserve &
Enhance Open
Space, Natural
Features, The
Urban Forest
Development
Services
Public Works
C Growth Management Review
The City shall annually review the Growth
Management Ordinance and establish
priorities for the coming year, including
priority development areas and allocation
of building permits to specific housing
types and/or densities. The annual review
shall include, but not be limited to,
consideration of the goal of a 1 percent
average annual population growth rate, a
balanced land use program,
accommodation of the City’s fair-share
housing allocations, development
patterns and growth area priorities,
infrastructure availability, and land use
program assumptions (for example,
vacancy rate factors and household size).
CD-4.1: Annual
Limit on
Residential
Development
CD-5.3: UGB
Renewal
Development
Services
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Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2020 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing D CIP Programs
The City shall include the design and
implementation of Gateway and
streetscape design features in future CIPs.
CD-5.1:
Gateways
CD-9.5: Revise
Southwest
Boulevard
Corridor
CD-9.6:
Corridor
Enhancements
Public Works
E Zoning Development Standards
As part of the Zoning Ordinance, the City
shall update and maintain development
standards for all development within
commercial districts that includes, but is
not limited to the following:
Maximum setbacks from the front
lot-line;
Maximum length of the front lot
line that can be used as the edge
of a parking lot;
Landscaping requirements;
Design standards for parking lots,
including landscaping and
buffering;
Required orientation of main
entrances to the street;
Building transparency and
pedestrian comfort;
Signage requirements; and
Height, overall size, materials,
lighting, and location.
CD-6.1: Clear
Development
Regulations
Development
Services
F Develop Streetscape Palettes
The City shall develop a Streetscape
Palette Guide that serves to accent the
identity of the different neighborhoods in
Rohnert Park, including the Downtown
area and commercial areas, detailing how
a street can support safe, multimodal
mobility options.
CD-6.4:
Strengthen
Neighborhood
Identity
Development
Services
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Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2020 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing G Neighborhood Design Guidelines
The City shall develop Neighborhood
Design Guidelines that include
components such as land use,
development intensity, and street layouts,
to be responsive to natural and man-
made features including, but not limited
to:
Creeks. Locate streets and paths
adjacent to creeks, and integrate
parks and open space with
creekside paths;
Building-Street Interaction. Ensure
residential developments include
front setback variation. Guidelines
should address building
articulation and massing;
Street Networks. Provide safe,
attractive, and convenient streets
for all users in the neighborhood;
Urban edges. Ensure transition from
urban intensities to open space;
and
Integration with the surroundings.
Promote connections with adjacent
neighborhoods, institutions, and
business districts by integrating
street networks and responding to
existing landscape and urban
design treatments.
CD-8.1:
Maintain
Neighborhood
Character
CD-8.2:
Neighborhood
Park Location
and Design
CD-8.4:
Building-
Street
Interaction
CD-8.5:
Continuous
Streets
CD-8.6: Fine
Grained Street
Patterns
Development
Services
H Sustainable Development Checklist
The City shall continue to make
information available to developers and
other applicants regarding compliance
with the CalGreen Building Code & he
Model Water Use Efficiency Ordinance.
CD-8.3:
Sustainable
Development
Practices
Development
Services
Economic Development
Element
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5
The Economic Development Element seeks to identify a path to sustainable growth in Rohnert Park that is
balanced with and supportive of social equity and environmental quality. The Economic Development
Element outlines goals, policies, and actions to prepare Rohnert Park to meet present and future market
needs while preserving and enhancing the neighborhoods and parks that define its character.
Sonoma County’s economy is widely distributed between many sectors, with several strong regional
“cluster” industries in manufacturing, food production (dairy products, wine, beer, etc.), construction services,
health care, medical technoloy, retail trade, hospitality, adminstrative services, and government. Rohnert
Park’s strengths overlap with the county as a whole, with jobs in Rohnert Park more driven by hospitality,
retail trade, and government. However, because of the higher concentration of visitor-serving and local
demand-driven businesses, the average wage levels for jobs in Rohnert Park lag behind the rest of the
county and California as a whole. Projected job growth in Rohnert Park shows an increase over the next
decade with much of the growth expected to occur in health care, hospitality, and retail trade to meet the
needs of the aging and growing population. It is recognized that some of these job sectors do not necessarily
offer higher wage jobs, however, these sectors are necessary to provide the goods and services desired by
residents and visitors. There is also market opportunity to increase modern, clean industrial development,
which can bring with it higher paying jobs.
Land uses and economic development are going through a major evolution, shaped by technological
change and shifting consumer habits. As consumers increasingly shift toward e-commerce, retail centers are
increasingly focused on providing consumer essentials and stimulating experiences to drive trips.
Telecommuting and co-working may be changing the office environment for many workers. In California,
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residential development is in high demand, and many suburban consumers are seeking homes and
neighborhoods that provide workspace and amenities. Industrial development has seen a recent boom
related to fulfillment and logistics centers, clean modern manufacturing, and data centers. Blended use
development—which integrates multiple land uses on a site or in a district—brings greater resiliency to
projects, commercial centers, and cities. These land use and economic trends are important to consider as
Rohnert Park evaluates priorities and strategies in key opportunity areas and innovation districts, such as the
evolution of Downtown Rohnert Park as a blended-use innovation district, the redevelopment of the
Southwest Blvd Corridor to a new mix of uses, and emerging commercial, flex, fulfillment, and industrial uses
in the City’s business districts and along Highway 101.
Rohnert Park has a range of tools and strategies – “economic development currency” — that it can use to
foster economic development to transform the community, improve quality of life, and achieve fiscal
resiliency. Key tools are highlighted below.
• Maintaining efficient, effective local government procedures to foster a healthy business
environment will help Rohnert Park maintain regional competitiveness, improve the community, and
increase economic activity/tax revenues.
• Supporting flexibility and blended use development will help Rohnert Park adjust to emerging
market conditions.
• Using strategic zoning tools will ensure that Rohnert Park does not give away valuable density in
new orrevised specific plans without securing community benefits as tradeoffs.
• Conducting revenue analysis tools will help Rohnert Park stabilize fiscal revenues for projects with
low or adverse fiscal revenue impacts via public-private transaction strategies.
• Creating special financing districts—such as Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts (EIFDs),
Community Facilities Districts (CFDs), and Property-based Improvement Districts (PBIDs)—can fund
vital infrastructure that is needed to unlock investment and catalyze private development.
Economic Development in Rohnert Parks is centered around the Rohnert Park Economic Development
Framework which is comprised of three core elements: business retention and expansion, business
attraction, and tourism.
• Business Retention and Expansion | Accounting for approximately 76 percent of new jobs and
capital investments, existing businesses are the foundation to Rohnert Park’s economy. Aiding our
local businesses to remain in Rohnert Park, and to expand, presents one of the greatest prospects to
developing our local economy. The Framework presents conducting business outreach and
facilitating between sources of capital and local businesses as the two activities to undertake to
encourage the success of our local economy.
• Business Attraction | In the same vein, business attraction accounts for another 15 percent of new
jobs and capital investment. Bringing into our local economy new businesses provides not only jobs,
but also consumer options, and generally increases access to goods and services that may not
currently be present in the local market. Marketing Rohnert Park and connecting businesses with
sites are activities that the EDT is suggesting would aid in encouraging business to locate in Rohnert
Park.
• Tourism | Tourism has been identified as a focus sector, and the third core element for the
Framework. Tourism has the added advantage of bringing in people from other communities who
will spend their money earned elsewhere in our community, and will provide an opportunity for
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others to see that Rohnert Park is a great place to live and conduct business. Tourism has grown
significantly in the region, and Rohnert Park seeks to capture the economic benefits as tourism
growth continues. As such, the proposed activities involve marketing Rohnert Park through other
regional tourism efforts, continuing and expanding community and tourism events, and working to
attract additional venues.
Economic development in Rohnert Park should continue to achieve a balance between strengthening and
building upon its core assets while establishing the community as a viable location to attract and develop
new types of businesses that build from the innovation and technology-driven growth industries prevalent in
the Bay Area and elsewhere in the North Bay region. To move towards this objective, this Element includes
goals, policies, and programs to support Rohnert Park’s future fiscal health; attract, expand, and retain a
strong and diversified economic base. These goals, policies, and implementation programs in this Element
are organized under the following headings:
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5.1 Maintain Quality of Life and Fiscal
Resiliency
The quality of life in the community is dependent, in part, on the level of municipal services and amenities
the City can provide. Cities in California have few options for raising the revenues they need to provide the
level of services expected by their residents. The City’s economic base provides important benefits in terms
of helping to fund municipal services for its residents. Residential and non-residential land uses provide
different levels of local tax revenues and also exert differing demands for City services.
The main revenues that cities depend on are property tax, sales tax, and transient occupancy tax (TOT).
Residential uses tend to generate more property taxes while commercial uses are the primary source of
sales taxes and hotel uses generate transient occupancy tax. Residential uses require the highest
expenditures for services. Comparatively, far less service demand is generated by non-residential uses,
although police protection of retail centers is often higher than for other business uses. The net effect for
Rohnert Park is that most non-residential uses generate surplus revenue over expenses for the City’s General
Fund, which the City uses to help fund services to the residential neighborhoods. This is typical of most
California cities and demonstrates the benefit of having sales tax-producing businesses, at least historically.
However, as e-commerce and telecommuting are poised to transform land use patterns in the future, it will
become increasingly important for cities to attract talented workers as residents. These residents will help
drive local economic activity and spending as they spend more time within their home community. Providing
housing for a modern workforce is a key element of economic development, as is attracting workers with
community services and amenities. In addition to local tax revenues, Rohnert Park has entered into three
monetary agreements with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (Tribe) that support services
throughout the city and mitigate impacts associated with the Graton Resort and Casino, located on the
Tribe’s Reservation, just west of the city limits. These revenues support services throughout the city.
As land uses continue to evolve in a modern economy, it becomes increasingly important for communities to
expand and diversify their tax base and sustain strong and balanced fiscal policies. In recent years, Rohnert
Park has seen relatively high reliance on Sales and Use Tax and Transient Occupancy Tax collections,
revenue streams that were impacted by the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, compared to relatively stable property
tax collections. As e-commerce retail continues to increase sales tax generation online and brick-and-mortar
sales continue to stagnate/decline, it becomes increasingly important for cities that rely heavily on sales tax
collections to maintain fiscal resiliency by diversifying revenue collections and pursuing economic
development initiatives that sustain the existing tax base and expand where possible. This includes
diversifying land uses, ensuring zoning matches market conditions, using zoning strategically to create
strong and resilient commercial areas, using economic development tools to provide revenue replacement
for new land uses, and catalyzing new destination developments that drive trips and economic activity.
A strong economic base provides the revenues needed to deliver essential city services and the quality of
life that make a community a desirable place to live and work. A strong economic base for Rohnert Park
includes jobs with competitive wages, a diverse mix of industries to limit dependency on any single sector,
business clusters that create opportunities for business-to-business transactions, a market-driven retail
sector that offers goods and services for the local and regional community that generates sales taxes, and a
strong property tax base. Maintaining industrial and commercial lands is key to supporting the city’s long
term fiscal health. This section contains one goal and four policies focused specifically on the city’s fiscal
health.
5. Economic Development Element
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ED-1 To support a healthy economy and high quality of life through the
provision of high-quality municipal services/infrastructure , while
maintaining strong and balanced fiscal policies that expand and
diversify a resilient City tax base.
ED-1.1 Minimize Fiscal Impacts of New Development
The City shall require the consideration of fiscal impacts on the city of new market-rate
development projects through project specific fiscal/economic analysis and participation in
various mitigation fee and tax programs.
ED-1.2 Revenue Loss Capture & Tax Equivalency Strategies
The City shall require a fiscal analysis that describes revenue loss related to conversion of
high-fiscal-value land uses to lower fiscal value land uses for a given site, such as a retail or
hotel site converting to residential. The City mitigates revenue losses through project
entitlement/public-private development agreement negotiations.
ED-1.3 High-Performing Business Infrastructure
The City shall support the development of infrastructure necessary to support business
innovation and creativity including high-speed fiber optic communications.
ED-1.4 Support Technological Changes
The City shall support technological changes, including Smart City technology and advances in
transportation and mobility, and adapt City policies as necessary to reflect changes in the way
the community works and lives.
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5.2 Maintain a Healthy Business Environment
and Expand Economic Activity
Businesses decide to locate in a particular community based in part on the amenities and services available
to support their business and their employees. Communities that have infrastructure to support businesses
are more desirable. This includes “hard” infrastructure such as high-speed internet, well-maintained streets,
and convenient transportation options, as well as “soft” infrastructure, such as business support networks.
Communities with attractive housing options, good schools, quality parks and recreational amenities, as well
as diverse shopping, restaurants, and entertainment options are more attractive to businesses and their
employees.
Rohnert Park already boasts many of these assets, and its economic competitiveness and capacity for
growth will be determined by its ability to build upon and leverage these amenities to attract new businesses
as well as to retain and support existing businesses. Rohnert Park is well-situated along the Highway 101
corridor, close to the nearby communities of Santa Rosa and Petaluma, and approximately 1 hour from San
Francisco. Attractions and anchor institutions near Rohnert Park—including the Graton Casino and Resort,
Sonoma State University, wine country, and the natural landscape of Sonoma County—are demand drivers
for the city’s tourism, retail, and other visitor-serving uses. Key sectors in the area include advanced
manufacturing, food production, and medical technology/life sciences.
The City of Rohnert Park seeks to attract and strengthen businesses in all geographic areas of the City, with
the type of business appropriate for the location. For example, the reduction of retail in some neighborhood
shopping centers in favor of vibrant neighborhood shopping uses and services, including specialty grocery
stores, would allow for more specialty retail and restaurant uses downtown that would not compete with one
another. Regional “big box” retail uses that serve both the community and a larger area would remain
appropriate close to Highway 101. A range of uses, including incubator businesses and modern flex
industrial/fulfillment centers, could be supported in business park areas.
This section contains one goal and eight policies to support a business-friendly environment in the city and
business attraction/retention/, and expansion initiatives that can help maintain economic activity within the
city.
ED-2 To promote, attract , and support businesses that sustain and diversify
the local economy and provide community identity and high-paying jobs
for Rohnert Park residents.
ED-2.1 Maintain a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
The City shall continue to use its economic development framework and periodically review an
economic development strategy that pursues the goals and policies of the General Plan. This
strategy should continue to assess market conditions, identify key opportunities, develop
business attraction and retention strategies, and provide implementation actions and tools that
can be used to sustain and expand the Rohnert Park economy.
5. Economic Development Element
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ED-2.2 Attract a Range of Businesses
The City shall continue to market the city and opportunity sites to a range of business types in
order to diversify the local economy to ensure its economic resiliency, by focusing on
business-friendly aspects and high quality of life for employees.
ED-2.3 Encourage Tourism
The City shall continue to support increased tourism by supporting existing businesses,
encouraging new high-quality destination-style development, and emphasizing the city’s
proximity to cultural, recreational, and entertainment resources.
ED-2.4 Support Flexible Spaces
The City shall support the development of more flexible business and office spaces to allow
businesses to adapt their workspaces in response to evolving business trends.
ED-2.5 Support Infill Development Opportunities
The City shall support and promote infill development opportunities on vacant and underused
sites that can attract small and large tenants and a variety of users, and consider using zoning
strategies in key areas of the city that tie zoning changes to infrastructure
improvements/community benefits.
ED-2.6 Support Regional Collaboration
The City shall support regional collaboration and the Sonoma County Economic Development
Board (EDB) to attract and retain businesses that will benefit the region or enhance/support
existing Sonoma County businesses.
ED-2.7 Enhance the Jobs and Housing Balance
The City shall support economic growth that provides high-quality employment opportunities
to balance Rohnert Park’s jobs with its housing supply.
ED-2.8 Encourage Living Wage Jobs
The City shall encourage new job-based development that provides living wage jobs while
balancing the need for community-benefitting land uses that may not attract as many higher
wage jobs.
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5.3 Strengthen Retail Centers
Rohnert Park’s retail centers include many national chain stores, such as big box, discount, and furniture and
appliance stores that have been successful in attracting shoppers from around the region. Over the past
decade, however, the retail climate across the country and around the Bay Area has changed significantly,
resulting in reduced demand especially for traditional shopping mall tenants. As e-commerce use has
accelerated, brick-and-mortar sales have seen stagnation and decline. In general, the United States is over-
retailed, with the highest amount of shopping center square footage per capita in the world.
As a result, brick-and-mortar retail demand has shifted away from the simple procurement of consumer
goods toward services, restaurants, entertainment, and experience-oriented shopping and activities. This
places greater emphasis on retail centers as distinctive places with a mix or blend of a variety of uses and
activities. Retail center success is no longer driven by the total square footage of the center, but rather by the
trips generated to the center that can result in sales. Integrating a blend of land uses on and around retail
centers—such as residential, office, hotel, fulfillment, medical, civic, and parks/open space—can provide
economic resiliency (i.e., the whole is greater than the sum of its parts).
The one goal and six policies in this section provide support for thriving shopping centers that can adapt and
change as necessary to meet the evolving retail trends of the community while remaining competitive within
the region.
ED-3 To encourage and support retail centers to redevelop, intensify, and
adapt to changing retail trends in a way that creates stronger retail
destinations and vibrant neighborhood shopping centers that remain
competitive within the region.
ED-3.1 Support Strong Performing Shopping Centers
The City shall support major shopping centers and strong performing anchor retailers to ensure
that the shopping centers and surrounding areas / infrastructure are well-positioned to remain
competitive through changes to the retail-based economy.
ED-3.2 Support Regional Shopping Center Transformation
The City shall support the transformation of existing regional shopping centers to address the
changing market conditions and retail landscape, including the intensification of underused
parking lots, consideration of alternative land uses, including hybrid retail-industrial/fulfillment,
residential, office, hotel, medical, and other blend of uses.
ED-3.3 Support Neighborhood and Community Shopping Center Transformation
The City shall support the transformation of existing neighborhood and community shopping
centers to address the changing retail landscape, including blended-use or reduced footprint
formats that allow for vibrant grocery, restaurant and services uses that are unique to their
neighborhood.
ED-3.4 Encourage Experience-Oriented Shopping
The City shall encourage shopping centers to add more “experience-oriented” uses and
activities such as restaurants, breweries, entertainment uses, community events, and unique
shops—with a priority of locating such uses in the Downtown area.
5. Economic Development Element
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ED-3.5 Diversify Retail Mix
The City shall work with property owners to achieve a diverse retail mix that brings a sense of
placemaking and destination to retail centers, such as including small, locally owned
businesses as well as large national retailers, and meet the needs of residents and businesses.
ED-3.6 Encourage Community Retail Investment
The City shall work with property owners of underperforming community retail centers that
suffer from deferred maintenance to invest in upgrades, consider intensification, or transition to
alternative land uses.
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5.4 Strengthen Downtown Rohnert Park
Rohnert Park’s downtown area represents a key opportunity area and community asset that has the potential
to serve as a focal point of growth and activity, and to transform the City’s image as a place to live and do
business. As a blended use district, Downtown can become a well-integrated network of residential, office,
and retail uses, as well as civic-serving uses, parks, and open space. The Downtown Amenity District (located
at the intersection of Rohnert Park Expressway and State Farm Drive), in particular, can serve a
transformative role by attracting businesses that need a more contemporary office environment that
connects to public spaces and locales for after-work activities. This development also has the potential to
serve Rohnert Park office workers that currently live in the city but commute to jobs outside of Rohnert Park.
As the downtown area evolves into more of a public gathering place and regional attraction, the area can
expand Rohnert Park’s retail and restaurant potential and provide specialty goods and services for local
residents, workers, and visitors that can’t be found in the more locally serving shopping centers. This section
contains one goal and three policies that support the City’s vision for the evolution of its downtown.
ED-4 To evolve Downtown Rohnert Park into a more vibrant center of activity
and commerce, and regional destination.
ED-4.1 Support Downtown Identity
The City shall support the development of Downtown Rohnert Park as a blended-use district
and major destination for shopping, food, employment, living, and cultural and entertainment
uses.
ED-4.2 Encourage Flexible Downtown Uses and Form
The City shall encourage development of flexible and modern office spaces, smaller specialty
shops and services, and blended use buildings and sites in a pedestrian-oriented zone in
Downtown in order to meet the evolving needs of workers and businesses and create a vibrant
district with a variety and integration of land uses.
ED-4.3 Focus New Retail in Downtown
The City shall encourage development of new specialty retail and restaurant uses in the
Downtown area and the reduction in retail sites in other parts of the community while still
providing for neighborhood serving retail and services.
5. Economic Development Element
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5.5 Strengthen Targeted Business and
Employment Districts
Rohnert Park’s business parks are major employment centers and drivers of the local economy and are a key
opportunity area for the City to continue growing its economic base. These areas are home to a diverse array
of businesses across multiple industries. As noted in the Economics Whitepaper, the key growing sectors in
Rohnert Park that drive employment and the local economy include Utilities, Metal and Electronic/Computer
manufacturing, telecommunications, social assistance, and visitor-serving industries. Emerging industries in
Rohnert Park include food manufacturing, machinery manufacturing, wholesale trade, real estate,
management, adminstrative services, and health care/residential care.
Expanding economic and employment opportunity in Rohnert Park’s commercial, office, and industrial areas,
such as the Specific Plan and Priority Development Areas—should be focused on developing cohesive, well-
integrated, blended use areas, and innovation districts that can support a range of businesses and are
flexible to meet changing market conditions. This section includes one goal and three policies that supports
the City’s vision for vibrant business parks and commercial areas, and introduces the concept of the
“Business Park” land use designation as tool for economic development.
ED-5 To maintain and improve Rohnert Park’s targeted commercial areas as
vibrant commercial districts and drivers of the local economy
ED-5.1 Assess Performance of Business Park Target Areas
The City shall periodically assess the development of business parks in the Specific Plan and
Priority Development Areas to ensure that land use expectations are aligned with
market/economic conditions, coordinated across areas, and meet the City’s goals for
development.
ED-5.2 Establish a Business Park Designation and Provide Incentives to Support Development
within the Business Park Areas
The City shall create a business park designation in order to provide zoning, processing, and
other incentives, to projects that create employment opportunities for higher-wage jobs in the
areas illustrated in Figure 5.1, including: 1) Northwest Specific Plan Area, north of Golf Course
Drive West; (2) Wilfred/Dowdell Specific Plan Area, south of Golf Course Drive West; (3) the
Area west of Highway 101 and north of Hinebaugh Creek; and (4) the Triangle Business Area
within the Central Rohnert Park Priority Development Area. These four geographic areas
contain vacant underdeveloped or redevelopable properties with adequate utilities and
proximity to transportation corridors.
ED-5.3 Support Development in the Northwest Business Park, Central Rohnert Park Priority
Development Area (PDA) and SOMO PDA
The City shall encourage new development in these business and employment districts in
order to leverage grants specific to PDAs and generate sales tax, property tax, transit
occupancy tax, and other revenues that will enhance the City’s ability to provide high-quality
municipal services and infrastructure improvements.
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Figure 5-1 Business Park Expansion Area
5. Economic Development Element
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5.6 Economic Development Implementation
Program & Toolkit
Pursuing the goals and policies outlined above will require the efficient and effective use of numerous
existing City policies and programs, as well as a variety of new economic development tools that can be
implemented to catalyze significant development. Many of these tools fit together to form a bridge to
economic development, and the use of these economic development tools should be coordinated across
the different target areas in the City.
These tools can be thought of as the city’s “economic development currency” and generally fit within five
categories:
• Efficient and Effective Adminstration: Maintaining strong administrative practices while exercising
flexibility given economic conditions provides a vital foundation for economic development
initiatives. The existing Economic Development framework and evolving strategies can provide a
comprehensive plan that guides Rohnert Park’s pursuit of the goals identified in the General Plan
and ensure that economic development functions are coordinated and deployed effectively.
• Land Use Reimagination: Encouraging market driven and blended-use projects helps Rohnert Park
adjust to emerging market conditions and fosters resilient, integrated developments. Blended use
developments and districts integrate a wide variety of uses such as residential, retail, restaurants,
entertainment, office, medical, fulfillment, and parks/open space in close proximity to each other,
bringing vibrancy and resiliency to the area. Flexible zoning and City regulations allows for better
adaption to evolving land uses.
• Planning/Zoning Tools: Zoning can be one of Rohnert Park’s strongest forms of economic
development “currency.” Using strategic zoning tools can ensure that the City does not give away
valuable density or land-use changes without securing community benefits. This includes ensuring
the planning/zoning expections are aligned with market conditions, and using strategies in Specific
Plan revisions to tie new density/zoning provisions to specific projects that bring
community/economic benefits, infrastructure, and amenities. The City would control density and
use it to incentivize private investment and in return achieve a beneficial trade-off based on input
and priorities of the community.
• Fiscal Revenue Replacement: Rohnert Park can stabilize fiscal revenues for projects with low or
adverse fiscal revenue impacts via public-private transaction structuring that secure equivalent
general fund revenues from projects. These strategies analyze fiscal revenue loss related to lower
sales tax-generated uses and ease City General Fund pressures by creating an equivalent revenue
stream through entitlement/development agreement negotiations.
• Special Districts: Rohnert Park can unlock investment and catalyze development by funding vital
infrastructure with tax increment financing and other special district tools, which can also attract
other public funding. Tax increment financing districts such as Enhanced Infrastructure Financing
Districts (EIFD) can fund infrastructure improvements that are needed to catalyze private
development in targeted areas, whereas Community Facilities Districts and Property-based
Improvement Districts can raise revenues to fund public improvements and services.
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Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2020 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing A Cost of Service Study
The City shall initiate a
Comprehensive Cost of Service Study
which makes recommendations on
potential revenue adjustments—such
as business license taxes, application
fees, transient occupancy tax and
sales tax—to assure that proposed
land uses at buildout will maintain
their financial sustainability. Study
should also consider regional
competitiveness of tax/fee structures
with other nearby communities.
ED-1.1: Minimize
Fiscal Impacts of
New
Development
Economic
Development
Finance
B Fiscal Impact Analysis
The City shall require a Fiscal Impact
Analysis for Market Rate Residential
Developments or Mixed Use
Developments with more than 50
Residential Units.
ED-1.1: Minimize
Fiscal Impacts of
New
Development
Development
Services
C Mitigation Fees
The City shall continue to update and
implement its mitigation fee programs
to ensure that new development pays
for capacity and infrastructure.
ED-1.1: Minimize
Fiscal Impacts of
New
Development
Development
Services
D Services Taxes or Assessments
The City shall continue to require
maintenance special tax or
assessment districts for new
residential development.
ED-1.1: Minimize
Fiscal Impacts of
New
Development
Development
Services
E Condition Rezoning Requests
The City shall require that all requests
to rezone nonresidential land uses to
residential land uses provide
community benefits through a
development agreement prior to
approval.
ED-1.1: Minimize
Fiscal Impacts of
New
Development
ED-1.2: Revenue
Loss Capture &
Tax Equivalency
Strategies
City Manager
Development
Services
5. Economic Development Element
Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022 Page 5-15
Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2020 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing F District Financing Tools
The City may explore the feasibility of
district financing tools such as EIFDs
and CFDs to fund infrastructure in
targeted business areas that can
catalyze private development.
ED-1.1: Minimize
Fiscal Impacts of
New
Development
ED 1.3: High
Performing
Business
Infrastructure
Economic
Development
Development
Services
G Property-based Business
Improvement District
The City shall coordinate with
business owners located in Central
Rohnert Park to gauge interest in and
encourage the formation of a
Property-based Business
Improvement District (PBID) to lead
efforts in revitalizing and activating
Downtown Rohnert Park, creating a
district that is regionally known as an
attractive place to live, work, play, and
invest.
ED-1.1: Minimize
Fiscal Impacts of
New
Development
ED 1.3: High
Performing
Business
Infrastructure
ED-4.1: Support
Downtown
Identity
Economic
Development
Development
Services
H Grant and Investment Opportunities
The City shall monitor and apply for
grant and other investment
opportunities for PDAs, as well as
other State/Federal grant programs
that can fund beneficial projects.
ED-1.1: Minimize
Fiscal Impacts of
New
Development
ED-5.1: Assess
Performance of
Business Park
Target Areas
ED-5.3: Support
Development in
the Northwest
Business Park,
Central Rohnert
Park Priority
Development Area
(PDA) and SOMO
PDA
Development
Services
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Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2020 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing I Revenue Replacement Strategies
The City shall consider using
strategies that analyze fiscal revenue
loss related to lower sales tax-
generating uses and ease City
General Fund pressures by creating
an equivalent revenue stream through
entitlement/development agreement
negotiations.
ED-1.2: Revenue
Loss Capture &
Tax Equivalency
Strategies
Economic
Development
Development
Services
J Capital Improvement Program
The City will use its capital
improvements program to invest in
technology that improves efficiency in
transportation and utility services.
ED-1.3: High-
Performing
Business
Infrastructure
ED-1.4: Support
Technological
Change
Public Works
K Zoning Strategies
The City shall consider using zoning
strategies/tools in specific plans to tie
new density and zoning to the
provision of community benefits and
infrastructure.
ED-1.3: High-
Performing
Business
Infrastructure
ED-2.2: Attract a
Range of
Businesses
ED-2.5: Support
Infill Development
Opportunities
Development
Services
L Telecommunications Ordinance
The City shall regularly review and
update its telecommunications
ordinance to support new ways of
working.
ED-1.4: Support
Technological
Change
Development
Services
5. Economic Development Element
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Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2020 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing M Home-Based Business Ordinance
The City shall regularly review and
update its home-based business
ordinance to support new ways of
working.
ED-1.4: Support
Technological
Change
ED-2.2: Attract a
Range of
Businesses
ED-2.8: Encourage
Living Wage Jobs
Development
Services
N Economic Development Strategy
The City shall periodically update an
Economic Development Strategy
framework that assesses market
conditions, evaluates opportunities,
and identifies strategies and
implementation actions that can be
used to pursue the City’s economic
development goals.
ED-2.1: Maintain a
Comprehensive
Economic
Development
Strategy
Economic
Development
O Maintain Online Resources
The City shall maintain a business
resources page on its website with
relevant links and resources to
support existing businessowners and
showcase amenities and benefits of
locating in Rohnert Park to
prospective employers.
ED-2.2: Attract a
Range of
Businesses
ED-2.6: Support
Regional
Collaboration
Economic
Development
P Regional Collaboration
The City shall continue regional
participation with the EDB and other
orgainzations to attract and retain
businesses and to target existing or
high-potential clusters that are
needed in the local economy.
ED-2.2: Attract a
Range of
Businesses
ED-2.6: Support
Regional
Collaboration
ED-2.7: Enhance
the Jobs/Housing
Balance
ED-2.8: Encourage
Living Wage Jobs
Economic
Development
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Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2020 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing Q City Branding
The City shall continue to participate
with Sonoma County Tourism Board
and invest in and evolve Rohnert
Park’s Branding Program.
ED-2.2: Attract a
Range of Business
ED-2.3: Encourage
Tourism
ED-2.6: Support
Regional
Collaboration
Economic
Development
R Non-Residential Building Design
The City shall update the Zoning Code
to incorporate flexible non-residential
building design standards to permit
innovation in meeting changing
business space needs.
ED-2.4: Support
Flexible Spaces
ED-1.4: Support
Technological
Changes
ED-2.5: Support
Infill Development
Opportunities
ED-3.1: Support
Strong Performing
Shopping Centers
ED-3.2: Support
Regional
Shopping Center
Transformation
ED-3.3: Support
Neighborhood and
Community
Shopping Center
Transformation
ED-4.2: Encourage
Flexible
Downtown Uses
and Form
Development
Services
5. Economic Development Element
Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022 Page 5-19
Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2020 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing S Monitor Performance of Retail
Centers
The City shall periodically review the
performance and condition of retail
centers, assess market conditions,
and work with property owners to
support reinvestment efforts and
assess changes in the land use mix as
appropriate.
ED-3.1: Support
Strong-Performing
Shopping Centers
ED-3.2: Support
Regional
Shopping Center
Transformation
ED-3.3: Support
Neighborhood and
Community
Shopping Center
Transformation
ED-3.5: Diversify
Retail Mix
ED-3.6: Encourage
Community Retail
Investment
Economic
Development
T Downtown Form Based Code
The City shall continue to implement
and where appropriate modify the
Form Based Code for Downtown.
ED-4.1: Support
Downtown
Identity
ED-4.2: Encourage
Flexible
Downtown Uses
and Forms
Development
Services
U Monitor Specific Plans and PDAs
The City shall periodically review the
performance and condition of its
commercial centers in the business
parks, specific plan areas, and priority
development areas (PDA), ensure the
goals and land use policies in these
areas are aligned with market
conditions and City priorities, and
identify improvements needed to
maintain vibrant business districts.
ED-5.1: Assess
Performance of
Business Park
Target Areas
Economic
Development
Development
Services
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Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2020 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing V Coordinated California Tiger
Salamander (CTS) and Wetland
Mitigation Strategy
The City shall explore options for
programmatic approach to CTS and
wetland mitigation in the Northwest
Business Park Area in order to remove
impediments and streamline
development.
ED-5.3: Support
Development in
the Northwest
Business Park,
Central Rohnert
Park Priority
Development Area
(PDA) and SOMO
PDA
Development
Services
Climate Change
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6
In 2015, the State of California adopted Senate Bill 379 (Land Use: General Plan: Safety Element) which
requires all general plan updates to include a climate change vulnerability assessment, measures to address
these vulnerabilities, and a comprehensive hazard mitigation and emergency response strategy.
While greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) are not required by statute to be addressed in the general plan,
they are required to be addressed in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) analysis prepared for
the general plan. Additionally, the State has adopted several bills requiring jurisdictions to meet greenhouse
gas emissions reduction targets in order to contribute to the overall State reduction targets. Local
governments have the choice of developing an optional Climate Change Element or addressing climate
change and GHG mitigation strategies in the other required elements. Rohnert Park has elected to prepare a
stand alone Climate Change Element to satisfy the legal requirements of Senate Bill 379, facilitate the CEQA
analysis for the General Plan and support implementation of the various measures to reduce GHGs and
mitigate the anticipated impacts of changing climate.
The Climate Change Element identifies the sources of GHGs in the city and seeks to lay out specific
strategies for mitigating and adapting to climate change impacts. It contains an inventory of greenhouse gas
emissions from 2010 and 2015, a forecast of GHG emissions under several future scenarios and a suite of
goals, policies, and actions to reduce GHG emissions. The Element also outlines expected climate-related
changes to natural hazards throughout the life of the General Plan, and climate adaptation strategies to
mitigate these changes. Adaptation to climate change impacts include addressing increasing risk of extreme
heat days, extreme precipitation events and droughts, flooding, widlfires, and an increasing average
temperature over the coming decades. In alignment with the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP), this
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Element discusses the city’s vulnerabilities to climate hazards and what potential actions can be taken to
mitigate impacts when these events occur.
While the majority of the City’s climate change goals and policies are included in this Element, goals and
policies in the Community Development Element, Circulation Element, the Public Facilities and Services
Element, the Resource Conservation Element and the Health and Safety Element will also play a role in the
City’s overall climate change mitigation plan, and an icon is used to illustrates the policies and actions in
other Elements that support Climate Change mitigation and adaptaion.
When successfully implemented, the goals, policies, and action in the Climate Change Element will result in
four benefits for the City.
A Resilient Economy: Transitioning to clean, efficient, and renewable energy sources, making the
economy more resilient to unpredictable events and create local clean energy jobs.
Regional Leadership in Sustainability: Encouraging effective collaboration throughout the community
and cooperation with neighboring jurisdictions to promote collective change.
Environmental Justice: Protecting those most vulnerable against the impacts of climate change by
directing resources and efforts effectively.
Legal Compliance: California has ambitious mandates and standards for addressing climate change
and greenhouse gas emissions that must be addressed in the City’s General Plan, in order to ensure
that the General Plan can be used as an effective guide for decision-making.
Section Title Page
6.1 Climate Change at a Glance ....................................................................................................................................... 6-3
6.2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions ........................................................................................................................................ 6-4
6.3 GHG Reduction Plan for Rohnert Park .............................................................................................................. 6-11
6.4 Climate Adaptation ......................................................................................................................................................... 6-17
6.5 Implementation Programs ........................................................................................................................................ 6-25
6. Climate Change Element
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6.1 Climate Change at-a-Glance
The effects of climate change are being felt in the City of Rohnert Park and the greater Sonoma County area
in the form of extended droughts, larger and more frequent destructive wildfires, heavy precipitation events
and “atmospheric rivers,” and an increasing number of extreme heat days. These weather-related events
require the City to prepare adaptation strategies to better protect their communities by moderating risk and
maximizing benefits. Implementing climate adaptation strategies and reducing GHG’s are the primary ways
to mitigate and reduce the impacts of climate change as they unfold.
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6.2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The State of California has set statewide GHG emissions reduction goals to mitigate negative climate change
impacts and transition the State to a low-carbon economy. In particular, the State has set goals to reduce
statewide GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, as established by Assembly Bill (AB) 32, and 40 percent
below 1990 levels by 2030, as established by Senate Bill (SB) 32. The 2020 goal set by AB 32 was achieved by
the State in 2016 (CARB 2018). In addition, Executive Order (EO) B-55-18 established a State goal of carbon
neutrality by 2045. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is the agency responsible for addressing these
goals. One area where local governments can strive to meet their fair share in meeting the State’s GHG
reduction goals is through requirements in CEQA documents for local projects, including meeting GHG
targets or thresholds in the General Plan CEQA analysis.
Historic GHG Emissions Inventories
The Sonoma County Regional Climate Protection Authority (RCPA) developed two communitywide GHG
inventories for Rohnert Park for the years 2010 and 2015. Based on these inventories, GHG emissions in
Rohnert Park decreased from 2010 to 2015, primarily as a result of joining the Sonoma Clean Power program,
which provides nearly all of the city’s energy from carbon free sources. Communitywide emissions in 2010
were 9 percent below 1990 levels, and this percentage increased to about 10 percent below 1990 levels in
2015. This slight downward trend in Rohnert Park emissions matches the countywide trend. Even though the
energy sector implemented a significant reduction in GHG emissions, the transportation sector emissions
grew comparably, limiting the overall reduction in GHG emissions.
The General Plan uses the 2015 GHG inventory as the baseline year for analysis. The baseline year is used as
a point of comparison so that the City of Rohnert Park can clearly see how effective greenhouse gas
reduction measures are at reducing GHGs in the city. The inventory presents carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous
oxide (N2O), and methane (CH4) emissions generated from activities in the city including activities by
residents, businesses, city operations, and construction. These three gases comprise the emissions of
interest to the City for the implementation of targeted GHG reduction strategies to meet local and State
goals.
2010 GHG Inventory Summary
Greenhouse gas emissions are measured in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e). This is the
commonly used metric for comparing other greenhouse gases and their global-warming potential (GWP) to
carbon dioxide, which is used as the baseline gas for understanding the impact of emissions on the global
climate. This is done by converting amounts of other gases to the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide with
the same global warming potential.
The emissions sources that were calculated for the 2010 GHG Inventory for 2010 are shown in Figure 6-1 and
Table 6-1, and include on-road transportation: building energy use; solid waste; off-road transportation; and
equipment, water, and wastewater. The on-road transportation sector is the largest source of GHG emissions
for the city at 62 percent of the total. Following transportation, building energy use makes up the second
most at 32 percent of total emissions. The remaining contributor sources in order of largest to smallest are
solid waste, off-road transportation and equipment, and water and wastewater. The water and wastewater
sectors do not contribute substantially to GHG emissions because these utilities converted to Sonoma Clean
Power’s “Evergreen Program” shortly after it became available.
6. Climate Change Element
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Figure 6-1 2010 Community GHG Emissions Inventory by Source
Table 6-1 2010 GHG Inventory Results for Rohnert Park
Sector Emissions (MT CO2e) Contribution to Total (%)
On-road Transportation 164,228 62.1%
Building Energy 85,749 32.4%
Waste 9,840 3.7%
Off-road Transportation 4,117 1.6%
Water and Wastewater 329 0.1%
Total 264,263 -
2015 GHG Inventory Summary
The 2015 inventory includes the same sectors as the 2010 inventory, with a further breakdown of building
energy use to residential electricity, commercial electricity, residential natural gas, and commercial natural
gas, as shown in Figure 6-2 and Table 6-2. The on-road transportation sector remained the largest source of
GHG emissions for the city at 67 percent of the total. Following transportation, building energy use makes up
the second most at 27 percent of total emissions. The remaining contributor sources in order of largest to
smallest are solid waste: off-road transportation and equipment; and water and wastewater. The water and
wastewater sectors remained very low contributors to overall emissions because of the commitment to the
Evergreen Program.
Building Energy (32%)
On-road Transportation (62%)
Off-road Transportation (2%)
Waste (4%)
Water and Wastewater (0%)
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Figure 6-2 2015 Community GHG Emissions Inventory by Source
Table 6-2 2015 GHG Inventory Results for Rohnert Park
Sector Emissions (MT CO2e) Contribution to Total (%)
On-road Transportation 172,859 66.6%
Residential Natural Gas 27,921 10.8%
Commercial Electricity 17,802 6.9%
Residential Electricity 13,495 5.2%
Waste 12,183 4.7%
Commercial Natural Gas 9,779 3.8%
Off-road Transportation 5,305 2.0%
Water 13 0.0%
Wastewater 311 0.1%
Total - Absolute Emissions 259,667 -
Total - Per Capita Emissions 6.23 -
Residential Electricity (5%)
Commercial Electricity (7%)
Residential Natural Gas (11%)
Commercial Natural Gas (4%)
On-road Transportation (67%)
Off-road Transportation (2%)
Waste (5%)
Water (0%)
Wastewater (0%)
6. Climate Change Element
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Change between 2010 and 2015 Community GHG Emissions Inventory
Between 2010 and 2015, the transportation sector remained the largest source of GHG emissions for the city
and grew 5 percent, as shown in Figure 6-3. Solid waste had an increase in GHG emissions of about 24
percent between 2010 and 2015, while GHG emissions from building energy decreased by 26 percent. This
large reduction in the building energy sector is due to the City’s enrollment in the Sonoma Clean Power
Program, which transferred a large portion of the community’s PG&E electricity accounts to Sonoma Clean
Power. Sonoma Clean Power procures about 97 percent of its energy from carbon-free sources, including
large hydro, wind, solar, and geothermal.
Figure 6-3 2010 and 2015 GHG Inventory Comparison
1990 GHG Emissions Back-Cast
The State’s GHG emissions reduction goal for 2030 (i.e., SB 32) was established based on a percentage
reduction from 1990 levels. Because the City does not have a 1990 emissions inventory, a “back-cast” was
developed to support the development climate action targets that are consistent with State policies. The
back-cast was developed by establishing a relationship between GHG emissions at the state level for 2015
compared to 1990 and applying that change factor to Rohnert Park’s 2015 GHG emissions. This calculation is
illustrated in Table 6-3 and illustrates that the city’s 2015 emissions were below 1990 levels.
Table 6-3 1990 GHG Emissions Back-Cast for Rohnert Park
2015 Rohnert Park GHG Emissions (MT CO2e) 259,667.48
2015 to 1990 State GHG Emissions Change Factor (%)1 (-2.23%)
1990 Rohnert Park GHG Emissions (MT CO2e) 265,449.20
1990 Rohnert Park Population 36,326
1990 Rohnert Park Per Capita Emissions (MT CO2e/person) 7.31
1. Change factor calculated as the percent difference between 1990 and 2015 state-level emissions. The State emitted 298.60 million
MT CO2e in 2015 compared to 305.4 million MT CO2e in 1990 in the relevant emissions sectors, a 2.20 percent decrease between
1990 and 2015.
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20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
140,000
160,000
180,000
200,000
Building
Energy
On-road
Transportation
Off-road
Transportation
Waste Water and
WastewaterMT CO2e2010 Inventory 2015 Inventory
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GHG Emissions Forecast
A communitywide forecast of GHG emissions and future climate action targets were developed for Rohnert
Park based on the historic GHG inventories. The forecast was developed for Rohnert Park for years 2025,
2030, 2035, 2040, and 2045, as required by State goals. These forecasts are based on the General Plan
buildout projections for population, housing, and employment through 2040 illustrated in Figure 6-4.
Figure 6-4 Demographics Projections for Rohnert Park (2015-2045)
The forecast included two forecast scenarios, as described below.
BAU (Business-as-Usual) forecast scenario projects the expected growth in all emission sectors
based on job and population growth alone.
Adjusted forecast accounts for job and population growth and additionally quantifies and
incorporates all State-level legislative reduction programs that are expected to help reduce
California’s, and therefore Rohnert Park’s, GHG emissions between 2030 and 2045. Each of the state-
level legislative programs incorporated into the adjusted forecast was incorporated because the State
has established concrete pathways for implementation that have shown demonstrated success. The
adjusted forecast provides a more accurate picture of projected future emissions growth for Rohnert
Park.
Figure 6-5 compares the emissions that are expected to result from each of these scenarios.
-
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Population Housing Employment
6. Climate Change Element
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Figure 6-5 Figure CC-5 GHG Emissions Forecast for Rohnert Park
The State-level legislative reduction programs incorporated into the adjusted forecast include Advanced
Clean Cars Program, California’s Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings
(California Code of Regulations Title 24), and the California Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS):
The Advanced Clean Cars Program, approved by CARB in January 2012, coordinates the goals of the
Low Emissions Vehicles, Zero Emissions Vehicles, and Clean Fuels Outlet programs, and is more
stringent than the Federal corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards. The new standards will
reduce Californian GHG emissions by 34 percent in 2025.
California’s Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings (Title 24),
adopted in 1978, determine energy efficiency standards for new development in California. The
California Energy Commission estimates the 2019 standards will reduce consumption by 34 percent
for residential buildings and 30 percent for commercial buildings, relative to the 2016 standards, for
new development projects implemented after January 1, 2020.
The California Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) requires retail electricity providers to increase
procurement from eligible renewable energy resources to 50 percent of total procurement by 2026,
60 percent of total procurement by 2030, and 100 percent of total procurement by 2045. These
standards will reduce electricity emissions in California to zero by 2045.
Other existing programs and potential new programs may aid in reducing GHG emissions in Rohnert Park.
The Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy program will reduce organic waste sent to the landfill,
which will reduce GHG emissions by reducing methane production. Executive Order (EO) N-75-20 requires
that all new cars and passenger trucks sold in California by 2035 be zero-emission vehicles. These programs
were not incorporated in the adjusted forecast because of uncertainty around how they will be implemented
and to what extent they will be enforced.
Based on the forecast, State-level legislative reduction programs are expected to reduce GHG emissions in
Rohnert Park by 31 percent in 2030, and 39 percent in 2045, primarily because of the California Renewable
Portfolio Standard. In 2030, transportation emissions are still expected to be the largest contributor to overall
emissions (65 percent), followed by building energy (23 percent), waste, and off-road transportation. Water
BAU Forecast
Adjusted Forecast
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50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
350,000
400,000
450,000
2015 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045MT CO2eResidential Electricity Commerical Electricity Residential Natural Gas
Commercial Natural Gas On-road Transportation Off-road Transportation
Waste Water Wastewater
BAU Forecast Adjusted Forecast
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and wastewater activities are not expected to contribute significantly to emissions. In 2045, transportation
emissions are expected to account for 64 percent of emissions, followed by building energy (22 percent),
waste, and off-road transportation. By 2045, only natural gas usage will contribute to building energy
emissions, due to the California Renewable Portfolio Standards.
Climate Action Targets
Based on the City’s historic GHG inventories, climate action targets were developed to align with the State’s
2030 goal to reduce GHG emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 (SB 32), and to zero in 2045 (EO B-
55-18). Figure 6-6 illustrates these targets relative to the BAU and adjusted forecast scenarios and 2015 GHG
emissions baseline. The target reduction pathway shown in the figure below is representative of a per capita
target reduction so that Rohnert Park can still meet its targets if unexpected changes in population or
housing occur in the future.
Figure 6-6 GHG Emissions Forecasts and Climate Action Targets for Rohnert Park
Rohnert Park will work towards the identified target reduction pathway through implementation of this
Climate Change Element and the associated actions contained in this General Plan Update, including
working through the established partnerships with Sonoma Clean Power, RCPA, other Sonoma County
jurisdictions, the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and other governmental entities to reduce emissions
countywide. These efforts include a Climate Mobilization Strategy, implemented by Sonoma County, to
support a resolution declaring a Climate Emergency that was adopted by RCPA in September of 2019.
Adjusted Forecast
2015 Baseline
BAU Forecast
Target Reduction
Pathway
SB 32 Target
- -
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
350,000
400,000
450,000
2015 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045MT CO2eAdjusted Forecast 2015 Baseline BAU Forecast
Target Reduction Pathway SB 32 Target Recommended 2045 Target
6. Climate Change Element
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6.3 GHG Reduction Plan for Rohnert Park
Based on its GHG inventory, the most efficient methods of reducing emissions in Rohnert Park are those
focusing on emissions reductions for on-road vehicles and buildings, which together account for over 90
percent of the GHG emissions in the city. Electrification of vehicles (i.e., putting electricity-powered cars on
the road in place of fossil fuel-powered vehicles) and buildings (i.e., installation of all-electric equipment in
place of natural gas-powered equipment) is a demonstrated pathway for reducing these emissions. Using
electricity rather than fossil fuels to power buildings and vehicles will reduce emissions in Rohnert Park
because of the City’s participation in Sonoma Clean Power, which procures renewable electricity for Rohnert
Park, and the State’s Renewable Portfolio Standard requires all electricity providers, including Sonoma Clean
Power, to procure 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2045 or earlier. Together, the State’s requirements
and Sonoma Clean Power’s commitments ensure that anything powered by electricity in 2045 will be
operationally carbon-free. Combined with energy efficiency improvements, electrification can reduce
building and transportation emissions to near zero well before 2045.
The City’s Current and Future Power Supplies
The two primary sources of power for residences and business in the city are electricity and natural gas. The
most common uses of electricity are for lighting and heating or cooling buildings; for powering appliances
such as refrigerators, computers, and washing machines; and for conveying water around the county and
into homes or to treatment plants. Natural gas is most typically used for heating buildings and water, in
addition to powering industrial and manufacturing processes.
The majority of the energy used in the homes and businesses of Rohnert Park is currently provided primarily
by Sonoma Clean Power (SCP). The City joined the Sonoma Clean Power program in 2014 to transition away
from non-renewable sources of energy for buildings and all residences and businesses have the option of
purchasing their power from SCP. As shown in Figure 6-7 below, most of the energy supplied through SCP is
carbon free, with the largest portion coming from large hydroelectric power stations, which is designated
carbon-free but does not qualify as a renewable source. Wind energy and geothermal make up the next
largest energy sources. Solar is the smallest source of renewable energy. The 3 percent that comes from
CAISO System Power is from unspecified sources of energy generation through open market transactions
that are not traceable to specific generation sources and may include a variety of renewable and non-
renewable sources.
PG&E also provides electricity to some customers who have elected not to join SCP and provides the natural
gas used in homes and buildings in Rohnert Park. Figure 6-8 illustrates the breakdown of PG&E’s power
sources. A majority of PG&E’s energy is also sourced from a mix of renewables, large hydroelectric, and
nuclear power. About 15 percent of PG&E’s electricity comes from natural gas, which is the only fossil fuel
source of energy in their power matrix.
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Figure 6-7 Sonoma Clean Power Energy Source Breakdown
Figure 6-8 Figure CC-8: PG&E Energy Source Breakdown
Geothermal (18%)
Solar (8%)
Wind (25%)
Large Hydro (46%)
CAISO System Power (3%)
Biomass & Biowaste (4%)
Geothermal (4%)
Eligible hydroelectric (3%)
Solar (18%)
Wind (10%)
Large hydroelectric (13%)
Natural Gas (15%)
Nuclear (34%)
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Goals and Policies for GHG Reduction
The City of Rohnert Park has begun a path towards electrification and decarbonization by joining Sonoma
Clean Power. Gaining a nearly carbon-free power mix through SCP makes the transition to a fully carbon-free
economy feasible through a shift to electric vehicles and buses, adopting electric appliances, and shifting
buildings away from natural gas usage. The goals and policies listed below are intended to move the city
further along the path to decarbonization, allowing it to meet the 2045 carbon neutrality goal set by the State.
CC-1 Provide leadership in climate change mitigation and adaptation and
organize community action.
Lead by Example
The City shall lead by example by establishing an internal working group comprised of city
departments that also works with regional partners to implement climate-related policies to
achieve the City’s GHG reduction and climate resiliency goals.
Create a Climate Coalition
The City shall support a community led roundtable dedicated to responding to climate change
and building support for mitigation and adaptation strategies. The support will include seed
funding to support community organizing efforts.
Public Outreach
Conduct regular public outreach to facilitate a dialogue with the community about
electrification programs available to them and gather input from the community about
programs they would like to see.
Sustainable Business Practices
The City shall encourage green business certification in order to minimize waste generation,
create recycling programs that reduce waste, improve energy efficiency and conservation
practices
Evolve with Technological Changes
The City shall evolve with technological changes and adapt City policies and development
standards as necessary to reflect changes in the way the community works and lives, including
sustainability and mobility.
Partner with Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (Tribe) on Initiatives
The City shall seek partnership opportunities with the Tribe on climate change response
initiatives.
CC-2 Ensure clean, emissions-free energy for new developments and building
retrofits
Culturally Proficient Services
Adopt a new building ordinance which bans the installation of natural gas in new residential
construction.
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Retrofit Requirements
Monitor emerging technologies so that retrofit requirements can be tailored to affordable
alternate solutions.
Streamline Battery Storage Requirements
Work with various City departments to establish and streamline battery storage requirements
to allow for easier implementation of these technologies throughout the city.
Renewables Battery Storage
Encourage the development of micro-grid/small scale battery storage facilities in Rohnert Park
for storing renewable energy for nighttime energy use.
Electric Appliances
Identify funding and other financial incentives to promote the adoption of electric appliances
for rentals, homeowners, and small businesses.
GHG Reduction Priorities for New Development
The City shall prioritize new development that reduces GHG emissions by lowering vehicle
miles traveled (VMT); discourages auto dependence; is compact, mixed-use, pedestrian
friendly, and transit oriented; promotes energy-efficient building design and site planning; and
improves the jobs/housing balance ratio.
CC-3 Continue municipal efforts to reduce GHG emissions.
Sustainable Environmental Practices
The City shall include and implement sustainable environmental practices within City-owned
buildings and operation of public facilities.
Reduced-Emission Equipment Preference
The City shall require contractors to use electric-powered equipment where available and
feasible for City construction projects and contracts for services.
CC-4 Promote the production of renewable energy.
Sonoma Clean Power (SCP)
Coordinate with SCP to procure carbon-neutral energy for long-term and short-term supplies,
in particular renewable resources.
Renewable Energy
The City shall promote efforts to increase the use of renewable energy resources such as wind,
solar, hydropower, and biomass both in the community and in City operations.
Solar Electric Systems
Support the maximum economic use of solar electric (photovoltaic) systems on-site with
battery storage capabilities to augment the renewable energy portfolio available to new
development, businesses, and municipal facilities.
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Design for a Transition in Energy Sources
The City shall encourage developers of all new development to partner with Sonoma Clean
Power and include solar power infrastructure, with a focus on energy storage, vehicle charging
stations, and distributed renewable energy production.
CC-5 Implement and promote energy efficiency programs.
Energy-Efficient Buildings and Infrastructure
The City shall continue to improve energy efficiency of City buildings and infrastructure
through efficiency improvements, equipment upgrades, and installation of clean, renewable
energy systems to achieve climate action goals and reduce operating costs.
Energy-Efficient by Design
The City shall promote site and building design that improves energy efficiency through natural
cooling and passive solar heating design, including extended eaves, window overhangs, and
awnings; tree placement for natural cooling; and orientation of buildings and windows to take
advantage of passive solar heating.
High Efficiency Outdoor Lighting
The City shall adopt high-efficiency outdoor lighting (e.g., LED light bulbs) in new facilities and
replace existing less efficient outdoor lighting when opportunities arise.
CC-6 Increase Electric Vehicle (EV) Adoption and Infrastructure.
Develop an EV Readiness Plan
Develop an EV Readiness Plan that is consistent with Sonoma County EV planning. This plan
should establish a path forward to increase EV infrastructure within the city, promote equitable
mode shift to EVs, and identify funding for implementation of public charging infrastructure in
key locations.
Preference to Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
The City shall encourage commercial areas and new multifamily developments to provide
dedicated parking for hybrid and electric vehicles.
Electric Vehicle Incentive
Create incentives for electric vehicle adoption by providing EV parking only spots in high-traffic
convenience locations and public parking EV chargers. Develop a parking space ratio for new
developments to have a specified amount of EV only parking with chargers.
Increase Public EV Infrastructure
Require installation of electric vehicle charging stations as a ratio of total required parking for
new and redeveloped commercial, multifamily, residential subdivision, and condominium
projects.
Non-Residential Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
The City shall require new non-residential development projects to include the installation of
electric vehicle charging stations consistent with the State of California Green Building Code
(CALGreen). The charging stations should be sited to provide prioritized access to building
entrances.
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Residential Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
The City shall require new residential development projects to be “electric vehicle charging
ready,” including the installation of higher-voltage electric systems to serve for the Level 2
charging of electric vehicles consistent with the California Green Building Code.
Alternative Fuel for City Vehicle Fleet
The City shall transition the City municipal vehicle fleet to alternative-fuel vehicles provided
that the alternative fuel vehicle can meet the performance standards required for its use.
6. Climate Change Element
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6.4 Climate Adaptation
The climate is changing more rapidly each year as human activities continue to discharge emissions into the
atmosphere, warming the planet and causing shifts in climate patterns. We adapt to climate change by
observing and preparing for the worsening of natural events such as precipitation and flooding, average
temperature, wildfire acreage burned, drought frequency and severity, and extreme heat events. In a world
where no climate adaptation measures are taken and our GHG emissions continue at the same historic rate,
we would see dramatic changes to the world’s climate. The City of Rohnert Park has its own set of
vulnerabilities to this changing climate, making local adaptation measures necessary.
This section illustrates the climate change narrative of several natural hazards that are impacting the city
now and how they are forecasted to change in the future under various emissions scenarios. As analyzed in
the California 4th Climate Change Assessment, California as a whole could see an increase in average annual
maximum daily temperatures of 5.6 to 8.8 degrees if no changes to GHG emissions were made. The Sierra
Nevada snowpack could decline by 19 percent by 2025-2050 and amplify to an 83 percent decline by 2075-
2100 in a state where water supply is highly dependent on snowpack. More intense heat waves with a
projection of two to three times more heat-related deaths by mid-century, with a disproportionate impact on
vulnerable populations with less resources to adapt to climate extremes, could cause a serious public health
threat.
Climate Hazards , Increasing Temperatures
For the City of Rohnert Park, the temperature projections show an increase in the annual average
temperatures for the year 2040 (Figure 6-9). The recorded average temperature from 1990 to 2005 was 71.6
degrees and the projected average temperature for 2006 to 2040 is 73.7 degrees. By 2040, there is projected
to be an increase of 2.1 degrees for Rohnert Park, and these increasing temperatures also pose additional
risks to the community in the form of extreme heat and deepening drought impacts.
Figure 6-9 Observed and Projected Annual Average Maximum Temperatures in the City of Rohnert Park
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Figure 6-8 shows the historical and future projected annual average maximum temperatures in the City of Rohnert
Park using the high emissions scenario (RCP 8.5). The four models shown are considered priority models for research in
California and cover a wide range of possible futures. Source: Cal-Adapt.
Extreme Heat Days
The number of extreme heat days per year in Rohnert Park will increase. In Figure 6-9, the observed data
from 1990 to 2005 show an average of 3 extreme heat days per year. The forecasted average from 2006 to
2040 is 8 extreme heat days per year. This presents a direct threat to public health, likely increasing the
number of heat related illnesses like heat stroke and heat exhaustion. As the average temperatures and
number of extreme heat days increase, the length and severity of droughts are projected to worsen, as
discussed in the next section below.
Figure 6-10 Observed and Projected Extreme Heat Days by Year for the City of Rohnert Park
Figure 6-9 shows the historical and future projected extreme heat days by year in the City of Rohnert Park using the
high emissions scenario (RCP 8.5). The four models shown are considered priority models for research in California and
cover a wide range of possible futures. Source: Cal-Adapt.
Extreme Precipitation Events
Climate change is also expected to increase the severity and frequency of extreme precipitation events in
the city. In Figure CC-10, the observed data from 1990 to 2005 show an average of two extreme precipitation
events per “water year,” which occurs from October 1 of a year through September 30 of the following year.
The projections for 2006 to 2040 average are predicted to be three extreme precipitation events per water
year. However, in the future there will be more variability in extreme precipitation events, with some years
having many extreme precipitation events and other years having much fewer, likely mirroring drought
extremities.
6. Climate Change Element
Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022 Page 6-19
Figure 6-11 Extreme Precipitation Events by Water Year for the City of Rohnert Park
Figure 6-10 shows the historical and future projected extreme precipitation events by water year in the City of Rohnert
Park using the high emissions scenario (RCP 8.5). The four models shown are considered priority models for research in
California and cover a wide range of possible futures. Source: Cal-Adapt.
Droughts are often regional, and their impacts vary by location. If there is a statewide drought, the impacts
would be felt everywhere in the state. Rohnert Park is projected to receive less overall rainfall in the 2023 to
2042 scenario. While extreme precipitation events are expected to become worse, the overall rainfall
average is projected to be less than in the past. This means that precipitation will become more variable, with
more intense downpours but less overall precipitation, which will worsen drought conditions.
Flooding Risk
As seen in Figure 6-12 below, the flood risk areas are primarily in the eastern, western, and southern portions
of the city. This figure illustrates the flooding potential for areas of the city, where flooding may become
more frequent due to more extreme precipitation events. Table 6-4 below lists critical facilities that are
vulnerable to flood hazards enhanced by climate change, and several miles of roadways are also at risk to
flooding. Mobile home parks in Rohnert Park are at an adverse risk to extreme precipitation events with
Rancho Verde, Rancho Grande, Rancho Feliz, and Valley Village as medium- to very high-risk for flooding
events. Vulnerability to floods disproportionately poses a risk to the mobile home communities of Rohnert
Park.
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Figure 6-12 City of Rohnert Park Flood Map
6. Climate Change Element
Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022 Page 6-21
Figure 6-13 shows the projected extended drought period from 2023 to 2042 in the City of Rohnert Park.
Figure 6-13 Projected Extended Drought Period in the City of Rohnert Park (2023-2042)
Source: Cal-Adapt.
Increasing Wildfire Risks and Impacts
The impacts of wildfires in Rohnert Park and the broader region is becoming an annual hazard. This includes
not only fire directly threatening the city itself, but also the impacts from a nearby wildfire or unhealthy
periods of air pollution from smoke originating from a wildfire outside the city or region. Many Rohnert Park
residents have experienced days of smoke pollution that have blocked out the sun and hindered breathing,
especially for those with health concerns. According to Rohnert Park’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP),
fires have historically burned within the wildland urban interface (WUI) east of the city outside Sonoma State
University and south toward Petaluma. In October 2017, the Sonoma Complex Fires burned north, east, and
south of the city for nearly three weeks, with the Tubbs and Nuns Fires burning closest to Rohnert Park and
destroying a combined 6,991 structures and 93,363 acres of land. Wildfire risk is apparent and as the city
expands more into the wildland-urban interface (WUI) the risk of wildfires will increase. As the average
temperatures of the city are expected to rise as a result of climate change, the additional heat will dry
vegetation and lower the water content of the soil. This will increase the risk of wildfires starting and increase
their fuel burning potential.
These recent fires and the growing risk across the state have highlighted the significant wildfire risks that
exist within the wildland urban interface on both the east and west sides of Rohnert Park. These risks are
amplified by the on-going challenges with Tan Oaks falling victim to Sudden Oak Death Syndrome, which
provide dry wood as fuel for wildfires when the Tan Oaks succumb to the disease. As climate change
increases the average annual temperature, length and frequency of droughts, and the variability in climate
patterns between wet and dry conditions, changes to the fire risks will occur in two different ways: by
altering vegetation growth rates (e.g., fuel accumulation), or through changes in fire season length and
severity.
The Cal Adapt climate tool for modeling wildfire area burned in Rohnert Park shows the city may experience
on average 3.9 acres of burned land area over the course of each year out to the end of the century. This will
vary year-by-year, but the greatest ongoing impact from wildfires for Rohnert Park is the public health risks
involved with smoke pollution from regional or statewide fires during the wildfire season. Smoke pollution
will have adverse impacts on children, older adults, and those with chronic health issues such as asthma and
heart and lung disease. Even though Rohnert Park may not be at as great a risk for a wildfire to burn in the
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city as its neighbors to the north, the impacts of nearby or regional fires with poor air quality poses a
substantial risk to public health.
Vulnerabilities for Rohnert Park
According to the City of Rohnert Park Local Hazard Mitigation Plan there are numerous critical facilities that
are vulnerable to climate hazard risk. These include medical facilities, schools, mobile home parks, pump
facilities, water tanks, community facilities, and senior centers. The most frequent and highest vulnerability
identified in the LHMP is fire and flood risk, as seen in Table 6-4 below. Areas and facilities prone to flooding
are predicted to experience greater risk from this hazard as climate change impacts intensify, as seen in the
Cal-Adapt charts above. Extreme precipitation events increasing in frequency and intensity will translate into
more frequent and hazardous flooding scenarios for these critical facilities and neighborhoods.
Table 6-4 List of Facilities at Risk to Flood and Wildfire Hazards
Facility Address Facility Type Flood WUI-Fire
City Hall 130 Avram Avenue Government Center High
Senior Center 6800 Hunter Drive Community Medium
Community Center 5401 Snyder Lane Community Medium
Spreckels Performing
Arts Center 5409 Snyder Lane Community Medium
Pump Facility 201 J Rogers Lane Public Works Medium
Enterprise Avenue
Landscaping Enterprise Avenue Public Works Medium
Water Tanks Various Locations Public Works Medium
Sutter Pacific 1400 Medical Center
Drive Medical Medium
Urgent Care Center 1450 Medical Center
Drive Medical Medium
Lawrence E. Jones
Middle School 5154 Snyder Lane School Medium Medium
Sonoma State
University
1801 East Cotati
Avenue University Medium
Credo High School 1300 Valley House
Drive School Medium
Rancho Verde 650 Rohnert Park
Expressway Mobile Home Park Very High
Rancho Grande 5099 Snyder Lane Mobile Home Park Medium Medium
Rancho Feliz 6607 Redwood Drive Mobile Home Park Medium Medium
Valley Village 6401 Country Club
Drive Mobile Home Park High
Source: City of Rohnert Park Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP).
Resilient Development
Adapting to changes in the climate can be achieved through transforming the way buildings and
communities are designed. Resilient communities are ones that can respond and adapt to changes and
protect against vulnerabilities such as extreme heat, precipitation events, drought, and wildfires. Rohnert
Park has a number of vulnerabilities that need to be addressed as climate change increases risks. Resilient
development is the intentional design of buildings and infrastructure to respond to and address those
vulnerabilities.
6. Climate Change Element
Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022 Page 6-23
Local government has a fundamental role to play in creating a more resilient community. Local
municipalities can implement an urban forest master plan to adapt to extreme heat days, require all new
buildings to be all-electric to improve safety during fires, and focus on water conservation efforts. Critical
facilities in the public sector such as emergency response operations can have on-site renewable energy
and storage to be resilient to power outages during extreme weather events. Resilient development can also
come in the form of natural solutions, planting street trees to mitigate the urban heat island effect and
implementing new buildings standards to incentivize passive heating and cooling strategies. This section lays
out strategies that the city can take to increase the resiliency of the Rohnert Park and mitigate the impacts of
future hazards related to a changing climate.
Climate Adaptation
CC-7 Identify and prepare the City for climate change impacts.
Climate-Resilient Public Facilities
The City shall promote sustainable and resilient planning, design, construction, renovation, and
maintenance of public facilities.
Sustainable Building Materials
The City shall support the use of sustainable building materials, including recycled-content
materials that are consistent with the style and character of buildings, and integrate more
advanced optional provisions of the CALGreen building energy code into Rohnert Park
development standards.
Preserve and Enhance Open Space, Natural Features, and the Urban Forest
Ensure that the existing open spaces, parks and creeks are preserved and maintained to
reinforce the relationship between Rohnert Park and its natural setting.
Landscaping Vegetation
The City shall require new development, parks, public areas, and open space to use
landscaping vegetation that is drought-tolerant and fire-resistant, unless alternative vegetation
is approved by the City. Native plant species should be used in public areas and in open space
corridors along creeks to the extent feasible.
Flooding Adaptation Plan
Adopt a Flooding Adaptation Plan that prepares for climate exacerbated impacts to flooding
events from heavy precipitation.
CC-8 Enhance the adaptive capacity of man-made and natural systems to
mitigate climate change risks.
Critical Facilities
Ensure future critical facilities are not located in areas at risk of being impacted by climate
change related hazards.
Restoration Partnerships
The City shall work with private, non-profit, and public groups to secure funding for potential
restoration projects in the region.
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CC-9 Promote a high standard of air quality in order to protect public health,
safety, and welfare, and mitigate any adverse air quality impacts.
Clean Air Plan Implementation
The City shall cooperate with BAAQMD to implement the Clean Air Plan, enforce air quality
standards, and achieve emissions reductions for nonattainment pollutants, including ozone,
PM10, and PM2.5 by implementation of air pollution control measures as required by State and
Federal statutes.
Vehicle Idling
The City shall limit idling of all commercial vehicles to three minutes within a period not to
exceed 30 minutes, except as necessary for the loading or unloading of cargo.
Minimum Exposure
The City shall require construction and operation of new development to mitigate any potential
significant air quality impacts to ensure that proximate sensitive receptors (i.e., residences,
schools, senior facilities) are not exposed to significant levels of criteria air pollutants or toxic air
contaminants.
Health Risk Assessments for Sensitive Receptors
The City shall require new development within 500 feet of freeways and roadways with over
100,000 vehicle trips per day that include residential uses or other sensitive receptors prepare
a health risk assessment (HRA) to identify potential health risk impacts. Based on the results of
the HRA, the City shall require mitigation measures, as necessary, to reduce potential exposure
to toxic air contaminants.
6. Climate Change Element
Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022 Page 6-25
6.5 Implementation Programs
Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2021 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing A Facilitate Adoption of EV
Technologies
The City shall coordinate with the
Regional Climate Protection
Authority to develop a framework
for the consistent adoption of
electric vehicle technologies in
the City. The framework will
outline strategies for new
residential uses, new non-
residential uses, and the retrofit of
existing uses.
CC-1.1 Lead by
Example
CC-1.2 Create a
Climate Coalition
CC-1.3 Public
Outreach
CC-1.5 Evolve with
Technological
Changes
CC-3.1 Sustainable
Environmental
Practices
CC-3.2 Reduced-
Emission Equipment
Preference
CC-6.2 Preference to
Hybrid and Electric
Vehicles
CC-6.3 Electric
Vehicle Incentive
Public Works
B Establish a Green Team
Establish a “Green Team”
consisting of staff from city
departments, community, and
regional partners to implement
policy goals and measures
related to climate action.
CC-1.1 Lead by
Example
CC-1.2 Create a
Climate Coalition
CC-8.2 Restoration
Partnerships
City Manager
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Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2021 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing C Climate Action Partnerships
Explore climate restoration
partnerships and investment
strategies to remove GHG
emissions from the atmosphere.
CC-1.2 Create a
Climate Coalition
CC-1.3 Public
Outreach
CC-8.2 Restoration
Partnerships
Public Works
D Shared Mobility Improvements
Improve shared mobility, transit
programs, and infrastructure to
reduce passenger VMT by 2
percent by 2030, and 4 percent
by 2045.
CC-1.2 Create a
Climate Coalition
CC-2.6 GHG
Reduction Priorities
for New
Development
CC-6.1 Develop an
EV Readiness Plan
Public Works
E Improvements to Edible Food
Recovery
Establish and implement edible
food recovery programs by
2023 to improve efficiency of
edible food generators, food
recovery services, and food
recovery organizations comply
with requirements to increase
recovery rates.
CC-1.3 Public
Outreach
CC-3.1 Sustainable
Environmental
Practices
Public Works
F Organics Collection Ordinance
Implement an ordinance by
2022 requiring residential and
commercial organic generators
to subscribe to organics
collection programs or
alternatively report organics
self-hauling and/or
backhauling.
CC-1.3 Public
Outreach
CC-3.1 Sustainable
Environmental
Practices
Public Works
G Salvage Local Plant Materials
Update City’s landscape
ordinance to require developers
salvage local plant materials, to
the greatest extent possible, for
integration into project
landscaping as a way to provide
or enhance wildlife habitat.
CC-1.3 Public
Outreach
CC-3.1 Sustainable
Environmental
Practices
Planning
Division
6. Climate Change Element
Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022 Page 6-27
Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2021 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing H Organic Waste Disposal
Program
Update waste hauler contracts
to implement the requirements
of SB 1383 and achieve 75
percent reduction in organic
waste disposal by 2025 by
including composting in multi-
family housing and commercial
centers.
CC-1.3 Public
Outreach
CC-3.1 Sustainable
Environmental
Practices
Public Works
I Urban Forest Expansion for
Carbon Sequestration
Maximize local carbon
sequestration by increasing
urban canopy cover by at least
12 percent by 2035.
CC-1.4 Sustainable
Business Practices
CC-7.2 Sustainable
Building Materials
CC-7.3 Preserve and
Enhance Open
Space, Natural
Features, and the
Urban Forest
CC-7.4 Landscaping
Vegetation
CC-8.2 Restoration
Partnerships
CC-9.1 Clean Air Plan
Implementation
CC-9.3 Minimum
Exposure
Public Works
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Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2021 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing J Electric Appliances Building
Retrofit Program
Coordinate with SCP and other
local programs to create
incentives for retrofitting for
electric appliances in existing
buildings by 2025.
CC-2.1 All-Electric
Buildings Ordinance
CC-2.2 Retrofit
Requirements
CC-2.5 Electric
Appliances
CC-5.1 Energy-
Efficient Buildings
and Infrastructure
Public Works
K Building Electrification
Ordinance
Adopt a new building ordinance
which bans the installation of
natural gas in new residential
construction by 2023 and in new
commercial construction by
2024. The ordinance will only
apply for building types where
electrification is shown to be
cost effective.
CC-2.1 All-Electric
Buildings Ordinance
CC-5.1 Energy-
Efficient Buildings
and Infrastructure
CC-5.2 Energy-
Efficient by Design
Development
Services
L On-site Renewable Energy and
Battery Storage for Critical
Public Facilities
Require on-site renewable
energy and battery storage for
critical public facilities and large
residential and commercial
buildings.
CC-2.1 All-Electric
Buildings Ordinance
CC-2.3 Streamline
Battery Storage
Requirements
CC-2.4 Renewables
Battery Storage
CC-5.1 Energy-
Efficient Buildings
and Infrastructure
CC-5.2 Energy-
Efficient by Design
Public Works
Development
Services
6. Climate Change Element
Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022 Page 6-29
Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2021 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing M Streamline Review of Micro-
Grid Energy Storage
Review approval process for
micro-grid energy storage
facilities and other on-site
battery storage options to
ensure a streamlined approval
process for preferred methods
of battery storage in Rohnert
Park.
CC-2.3 Streamline
Battery Storage
Requirements
CC-2.4 Renewables
Battery Storage
Development
Services
N Funding Opportunities for
Residential Battery Storage
Identify rebates and funding
opportunities for residential
battery storage capabilities and
notify residents and businesses
of opportunities through
existing communication
channels.
CC-2.3 Streamline
Battery Storage
Requirements
CC-2.4 Renewables
Battery Storage
Public Works
O Local Clean Energy Battery
Storage
Partner with SCP to increase
generation and storage of local
renewable energy by taking
advantage of Federal and State
grant programs.
CC-2.4 Renewables
Battery Storage
CC-5.1 Energy-
Efficient Buildings
and Infrastructure
Public Works
P Bi-annual Review of
Development Standards
Every two years, review and, if
necessary, update the
development standards in the
City’s zoning ordinance to
ensure they reflect current best
practices for resilient
development.
CC-2.6 GHG
Reduction Priorities
for New
Development
CC-3.1 Sustainable
Environmental
Practices
Development
Services
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Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2021 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing Q GHG Emissions Inventory
Update Program
Update the citywide GHG
emissions inventory every five
years.
CC-2.6 GHG
Reduction Priorities
for New
Development
CC-3.1 Sustainable
Environmental
Practices
Public Works
R Clean Energy Transition
Decarbonize electricity prior to
2025 to reduce electricity
emissions 100 percent by 2030
through negotiations with the
SCP coalition.
CC-4.1 Sonoma
Clean Power (SCP)
CC-4.2 Renewable
Energy
CC-4.3 Solar Electric
Systems
CC-4.4 Design for a
Transition in Energy
Sources
CC-5.1 Energy-
Efficient Buildings
and Infrastructure
CC-5.3 High
Efficiency Outdoor
Lighting
Public Works
Development
Services
S Small-scale Wind Energy
Feasibility Study
Conduct a feasibility study for
small-scale wind energy
production in Rohnert Park by
2023.
CC-4.2 Renewable
Energy
CC-5.1 Energy-
Efficient Buildings
and Infrastructure
Public Works
6. Climate Change Element
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Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2021 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing T Resilient Public Critical
Facilities
Upgrade public critical facilities
such as libraries and community
centers to incorporate resiliency
and preparedness to extreme
heat events and poor air quality,
prioritizing the protection of
public health for vulnerable
populations.
CC-4.2 Renewable
Energy
CC-4.3 Solar Electric
Systems
CC-5.2 Energy-
Efficient by Design
CC-5.3 High
Efficiency Outdoor
Lighting
CC-7.1 Climate-
Resilient Public
Facilities
CC-7.2 Sustainable
Building Materials
CC-7.5 Flooding
Adaptation Plan
CC-8.1 Critical
Facilities
Public Works
U EV Infrastructure Feasibility
Study
Conduct a community EV
Feasibility Study to assess
infrastructure needs and
challenges, particularly in
disadvantaged communities.
CC-6.1 Develop an
EV Readiness Plan
CC-6.2 Preference to
Hybrid and Electric
Vehicles
CC-6.3 Electric
Vehicle Incentive
CC-6.4 Increase
Public EV
Infrastructure
CC-6.5 Non-
Residential Electric
Public Works
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Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2021 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing Vehicle Charging
Stations
CC-6.6 Residential
Electric Vehicle
Charging Stations
V Municipal Fleet Electrification
Program
As new municipal vehicles are
purchased, the City shall phase
out the use of gasoline vehicles
in favor of the use of
compressed natural gas and
electric powered vehicles, as
well as other alternative and/or
renewable energy sources to
the extent cost-effective and
where the vehicle meets the
requirements for its use.
CC-6.2 Preference to
Hybrid and Electric
Vehicles
CC-6.3 Electric
Vehicle Incentive
CC-6.4 Increase
Public EV
Infrastructure
CC-6.5 Non-
Residential Electric
Vehicle Charging
Stations
CC-6.7 Alternative
Fuel for City Vehicle
Fleet
Public Works
W Utilize Public Lands for
Climate Adaptation
Utilize public lands and spaces
to increase local carbon
sequestration, reduce urban
heat island effect, and improve
air quality.
CC-7.3 Preserve and
Enhance Open
Space, Natural
Features, and the
Urban Forest
Public Works
Development
Services
X BAAQMD’s Non-Attainment
Standards
Comply with BAAQMD’s non-
attainment standards and
implement required pollution
control measures by State and
Federal statutes.
CC-9.1 Clean Air Plan
Implementation
CC-9.2 Vehicle Idling
CC-9.3 Minimum
Exposure
Public Works
Development
Services
6. Climate Change Element
Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022 Page 6-33
Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2021 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing CC-9.4 Health Risk
Assessments for
Sensitive Receptors
Circulation Element
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7
The Circulation Element identifies goals, policies, and programs that will implement Rohnert Park’s vision for
the citywide transportation system and its connection to regional transportation facilities. The Circulation
Element also provides the goals, policies, and implementation actions that will support the City’s compliance
with the State-mandated requirements to consider and make efforts to reduce the vehicle miles traveled
(VMT) in the community.
The Circulation Element supports a multi-modal transportation system that serves the mobility needs of all
residents and manages auto traffic congestion as the city grows and changes. Policies in the Circulation
Element will continue the City’s commitment to a “Complete Streets” strategy in order to provide residents
with a range of options for travel to work, shopping, and leisure destinations. The 2008 Complete Streets Act
defines complete streets as roadways that are planned, designed, constructed, and maintained to provide
safe mobility for all users regardless of age and physical ability, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists,
and public transportation riders as appropriate to the function and context of the facility. Besides improving
access and mobility options, Complete Streets policies provide public health benefits. Transportation
infrastructure that promotes everyday physical activity such as walking and biking, sometimes referred to as
“active transportation,” addresses sedentary behavior, which is a shared risk factor for obesity and other
chronic diseases.
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The Circulation Element addresses the City’s existing and planned for bike and pedestrian circulation,
including dedicated bicycle and pedestrian paths. The existing and planned path network facilitates
pedestrian and bicycle access to sites throughout the city, allowing for greater choice in transportation
modes and improved recreational amenities. The Element also addresses Transit Services and the
interconnection between the city’s local multi-modal network and regional transit services.
The Circulation Element provides a policy framework to address emerging trends in the transportation sector
including the market penetration of Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) by Transportation Network Company (TNC)
providers such as Uber and Lyft, provision of shared mobility or micromobility enterprises such as bike-share
and scooter-share, and advances in transportation technology including electrification of vehicles and
autonomous vehicles. These emerging trends provide opportunities to improve connections between
neighborhoods and to provide “last mile” solutions that connect transit hubs (such as the SMART station) to
trip origin points (a resident’s home) and final destinations (such as Sonoma State University or the city’s
business and commercial areas). These emerging trends will continue to influence travel choices within
Rohnert Park, which in turn can alter infrastructure needs. New policies will help prepare Rohnert Park for
these emerging trends.
Finally, the Circulation Element also acknowledges that goods movement is critical to keep businesses and
cities functioning. Strategies to improve goods movement efficiency also offer potential solutions for
improving safety, managing roadway congestion, and reducing the impacts of associated nuisances on
sensitive populations. Policies in this section encourage strategic placement of truck routes and freight
schedules to minimize negative impacts to the community.
Since the last general plan update, California has changed the way that environmental impacts associated
with the circulation system are defined and analyzed under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
The traditional measure of circulation system performance has been Level of Service (LOS). LOS rates
roadway traffic flow characteristics from Level A (free flowing traffic) to Level F (gridlock) and serves as an
indicator of the performance of the circulation system. Poor LOS (typically Levels D, E and F) has historically
been defined as an environmental impact requiring mitigation. On July 1, 2020, Senate Bill 743 became
effective and now requires that total vehicle miles traveled (VMT) replace LOS as the basis for determining
environmental impacts and the need for mitigation. VMT is a measure of the amount of travel for all vehicles
in a geographic region. This change shifts the focus of environmental mitigation from widening roadways and
intersections to reducing the total vehicle travel within a community. While the focus of environmental
mitigation will change, State law permits the City to use LOS standards and policies when evaluating
development projects and planning transportation improvements. As such, this Circulation Element includes
goals and policies that support both congestion relief and reduction of total vehicle miles traveled.
7. Circulation Element
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Roadway Network
Roadway Network and Classification
Rohnert Park’s roadways provide access to employment areas, shopping centers, schools, recreational
facilities, and residential communities. Connections among different types of roadways play an important
role in facilitating travel within and beyond the city. Roadways also facilitate goods movement.
The roadway classification system groups streets and highways into classes based on how they facilitate
mobility and access to the different types of development permitted under the General Plan. Each
jurisdiction that owns or operates a network of streets adopts a set of terms used to define the function of
each street. Street types in Rohnert Park include major arterial, minor arterial, major collector, minor
collector, and local streets. Rohnert Park is also served by freeways and highways owned and maintained by
the State. Figure 7-1, the Circulation Diagram, illustrates the location of all classes of roadways.
Freeways
The only freeway in Rohnert Park is US Highway 101 (US 101) that bisects the city and serves as the main
regional connection to cities to the north and south along the West Coast of the United States. US 101 is part
of the Federal Highway System that interconnects multiple states.
State Highways
State highways are intended to have limited access and moderate to high travel speeds. State Route 116 (SR
116) intersects US 101 in the City of Cotati just south of Rohnert Park and serves to connect Rohnert Park with
Sebastopol to the west and Napa County to the east.
Major Ar terial s
Major arterials in Rohnert Park are four to six lanes (two to three lanes in each direction) and accommodate
high volumes of traffic. They provide circulation between neighborhoods, activity centers, and highways and
other regional routes. Intersections with local streets are permitted, when they meet certain distance criteria
and support access between neighborhoods. Major arterials have signal preference and synchronization, and
the City’s policy is to connect all signals on major arterials to Rohnert Park’s Automated Traffic Management
System (ATMS). On-street parking is not allowed. The design standard for major arterials includes sidewalks,
which should be separated from the roadway with a landscape strip to reduce pedestrian stress. Pedestrian
crossings occur at signal-protected intersections. Where feasible, bicycle facilities are incorporated within
the roadway or adjacent to the roadway on a multi-use path. Major Arterials include:
• Southwest Boulevard (east of Country Club Drive)
• East Cotati Avenue
• Rohnert Park Expressway
• Redwood Drive
• Commerce Boulevard (north of Copeland Creek)
• Snyder Lane
• Golf Course Drive (except for segment between Fairway Drive and Country Club Drive).
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Figure 7-1 Circulation Diagram
7. Circulation Element
Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022 Page 7-5
Minor Arterials
Minor arterials are two lanes (one lane in each direction) and accommodate moderate volumes of traffic.
They provide circulation between neighborhoods, activity centers, highways, and other regional routes.
Intersections with local streets are generally permitted if distance criteria is met. This provision is intended to
maximize access between neighborhoods. Driveways are permitted, provided they are right-turn only and
meet distance criteria. Left-turn pockets are allowed at intersections. The need for traffic controls including
signalization or roundabouts on minor arterials depends on traffic conditions. On-street parking is not
allowed. Sidewalks are included on both sides of the street except where no pedestrian circulation is
expected, such as where streets abut the freeway right-of-way. Where feasible, bicycle facilities are
incorporated within the roadway or outside of the roadway on separate multi-use paths. Minor Arterials
include:
• Commerce Boulevard (south of Copeland Creek)
• Dowdell Avenue
• Golf Course Drive (portion, between Fairway Drive and Country Club Drive
• Keiser Avenue
• Valley House Drive
• Business Park Drive
Major Collector s
Major collectors are two lanes in each direction and accommodate moderate volumes of traffic. They
provide circulation within and between neighborhoods and through commercial areas. There is no restriction
on intersections along a major collector. Driveways are permitted, provided they meet distance criteria,
though may be restricted to right turns depending on location and level of use. Left-turn pockets are
allowed. The need for traffic controls such as signals or roundabouts on major collectors depends on traffic
conditions. On-street parking is allowed where needed and sufficient street width exists. Sidewalks are
included on both sides of the street except where no pedestrian circulation is expected. Where feasible,
bicycle facilities are incorporated within the roadway or outside of the roadway on a multi-use path. Major
Collectors include:
• State Farm Drive (portion north of RPX to Classic Court)
• Camino Colegio (south of East Cotati Avenue)
• Bodway Parkway (segment between East Cotati Avenue and Maurice Avenue)
Minor Collector s
Minor collectors are two lanes (one in each direction) and accommodate low volumes of traffic. They provide
circulation within and between neighborhoods. There are no restrictions on intersections or driveways along
a minor collector. Signals or roundabouts may be needed at intersections with larger streets depending on
traffic conditions. On-street parking is generally provided on both sides of the street including on each side
of a one-way couplet. Sidewalks are provided on both sides of the street. Where feasible, bicycle facilities
are incorporated within the roadway or outside of the roadway on multi-use paths. Some examples of Minor
Collectors include:
• Bodway Parkway (south of Maurice Avenue)
• Labath Avenue
• Holly Avenue
• Golf Course Drive (east of Synder Lane)
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• Country Club Drive
• Bodway Parkway (south of Magnolia Park)
• Avram Avenue
• Santa Alicia Drive
• Arlen Drive
• Adrian Drive
• Lancaster Drive
• Fairway Drive
Local Streets
Local streets accommodate low volumes of low-speed traffic and provide access to individual sites. There
are no restrictions on intersections or driveways along a local street. Signalization on local streets depends
on traffic conditions. Sidewalks are on both sides of the street and bicycle access is typically in the unmarked
roadway. On-street parking is allowed.
Goals and Policies for the Roadway Network
The goals and policies outlined below are intended to support the safe and flexible operation of the City’s
roadway network through the General Plan time horizon, while recognizing that circulation options may
evolve considerably during this time frame.
C-1 To provide, maintain and improve a safe, efficient, and interconnected
roadway network that facilitates mobility throughout Rohnert Park.
C-1.1 Roadway Classifications
The City shall maintain a hierarchy of roadway classifications with design specifications that
reflect and address the different traffic volumes and functions of each roadway class.
C-1.2 Prioritize Roadway Efficiency
The City shall strive to maximize the efficiency of the roadway system within existing roadway
widths, prioritizing strategies such as investing and maintaining advanced traffic signal
synchronization systems over roadway widening projects.
C-1.3 Implement a Highway 101 Overcrossing at State Farm/Business Park Drive
The City shall engage in planning and design and seek outside funding to complete a Highway
101 overcrossing that accommodates vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, and connects State Farm
and Business Park Drives.
C-1.4 Planned Operating Conditions
The City shall strive to achieve LOS D as the planned operating condition at intersections,
except for intersections that are operating at LOS E or lower at the time an application for a
proposed development project or a specific plan is submitted if no feasible improvements exist
to improve the LOS.
C-1.5 Development Review Requirements for Level of Service
The City shall require proposed development projects that could result in increased traffic to
include improvements that assure LOS levels do not fall below the established minimum
standard. The developer shall analyze the operational benefits of large-scale, automobile
capacity-focused improvements to assure that they are balanced against the induced vehicle-
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miles of travel (VMT) resulting from the improvements. The City shall ensure that
improvements are coordinated with roadway improvements programmed for funding through
transportation-related impact fees.
C-1.6 Level of Service Exemption for Central Rohnert Park
The City shall allow for lower minimum acceptable transportation operations level of service
(lower than LOS D) at selected roadway intersections within Central Rohnert Park, where no
feasible improvements exist in order to support safe bike and pedestrian access to the SMART
station and a pedestrian-friendly town center atmosphere is desired in the vicinity of the City
Center and Station Center subareas,
C-1.7 Drop-Off/Pick-Up Area Safety and Operations
The City shall develop measures to address localized congestion and multimodal safety at
drop-off and pick-up locations along the public street system.
C-1.8 Roadway Improvements Through Capital Improvements Program
The City shall use its Capital Improvement Program to budget for roadway improvements to
undertake the intersection and segment improvements shown in the Circulation Diagram.
C-1.9 Traffic Calming
The City shall prioritize traffic calming measures over reducing roadway connections to reduce
vehicle traffic speeds in residential areas. If a street connection is modified to reduce or
eliminate vehicle traffic, the City shall maintain pedestrian and bicyclist connections.
C-2 To coordinate with regional agencies on transportation improvements
outside city limits.
C-2.1 Coordinate with Caltrans on US 101 Projects
The City shall work with Caltrans to coordinate freeway congestion management projects,
interchange improvements, and other improvements along US 101.
C-2.2 Coordinate with Neighboring Jurisdictions on Regional Improvements
The City shall continue to collect regional traffic mitigation fees and collaborate with adjacent
jurisdictions to fund Rohnert Park’s proportional share of regional traffic improvements. The
City’s proportional share payment shall be provided when established criteria that ensure
construction of improvements have been met.
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Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Reduction
Strategies
State law requires that the City consider vehicle miles traveled in any CEQA analysis. Because the General
Plan is the City’s blueprint for future development, incorporating strategies that reduce VMT within the
General Plan will support compliance with CEQA. Trip reduction strategies will also help reduce traffic
congestion, air pollution, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions, which support overall
community health. The goal and polices within this section support regional mitigation efforts, multimodal
transportation systems and Transportation Demand Management (TDM), which are features of the City’s
approach to its circulation system.
What is VMT?
Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) is a measurement of the total annual miles of vehicle travel
divided by the total population in a state or in an urbanized area.
How Can VMT be Reduced?
VMT levels can be lowered when people can have their daily needs met in proximity to
where they live and work. VMT rates are lower in communities that are more walkable and
compact and in communities that have strong public transportation systems. Increased
population density is also associated with lower VMT per capita. Some strategies that have
shown success include:
• Public transportation expansion and service improvement
• Active transportation infrastructure (sidewalk, ADA and bikeway improvements and
connections)
• Higher parking fees
• Placing higher-density and more affordable housing closer to transit, employment, and
services
• Balancing the number and type of jobs in the community with the type and range of
housing costs
• Discouraging low-density development in more remote areas without services that
requires vehicle use
(Source: ChangeLab Solutions, 2007; U.S. EPA, 2013).
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C-3 To reduce automobile dependency and associated impacts.
C-3.1 Regional VMT Mitigation Bank
The City shall encourage and support the Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA) in
establishing a regional VMT mitigation bank and/or regional VMT impact fee program that can
be used to fund effective VMT reduction strategies at a regional level, while also establishing a
mechanism for private development to offset their VMT impacts.
C-3.2 Development Review Requirements for Vehicle Miles Traveled
The City shall, as part of development project CEQA review, require new development projects
to achieve a reduction in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) compared to baseline conditions. The
City will support SCTA’s efforts in maintaining the regional travel demand model, which will be
used to adjust baseline VMT levels over time and allow the City to establish updated VMT
benchmarks for project applicants.
C-3.3 Transportation Demand Management
The City shall work with property owners, employers in existing and emerging employment
centers, and the Rohnert Park Chamber of Commerce, to implement transportation demand
management (TDM) strategies.
C-3.4 Car and Bike Share Opportunities
The City shall encourage car or bike share programs within Rohnert Park through partnership
with car sharing or bike sharing and entities and strategic location of pick-up and drop-off
locations throughout the city, including at employment and shopping areas, park and ride lots,
and neighborhood parks.
C-3.5 Encourage Last Mile Solutions
The City shall encourage shuttle, alternative transportation options, or on-demand transit
services to create connections between existing transit options and to provide “last mile”
solutions for transit users.
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Complete Streets
“Complete Streets” ensure that community streets provide safe, comfortable, and attractive routes for all
travelers, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and public transit users of all ages and abilities.
Complete streets are characterized by features that make it easy to cross the street and walk or bicycle to
destinations. Features of complete streets may include sidewalks, bike lanes, transit lanes, frequent
crossings, narrow automobile lanes, median islands, curb extensions (bulb outs), and other design features
that support safe mixing of autos, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit. In addition to supporting street design
concepts, complete streets policies promote the physical and environmental health, safety, welfare, and
economic vitality of the community by encouraging physical activity, reducing automobile trips, and
improving the community’s sense of place.
The California Complete Streets Act of 2008 requires cities and counties to incorporate complete streets
policies when updating their general plans. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), through its
One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) program requires all jurisdictions seeking OBAG funds to address complete
streets policies at the local level through either a General Plan or a policy resolution. Complete streets
policies are also part of the suite of tools that assist local governments in complying with the California
Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 and the Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act of 2008,
which require greenhouse gas emission reduction.
Even though it was adopted prior to the Complete Streets Act of 2008, Rohnert Park’s 2000 General Plan
incorporates many policies that support complete streets. In addition, Rohnert Park adopted a Complete
Streets Policy through its Resolution No. 2012 111, confirming its commitment to complete streets and to a
comprehensive and integrated transportation network. The goals and policies in this section build on the
City’s long-standing commitment to an integrated transportation network and designing streets for all users.
C-4 To support the ongoing development of an integrated transportation
network that allows safe and convenient travel along and across streets
for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, persons with disabilities,
motorists, movers of commercial goods, users and operators of public
transportation, seniors, youth, and families.
C-4.1 Streets for All Users
The City shall ensure that streets safely serve seniors, youth, those with disabilities, and all
members of the community, and provide a network connecting residences, employment areas,
services, health care facilities, schools, parks, retail areas, and public facilities.
C-4.2 New Streets Designed as Complete Streets
The City shall design local streets to accommodate all street users with comfortable
pedestrian environments as the priority, including street tree planting between the street and
sidewalk, minimized curb cuts, sidewalks on both sides of streets, and low-impact
development features, where feasible.
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C-4.3 Existing Right-of-Way Repurposing
Where roadway modifications are proposed and the City owns an existing right-of-way that
exceeds the required roadway width, the City shall use the excess width to create bikeways,
pedestrian paths, and streetscape features
C-4.4 Intersection Crossings
The City shall ensure that intersections include appropriate accommodations for pedestrians,
including safety enhancements at busy traffic intersections that will support active or high-
volume bike or pedestrian use.
C-4.5 Mid-Block Pedestrian Crossings at Multi-Use Paths
The City shall install safety features consistent with State and Federal guidance at locations
where existing multi-use paths cross streets at midblock in order to facilitate pathway
connectivity.
C-4.6 Integrate Natural Features
The City shall, where feasible, modify or design streets and pathways to blend with adjacent
natural features in order to minimize visual and ecological impacts of streets and maintain an
enjoyable and pleasant environment for pedestrians and bicyclists.
C-4.7 Prioritize ADA Improvements in High-Volume Pedestrian Areas
The City shall prioritize improvements that bring existing pedestrian facilities up to Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements in high-volume pedestrian areas and areas serving the
senior population.
C-5 To encourage alternative travel modes, including transit, driving, biking,
and walking by improving the multimodal circulation system.
C-5.1 Multimodal Network Strategy and Prioritization
The City shall identify and prioritize components of a multimodal network to increase continuity
between pedestrian routes, bicycle routes, and public transit.
C-5.2 Promote Multimodal Mixed-Use Developments
The City shall promote the development of multimodal mixed-use development.
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Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation
Rohnert Park’s transportation network includes sidewalks adjacent to most streets and an extensive network
of off-street pathways for pedestrians and bicyclists. The off-street pathways connect destinations such as
parks, schools, civic uses, commercial centers, and employment areas and are also used as a recreational
amenity by the community. Figure 7-2 illustrates the planned bicycle and pedestrian circulation network.
Policies in this section aim to close existing
gaps in the sidewalk system and enhance
pedestrian and bicycle connections
between neighborhoods and activity
centers (including SSU, commercial
centers, offices, industrial areas) and to
encourage walking or biking as an
alternative to vehicle trips.
Policies in this section and Section 7.7
“Parking and Emerging Technology” work
to set a framework for managing new
mobility options, including electric-
powered bicycles and scooters (e-bikes
and e-scooters). These options provide an
additional means of alternative
transportation, but the speed at which they
operate can create conflicts with
pedestrians and manually powered bikes
and scooters that will need to be managed
over time.
Bikeway Classifications:
Class I Bikeways (Multi-Use Paths) provide a
completely separate right-of-way designated for
the exclusive use of bicycles and pedestrians,
with minimal street crossings. Rohnert Park’s
Multi-Use Paths are generally located adjacent
to creeks and the SMART right-of-way.
Class II Bikeways (Bicycle Lanes) are dedicated
lanes for bicyclists generally adjacent to the
outer vehicle travel lanes. These lanes have
special lane markings, pavement legends, and
signage. Bicycle lanes are typically five feet
wide. Adjacent vehicle parking and
vehicle/pedestrian crossflow are permitted.
Class III Bikeways (Bicycle Route) are
designated by signs or pavement markings for
shared use with pedestrians or motor vehicles
but have no separated bike right-of-way or lane
striping. Bicycle routes serve either to a) provide
a connection to other bicycle facilities where
dedicated facilities are infeasible, or b) designate
preferred routes through high-demand corridors.
Class IV Bikeways (cycle tracks or “separated”
bikeways) provide a right-of-way designated
exclusively for bicycle travel within a roadway
and are protected from other vehicle traffic by
physical barriers, including, but not limited to,
grade separation, flexible posts, inflexible
vertical barriers such as raised curbs, or parked
cars.
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Figure 7-2 Bicycle and Pedestrian System
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C-6 To provide continuous, safe, and efficient pedestrian routes and
bikeways throughout the city.
C-6.1 Support the Implementation of Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements in Central
Rohnert Park
The City shall support the implementation of infrastructure that improves the pedestrian and
bicycle experience along Rohnert Park Expressway between US 101 and the SMART station
consistent with the form-based code for Central Rohnert Park.
C-6.2 Implement a Highway 101 bike and pedestrian crossing at Copeland Creek
The City shall continue to engage in planning design and seek funding to complete a Highway
101 bike and pedestrian crossing at Copeland Creek.
C-6.3 Bike and Pedestrian Crossings in Central Rohnert Park
The City shall continue to study the feasibility of separated bicycle pedestrian crossings,
including crossings over Rohnert Park Expressway at the SMART Multi-Use Path and work with
Caltrans, SCTA, and SMART to implement feasible projects.
C-6.4 Bicycle/Transit Connections and Parking
The City shall work with transit operators, including SMART, Sonoma County Transit, and
Golden Gate Transit to ensure adequate access and short- and long-term parking for bicycles
at SMART rail stations and major bus transfer stations.
C-6.5 Regional Bicycle Network Connections
The City shall collaborate with SCTA and SMART to link local bicycle trails with the regional
bikeway network outside Rohnert Park and to complete the regional bikeway network
consistent with the latest adopted SCTA Countywide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.
C-6.6 Bikeway Design Standards
The City shall implement comprehensive design standards for bikeways, as part of the Bicycle
and Pedestrian Master Plan. Standards shall ensure that adequate lighting, signage, and other
amenities are provided.
C-6.7 Bicycle Parking
The City shall provide adequate bicycle parking facilities at key destinations around the city.
C-6.8 Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements Through Capital Improvements Program
The City shall use its Capital Improvement Program to budget for bicycle and pedestrian
improvements shown in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Circulation Diagram
C-6.9 Continuous Pedestrian System
The City shall provide continuous sidewalks along all existing and future streets to
accommodate pedestrians of all abilities.
C-6.10 Pedestrian-Friendly Sidewalk Standards
The City shall establish pedestrian-friendly sidewalk standards including sufficient width to
accommodate pedestrian use, intersection bulbs, adjacent landscaping, lighting, benches, and
street trees.
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C-6.11 Encourage Bike Parking at Special Events
The City shall encourage bike parking or valet bike parking as a requirement for organized
community events or special events to encourage alternative transportation use to these
events.
Safety
At the core of the Complete Streets Act is the concept of safety. To ensure that people are willing to travel
by means other than the automobile, it is critical to support and facilitate a safe and comfortable
environment for all users. The goals and policies in this section articulate the City’s commitment to
continuously working to maintain and improve the safety of circulation system.
C-7 To enhance and improve the safety of all users of the transportation
system.
C-7.1 Safe Circulation System Approach
The City shall regularly review multimodal collision and traffic speed data as part of a systemic
process to determine the location of high-injury accidents and collisions involving pedestrians
and bicyclists, which impact the public’s perception of safety along the multimodal
transportation network. Based on this review, the City shall develop safety-related
improvements to address areas of safety concerns which may include:
• Collaboration with Sonoma County and Sonoma County Transportation Authority in
their Vision Zero efforts to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries through the
design and maintenance of roadways;
What is Vision Zero?
Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries while also increasing
safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all. Cities around the world have already begun to work
toward Vision Zero goals.
What is Safe Routes to School (SRTS)?
SRTS is an approach that promotes walking and bicycling to school safely through a
combination of infrastructure improvements, traffic enforcement, safety education, and
incentives. SRTS initiatives aim to improve safety and increase levels of physical activity. Cities
nationwide are taking action to improve safety for children walking or biking to school.
What is Level of Traffic Stress?
Level of traffic stress assesses the perceived comfort of a bicyclist on a bike path shared with
cars. For some bicyclists, sharing the road with automobiles is uncomfortable and they do not
feel safe. As a result, they may choose to drive over bicycling if there is no safer or more
comfortable alternative.
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• Implementation of recommendations from the Sonoma County Safe Routes to Schools
Program; and
• Implementation of other lighting, signage, and traffic calming improvements.
C-7.2 Bicycle and Pedestrian Education and Outreach
The City shall work with organizations, with the appropriate expertise, to develop educational
and outreach materials and programs for cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers that promote safe
bicycling and walking, particularly for children.
C-7.3 Bicycle Network Comfort Considerations
The City shall seek to maintain a backbone bicycle network that seeks to accommodate
bicycle users of all comfort levels (i.e., low level of traffic stress).
C-7.4 Local Roadway Safety Plan
The City shall maintain and use the local roadway safety plan (LRSP) to promote multimodal
safety and to allow the City to better compete for safety-related grant funding programs such
as the Caltrans Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP).
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Transit
Existing Transit Services
As of 2020, Rohnert Park is served by four transit agencies or services, whose service model and local
facilities are described below and are shown in Figure 7-3.
Sonoma County Transit (SCT) serves Rohnert Park and other destinations within Sonoma County. Intra-
city routes typically operate on 30-minute to one-hour intervals. Approximately half of the daily
ridership is related to school trips. The routes that operate today or are planned for the future include:
Routes 12 and 14, serving northern Rohnert Park
Route 10, a loop that connects Sonoma State University with the Cotati SMART station
Routes 44 and 48, connecting Rohnert Park with Petaluma and Santa Rosa
Route 54, a SMART Connector Service.
Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) has a station located in central Rohnert Park just south of
Rohnert Park Expressway and a station on East Cotati Avenue in the City of Cotati but easily
accessible from some neighborhoods in Rohnert Park. The service is primarily designed to serve
commuters traveling within Sonoma and Marin Counties, who travel during more traditional peak
commute times. Pre-COVID, the service was running 38 trips per day, with 2,900 average weekday
riders and 1,500 average weekend riders. Ridership was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
but has been slowly recovering. The ridership projection for Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 is 340,000, a triple in
ridership from FY 2021.
Golden Gate Transit (GGT), which is oriented mainly to commuters traveling to communities along the
US 101 corridor between Santa Rosa and San Francisco and is a long-distance commuter service with
two existing routes:
Route 72 operates between Santa Rosa and San Francisco and has one stop in Rohnert Park
at the Park-and-Ride lot on the Rohnert Park Expressway.
Route 101 has multiple north/south stops along Commerce Boulevard, and one southbound
stop on Rohnert Park Expressway.
Rohnert Park Sunshine Bus, a paratransit service which serves elderly and people with disabilities.
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Service Provider Trends
During the time frame of the General Plan, it is difficult to predict how changes in travel behavior and
technology will change how transit services are delivered and used. Trends that could impact Rohnert Park
in the future are outlined below.
• More focused Service from Sonoma County Transit (SCT). Due to lower ridership and funding
limitations, SCT is expected to focus on community and intercity routes in the future, which could
mean better service for Rohnert Park, because resources could be used to provide more service
on fewer routes, instead of lower levels of service spread more thinly across the county. SCT will
emphasize better levels of service through more frequent and consistent service as opposed to
extended routes with infrequent service and/or inconsistent weekday/weekend schedules. This
is an improvement of service that Rohnert Park should encourage and support as development
occurs.
• Development Close to the SMART Station. Connecting bus service to the SMART rail line that
operates predominantly during rush hour will become more viable when higher-density land
uses around the Rohnert Park SMART station make transit service conducive to all-day service.
• Golden Gate Transit Changes. Over the next 20 years, it is likely that there will be consolidated
services for GGT which may also include consolidation with SMART. However, routes that travel
the US 101 spine should remain an important regional connection.
• Technology Changes. As technology continues to develop, it can increase the efficiency of
transit delivery and make transit easier to use and access.
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Figure 7-3 Existing Transit System
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Opportunities for Transit
Over the next 20 years, Rohnert Park has an opportunity to work with transit agencies to shift travel behavior
and increase the ridership on the three primary transit systems by focusing on things known to increase
transit ridership, which include the focus areas outlined below:
• Transit-Oriented Development: Development patterns are an important determinant to the success
of transit, which benefits from elements like a walkable environment, minimum densities of residents
and jobs, and a street network that allows for efficient operation. Transit-oriented development
leverages transit access and focuses development with supportive land use patterns in those areas,
which also promotes equity within the community.
• Schools: Middle and high schools have historically been an important trip generator for transit in
Sonoma County. Sonoma State University is also a potential generator of increased transit ridership.
• Environmental Crises: The impacts of climate change become more apparent; transit will be an
important part of strategy to reduce vehicle miles traveled in personal vehicles.
Rohnert Park can expect to shift travel behavior and attitudes toward transit following the principle of
“design for people” and following the general recommendations described below.
• Move people not modes. Shifting from a viewpoint of moving the most cars efficiently to moving the
most people efficiency can mean that small changes while finalizing street or building design have
the potential to make a big impact on travel behaviors. Designing the built environment to make
multiple modes safe for multiple trip purposes will reduce the dependency on cars. This will benefit
the environment and people in the community.
• Prioritizing the movement of people over cars is an opportunity to move more people with less
infrastructure, by encouraging efficient use. The resulting benefits to health and prosperity will flow
to more people. Improved health outcomes, in terms of the environment, individual health, general
health of the population can be realized from reduced exposure to pollution, and reduction of risk of
auto accidents.
• Put transit where it can be successful and use other modes where density or demand is low.
Accessible bus stops and rail stations are critical, but transit routes must be able to take people to
destinations worth going to, when they want to go. Higher-density housing, mixed-use development,
schools, and certain types of high-density employment are good candidates for transit service.
• Multimodal solutions can involve transit. Transit competes with transportation network companies
(TNCs) like Lyft and Uber in areas like Sonoma State University, where travel needs off campus for
students may be infrequent. Rohnert Park can work with SCT and the University to better understand
the travel needs of that community and work towards solutions that involve multiple modes of travel.
• Putting equity and access at the forefront of planning efforts ensures that investments prioritize the
movement of people. With land development slated for different types of use throughout the city
and Urban Growth Boundary, it will be important to ensure access to the development fits the needs
of the community during different phases of project development. Development that prioritizes the
safety of marginalized groups will benefit the entire community. For example, lighting at stops can
make women feel safer, and people with darker skin tones seen by bus drivers at night.
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• Conduct inclusive public outreach that connects with the community to ensure transit service in
and around Rohnert Park is useful. The ways that Rohnert Park connects to the community can be
coordinated with the transit agencies. What benefits people who are transit-dependent will benefit
the entire community. Ensure that outreach is on-going and involves as many techniques as possible
to reach people who are historically least likely to be able to provide input. This may include online
forums, paying for childcare during in person meetings, meeting people where they are in the
community, and leaning into technology.
• Mitigate financial constraints of operating or riding transit. State regulations require transit
agencies to meet 20 percent of their revenue from fares, but this is potentially non-existent for more
rural agencies such as SCT, who are then required to make up the revenue with local sources. The
push to eliminate the Transportation Development Act (TDA) requirement failed in 2020 but will likely
be defeated in the next 20 years
• Partnerships will be crucial. SCT has ready-made web links for Rohnert Park and Sonoma State
University that could be used immediately on the front pages of the City and University websites to
connect people with information on transit routes. Expanding the information about existing transit
could improve ridership.
• Enhance the reach of transit. Bus systems are most competitive with car travel when they can be
direct and time competitive. A bus stop near the entrance of a major destination is not useful if a bus
route must meander for six minutes off the main road. Similarly, a bus stop on the main road, that
requires a person to walk through 12 rows of a parking lot is not attractive to most people who have
choices on how to travel. Therefore, conversation with the local transit provider can help in early
planning stages to make sure bus stops are actually sited in areas that make transit a useful, safe,
inviting mode choice. In developments where SCT would never extend service, developers could
find different investments to improve transit where it is more viable.
• Reduce barriers to riding transit. The SMART commuter rail costs more to ride than bus transit,
which is normal due to costs to operate and maintain. However, the transit agencies have different
policies on fares, and even policies on transferring between agencies is not intuitive. Rohnert Park
can help by making sure people looking for help on how to ride can access that information.
Rohnert Park should also work with Cotati and SCT to join the SCT program of offering a community
route that is fare free to the public. This program is a success for other communities in Sonoma
County and would improve ridership on SCT and branding opportunities for Rohnert Park.
While the regional transit agencies generally provide a way for Rohnert Park commuters to access jobs in the
greater Bay Area, there are significant opportunities to improve their interconnectedness and to work with
transit agencies to solve the “last mile problem” and minimize the need for residents and workers to drive to
and from transit hubs. The goals and policies in the section are focused on increasing ridership, coordination
with transit agencies and facilitating key connections between transit types and modes.
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C-8 Facilitate transit improvements and connections, with a focus on
emerging mobility technologies, to create better connections to
destinations around the city and between travel modes.
C-8.1 Transit Access
The City shall work with transit providers and private developers and regional partners to
improve transit access as follows:
• Develop well-designed accessible pick-up and drop-off locations and provide benches,
shelters, and amenities as appropriate
• Focus transit service along corridors to maintain a level of service that is meaningful to
the community
• Work with paratransit providers to ensure Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant
paratransit services are available to eligible residents and visiting clients
• Support last-mile solutions (e.g., shuttle service, shared-mobility services, proximity to
pedestrian and bicycle path connections) to connect public transit riders to their ultimate
destinations.
• Encourage transit providers to have adequate bike racks on buses and rail cars to allow
for convenient mode transitions for bicyclists.
C-8.2 Regional Transit Connections
The City shall coordinate with SMART, Sonoma County Transit, and Golden Gate Transit to
increase public transit service between Rohnert Park and other cities in the Bay Area and to
coordinate:
• Multi-modal connections for regional trips
• Transit service or infrastructure improvements
• Closure of transit gaps
• Deployment of information and schedules with real-time information
C-8.3 Additional SMART Station
The City shall coordinate with SMART to investigate the possibility of adding a new SMART
Station on the west side of US 101 near the Northwest Specific Plan area and focused on the
developing business park uses.
C-8.4 Transit-Dependent Groups
The City shall strive to increase access to transit for youth, seniors, persons with disabilities, and
those who rely on transit as an affordable mobility option.
7. Circulation Element
Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022 Page 7-23
C-9 Encourage transit ridership to support a sustainable transportation
system.
C-9.1 Maintain and Expand Transit Service
The City shall support levels of transit service that are adequate to meet and encourage
ridership demand and work with service providers to adjust train schedules and bus routes to
address new potential markets and levels of demand.
C-9.2 Development Designed to Support Transit
The City shall support land use plans and building design that prioritizes higher-intensity
development close to transit, active frontages, space for bus stop amenities, and safety for
people.
Parking and Evolving Technology
Parking supply and other supporting infrastructure at a traveler’s destination can substantially influence
travel behavior. Parking and infrastructure standards in Rohnert Park have largely been focused on
accommodating a high automobile, drive-alone modal preference, which was the prevalent trend in traveler
preference for most suburban cities in Northern California for the last half of the 20th century and first two
decades of the 21st century.
With revolutions in technology — such as smartphone-enabled mobility options, a shift to electric vehicles
and micromobility options, and the increasing prevalence of e-commerce – resulting in rapid changes to the
transportation system, parking and infrastructure elements must be flexible to respond to changes over the
horizon of the General Plan. Additionally, the implementation of the plan for the Downtown area will
fundamentally alter the core of the city. The adopted vision for Downtown includes a more walkable and
bikeable city core, which also takes advantage of the proximity to the SMART passenger rail station. This
section outlines several goals and policies related to parking and emerging technology that will help the City
guide the development of its circulation system.
C-10 To provide a citywide comprehensive parking system that is integrated
with alternate modes of transportation options to efficiently serve the
needs of residents, visitors, and businesses.
C-10.1 “Right-Sizing” Parking
The City shall reevaluate its minimum parking standards and seek to “right-size” parking to
meet demand by taking into account shared mobility and micro-mobility trends and available
alternative modes of transportation.
C-10.2 “Park Once” Strategy
The City shall encourage a “park once” strategy in Central Rohnert Park through promoting
pedestrian and bicycle connectivity strategies and the development of a parking district and
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common parking lots or structures within the Station Center and downtown subareas, as
parking demands warrant.
C-10.3 Park-and-Ride Lots
The City shall continue to encourage park-and-ride activity, regularly monitor parking
occupancies at existing park-and-ride locations, and consider expanding, where feasible, park-
and-ride locations that operate at or near capacity conditions to better capture unserved
demand.
C-10.4 Shared Parking Facilities
The City shall encourage use of shared parking facilities where possible, such as within multi-
tenant buildings and between adjacent private developments, particularly on larger
development sites.
C-10.5 Variable Parking Standards
The City shall implement variable parking standards that reflect expected level of parking
demand based on such factors as land use, proximity to transit, type of occupancy (e.g.,
seniors, multigenerational families), building intensity and VMT reduction goals.
C-10.6 Shared Public Parking
The City shall encourage private businesses to allow for after-hours use of available parking to
accommodate customer and visitor activity peaks on evenings and weekends, especially in
Central Rohnert Park.
C-10.7 Cash-In-Lieu Payment
The City shall consider allowing use of cash-in-lieu payments to provide for the construction of
shared parking facilities.
C-10.8 Parking Lot Conversions
The City shall consider the conversion of underused parking lot areas to alternative uses.
C-10.9 Separation of Parking Costs (Unbundling)
The City shall encourage new residential developments in higher-density areas to separate the
cost of parking from the cost of renting or purchasing living space in order to minimize single-
occupancy vehicle use.
C-11 To respond to evolving and emerging transportation trends and
technologies.
C-11.1 Support Safe Mobility and Micromobility Options
The City shall support the safe use of shared mobility and micromobility options (e.g.,
bikeshare, scooters) to connect residences, businesses, and Sonoma State University to key
destinations in the city, including the SMART station and other public transit nodes.
C-11.2 Autonomous Vehicle Review
The City shall, as autonomous vehicles become commonplace, regularly assess their
integration into the transportation system and develop, as appropriate, new programs and
policies that support that integration.
7. Circulation Element
Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022 Page 7-25
C-11.3 Curb Space Management
The City shall leverage curb space management techniques in the Central Rohnert Park Area
to balance pick-up and drop-off activities with business related loading and unloading zones
and monitor on- and off-street parking and loading areas to promote desired curb space
usage.
Freight Rail and Goods Movement
The rail line that runs through Rohnert Park has historically been used for freight service, and more recently
for passenger service. The railway is owned by Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART). Freight rail service
currently runs along the rail line from Windsor in the north to points east (via the wye in Novato), with future
extensions north of Windsor possible in the future.
C-12 To promote the safe and efficient movement of goods through the city
to support business and commercial activity.
C-12.1 Truck Delivery Routes
The City shall work with local businesses to identify preferred truck delivery routes to access
key destinations in the city but also discourage trucks from using local streets.
C-12.2 Goods Movement by Rail
The City shall engage with SMART to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of goods by rail
through the city, including decreasing train speeds through the city.
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Implementation Programs
Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2020 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing A Central Rohnert Park LOS
Standards
The City will maintain lower
minimum acceptable Level of
Service (LOS) standards in Central
Rohnert Park to support improved
bicycle and pedestrian access to
all streets and intersections within
the City Center and Station Center
subareas (Source: Ongoing
Program)
C-1.6: Level of
Service Exemption
for Central Rohnert
Park
Development
Services
Public Works
B Capital Improvement Plan Budget
The City shall include maintenance
of roadway segments and
intersections, complete street
retrofits, and pedestrian and
bicycle network improvement
projects in the Five-Year Capital
Improvement Plan Budgets.
(Source: Ongoing Program)
C-1.8: Roadway
Improvements
Through Capital
Improvements
Program
C-4.3: Existing ROW
Repurposing
C-4.4: Intersection
Crossings
C-4.5: Mid-Block
Pedestrian
Crossings and Multi-
Use Paths
C-4.7: Prioritize ADA
Improvements in
High Volume
Pedestrian Areas
C-6.1: Support the
Implementation of
Pedestrian and
Bicycle
Improvements in
Central Rohnert Park
Public Works
Development
Services
7. Circulation Element
Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022 Page 7-27
Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2020 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing C-6.2: Implement a
Highway 101 bike
and pedestrian
crossing at
Copeland Creek
C-6.4:
Bicycle/Transit
Connections and
Parking
C-6.7: Bicycle
Parking
C-6.9: Continuous
Pedestrian System
C-7.1: Safe
Circulation System
Approach
C Regional Traffic Improvements
The City shall work to collect
regional traffic impact fees to
address traffic impacts in
neighboring jurisdictions, including
the City of Cotati and Sonoma
County
C-2.2 Coordinate
with Neighboring
Jurisdictions on
Regional
Improvements
Development
Services
D VMT Policy and Benchmark
Review
The City shall regularly update
CEQA VMT benchmarks and
reduction targets when (1) the
Sonoma County Transportation
Authority develops an updated
travel demand model, (2) when
sustainability-related plans (i.e.,
Climate Action Plan) are adopted,
or (3) when Specific Plans are
adopted or updated.
C-3.1: Regional VMT
Bank
C-3.2: Development
Requirements for
Vehicle Miles
Traveled
Development
Services
Public Works
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Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2020 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing E Transportation Demand
Management Program
The City shall develop a
comprehensive, citywide
transportation demand
management (TDM) program that
preserves Rohnert Park’s quality of
life, while maintaining a positive
business environment and
reducing traffic congestion, air
pollution, energy consumption, and
noise. The program may include a
fee structure that would allow new
developments to fund citywide
TDM measures as part of their
mitigation measures for
CEQA/VMT-related transportation
impacts.
C-3.3: Transportation
Demand
Management
Development
Services
Public Works
F Grant Funding
The City shall regularly apply
Federal, State, regional, and local
grant programs to support
improvements to the circulation
system for all users. (Source:
Ongoing Program)
C-4.3: Existing ROW
Repurposing
C-4.4: Intersection
Crossings
C-4.5: Mid-Block
Pedestrian
Crossings and Multi-
Use Paths
C-6.1: Support the
Implementation of
Pedestrian and
Bicycle
Improvements in
Central Rohnert Park
C-6.2: Implement a
Highway 101 bike
and pedestrian
crossing at
Copeland Creek
Public Works
Development
Services
7. Circulation Element
Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022 Page 7-29
Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2020 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing C-6.3: Bike and
Pedestrian
Crossings in Central
Rohnert Park
C-6.7: Bicycle
Parking
C-6.9: Continuous
Pedestrian System
C-8.1: Transit Access
C-8.3: Additional
SMART Station
G Evaluate Performance of the
Transportation Network for All
Users
The City shall perform periodic
evaluations of how well the streets,
bicycle and pedestrian pathways,
and public transit connections in
the city are serving each category
of users. This will allow for the
prioritization of projects to
implement.
C-4.4: Intersection
Crossings
C-4.5: Mid-Block
Pedestrian
Crossings and Multi-
Use Paths
C-4.7: Prioritize ADA
Improvements in
High Volume
Pedestrian Areas
C-5.1: Multimodal
Network Strategy
and Prioritization
Public Works
Development
Services
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Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2020 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing H Bicycle and Pedestrian Master
Plan
The City shall update the City
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan
to prioritize Rohnert Park’s bicycle
and pedestrian needs (high,
medium, low), in various areas of
the city or along corridors, as well
as to reflect the latest bicycle and
pedestrian planning and design
best practices. In the updates, the
City will strive to coordinate
transportation planning efforts with
the City of Cotati and County of
Sonoma.
C-4.7: Prioritize ADA
Improvements in
High Volume
Pedestrian Areas
C-5.1: Multimodal
Network Strategy
and Prioritization
C-6.1: Support the
Implementation of
Pedestrian and
Bicycle
Improvements in
Central Rohnert Park
C-6.3: Bike and
Pedestrian
Crossings in Central
Rohnert Park
C-6.4:
Bicycle/Transit
Connections and
Parking
C-6.7: Bicycle
Parking
C-6.9: Continuous
Pedestrian System
C-7.3: Bicycle
Network Comfort
Considerations
C-7.4: Local
Roadway Safety
Plan
Public Works
Development
Services
I Streamline Multimodal Mixed-Use
Development
The City shall update the design
review requirements for mixed-use
projects to include incentives for
multimodal features.
C-5.2: Promote
Multimodal Mixed-
Use Developments
Development
Services
7. Circulation Element
Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022 Page 7-31
Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2020 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing J Develop Mobility Hubs Program
The City shall develop a mobility
hubs program for the City,
identifying locations where
different modes of travel and
mobility services could interact
with locations of employment,
housing, shopping, recreation
and/or areas of underused surface
parking, and funneling activation
efforts to these hubs.
C-6.1: Support the
Implementation of
Pedestrian and
Bicycle
Improvements in
Central Rohnert Park
C-6.4:
Bicycle/Transit
Connections and
Parking
Development
Services
K Central Rohnert Park/SMART
Station Connectivity
The City shall develop a plan to
expand bicycle and pedestrian
connections within Central Rohnert
Park. The plan shall address off-
street bicycle and pedestrian trail
Improvements, including:
Adding bicycle trails and
bicycle boulevards within
new development in the
Station Center subarea;
Operate a Bike Share
Program
Completing trail gaps along
the Copeland Creek and
Hinebaugh Creek corridors;
Planning and implementing
new east-west and north-
south walkways or paseos,
as shown in the Central
Rohnert Park Priority
Development Area Plan, in
association with the
development of new
roadways or as separate
facilities, integrated with
new development;
C-6.1: Support the
Implementation of
Pedestrian and
Bicycle
Improvements in
Central Rohnert Park
C-6.4:
Bicycle/Transit
Connections and
Parking
Public Works
Development
Services
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Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2020 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing On-street bike facility
Improvements including:
Completing gaps to on-
street bicycle lanes along
Commerce Boulevard;
Improving bicycle facilities
along Professional Center
Drive, with potential for an
at-grade connection across
the SMART rail tracks to
connect to the SMART
multi-use path;
Adding enhanced or
protected bicycle lanes
along busy arterial and
collector roadways,
including State Farm Drive,
Commerce Boulevard, and
Rohnert Park Expressway;
Continuing and adding
bicycle lanes on Enterprise
Drive and Hunter Drive; and
Pedestrian facility
Improvements, including
adding and providing more
defined north-south
walkways in the City Center
subarea that connect to
Hinebaugh Creek; and
establishing defined
pedestrian walkway and
landscape improvements in
the existing commercial
shopping centers to support
safe pedestrian access from
adjoining residential areas
and neighborhoods.
7. Circulation Element
Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022 Page 7-33
Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2020 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing L Maintain a Local Roadway Safety
Plan
The City shall maintain its Local
Roadway Safety Plan (LSRP) that
includes the regular review of
multimodal collision and traffic
speed data. The LRSP should
address the Caltrans requirements
for LRSPs that will allow the City to
better compete for future grant
funding opportunities.
C-7.1: Safe
Circulation System
Approach
C-7.4: Local
Roadway Safety
Plan
Public Works
Public Safety
M Improve the Convenience of
Transit
The City shall work with SCT to
improve the convenience of transit
as a mobility option by expanding
the local bus route system, closing
transit gaps, locating stops in
accessible locations, and by
providing benches, real-time
information, and shelters where
appropriate.
C-8.1 Transit Access Public Works
Development
Services
N Developer Contributions to
Transit
The City shall require large
developments to provide amenities
or contribute to transit and transit
access improvements as required
to offset VMT, or as part of traffic
mitigation measures. Transit
related improvements may include
but are not limited to:
Direct and paved pedestrian
or bicycle access to transit
stops
Safety improvements such
as lighting or signage
Bus turnouts and shelters
C-8.1 Transit Access
C-9.2 Development
Designed to Support
Transit
Development
Services
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Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2020 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing Lane width dedication to
accommodate buses
O Assure and Expand Transit Use
The City shall monitor transit
ridership and the latest technology
trends and collaborate with transit
providers to improve and expand
transit services and ridership in
Rohnert Park. (Source: Ongoing
Program)
C-8.1: Transit Access
C-8.2: Regional
Transit Connections
C-8.4: Transit-
Dependent Groups
C-9.1: Maintain and
Expand Transit
Service
C-9.2: Development
Designed to Support
Transit
Development
Services
P Transit Incentives
The City shall incentivize people to
ride transit by promoting the
existing free fares to Sonoma State
University students, and partner
with Cotati and Sonoma County
Transits to fund the Community
Route fares to increase the number
of residents who can ride for free.
C-9.1 Maintain and
Expand Transit
City Manager
(Public
Information
Office)
Development
Services
7. Circulation Element
Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022 Page 7-35
Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2020 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing Q Revise Parking Regulations
The City shall review and revise the
parking requirements in the City
Zoning Ordinance to identify
opportunities for parking
reductions, shared parking,
unbundling, parking lot
conversions, and other strategies
that would reduce the land area
dedicated to parking in the city and
improve connection between
parking areas and pedestrian and
bicycle network.
C-10.1 “Right-Sizing”
Parking
C-10.2: “Park Once”
Strategy
C-10.3: Park-and-
Ride Lots
C-10.4: Shared
Parking Facilities
C-10.5: Variable Off-
Street Parking
Standards
C-10.6: Shared
Public Parking
Development
Services
Public Works
R Public-Private Partnerships
The City shall explore public-
private partnerships and other
measures to attract car-sharing
and bike-sharing companies or
services to Rohnert Park.
C-10.6: Shared
Public Parking
C-10.7 Cash-In-Lieu
Payment
C-11.1: Support Safe
Mobility and
Micromobility
Options
Development
Services
S Cash-In-Lieu Fee Program
The City shall develop a Cash-In-
Lieu Fee Program to provide
developers the option to pay a fee
to reduce parking requirements on
their development. Funds
generated by the program would
be dedicated to improving
pedestrian and bicycle connectivity
in Rohnert Park.
C-10.7: Cash-In-Lieu
Payment
Development
Services
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Programs
Implements Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2020 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing T Truck Delivery Route Plan
The City shall regularly review a
through truck delivery route plan,
which will focus on connecting
heavy truck-using businesses to
regional roadways, while guiding
truck trips away from residential,
parks, and pedestrian/bicycle
focused areas.
C-12.1: Truck
Delivery Routes
Public Works
Public Safety
Public Facilities and Services
Element
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8
The quality of public facilities and services offered in a community can enhance the livability and economic
potential of a community. This Element focuses on the variety of public facilities and services that are
necessary to sustain existing households and businesses and to accommodate future population and
employment growth. Public facilities addressed include water supply, wastewater collection and treatment,
stormwater collection and drainage, solid waste, and electric, gas, and communication infrastructure. This
Element also contains policy guidance to support public services, which include law enforcement, fire
protection, schools, and libraries.
Since 2012, the City has entered into agreements with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (Tribe),
corresponding with the opening of the Casino, to fund activities that are mutually beneficial to both the Tribe
and the City. This included enhancing police and fire & emergency services, as well as traffic and right of way
improvements to accommodate the increased activity expected with a new casino. Funding was also
provided for funding to purchase a fire truck and build a new fire station to provide better coverage for the
northwest area of the City. On‐going funding is also provided for public safety capacity, storm water
drainage, and other public services, including roadway maintenance, litter removal, and social services.
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8. Public Facilities and Services Element
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General Public Facilities and Services
The City of Rohnert Park and other agencies and organizations maintain
a variety of public facilities and provide a variety of services to meet the
needs of residents, businesses, and visitors. This section outlines the
goal and policies that guide the overall provision of public facilities and
services. Subsequent sections provide additional detail that is specific
to each type of facility or service. To provide efficient and effective
public facilities and services that are adequately funded, accessible,
reliable, and strategically allocated.
PFS-1.1 Public Facility Master Plans and Financing Plan
The City shall maintain and implement public facility master plans and its Public Facilities
Financing Plan to ensure compliance with appropriate regional, State, and Federal laws; the
use of modern and cost-effective technologies and best management practices; compatibility
with current land use policy; and adequate funding for infrastructure and services.
PFS-1.2 Project Specific Financing Plans for New Development
The City shall require that each specific plan and planned development include, or be subject
to, a financing plan that explains how streets, water, wastewater, solid waste, and parks that
meet all City standards will be provided to the project. The plan must demonstrate, to the
satisfaction of the City, based upon criteria developed in the Growth Management Ordinance,
that completion of all necessary public facilities concurrently with completion of the specific
plan or planned development is economically, physically, and legally feasible. Deferment of
improvements not installed concurrently with the development can only be considered by the
City Council with findings and a schedule that specifies completion of the improvements,
consistent with current City policy.
PFS-1.3 Financing Tools for New Development
The City shall consider using special taxes, user fees, funding districts, and other appropriate
tools to continue to ensure the regular and systematic provision of maintenance and services in
new developments.
PFS-1.4 Capital Improvement Program
The City shall maintain a Capital Improvement Program (CIP), based on established
performance standards, to provide a framework and budget to undertake necessary citywide
public facility improvements.
PFS-1.5 Customer Focused Service
The City shall provide excellent customer service to residents and businesses by listening to
and understanding community concerns and expectations and proactively seeking solutions to
address challenges.
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PFS-1.6 New Technology for City Facilities and Operations
The City shall strive to incorporate new technology into public buildings and operations to
improve productivity, reduce operating costs, enhance customer service, improve
communication with residents, and facilitate access to City services.
PFS-1.7 Open Government
The City shall provide interactive platforms that allow the public to have access to the City
budget and other information so they can fully participate in the public process to establish
priorities for the community.
8. Public Facilities and Services Element
Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022 Page 8-5
Parks and Recreation
Rohnert Park’s abundant parks and recreation facilities contribute to the connectivity, character, health, and
culture of the community. Residents can walk, bike, and play in the city’s extensive network of parks and
trails. The policies in this section seek to build upon the success of Rohnert Park and its recreational
opportunities by promoting adequate accessibility, siting, park standards, and recreation programs to ensure
a robust and sustainable parks and recreation system for all residents and visitors.
To provide an integrated and well-maintained system of parks, trails,
and recreation facilities throughout the city to meet the community's
recreational needs.
PFS-2.1 Parks and Recreation Master Plan
The City shall update the Parks and Recreation Master Plan to accommodate the evolving
needs of the community. The update shall include an evaluation of the type and location of
amenities, including urban style parks and amenities, to serve existing and new residents and
workers.
PFS-2.2 Parks Near Schools
In the event of a new school opening, the City shall continue cooperating with the Cotati-
Rohnert Park School District to develop parks near schools.
PFS-2.3 Safe and Secure
The City shall ensure that parks, trails, and recreation facilities are safe and secure areas. New
parks should generally include direct access and visibility from a public street.
PFS-2.4 Park Dedication
The City shall require new development to dedicate land to the City in the appropriate amount
and location for parks and recreational space, in accordance with the General Plan Diagram,
and the City’s Park dedication requirements. The City shall seek to acquire and develop new
park land at a rate of approximately five acres or equivalent with improvements or in-lieu fees
per 1,000 new residents. When developed in conjunction with new developments, parks will be
fully improved before dedication to the City.
PFS-2.5 Passive Recreation Space
The City shall include primarily passive recreation on an approximately 50-acre area north of
Crane Creek west of Petaluma Hill Road within the city’s Urban Growth Boundary. The City shall
ensure that use of the land for passive recreation as a priority and that this land will not be used
for any other use for the life of the General Plan. The City shall ensure that the recreation area
is designed to have minimal impacts on adjacent residential uses to the west and have ingress
and egress from several roads to maximize visibility and access for public safety.
PFS-2.6 Goldridge Site Maximization
The City shall ensure that future uses of the Goldridge campus include community recreational
use.
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Water Supply and Conservation
Rohnert Park’s water supply comes from three sources: Sonoma County Water Agency, which diverts water
from its Russian River system, local groundwater, and recycled water purchased from Santa Rosa Water. The
City uses these supplies conjunctively, relying on the Sonoma Water supply during normal and wet years
and using groundwater more heavily during drier periods and emergencies.
Rohnert Park’s water supply is generally regulated by the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control
Board’s Division of Drinking Water, which promulgates regulations, issues permits, and requires testing of
both the potable and recycled water supplies. In addition to the water quality regulations outlined by the
Division of Drinking Water, Rohnert Park is member of the Santa Rosa Plain Groundwater Sustainability
Agency (GSA), a Joint Powers Authority created to respond to the requirements of the State’s Groundwater
Sustainability Act. The GSA, which adopted its required Groundwater Sustainability Plan in late 2021, has
broad authority for protecting the groundwater in the basin. The City pioneered groundwater management
with its 2004 Water Supply Policy Resolution, that works to limit groundwater pumping by the City to
scientifically documented, sustainable rates.
The City has an important role to play in the long-term protection of this valuable resource and works with
regional water agencies and surrounding jurisdictions to ensure a reliable, high-quality supply for its
customers, and the goals and policies of this section will guide the City’s decisions with respect to water
supply.
To maintain, protect, and conserve Rohnert Park’s water resources so
that the water system provides a safe and reliable supply for existing
and future needs.
PFS-3.1 Conjunctive Use Water Supply Management
The City shall continue to manage its Sonoma Water, groundwater, and recycled water supply
with a conjunctive use strategy in order to maximize supply reliability and ensure adequate
supply for existing and new development.
PFS-3.2 Groundwater Management
The City shall continue to: locally manage groundwater pumping consistent with its Water
Policy Resolution; prohibit the construction of new private wells in the city; require the
abandonment of existing private wells as a condition of development and participate in the
Santa Rosa Plain Groundwater Sustainability Agency in order to support the development of
regional groundwater management policies.
PFS-3.3 Sustainable Development Practices
Promote sustainable development practices that result in more energy and water efficient
development.
PFS-3.4 Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
The City shall promote efficient water use and reduced water demand by ensuring compliance
with the State’s Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
8. Public Facilities and Services Element
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PFS-3.5 Water Conservation Education and Incentives
The City shall work with Sonoma Marin Water Saving Partnership to expand outreach programs
and incentivize water conservation throughout Rohnert Park.
PFS-3.6 Alternative Water Supplies
The City shall require the use of alternative water supplies, such as recycled water, for urban
irrigation and landscaping in municipal buildings and new, private commercial and industrial
development, where possible and feasible.
PFS-3.7 Water Efficiency Measures in New Construction
The City shall require water efficiency measures in all new construction in compliance with or
exceeding State and City building code requirements.
PFS-3.8 Water Efficiency in Existing Buildings
The City shall encourage renovation of existing buildings to achieve higher levels of water
efficiency beyond what is required in the City’s building code.
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Wastewater Collection and Treatment
Rohnert Park’s sanitary sewer system facilities include over 87 miles of gravity sewer lines, over 10 miles of
sewer force mains, 16 inverted siphons, and three pump stations. The City’s terminal pump station delivers
wastewater to the Santa Rosa’s Laguna Subregional Water Reclamation Plant for treatment, recycling, and
disposal. Policies in this section ensure the continued wastewater collection and treatment service for all
residents and businesses in Rohnert Park.
To ensure that adequate wastewater facilities and services are available
to meet the needs of existing and future development.
PFS-4.1 Wastewater Capacity
The City shall maintain existing levels of wastewater service and ensure that sewer capacity is
available to serve existing and new development projected in the city.
PFS-4.2 Wastewater System Maintenance
The City shall inventory and monitor the condition of existing wastewater infrastructure in order
to prioritize repairs and replacement, reduce infiltration and inflow, and avoid disruptions in
service.
8. Public Facilities and Services Element
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Stormwater Management
Stormwater management is essential for minimizing the discharge of pollutants into natural waterways and
improving surface water quality in and around the city. The City’s storm drainage system is regulated by the
North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board and is operated under a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer
System (MS4) permit that applies to the city and county systems that drain to the Russian River system. The
goal and policies for stormwater management support adequate drainage and stormwater capture as well
as the City’s long-term compliance with current and evolving requirements for municipal storm sewer
systems as well.
To provide a stormwater management system that reduces excess
runoff to the maximum extent practicable and minimizes flood potential
from existing and future development.
PFS-5.1 Phase 1 MS4 Permit Implementation
The City shall implement the provisions in the Phase 1 MS4 Permit, which are designed to
protect water quality through the implementation of Low Impact Development (LID) Principles
and Best Management Practices (BMP’s) for stormwater runoff from developed areas and trash
capture.
PFS-5.2 Drainage Facility Maintenance
The City shall require the maintenance of all drainage facilities, including detention basins and
both natural and manmade channels, to ensure that their full carrying capacity is not impaired.
PFS-5.3 Natural Stormwater Drainage
The City shall encourage the use of natural stormwater drainage systems in a manner that
preserves and enhances natural features and water quality.
PFS-5.4 Stormwater Detention Facilities
The City shall consider the use of stormwater detention facilities, including green infrastructure
elements, in frequently flooded areas of the city to mitigate drainage impacts and reduce
storm drainage system costs in new development.
PFS-5.5 Improve Stormwater Treatment in Established Neighborhoods
The City shall improve stormwater treatment in established neighborhoods by implementing
programs such as street sweeping, parking enforcement for street sweeping, and installation of
trash-capture devices where feasible.
PFS-5.6 Green Infrastructure Opportunities
The City shall review all roadway CIP projects to consider opportunities to incorporate green
infrastructure improvements.
PFS-5.7 Maximize On-site Infiltration and Detention
The City shall work with developers to ensure impervious areas are minimized and that
opportunities for groundwater infiltration, treatment, and on-site detention are maximized to
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meet hydromodification best management practices prior to releasing drainage to the City’s
stormwater system.
PFS-5.8 Erosion Control
The City shall require new construction use best management practices during site
preparation, grading, and foundation design to ensure erosion control to prevent sedimentation
and contamination of streams.
PFS-5.9 Household Chemicals
The City shall prepare and disseminate information about the potentially harmful effects of
toxic chemical substances and safe alternative measures, including information about safe
alternatives for home and garden use.
PFS-5.10 Storm Water Management Plan
The City shall implement the Storm Water Management Plan to ensure protection of the
surface and groundwater resources.
PFS-5.11 Site-Specific Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan
As part of the building permit process, the City shall require new development greater than
one acre in size to prepare and implement a site-specific storm water pollution prevention plan
(SWPPP) that effectively reduces discharges of stormwater containing sediment and other
pollutants resulting from site construction activities. In addition, the City shall require all
projects, regardless of size, to comply with any other stormwater provisions of the specific
plans for their respective areas.
To enhance the quality of surface water and groundwater resources and
prevent their contamination.
PFS-6.1 Water Quality Monitoring
The City shall regularly monitor water quality to maintain high quality water for human
consumption and ecosystem health.
PFS-6.2 Regional Water Quality Control Board
The City shall continue working with the Regional Water Quality Control Board to protect water
quality.
PFS-6.3 Groundwater Protection
The City shall work with the local and regional water agencies to ensure that groundwater
supplies are not contaminated in the recharge areas east of the city.
PFS-6.4 Groundwater Recharge
Work with the County to ensure that any new development east of Petaluma Hill Road does
not interfere with groundwater recharge.
PFS-6.5 Impervious Surfaces
The City shall limit impervious surfaces in new development to reduce impacts to groundwater
recharge.
8. Public Facilities and Services Element
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PFS-6.6 Dumping Prohibition
The City shall protect waterways by prohibiting the dumping of debris and refuse in and near
waterways and storm drains.
PFS-6.7 Erosion Control
The City shall require submittal, approval, and implementation of an erosion control plan for
new construction to prevent sedimentation and contamination of streams.
PFS-6.8 Pesticide Usage
The City shall prepare and disseminate information about the potentially harmful effects of
toxic chemical substances and safe alternative measures, including information about safe
alternatives to toxics for home and garden use.
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Solid Waste, Recycling, and Organics
The City of Rohnert Park contracts with Recology to perform curbside refuse, recycling, and compost pickup
from the residents and businesses of the city. Reducing waste and diverting waste from landfills can help
decrease greenhouse gas emissions and helps to reduce pollution caused by waste. The policies in this
section support the provision of adequate service, reduction, and diversion of waste from landfills, and
expansion of recycling programs and awareness for residents and businesses.
To reduce the generation of solid waste and improve capacity to recycle
used materials.
PFS-7.1 Sonoma County Integrated Waste Management Plan
The City shall work with the Sonoma County Waste Management Agency to update and
implement the Sonoma County Integrated Waste Management Plan to improve Rohnert Park’s
ability to reduce solid waste generation and increase recycling capabilities.
PFS-7.2 On-Site Facilities in New Development
The City shall require new multifamily residential and all new non-residential development to
incorporate well-designed, safe, and easily accessible on-site storage for waste, recyclables,
and compostable materials.
PFS-7.3 On-Site Facilities in Existing Development
The City shall encourage existing commercial businesses and business parks to install
recycling and compost receptacles on their premises.
8. Public Facilities and Services Element
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Law Enforcement
The Rohnert Park Public Safety Department provides police and fire protection. The Police Services Division
provides police services including general law enforcement activities, traffic enforcement, criminal activity
response, crime scene investigation, and apprehension of criminals. The Division is committed to addressing
community and neighborhood issues through a Problem-Oriented Policing and Community-Based approach.
The goal and policies in this section are intended to guide the provision of police services, create stronger
community partnerships, and improve transparency and accountability in law enforcement in Rohnert Park.
The City is in partnership with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (Tribe) to provide public safety
support to the Tribal Reservation west of the City and receives annual funding support from the Tribe to help
provide those services.
To provide exceptional public safety and crime reduction services to
maintain a safe and secure community, and continue to uphold police-
community trust, engagement, and collaboration.
PFS-8.1 Staffing Resources
The City shall ensure that law enforcement staffing allows for the expansion of operations as
the City’s needs change due to population growth or other factors by establishing benchmark
standards for evaluating the quality of law enforcement services on an annual basis, and
implementing changes based on those evaluations. The City shall maintain diversity in
recruitment practices and promotional opportunities.
PFS-8.2 Police Equipment and Facilities
The City shall provide and maintain equipment, technologies, and facilities for all staff to meet
modern standards and best practices of safety, dependability, and efficiency.
PFS-8.3 Police Communications
The City shall use a variety of communication methods, including social media, cellular phone
messaging, television and radio alerts, and website postings, to maintain transparency and
inform residents and businesses about department policies including de-escalation and use of
force, crimes, crime prevention, investigations, and emergencies.
PFS-8.4 Community Policing Strategies
The City shall practice community-policing strategies that strengthen trust and collaboration
with all residents of Rohnert Park, and ensure public safety through meaningful cooperation,
problem-solving techniques, and techniques for law enforcement responding to mental health,
social service, and non-violent calls.
PFS-8.5 Community Engagement
The City shall strive to maintain exceptional community engagement in every interaction with
the community, demonstrating a commitment to inclusion regardless of race, ethnicity, age,
gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, economic status, and other diverse backgrounds,
through purposeful enforcement activities as well as through contacts not arising out of
emergencies or enforcement-related circumstances.
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PFS-8.6 School Safety Collaboration
The City shall collaborate with the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District to study and
implement measures that enhance the security of schools and the safety of students, teachers,
and administrators.
PFS-8.7 Public Safety Collaboration
The City shall collaborate with large employers, entertainment facilities, and institutions to
minimize crime and improve emergency response.
PFS-8.8 Mutual Aid
The City shall continue to provide mutual aid response to local, State, and Federal partners.
PFS-8.9 Employee Wellness
The City shall implement measures that proactively support employees’ mental, emotional,
and physical health and wellbeing.
8. Public Facilities and Services Element
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Fire and Emergency Services
The Fire Services Division functions as a typical municipal fire agency responsible for protecting life and
property. The policies in this section address a variety of priorities, including staffing levels, emergency
response times, training, facilities, and equipment. The Hazards and Safety Element contains policies related
to reducing fire hazards as well as emergency preparedness and response. Policies support the education of
residents and businesses on the potential risks and fire prevention techniques and require existing and new
development to incorporate fire prevention and suppression measures.
The City recently completed construction of the Westside Fire Station, with significant funding from the
Tribe. This station is particularly important to serve the growing population on the west side of the city with
the addition of several new apartment complexes and hotels. The City also has agreements with the Tribe to
provide enhanced public safety services on the west side of Highway 101. The Tribe also provided funding
for the City to purchase an additional fire truck. The Tribe provides on-going funding to help the City support
emergency services.
To ensure high quality fire and emergency response to prevent injury,
loss of life, and property damage.
PFS-9.1 Staffing Resources
The City shall ensure the provision of high-quality firefighting and emergency medical
response service including trained Firefighter I/II, paramedics, emergency medical technicians,
and adequate overhead staffing such as Battalion Chiefs on each fire shift. The City shall
evaluate operations and deployment of services to ensure efficient and effective use of
resources.
PFS-9.2 Development Fees
The City shall require new development to build or fund its fair share of fire protection facilities,
personnel, operations, and maintenance that maintains the City’s ISO rating of 3 or better.
PFS-9.3 Development Project Review
The Development Services Department shall refer proposed new development projects to the
Fire Prevention Division for review to identify necessary fire prevention, suppression, and risk
reduction measures including adequate access and clearance for equipment and personnel.
PFS-9.4 Routine Fire Hydrant Maintenance
The City shall ensure that all fire hydrants are maintained and in a state of operational
readiness at all times.
PFS-9.5 Emergency Response Preparation and Coordination
The City shall coordinate and maintain mutual aid agreements with emergency response
providers from local, State, and Federal fire agencies. The City shall maintain an emergency
manager who coordinates Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activations and training.
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PFS-9.6 Fire Equipment and Facilities
The City shall provide and maintain equipment, technologies, and facilities for all staff to meet
modern standards and best practices of safety, dependability, and efficiency.
PFS-9.7 Community Engagement
The City shall provide opportunities and training for community preparedness.
8. Public Facilities and Services Element
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Electric and Gas Utilities
As described in the Climate Change Element, power supply in the city comes from electric and natural gas
services. The City’s long-term strategy for managing its GHG emission reduction goals includes converting a
clean, electric power supply and minimizing the use of the natural gas. The goal and policies in this section
support the maintenance, expansion, and modernization of the electrical system while ensuring that gas
service remains safe as the city transitions away from this supply.
To ensure the provision of a reliable, efficient, cost-effective, modern,
and environmentally sound power delivery service within Rohnert Park
while encouraging the transition away from natural gas.
PFS-10.1 Utility Services Modernization
The City shall support the modernization of utility services in Rohnert Park to serve existing and
future needs, including, but not limited to, the adoption of SmartGrid technology and microgrid
strategies.
PFS-10.2 Utility Siting Coordination
The City shall coordinate with utility providers in the siting, site layout, and design of gas and
electric facilities, including changes to existing facilities, to encourage electrification and
minimize environmental, aesthetic, and safety impacts on current and future residents.
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Communication Infrastructure
Telecommunications and broadband access are essential components of community and business
infrastructure. These technologies can be used to promote social and economic development as well as
human and technological capacity building. Increasing accessibility to high-speed broadband will require
public and private strategies to ensure that Rohnert Park can continue to prosper. Increasingly, cities need to
be on the cutting edge of new telecommunications technologies to attract and retain new businesses. The
policies in this section support expanded and enhanced communication infrastructure to provide modern
telecommunication and broadband access to businesses and residents in the city.
To encourage the development and maintenance of state-of -the-art
communication infrastructure and services to bolster the City’s
economic competitiveness, support businesses, and improve resident
telecommunication access.
PFS-11.1 Evolve with Technological Changes
The City shall evolve with technological changes and adapt City policies and development
standards as necessary to reflect changes in the way the community works and lives, including
sustainability and mobility.
PFS-11.2 Support Robust Communication Services
The City shall assist and partner with local service providers to provide robust video, voice, and
data services for its businesses and residents.
PFS-11.3 Minimize Visual Impacts
The City shall work with providers and carriers to minimize the visual impact of wireless
communication facilities installed in the city.
PFS-11.4 Public Access to Online Services
The City shall provide public terminals at city facilities to facilitate public access to online
services.
PFS-11.5 Invest in Cybersecurity
The City shall invest in technologies and adopt practices that protect Rohnert Park
infrastructure and government data against cyberattacks.
8. Public Facilities and Services Element
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Schools and Libraries
The Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District (CRPUSD) provides educational services to the residents of
Cotati and Rohnert Park. CRPUSD operates 11 schools, 10 of which are located within Rohnert Park city limits.
Rohnert Park is also home to Credo High School and Pathways, both of which are charter schools. A branch
of the Sonoma County Library system, the Rohnert Park-Cotati Regional Library, is also located in Rohnert
Park. Policies in this section support the continued partnership between the City and the CRPUSD, the
consideration of new schools for future growth areas, and supporting the services and activities provided by
the Rohnert Park-Cotati Regional Library to promote opportunities for lifelong learning and educational
enrichment for Rohnert Park residents.
To enhance the educational and library support system serving Rohnert
Park to the benefit of all residents, regardless of age and location within
the community.
PFS-12.1 CRPUSD Boundaries
The City shall encourage the CRPUSD to expand school district boundaries as necessary to
include all development within the Rohnert Park Sphere of Influence to ensure that all school-
age children living in Rohnert Park can attend public schools in Rohnert Park, without having to
travel to adjacent jurisdictions.
PFS-12.2 Additional School Sites
The City shall work with the CRPUSD to consider providing additional school sites and facilities
to accommodate future demand, as appropriate.
PFS-12.3 School Site Reuse
In the event of a school closing, the City shall work with the CRPUSD to reuse the school sites
and ensure that new uses are compatible with adjacent uses.
PFS-12.4 Joint Use
The City shall work with the CRPUSD and Sonoma State University to provide mechanisms to
create and maintain joint use facilities as community centers to provide services, meeting
spaces, and recreational activities to Rohnert Park residents.
PFS-12.5 Library and Lifelong Learning
The City shall work with the Sonoma County Library System to ensure the Rohnert Park Cotati
Regional Library’s services and programs are adequate and appropriate to meet the
community’s needs for education and lifelong learning services, as well as the demands of an
increasingly digital world.
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Implementation Programs
Programs
Implements
Which Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2020 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing A Community Surveys
The City shall conduct regular
community surveys to solicit
feedback from the community on the
quality of public facilities and services
provided by the City.
PFS-1.5:
Customer
Focused Service
City Manager
B Maintain City Website
The City shall update and upgrade the
City website to keep residents and
businesses informed and engaged in
City activities, resources, and
programs.
PFS-1.5:
Customer
Focused Service
City Manager
C Update Parks and Recreation Master
Plan
The City shall update the Parks and
Recreation Master Plan every five
years to address the precise location
of parks and financial planning to
improve undeveloped park land and
trails; maintain existing facilities;
develop new trails; and acquire land
for new parks. The Master Plan will
also establish standards and identify
funding for both specific park facilities
and City-owned, non-park open space
areas, such as street medians and
open space buffers.
PFS-2.1: Parks
and Recreation
Master Plan
PFS-2.2: Parks
Near Schools
PFS-2.5 Passive
Recreation Space
PFS-2.6
Goldridge Site
Maximization
Community
Services
D Urban Water Management Plan
The City shall update and maintain its
Urban Water Management Plan,
which is the long-term resource
planning document for ensuring that
adequate water supplies are available
to meet existing and future water
needs.
PFS-3.1:
Conjunctive Use
Water Supply
Management
PFS- 3.2:
Groundwater
Management
Public Works
Development
Services
8. Public Facilities and Services Element
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Programs
Implements
Which Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2020 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing E Water Conservation Plan
The City shall adopt and update every
five years a comprehensive water
conservation program to encourage
efficient water use by City employees
and other users of City facilities.
Measures could include, but are not
limited to:
• Leak detection and repair
• Water-efficient landscaping
• Automatic turn-off fixtures
• Recycled water
• Flow restrictors on hoses and
faucets
• Water meter connections and
billing by volume
• Dedicated landscape meters
PFS-3.1:
Conjunctive Use
Water Supply
Management
PFS- 3.2:
Groundwater
Management
Public Works
F Water Efficiency Guide
The City shall develop a guide for
developers and businesses to use
when determining appropriate water
efficiency measures and strategies to
incorporate into new development
and business operations, including,
but not limited to low-flush toilets,
low-flow showers, and low-flow
faucets.
PFS-3.1:
Conjunctive Use
Water Supply
Management
PFS- 3.2:
Groundwater
Management
PFS- 3.3:
Sustainable
Development
Practices
Public Works
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Programs
Implements
Which Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2020 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing G Water Conservation Efforts
Implement and enforce water
conservation efforts throughout
Rohnert Park.
PFS-3.3:
Sustainable
Development
Practices
PFS-3.5: Water
Conservation
Education and
Incentives
PFS-3.7: Water
Efficiency
Measures in New
Construction
PFS-3.8: Water
Efficiency
Measures in
Existing Buildings
Public Works
8. Public Facilities and Services Element
Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022 Page 8-23
Programs
Implements
Which Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2020 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing H Water Conservation Program for
City Facilities
The City shall adopt and update
every five years a comprehensive
water conservation program to
encourage efficient water use by
City employees and other users of
City facilities. Measures could
include, but are not limited to:
Leak detection and repair
Water-efficient landscaping
Automatic turn-off fixtures
Recycled water
Flow restrictors on hoses and
faucets
Water meter connections and
billing by volume
Dedicated landscape meters
PFS-3.3:
Sustainable
Development
Practices
Public Works
I Large Landscape Conservation
Programs
The City shall implement appropriate
large landscape conservation
programs during any temporary water
delivery impairment.
PFS-3.4: Water
Efficient
Landscape
Ordinance
PFS-3.6:
Alternative Water
Supplies
Public Works
J Water Conservation Education
Partner with local groups to help
inform the community about what
they can do to reduce their water
usage and what to expect during peak
drought years.
PFS-3.5: Water
Conservation
Education and
Incentives
Public Works
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Programs
Implements
Which Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2020 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing K Tiered Water Rates
The City shall adopt a tiered water
rate schedule that increases rates as
the quantity of water used increases
or provides seasonal or excess-use
surcharges to reduce peak water
demand during summer months.
PFS-3.5: Water
Conservation
Education and
Incentives
Public Works
L Business Water Audits
The City shall, at the request of a
business, conduct water audits and
work with the business owner to
develop plans for reducing water use
and wastewater and discharge.
PFS-3.5: Water
Conservation
Education and
Incentives
Public Works
M Sewer System Management Plan
The City shall maintain and regularly
update the Sewer System
Management Plan.
PFS-4.1:
Wastewater
Capacity
PFS-4.2:
Wastewater
System
Maintenance
Public Works
N Recycling Receptacles in Public
Areas
The City shall, as part of the City’s
Capital Improvement Program (CIP),
the Parks and Recreation Master Plan,
and other programs, explore the
feasibility of installing recycling
receptacles for plastic and glass
beverage containers and papers in
parks and other public areas,
including, but not limited to,
community recreational facilities,
transit stops, and mixed-use districts.
PFS-7.1: Sonoma
County
Integrated Waste
Management
Plan
Public Works
O Hazardous Waste and Electronic
Waste
The City shall work with Zero Waste
Sonoma and franchise haulers and
contractors to provide convenient
opportunities and facilities for the
collection of hazardous waste and e-
waste.
PFS-7.1: Sonoma
County
Integrated Waste
Management
Plan
Public Works
8. Public Facilities and Services Element
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Programs
Implements
Which Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2020 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing P Public Education
The City shall conduct public
education efforts to inform residents
about opportunities and strategies to
reduce waste, reuse products, recycle
plastics and household hazardous
materials.
PFS-7.1: Sonoma
County
Integrated Waste
Management
Plan
Public Works
Q Staffing Resources and Recruitment
The City shall ensure recruitment and
promotional practices are
representative of the city’s diverse
population.
PFS-8.1: Staffing
Resources
Human
Resources
R Mental Health and Crisis Response
The City shall maintain an alternative
response to mental health and other
crisis calls instead of, or in
combination with, law enforcement
officers.
PFS-8.4:
Community
Policing
Strategies
Public Safety
S School Safety
The City shall maintain Public Safety
involvement at each school with
programs such as the School
Resource Officer (SRO) and critical
incident response training for Public
Safety Officers and school employees.
PFS-8.6: School
Safety
Collaboration
Public Safety
T Employee Wellness
The City shall implement wellness
programs to meet the mental,
emotional, and physical needs of
employees in each department.
PFS-8.9:
Employee
Wellness
Human
Resources
U Community Engagement CERT
Program
The City shall support the
development of community-based
emergency preparedness and
response training, including
Community Emergency Response
Teams (CERT).
PFS-9.7:
Community
Engagement
Public Safety
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Programs
Implements
Which Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2020 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing V Pace Program
The City shall support implementation
of the Property Assessed Clean
Energy (PACE) financing programs to
provide residential and commercial
property owners with energy
efficiency and renewable energy
financing opportunities.
PFS-10.1: Utility
Services
Modernization
City Manager
Development
Services
W Communications Infrastructure in
CIP
The City shall consider the inclusion of
CIP projects that will support
improved communications
PFS-11.2: Support
Robust
Communication
Services
Public Works
X Cybersecurity Plan
The City shall develop a cybersecurity
plan to protect City infrastructure and
government data against
cyberattacks.
PFS-11.5: Invest in
Cybersecurity
City Manager
Health and Safety
Element
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9
To maintain a high quality of life for Rohnert Park residents, the City must minimize natural hazard risks, such
as earthquakes, wildfire, and flooding, as well as manmade hazards and nuisances, such as hazardous
materials and noise. The Health and Safety Element outlines the goals, policies, and actions that the City will
implement to address these risks and support disaster preparedness and emergency response.
Climate change is now acknowledged as a risk and cities must plan to manage and adapt to changes such
as more variable percipitation, temperature change, wildfire risk, and other impacts. The Climate Change
Element includes most of the City’s climate adaptation goals policies and actions. However, due to the
strong correlation between policies in the Health and Safety Element and the Climate Change Element, a
symbol has been incorporated to identify climate change-related policies.
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Emergency Preparedness
The City and Sonoma County work collaboratively to ensure the community is prepared in the event of an
emergency and to ensure an efficient and effective response and recovery. All City departments play a role
in this effort and have specific assignments to perform in emergencies. The City coordinates its planning with
the Sonoma County Office of Emergency Services to keep plans up to date. The City also participates in
periodic city and countywide disaster drills that are held to evaluate and critique emergency service
preparedness. The Rohnert Park Public Safety Headquarters has been designed to function as an
Emergency Operations Center for the community.
The Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires State, local, and tribal governments to produce a
mitigation plan every five years that identifies the natural hazards, risks, and vulnerabilities of the jurisdiction.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides guidance on the development and content
of these plans and must approve the plans in order for jurisdictions to receive Federal hazard mitigation grant
funds. In California, the State has added additional requirements, primarily relating to earthquake safety, to
the local hazard mitigation plans.
The City most recently adopted its Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) in 2018, in accordance with the
Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000), California Government Code Section 65302.6 and FEMAs 2011
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan guidance. The LHMP identifies and profiles, the people and facilities at risk from
hazards and outlines mitigation actions to reduce or eliminate hazard risk. The implementation of these
mitigation actions, which include both short- and long-term strategies, involve planning, policy changes,
programs, projects, and other activities. In addition to the LHMP, the City adopted an Emergency
Management Plan in 2012 that complies with State Standardized Emergency Management System and
National Incident Management System requirements. Both hazard mitigation and emergency preparedness
are vitally important to protecting lives and property in the event of a natural hazard or disaster, but there are
key differences:
Hazard mitigation is proactive, whereas emergency preparedness is typically reactive.
Hazard mitigation includes actions to reduce or eliminate risk from future hazard events, while
emergency preparedness establishes overall concepts to respond to hazard events in the immediate
lead up, during, and after a hazard event has occurred.
Hazard mitigation is a process where steps are recommended to guide a city, county, or other agency
in ways that protect public safety, reduce harm to existing and future development, and prevent
damage to a community’s economic, cultural, and environmental assets.
The policies of this section support the City’s disaster preparedness and emergency response services and
efforts to better prepare members of the community to respond to major emergencies or disasters.
9. Health and Safety Element
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HS-1 To ensure an efficient, effective, and coordinated response to natural
and human-caused disasters and emergencies in Rohnert Park.
HS-1.1 Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
The City shall maintain and regularly update the Emergency Management Plan that is
consistent with the State and Federal disaster preparedness requirements.
HS-1.2 Emergency Management Staffing Resources
The City shall ensure all emergency management staffing needs are addressed through
collateral assignments or dedicated full-time emergency management positions.
HS-1.3 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP)
The City shall maintain and implement a FEMA- and State-approved LHMP. The current LHMP
can be found on the City’s website:
https://www.rpcity.org/city_hall/departments/development_services/a_d_u_municipal_code_a
mendments/general_plan___special_area_plans/special_plans
HS-1.4 Emergency Vehicle Access
The City shall require adequate access for emergency vehicles, including adequate street
width and vertical clearance, in new developments.
HS-1.5 Emergency Vehicle Signaling
The City shall ensure that new traffic signals include a system which allows emergency
vehicles to change the signal.
HS-1.6 Cooperation with Other Agencies
The City shall cooperate with other public agencies to store, organize, distribute, and
administer emergency medical equipment, supplies, services, and communication systems.
HS-1.7 Emergency Management Exercises
The City shall conduct periodic emergency management exercises to familiarize key City
personnel and surrounding jurisdictions and agencies with their roles and responsibilities to
ensure emergency facilities will function in the event of a disaster.
HS-1.8 Disaster Preparedness Awareness
The City shall provide public education to enhance general awareness of natural and
manmade hazards and emergency situations in the community. Public awareness efforts
should emphasize that during and immediately after an emergency individual readiness and
self-sufficiency are critical.
HS-1.9 Post-Disaster Rebuilding
Following a State- or Federal-declared emergency or disaster, the City shall strive to expedite
the permit process and implement codes and standards that improve community resiliency
and sustainability.
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HS-1.10 Ensure Continuity of Operations
The City shall develop protocols to ensure continuity of operations, such as redundant, offsite
copies of crucial information and all City data to be able to maintain basic network functions
during a disaster.
HS-1.11 Emergency Communications
The City shall participate with regional partners to provide a redundant communication system
and regularly update communication protocols to support enhanced and coordinated
communications during an emergency or disaster.
HS-1.12 Maintain Current Hazard Data
The City shall work with local, regional, State, and Federal agencies to maintain natural hazards
information and data. This information shall be used to inform and guide future development
and to educate the public.
HS-1.13 Cooling Centers
The City shall identify locations in the city that can serve as designated cooling centers where
Rohnert Park residents can go to during extreme heat events and shall facilitate transportation
assistance to residents.
9. Health and Safety Element
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Wildfire
Wildfires are a regular occurrence in many parts of California, and while Rohnert Park is not technically
located in a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone according to CalFire, the open space and
agricultural areas to the east and west can pose a fire risk in the wildland-urban interface (WUI). Strong winds
combined with higher temperatures, dry conditions, and variations in precipitation have resulted in recent,
nearby fires spreading faster and further as embers travel longer distances.
Hot, dry summers increase the risk of fires starting and spreading quickly, and this risk will increase as the
climate changes in future decades. Winter rains can accelerate growth of brushland and grassland that
quickly dry out during the summer, creating fuel for fires.
The policies in this section aim to reduce the risk associated with wildfires by avoiding development in high
hazard areas and through proper building and landscaping requirements. The policies also support improved
preparation and response through public education and ensuring adequate access. Rohnert Park’s LHMP
includes mitigation measures for reducing risk of wildfire, as does the Sonoma County Community Wildfire
Protection Plan (CWPP).
HS-2 To provide increased fire safety through the provision of adequate fire
protection infrastructure, public education, and outreach programs.
HS-2.1 Interagency Planning Consistency
The City shall ensure planning efforts are consistent and coordinated with local- and regional-
related plans including the LHMP, the Sonoma County Community Wildfire Protection Plan
(CWPP), local Emergency Operations Plans, and evacuation plans.
HS-2.2 Wildland-Urban Interface
The City shall monitor the conditions and development in the community seperators
surrounding the city and coordinate with Sonoma County to ensure that adequate safety
measures and building standards that reduce fire risk are maintained.
HS-2.3 Maintain Fire Access
The City shall use appropriate means to maintain fire access roads throughout the city on
public and private property.
HS-2.4 Public Education
The City shall facilitate regular community education events on wildfire risk, fire prevention,
and preparedness in partnership with schools, local organizations, and at community events.
HS-2.5 Defensible Space
The City shall require adherence to defensible space standards, or vegetation “clear zones,” for
all existing and new structures in areas that are in close proximity to High Fire Hazard Severity
Zones by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
HS-2.6 Building and Fire Codes
The City shall continue to adopt and enforce the most up-to-date California Building Standards
Code and California Fire Code, with appropriate local amendments.
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Seismic and Geologic Hazards
Seismic and geologic hazards are caused by movement of the earth’s surface and can include earthquakes,
landslides, avalanches, volcanic eruptions, and erosion. Earthquakes are the most likely of these hazards for
Rohnert Park since the city’s location presents little risk of landslide or severe erosion and there are no
mountains or volcanoes nearby.
The Healdsburg-Rodgers Creek fault zone is about five miles east of Rohnert Park, and the San Andreas
Fault System is approximately 15 miles west of the city. Seismic activity on these faults can trigger other
types of hazards, including:
Surface rupture: The ground cracks due to an earthquake.
Ground shaking: The passage of seismic waves causes the ground to shake, causing damage to
structures.
Liquefaction: Loose wet soil loses strength and acts like a liquid during an earthquake, damaging
structures built on it.
Landslides: The shaking of an earthquake causes loose material to slide down a slope.
Subsidence: The ground surface drops rapidly due to an earthquake.
Rohnert Park historically has not sustained much damage during earthquakes, but ground-shaking,
liquefaction, and ground settlement could occur. The Rohnert Park Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP)
describes the seismic and liquefaction hazards near Rohnert Park in detail and includes mitigation measures
to reduce the risks and damage caused in the event of an earthquake. This element includes a goal and
policies that augment the more tactical detail in the LHMP.
HS-3 To minimize the risk to life and property from seismic and geologic
hazards in Rohnert Park.
HS-3.1 Site-specific Soil Conditions
The City shall require new construction to use site preparation, grading, and foundation designs
in accordance with site specific soil conditions and require submittal of a preliminary soils and
geotechnical report, prepared by a registered civil engineer.
HS-3.2 Code Compliance
The City shall continue to comply with the seismic requirements of the California Building Code
and Uniform Plumbing Code.
HS-3.3 Community Awareness
The City shall lead or promote, as appropriate, public awareness campaigns and emergency
preparedness programs to encourage residents, employers, and students in Rohnert Park to
prepare for an earthquake or other natural disaster.
HS-3.4 Hazard Mitigation Partnerships
The City shall work with the County of Sonoma, nearby jurisdictions, and utility providers to
implement earthquake mitigation and preparedness actions, including the LHMP.
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Flooding Hazards
Flooding results from major rainstorms that cause overflows of streams and may be increased by
inadequacies in local storm drain facilities. Flooding may occur in two ways:
Stormwater may overflow the banks of drainage ways because the water flow exceeds the channel
capacity; or
Stormwater may back up and collect in a low area because it cannot flow into a receiving drainage
channel.
The Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water) manages most of the flood control channels in Rohnert
Park, while the City’s Public Works Department is responsible for City-owned portions of the stormwater
system such as gutters, inlets, catch basins, and pipes.
Floodplain zones in Rohnert Park are defined as 100-year or 500-year flood zones. These flood zones are set
by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) based on the percentage chance an area has of
flooding in any given year. A 100-year flood zone has a 1 percent (or one in 100) chance of a flood occurring
in a given year, while a 500-year flood zone has a 0.2 percent (or 1 in 500) chance of flood occurring in a
given year. As shown in the LHMP, there are a few isolated areas in Rohnert Park that are within the 100-year
flood zone.
The City enforces flood control standards within 100-year flood hazard areas in accordance with the
requirements of the National Flood Hazard Insurance Program. In addition to 100-year flood hazard areas,
localized, relatively minor flooding occasionally occurs in the city. Areas near channelized portions of
Copeland Creek and Hinebaugh Creek are prone to flooding, as well as areas on the west side of the city
near the Laguna De Santa Rosa floodplain. Increases in expected precipitation during extreme weather
events due to climate change will also increase the potential for flooding in the future. This element includes
a goal and policies that augment the more tactical detail in the LHMP.
HS-4 To minimize the risk to life and property due to flooding.
HS-4.1 Stormwater System Maintenance
The City shall systematically conduct maintenance, make repairs, or improve drainage facilities
to minimize localized flooding during rainstorms, and provide treatment to first-flush runoff
flows, street sweeping programs, and additional source controls to minimize non-point source
pollution.
HS-4.2 Drainage Maintenance
In cooperation with the Sonoma Water, maintain flood plain areas, drainage channels, and
other drainage structures and improve drainage channel capacity in ways that will preserve the
natural character of habitat areas, riparian corridors, and waterways to the maximum extent
feasible.
HS-4.3 Riparian Zone Development Standards
The City shall establish development standards for new construction adjacent to riparian zones
to reduce sedimentation and flooding. Standards shall include:
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Berms or other temporary structures such as protection fences be built between a
construction site and riparian corridor to preclude sheet flooding stormwater from entering
the corridors during the construction period.
Installation of storm sewers before construction occurs to collect stormwater runoff during
construction.
Minimize paved areas, retain large areas of undisturbed, naturally vegetated habitat to
allow for water infiltration, and intermix pavement areas with the naturally vegetated
infiltration sites to reduce the concentration of stormwater runoff from pavement and
structures.
HS-4.4 Sonoma Water Flood Control Design Compliance
The City shall require an applicant, as part of the building permit process, to design and
construct a storm drain system in accordance with the Sonoma Water’s Flood Control Design
Criteria (latest revision), specific to the project. The City shall encourage the use of
environmentally sensitive drainage improvements including flow reduction and flood bypass
systems in order to ensure protection of surface water quality and stream integrity.
HS-4.5 Development in Flood Zones
The City shall prohibit development located in the 100-year flood zone and require
development in the 500-year flood zone and known flood-prone areas and undertake
measures to provide adequate protection from flood hazards. Location of flood zones shall be
as specified on the applicable Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) at the time an application is
deemed complete.
HS-4.6 National Flood Insurance Program
The City shall continue to use the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) standards and
regulations as guidelines for implementation of flood damage control programs in Rohnert
Park and work with FEMA to update the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM), as necessary, to
reflect changes to flood risks.
HS-4.7 NFIP Community Rating System
The City shall participate in FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS) to receive a premium
reduction for residents and businesses in exchange for maximizing flood preparation and
protection.
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Air Quality
Air quality is an important environmental resource that influences public health, welfare, and quality of life.
The term “air quality” is determined by concentrations of various pollutants in the atmosphere within a
specific location. Air quality conditions at a location are a function of the type and amount of air pollutants
emitted into the atmosphere, the size and topography of the regional air basin, and the prevailing wind and
weather conditions. Air pollutants have the potential to adversely impact public health, native vegetation,
visibility, and buildings.
Rohnert Park is located in the northern region of the nine-
county San Francisco Bay Area air basin. Air quality in the
basin is monitored by the Bay Area Air Quality
Management District (BAAQMD), which operates a
regional network of air pollution monitoring stations. The
BAAQMD monitors if Federal and State standards for
criteria air pollutants and emissions of toxic air
contaminants (TACs) are being achieved and works with
communities to meet air quality requirements.
Under the Federal Clean Air Act, the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) classifies air basins, or portions
thereof, as either in “attainment” or “nonattainment”
depending on whether the standards are met or
exceeded, respectively. Likewise, an air basin is classified
under the California Clean Air Act with respect to the
achievement of the State standards using the same
terminology.
Criteria air pollutants are defined as pollutants for which
the Federal and State governments have established
ambient air quality standards, or criteria, for outdoor
concentrations to protect public health. The Federal
Clean Air Act requires the EPA to identify and monitor
National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The EPA has
established national standards for ozone, carbon
monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, particulate
matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal
to 10 microns (PM10), particulate matter with an
aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 microns
(PM2.5), and lead. The Bay Area is considered in
“attainment” for all the national standards except for
ozone and PM2.5. Under State law, the California Air
Resources Board (CARB) has established State ambient
air quality standards (State standards) that are generally more stringent than the corresponding national
standards. The Bay Area is considered “nonattainment” for State standards of ozone, PM10, and PM2.5.
Certain air pollutants have been classified as
toxic air contaminants (TACs) because they
are known to increase the risk of cancer
and/or other serious health effects, ranging
from eye irritation to neurological damage.
The California Air Resources Board has
identified about 700 substances as TACs.
Fine particulate matter (PM) refers to very
small particles – less than 2.5 microns in
diameter (PM2.5) or less than 10 microns
(PM10) – that can travel deep into the lungs
and enter the bloodstream. Fine PM
originates from a variety of sources,
including fossil fuel combustion, residential
wood burning and cooking, and natural
sources, such as wildfires and dust.
Ozone is a gas that occurs both in the
Earth’s upper atmosphere and at ground
level. Ozone can be good or bad, depending
on where it is found. “Good” ozone occurs
naturally in the upper atmosphere, where it
forms a protective layer that shields us from
ultraviolet rays. “Bad” ozone is found at the
ground level and happens when pollutants
emitted by cars, industrial uses, and other
sources chemically react in the presence of
sunlight. Ground-level ozone is the main
ingredient in smog.
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In 1991, the Bay Area 1991 Clean Air Plan (1991 Clean Air Plan) was adopted to address the non-attainment
status of the Bay Area with respect to the State ozone standard. The 1991 Clean Air Plan was last updated in
2017, with the continued goal of improving air quality through tighter industry controls, cleaner fuels and
combustion in cars and trucks, and increased commute alternatives.
The Bay Area’s air quality is influenced largely by mobile sources (motor vehicle use), and automobile
ownership and use are increasing with the growing population at rapid rates. However, the trend towards a
newer, cleaner vehicle mix will serve to counteract some of the negative air quality effects associated with
increased vehicle use. Overall, a net reduction in the emissions of ozone precursors and carbon monoxide is
expected, while particulate matter emissions are expected to increase into the future. While the BAAQMD
imposes numerous regulations to deal with stationary and mobile sources of air emissions, there is much the
City can do to benefit regional and local air quality. The policies in this section seek to protect and improve
air quality by requiring new development to reduce emissions of criteria air pollutants and exposure to TACs.
The Land Use Element and Mobility Element include additional policies that support improved air quality
through land use patterns and transportation options that reduce automobile-related emissions.
HS-5 To promote a high level of air quality in order to protect public health,
safety, and welfare, and mitigate any adverse air quality impacts.
HS-5.1 Clean Air Plan Implementation
The City shall cooperate with BAAQMD to implement the Clean Air Plan, enforce air quality
standards, and achieve emissions reductions for nonattainment pollutants, including ozone,
PM10, and PM2.5 by implementation of air pollution control measures as required by State and
Federal statutes.
HS-5.2 Construction Dust Abatement
The City shall adopt the standard construction dust abatement measures included in
BAAQMD’s currently adopted CEQA Guidelines to reduce exhaust and particulate emissions
from construction and grading activities.
HS-5.3 New Air Emission Generators
The City shall prohibit new air emission-generating facilities in the city unless they are able to
mitigate air quality impacts to a less than significant level.
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HS-5.4 Minimize Exposure
The City shall require construction and
operation of new development to mitigate
any potential significant air quality impacts
to ensure that proximate sensitive receptors
(e.g., residences, schools, senior facilities)
are not exposed to significant levels of
criteria air pollutants or toxic air
contaminants.
HS-5.5 Health Risk Assessments for Sensitive
Receptors
The City shall require new development
within 500 feet of freeways and roadways
with over 100,000 vehicle trips per day
that include residential uses or other
sensitive receptors prepare a health risk
assessment (HRA) to identify potential
health risk impacts. Based on the results
of the HRA, the City shall require
mitigation measures as necessary, to
reduce potential exposure to toxic air
contaminants.
Who Are Sensitive Receptors?
Some people are more sensitive than others
to air pollutants. Heightened sensitivity may
be caused by health problems, proximity to
the emissions source, and duration of
exposure to air pollutants. Sensitive
receptors are facilities that house or attract
children, the elderly, people with illnesses,
or others who are especially sensitive to the
effects of air pollution. Hospitals, schools,
convalescent facilities, and residential areas
are examples of sensitive receptors.
Residential areas are considered sensitive to
poor air quality as people in residential areas
are often at home for extended periods.
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Noise
Noise is defined as a sound or series of sounds that are intrusive, irritating, objectionable and/or disruptive to
sleep, speech, and other activity. The known effects of noise on humans include hearing loss,
communication interference, sleep interference, physiological responses, and annoyance. Generally,
residential and public uses are more noise-sensitive than commercial and industrial uses.
The major source of noise in Rohnert Park is traffic along major roadways. Rohnert Park Expressway, Snyder
Lane, Southwest Boulevard, East Cotati Avenue, Golf Course Drive, and US 101 have been identified as the
major sources of roadway traffic noise. The SMART train, which began operation in 2017, is an additional
source of noise and passes through or adjacent to a number of residential neighborhoods in the city.
Northwestern Pacific also began testing freight train service in 2018 on tracks shared by the SMART train,
with anticipated future testing and service traveling through Rohnert Park. Traffic noise levels in Rohnert Park
were calculated at key locations throughout the city using the Federal Highway Administration's noise
prediction model and the California Vehicle Noise Emission Levels model developed by Caltrans. Existing
noise contours are shown in Figure 9-1.
The City is able to regulate noise levels that originate from non-vehicular sources in the city, and land use
planning and site design are the primary methods of minimizing local noise impacts. The City can ensure that
noise sensitive uses such as schools, daycares, and homes are located away from noise-generating uses,
and that sites are designed to minimize noise exposure through building standards, screening methods, or
other noise-dampening features. The City of Rohnert Park municipal code also includes noise standards to
control non-transportation noise sources.The goals and policies in this element are intended to support the
City’s efforts to regulate noise and mitigate its impacts on the public.
Anticipated Future Noise Conditions
Estimates of roadway noise levels under General Plan buildout were based on projected traffic as described
in Chapter 7 – Circulation Element. Anticipated Future Noise Conditions are shown in Figure 9-2.
9. Health and Safety Element
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Figure 9-1 Existing Noise Contours
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Figure 9-2 Anticipated Future Noise Contours
9. Health and Safety Element
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HS-6 To preserve public health and welfare by minimizing intrusive noise.
HS-6.1 Source Control
The City shall require noise control at the source through site design, building design, buffering,
hours of operation, and other regulations,for any noise-emitting use.
HS-6.2 Construction Noise
The City shall continue to require noise and vibration control, or mitigation measures to reduce
impacts to less than significant levels, for any noise-emitting construction equipment or
activity.
HS-6.3 Inter-Jurisdictional Cooperation
The City shall continue to work with County, State, and other agencies to reduce noise from
sources outside the City’s Sphere of Influence (SOI) and to minimize impacts on sites within the
SOI.
HS-6.4 Acoustical Analysis Requirements
The City shall require new development within existing or projected 65 Ldn noise levels to
undergo a technical acoustical analysis, conducted by a professional acoustical engineer,
which shall serve as the basis for designing mitigation measures.
HS-6.5 Noise-Sensitive Design
The City shall require site planning techniques to reduce noise exposure for all new
development within the 65 Ldn noise contours, avoiding visible sound walls when possible
except along US 101 and along the Northwestern Pacific (NP) Railroad right-of-way.
HS-6.6 Rail Service Noise
The City shall continue to monitor the effectiveness of its railroad quiet zone and make
appropriate modifications to minimize noise and promote public safety.
HS-7 To protect noise-sensitive uses to the greatest extent possible.
HS-7.1 Noise Sensitive Land Use Placement
The City shall avoid placement of noise-sensitive land uses, such as hospitals, schools, and day
care centers, in areas where intrusive noise is 65 Ldn and above.
HS-7.2 Residential Uses
The City shall maintain and enforce 45 Ldn as the standard for interior noise levels and 60 Ldn
as the standard for exterior noise levels for all residential land uses and require appropriate
siting of residential uses and/or mitigation measures to meet these standards.
HS-7.3 Residential Noise Exceptions
The City shall consider exceptions on a case-by-case basis to allow the use of residential air
conditioning units which may exceed established noise levels. To the extent feasible, air
conditioning units and generators shall be located to minimize noise impacts to adjoining
properties and sound barriers or enclosures should be installed where feasible.
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HS-7.4 Noise Protection
The City shall protect noise-sensitive uses from noise by incorporating site planning and
project design techniques such as landscape buffers, alignment of buildings, and insulation.
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Hazardous Materials
The release of hazardous materials and hazardous wastes within the city can result from several different
types of occurrences, including accidental releases from facilities or transporters, intentional illegal dumping,
discharges by residents, runoff from construction sites, and as a result of releases to the air, ground, or water
from neighboring jurisdictions. While hazardous materials releases can happen almost anywhere, areas of
the city near roadways or industrial land uses have a higher potential for the risk of exposure.
Hazardous materials include a large number of substances that may be dangerous to the public if
improperly stored, handled, or disposed. These include toxic metals, chemicals, and gases; flammable
and/or explosive liquids and solids; corrosive materials; infectious substances; and radioactive material.
Hazardous materials, according to the State Health and Safety Code § 25501(o), “include, but are not limited
to, hazardous substances, hazardous waste, and any material which a handler or the administering agency
has a reasonable basis for believing that it would be injurious to the health and safety of persons or harmful
to the environment if released into the workplace or the environment.”
Management of hazardous waste in Rohnert Park occurs under the 2010 Household Hazardous Waste
Element, which was incorporated into the Countywide Integrated Waste Management Plan. The policies in
this section aim to minimize exposure to hazardous materials, including the implementation of best practices
for the routine use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials.
HS-8 To minimize the risk to life, property, and ecology from the generation,
storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous materials and waste
in Rohnert Park.
HS-8.1 Hazardous Waste Partnerships
The City shall promote joint, countywide programs to address the generation and disposal of
hazardous materials including the Sonoma County Countywide Integrated Waste Management
Plan.
HS-8.2 Household Hazardous Waste Disposal
The City shall continue to develop and implement programs in partnership with Zero Waste
Sonoma to provide convenient means for residents to properly dispose of household
hazardous waste materials.
HS-8.3 Hazardous Waste Education
The City shall support Zero Waste Sonoma in their hazardous waste education efforts.
HS-8.4 Hazardous Substance Regulatory Compliance
The City shall comply with all applicable regulations and provisions for the storage, use, and
handling of hazardous substances as established by Federal (EPA), State (DTSC, RWQCB, Cal
OSHA, Cal EPA), and local (County of Sonoma, City of Rohnert Park) regulations.
HS-8.5 Storm Drain Dumping Signs
The City shall maintain existing signs above all storm drain in the city discouraging hazardous
waste dumping noting locations of current disposal sites.
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HS-8.6 Emergency Plans for Businesses
The City shall require that businesses that use hazardous materials on the premises to prepare
and implement an emergency response plan and identify an individual or individuals who will
serve as the emergency coordinator(s).
HS-8.7 Hazardous Waste Remediation Coordination
The City shall require the owner(s) of any property in the city found to be contaminated with
hazardous materials or waste to cooperate with the Regional Water Quality Control Board, the
State Department of Toxic Substances Control, and other appropriate agencies to undertake
the most cost-efficient and expeditious remediation of the sites for its intended uses, as shown
in the City’s Land Use Diagram. The City shall continue to monitor remediation progress on
sites contaminated with hazardous materials or wastes.
HS-8.8 Hazardous Materials Near Sensitive Uses
The City shall require new developments that use or store hazardous materials near creeks and
residential areas to include mitigation measures to prevent contamination of the creeks in the
event of an accident or spill.
HS-8.9 Permanent Hazardous Waste Collection
The City shall support efforts to establish a permanent hazardous waste collection and
temporary storage facility at the Central Landfill.
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Implementation Programs
Programs
Implements
Which Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2021 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing A Comprehensive Emergency
Management Plan
The City shall regularly review and
update every five years the
Comprehensive Emergency
Management Plan.
HS-1.1:
Comprehensive
Emergency
Management
Plan
HS-1.10: Ensure
Continuity of
Operations
Public Safety
Development
Services
B Regional Mutual Aid Agreements
The City shall work with neighboring
jurisdictions and the County to
develop mutual aid agreements for
support during a natural disaster.
HS-1.6:
Cooperation with
Other Agencies
Public Safety
C Post-Disaster Ordinance
The City shall prepare a post-disaster
recovery ordinance that includes
provisions for damage assessment,
re-occupancy and building
moratorium criteria, expedited
permitting procedures for repair and
reconstruction, and fee waivers and
deferrals.
HS-1.9: Post-
Disaster
Rebuilding
Development
Services
Public Safety
D Regional Wildfire Prevention
The City shall designate a
representative to coordinate with
nearby local jurisdictions, Sonoma
County Fire and Emergency Services,
and CalFire on regional wildfire
prevention and emergency response
efforts.
HS-2.1: Inter-
Agency Planning
Consistency
Public Safety
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Programs
Implements
Which Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2021 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing E Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
The City shall implement the Rohnert
Park LHMP, seeking opportunities to
overlap efforts with other hazard
mitigation, resiliency, climate change
adaptation, and land use planning
actions. The City shall convene
regular meetings of the LHMP
development team to discuss
progress and needs in implementing
the LHMP.
HS-2.1: Inter-
Agency Planning
Consistency
HS-3.4: Hazard
Mitigation
Partnerships
Development
Services
Public Safety
Public Works
F Utilization of Grant Opportunities
The City shall look for grant and other
funding opportunities from Cal OES,
FEMA and other sources to
implement LHMP programs and
improvements. (New Policy)
HS-2.1: Inter-
Agency Planning
Consistency
HS-3.4: Hazard
Mitigation
Partnerships
Public Works
Public Safety
G Community Preparedness
The City shall work with local and
regional emergency response
agencies to disseminate information
and provide community training
programs such as Community
Emergency Response Team (CERT)
training on preparedness and
response to natural disasters.
HS-2-1: Inter-
agency Planning
Consistency
HS-2.4: Public
Education
HS-3.3:
Community
Awareness
HS-4.7: NFIP
Community
Rating System
Public Safety
9. Health and Safety Element
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Programs
Implements
Which Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2021 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing H Wildland-Urban Interface Standards
The City shall develop standards for
future development in areas adjacent
to agriculture or open space that
address fire mitigation. Standards
shall include:
Establishing defensible space
and fire breaks on properties
located in the WUI
Requiring fire resistant
vegetation in landscaping
The use of non-combustible
materials for new construction
Prohibiting or protecting
external fuel sources such as
propane tanks
For existing development in the
WUI, the City shall work with
landowners to encourage or
incentivize voluntary upgrades
to existing structures.
HS-2.2: Wildland-
Urban Interface
HS-2.4: Public
Education
HS-2.5:
Defensible Space
Development
Services
Public Safety
I Open Space Maintenance
The City shall develop measures to
annually mow grass areas and cut
back brush to reduce the risk of
wildfire flood hazards, and perform
related maintenance activities.
HS-2.5: Definsible
Space
RC-6.5: Open
Space
Maintenance
Public Works
J Critical Facilities
The City shall identify critical facilities
vulnerable to flooding, earthquake,
and fire and retrofit as necessary to
ensure minimal damage and
continuation of critical services in the
event of a natural disaster.
HS-3.4: Hazard
Mitigation
Partnerships
HS-4.6: National
Flood Insurance
Program
Public Works
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Programs
Implements
Which Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2021 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing K Storm Water Management Plan
Update
The City shall review and update the
Storm Water Management Plan a
minimum of every five years to
incorporate changes to development
impacts and precipitation events.
HS-4.1: Storm
Water
Management
Plan
Public Works
Development
Services
L Low-Impact Development
The City shall require the
implementation of low-impact design
(LID) principles as required by State
law.
HS-4.1:
Stormwater
System
Maintenance
HS-4.4: Sonoma
Water Flood
Control Design
Compliance
Development
Services
9. Health and Safety Element
Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022 Page 9-23
Programs
Implements
Which Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2021 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing M Development Standards
The City shall establish development
standards for new construction
adjacent to riparian zones to reduce
erosion, sedimentation and flooding.
Standards should include:
Requirements that low berms or
other temporary structures such
as protection fences be built
between a construction site and
riparian corridor to preclude sheet
flooding stormwater from entering
the corridors during construction
activities.
As part of construction permits,
require the installation of storm
sewers before construction occurs
to collect stormwater runoff
during construction.
Minimize paved areas or
impervious surfaces, retain large
areas of undisturbed, naturally
vegetated habitat to allow for
water infiltration, and intermix
areas of pavement with naturally
vegetated infiltration sites to
reduce the concentration of
stormwater runoff from pavement
and buildings.
HS-4.3: Riparian
Zone
Development
Zone Standards
HS-4.4: Sonoma
Water Flood
Control Design
Compliance
HS-4.5:
Development in
Flood Zones
Development
Services
Public Works
N NFIP Community Rating System
The City shall designate CRS
Coordinator to administer the NFIP
Community Rating System consistent
with FEMA guidelines, identifying
qualifying actions the City is already
implementing and developing a
strategy to improve Rohnert Park’s
CRS class rating and achieve greater
premium reductions.
HS-4.7: NFIP
Community
Rating System
Development
Services
Public Safety
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Programs
Implements
Which Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2021 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing O Property Owner Education related to
Pollution Risks
The City shall work with the Regional
Water Quality Control Board to
provide informational materials, visits,
and inspections as needed to
properties with the potential to
contribute to nonpoint source
pollution through runoff or spills. Such
locations include gas stations and
automotive uses, construction sites,
agricultural areas, locations with
aboveground or underground
petroleum or natural gas storage, and
other facilities likely to have pollution
sources on site.
HS-8.3:
Hazardous Waste
Education
Public Works
P Noise Analysis
The City shall require acoustical
analysis for new discretionary
development proposals that are likely
to exceed the allowed thresholds in
Section 17.12.030 of the Rohnert Park
Municipal Code.
HS-6.1: Source
Control
HS-6.4:
Acoustical
Analysis
Requirements
Development
Services
Q Noise Mitigation
The City shall, if noise exposure
exceeds allowed thresholds, require
appropriate mitigation to meet or
exceed the established thresholds,
giving preference to mitigation of
construction noise and site planning
and design strategies over the
construction of noise barriers.
HS-6.1: Source
Control
HS-6.2:
Construction
Noise
HS-6.4:
Acoustical
Analysis
Requirements
HS-6.5: Noise-
Sensitive Design
HS-7.2:
Residential Uses
HS-7.4: Noise
Protection
Development
Services
9. Health and Safety Element
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Programs
Implements
Which Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2021 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing R Land Use Compatibility
The City shall use the noise contours
map to determine land use
compatibility with known sources of
noise and prohibit noise-sensitive land
uses in areas incompatible with
existing or anticipated noise levels.
HS-6.4:
Acoustical
Analysis
Requirements
HS-6.5: Noise-
Sensitive Design
HS-7.1: Noise
Sensitive Land
Use Placement
Development
Services
Resource Conservation
Element
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10
Because of the protection afforded by its Urban Growth Boundary, Rohnert Park and its environs include
natural, historic, and cultural resources. This General Plan seeks to balance the City’s planned growth with
the conservation of these resources. The goals, poliices, and actions in the element outline the City’s plans
to promote ongoing conservation of the natural, historic, and cultural resources, which include strategies to
work with other governmental agencies and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (FIGR), whose
Reservation is west of the city limits. Because resource conservation actions can also be effective as
mitigating the impacts of Climate Change, there is a strong correlation between policies in the Resource
Conservation Element and the Climate Change Element. A symbol has been incorporated to identify
goals, policies, and actions in this Resource Conservation Element that are related to climate change.
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Historical Resources
Rohnert Park incorporated as a city in 1962 and was formerly an agricultural seed farm, so the number of
historical sites and structures within the City itself are limited. A few of the first commercial buildings
constructed in the city are over 50 years old and are examples of Mid-Century Modern architecture, but
these have not been inventoried.
In addition, the greater Rohnert Park environs include a variety of both recorded and unofficial historic sites
including structures belonging to early settlers and ranching complexes. Several properties along Wilfred
Avenue (call Golf Course Drive West in city limits) have been identified as being potentially historically
significant in State and Federal inventories, although these properties have been deemed ineligible for listing
in the National Register of Historic Places. Several federal and state laws protect historical resources
including the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
CEQA requires an assessment of impacts to historic buildings and structures. To protect historical resources,
the State has formed the State Historical Resources Commission that conducts the State Historic Resource
Inventory and maintains the California Register of Historical Resources, which identifies historical landmarks
and points of interest. The Commission also provides recommendations for the National Register of Historic
Resources. The goal and policies in this section set out the framework by which the City can begin to build its
inventory of locally significant historic buildings with a goal of preserving and enhancing the understanding
of these features.
RC-1 To protect and preserve Rohnert Park’s historic resources
RC-1.1 Inventory Development
The City shall develop and maintain an inventory of structures within its boundaries that are
over 50 years in age.
RC-1.2 Historic Landmarks
The City shall support the listing of eligible properties, structures, or sites as potential historic
landmarks and their inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places and the California
Register of Historical Resources.
RC-1.3 Development Review Process
The City shall review discretionary development projects, as part of any required CEQA review,
to identify and protect important, historic sites and their contributing environment from
damage, destruction, and abuse. Consistent with CEQA findings, the City shall require project‐
level mitigation to include a records search at the Northwest Information Center, consideration
of project alternatives to preserve historically significant buildings or structures, provisions for
resource recovery, and preservation measures when displacement is unavoidable.
10. Resource Conservation Element
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Cultural, Tribal Cultural, and Archaeological
Resources
The Rohnert Park area is home to the Coast Miwok and the Southern Pomo people. The Federated Indians of
Graton Rancheria ancestral territory is Sonoma and Marin Counties. The City of Rohnert Park is located within
the Tribe’s cultural and traditional territory. In addition, to cultural and tribal resources, certain open space,
creek, wetland and botanical resources have cultural significance to the Tribe. These resources can be
preserved and enhanced through cooperative planning and robust consultation between the City and FIGR.
Several federal and state laws protect archaeological resources, including the American Indian Religious
Freedom Act (federal), and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). CEQA requires an assessment of
impacts to archaeological resources, and resources of significance to Native American tribes. If a
development project is found to potentially cause damage to an archaeological resource, reasonable efforts
may be required to preserve the resource, leave it in an undisturbed state, or undertake additional mitigation
measures if avoidance is not possible. The goal, policies and implementation actions in this Element support
not only the City’s compliance with state and federal laws but also the framework for consultation with FIGR.
In addition to CEQA, several federal and state laws protect human remains, including the Native American
Grave Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA, 25 U.S.C. §3001, et. seq, and accompanying regulations,
codified as Title 43 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 10 and AB978, the California Native American
Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (CalNAGPRA) and subsequently adopted AB 2836 (Repatriation), and
AB 275 (Native American cultural preservation).
.
RC-2 To protect and preserve Rohnert Park’s archaeological resources.
RC-2.1 Development Review Process
The City shall review discretionary development projects, as part of any required CEQA review,
to identify and protect important archaeological, paleontological, and cultural sites and their
contributing environment from damage, destruction, and abuse. Consistent with CEQA findings,
the City shall require project‐level mitigation to include a records search at the Northwest
Information Center, a cultural resource survey, consideration of project alternatives to preserve
archaeological and paleontological resources, provisions for resource recovery, and
preservation measures when displacement is unavoidable.
RC-2.2 Tribal Consultation Compliance
The City shall continue to consult with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and possibly
other tribes as required by California Senate Bill 18 (requires local governments to consult with
Native American tribes to protect traditional tribal cultural places when enacting or amending
general plans specific plans and open space designation); Assembly Bill 52 (which amended
CEQA to require consultation with Native American tribes whenever a project must comply
with CEQA); and SB 25 and AB 168 (which requires scoping consultation with Native American
tribes on those affordable housing project that may be eligible for streamlined approvals
under SB35). As part of these consultations, it may be determined that archaeological and/or
Native American monitoring or other management strategies may be required. If
archaeological resources or Tribal Cultural Resources are identified, a qualified archaeologist
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that meets the Secretary of the Interior Professional Qualifications for Archaeology, and FIGR
shall consult with the City to determine next steps. The project proponent shall fund the costs
of the qualified archaeologist and Native American monitor and required analysis and shall
implement any mitigation determined to be necessary by the City, the qualified archaeologist,
and FIGR.
RC-2.3 Work with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria to Develop a Robust Tribal
Consultation Process
The City shall work with the Tribe to develop a local tribal consultation policy or memorandum
of agreement (MOA) between the Tribe and the City. This would provide a strategy for
addressing the goals, policies and programs of this Element.
RC-2.4 Local Cultural Coordination
The City shall work with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and other cultural groups to
preserve and show case local history and culture.
RC-2.5 Festivals and Events
The City shall continue to support and attract festivals and events that benefit local businesses,
provide community interaction and experiences, and strengthen the city image.
RC-3 To ensure that the City consults with the Federated Indians of Graton
Rancheria to protect cultural and tribal cultural resources within the City,
avoid significant environmental impacts on Graton Rancheria, and best
manage the City’s natural resources (Source: New Goal)
RC-3.1 Environmental Impacts on the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria
If review by the City cites a significant environmental effect on the Reservation, the City will
consult based on a mutually agree upon process with agreed upon time limits.
RC-3.2 Tribal Natural Resources Management
The City shall consult with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria on best practices for
managing natural and cultural resources and fire prevention and seek to enter into agreements
with the Tribe.
10. Resource Conservation Element
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Habitat and Biological Resources
Biological resources are integral parts of an ecological system. These resources depend on habitats with
tolerable climate, a varied terrain, adequate space, a dependable food and water supply, soils for healthy
plant growth, and shelter and nesting sites.
Rohnert Park and its surrounding area support a variety of natural habitat and biological resources. The city
and its sphere of influence include areas mapped as potential habitat for protected special status species
including the California Tiger Salamander, the Northwestern Pond Turtle, Western, Yellow-billed Cuckoo,
Tricolored Blackbird, and Foothill Yellow-legged Frog. Areas along Rohnert Park’s creeks are the primary
wildlife habitats in the city, while the surrounding agricultural areas also provide nesting and foraging habitat
for burrowing owl and raptors as well as other wildlife. Several sites in Rohnert Park also support wetlands,
vernal pools, and rare plants. These habitat areas and the known locations of special-status species are
shown in Figure 10-1.
In response to the special-status plant and animal species in the area, the US Fish and Wildlife Service
developed the Santa Rosa Plain Conservation Strategy (SRPCS). The SRPCS is a habitat conservation strategy
that identifies conservation areas and includes the implementation framework for the recovery of California
tiger salamander (CTS) (Ambystoma californiense) and four plant species listed as Federally Endangered,
State Endangered or considered rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere. Plant species
covered in the SRPCS are Burke’s Goldfield (Lasthenia burkei), Sonoma Sunshine (Blennosperma bakeri),
Sebastopol Meadowfoam (Limnanthes vinculans), and many-flowered Navarretia (Navarretia leucocephala
ssp. plieantha). In 2005, the USFWS completed the SRPCS and has established guidelines for the Santa Rosa
Plain in regard to mitigation ratios for impacts to CTS, standards to preserve sites, mitigation measures, and
the use of mitigation banks. Many of the currently vacant properties within the city and planned for future
development is within the SRPCS area.
Rohnert Park’s creeks are one of the city’s most treasured natural resources. Five Creek, Crane Creek,
Hinebaugh Creek, and Copeland Creek all host a diverse habitat that also provides recreational opportunities
for community members. Many of the creeks are lined with pedestrian and bike paths and are channelized to
provide flood protection. Preserving these valuable community assets is a key consideration in development
decisions, and the City will look for ways to continue enhancing both the biological habitat and recreational
value of Rohnert Park’s natural resources. Creek protection zones are shown in Figure 10-2.
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Figure 10-1 California Salamander Critical Habitat
10. Resource Conservation Element
Public Review Draft Policy Document | June 2022 Page 10-7
Figure 10-2 Creek Protection Zones
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The policies in this section guide the City in the protection, enhancement, and restoration of biological
habitats to ensure the continuation of a valuable and diverse array of native and protected animal and plant
species.
RC-4 To protect, restore, and enhance important and unique biological
habitats and their associated plant, wildlife, and fish species, including
species that are State- or Federally-listed as endangered, threatened, or
rare.
RC-4.1 Habitat Preservation
The City shall preserve and protect wetlands and sensitive habitats for special-status species,
to the greatest extent feasible, in the following order of protection preference: (1) avoidance
and preservation, (2) preservation of similar habitat on-site, and (3) preservation of similar
habitat off-site mitigation.
RC-4.2 Restoration Partnerships
The City shall work with private, non-profit, and public groups to secure funding for potential
wetland protection and restoration projects.
RC-4.3 Biological Resources Assessment
The City shall require that new development proposed in or adjacent to ecologically sensitive
areas, to complete a site-specific biological resource assessment prepared by a qualified
biologist that establishes the existing resources present, potential impacts on the resources,
and mitigation measures for these impacts.
RC-4.4 Santa Rosa Plain Conservation Strategy
The City shall require new development within the boundaries of the Santa Rosa Plain
Conservation Strategy to evaluate and mitigate potential impacts to California Tiger
Salamander, listed plant species, seasonal wetlands, and vernal pools consistent with the
strategy’s Interim Mitigation Guidelines.
RC-4.5 Special Status Species Protection
The City shall cooperate with State and Federal agencies to ensure that new development
does not substantially affect any protected special-status species on State or Federal fully
protected, rare, endangered, or threatened species lists.
RC-4.6 Active Construction Assessment
The City shall, if any special-status species are discovered on an active construction area,
require all work cease. If a biological resource assessment was not prepared for the project
(Policy RC-3.3), a biological resources assessment including the content identified in Policy RC-
3.3 shall be prepared by a qualified biologist. Measures to avoid and minimize impacts to the
special-status species must be implemented before resuming construction.
10. Resource Conservation Element
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RC-5 To preserve, enhance, and restore creeks and riparian corridors as
habitat for wildlife and recreation areas for residents.
RC-5.1 Creek Protection Zone Establishment
The City shall establish creek protection zones in designated areas (Figure 10-2) that extend a
minimum of 50 feet from the top of each bank, enclosing a strip of land extending laterally
outward from the top of each bank, with wider buffers determined by the City on a case-by-
case basis where significant habitat areas or a high potential for wetlands exist. City approval is
required for the following activities within the creek protection zones:
Construction, alteration, or removal of any structure;
Excavation, filling, or grading;
Removal or planting of vegetation (except for removal of invasive plant species); or
Alteration of any embankment.
RC-5.2 Creek Protection Zone Use
The City shall use creek protection zones for permanent public open space and compatible
purposes including habitat conservation, bike and walking paths, wildlife habitat, and native
plant landscaping.
RC-5.3 Creek Bank Stabilization
The City shall require new development adjacent to creeks to include an evaluation of creek
bank stability and implementation of appropriate measures for creek bank stabilization, and
any additional steps necessary to reduce erosion and sedimentation while also preserving
natural creek channels and riparian vegetation.
RC-5.4 Waterway Preservation
The City shall encourage waterway and creek preservation by informing residents of the
environmental effects of dumping waste and hazardous materials into storm drains that empty
into creeks through signage, notifications sent to residents, information provided through a
homeowner’s association, etc., and enforcing storm drain dumping regulations.
RC-5.5 Repairing Riparian Corridors and Ecosystems
The City shall prepare a plan that identifies where the existing riparian corridors can be
enhanced or restored for habitat and recreation, with habitat preservation being the primary
priority.
RC-5.6 Recreational Use
The City shall maintain safe, attractive, and clearly marked areas for residents and visitors to
enjoy the natural amenities of Rohnert Park in areas where passive recreation is compatible
with natural resources.
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RC-6 To maintain existing native vegetation and encourage planting of native
plants and trees.
RC-6.1 Landscaping Vegetation
The City shall require new development, parks, public areas, and open space to use
landscaping vegetation that is drought-tolerant and fire-resistant, unless alternative vegetation
is approved by the City. Native plant species should be used in public areas and in open space
corridors along creeks to the extent feasible.
RC-6.2 Invasive Plant Species Management
The City shall adhere to the National Invasive Species Council Management Plan (National
Invasive Species Council, 2016, or updates as appropriate) for the removal and prevention of
re-establishment of invasive plant species from ecologically sensitive areas, including City
parks and other City-owned open space.
RC-6.3 Landscape Maintenance District
The City shall require new development projects to participate in maintenance districts
designed for maintaining creeks, open space, landscaped medians, and other similar features.
RC-6.4 Landscape Standards
The City shall amend the Zoning Ordinance to establish landscape and tree planting standards
for new development, including provisions for large, paved areas such as parking lots.
RC-6.5 Protect Native and Heritage Trees
The City shall protect oaks, native, and heritage trees that meet the definition of a “protected
tree” as defined in the City’s Municipal Code.
10. Resource Conservation Element
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Open Space
Since Rohnert Park’s founding in the 1950s, the city has maintained a compact urban form surrounded by
agricultural uses and open space. Except for the City of Cotati to the southwest and the rural residential
Canon Manor subdivision located in the unincorporated County to the southeast, the sense of open space
around the city’s edges is distinctive. Open space is a highly valued resource by Rohnert Park residents and
serves many different purposes, including wildlife habitat, food production, tourism, floodplain management,
scenic value, and recreation. This element seeks to ensure that land outside the designated extent of urban
uses in the Planning Area is maintained as open space. In addition, it addresses issues related to buffers
between urban uses and open space.
RC-7 To maintain and enhance open space areas for the enjoyment of scenic
beauty, recreation, and protection of natural resources of the
community.
RC-7.1 Scenic Corridors
The City shall maintain and enhance scenic views and corridors, such as the Petaluma Hill Road
scenic corridor.
RC-7.2 Open Space Preservation
The City shall preserve publicly owned open space areas in their natural state while providing
public access compatible with habitat conservation.
RC-7.3 Community Separators
The City shall support the Sonoma County designation of community separators to help
maintain a greenbelt around the city that provides a physical and visual space between
Rohnert Park and the cities of Cotati, Santa Rosa, Petaluma, and the community of Penngrove.
This shall ensure that land in the Planning Area designated as Open Space in the Rohnert Park
General Plan is maintained in rural use or as permanent open space.
RC-7.4 Open Space Buffers
The City shall encourage dedication of open space buffers along the west side of Petaluma Hill
Road as part of the Northeast Specific Plan.
RC-7.5 Open Space Maintenance
The City shall establish standards and a schedule for the maintenance and management of any
City-owned open space.
RC-7.6 Integrate Natural Habitats
The City shall encourage the integration of natural and restored wetlands and vernal pool areas
within new development or open space areas.
RC-7.7 Maintain Supportive Open Spaces
The City shall require that new development maintain parkways, creek sides, and open spaces
that are part of the development or are required to support it, consider establishing multi-
purpose assessment districts or other financing mechanisms to assign and fund the cost of
infrastructure improvements equitably to benefiting sites.
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Implementation Programs
Programs
Implements
Which Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2020 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing A Historic, Cultural, and Architectural
Resource Database
The City shall conduct a study to
establish and maintain an
archaeological, cultural, historical, and
architectural resource database. The
study shall be aimed at the protection
of buildings, structures and sites that
are more than 50 years old and have
demonstrated cultural, historical, or
architectural significance.
RC-1.2: Historic
Landmarks
Development
Services
B Archaeological and Historical
Resources Registration
The City shall meet periodically with
the Federated Indians of Graton
Rancheria, and Sonoma State
University’s Native American Studies
Department and other stakeholders to
prioritize and propose actions on the
preservation and enhancement of
important archaeological and
historical resources in the community.
RC-1.2: Historic
Landmarks
RC-2.2: Tribal
Consultation
Compliance
RC-2.3: Local
Cultural
Coordination
Development
Services
C Mitigation Banks
The City shall evaluate the creation of
conservation or mitigation banks in
areas not designated or zoned for
development. The banks would
provide off-site impact mitigation for
development located elsewhere in
the city if onsite avoidance or
mitigation is not feasible.
RC-3.1: Habitat
Preservation
RC-3.2:
Restoration
Partnerships
Development
Services
10. Resource Conservation Element
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Programs
Implements
Which Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2020 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing D Maintain Biological Resource
Information
The City shall create and maintain an
accurate and annually updated map
and information base on sensitive
species and habitats in Rohnert Park
and vicinity to be used for determining
evaluation and mitigation needs
during the development review
process.
RC-3.5: Special
Status Species
Protection
RC-3.6: Active
Construction
Assessment
Development
Services
Glossary
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12
#
100-Year Flood Event. A flood event that would
occur on average every 100 years, or that has a
one percent chance of occurring in any given year.
500-Year Flood Event. A flood event that would
occur on average every 500 years, or that has a 0.2
percent chance of occurring in any given year.
A
Accessible design. A design process in which the
needs of people with disabilities are specifically
considered.
Accessibility/accessible. A term that describes
the usability of a facility, product, or service by
people with disabilities.
Accessory building, structure, or use. An activity
or structure on a property that is incidental and
subordinate to the main use of a site. For example,
a small business office within a store might be
considered an accessory use.
Accessory dwelling unit (ADU). An attached or a
detached residential dwelling unit that provides
complete independent living facilities for one or
more persons and is located on a lot with a
proposed or existing primary residence. An
accessory dwelling unit also includes the following:
• An efficiency unit, as defined by Section
17958.1 of the California Health and Safety
Code; and
• A manufactured home, as defined by
Section 18007 of the California Health and
Safety Code.
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Acre-foot (AF). The amount of water necessary to
cover an acre (43,560 square feet) to a depth of
one foot, or 43,560 cubic feet, which is equivalent
to 325,828 gallons.
Acres, gross. The total amount of land to be
developed, without subtracting the area that might
be needed for public improvements such as roads,
schools, or parks. In deriving the amount of gross
acreage to determine a project’s density, the City
may exclude contiguous, substantially constrained
land that normally could not be developed.
Acres, net. The portion of a site that can actually
be built upon. The following generally are not
included in the net acreage of a site: public or
private road rights-of-way, easements, public open
space, floodways, and dedications of land for
public purposes.
Active fault. See “Fault.”
Active frontage. Street frontages where there is an
active visual engagement between those in the
street and those on the ground floor of buildings.
Active ground floor use. A use that promotes an
active pedestrian environment on the ground floor
of a commercial building.
Active recreation. Includes activities for the
purpose of relaxation, health and wellbeing or
enjoyment, with the primary activity requiring
physical exertion.
Active transportation. Any form of human-
powered transportation including walking, cycling,
in-line skating, skateboarding.
Adaptation. The process of preparing for climate
change impacts that are expected to occur, by
making adjustments in natural or human systems in
response to actual or expected climatic stimuli or
their effects that are aimed at minimizing harm or
taking advantage of beneficial opportunities.
Adaptive Reuse. The practice of converting
obsolete or historic buildings from their original or
most recent use to a new use.
Adverse impact. A negative consequence for the
physical, social, or economic environment resulting
from an action or project.
Aesthetics. Regarding viewpoints and landscapes,
refers to the visual resource and appeal due to
characteristics such as lighting, setting
conformance, architectural style, color, or
openness.
Affordable housing. Housing that is capable of
being purchased or rented by persons whose
income level is categorized as very low, low, or
moderate within standards set by the California
Department of Housing and Community
Development or the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development.
Aggregate. Material formed by the conjunction or
collection of particles into a whole mass or sum.
Agricultural buffer. An area of land between
agriculture and non-agricultural uses (i.e.,
residences or business), typically maintained in
permanent vegetation that helps minimize conflicts
between these uses.
Agritourism. Commercial enterprises which
provide access to visitors at a working farm, ranch,
or production facility, which is available for the
enjoyment or education of visitors. Agritourism
commercial enterprises typically include farm
stands, u-pick, farm stays, farm and ranch tours,
on-site farm classes, pumpkin patches, and winery
tours or events.
Air basin. A geographic area that exhibits similar
meteorological and geographic conditions.
California is divided into 15 air basins.
Alquist-Priolo Zone. Regulatory zones surrounding
active faults in California
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A civil rights
law that prohibits discrimination against individuals
with disabilities in all areas of public life, including
jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and
private places that are open to the general public.
Alternative energy. A form of energy that is not
derived from fossil fuels.
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Alternative fuel. A fuel for internal combustion
engines that is derived partly or wholly from a
source other than petroleum and that is less
damaging to the environment than traditional fuels.
Alternative transportation modes. A method of
transport that is not the automobile. Examples
include bicycling, walking, and public transit such
as bus or rail.
Ambient noise level. Background sound pressure
level at a given location, normally specified as a
reference level to study a new intrusive sound
source.
Amortization. The action or process of gradually
writing off the initial cost of an asset.
Annexation. The process by which land is
incorporated into an existing district or
municipality, with a resulting change in the
boundaries of the annexing jurisdiction.
Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT). The annual
average number of motor vehicles traversing a
given roadway over a 24-hour period.
Aquifer. A subsurface geological formation
sufficiently permeable to conduct groundwater
and capable of yielding usable quantities of water
to a well or surface water spring.
Archaeological resources. Resources defined as
any material remains of human life or activities
which are at least 100 years old and which is
capable of providing scientific or humanistic
understandings of past human behavior.
Articulation (façade). Variation in the depth of the
building plane, roof line, or height of a structure
that breaks up plain, monotonous areas and
creates patterns of light and shadow.
Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG).
A regional planning agency incorporating the San
Francisco Bay Area nine counties, and the cities in
those counties. Those counties
are Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San
Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano,
and Sonoma.
Attainment area. An area which is shown by
monitorial data or which is calculated by air quality
modeling to be in compliance with any national
ambient air quality standard.
Attainment status. Attainment status for a
pollutant indicates whether or not an Air District
meets the standard set by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (federal) or California
Environmental Protection Agency (state).
Continuous air monitoring ensures that these
standards are met and maintained.
Average Daily Traffic (ADT). The average number
of motor vehicles traversing a given roadway over
a 24-hour period.
A-Weighted Sound Level (dBa). The sound
pressure level in decibels as measured on a sound
level meter using the A-weighting filter network.
The A-weighting filter de-emphasizes the very
low- and very high-frequency components of the
sound in a manner similar to the frequency
response of the human ear and correlates well
with subjective reactions to noise.
Autonomous vehicle. An unmanned vehicle that
can sense its environment and navigate without
human input. Aslo referred to as a driverless
vehicle.
B
Bay-friendly landscaping. A whole systems
approach to the design, construction, and
maintenance of the landscape that supports the
integrity of the San Francisco Bay watershed.
Beneficial use. Use of water either directly by
people or for their overall benefit as legally defined
and identified. According to the California Code of
Regulations (CCR) §659-672, the beneficial uses of
water, pertaining to water rights include: domestic;
irrigation; power; municipal; mining; industrial; fish
and wildlife preservation and enhancement;
aquaculture; recreational; stock watering; water
quality; frost protection; and heat control.
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Best Management Practice (BMP). Structural,
vegetative or managerial practices used to treat,
prevent, or reduce water pollution which have
been determined to be technologically and
economically effective, practicable, and based on
best available science.
Bikeshare. A service in which bicycles are made
available for shared use to individuals on a short-
term basis for a price or for free. Many bike share
systems allow people to borrow a bike from a
"dock" and return it at another dock belonging to
the same system.
Bikeway. Facilities that primarily provide for bicycle
travel. The following are categories of bikeways:
Class I Bikeway – A bike path that provides a
completely separated right-of-way for the
exclusive use of bicycles and pedestrians with
crossflow by motorists minimized.
Class II Bikeway – A bike lane that provides a
striped lane for one-way bike travel on a street
or highway and is typically designated by bike
lane signs and markings.
Class III Bikeway – A bike route that provides a
shared use area with pedestrian traffic or motor
vehicle traffic (i.e., paved shoulder) and is
typically designated with a bike route sign.
Class IV Bikeway – A separated bike lane, or
“protected bike lane,” with a physical barrier
between the bike lane and the adjacent travel
lanes, parking lanes, and sidewalks. These may
be one-way or two-way. These bike lanes can
be separated from motor vehicle traffic by
raised medians, concrete curbs, landscaping,
on-street parking, bollards, flexible delineator
posts, or by a change in elevation between the
bike lane and travel lane.
Biotreatment. A method of low impact
development and includes the use of rain gardens,
bioretention units, bioswales, and planter/tree
boxes.
Bollard. A sturdy, short, vertical post.
Broadband. A high-capacity transmission
technique using a wide range of frequencies,
which enables many messages to be
communicated simultaneously.
Brownfield. An area with abandoned, idle, or
under-used industrial and commercial facilities
where expansion, redevelopment, or reuse is
complicated by real or perceived environmental
contamination.
Buffer. An area of land intended to separate land
uses (e.g. agricultural, residential, commercial,
industrial).
Build-to lines. A set building line on a lot,
measured parallel from the front and/or corner
side lot line, where the structure must be located.
Bulb-out. A traffic calming measure primarily used
to extend the sidewalk, reducing the crossing
distance and allowing pedestrians and
approaching vehicles to see each other when
vehicles parked in a parking lane would otherwise
block visibility.
C
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
State law that requires state and local agencies to
evaluate and disclose the significant environmental
impacts of discretionary actions and to avoid or
mitigate those impacts, if feasible.
Streamlining. Making a regulatory permitting or
compliance process more efficient or less
cumbersome. When used in reference to CEQA,
streamlining means limiting or focusing the
scope of environmental review for projects that
meet certain criteria (e.g., streamlining for infill
projects, per CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.3;
or tiering and streamlining greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions analysis for projects consistent
with a climate action plan or GHG reduction
plan, per CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5).
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Tiering. Using the analysis of general matters
contained in a broader environmental impact
report (EIR), such as a program EIR prepared for
a general plan or other programmatic action,
with later EIRs and negative declarations on
narrower projects; incorporating by reference
the general discussions from the broader EIR;
and concentrating the later EIR or negative
declaration solely on the issues specific to the
later project (CEQA Guidelines Section 15152).
California Environmental Protection Agency
(CalEPA). The California Environmental Protection
Agency (CalEPA) is responsible for restoring,
protecting, and enhancing the environment, to
ensure public health, environmental quality and
economic vitality through the development and
enforcement of regulations that implement
environmental laws enacted by the State.
Candidate species. Any species that is under
review by a state or federal agency to be listed as
threatened or endangered, pursuant to either the
Endangered Species Act or California Fish and
Wildlife Code Section 2081.
Capital improvement program. A short- or long-
range plan, usually four to ten years, which
identifies projects and equipment purchases,
provides a planning schedule and identifies options
for financing the plan.
Capital improvement project. A short or long-
term, capital-intensive investment project with a
purpose to build upon, add to, or improve a capital
asset. Capital improvement projects are defined by
their large scale and large cost relative to other
investments that involve less planning and
resources.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2). A naturally occurring gas
that exists in the earth’s atmosphere. CO2 is also a
by-product of burning fossil fuels (oil, natural gas,
and coal), solid waste, trees, wood products, and
also as a result of other chemical reactions (e.g.,
cement production) and deforestation. It is the
principal man-made greenhouse gas (GHG) that
affects the earth's radiative balance. It is the
reference gas against which other GHGs are
measured and, therefore, has a global warming
potential of one. Carbon dioxide is also removed
from the atmosphere (or “sequestered”) when it is
absorbed by plants as part of the biological carbon
cycle.
Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2e). CO2e is the
measure of how much heat trapping potential a
given type of greenhouse gas has on average over
a 100-year time period, based on its molecular
structure compared to carbon dioxide (CO2). CO2
has a baseline of one, while other gases can be
tens to thousands of times higher. The carbon
dioxide equivalent for a gas is derived by
multiplying the tons of the gas by the associated
global warming potential. Carbon dioxide
equivalents are commonly expressed as "metric
tons of carbon dioxide equivalents” (MT CO2e).
Different molecules decay at different rates,
causing their heat trapping potential to decline
over periods of decades to centuries.
CEQA. See California Environmental Quality Act.
Charter school. A tax-supported school
established by a charter between a granting body
(e.g., school board) and an outside group (e.g.,
teachers and parents). Charter schools operate
within the framework of California State law
(Education Code §47605-47608) to create a charter
that outlines the school’s governing structure,
mission, methods of assessment, student
outcomes, and goals. Charter schools function as
small independent school districts and accept
students based on criteria established in the school
charter.
City limits. A political boundary that defines land
that has been incorporated into a city.
Class I Bikeway. See “Bikeway.”
Class II Bikeway. See “Bikeway.”
Class III Bikeway. See “Bikeway.”
Class IV Bikeway. See “Bikeway.”
Clear sight lines. An unobstructed line extending
from an observer's eye to a viewed object or area.
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Climate. Climate, in a narrow sense, is usually
defined as the "average weather," or more
rigorously, as the statistical description in terms of
the mean and variability of relevant quantities over
a period of time ranging from months to thousands
of years. The classical period is three decades, as
defined by the World Meteorological Organization.
These quantities are most often surface variables
such as temperature, precipitation, and wind.
Climate in a wider sense is the state, including a
statistical description, of the climate system.
Climate Action Plan (CAP). A description of the
measures and actions that a local government will
take to reduce GHG emissions and achieve an
emissions reduction target. Most plans include a
description of existing and future year emissions; a
reduction target; a set of measures, including
performance standards, that will collectively
achieve the target; and a mechanism to monitor
the plan and require amendment if it is not
achieving specified levels. Interchangeable with
GHG Reduction Plan.
Climate adaptation. Adjustment or preparation of
natural or human systems to a new or changing
environment because of climate change that
moderates harm or exploits beneficial
opportunities.
Climate change. Climate change refers to any
significant change in measures of climate (such as
temperature, precipitation, or wind) lasting for an
extended period (decades or longer). Climate
change may result from natural factors such as:
changes in the sun's intensity, or slow changes in
the earth's orbit around the sun; natural processes
within the climate system (e.g., changes in ocean
circulation); human activities that change the
atmosphere's composition (e.g., through burning
fossil fuels) and the land surface (e.g.,
deforestation, reforestation, urbanization,
desertification).
Climate change vulnerability assessment. An
analysis of the degree to which a system is
susceptible to, and unable to cope with adverse
effects of climate change, including climate
variability and extremes. Vulnerability is a function
of the character, magnitude, and rate of climate
change and variation to which a system is exposed,
its sensitivity to climate change, and its adaptive
capacity.
Clustered residential development (cluster
development). A development tool that allows the
density of development to be clustered on the
more buildable portion of the property, leaving the
balance of the site as open space. The resulting
subdivision may have more compact areas of
development, but less paving and more open
space when compared to conventional
subdivisions.
Collaborative work spaces. Places such as co-
working facilities, makerspaces, and incubators in
which employees of various companies work
under one roof.
Commercial services. Commercial services land
uses are professional commercial services, such as
financial institutions, credit unions, gas stations,
automotive repair, and beauty salons.
Community Choice Aggregation. CCA is a system,
adopted into California law in 2002, which allows
cities and counties to aggregate the buying power
of individual customers within a defined jurisdiction
in order to secure alternative energy supply
contracts on a community-wide basis, but allowing
consumers not wishing to participate to opt out.
Community Emergency Response Training
(CERT) Academy. A program that educates
volunteers about disaster preparedness for the
hazards that may impact their area and trains them
in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety,
light search and rescue, team organization, and
disaster medical operations.
Community facilities district. A special district that
enables the financing of the installation, operation
and maintenance of public improvements such as
roads, water and wastewater facilities, flood
control, and drainage projects.
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Community Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions.
Emissions from electricity generation, natural gas
combustion, and vehicle emissions typically
measured in mt CO2e, which stands for metric tons
of carbon dioxide equivalent.
Community Noise Equivalent Levels (CNEL). The
average A-weighted noise level during a 24-hour
PERIOD, obtained after addition of five decibels to
noise levels occurring in the evening from 7:00 p.m.
to 10:00 p.m. and the addition of 10 decibels to
sound levels measured in the night between 10:00
p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Community resilience. A measure of the sustained
ability of a community to use available resources
to respond to, withstand, and recover from natural
or manmade disasters and other adverse
situations.
Community separators. Lands that function as
rural open space to separate cities and other
communities, to contain urban development, and
to provide city and community identity by
providing visual relief from continuous
urbanization.
Complete streets. streets designed and operated
to enable safe use and support mobility for all
users, including people of all ages and abilities,
regardless of whether they are travelling as drivers,
pedestrians, bicyclists, or public transportation
riders.
Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
(CEMP). A plan for guiding the preparation for and
the carrying out of emergency functions to
mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from
emergencies and disasters, and to aid victims
suffering from injury or damage resulting from
disasters caused by all hazards, whether natural,
technological, or human caused, and to provide
support for search and rescue operations for
persons and property in distress
Conservation. The management of natural
resources to prevent waste, destruction, or
neglect.
Conservation easement. A voluntary legal
agreement between a landowner and a land trust
or government agency that permanently limits
uses of the land in order to protect its conservation
values.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
(CPTED). A multi-disciplinary for reducing crime
through urban and environmental design and the
management and use of built environments.
Criteria pollutants. The criteria pollutants are the
six principle pollutants harmful to public health and
the environment for which the Environmental
Protection Agency has set National Ambient Air
Quality Standards (NAAQS). The pollutants are:
carbon monoxide (CO), lead, nitrogen dioxide (NO2),
ozone (O3), particulate matter (PM), and sulfur
dioxide (SO2).
Critical facilities. A facility for which even a slight
chance of flooding, inundation, or impact from a
hazard event might be too great, including, but not
limited to, schools, nursing homes, hospitals,
police, fire and emergency installations, and
installations that produce, use, or store hazardous
materials or hazardous waste.
Critical habitat. A term defined and used in the
Endangered Species Act. It is a specific geographic
area(s) that contains features essential for the
conservation of a threatened or endangered
species and that may require special management
and protection. Critical habitat may include an area
that is not currently occupied by the species but
that will be needed for its recovery.
Cul-de-sac. A street with only one inlet/outlet.
Cultural resources. A term most frequently
identified with prehistoric (archaeological) or
historic items. These can include prehistoric and
historic districts, sites, structures, artifacts and
other evidence of human use considered to be of
importance to a culture, subculture, or community
for traditional, religious, scientific or other reasons.
Curb cut. An interruption in the street curb for a
driveway.
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D
Day/Night Noise Level (Ldn or DNL). The average
A-weighted noise level during a 24-hour day,
obtained after addition of 10 decibels to levels
measured in the night between 10:00 p.m. and
7:00 a.m..
Decibels (dB). A dB is a sound level expressed in
decibels which is the logarithmic ratio of two like
pressure quantities, with one pressure quantity
being a reference sound pressure.
Delay. The metric upon which level of service
(LOS) is based and is expressed as the average
number of seconds per vehicle that drivers are
delayed as they move through a transportation
facility (i.e., intersection or roadway segment).
Delay includes the time drivers spend stopped, as
well as the time effects of moving slowly in a
queue of vehicles (such as that typically
encountered at all-way stop-controlled
intersections).
Density, residential. The number of permanent
residential dwelling units per acre of land. Densities
specified in the general plan may be expressed in
units per gross acre or per net developable acre.
Development. The subdivision of land;
construction or alteration of structures, roads,
utilities, and other facilities; installation of sewer
systems; grading activities; depositing of refuse;
disposal of any material; dredging or mineral
extraction, debris or fill materials; and the clearing
of natural vegetation, with the exception of
agricultural activities. This does not include routine
repair and maintenance activities.
Development standards. Quantitative conditions
or requirements to control an aspect of the size
and scale of development such as lot size, building
height, residential density, and number of parking
spaces.
Disadvantaged Unincorporated Communities
(DUC). Unincorporated communities either within a
city’s sphere of influence and that have been
inhabited for over 50 years, or that are surrounded
or substantially surrounded by one or more cities
and county boundary, in which the median
household income is 80 percent or less than the
statewide median household income.
Discharge. A rate of water flow, typically
expressed as a unit volume of water per unit of
time (e.g., cubic feet per second (cfs)).
Discretionary development. Any development
proposal, project, or permit that requires the
exercise of judgment, deliberation, or decision by
the decision-making authority as part of the
process of approving or disapproving a particular
activity, as distinguished from situations where the
decision-making authority merely has to determine
whether there has been conformity with applicable
statutes, ordinances, or regulations.
Driverless vehicle. See “Autonomous vehicle.”
Drought. A period of below-average precipitation,
resulting in prolonged shortages in the water
supply including both ground water and surface
water.
Dwelling unit/housing unit. The place of
permanent or customary abode of a person or
family. A room or group of rooms (including
sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation facilities,
but not more than one kitchen), that constitutes an
independent housekeeping unit, occupied or
intended for occupancy by one household on a
long-term basis. A housing unit may be a single-
family dwelling, a multifamily dwelling, a
condominium, a modular home, a mobile home, a
cooperative, or any other residential unit
considered real property under State law. It also is
a dwelling that cannot be moved without
substantial damage or unreasonable cost.
Dwelling, single-family attached. A one-family
dwelling attached to one or more other one-family
dwellings by a common vertical wall. Row houses
and townhomes are examples of this dwelling unit
type.
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Dwelling, single-family detached. A dwelling not
attached to any other dwelling, which is designed
for and occupied by not more than one family and
surrounded by open space or yards.
E
Easement. An easement is a limited right to make
use of a property owned by another (e.g., a right of
way across the property for an electricity or gas
line).
Economic base. Refers to companies and other
employers that generate jobs in a local or regional
area.
Ecosystem. The interacting system of a biological
community and its non-living environmental
surroundings. In the context of in-stream beneficial
use assessment application, a complex system
composed of a community of fauna and flora, and
considering the chemical and physical
environment with which the system is interrelated.
Effluent. A discharge of pollutants, with or without
treatment, into the environment.
Electric vehicle (EV). A vehicle that is powered
through a collector system by electricity from off-
vehicle sources, or through a self-contained
battery, solar panels, or an electric generator that
converts fuel to electricity.
Emissions. The release of a substance into the
atmosphere, including particulate matter and
gasses.
Encroachment. Any obstruction or protrusion into a
right-of-way or adjacent property, whether on the
land or above it.
Endangered species. A species whose survival
and reproduction in the wild is in immediate
jeopardy from one or more causes: including loss
of habitat, change in habitat, over exploration,
predation, competition, disease, or other factors.
Environmental justice. According to California
Code Section 65040.12, environmental justice is the
fair treatment of people of all races, cultures, and
incomes with respect to the development,
adoption, implementation, and enforcement of
environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
Environmental review. The process of reviewing a
project and its potential environmental impacts to
determine whether it meets federal, state, and
local environmental standards.
Equity. The fair, just, and equitable management of
all institutions serving the public directly or by
contract; the fair, just and equitable distribution of
public services and implementation of public
policy; and the commitment to promote fairness,
justice, and equity in the formation of public policy.
A focus on equity expands opportunities for
betterment that are available to those communities
most in need, creating more choices for those who
have few.
Equivalent Noise Level (Leq). The average
A-weighted noise level during the measurement
period.
Erosion. Erosion is the removal of soil and/or
sediment by wind, water, or glacial ice. Erosion
occurs naturally but can be intensified by land
clearing activities such as farming, development,
and road building.
Essential facilities. Structures or buildings that
must be safe and usable for emergency purposes
after a natural or human-induced disaster to
preserve the health and safety of the general
public. These facilities include:
Hospitals and other medical facilities having
surgery or emergency treatment areas.
Fire, police, and sheriff stations.
Tanks or other structures containing,
housing, or supporting water or other fire-
suppression materials or equipment
required for protection of essential or
hazardous materials facilities or special
occupancy structures.
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Emergency vehicle shelters and garages.
Structures and equipment in emergency-
preparedness centers.
Stand-by power generating equipment for
essential facilities.
Structures and equipment in government
communication centers and other facilities
required for emergency response.
Expansive soils. Soils that expand or swell
(increase in volume) when wet and contract or
shrink (decrease in volume) when dried.
Experience-oriented uses. Uses that prioritize user
experience and typically include restaurants,
breweries, entertainment uses, events, and unique
shops.
Extreme heat days. An extreme heat day is a day
in April through October where the maximum
temperature exceeds the 98th historical percentile
of maximum temperatures (based on daily
temperature data between 1961-1990).
Extreme storm events. Extreme storm events refer
to the increase in precipitation intensity and
variability, increase in wind speed, and increase in
ocean temperatures that increase the number and
intensity of tropical storms that can increase the
risk of flooding, drought, erosion, turbidity, debris in
reservoirs, nutrient and pollutant loading, and
wildfires.
F
Fault. A fracture in the earth's crust accompanied
by displacement of one side of the fracture with
respect to the other side. This term is used in the
following contexts:
Active fault. A fault that has had surface
displacement within the last 11,000 years
(Holocene Time). Faults that lack evidence for
Holocene displacement at a particular locality
may be determined to be active based on data
from another locality.
Fault hazard area. Land within about 660 feet
of active faults. These areas generally require
the evaluation of the fault hazard prior to any
planned development for human occupancy.
Federal Economic Development Administration
(EDA). An agency in the United States Department
of Commerce that provides grants and technical
assistance to economically-distressed
communities in order to generate new
employment, help retain existing jobs, and
stimulate industrial and commercial growth
through a variety of investment programs.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The agency that oversees floodplain management
and the national flood insurance program.
Fiber optic communications. A method of
transmitting information from one place to another
by sending pulses of light through an optical fiber.
The light forms an electromagnetic carrier wave
that is modulated to carry information.
Fine particulate matter (PM). Refers to very small
particles – less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5)
or less than 10 microns (PM10) – that can travel
deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
Fine PM originates from a variety of sources,
including fossil fuel combustion, residential wood
burning and cooking, and natural sources such as
wildfires and dust.
Fire hazard severity zone. California law requires
California Department of Forestry and Fire
Prevention (CAL FIRE) to identify areas based on
the severity of fire hazard that is expected to
prevail there. These areas, or “zones,” are based on
factors such as fuel (material that can burn), slope,
and weather. There are three zones, based on
increasing fire hazard: medium, high, and very high.
Fiscal health. A government’s financial condition,
defined as its ability to meet both its financial and
service obligations now and in the future.
Fiscal solvency. The degree to which a
government's current assets exceed its current
liabilities.
Fiscal stability. See "Fiscal health."
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Fiscal year. The period designated for the
beginning and ending of financial transactions
which begins on July 1 and ends June 30 of the
following year.
Flex space. Industrial or office building
space that can be configured as needed for office,
manufacturing, assemblage, or warehousing.
Flexible route transit. A type of transit service that
is typically more demand-responsive than
conventional fixed-route, and fixed-stop services.
This type of transit can take on various forms,
including but not limited to, the use of route
deviation, flexible-route segments, demand-
responsive connector, point deviation, request
stops, and zone route.
Flood control management. The implementation
of policies and programs to protect floodplains and
maintain their flood control function.
Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). Maps prepared
by FEMA for flood insurance and floodplain
management purposes.
Flooding. The rising and overflowing of a body of
water that submerges dry land not normally
covered by water.
Floodplain management. The implementation of
policies and programs to protect floodplains and
maintain their flood control function.
Floodway. The channel of a river or other
watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must
be reserved in order to discharge the base flood
without cumulatively increasing the water surface
elevation more than one foot. This term is
synonymous with the term “regulatory floodway.”
Floor area ratio (FAR). The relationship between
the total amount of usable floor area that a building
has, or has been permitted to have, and the total
area of the lot on which the building is located.
Form-based code. Zoning regulations and design
standards that foster predictable built results and a
high-quality public realm by regulating physical
form (rather than the separation of uses), as the
organizing principle for the code. Form-bwased
codes offer an alternative to conventional zoning,
which primarily regulates the use of the property.
Form-based codes address the relationship
between facades and the public realm, the form
and mass of buildings in relation to one another,
and the scale and types of streets and blocks.
Fossil fuels. Carbon-rich deposits in the earth, such
as petroleum (oil), coal, or natural gas, derived from
the remains of ancient plants and animals and used
for fuel.
Freeways. See “State highways.”
Frequency (Hz). The number of complete pressure
fluctuations per second above and below
atmospheric pressure. Normal human hearing is
between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz. Infrasonic sounds
are below 20 Hz and ultrasonic sounds are above
20,000 Hz.
G
Gateway. An entrance corridor to a city.
Gathering places. Any place where people are
able to congregate. Gathering places may be
public (e.g., city streets, town squares, and parks);
or private (e.g., churches, coffee shops, stadiums,
and theaters).
General fund. The primary fund used by a
government entity. This fund is used to record all
resource inflows and outflows that are not
associated with special-purpose funds. The
activities being paid for through the general
fund constitute the core administrative and
operational tasks of the government entity.
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General permit. A general permit is a permit
issued under the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) program to cover a
certain class or category of stormwater discharges.
The State Water Resources Control Board (State
Water Board) and Regional Water Quality Control
Boards (collectively, the Water Boards) implement
and enforce the general permit. These permits
require jurisdictions to annually inspect and report
stormwater compliance and discharges.
General plan. A long-range planning and policy
document to guide a community’s growth and
development. California state law requires that
every city and county prepare a general plan and
keep it up to date.
Geographic Information System (GIS). A
computer-based tool used for mapping and
analyzing graphic data. The City maintains an
online public GIS portal that provides information
on properties, city services, and local features.
Goal. A statement that describes in general terms a
desired future condition or “end” state. Goals
describe ideal future conditions for a topic and
tend to be very general and broad.
Grade separation. A method of aligning a junction
of two or more surface transport axes at different
heights (grades) so that they will not disrupt the
traffic flow on other transportation routes when
they cross each other.
Green business. A sustainable business that has no
negative impact on the global or local
environment, community, society, or economy.
Green industries. Businesses that manufacture
and supply sustainable products that require
minimal use of raw materials; provide production
processes that minimize the use of water and
excessive energy use; involve processes that
reduce or eliminate the use of harmful toxins; rely
on the reuse and recycling of solid waste streams;
and include substantial reductions in emissions or
effluents of greenhouse gases and pollutants.
Green infrastructure. An approach to water
management that protects, restores, or mimics the
natural water cycle, including tree planting,
wetland restoration, water use efficiency, and
floodplain restoration.
Green roof. A layer of vegetation planted over a
waterproofing system installed on top of a flat or
slightly sloped roof.
Green tourism. Tourism businesses that actively
engage in reducing the negative environmental
and social impacts of typical tourism operations.
Green tourism can include, but is not limited to
bicycling tours, energy efficient bus tours, and
electric vehicle rentals.
Greenbelt. An area of woods, parks, or open space
surrounding a community.
Greenfield development. The development of
land not previously used for residential,
commercial, or industrial purpose.
Greenhouse gas (GHG). Any gas that absorbs
infrared radiation in the atmosphere. The principal
greenhouse gases associated with global warming
and climate change that are commonly included in
GHG emissions inventories include carbon dioxide
(CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O),
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons
(PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory. A
greenhouse gas emissions inventory is an
accounting of the amount of greenhouse gases
emitted to or removed from the atmosphere over a
specific period of time (e.g., one year) for a
specified area. Inventories may be global or local. A
GHG inventory also provides information on the
activities that cause emissions and removals, as
well as background on the methods used to make
the calculations. Policy makers use GHG
inventories to track emission trends, develop
strategies and policies, and assess progress in
controlling GHG emissions.
Gross acreage. See “Acres, gross.”
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Ground-floor transparency. The level of visibility
into active ground floor spaces from the pedestrian
eye level.
Groundwater. Groundwater is water that is located
beneath the land surface, specifically within pore
spaces of saturated soil, sediment, or rock
formations. Groundwater does not include
moisture held by capillary action in the upper,
unsaturated areas of aquifers.
Groundwater recharge. The natural or intentional
infiltration/percolation of surface water into the
zone of saturation (i.e., into groundwater).
Growth control ordinance. An ordinance that is
approved by the City Council that annually
establishes the number of annual growth control
allocations available for new residential units
based on maintaining an average annual
population growth rate.
Growth management. A philosophy to manage
growth by taking into consideration future
infrastructure capacity, public service availability,
and potential fiscal impacts.
H
Habitat connectivity and wildlife corridors. Areas
of contiguous natural habitats or undeveloped land
of sufficient width to facilitate the movement,
migration, foraging, breeding, and dispersal of
multiple wildlife or plant species between two or
more core habitat areas.
Hazardous material. Any material that because of
its quantity, concentration, or physical or chemical
characteristics, poses a significant present or
potential hazard to human health and safety or to
the environment if released into the workplace or
the environment. Hazardous materials include
hazardous substances, hazardous waste, and any
material which a handler or the administration
agency has a reasonable basis for believing that it
would be injurious to the health and safety of
persons or harmful to the environment if released
into the workplace or the environment (California
Health and Safety Code Section 25501). Such
material may be classified as poisons, corrosive
chemicals, flammable material, explosives and
oxidizers, and reactive materials or substances
when tested in accordance with the criteria in
California Code of Regulations, Title 22.
Hazard mitigation. An action taken to reduce or
eliminate long-term risk to people and their
property from hazards and their effects.
Hazardous waste. Any waste or combination of
wastes, which because of its quantity,
concentration, physical or chemical, or infectious
characteristics: (a) may either cause or significantly
contribute to serious illness or death or an increase
in serious irreversible or incapacitating reversible,
illness (Hazardous Waste Control Act); or (b) may
pose a substantial present or potential threat to
human health or the environment when improperly
managed. These substances may be poisons,
corrosive chemicals, flammable materials,
explosives and oxidizers and reactive materials or
substances when tested in accordance with the
criteria in California Code of Regulations, Title 22.
Healthy community. A community that promotes a
positive physical, economic, and social
environment, which provides opportunities for
physical activity and access to nutritious food,
well-paying jobs, as well as social interaction with
community members.
Heat island effect. A phenomenon that occurs
when developed areas are significantly warmer
than surrounding undeveloped or rural areas.
Heat wave. A prolonged period of excessive heat,
sometimes combined with excessive humidity. A
heat wave is defined as five or more consecutive
extreme heat days.
Historic property. Any cultural resource listed in or
eligible for listing in the National Register of
Historic Places.
Horizontal mixed-use. Development with a mix of
residential and commercial uses in different
buildings but on the same block or adjoining
blocks.
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Household. All those persons, related or unrelated,
who occupy a single housing unit.
Household population. Persons living in
households, not including group homes.
I
Impact fee. A fee that is imposed on a new or
proposed development project to pay for all or a
portion of the costs of providing public facilities
and services to the new development.
Incompatible land use. The characteristic of
different land use uses or activities that are not
permitted to be located near each other because it
is likely to create conflict. Some elements affecting
compatibility include intensity of occupancy (as
measured by dwelling units per acre); pedestrian
or vehicular traffic generated; volume of goods
handled; and environmental effects including
noise, vibration, glare, odors, or air pollution.
Infill development. Development of vacant or
underutilized land (e.g., individual lots or leftover
properties) within areas that are already largely
developed.
Infiltration. The process of water on the ground
surface entering into sub-surface soil.
Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating. Rating and
statistical information for the insurance industry
based on a community’s fire-suppression delivery
system, including fire dispatch, fire department,
and water supply. Insurance rates are set using this
rating, which is based on a scale from Class 1 to
Class 10, where Class 1 is the best score.
Integrated regional water management. A
comprehensive and collaborative approach for
managing water to concurrently achieve social,
environmental, and economic objectives. This
integrated approach delivers higher value for
investments by considering all interests, providing
multiple benefits, and working across jurisdictional
boundaries at the appropriate geographic scale.
Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). The
application of sensing, analysis, control, and
communications technologies to
ground transportation in order to improve safety,
mobility and efficiency.
Intensity. The actual or maximum permitted floor
area ratio (FAR) on a site or that is allowed on a site
within a designation or zone.
Intermediate ridges. Ridges with visible land
behind them, which create a backdrop to the ridge
when viewed from within city limits.
Intermodal facility. Passenger or freight
transportation services that involve or use more
than one type of transportation facility or mode.
Intermodal station. A multi-modal transit hub
serving rail, bus, and vehicle transportation.
J
Jobs/Housing ratio. The number of jobs divided
by the number of housing units. Used as a measure
of how well the local economy provides jobs for
the local labor force.
Joint Powers Agreement (JPA). An agreement by
two or more public entities, agencies, or
jurisdictions to jointly exercise governmental
powers common to both of them.
K
L
Land use. The activity or purpose for which land or
a building is used or intended. Common types of
land use include residential, commercial, industrial,
and open space.
Land use designation. A specific geographic
designation with associated land use or
management policies and regulations, as
incorporated in the general plan. Land use
designations are distinct from zoning regulations,
which are more specific.
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Landfill. A site to dispose of refuse and other
waste material by burying it and covering it with
soil.
Landslide. Any down-slope movement of soil and
rock under the direct influence of gravity and often
categorized by slope movement: falls, topples,
slides, spread, and flows. Landslides can be further
described by the type of geologic material
(bedrock, debris, or earth). For instance, debris
flows (commonly referred to as mudflows or
mudslides) and rock falls are examples of common
landslide types. Landslides can be initiated in slope
already on the verge of movement by rainfall,
snowmelt, changes in water level, stream erosion,
changes in groundwater, earthquakes, volcanic
activity, disturbance by human activities, or any
combination of these factors. Landslides can move
slowly (millimeters per year), or can move quickly
and disastrously, as is the case with debris flows.
Last mile solutions. Systems that provide for the
movement of people and goods from
a transportation hub to a nearby destination.
Ldn. Ldn is the average equivalent sound level
over a 24-hour period, with a penalty added for
noise during the nighttime hours of 10:00pm to
7:00 a.m. to reflect increased sensitivity to noise.
Level of protection. The degree of protection that
a drainage or flood control measure provides,
typically expressed as the largest frequency flow
event that can occur without flooding.
Level of Service (LOS). Measurement used to rank
traffic operation on various types of facilities based
on traffic volumes and roadway capacity using a
series of letter designations ranging from A to F.
Generally, Level of Service A represents free flow
conditions and Level of Service F represents
forced flow or breakdown conditions. A unit of
measure that indicates a level of delay generally
accompanies the LOS designation.
Liquefaction. A seismic phenomenon in which
loose, saturated granular and non-plastic fine-
grained soils lose their structure or strength when
subjected to high-intensity ground shaking.
Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO). An
agency within each county that reviews and
evaluates all proposals for formation of special
districts, incorporation of cities, annexation to
special districts or cities, consolidation of districts,
and merger of districts with cities. Each county
LAFCO is empowered to approve, conditionally
approve, or deny such proposals.
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP). A plan that
identifies mitigation measures to reduce the risks
posed by potential hazards and to strengthen
community resilience.
Local streets. Local streets accommodate low
volumes of low-speed traffic and provide access
to individual sites. There are no restrictions on
intersections or driveways along a local street.
Left-turn pockets are not allowed. Signalization on
local streets depends on traffic conditions. On-
street parking is allowed.
Low Impact Development (LID). A design
approach intended to manage stormwater runoff.
LID emphasizes conservation and use of on-site
natural features to protect water quality using bio-
swales, rain gardens, rain barrels, and vegetative
buffers.
Low-income area. Per Senate Bill 1000, an area
with household incomes at or below 80 percent of
the statewide median income or with household
incomes at or below the threshold designated as
low income by the Department of Housing and
Community Development’s list of state income
limits adopted pursuant to Section 50093.
M
Major arterial. Major arterials are four to six lanes
and accommodate high volumes of high-speed
traffic. They provide circulation between
neighborhoods, activity centers, and highways and
other regional routes. Intersections with local
streets are permitted, provided that they are right-
turn-only and at least 200 feet apart. This provision
is intended to maximum access between
neighborhoods, particularly between the University
District and the SSU campus along the Rohnert
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Park Expressway. Driveways are typically not
permitted, except for major traffic generators,
provided they are right turn only. A deceleration
lane must be provided for each driveway. Major
traffic generators include areas designated for
Regional Commercial, Office, Mixed Use, and High-
Density Residential uses. Left turn pockets are
allowed. Major arterials have signal preference and
synchronization. On-street parking is not allowed.
Major collector. Major collectors are four lanes
and accommodate high volumes of moderate-
speed traffic. They provide circulation within and
between neighborhoods. There is no restriction on
intersections along a major collector. Driveways
are permitted, provided they are right-turn only
and at least 50 feet apart. Left-turn pockets are
allowed. Signalization on major collectors depends
on traffic conditions. On-street parking is generally
not allowed.
Massing. An architectural term that refers to the
perception of the general shape, form, and size of
a building.
Maximum containment level. Standards set by the
USEPA that describe the maximum concentration
of any given chemical that is allowed in public
drinking water systems.
Metric Ton (MT). Also known as a “tonne.” Common
international measurement for the quantity of GHG
emissions. A metric ton is equal to 2,205 pounds or
1.1 short tons.
Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC).
The transportation planning, financing, and
coordinating agency for the nine-county San
Francisco Bay Area.
Minor arterial. Minor arterials are two lanes and
accommodate moderate volumes of high-speed
traffic. They provide circulation between
neighborhoods, activity centers, highways and
other regional routes. They also provide circulation
in rural and open spaces. Intersections with local
streets are permitted, provided that they are right-
turn only and at least 200 feet part. This provision is
intended to maximize access between
neighborhoods. Driveways are permitted, provided
they are right-turn only and at least 100 feet apart.
A deceleration lane must be provided for each
driveway. Some Rural Estate Residential lots may
have direct access from a minor arterial. A 100-foot
spacing allows a shared driveway for two adjacent
lots with 50-foot frontages. Wider spacing would
impede access to those lots. Left-turn pockets are
allowed. Signalization on minor arterial depends on
traffic conditions. On-street parking is generally not
allowed.
Minor collector. Minor collectors are two lanes and
accommodate low volumes of moderate-speed
traffic. They provide circulation within and between
neighborhoods. There are no restrictions on
intersections or driveways along a minor collector.
Left-turn pockets are not allowed. Signalization on
minor collectors depend on traffic conditions. On-
street parking is generally provided on both sides
of each segment of a one-way couplet.
Mixed-use. Mixed-use development blends
residential and non-residential uses vertically
within a single building or horizontally within a
larger development. Mixed-use developments
generally feature higher residential densities and a
pedestrian-friendly environment.
Mobile source. A moving source of air pollution
such as on road or off-road vehicles, boats,
airplanes, lawn equipment, and small utility
engines
Mobility. The movement of people and goods,
accounting for topics such as walkability,
bikeability, accessibility of alternative transit
modes, truck routes, and freight rail.
Mobility-as-a-Service (MasS). A shift away from
personally-owned modes of transportation and
towards mobility solutions that are consumed as a
service (e.g., Uber and Lyft are MaaS providers).
Mode split. The number of trips that use each of
the various modes of transport (typically expressed
as a percentage to total trips).
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Multi-family dwelling units. A building or portion
thereof designed for or occupied by two or more
families living independently of each other,
including duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes,
apartments, and condominiums.
Multi-modal transportation system. An integrated
transportation system network that allows people
to move about using multiple modes of travel (e.g.,
walking, biking, automobiles, bus service, and
passenger rail).
Multimodal transportation system. An integrated
transportation system network that allows people
to move about using multiple modes of travel such
as walking, biking, automobile, bus, and passenger
rail.
Municipal code. The Municipal Code is a published
compilation of City laws and their revisions
organized according to subject matter (arranged
by title, chapter and section). A Municipal Code is
updated periodically as new ordinances are
adopted by the City Council.
Municipal Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.
Emissions produced from a city’s operations,
landfills, employee commutes, and wherever a city
can exert policy influence. Municipal GHG
Emissions are typically measured in mt CO2e,
which stands for metric tons of carbon dioxide
equivalent. This unit helps measure these
emissions effect on climate change.
N
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
Standards for outdoor air pollutants established by
the USEPA under authority of the Clean Air Act.
National Flood Insurance Program. A Federal
program enabling property owners in participating
communities to purchase insurance as a protection
against flood losses in exchange for State and
community floodplain management regulations
that reduce future flood damages.
National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). A list
of cultural resources determined by the National
Park Service to be of historic, cultural, architectural,
archaeological, or engineering significance at the
national level.
Natural gas. A hydrocarbon gas mixture that is
widely used as an energy source in a variety of
applications including heating buildings, fueling
vehicles, and generating electricity.
Neighborhood center. Neighborhood Centers are
a type of commercial development that
incorporates social gathering spaces and areas for
commerce to meet the needs of neighborhood
residents.
Neighborhood park. Neighborhood parks are
generally less than 5 acres in size that provide
multi-purpose turf areas, playgrounds, hard courts,
picnic areas, craft activities, and features that
express the unique identity of the neighborhood
and reflect local neighborhood needs.
Net acreage. See “Acres, net.”
Nitrogen Oxide (NOx). Oxides of nitrogen primarily
created from the fossil fuel combustion process
and are major contributors to smog and acid rain
formation.
Noise sensitive use. Land uses where noise
exposure could result in health-related risks to
individuals, as well as places where quiet is an
essential element of their intended purpose. These
uses include: residences; schools; nursing homes;
historic sites; cemeteries; parks, recreation, and
open space areas; hospitals and care facilities;
hotels and other short-term lodging (e.g., bed and
breakfasts, motels); places of worship; and libraries.
Non-conforming use. A use of property that was
allowed under the zoning regulations at the time
the use was established but which, because of
subsequent changes in those regulations, is no
longer permitted.
Non-Point Source (NPS) pollutant. Pollution that
generally results from land runoff, precipitation,
atmospheric deposition, drainage, seepage or
hydrologic modification.
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O
On-demand transit. Transit service that is
demand-responsive and includes services such as
e-hailing, car sharing, car rental, and carpool
services.
Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS).
Individual disposal systems, community collection
and disposal systems, and alternative collection
and disposal systems that use subsurface disposal.
An OWTS may only be utilized in areas where
connection to a sewer utility is not available or
feasible.
Open space. Open space uses are largely
undeveloped and are used primarily for uses such
as the preservation of natural resources, managed
production of resources (agricultural), outdoor
recreation, and preservation of public health and
safety.
Operational area. The Standard Emergency
Management System (SEMS) established
operational areas, which correspond with county
boundaries, to coordinate mutual aid and
emergency operations. The operational area acts
as a link between local and State governments to
communicate and coordinate aid during
emergency events.
Origin-Destination (O-D). The location pair
representing the beginning (origin) and end
(destination) of a given trip. Trip, or person trip, is a
one-directional movement from one point (origin)
to a second point (destination). Term used in
transportation planning and analysis.
Overlay district. Overlay districts provide guidance
for development in addition to the standards and
regulations of the primary zoning district, where
important site, environmental, safety, compatibility,
or design issues require particular attention in
project planning.
Ozone. A very reactive form of oxygen that is a
bluish irritating gas of pungent odor, that is a major
air pollutant in the lower atmosphere but a
beneficial component of the upper atmosphere,
and that is used for oxidizing, bleaching,
disinfecting, and deodorizing.
P
Paleontological resources. Any fossilized remains,
traces, or imprints of once living organisms
preserved in rock or sediment.
Paratransit. Door-to-door transit service provided
to users whose physical limitations make
traditional transit services infeasible for their use.
Park. An open area that offers recreational and
green space for residential and visitor use.
Parkway. A landscaped thoroughfare.
Particulate matter (PM). Also known as particle
pollution, is a complex mixture of extremely small
particles and liquid droplets. Particle pollution is
made up of a number of components, including
acids (such as nitrates and sulfates), organic
chemicals, metals, and soil or dust particles. Dust
and other particulates exhibit a range of particle
sizes. Particulate matter is measured by two sizes:
course particles (PM10), or particles between 2.5
and 10 micrometers in diameter; and fine particles
(PM2.5), or particles less than 2.5 micrometers in
diameter.
Passive recreation. Non-consumptive uses such
as wildlife observation, walking, or biking.
Pedestrian-friendly. A pleasant and efficient
environment conducive to walking.
Pedestrian-oriented. See "pedestrian-friendly"
Performance standards. Zoning regulations
setting specific criteria that limit the operations of
certain industries, land uses, and buildings to
acceptable levels of noise, air pollution emissions,
odors, vibration, dust, dirt, glare, heat, fire hazards,
wastes, traffic generation, and visual impact.
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Permeable paving. Paving that allows infiltration of
stormwater, reducing stormwater runoff and
improving water quality by filtering pollutants in
subsurface layers.
Plan Bay Area. The Bay Area Regional
Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities
Strategy. It is a long-range plan charting the course
for the future development of the nine-county San
Francisco Bay Area and links land use and
transportation investment and funding. The plan is
updated every four years.
Planning area. State law requires cities to adopt a
general plan that addresses physical development
within its city limits, as well as any land outside its
boundaries, in the planning agency’s judgment,
bears relation to its planning. This larger area is
referred to as the City’s planning area. The
Planning Area for the 2040 General Plan
encompasses the entire area within the city limits,
the city’s sphere of influence (SOI), and areas within
the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB). The purpose
for the Planning Area is to provide the opportunity
to evaluate the effects of future growth in the
entire Planning Area and to develop further
analysis of the values of the surrounding open
space and agricultural areas beyond the existing
and planned urban area.
Plaza. An open urban public space, such as a city
square.
Pocket park. A small park, typically one-half acre
or less in size, located in residential neighborhoods
and provides low intensity recreational facilities
such as picnic sites and play equipment.
Policy. A clear and unambiguous statement of a
public body that forms the basis for making
decisions.
Precipitation. Precipitation is moisture in the form
of rain, snow, hail, that has fallen at a given place
within a given period, usually expressed in inches
or centimeters.
Preservation. Identification, evaluation,
recordation, documentation, curation, acquisition,
protection, management, rehabilitation, restoration,
stabilization, maintenance, research interpretation,
conservation, and education; the act or process of
applying measures necessary to sustain the
existing form, integrity, and materials of a historic
property.
Priority Development Area (PDA). A regional
designation associated with Plan Bay Area that
identifies areas around transit hubs that can
accommodate higher-intensity growth.
Private driveway. Private driveways serve a
minimal number of lots as the primary connection
to the public street system as well as to off-street
parking areas.
Program. As used in the General Plan, represents
an action, activity, or strategy to be taken by the
city to carry out an adopted policy to achieve a
specific goal.
Property and Business Improvement District
(PBID). A defined area within which property
owners and businesses pay an additional fee in
order to fund improvements within the district
boundaries.
Public facilities. Includes public improvements,
public services, and community amenities, as
defined in subdivision (d) of Section 66000.
Public/Quasi-Public. This designation is intended
to provide locations for public facilities, public
utilities, and public gathering facilities. Typical uses
include: public schools, libraries, government,
police, and fire facilities; corporation yards; private
utilities; the wastewater treatment plant; and
cemeteries.
Public realm. The public realm is common space
that everyone can use. The public realm includes
streets, sidewalks, squares, parks, green spaces,
and other outdoor public places that do not require
private access or charge.
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Public Transportation. Travel by bus, rail, or other
vehicle, either publicly- or privately-owned, which
provides general or specialized service on a
regular or continuing basis.
Q
R
Rare, species. A term used to describe a plant or
animal species that, although not presently
threatened with extinction, is present in such small
numbers throughout all or a significant portion of
its range that it may become endangered if its
environment worsens.
Reactive Organic Gases (ROG). Photochemically-
reactive gases composed of non-methane
hydrocarbons. These gases contribute to the
formation of smog.
Recession. Downturn in the economy, generally
including a decline in economic output for an
extended period of time.
Recycled water. Treated or recycled wastewater
of a quality suitable for non-potable uses such as
landscape irrigation and water features. This water
is not intended for human consumption.
Recycling. The process of collecting, sorting,
cleansing, treating, and reconstituting materials
that would otherwise become solid waste, and
returning them to the economic mainstream in the
form of raw material for new, reused, or
reconstituted products that meet the quality
standards necessary to be used in the
marketplace.
Redevelopment. The repurposing, rehabilitation,
or replacement of existing development on a site.
Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). The
State-mandate process to identify the total
number of housing units by affordability level that
all California cities, towns, and counties must
accommodate in their housing elements.
Regional park. Parks owned and operated by
Sonoma County Regional Parks Department. These
parks are considered natural parks, and provide
open-space recreational opportunities for
picnicking, fishing, equestrian activities, and hiking.
Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable
Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS). The Regional
Transportation Plan (RTP) is a long-range planning
document that provides the framework for
investments in roads, freeways, public transit,
bikeways and other ways people move around the
region in the coming decades. The Sustainable
Communities Strategy, required by SB 375, aligns
transportation, housing, and land use decisions
toward achieving GHG emissions reduction targets
set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
Renewable energy. A form of energy derived from
a natural resource that is not depleted by use and
is available as natural flows of energy and
materials in the environment, (e.g., solar, wind, tide,
waves, plant matter, and by-products of human
activities).
Resilience. The ability of a social or ecological
system to absorb disturbances while retaining the
same basic structure and ways of functioning, the
capacity for self-organization, and the capacity to
adapt to stress and change.
Response time. The total amount of time it takes
for a fire, police, and/or emergency medical
service (EMS) unit to respond to a call, from the
time when the emergency call is placed to 911 to
the time that the unit arrives on scene.
Ridesharing. Sharing motor vehicle transportation
with another or others, especially among
commuters.
Riparian. A zone of transitional habitat between
terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, dependent on
the existence of perennial, intermittent, or
ephemeral surface or subsurface water. The
riparian vegetation community is located adjacent
to the bank of a natural course of water. For
example, riparian vegetation is composed of plant
species normally found near streams, rivers, lakes,
reservoirs, and other freshwater bodies.
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Riparian corridor. A corridor of riparian vegetation
adjacent to perennial and intermittent streams or
other freshwater bodies.
Roadway classifications. The class or group of
roads to which the road belongs, including,
freeways, State highways, expressways, arterials,
thoroughfares, primary collectors, collectors, and
minor streets.
Runoff. Precipitation (rain or snowmelt) that is not
used by plants, evaporated or infiltrated to soils,
and is transported across land surfaces to streams
or other surface water bodies.
S
Scenic corridor. The visible land area adjacent to a
transportation corridor right-of-way and generally
described as the "view from the road."
Scenic resource. Areas valued for their scenic
quality.
Screening, design. A barrier between uses to
minimize potential conflicts.
Sector. A group of related business types that
constitute a broad category in the economy.
Seniors. Persons age 65 and older.
Sensitive. Prone or readily able to be degraded or
otherwise negatively impacted.
Sensitive biological resources. Biological
resources including but not limited to: special
status species and the habitats that support them,
including connective wildlife corridors.
Sensitive Receptors. Populations or uses that are
more susceptible to the effects of air pollution than
the general population, such as long-term health
care facilities, rehabilitation centers, retirement
homes, convalescent homes, residences, schools,
childcare centers, and playgrounds.
Septic sewer systems. See “Onsite Wastewater
Treatment System (OWTS).”
Setback. A distance from a curb, property line, or
structure within which building is prohibited.
Shall. That which is obligatory or necessary.
Shared parking. Strategy through which
neighboring properties, especially those that are
busiest at different times, use the same parking
spaces. It allows for the more efficient use of
parking facilities.
Short-term rentals. The renting out of a furnished
home, apartment, or condominium for a short-term
stay, typically less than a week.
Should. Signifies a directive to be honored if at all
possible.
Signage. The design or use of signs and symbols
to communicate a message, usually for the
purpose of marketing or a kind of advocacy.
Single-family home. A one-unit dwelling structure.
Single-family residential. Single-family residential
land uses include detached dwelling units such as
single-family homes and mobile homes.
Single Occupant Vehicle (SOV). A vehicle with a
single occupant.
Skyline ridges. Ridges that define the horizon.
Slag. Stony waste matter separated from metals
during the smelting or refining of ore.
Small cell technology. Low-powered cellular
radio access nodes that operate in licensed and
unlicensed spectrum that have a range of 10
meters to a few kilometers. They are small
compared to a mobile macrocell, partly because
they have a shorter range and partly because they
typically handle fewer concurrent calls or sessions.
Smart grid technology. An electrical grid which
includes a variety of operation and energy
measures including smart meters, smart
appliances, renewable energy resources, and
energy efficient resources.
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Smart growth. A compact, efficient, and
environmentally-sensitive pattern of development
that provides people with additional travel,
housing, and employment choices by focusing
future growth away from rural areas and closer to
existing and planned job centers and public
facilities, while preserving open space and natural
resources.
Soil erosion. Soil erosion refers to the removal of
soil by water or wind. Factors that influence erosion
potential include the amount of rainfall and wind,
the length and steepness of the slope, and the
amount and type of vegetative cover.
Solid waste. Non-hazardous solid discarded items
from households and businesses. Solid waste
includes primarily waste paper and organic food
waste. Other common waste items are plastic,
cloth, metal cans, and yard trimmings.
Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART). A
commuter rail service providing daily trips between
Marin County and Sonoma County.
Special service facilities. Facilities that serves a
single recreation function, the recreational needs
of a special population, and/or indoor recreation
facilities.
Special status species. A term used for species
that are considered sufficiently rare and require
special consideration and/or protection. Plants and
animals categorized as Special Status Species are
recognized by federal, state, and local natural
resource agencies as threatened, endangered,
rare, candidate species, species of special concern,
California Fully Protected Species, Locally
Important Species, or are species listed as
“greatest conservation concern” due to the decline
of the species.
Specific plan. A planning tool authorized by
Government Code Section 65450, et seq., for the
systematic implementation of the general plan for
a defined portion of a community’s Planning Area.
A specific plan must specify in detail the land uses,
public and private facilities needed to support the
land uses, phasing of development, standards for
the conservation, development, and use of natural
resources, and a program of implementation
measures, including financing measures.
Sphere of Influence (SOI). A sphere of influence is
a planning boundary outside of an agency’s legal
boundary (such as the city limit line). The SOI
shows the probable physical boundaries and
service area of a city or special district, as
determined by LAFCO pursuant to Gov. Code
Section 56425.
State highways. State highways are intended to
serve regional and intercity travel. Traffic
movement is the primary function of freeways.
Accordingly, they have controlled and limited
access, and grade separated crossings and
medians are used to separate conflicting traffic
flows. U.S. Highway 101 is a State highway.
State Responsibility Area (SRA). Areas in the state
where the State of California has the primary
financial responsibility for the prevention and
suppression of wildland fires.
Stormwater. Stormwater is precipitation that
accumulates in natural and/or constructed storage
and stormwater systems during and immediately
following a storm event.
Stream. A topographical feature that conveys
water over the land perennially, intermittently, or
ephemerally through a bed or channel with banks.
This term also applies to water courses having a
surface or subsurface flow that support or have
supported riparian or alluvial vegetation.
Streetscape. The visual elements of a street such
as the road, adjoining buildings, sidewalks, street
furniture, trees and open spaces, that combine to
form the street's character.
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Strip commercial development. Commercial
development that fronts major roadways so that
each establishment has direct access to the road
and parking areas. Strip commercial development
typically includes multiple curb cuts and
unconnected vehicular use areas.
Strip retail development. A linear pattern of retail
businesses along a major roadway, characterized
by box-like buildings with prominent parking lots
visible from the roadway, multiple driveways, large
signs, and a dependency on automobiles for
access and circulation.
Structured parking. A structure in which vehicle
parking is accommodated on multiple stories.
Surface rupture. The movement of a fault that
breaks through to the surface.
Sustainability. The philosophy of recognizing the
limits of natural resources and conserving them in
a manner that allows for their enjoyment by future
generations.
Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS). Senate
Bill (SB) 375 requires regional metropolitan
planning organizations in California to develop
Sustainable Communities Strategies (SCS), or long-
range plans, which align transportation, housing,
and land use decisions toward achieving
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets
set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act
(SGMA). A 2014 State law that calls for local and
regional management of groundwater use;
including requiring that a Groundwater
Sustainability Plan be adopted for the most
important groundwater basins in California. The
goal of the Sustainable Groundwater Management
Act is to have sustainable groundwater
management by 2042.
T
Threatened species. A species that is abundant in
parts of its range but declining in overall numbers
and likely to become endangered within the
foreseeable future throughout all or a significant
portion of its range. Species can be listed as
threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or
the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Toxic air contaminants (TACs). Air pollutants that
cause or are suspected of causing cancer, birth
defects, or other serious harms, including
hydrogen chloride, benzene or toluene, dioxin,
asbestos, cadmium, mercury, and chromium.
Traffic analysis zone (TAZ). A unit of geography
used in transportation planning models.
Transfer of development rights. A zoning
technique that conserves land by redirecting
development that would otherwise occur on the
land (the sending area) to a receiving area suitable
for denser development.
Transit occupancy tax (TOT). A tax that is charged
to travelers when they rent accommodations (e.g.,
room, rooms, entire home, other living space) in
a hotel, inn, tourist home or house, motel, or other
lodging unless the stay is for a period of 30 days or
more.
Transit-oriented development (TOD). A mixed-
use, residential, commercial, and/or employment
area designed to maximize access to public
transportation and to encourage walking and
transit ridership through on-site features.
Transportation demand management (TDM).
Strategies aimed at reducing traffic congestion by
decreasing single-occupant automobile travel.
Transportation network companies (TNCs). See
“Mobility-as-a-Service (MasS).”
Trash capture device. Devices that are installed in
existing and new catch basins to keep litter and
other debris carried by stormwater from entering
the storm drain system and flowing to local
waterways.
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Tribal cultural resources. Tribal Cultural
Resources as defined in AB 52 are sites, features,
places, cultural landscapes, sacred places, and
objects with cultural value to a California Native
American Tribe(s).
Truck. Any motor vehicle, including
tractor/semitrailer combinations but excluding
privately-owned recreational vehicles and
publicly-owned mass transportation motor
vehicles, of or in excess of 45 feet in length
inclusive of front and rear bumpers, or in excess of
30,000 pounds of empty weight.
Truck route. Any street, highway, public way, or
portion thereof designated for the operation of
trucks.
U
Underutilized parcel. Lands that are used less
than fully or below the potential use. A majority of
a parcel must be undeveloped for a parcel to be
considered underutilized.
United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
The USACE is authorized to issue Section 404
permits, which allow the placement of dredged or
fill materials into jurisdictional waters of the United
States under certain circumstances. The USACE
issues two types of permits under Section 404:
general permits (either nationwide permits or
regional permits) and standard permits (either
letters of permission or individual permits). General
permits are issued by the USACE to streamline the
Section 404 permitting process formation wide,
statewide, or regional activities that have minimal
direct or cumulative environmental impacts on the
aquatic environment. Standard permits are issued
for activities that do not qualify for a general permit
(i.e., that may have more than a minimal adverse
environmental impact).
United States Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(USEPA) is responsible for developing and
enforcing regulations that implement
environmental laws enacted by Congress. USEPA
is responsible for researching and setting national
standards for a variety of environmental programs,
and delegates to states and tribes the
responsibility for issuing permits, monitoring, and
enforcing compliance.
Unreinforced masonry structures. Brick structures
which do not include steel reinforcement
embedded in mortar or grout.
Urban fabric. The physical aspect of urbanism,
emphasizing building types, thoroughfares, open
space, frontages, and streetscapes but excluding
environmental, functional, economic and
sociocultural aspects.
Urban forest. Trees and shrubs that provide
habitat for birds and small mammals within city
neighborhoods.
Urban growth boundary (UGB). An urban growth
boundary is a planning boundary that depicts the
limits of future urbanization for a city or county
over a given time frame. In November 2019,
Rohnert Park voters approved Measure B, to renew
the City’s Urban Growth Boundary for an additional
20 years. The UGB creates a development
boundary that encourages a compact, cohesive
pattern of urbanization, preventing sprawl, with
definite, identifiable boundaries.
Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP). Plans
prepared by urban water suppliers every five years
to the suppliers' long-term resource planning to
ensure that adequate water supplies are available
to meet existing and future water needs.
V
Vacant land. Land that is undeveloped and does
not include any buildings or structures.
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Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT). The total number of
vehicle miles traveled within a specific geographic
area over a set period of time, typcially a one-year
period.
Vernal pools. Seasonally flooded landscape
depressions underlain by a subsurface that limits
drainage. A type of ephemeral wetland, vernal
pools result from an unusual combination of soil
conditions, summer-dry Mediterranean climate,
topography, and hydrology. Vernal pools support a
specialized biota, including a relatively large
number of threatened and endangered species.
Vertical mixed-use. Development with a mix of
land uses in the same building (e.g., residential
above retail commercial).
View corridor. The line of sight (identified as to
height, width, and distance) of an observer looking
toward an object of significance to the community
(e.g., ridgeline, river, historic building).
Viewshed. The view of an area from a specific
vantage point.
Vision zero. A multi-national road traffic safety
project that aims to achieve a highway system with
no fatalities or serious injuries involving road traffic.
Volume to Capacity Ratio (V/C). The volume of
traffic divided by the capacity of a transportation
facility.
W
Wastewater. Wastewater is sewage (either treated
or untreated) from residential, commercial,
industrial, and institutional sources
Wastewater treatment plant. An industrial
structure designed to remove biological or
chemical waste products from water, thereby
permitting the treated water to be used for other
purposes.
Water efficient landscape ordinance. An
ordinance aimed at reducing water use through
the use of drought-tolerant plants and efficient
landscape design, installation, and maintenance.
Water reclamation. The process of converting
wastewater into water that can be reused for other
purposes.
Watershed. The land surface area from which
water drains into a common downstream point.
Wayfinding. The use of signage and other
graphical communication, including visual clues in
the built environment, and audible communication
to help people orient themselves and navigate
from place to place.
Wetland. A distinct ecosystem that is inundated by
water, either permanently or seasonally, where
oxygen-free processes prevail. The primary factor
that distinguishes wetlands from other land forms
or water bodies is the characteristic vegetation of
aquatic plants, adapted to the unique hydric soil.
Wildland urban interface. Areas where homes or
other structure are built near or among lands prone
to wildland fire.
Wildlife corridor. An area of natural habitat
connecting populations of wildlife otherwise
separated by the built environment such as
cultivated land or roadways.
Wireless communication facilities. Any unstaffed
facility for the transmission and/or reception of
wireless telecommunications services, usually
consisting of an antenna array, connection cables,
and equipment facility, and a tower structure or
other structure used to achieve the necessary
elevation.
X
Y
Z
Zero lot line development. A development in
which the structure is located on or near the
property line.
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Zero Net Energy (ZNE) building. A building in
which the total amount of energy used by the
building on an annual basis is roughly equal to the
amount of renewable energy created on the site,
or nearby.
Zoning. Local codes regulating the use and
development of property. A zoning ordinance
divides a county or city into districts or zones
represented on zoning maps and specifies the
allowable uses within each of those zones. It
establishes development standards for each zone,
such as minimum lot size, maximum height of
structures, building setbacks, and yard size.
Zoning district. A part of the community
designated by the local zoning ordinance for
specific land uses, such as single-family homes or
neighborhood commercial uses. Only the primary
permitted land uses, their accessory uses, and any
special uses permitted in the zoning district may
be placed on the land in that part of the
community.