HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-12-26 PACKETROHNERT PARK PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Open Session: 6:00 P.M.
MEETING LOCATION: CITY HALL - COUNCIL CHAMBER Address: 130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park, California
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: The Rohnert Park Planning Commission welcomes your attendance, interest, and participation at its regular meetings scheduled on the Second and Fourth Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Members of the public are encouraged to observe the meeting on Cable Channel 26 by visiting meeting central on our website https://www.rpcity.org/city_hall/city_council/meeting_central
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Provides an opportunity for public comment on items not listed on the
agenda, or on agenda items if unable to comment at the scheduled time. Speakers are encouraged to complete a Public Comment card and submit it to the Secretary at the time of the meeting. This helps ensure an orderly and efficient meeting, but it is not required.
Members of the public may also provide advanced comments by email at Planning@rpcity.org.
Comments are requested by 5:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Email comments must identify the Agenda Item Number in the subject line of the email. The emails will not be read for the record but will be provided to the Planning Commission. Please note that all emails sent to the Planning Commission are considered to be public records and subject to disclosure under the California Public
Records Act.
Planning Commission agendas and minutes may be viewed at the City’s website: www.rpcity.org
NOTE: If you challenge the nature of the proposed action in court, you may be limited to raising only
those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing(s) described in this agenda, or in written
correspondence delivered to the City of Rohnert Park at, or prior to the public hearing(s).
RIGHT TO APPEAL: Judicial review of any city administrative decision pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.5 may be had only if a petition is filed with the court no later than the deadlines specified in Section 1094.6 of the California Code of Civil Procedure, which generally
limits the time within which the decision may be challenged to the 90th day following the date that the decision becomes final.
1. REGULAR MEETING CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 2. READING OF THE LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The City of Rohnert Park acknowledges Indigenous Peoples as the traditional stewards of
the land. Let it be acknowledged that the City of Rohnert Park is located within the traditional homeland of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, comprised of Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo peoples.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. PUBLIC COMMENT – Persons who wish to speak to the Commission on any Consent Calendar item or an item that is not on the agenda may do so at this time. Each speaker will
be allotted three minutes. Please see page 1 for details on how to submit public comments. 5. CONSENT CALENDAR – All items on the Consent Calendar will be considered together by one or more action(s) of the Commission, whichever is applicable, unless any Commission Member or anyone else interested in a consent calendar item has a question about the item.
Commissioner
Motion/Vote: (Lam___ Campbell___ Austin-Dillon___ Epstein___ Orloff___) 5.1 Approval of the Draft Minutes of the Planning Commission Regular Meeting of February 12, 2026 (This action is not a Project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)) 6. REGULAR ITEMS 6.1 Public Hearing to Consider (1) a Resolution Recommending City Council certification of the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) for the Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan, and adoption of California Environmental Quality Act findings, a Statement of Overriding Considerations, and a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program; and
(2) a Resolution Recommending City Council adoption of the Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan (CEQA Status: An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has been prepared for this Project) A. Staff Report B. Conduct a Public Hearing
C. Resolutions for Adoption: 1) Resolution Recommending City Council certification of the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) for the Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan, and adoption of California Environmental Quality Act findings, a Statement of Overriding Considerations, and a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting
Program 2) Resolution Recommending City Council adoption of the Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan D. Commission Discussion/Motion/Vote: (Lam___ Campbell___ Austin-Dillon___ Epstein___ Orloff___)
6.2 Receive the Annual Report on the Status of the General Plan and Housing Element for Calendar Year 2025 (CEQA Status: This is not a project under the CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5))
A. Staff Report 7. ITEMS FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION 8. ITEMS FROM THE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES STAFF 9. ADJOURNMENT NOTE: Time shown for any particular matter on the agenda is an estimate only. Matters may be considered earlier or later than the time indicated, depending on the pace at which the meeting
proceeds. If you wish to speak on an item under discussion by the Commission that appears on this agenda, please refer to page 1 for more details on submitting a public comment. Any item raised by a member of the public that is not on the agenda and may require Commission action shall be automatically referred to staff for investigation and disposition, which may include placing on a future
agenda. If the item is deemed to be an emergency or the need to take action arose after posting of the agenda within the meaning of Government Code Section 54954.2(b), the Commission is entitled to discuss the matter to determine if it is an emergency item under said Government Code and may take action thereon.
AGENDA REPORTS & DOCUMENTS: A paper copy of all staff reports and documents subject to disclosure that relate to each item of business referred to on the agenda is available for public inspection at City Hall, 130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park, California 94928.
Electronic copies of all staff reports and documents subject to disclosure that relate to each item of business referred to on the agenda are available for public inspection at
https://www.rpcity.org/city_hall/city_council/meeting_central. Any writings or documents subject to disclosure that are provided to all, or a majority of all, of the members of the Planning Commission regarding any item on this agenda after the agenda has been distributed will be made available for inspection at City Hall and on our website at the same time. Any writings or documents subject to
disclosure that are provided to the Planning Commission during the meeting will be made available
for public inspection during the meeting and on our website following the meeting. AMERICAN DISABILITY ACT ACCOMMODATIONS: Any member of the public who needs accommodations should email the ADA Coordinator at adacoordinator@rpcity.org or by calling
707-588-2224. The ADA Coordinator will use their best efforts to provide reasonable
accommodations to provide as much accessibility as possible while also maintaining public safety in accordance with the City's procedure for resolving reasonable accommodation requests. Information about reasonable accommodations is available on the City website at: https://www.rpcity.org/city_hall/departments/human_resources/a_d_a_and_accessibility_resources
CERTIFICATION OF POSTING OF AGENDA
I, Clotile Blanks, Community Development Technician for the City of Rohnert Park, declare that the
foregoing agenda was posted and available for review on March 5, 2026, 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 5th day of March 2026, at Rohnert Park, California.
Clotile Blanks
Minutes of the Planning Commission Meeting of the City of Rohnert Park Thursday, February 12, 2026 6:00 P.M. 130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Vice Chairperson Campbell called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present: Tim Campbell, Vice Chairperson Matthew Epstein, Commissioner
Tramaine Austin-Dillon, Commissioner
Marc Orloff, Commissioner Absent: Fanny Lam 2. READING OF THE LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Read by Vice Chairperson Campbell 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Vice Chairperson Campbell.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
None
5. CONSENT CALENDAR – ADOPTION OF MINUTES 5.1 Approval of the Draft Minutes of the Planning Commission Regular Meeting of
January 8, 2026 ACTION: Moved/Seconded (Orloff/Austin-Dillon) to approve the Minutes of the Planning Commission Regular Meeting of January 1, 2026. Motion carried by the following 4-0-1 roll call vote: AYES: Campbell,
Austin-Dillon, Epstein; Orloff ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Lam
6. REGULAR ITEMS
6.1 Conduct public Hearing to Consider Adopting Resolution 2026-02, approving a
Conditional Use Permit to allow a tattoo studio and esthetician services (Ink In Aktion)
to operate within an existing vacant commercial space located at 101 Golf Course Drive, Suite #D2 (APN 160-010-008, File No. PLUP25-0005. Categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Class 1 Exemption under Section 15301: Existing Facility.)
Keaka Hew Len, owner of Ink In Aktion, responded to questions from the Planning Commissioners. Several supporters provided comments in favor of Ink In Aktion. The applicant requested a modification of the hours of operation from the originally
requested 11 am-8 pm Monday through Thursday to 9:00 am -10 pm Monday through
Thursday. After the close of the Public Hearing ACTION: Moved/Seconded (Orloff/Austin-Dillon) to approve Resolution 2026-02, with the amended Condition 4 stating that “The hours of operation shall
be 9:00 am to 10:00 pm Monday through Sunday.” Motion carried by the following (4-0-1) roll call vote: AYES: Campbell, Austin-Dillon, Epstein, Orloff; NOES: None; ABSENT: Lam
8. ITEMS FROM PLANNING COMMISSION
Commissioner Epstein acknowledged the public comments supporting Ink In Aktion tattoo studio
and expressed appreciation for their participation and support during the meeting, and thanked Ink
In Aktion for bringing their business to the City of Rohnert Park. Commissioners Austin-Dillon
and Vice Chair Campbell also expressed their agreement.
9. ITEMS FROM DEVELOPMENT SERVICES STAFF
Planning Consultant Ratcliffe informed the Commission that the February 26th meeting will be
canceled. A meeting is scheduled for March 12th to discuss the 2040 General Plan Update.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Vice Chairperson Tim Campbell adjourned the Planning Commission Meeting at 6:26 p.m.
_____________________________ ________________________________ Tim Campbell, Vice Chairperson Clotile Blanks, Recording Secretary
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City of Rohnert Park
Planning Commission Report
Meeting Date: March 12, 2026 Item No: 6.1 Prepared by: Barry Miller, Planning Consultant
Agenda Title: Public Hearing to Consider (1) a Resolution Recommending City Council certification of the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) for the Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan, and adoption of California Environmental Quality Act findings, a Statement of Overriding Considerations and a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program; and (2) a Resolution Recommending City Council adoption of the Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan (CEQA Status: An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has been prepared for this Project)
RECOMMENDED ACTION
It is recommended that the Planning Commission take the following actions following the staff presentation: 1. Open the public hearing on the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) and 2040 General Plan
2. Receive public comments and testimony 3. Close the public hearing on the FEIR and 2040 General Plan 4. Provide comments and/or questions to staff 5. Adopt (1) a Resolution Recommending City Council certification of the Final
Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) for the Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan, and
adoption of California Environmental Quality Act findings, a Statement of Overriding Considerations and a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program; and (2) a Resolution Recommending City Council adoption of the Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan REPORT ORGANIZATION This staff report is organized into two sections. The “Background” section provides an overview of the proposed 2040 General Plan and EIR.
The 2040 General Plan overview summarizes the Plan’s contents, with a focus on what has
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changed relative to 2020 General Plan adopted 25 years ago. The EIR overview focuses on the significant impacts identified in the document as well as proposed mitigation measures and
alternatives. Much of this information has been presented to the Planning Commission in previous staff reports and is included in this report for context. The “Analysis” section of the staff report includes a summary of the two resolutions to be
considered by the Planning Commission on March 12, 2026. This section includes a discussion
of the responses to comments on the Draft EIR and a discussion of proposed changes to the November 2025 edition of the 2040 General Plan. BACKGROUND Overview The purpose of this agenda item is for the Planning Commission to consider two resolutions:
• The first Resolution recommends that the City Council certify the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan and make various CEQA determinations
• The second Resolution recommends that the City Council adopt the Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan.
This item represents the culmination of an eight-year effort to create a forward-looking, modern plan to guide Rohnert Park’s future. The Plan reflects input from hundreds of residents and businesses, including members of the Planning Commission.
The General Plan is a state-mandated document that guides Rohnert Park’s long-range growth and development. The City’s current General Plan was adopted in 2000 and established a planning horizon of 2020. In 2018, the City initiated a comprehensive General Plan Update to extend the planning horizon to 2040 and ensure that the Plan reflects current community priorities, regulatory requirements, and best practices.
The Update process included several milestones. In 2018 and 2019, the City conducted town hall meetings and community workshops to gather public input. In 2019, technical background reports and an Alternatives Report were prepared to inform policy direction. A Working Draft
General Plan Policy Document was released in 2022.
Throughout this process, the Planning Commission and City Council held study sessions to review materials, provide feedback, and discuss key policy issues. Staff and the consultant team also solicited input from other boards and commissions, including the Parks and Recreation
Commission and Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC). The City also received input from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria through multiple consultation meetings, resulting in policies and programs that reflect the Tribe’s contributions to the community and ensure the protection of tribal cultural resources and coordination with the Tribe.
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On November 21, 2025, the City published the Public Review Draft 2040 General Plan along with its accompanying Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR). State, regional, and local
agencies were formally notified of the DEIR’s availability, and notice was provided via email to a General Plan mailing list of more than 970 subscribers. A 57-day public comment period on the DEIR was provided, concluding on January 16, 2026. During the comment period, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on December 11, 2025 to receive testimony. In addition, the
City Council and Planning Commission convened a joint study session on February 5, 2026, with
notice again provided to the full 970-member subscriber list to encourage public participation and comment. General Plan Summary
The 2040 General Plan consists of an Introduction, a Vision chapter that establishes the framework for the document, nine topical “Elements,” and a Glossary. One of the topical Elements—Housing—is a standalone document adopted in 2023 and is not being updated at this time. The remaining eight Elements include both State-mandated chapters and optional chapters
that address issues of local importance. Once adopted, all Elements—required and optional—
carry equal legal authority. The Plan applies to all land within the City limits, as well as adjacent unincorporated areas that may influence Rohnert Park’s future (collectively referred to as the “Planning Area”). At the heart of the 2040 General Plan are the goals, policies, and programs in each Element.
Goals are aspirational statements, policies guide day-to-day decisions, and programs are specific actions to be taken by the City following Plan adoption. Some programs are ongoing activities that are already underway and others are new. Each Element includes an “Implementation Matrix” identifying the responsible parties and timing for each program. Examples of programs
include revisions of codes, new ordinances, future plans and studies, capital improvements, and
financing measures. A brief summary of each chapter of the General Plan policy document is included below. The complete document is “Exhibit A” to the second resolution attached to this staff report and may be accessed here.
1. Introduction. The introduction explains the purpose of the 2040 General Plan, summarizes its organization, and describes the community engagement process. It includes a reader’s guide explaining how to use the Plan and references the background documents that underpin
the Plan’s policies.
2. Our Vision, Our Future. This chapter provides an overview of Rohnert Park’s vision for 2040, creating a framework for the nine chapters that follow. The Element begins with a set of guiding principles for the City’s future. It identifies eight “Focus Areas” where growth and change will be concentrated over the next 15 years. Focus areas are the Northwest Area,
Dowdell Avenue Corridor, Rohnert Park Expressway Corridor, Central Rohnert Park (Downtown), the Southwest Boulevard Commercial area, University District, SOMO Village/Willowglen, and Northeast Specific Plan Area. Most of these areas have been the subject of previous plans and studies, including Downtown Rohnert Park.
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3. Racial, Social, and Environmental Justice Element. This is a new element of the General
Plan, combining a state-mandated topic (Environmental Justice) with topics identified as priorities by the Rohnert Park City Council. The environmental justice component complies with Senate Bill 1000 (2017), which requires general plans to address health risks in disadvantaged communities, reduce exposure to pollutants and other hazards, prioritize
infrastructure improvements in disadvantaged communities, and promote civic engagement
in the public decision-making process. The racial and social justice policies strive to make Rohnert Park a more inclusive city, improve economic opportunities for all residents, and respect and celebrate the city’s cultural diversity. 4. Community Development Element. The Community Development Element meets the State
requirement for a Land Use Element in the General Plan. This chapter includes the City’s General Plan Map and establishes land designations that identify the type and intensity of uses allowed in the City. It also includes goals, policies and implementation activities addressing different land uses, along with goals and policies addressing community design
topics such as public art. While this element preserves many of the goals and policies of the
previous General Plan, it also introduces new goals and policies that respond to current issues and challenges. For example, the Element creates a new “Business Park” map designation intended to create new economic development opportunities in the northwest part of the city. 5. Economic Development Element. This is a new Element of the Rohnert Park General Plan,
focused on goals and policies that support the city’s long-term economic health. While this Element is considered “optional” under state law, it addresses topics of critical importance to the City. Goals and policies address Rohnert Park’s fiscal resiliency, including the need for revenue-generating uses that sustain local services and meet resident needs. Policies support
maintaining a healthy business environment, attracting economic activity and jobs to the city,
and strengthening Rohnert Park’s neighborhood shopping areas. There is also a goal to create a Downtown district, providing financial, community, and social benefits for the city. Policies also address business attraction, retention, and expansion. 6. Climate Change Element. Although a Climate Change Element is not mandated by the State
of California, the City Council requested its inclusion in the 2040 General Plan given the importance of the topic. The goals and policies in the Element support City Council Resolution 2021-26, which directs the City to proactively address climate change by transitioning away from fossil fuels and moving toward zero net emissions as soon as
possible.
This new Element documents historic GHG inventories and includes greenhouse gas (GHG) forecasts with and without the interventions proposed by the General Plan. The Element proposes climate action targets that align with the States’s goal of reducing GHG emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and to zero by 2045. Policies aim to provide City
leadership on climate issues, reduce emissions from buildings, support GHG reductions from City operations, support renewable energy and energy efficiency, and increase electric vehicle infrastructure. The Element also addresses climate adaptation, with a discussion of hazards such as extreme heat, flood risks, and wildfire.
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7. Circulation Element. This is a required Plan Element, addressing all modes of travel in the
city, including roads, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and bus and rail transit, and commercial goods movement. The Element also addresses transportation issues such as safety, parking, and technology. The single largest change to this Element relative to the 2020 Plan is a shift from using level of service (e.g., the level of congestion and delay along a road
or at an intersection) to Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) as the basis for addressing traffic.
Reducing VMT is the goal of most local and statewide climate change strategies, as the burning of fossil fuels by motor vehicles is the main source of greenhouse gas emissions in California. VMT reduction is achieved through changes in land use, improvements to bike and pedestrian facilities, investment in transit, and strategies that reduce commuting and make it easier to live and work in the same community. The Element also addresses emerging
trends, such as scooter and e-bike use, electric and autonomous vehicles, and transportation network companies such as Uber and Lyft. 8. Public Facilities and Services Element. This is an optional Element and it addresses all
major categories of public services, including those provided by other agencies. Topics
include:
• General Public Facilities and Services, including sustainable operations and resilient facilities.
• Parks and Recreation, including key components of the newly adopted Parks and
Recreation Master Plan.
• Water Supply and Delivery, with a focus on water efficiency, conservation, and sustainable groundwater management.
• Wastewater, including maintenance of the collection system and continued coordination
with Santa Rosa on treatment plant improvements.
• Stormwater, emphasizing water quality improvements and measures to retain and treat urban runoff and reduce flooding.
• Law Enforcement, including new policies related to police equipment and facilities, communications, community policing strategies, community engagement, and collaboration with schools and businesses.
• Fire and Emergency Services, including policies designed to ensure high quality fire and
emergency response, engage fire personnel in development review, and address staffing and maintenance needs.
• Utilities, including modernization of gas and electric facilities and a shift to renewable energy sources.
• Communications Infrastructure, responding to service demands associated with new and emerging technologies.
• Schools and Libraries, including policies to coordinate with the School District on school facility planning.
9. Health and Safety Element. Safety is a State-mandated Element and its scope has expanded substantially since the last General Plan was adopted 25 years ago. New laws require the Safety Element to address climate change resilience and to specifically address
evacuation, emergency vehicle access, and wildfire prevention and preparedness. Many new
policies have been added, providing guidance on topics such as cooling centers,
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communication protocols in emergencies, post-disaster rebuilding, continuity of operations, the wildland-urban interface, defensible space, limits on pervious surfaces in new
development, and hazardous materials remediation. This Element includes the State-mandated Noise Element, and includes policies related to noise reduction, site planning, and noise compatibility.
10. Resource Conservation Element. This chapter combines two State-mandated Elements—
Conservation and Open Space—into a single Element. It carries forward existing General Plan policies with some important updates. When the last General Plan was prepared, Rohnert Park was still a relatively young city with few structures over 50 years old. The updated Plan recognizes that a larger number of structures are eligible for consideration as historic resources today and includes more robust preservation policies. The Plan also
includes policies and programs addressing the protection of tribal cultural and archaeological resources, developed collaboratively with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. There are also policies addressing biological resource assessment requirements, project design in areas with known endangered plant and animal species, preferences for native plants and
trees, water conservation and recycled water use, and air quality. Open space policies are
largely carried over from the existing Plan and provide a framework for stewardship of existing open space. 11. Housing. As noted earlier in this staff report, the State-mandated Housing Element is a standalone document and is not being updated at this time. Rohnert Park’s Housing Element
was adopted in January 2023 and addresses housing needs for the 2023-2031 period. An update of this Element will be required in 2030-2031. The current Element has been deemed compliant by the State Department of Housing and Community Development and demonstrates the City’s ability to provide sites for 1,580 units of housing over the eight-year
planning period. Other elements of the General Plan are internally consistent with the
Housing Element and support its goals and policies. 12. Glossary. The Glossary defines key terms used in the 2040 General Plan, including common acronyms. EIR Summary CEQA Process
The Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan is considered a “project” under the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and was determined to have the potential to result in significant environmental effects. As required by CEQA, a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) was prepared. The CEQA process began in 2021 once the Draft Land Use Map and development forecasts were completed.
A Notice of Preparation (NOP) for the EIR was issued on February 26, 2021. A scoping meeting with the Planning Commission was held on March 11, 2021, providing the public with an opportunity to comment on the issues, impacts, and alternatives that should be evaluated in the EIR before the analysis began. The scoping period closed on March 29, 2021. A second NOP
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comment period was held from February 15 to March 17, 2022, including a second scoping meeting on March 10, 2022. All comments received during both scoping periods were
considered in preparing the EIR. Tribal consultation is a required part of the EIR process and helped inform the findings and mitigation measures presented in the EIR, particularly with respect to Cultural Resources and
Tribal Cultural Resources. Between 2021 and the end of 2025, the City consulted with the
Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (FIGR) on the General Plan and EIR in 12 separate meetings. Revisions to the Plan and EIR were made in response to these meetings. On November 21, 2025, the City released the Draft 2040 General Plan and its accompanying Draft EIR. The City filed a Notice of Availability (NOA) and Notice of Completion (NOC), as
required by CEQA. Agencies notified of the opportunity to comment on the DEIR include the Air Resources Board; Bay Conservation and Development Commission; CAL FIRE; Caltrans; Department of Education; Office of Emergency Services; Energy Commission; Department of Fish and Wildlife; Highway Patrol; Office of Historic Preservation; Department of Housing and
Community Development; Native American Heritage Commission; Department of Parks and
Recreation; Public Utilities Commission; Regional Water Quality Control Board; CalRecycle; and the State Water Resources Control Board, among others. The City also notified 26 local agencies (School District, SMART, adjacent cities, etc.) and approximately 970 email subscribers on the General Plan mailing list of the opportunity to review and comment on the DEIR.
State law requires a minimum 45-day public review period for the DEIR; however, the City extended this to 57 days to accommodate the winter holidays, setting a comment deadline of January 16, 2026. The Planning Commission convened a public hearing on December 11, 2025, during the review period, to provide an opportunity for oral comments. Following the close of
the review period, the City prepared responses to all comments and assembled the Final EIR and
findings. These are discussed in the “Analysis” section of this staff report. The Draft EIR evaluated the impacts of adopting and implementing the 2040 General Plan, and the rezoning of several housing opportunity sites in a manner that is consistent with the new General Plan. Once adopted, the 2040 General Plan will supersede the existing 2020 General
Plan. The DEIR presumes the addition of 6,127 housing units and 6,165 new jobs over the period from 2020 to 2040. It is worth noting that most of this development is already permissible under the existing General Plan. In fact, the “No Project” alternative, which would keep the previous General Plan in place, would still allow 6,031 additional housing units and an estimated 5,728
new jobs.
The 2040 General Plan does not authorize any specific development project. Instead, it sets the overall land use pattern and policy direction that will shape future development. As such, the DEIR is a “program” EIR, meaning it evaluates the cumulative effects of implementing a set of policies and land use map designations over a 20-year horizon.
While the EIR does not cover individual development proposals, future projects and capital improvements that are consistent with the General Plan may rely on this program-level document to streamline their environmental review. This approach—known as “tiering”—is encouraged by
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CEQA so that subsequent analyses can focus on site-specific issues, such as noise, cultural resources, or localized traffic effects, rather than revisiting broader citywide impacts already
addressed in the General Plan EIR. As a result, many future projects may qualify for reduced or exempt environmental review, provided they remain consistent with the General Plan’s land use designations and policies.
EIR Organization The DEIR consists of a main document—including an executive summary and seven chapters—followed by a series of technical appendices. A summary of the document is provided below:
• The Executive Summary includes a short synopsis of the project and the environmental
consequences associated with implementing the General Plan. A matrix is used to review potentially significant impacts and mitigation measures.
• Chapter 1 (Introduction) describes the purpose and legal authority of the EIR, explains the
EIR’s scope and intended uses, and outlines the environmental review process.
• Chapter 2 (Project Description) describes the 2040 General Plan, including the growth estimates for 2020-2040 that serve as the basis for evaluating citywide impacts throughout
the DEIR.
• Chapter 3 (Environmental Setting) summarizes Rohnert Park’s physical setting and demographics, and identifies nearby projects outside the city limits that are considered in the
cumulative impact analysis.
• Chapter 4 (Environmental Analysis) is organized into Sections 4.1 through 4.18, following the environmental topic areas in the CEQA Guidelines. For each topic, the chapter describes
existing physical conditions in the Planning Area at the time the Notice of Preparation was published, analyzes the potential impacts of the proposed 2040 General Plan, and identifies mitigation measures where necessary. Each section also explains the thresholds used to determine significance and the methodology applied in evaluating impacts.
• Chapter 5 (Other CEQA-Required Discussions) evaluates the potential for the 2040 General Plan to induce growth, create significant and unavoidable impacts, result in cumulative impacts, or cause significant and irreversible environmental changes.
• Chapter 6 (Alternatives) presents alternatives to adopting the 2040 General Plan and provides a qualitative assessment of their environmental effects.
• Chapter 7 (References) lists the agencies, organizations and individuals consulted when
preparing the EIR.
• Appendices provide supporting data and technical information, including comments received on the NOP, visual resources documentation, transportation modeling results, biological
resource listings, and energy and emissions modeling outputs.
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EIR Findings
The DEIR concludes that adoption of the 2040 General Plan may result in significant, unavoidable impacts related to greenhouse gas emissions, noise, and transportation. It also identifies significant but mitigable impacts on biological resources, cultural resources, and tribal
cultural resources. The DEIR concludes that the Plan would have less-than-significant impacts
on aesthetics, air quality, energy, geology and soils, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, land use and planning, population and housing, public services and recreation, utilities and service systems, and wildfire. Lastly, the DEIR concludes that the Plan would have no impacts on agricultural resources or mineral resources.
Overall, the 2040 General Plan is structured to be “self-mitigating.” Its policies and programs have been intentionally crafted to ensure that future development is planned, designed, and constructed in a manner that avoids or minimizes adverse impacts. The impact discussions in Chapter 4 of the EIR reference the specific General Plan policies and programs that serve to
reduce individual impacts to less-than-significant levels wherever feasible.
In some cases, impacts would remain potentially significant, and the EIR identifies required mitigation measures to reduce impacts to a less-than-significant level where feasible. These are summarized below:
• Nesting birds: Potential impacts to nesting birds would be mitigated through pre-construction bird surveys, establishment of buffers, and measures to avoid disturbance to active nests. These requirements would apply to future development projects as needed.
• Roosting bats: Potential impacts to roosting bats would be addressed through site surveys, limits on tree removal, and additional construction standards specified in the EIR.
• Crotch’s bumblebee: Potential impacts to Crotch’s bumblebee, a California candidate
endangered species, would be mitigated through biological assessments and survey requirements for projects in suitable habitat areas, along with consultation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife based on survey findings.
• Historic resources: Potential impacts to historic resources would be mitigated through the
creation of a citywide historic and architectural database.
• Archaeological resources: Potential impacts to archaeological resources would be mitigated through project-level archaeological surveys where appropriate, consultation with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (FIGR), records searches, and measures to avoid or reduce site-specific impacts.
• Tribal cultural resources: Potential impacts to tribal cultural resources would be addressed
on a case-by-case basis through the tribal consultation process and by avoiding such resources where they may occur. The DEIR also outlines requirements for tribal cultural
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resource treatment plans in sensitive areas, including provisions for monitoring and procedures to follow if a resource is encountered during construction.
• Human burials: Potential impacts to human burials discovered during construction would be mitigated through survey requirements, consultation with FIGR, preparation and implementation of tribal cultural resource treatment plans, the use of canine forensic teams
where appropriate, and other measures designed to avoid impacts.
• Construction noise and vibration: Potential impacts from construction noise and vibration would be mitigated through standard conditions of approval that reduce construction-related noise and vibration levels.
Impacts on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, noise, and transportation were found to be significant and unavoidable for the following reasons:
• Greenhouse gas emissions: The 2040 General Plan’s GHG reduction measures—including the new Climate Change Element and the City’s commitment to adopt a future climate action plan—may still be insufficient to achieve the State of California’s 2030 and 2045 emission reduction targets.
• Construction noise: Even with the noise-reduction measures identified in the 2040 General Plan and EIR, construction noise may not be reduced to levels that can be considered less than significant.
• Vehicle miles traveled (VMT): Roadway capacity improvements needed to accommodate growth under the 2040 General Plan may increase vehicle miles traveled in Rohnert Park. Although the Plan promotes a balance of jobs and housing, supports transit-oriented development, and encourages walking, bicycling, and transit use, it may still fall short of
meeting regional VMT reduction goals. As required by CEQA, the EIR included an evaluation of project alternatives. The alternatives considered are: (1) No Project, meaning the existing 2020 General Plan would remain in effect; (2) An Environmental Conservation Alternative; (3) A Workforce Housing-focused Alternative;
and (4) A Missing Middle Housing-focused Alternative. The analysis assesses whether each
alternative would result in greater or lesser potential environmental impacts for each of the factors examined in the EIR. The analysis found that Alternative 1 would result in greater impacts than the proposed project,
Alternative 2 would result in fewer impacts, and Alternatives 3 and 4 would result in comparable impacts to the proposed project. However, all of the alternatives would still result in significant unavoidable impacts.
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ANALYSIS:
This section of the Staff Report focuses on the two Resolutions to be considered by the Planning Commission at its March 12, 2026 hearing, including several referenced exhibits. Information on the CEQA Resolution is presented first, followed by the General Plan Resolution. The Resolutions must be considered in this order because the Planning Commission must first
determine that the requirements of CEQA have been satisfied before making a recommendation
on the General Plan. Adoption of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and the General Plan is solely the authority of the City Council. Accordingly, both Resolutions constitute recommendations from the Planning Commission acting in its capacity as an advisory body to the City Council. CEQA Resolution and Related Documents The first Resolution recommends City Council adoption of the EIR. The Resolution includes
recitals (“Whereas” clauses) and findings. The recitals summarize the process of developing and
circulating the EIR, including key dates and milestones. The findings confirm that the City has complied with CEQA and adequately considered public comment. The findings further indicate that the revisions made to the EIR in response to public comment do not require recirculation of the document, and that there are overriding considerations (such as economic and social benefits) that outweigh the potential significant unavoidable impacts identified in the EIR.
Two attachments to the Resolution are referenced. The first is the Final EIR (Exhibit A) and the second is the Findings and Statement of Overriding Considerations (Exhibit B). The Final EIR incorporates the Draft EIR by reference.
Final EIR (Exhibit A)
The Final EIR includes an Introduction, Responses to Comments, Corrections and Clarifications to the Draft EIR, and a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program. The Responses to Comments chapter incorporates a copy of each letter received on the Draft EIR, segmenting the
letters into numbered comments (based on the topic). It then includes the City’s responses to each numbered comment. In some cases, the City has made edits to the 2040 General Plan and/or the EIR in response to the comment.
There were five comment letters on the EIR received, as follows:
1. California Office of Emergency Services. The commenter indicated that the Draft 2040 General Plan Safety Element was generally consistent with the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) and made no substantive changes to the hazards identified in the LHMP. No changes were requested.
2. California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). The commenter recommended additional mitigation measures to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT). However, many of these measures are similar to policies or programs already in the proposed Circulation Element; the
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response to this comment cites these policies and programs. The Caltrans comment also requested revisions to a particular table in the DEIR demonstrating that the Rohnert Park
Circulation Element is consistent with Caltrans policies. Most of the requested revisions have been incorporated, including demonstration of consistency with Caltrans Director’s Policy 40 and the Caltrans Bay Area Transit Plan. References to Caltrans District 4 Pedestrian and Bike Plan and Caltrans policy on Complete Streets were also added to the EIR at Caltrans’ request.
3. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). The comment recommended that the City create a checklist to evaluate potential biological resource impacts for future projects. CDFW further requested additional mitigation measures to avoid impacts to several specific species, including white-tailed kite and other nesting birds. It further requested additional mitigation measures related to riparian habitats. The responses to this comment primarily
note the programmatic nature of a General Plan EIR and the Plan’s requirement that project-specific biological studies be required as part of the development review process. The City’s response notes that the proposed policies and programs provide sufficient guidance to ensure that project-level mitigation measures will be prescribed in the future, based on project-level
biological studies. A modification to the mitigation measure for nesting birds was made in
response to the CDFW comments. 4. City of Cotati. The City of Cotati letter asserts that the DEIR does not adequately analyze or mitigate potential transportation impacts on Cotati and requests an analysis of projected level of service (LOS) on Cotati roadways. The letter further requests that the DEIR include an
analysis of evacuation routes and emergency service vehicle access at a regional level. Responses to this comment note the City’s ongoing efforts with the City of Cotati to address transportation impacts, as well as the SB 743 requirement that the CEQA circulation analysis use VMT as the metric for significance, and not LOS. The City further noted specific policies
and programs in the Plan to work with Cotati and other regional partners, and to conduct an
evacuation study as a priority implementing action. 5. Santa Rosa Plain Groundwater Sustainability Agency. The commenter recommends a number of revisions to the DEIR discussion of groundwater, referencing the Groundwater Sustainability Plan. The commenter further requests that several additional policies and a
program be added to the 2040 General Plan to ensure consistency between the General Plan and the Groundwater Sustainability Plan. The City’s response to this comment indicates that the requested revisions will be made, including two new policies and a new program in the Public Facilities and Services Element.
In addition to the five written comments, the City received oral testimony from one individual at the Planning Commission hearing on December 11, 2025. Comments related to the suitability of the Business Park land use designation in the Northwest area and the desire to see more single-story homes in the city to support aging in place. Both of these comments are acknowledged but were determined to not require revisions to the EIR.
Chapter 3 of the FEIR includes text changes to be made to the DEIR. These changes are generally associated with the responses to comments rather than errors or omissions from the EIR.
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Chapter 4 of the FEIR includes a mitigation monitoring and reporting program (MMRP). The
MMRP is required by CEQA and includes conditions of project approval that are necessary to mitigate or avoid significant effects on the environment. The MMRP is formatted as a matrix, and repeats each mitigation measure listed in the DEIR along with a description of the monitoring that must occur and the agency or department responsible for oversight.
Findings and Statement of Overriding Considerations (Exhibit B) Findings are formal determinations made by the Planning Commission based on substantial evidence in the record explaining how the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) complies with CEQA and how the identified environmental impacts are avoided, minimized, or mitigated. The
2040 General Plan EIR found that significant and unavoidable impacts may remain even after General Plan policies and programs, and EIR mitigation measures, are implemented. The Commission’s recommendation to adopt the 2040 General Plan and EIR must therefore include a Statement of Overriding Considerations (SOC), finding that the project’s benefits outweigh those
impacts.
The Findings/ SOC is Exhibit B to the CEQA Resolution. Ultimately, the City Council adopts the SOC but the Commission’s recommendation is an important consideration. The Findings include an introduction, which describes statutory requirements and the project timeline. A description of the project is then provided, including the project objectives and the alternatives that were
considered. The document then provides a summary of the environmental effects determined not to be significant, the effects found to be less than significant, the effects found to be less than significant with mitigation, and the effects found to be significant and unavoidable.
The Findings/SOC also includes findings regarding the project alternatives, reiterating
information provided in the Draft EIR. This is followed by the Statement of Overriding Considerations itself, which includes a bulleted list of factors that support approval of the project despite the significant unavoidable impacts. These include social and economic factors such as the creation of jobs, housing opportunities, fiscal stability, racial and social justice, responsiveness to changes in technology, and compliance with State housing requirements. General Plan Resolution and Related Documents The second Resolution recommends City Council adoption of the 2040 General Plan. As noted
earlier, the Commission should adopt the CEQA Resolution before it adopts this Resolution.
Like the CEQA Resolution, the General Plan Resolution includes recitals (“Whereas” clauses) and findings. The recitals document the legal requirements for a General Plan, the process of developing the Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan, and the steps taken to comply with CEQA. The findings confirm that the City has complied with CEQA and has prepared a legally adequate
General Plan that complies with all requirements of the California Government Code. The findings further conclude that the General Plan is:
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• Responsive to local issues and consistent with local priorities, including the addition of optional elements on economic development, racial and social justice, climate change, and
public facilities and services.
• Internally consistent, with aligned land use, circulation, housing, and natural resource policies that support demographic projections, RHNA requirements, and other City plans.
• Reflective of an extensive public participation process that included workshops, hearings,
surveys, and tribal consultation in compliance with State law.
• Supportive of orderly and sustainable development by directing development to appropriate areas while protecting neighborhoods, open space, and infrastructure capacity.
• Protective of public health, safety, and welfare by reducing hazard risks, strengthening
climate resilience, and avoiding incompatible land uses.
The Resolution allows staff to make minor non-substantive edits to the Plan prior to its adoption
by City Council, such as correction of formatting errors and typos, as well as adjustments to the
agencies identified as “responsible parties” in the implementation matrices. Two attachments to the Resolution are referenced, described below.
Draft 2040 General Plan (Exhibit A)
The Draft 2040 General Plan is the document published on November 21, 2025. It was distributed to the Planning Commission immediately after publication and has been available for public review for approximately 3-1/2 months.
General Plan Addendum (Exhibit B) The General Plan Addendum responds to comments received on the Draft EIR (related to General Plan policies), comments received from the public, comments from City staff, and
comments received from the Planning Commission and City Council at the joint study session on February 5, 2026. The Addendum will be flowed into the Draft 2040 General Plan as redlined text prior to the City Council hearing. Key changes are as follows:
• In response to comments from the City Council and Planning Commission, Policy RSEJ-6.6 would be added to the Racial, Social, and Environmental Justice Element. The policy calls for increasing public awareness of the General Plan and other city plans, including education
and outreach efforts that make the City’s plans more accessible to a larger audience.
• In response to comments from the City Council and Planning Commission, Program CD-A would be amended to note that the City will create a Business Park zoning district after Plan adoption.
• In response to comments from staff, Policy ED-2.10 would be added to the Economic
Development Element to support partnerships with Sonoma State University. Program ED-V
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will be added to support continued implementation of the 2024 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Sonoma State and the City of Cotati to foster a collaborative,
long-term strategic relationship that fosters community well-being, sustainability, and
regional growth.
• In response to public comment, Policy CC-1.7 would be added to note the importance of evaluating any unintended consequences of new climate action measures, particularly those
that would disproportionately affect lower income communities or have inadvertent negative
environmental impacts.
• In response to comments from the City Council and Planning Commission, Policy C-7.2 would be edited to address e-bike safety, including enforcement and collaborative education with the School District.
• In response to comments from the City Council, Policy C-9.1 would be amended to support
improved bus stops and other transit rider amenities, especially in transit-dependent areas.
• In response to comments from the City Council and Planning Commission, Program C-H
would be amended to place a priority on connections between neighborhoods and the Class I
bike path system, bike and ped connections to Downtown Rohnert Park, buffered bike lanes, and lighted bike paths to facilitate safe evening use.
• In response to public comment, Policy CFS-3.6 would be amended to indicate support for expanding the recycled water system to serve the rest of the city.
• In response to comments on the Draft EIR, Policies CFS-3.10 and 3.11 would be added to coordinate with the Groundwater Sustainability Agency and Sonoma County Water Agency to monitor groundwater resources and to implement and periodically update the Groundwater
Sustainability Plan. Program PFS-V also has been added to ensure City review of the
Groundwater Sustainability Plan every five years to ensure that it aligns with City forecasts.
• In response to public comment, Policy PFS-3.12 has been added to evaluate water supply issues using water supply assessments for projects exceeding State thresholds, periodically updating the City’s Urban Water Management Plan, and addressing water supply during
project-level environmental review.
NEXT STEPS Staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt the two resolutions at its March 12
meeting. Approval is time-sensitive, as the City made commitments to the State Department of Housing and Community Development in 2023 as part of its Housing Element that depend on General Plan Amendments and rezoning of several key sites.
Following Commission action, the City Council will convene a public hearing to consider
resolutions similar to those now before the Planning Commission. The General Plan Addendum will be incorporated into the Plan prior to that meeting. The tentative date for the City Council hearing is April 14, 2026.
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ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
See discussion in report. PUBLIC NOTIFICATION
A public hearing notice denoting the time, date, and location of this hearing was published in the
Community Voice on February 20, 2026, and the notice was posted pursuant to Government Code Section 65854. Additionally, the hearing was referenced in a Notice of Availability of the Final EIR posted to the City’s website, direct emails to all parties commenting on the DEIR (including copies of the responses to their comments), and email notification to the Planning Commission’s interested party list.
Attachments: 1. Resolution Recommending City Council Adoption of Final EIR for the Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan a. Exhibit A: Final EIR, including Draft EIR (see Note 1)
b. Exhibit B: Findings and Statement of Overriding Considerations 2. Resolution Recommending City Council Adoption of Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan a. Exhibit A: Draft General Plan (see Note 1) b. Exhibit B: General Plan Addendum
Note 1: Due to the length of these documents, hyperlinks are provided in lieu of paper copies. The
documents are on file at the City Clerk’s office.
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2026-03
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL CERTIFY THE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE ROHNERT PARK 2040 GENERAL PLAN AND ADOPT CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT FINDINGS, A STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS AND A MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the City of Rohnert Park has completed an update of its General Plan, known as the Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan (the “Project”), which constitutes a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”); and
WHEREAS, CEQA (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.) and the CEQA
Guidelines (Cal. Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15000 et seq.) require an analysis and
determination regarding a project’s potential environmental impacts; and
WHEREAS, the Project consists of long-term planning policies and standards that will guide future development in the City and does not approve any specific developments, and is therefore appropriately covered by a program-level Environmental Impact Report (“EIR”)
pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15168; and
WHEREAS, the City released a Notice of Preparation (“NOP”) for the Project to the Office of Planning and Research (“OPR”) State Clearinghouse and interested agencies and persons on February 26, 2021 for a 33-day review period, during which interested agencies and the public could submit comments about the Project, and convened a scoping meeting on March 11, 2021 to receive public comment; and
WHEREAS, the City released a second Notice of Preparation (“NOP”) for the Project on February 15, 2022, convened a second scoping meeting on March 10, 2022, and accepted additional comments on the project through March 17, 2022; and
WHEREAS, comments on both the first and second NOPs were received and considered
during preparation of the Draft EIR; and
WHEREAS, the City provided notification to eight California Native American tribes as required by AB 52 and received a request for consultation from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (FIGR) and convened 12 meetings with FIGR, resulting in changes to both the Draft EIR and the Draft 2040 General Plan; and
WHEREAS, a Public Review Draft EIR was published on November 21, 2025 and a
Notice of Availability (“NOA”) was issued concurrently; and
WHEREAS, the Draft EIR was filed with the California Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI, formerly the Office of Planning and Research) on November 21, 2025 and was made available on the City’s website, with notification provided to State agencies by LCI, and
notification provided by the City to a mailing list of 26 local agencies and a second City mailing
list of more than 900 subscribers to the 2040 General Plan website; and
PC Resolution 2026-03 Page 1 of 3
PC Resolution 2026-03 Page 2 of 3
WHEREAS, a 57-day period was provided for public review of the EIR, ending on January 16, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the Rohnert Park Planning Commission held a public hearing on the EIR on December 11, 2025, during the public comment period and received public testimony on the
EIR; and
WHEREAS, on March 2, 2026, the City published the Final EIR for the Project, attached herewith as Exhibit A of this Resolution, by incorporating: 1) the Draft EIR; 2) comments
received about the Draft EIR and responses to those comments; 3) changes, clarifications and corrections to the Draft EIR, in accordance with CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines, and 4) a
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program; and
WHEREAS, after notice was lawfully given, a duly noticed public hearing was held before the Rohnert Park City Planning Commission on March 12, 2026 at which all persons
interested had the opportunity to appear and comment and at which the Planning Commission considered and made recommendations to the City Council regarding the Final EIR and the merits of the Project,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Rohnert Park Planning Commission
as follows, based on the staff report, Final EIR, oral and written comments and all information in
the record:
Section 1. The Rohnert Park Planning Commission hereby finds and recommends that
the City Council find as follows:
1. The Final EIR has been completed in compliance with CEQA and includes a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (“MMRP”) meeting CEQA requirements.
2. The Final EIR was presented to the Planning Commission and the Planning Commission reviewed and considered the information contained in the Final EIR prior to making
recommendations on the project.
3. The Final EIR reflects the lead agency’s independent judgement and analysis.
Section 2. On the basis of the evidence contained in the administrative record of the Final
EIR, the Planning Commission further finds based on the information submitted following the conclusion of the public comment period on the Draft EIR and following the consultant's responses thereto that the responses to comments, including supplemental policies on groundwater, provide clarification to the information contained in the Draft EIR and do not describe 1) a new substantial environmental impact resulting from the project or from new
mitigation measures; 2) a substantial increase in an environmental impact; or 3) a feasible project alternative or mitigation measure that clearly would lessen the environmental impacts of the project that has not been adopted. The new information provided in the Final EIR does not constitute “significant new information” within the meaning of CEQA so as to require
recirculation of the Final SEIR. (CEQA Guidelines Section 15088.5) and such information does
not change the analysis or determinations of significance of potential impact
Section 3. After considering the FEIR, Exhibit A of this Resolution, and in conjunction with making the above findings, the Planning Commission hereby finds that pursuant to Section
PC Resolution 2026-03 Page 3 of 3
15092 of the CEQA Guidelines, approval of the Project will result in significant effects on the environment; however, the City eliminated or substantially lessened these significant effects
where feasible, and has determined that the remaining significant effects are found to be
unavoidable under Section 15091 and acceptable under Section 15093.
Section 4. Exhibit B of this Resolution provides the findings required under Section 15093 of the CEQA Guidelines relating to accepting adverse impacts of the Project due to
overriding considerations. The City has balanced, as applicable, the economic, legal, social,
technological, or other benefits, including region-wide or statewide environmental benefits, of
the Project against the unavoidable environmental risks that may result, and finds that the specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other benefits outweigh the unavoidable adverse environmental effects.
Section 5. The Planning Commission of the City of Rohnert Park does hereby
recommend that the City Council of the City of Rohnert Park certify the Final EIR, including the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (attached hereto as Exhibit A), and adopt the findings and Statement of Overriding Considerations attached hereto as Exhibit B.
Section 6. The custodian and location of the documents and other materials which
constitute the records of the proceedings upon which this decision is based is the City Clerk of
the City of Rohnert Park, Rohnert Park City Hall, 130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park, California
94928
DULY AND REGULARLY ADOPTED on the 12th day of March, 2026, by the City of Rohnert Park Planning Commission by the following vote:
AYES: _____ NOES:_____ ABSENT:_____ ABSTAIN:_____ LAM____ CAMPBELL_____ AUSTIN-DILLON____ EPSTEIN_____ ORLOFF_____
Fanny Lam, Chairperson, Rohnert Park Planning Commission Attest: ________________________________
Clotile Blanks, Recording Secretary
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Final EIR and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
B. Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations
EXHIBIT “A”
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR ROHNERT PARK 2040 GENERAL
PLAN, INCLUDING MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
(under separate cover)
https://rpcity.org/DocumentCenter/View/2530/Rohnert-Park-2040-General-Plan-Final-EIR---February-2026
https://rpcity.org/DocumentCenter/View/2318/Rohnert-Park-2040-General-Plan_DEIR-with-Appendices?bidId=
4922-9711-1443 v1
CEQA Findings and Statement of Overriding Considerations
for the
Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15091 and 15093
and Public Resources Code Section 21081
The Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) prepared by the City of Rohnert Park (City) for the
General Plan Update (collectively referred to as the “2040 General Plan,” “project,” or “proposed
project”) consists of the Draft EIR and Response to Comments on the Draft EIR. The Final EIR
identifies significant environmental impacts that will result from implementation of the project. The
City finds that the inclusion of certain mitigation measures as part of project approval will reduce all
impacts to levels that are less than significant, except for construction noise, greenhouse gas
emissions, and vehicle miles traveled. No feasible mitigation measures have been identified to
reduce construction noise, greenhouse gas emissions, and vehicle miles traveled impacts to a less-
than-significant level, or mitigation measures have been identified but would not reduce impacts to
a level of less than significant; thus, these impacts will remain significant unavoidable impacts of the
project. These impacts will be overridden due to specific considerations that are described within
this document.
The California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code, Section 21000 et seq.) (CEQA)
requires that public agencies shall not approve or carry out a project for which an EIR has been
certified that identifies one or more significant adverse environmental effects of a project unless the
public agency makes one or more written Findings for each of those significant effects, accompanied
by a brief explanation of the rationale for each Finding (CEQA Guidelines [California Code or
Regulations Title 14, Section 15000 et seq.] Section 15091). This document presents the CEQA
Findings of Fact made by the City and its Statement of Overriding Considerations, in its capacity as
the CEQA lead agency, regarding the 2040 General Plan Update, evaluated in the Draft EIR and Final
EIR for the project.
As required by CEQA, the City, in adopting these CEQA Findings and Statement of Overriding
Considerations, also adopts a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) for the project.
The City finds that the MMRP, which is incorporated by reference, meets the requirements of Public
Resources Code (PRC) Section 21081.6 by providing for the implementation and monitoring of
measures intended to mitigate potentially significant effects of the project. In accordance with
CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines, the City adopts these findings as part of the project approval.
Pursuant to PRC Section 21082.1(c)(3), the City also finds that the Final EIR reflects the City’s
independent judgment as the lead agency for the project.
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 2026-03: EXHIBIT B
Table of Contents
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations i
4922-9711-1443 v1
Table of Contents
1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 1
Statutory Requirements for Findings.......................................................................................... 1
Procedural Findings ................................................................................................................... 2
Findings Required Under CEQA .................................................................................................. 3
Record of Proceedings ............................................................................................................... 4
Findings ..................................................................................................................................... 4
2 Proposed Project ....................................................................................................................... 5
Project Objectives ...................................................................................................................... 5
Project Description .................................................................................................................... 6
Alternatives ............................................................................................................................... 7
3 CEQA Findings of Independent Judgment .................................................................................. 9
Effects Determined Not to Be Significant ................................................................................... 9
Less Than Significant with Mitigation Impacts .......................................................................... 16
Significant and Unavoidable Impacts........................................................................................ 23
4 Findings Regarding Alternatives ............................................................................................... 27
Alternative 1: No Project Alternative ....................................................................................... 27
Alternative 2: Environmental Conservation .............................................................................. 28
Alternative 3: Multi-Family Residential Focused ....................................................................... 29
Alternative 4: “Missing Middle Housing” West of Highway 101 ................................................ 30
5 Statement of Overriding Considerations .................................................................................. 32
City of Seaside Seaside 2040
ii
Introduction
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations 1
4922-9711-1443 v1
1 Introduction
Statutory Requirements for Findings
Public Resources Code (PRC) Section 21002 states that “public agencies should not approve projects
as proposed if there are feasible alternatives or feasible mitigation measures available which would
substantially lessen the significant environmental effects of such projects”. Section 21002 further
states that the procedures required by CEQA “are intended to assist public agencies in
systematically identifying both the significant effects of proposed projects and the feasible
alternatives or feasible mitigation measures which will avoid or substantially lessen such significant
effects.”
According to PRC Section 21081 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15091, a public agency may only
approve or carry out a project for which an EIR has been completed that identifies any significant
environmental effects if the agency makes one or more of the following written finding(s) for each
of those significant effects accompanied by a brief explanation of the rationale for each finding:
(1) Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which avoid
or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect as identified in the final EIR.
(2) Such changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public
agency and not the agency making the finding. Such changes have been adopted by such
other agency or can and should be adopted by such other agency.
(3) Specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations, including provision of
employment opportunities for highly trained workers, make infeasible the mitigation
measures or project alternatives identified in the final EIR.
While CEQA requires that lead agencies adopt feasible mitigation measures or alternatives to
substantially lessen or avoid significant environmental impacts, an agency need not adopt infeasible
mitigation measures or alternatives (PRC Section 21002.1[c] [if “economic, social, or other
conditions make it infeasible to mitigate one or more significant effects on the environment of a
project, the project may nonetheless be carried out or approved at the discretion of a public
agency”]; see also CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6[a] [an “EIR is not required to consider
alternatives which are infeasible”]). CEQA defines “feasible” to mean “capable of being
accomplished in a successful manner within a reasonable period of time, taking into account
economic, environmental, social, and technological factors” (PRC Section 21061.1).
Environmental impacts that are less than significant do not require the imposition of mitigation
measures (Leonoff v. Monterey County Board of Supervisors (1990) 222 Cal.App.3d 1337, 1347).
For significant effects that cannot be mitigated to a less-than-significant level, the public agency is
required to find that specific overriding economic, legal, social, technological, or other benefits of
the project outweigh the significant effects on the environment (PRC Section 21081[b]). CEQA
Guidelines Section 15093 states:
“If the specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other benefits of a proposed project
outweigh the unavoidable adverse environmental effects, the adverse environmental effects
may be considered ‘acceptable.”
City of Rohnert Park Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan
2
Procedural Findings
The City Council of the City of Rohnert Park finds as follows:
Based on the nature and scope of the Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan, State Clearinghouse No.
2021020523, the City determined, based on substantial evidence, that the project may have a
significant effect on the environment and prepared an EIR. The EIR was prepared, noticed,
published, circulated, reviewed, and completed in full compliance with PRC Sections 21000 et seq.,
CEQA, and the CEQA Guidelines (14 California Code of Regulations Sections 15000 et. seq.), as
follows:
Notice of Preparation. After deciding that an EIR is required, the lead agency (the City) must file
a Notice of Preparation soliciting input on the EIR scope to the State Clearinghouse, other
concerned agencies, and parties previously requesting notice in writing (CEQA Guidelines
Section 15082; PRC Section 21092.2). The NOP must be posted in the County Clerk’s office for
30 days. The City prepared an NOP of the Draft EIR for a 51-day agency and public review period
that began on February 6, 2021, and ended on March 29, 2021. The City held a scoping meeting
on March 11, 2021. A second NOP was published for a 30-day agency and public review period
that began on February 15, 2022, and ended on March 17, 2022, and held a second scoping
meeting on March 10, 2022.
Draft EIR Prepared. The Draft EIR must contain a) table of contents or index; b) summary; c)
project description; d) environmental setting; e) discussion of significant impacts (direct,
indirect, cumulative, growth-inducing, and unavoidable impacts); f) a discussion of alternatives;
g) mitigation measures; h) discussion of irreversible changes, and i) any identified areas of
controversy. The City prepared a Draft EIR and circulated the Draft EIR for a 57-day public
review period that began on November 21, 2025, and ended on January 16, 2026. A
corresponding Notice of Availability (NOA) and Updated NOA was published to provide
notification when the Draft EIR became available for public review and when the public review
period was extended, respectively.
Notice of Completion and Notice of Availability (NOA). The lead agency must file a notice of
completion with the State Clearinghouse when it completes a Draft EIR and prepare an NOA.
The lead agency must place the NOA in the County Clerk’s office for 30 days and send a copy of
the NOA to anyone requesting it (CEQA Guidelines Section 15087). Additionally, public notice of
Draft EIR availability must be given through at least one of the following methods: a) publication
in a newspaper of general circulation; b) physical signage posting on and off the project site; and
c) direct mailing to owners and occupants of contiguous properties. The lead agency must solicit
input from other agencies and the public and respond in writing to all comments received (PRC
Sections 21104 and 21253). An NOA and Notice of Completion was prepared and submitted to
the State Clearinghouse with the Draft EIR on November 21, 2025. The NOA was updated to
provide additional time for public comment and the revised NOA was submitted to the State
Clearinghouse on December 29, 2025. The NOA was published with the Sonoma County Clerk
and published in the Rohnert Park Community Voice on November 21, 2025.
Final EIR. A Final EIR must include a) the Draft EIR; b) copies of comments received during public
review; c) list of persons and entities commenting; and d) responses to comments. The City
prepared a Final EIR, which was published on the City’s website on March 2, 2026.
Certification of Final EIR. Prior to making a decision on a proposed project, the lead agency
must certify that a) the Final EIR has been completed in compliance with CEQA; b) the Final EIR was presented to the decision-making body of the lead agency; and c) the decision-making body
Introduction
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations 3
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reviewed and considered the information in the Final EIR prior to approving a project (CEQA
Guidelines Section 15090).
Lead Agency Project Decision. The lead agency may a) disapprove the project because of its
significant environmental effects; b) require changes to the project to reduce or avoid
significant environmental effects; or c) approve the project despite its significant environmental
effects, if the proper findings and statement of overriding considerations are adopted (CEQA
Guidelines Sections 15042 and 15043).
Findings/Statement of Overriding Considerations. For each significant impact of the project
identified in the EIR, the lead agency must find, based on substantial evidence, that a) the project has been changed to avoid or substantially reduce the magnitude of the impact; b)
changes to the project are within another agency's jurisdiction and such changes have or should
be adopted; or c) specific economic, social, or other considerations make the mitigation
measures or project alternatives infeasible (CEQA Guidelines Section 15091). If an agency
approves a project with unavoidable significant environmental effects, it must prepare a written
Statement of Overriding Considerations that sets forth the specific social, economic, or other
reasons supporting the agency’s decision.
Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program. When the lead agency makes findings on significant
effects identified in the EIR, it must adopt a reporting or monitoring program for mitigation
measures adopted or made conditions of project approval to mitigate significant effects.
Notice of Determination (NOD). The lead agency must file a NOD after deciding to approve a
project for which an EIR is prepared (CEQA Guidelines Section 15094). A local agency must file
the NOD with the county clerk. The NOD must be posted for 30 days and sent to anyone
requesting notice previously. Posting of the NOD starts a 30-day statute of limitations on CEQA
legal challenges (PRC Section 21167[c]).
Findings Required Under CEQA
The City Council (the final decision-making body) of the City of Rohnert Park (the CEQA Lead Agency)
will determine whether to certify the EIR for the project. Because the Draft EIR identified a
potentially significant environmental impact, the City Council must also make certain “findings” as
part of its action to certify that the EIR has been completed in compliance with CEQA and to
approve the 2040 General Plan. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091 and PRC Section 21081,
no public agency shall approve or carry out a project for which an environmental impact report has
been certified, which identifies one or more significant effects on the environment that would occur
if the project is approved or carried out, unless the public agency makes one or more findings for
each of those significant effects, accompanied by a brief explanation of the rationale of each finding.
The possible findings, which must be supported by substantial evidence in the record, are:
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which avoid or
substantially lessen the significant environmental effect as identified in the Final EIR.
Such changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public
agency and not the agency making the finding. Such changes have been adopted by such other
agency or can and should be adopted by such other agency.
Specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations, including provision of
employment opportunities for highly trained workers, make infeasible the mitigation measures
or project alternatives identified in the Final EIR.
City of Rohnert Park Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan
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Record of Proceedings
For purposes of CEQA and these findings, the record before the City Council includes the following:
The Draft EIR and all appendices to the Draft EIR
The Final EIR, including an errata, comments on the Draft EIR, and responses to comments
Public notices required by CEQA
Studies conducted for the Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan and contained in, or referenced by,
the Draft EIR or the Final EIR
Documentary and oral evidence received and reviewed at public hearings, study sessions, and
workshops and transcripts and minutes of those hearings related to the Rohnert Park 2040
General Plan. the Draft EIR, and the Final EIR
For documentary and informational purposes, the Findings and Statement of Overriding
Conditions, Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, and other documentation relevant to
planned growth in the area
Additional items not listed above if otherwise required by law
Findings
The Final EIR is incorporated into these findings in its entirety. Without limitation, this incorporation
is intended to elaborate on the scope and nature of mitigation measures, the basis for determining
the significance of impacts, the comparative analysis of alternatives, and the reasons for approving
the Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan despite the potential for associated significant and unavoidable
adverse impacts.
For the purposes of these findings, the impact discussions include the relevant policies and actions,
as well as the separate mitigation measures imposed to reduce the impacts where the policies did
not result in a less than significant impact. In the findings that follow, impact numbers are provided.
The impact numbers correspond to sections of the Draft EIR that contain an expanded discussion of
impacts. Please refer to the referenced impact sections of the EIR for more detail.
Proposed Project
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations 5
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2 Proposed Project
Project Objectives
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15124(b), the EIR project description must include “[a]
statement of objectives sought by the proposed project. The statement of objectives should include
the underlying purpose of the project.” The Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan is intended to achieve
the following project objectives:
Racial, 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 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 business and other businesses, to 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.
Embrace all modes of transportation (e.g., pedestrian, 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 parks and quality
community services and programs.
City of Rohnert Park Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan
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Health and Safety
Ensure that the city is prepared for foreseeable local hazards (e.g., earthquake, 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, archaeological, 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.
Project Description
This EIR has been prepared to examine the potential environmental effects of the 2040 General Plan
(proposed project). The following is a summary of the full project description, which can be found in
Section 2, Project Description, of the Draft EIR.
The 2040 General Plan is a comprehensive update of the City’s 2020 General Plan. The 2040 General
Plan is made up of nine elements: Racial, Social, and Environmental Justice; Community
Development; Economic Development; Climate Change; Circulation; Public Facilities and Services;
Health and Safety; Resource Conservation; and Housing. The Community Development Element
describes the general distribution, location, and extent of various land uses. Fourteen separate land
use designations have been proposed in the 2040 General Plan to provide a mixture of land uses for
the City.
The 2040 General Plan designates land uses defining the type of development that can occur
throughout the City through the planning horizon year of 2040. Most of the future development
capacity in Rohnert Park is within specific plan areas, planned developments, and the Central
Rohnert Park Priority Development Area, especially for residential development. Development
capacity in the rest of the city will be through strategic infill sites. The project would include the
rezoning of two sites on Snyder Lane from Public Institutional to High Density Residential to ensure
consistency with the Housing Element.
Based on the number of new dwelling units projected under buildout of the 2040 General Plan, and
an assumed persons per unit rate by unit type, full buildout of the 2040 General Plan would result in
an additional estimated 15,844 new residents in Rohnert Park. When combined with the existing
2021 population of 42,484, the total population of Rohnert Park in 2040 would be 58,328 persons in
2040. A total of 2,579,960 square feet of non-residential space could be constructed within Rohnert
Park under full buildout of the 2040 General Plan. This additional non-residential space would
generate an estimated 6,165 new jobs in the City by 2040 in the retail, service, office,
manufacturing, and wholesale trade sectors. Proposed areas for development under the 2040
General Plan include the Central Rohnert Park Priority Development Area which features plans for a
new downtown area, the Northwest area, Rohnert Park Expressway Corridor, Southwest Boulevard
Commercial Corridor, Stadium Lands area, Dowdell Avenue Corridor, Northeast area, University
District, and Sonoma Mountain Village/Willowglen area.
Proposed Project
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations 7
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Alternatives
Based on the project objectives and anticipated environmental consequences, and pursuant to
CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6, the following project alternatives were selected for analysis:
Alternative 1: No Project. The No Project Alternative involves continued implementation of the
City’s current 2020 General Plan, including the land use map and all existing goals and policies,
and the current 2023-2031 Housing Element, would remain in place through the horizon year of
2040. Thus, any new development in Rohnert Park would occur consistent with the existing land
use designations and the allowed uses within each designation. Similarly, any new infrastructure
in Rohnert Park would occur as envisioned in the 2020 General Plan.
Development under this alternative compared to the proposed project provides less infill
residential development and less dense residential development on infill or undeveloped
properties within the City. This alternative would not include the Business Park (B-P) land use
designation and the existing Industrial (I-L), and Regional Commercial (C-R) land use
designations would remain in the northwest portion of the city, as shown on Figures 2-3 and 2-4
in Section 2, Project Description, of the Draft EIR. This alternative would not modify existing land
use designations. Because this alternative would not include the higher density and infill
residential development within developed areas of the city or the minor modifications to
existing land use designations, overall development and anticipated growth would be reduced
compared to the 2040 General Plan.
Alternative 2: Environmental Conservation. Alternative 2 would change the land use
designations of property located north of Golf Course Drive West and west of Dowdell Avenue
to “Environmental Conservation.” Existing rural residential uses would remain as non-
conforming uses. This alternative would result in adoption of the 2040 General Plan; however,
the total potential buildout by 2040 under this alternative would be reduced compared to the
proposed project. This alternative would result in the following land use modification from the
proposed 2040 General Plan land use designations:
Add the Environmental Conservation (E-C) land use designation to approximately 33 acres in
the northwest portion of the city, which would replace Business Park (B-P) land use
designations north of Golf Course Drive West and west of Dowdell Avenue.
Under this alternative, development would occur over a smaller area as compared to the
proposed project, with a reduced buildout potential of non-residential uses. Alternative 2 would
allow for less development potential compared to the proposed project.
Alternative 3: Workforce Housing Program. Alternative 3 includes the proposed 2040 General
Plan and associated land use changes described in Section 2, Project Description, of the Draft EIR
in addition to a General Plan and Zoning Code change that would implement a Workforce
Housing program throughout the City. The program would allow for the development of
workforce housing, targeting lower income groups, on any site with a non-residential zoning
designation, outside of the approved Specific Plan, Planned Development and Priority
Development Areas, with no additional approvals required beyond the standard approvals for
development per existing zoning designations. Practically, the City expects this Alternative
would result in additional housing developed along Rohnert Park Expressway, west of Highway
101 and along Redwood Boulevard.
Development would occur within the same general areas where development would occur
under the proposed project, with additional workforce housing units throughout the city in
City of Rohnert Park Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan
8
existing commercial and industrial areas, as described above. Alternative 3 would allow for
increased development potential compared to the proposed project.
Alternative 4: “Missing Middle Housing” West of Highway 101. Alternative 4 would replace the
proposed 2040 General Plan land use changes for the Northwest and Wilfred Dowdell Specific
Plan Areas (described in Section 2, Project Description, of the Draft EIR) with high density (R-H)
residential zoning. The intent of this alternative is to provide additional “missing middle”
housing options and to provide more flexibility for meeting the City’s Regional Housing Needs
Allocation. Alternative 4 would result in a greater residential unit count and population increase
as the proposed project and would result in a reduced non-residential square footage and job
count compared to the proposed project. Development would occur within the same general
areas where development would occur under the proposed project.
Refer to Section 6, Alternatives, of the Draft EIR for the complete alternatives analysis.
CEQA Findings of Independent Judgment
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations 9
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3 CEQA Findings of Independent
Judgment
Effects Determined Not to Be Significant
CEQA Guidelines Section 15128 requires an EIR to contain a statement briefly indicating the reasons
that various possible significant effects of a project were determined not to be significant and were,
therefore, not discussed in detail in the EIR. As such, implementation of the project was determined to
result in no potentially significant impacts related to the following issues and, consequently, these
issues were not discussed in detail in the EIR.
Aesthetics (State scenic highways)
Compliance with goals and policies of the 2040 General Plan and the City’s Design Guidelines would
ensure that new development does not have a substantial adverse effect on views from State scenic
highways. Therefore, no impact would occur related to visual resources within scenic highways.
SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCE
Page 4.18-1 of the Draft EIR.
Agricultural Resources (conversion of farmland, forest land, or timberland; conflict with agricultural uses, forest land, timberland, or Williamson Act
contracts)
The Plan Area does not contain Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, Farmland of Statewide
Importance, forest land, or timberland. The proposed project would not change land use
designations of parcels currently in agricultural use. Though there are Williamson Act contract lands
within the Plan Area, agriculture production would continue to occur on these parcels and the
proposed project would not conflict with agriculture or Williamson Act contract lands. Therefore, no
impacts would occur related to agricultural resources.
SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCE
Pages 4.18-1 through 4.18-2 of the Draft EIR.
Geology and Soils (soil suitability for septic systems)
Development facilitated by the proposed project would occur within developed areas containing
existing sanitary sewer systems and would require new development to connect to the existing
sewer system. Therefore, impacts related to unsuitable soil for septic systems would be less than
significant.
SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCE
Page 4.18-2 of the Draft EIR.
City of Rohnert Park Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan
10
Hazards and Hazardous Materials (located within an airport land use plan)
There are no public or private airports within the Plan Area. Therefore, no impacts would occur
related to proximity to airports.
SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCE
Page 4.18-2 of the Draft EIR.
Mineral Resources (loss of availability)
There are no mineral resources, existing mines, major mineral deposits, or critical minerals within
the Plan Area. Therefore, no impacts would occur related to mineral resources.
SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCE
Page 4.18-3 of the Draft EIR.
Noise (airport noise)
There are no public or private airports within the Plan Area. Therefore, no impacts would occur
related to airport noise.
SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCE
Page 4.18-3 of the Draft EIR.
Less Than Significant Impacts
The City Council of Rohnert Park finds that, based upon substantial evidence in the record, including
information in the Final EIR, the following impacts have been determined be less than significant
and no mitigation is required pursuant to PRC Section 21081(a) and CEQA Guidelines Section
15091(a).
Aesthetics (scenic vistas, visual character, and light and glare)
Compliance with goals and policies of the 2040 General Plan and the City’s Design Guidelines would
ensure that new development does not have a substantial adverse effect on scenic vistas, visual
character and quality, views from State scenic highways. Adherence to existing ordinances that
regulate light and glare for new development would ensure that new development does not have a
substantial adverse effect related to light and glare.
FINDING
The City Council of Rohnert Park finds that, based upon substantial evidence in the record, the
project’s aesthetics impacts related to scenic vistas, visual character, and light and glare would be
less than significant, and no mitigation measures are required.
SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCE
Pages 4.1-8 through 4.1-18 of the Draft EIR.
CEQA Findings of Independent Judgment
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations 11
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Biological Resources (riparian habitat and sensitive natural communities,
protected wetlands, wildlife movement corridors, conflicts with local policies
or ordinances, and conflicts with a Habitat Conservation Plan or Natural Community Conservation Plan)
Compliance with federal, State, and local regulations and policies would reduce potential impacts to
riparian habitat or other sensitive natural communities in the Plan Area. Through conservation of
natural areas as directed by the 2040 General Plan, impacts to wildlife movement corridors would
be reduced. Through compliance with goals and policies of the 2040 General Plan and conservation
strategies of the Santa Rosa Plain Conservation Strategy, impacts related to conflicts with local
policies or ordinances and adopted Habitat Conservation Plan or Natural Community Conservation
Plan would be reduced to less than significant. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant
related to these biological resources.
FINDING
The City Council of Rohnert Park finds that, based upon substantial evidence in the record, the
project’s biological resource impacts related to riparian habitat and sensitive natural communities,
protected wetlands, wildlife movement corridors, conflicts with local policies or ordinances, and
conflicts with a Habitat Conservation Plan or Natural Community Conservation Plan would be less
than significant, and no mitigation measures are required.
SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCE
Pages 4.3-21 through 4.3-27 of the Draft EIR.
Energy (inefficient use of energy, and conflicts with energy efficiency plans)
The project would comply with regulatory requirements related to energy efficiency, including
requirements for construction vehicle use, diversion of solid waste, and installation of energy
efficient fixtures and appliances. The project would comply with City land use policies related to
energy efficiency, and would not obstruct a State or local plan for renewable energy or energy
efficiency. Therefore, impacts related to energy would be less than significant.
FINDING
The City Council of Rohnert Park finds that, based upon substantial evidence in the record, the
project’s energy impacts related to inefficient use of energy, and conflicts with energy efficiency
plans would be less than significant, and no mitigation measures are required.
SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCE
Pages 4.5-14 through 4.5-25 of the Draft EIR.
Geology and Soils (fault rupture, seismic ground-shaking, liquefaction, landslides, soil erosion, unstable soils, expansive soils, and paleontological
resources)
Adherence to the California Building Code, Rohnert Park Municipal Code, and goals and policies of
the 2040 General Plan would reduce potential impacts related to rupture of a known earthquake
fault, strong seismic ground shaking, or seismic related ground failure including landslide, lateral
City of Rohnert Park Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan
12
spreading, subsidence, liquefaction, or collapse. Additional compliance with Clean Water Act
requirements would reduce impacts related to erosion and loss of topsoil. Compliance with
California Building Code, Rohnert Park Municipal Code, and goals and policies of the 2040 General
Plan in addition to proposed subsoil preparation, drainage, and foundation design would reduce
impacts related to geology and soils to less than significant. Adherence to 2040 General Plan policies
and implementation programs would reduce potential impacts to paleontological resources to less
than significant.
FINDING
The City Council of Rohnert Park finds that, based upon substantial evidence in the record, the
project’s geology and soils impacts related to fault rupture, seismic ground-shaking, liquefaction,
landslides, soil erosion, unstable soils, expansive soils, and paleontological resources would be less
than significant, and no mitigation measures are required.
SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCE
Pages 4.6-17 through 4.6-22 of the Draft EIR.
Hazards and Hazardous Materials (routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials; reasonably foreseeable upset; emissions within 0.25 mile of a school; Government Code Section 65962.5 listed sites; and interfere with an emergency response or evacuation plan)
Development facilitated by the proposed project may generate additional amounts of hazardous
waste and result in an increase in routine transport, use, and disposal of hazardous materials within
the Plan Area. Compliance with applicable regulations related to hazardous materials and 2040
General Plan goals and policies would minimize risk of releases and exposure to hazardous
materials. Compliance with existing regulatory requirements would minimize risks to schools and
students and reduce risks associated with development on contaminated sites. Maintenance of a
local hazard mitigation plan and emergency access implementation would reduce conflicts with
emergency response and/or evacuation plans. Therefore, impacts related to hazardous materials
would be less than significant.
FINDING
The City Council of Rohnert Park finds that, based upon substantial evidence in the record, the
project’s hazards and hazardous materials impacts related to routine transport, use, or disposal of
hazardous materials; reasonably foreseeable upset; emissions within 0.25 mile of a school;
Government Code Section 65962.5 listed sites; and interfere with an emergency response or
evacuation plan would be less than significant, and no mitigation measures are required.
SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCE
Pages 4.8-10 through 4.8-20 of the Draft EIR.
CEQA Findings of Independent Judgment
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations 13
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Hydrology and Water Quality (water quality, decrease groundwater supplies,
alter the drainage pattern, release pollutants during inundation, and conflicts
with a sustainable groundwater management plan)
Development facilitated by the project would be subject to state and local requirements related to
water quality impacts during construction and operation. With adherence to the Rohnert Park
Municipal Code, the 2004 Water Policy Resolution, and 2040 General Plan goals and policies,
projects implemented under the proposed project would not substantially decrease groundwater
supply or interfere with groundwater recharge such that the project would impede sustainable
groundwater management of the Santa Rosa Plan Basin. With adherence to the 2040 General Plan
goals and policies, as well as compliance with Rohnert Park Municipal Code regulations,
development facilitated by the proposed project would not result in erosion or siltation on- or off-
site; would not increase the rate or amount of surface runoff which would result in flooding on- or
off-site; would not substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the sites in a manner which
would contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater
drainage systems; and would not impede or redirect flood flows. Adherence with the Rohnert Park
Municipal Code that governs development in flood hazard areas and implementation of the 2040
General Plan goals and policies would limit the potential for inundation of development by flooding.
With adherence to State and local regulations and the 2040 General Plan goals and policies,
development under the proposed project would not interfere with the objectives and goals of the
Basin Plan. These impacts would be less than significant.
FINDING
The City Council of Rohnert Park finds that, based upon substantial evidence in the record, the
project’s hydrology and water quality impacts related to water quality, decrease groundwater
supplies, alter the drainage pattern, release pollutants during inundation, and conflicts with a
sustainable groundwater management plan would be less than significant, and no mitigation
measures are required.
SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCE
Pages 4.9-16 through 4.9-28 of the Draft EIR.
Land Use and Planning (divide an established community, and conflicts with
land use plans)
The proposed project would promote orderly development in the Plan Area and the urban growth
boundary by encouraging growth in designated focused areas, implementing transitional design
features, and providing guidelines for each land use designation. The proposed project contains
goals and policies that would promote consistency with land use plans and consistency with the
recently adopted Housing Element. Additionally, the majority of new developments resulting from
the proposed project would involve strategic locations within Special Area Plans intended to ensure
consistency with goals and policies, zoning requirements, and land use designations.
Implementation of the proposed project would be generally consistent with applicable adopted
plans, regulations, or policies, including Plan Bay Area 2050 and Sonoma County General Plan 2020.
Therefore, impacts would be less than significant related to land use and planning.
City of Rohnert Park Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan
14
FINDING
The City Council of Rohnert Park finds that, based upon substantial evidence in the record, the
project’s land use and planning impacts related to dividing an established community, and conflicts
with land use plans would be less than significant, and no mitigation measures are required.
SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCE
Pages 4.10-9 through 4.10-18 of the Draft EIR.
Noise (operational noise)
The continued regulation of on-site noise, consistent with the Rohnert Park Municipal Code, and
implementation of goals and policies in the 2040 General Plan would minimize disturbance to
adjacent land uses, and traffic noise increases would not exceed significance thresholds. Impacts
from new, permanent noise sources would be less than significant.
FINDING
The City Council of Rohnert Park finds that, based upon substantial evidence in the record, the
project’s noise impacts related to operation would be less than significant, and no mitigation
measures are required.
SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCE
Pages 4.11-12 through 4.11-15 of the Draft EIR.
Population and Housing (substantial unplanned population growth, and
displacement of people or housing)
The proposed project accommodates population growth. However, the proposed project is
intended to accommodate and plan for population growth and includes policies to manage growth
and development. The proposed project would facilitate the development of new housing in
accordance with State and local housing requirements, while preserving existing residential
neighborhoods. Therefore, impacts related to population and housing would be less than significant.
FINDING
The City Council of Rohnert Park finds that, based upon substantial evidence in the record, the
project’s population and housing impacts related to substantial unplanned population growth, and
displacement of people or housing would be less than significant, and no mitigation measures are
required.
SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCE
Pages 4.12-5 through 4.12-8 of the Draft EIR.
Public Services and Recreation (fire protection, police protection, schools, parks, other public facilities, use of neighborhood and regional parks, and construction of recreational facilities)
Development facilitated by the project would be required to comply with policies in the 2040
General Plan, the SOMO Village Project, and the Public Facilities Fee Program. The dedication of
CEQA Findings of Independent Judgment
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations 15
4922-9711-1443 v1
parkland or payment of fees pursuant to Quimby Act and Rohnert Park Municipal Code would be
required prior to development of individual projects. Adherence to 2040 General Plan policies and
payment of impact fees and/or property taxes related to new development would contribute to
new or expanded schools and/or public facilities, as needed. Therefore, impacts related to public
services would be less than significant.
FINDING
The City Council of Rohnert Park finds that, based upon substantial evidence in the record, the
project’s public services and recreation impacts related to fire protection, police protection, schools,
parks, other public facilities, use of neighborhood and regional parks, and construction of
recreational facilities would be less than significant, and no mitigation measures are required.
SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCE
Pages 4.13-7 through 4.13-15 of the Draft EIR.
Transportation and Traffic (conflicts with circulation plans, increased traffic hazards, and emergency access)
With implementation of applicable goals, policies, and implementation programs, the pedestrian
and bicycle circulation system will become more convenient, resulting in an improvement in quality
of service for users of existing and proposed facilities, improved access, and improved safety for
bicyclists and pedestrians. The proposed project is a program-level plan that does not directly
address project-level design features. Roadway improvements and site access measures would be
designed and reviewed in accordance with City standards. The proposed project identifies
circulation improvements and policies that support emergency access throughout the City.
Therefore, impacts related to transportation would be less than significant.
FINDING
The City Council of Rohnert Park finds that, based upon substantial evidence in the record, the
project’s transportation and traffic impacts related to conflicts with circulation plans, increased
traffic hazards, and emergency access would be less than significant, and no mitigation measures
are required.
SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCE
Pages 4.14-18 through 4.14-33 and 4.14-38 through 4.14-41 of the Draft EIR.
Utilities and Service Systems (water, wastewater, stormwater, electric power, natural gas, telecommunication facilities, and solid waste)
Development facilitated by the proposed project would occur in developed areas of the City where
electric power, natural gas, telecommunication, and stormwater drainage facilities already exist.
Compliance with 2040 General Plan policies would reduce potential impacts related to increased
demand. The City has adequate water supply to provide for development facilitated by the
proposed project during normal, dry, and multiple dry years. Adherence to 2040 General Plan
policies would reduce needs for relocation or construction of new and expanded water facilities and
water supplies would be adequate to support new development. The proposed project would
increase demand for wastewater treatment and increase the generation of solid waste, however,
City of Rohnert Park Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan
16
the existing wastewater treatment plant and local infrastructure serving the City have sufficient
capacity for future development. Therefore, impacts related to utilities and service systems would
be less than significant.
FINDING
The City Council of Rohnert Park finds that, based upon substantial evidence in the record, the
project’s utilities and service systems impacts related to water, wastewater, stormwater, electric
power, natural gas, telecommunication facilities, and solid waste would be less than significant, and
no mitigation measures are required.
SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCE
Pages 4.16-13 through 4.16-23 of the Draft EIR.
Wildfire (impair an adopted emergency response plan or evacuation plan, exacerbate wildfire risks, and expose people or structures to wildfire risk)
Implementation of 2040 General Plan policies and actions associated with emergency planning and
response, in addition to adherence to Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Mitigation Actions and Fire
Services Division review, would ensure that potential impacts from implementation of the proposed
project on emergency response and evacuation would be less than significant. The proposed project
does not include plans to extend the City’s sphere of influence or City limits into the adjacent
eastern fire hazard severity zones, but may include infill development on wildland-urban interface
borders, which is the area of the City most susceptible to wildfire. However, prevailing wind
patterns, slope, lack of greenfield development, and compliance with the Rohnert Park Municipal
Code and 2040 General Plan would ensure that development facilitated by the proposed project
would not exacerbate existing wildfire risks, expose residents or business occupants to a significant
risk of loss, injury or death, or to pollutants from a wildfire beyond existing conditions. Maintenance
of fire access roads could generate temporary or ongoing impacts related to noise and vegetation
removal. These impacts would be less than significant because maintenance would be infrequent
and limited to areas immediately next to fire access roads. Additionally, maintenance of these fire
access roads would reduce the potential for severe or catastrophic wildfires, rather than exacerbate
them. Therefore, impacts related to wildfire would be less than significant.
FINDING
The City Council of Rohnert Park finds that, based upon substantial evidence in the record, the
project’s wildfire impacts related to impair an adopted emergency response plan or evacuation
plan, exacerbate wildfire risks, and expose people or structures to wildfire risk would be less than
significant, and no mitigation measures are required.
SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCE
Pages 4.17-11 through 4.17-18 of the Draft EIR.
Less Than Significant with Mitigation Impacts
These topical areas contain impacts of the 2040 General Plan that are reduced to a less-than-
significant level through the implementation of mitigation measures. Pursuant to PRC Section
21081(a)(1) and CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1), as to each impact, the City, based on the
CEQA Findings of Independent Judgment
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations 17
4922-9711-1443 v1
evidence in the record before it, finds that changes or alterations incorporated into the 2040
General Plan mitigate, avoid, or substantially lessen to a level of insignificance these environmental
impacts of the project. The basis for the finding for each impact is set forth below.
Biological Resources (special-status species)
Impact BIO-1
Development facilitated by the proposed project would have the potential to modify habitat that
could affect special-status species during construction and operation. Impacts would be less than
significant with mitigation.
MITIGATION MEASURE BIO-1 PRE-CONSTRUCTION BIRD SURVEYS, AVOIDANCE, AND
NOTIFICATION
For construction activities initiated during the bird nesting season (February 1 – August 31) involving
removal of vegetation or other nesting bird habitat, including abandoned structures and other man-
made features, a pre-construction nesting bird survey shall be conducted no more than three days
prior to initiation of ground disturbance and vegetation removal activities. If a lapse in project-
related work of seven days or longer occurs, another survey shall be conducted before project work
can be reinitiated. The nesting bird pre-construction survey shall be conducted on foot and shall
include a 500-foot buffer around the construction site. The survey shall be conducted by a biologist
familiar with the identification of avian species known to occur in northern California Bay Area
communities (i.e., qualified biologist). If nests are found, an avoidance buffer shall be determined by
a qualified biologist dependent upon the species, the proposed work activity, and existing
disturbances associated with land uses outside of the site, which shall be demarcated by the
biologist with bright orange construction fencing, flagging, construction lathe, or other means to
demarcate the boundary. All construction personnel shall be notified as to the existence of the
buffer zone and to avoid entering the buffer zone during the nesting season. No ground disturbing
activities shall occur within the buffer until the biologist has confirmed that breeding/ nesting is
completed, and the young have fledged the nest. Encroachment into the buffer shall occur only at
the discretion of the qualified biologist on the basis that the encroachment will not be detrimental
to an active nest. A report summarizing the pre-construction survey(s) shall be prepared by a
qualified biologist and shall be submitted to the City prior to the commencement of construction
activities.
Proposed project site plans shall include a statement acknowledging compliance with the federal
Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and California Fish and Game Code (CFGC) that includes avoidance
of active bird nests and identification of Best Management Practices to avoid impacts to active
nests, including checking for nests prior to construction activities during February 1 to August 31
and what to do if an active nest is found so that the nest is not inadvertently impacted during
grading or construction activities.
MITIGATION MEASURE BIO-2 ROOSTING BATS
Prior to tree removal, a qualified biologist shall conduct a focused survey of all trees to be removed
or impacted by construction activities to determine whether active roosts of special status bats are
present on site. If tree removal is planned for the fall, the survey shall be conducted in September to
ensure tree removal will have adequate time to occur during seasonal periods of bat activity (March
1 to April 15, September 1 to October 15, or when evening temperatures rise above 45 degrees
City of Rohnert Park Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan
18
Fahrenheit and/or no more than 0.5 inch of rainfall within 24 hours occurs, as described below). If
tree removal is planned for the spring, then the survey shall be conducted during the earliest
possible time in March, to allow for suitable conditions for both the detection of bats and
subsequent tree removal. Trees containing suitable potential bat roost habitat features shall be
clearly marked or identified. If day roosts are found to be potentially present, the biologist shall
prepare a site-specific roosting bat protection plan to be implemented by the contractor following
the City’s approval. The plan shall incorporate the following guidance as appropriate:
When possible, removal of trees identified as suitable roosting habitat should be conducted
during seasonal periods of bat activity, including the following:
1. Between September 1 and about October 15, or before evening temperatures fall below 45
degrees Fahrenheit and/or more than 0.5 inch of rainfall within 24 hours occurs.
2. Between March 1 and April 15, or after evening temperatures rise above 45 degrees
Fahrenheit and/or no more than 0.5 inch of rainfall within 24 hours occurs.
If a tree must be removed during the breeding season (April 15 to August 31) and is identified as
potentially containing a colonial maternity roost, then a qualified biologist shall conduct acoustic
emergence surveys or implement other appropriate methods to further evaluate if the roost is an
active maternity roost. Under the biologist’s guidance, the contractor shall implement measures
similar to or better than the following:
1. If it is determined that the roost is not an active maternity roost, then the roost may be
removed in accordance with the other requirements of this measure.
2. If it is found that an active maternity roost of a colonial roosting species is present, the roost
shall not be disturbed during the breeding season (April 15 to August 31).
Potential colonial hibernation roosts shall only be removed during seasonal periods of bat
activity. Potential non-colonial roosts that cannot be avoided shall be removed on warm days in
late morning to afternoon when any bats present are likely to be warm and able to fly.
Appropriate methods shall be used to minimize the potential harm to bats during tree removal.
Such methods may include using a two-step tree removal process. This method is conducted over
two consecutive days and works by creating noise and vibration by cutting non-habitat branches
and limbs from habitat trees using chainsaws only (no excavators or other heavy machinery) on
day one. The noise and vibration disturbance, together with the visible alteration of the tree, is
very effective in causing bats that emerge nightly to feed to not return to the roost that night.
The remainder of the tree is removed on day two.
MITIGATION MEASURE BIO-3 CONDUCT PRE-CONSTRUCTION CROTCH’S BUMBLE BEE SURVEYS
AND IMPLEMENT AVOIDANCE MEASURES
For construction activities located in vacant or undeveloped areas containing open grasslands,
shrublands, or chaparral, a habitat assessment for Crotch’s bumble bee shall be performed by a
qualified biologist knowledgeable and experienced with Crotch’s bumble bee and the habitat in
which they occur. If the biologist determines that suitable habitat for Crotch’s bumble bee is
present, a focused survey shall be performed during the species’ active flight period for Crotch’s
bumble bee and peak blooming period of nectar and pollen sources (May 1 through July 31). The
Crotch’s bumble bee survey shall be conducted on foot and shall encompass the entirety of a
project site and focus on areas that allow for the highest probability of detection, such as high
abundance nectar or pollen sources and rodent burrows that may be used for breeding and nesting.
If Crotch’s bumble bee is determined to be present, the project proponent shall map the locations
CEQA Findings of Independent Judgment
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations 19
4922-9711-1443 v1
of the observed bumble bee, areas of abundant nectar or pollen sources, and any active nesting
sites. A report summarizing the results of the habitat assessment and focused survey (if required)
shall be prepared by the qualified biologist and shall be submitted to the City prior to the
commencement of construction activities. Further, consultation with the CDFW will be necessary in
the event Crotch’s bumble bee was observed within a project site and an Incidental Take Permit, in
accordance with the California Endangered Species Act, may be required prior to initiating any
ground disturbance on the site.
FINDING
The City finds that with incorporation of Mitigation Measures BIO-1, BIO-2, and BIO-3, which would
require a project applicant to conduct pre-construction bird surveys, focused surveys for roosting
bats, and pre-construction surveys for Crotch’s Bumble Bee, impacts to biological resources would
be reduced to a less than significant level. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091 (a)(1),
changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the proposed project that avoid
or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect to the extent feasible.
SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCE
Pages 4.3-16 through 4.3-20 of the Draft EIR.
Cultural Resources (historical resources, archaeological resources, and human remains)
Impact CR-1
Development facilitated by the proposed project would have the potential to impact historical
resources. Following the implementation of proposed General Plan policies, impacts would be less
than significant with mitigation.
MITIGATION MEASURE CR-1 HISTORICAL, 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. This measure shall be added as an implementation program in the
General Plan Resource Conservation Element.
FINDING
The City finds that with incorporation of Mitigation Measure CR-1, which would require the City to
conduct a study to establish and maintain an archaeological, cultural, historical, and architectural
resource database, impacts to cultural resources would be reduced to a less than significant level.
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091 (a)(1), changes or alterations have been required in, or
incorporated into, the proposed project that avoid or substantially lessen the significant
environmental effect to the extent feasible.
SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCE
Pages 4.4-10 through 4.4-12 of the Draft EIR.
City of Rohnert Park Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan
20
Impact CR-2
Development facilitated by the proposed project would have the potential to impact archaeological
resources, although implementation of applicable 2040 General Plan policies and implementation
programs, would minimize potential adverse impacts to archaeological resources. This impact would
be less than significant with mitigation.
MITIGATION MEASURE CR-2 REQUIREMENT FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES STUDY
The City shall require all discretionary projects to investigate the potential to disturb archaeological
resources. If preliminary reconnaissance suggests that archaeological resources may exist on a
proposed project site, a Phase I archaeological resources study shall be performed by a qualified
professional meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s (SOI) Professional Qualification Standard (PQS)
for archaeology (NPS 1983). A Phase I archaeological resources study shall include a pedestrian
survey of the project site and sufficient background research and, as necessary, field sampling to
determine whether archaeological resources may be present. Archival research shall include a
records search at the Northwest Information Center (NWIC) and a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search
with the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), and consultation with the Federated
Indians of Graton Rancheria (FIGR), including a request to FIGR to conduct a tribal registry records
search and an invitation to FIGR to provide a cultural monitor for the survey. The Phase I technical
report documenting the study shall include recommendations to avoid or reduce impacts on
archaeological resources. The project sponsor shall implement the recommendations. This measure
shall be added as an implementation program in the General Plan Resource Conservation Element.
Implementation of this program may require additional recommendations to avoid and/or reduce
impacts to archaeological resources which would be determined on a project-by-project basis.
FINDING
The City finds that with incorporation of Mitigation Measure CR-2, which would require all
discretionary projects to investigate the potential to disturb archaeological resources and may
require preparation of a Phase I archaeological resources study, impacts to cultural resources would
be reduced to a less than significant level. Mitigation Measures TCR-1, TCR-2, and TCR-3 (provided
under Tribal Cultural Resources, below) would also be required. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines
Section 15091 (a)(1), changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the
proposed project that avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect to the extent
feasible.
SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCE
Pages 4.4-12 through 4.4-14 of the Draft EIR.
Impact CR-3
Ground-disturbing activities associated with development facilitated by the proposed project could
result in damage to or destruction of human burials, although compliance with existing regulations
on human remains would minimize impacts. These impacts would be less than significant with
mitigation.
CEQA Findings of Independent Judgment
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations 21
4922-9711-1443 v1
MITIGATION MEASURE CR-3 SENSITIVE LOCATION OF HUMAN REMAINS
For any development facilitated by the project where human remains are expected to be present
based on the results of tribal consultation and/or as identified by a qualified archaeologist, the City
shall consult with FIGR and other local California Native American tribe(s) as applicable on the
decision to employ a canine forensics team. If a canine forensics team is employed, the City shall
require the team to attempt to identify human remains in a non-invasive way (e.g., non-excavation).
Any requirements for the use of a canine forensics team shall be documented in the tribal cultural
resources treatment plan prepared under Mitigation Measure TCR-2. The tribal cultural resources
treatment plan may require revisions to the design of development facilitated by the project or an
addendum to the treatment plan in the event that human remains are identified, with avoidance as
the preferred recommendation, as set forth in Mitigation Measure TCR-1. For any development
facilitated by the project, regardless of whether Native American remains or burials are expected to
be present, in the event of an inadvertent discovery of tribal cultural resources or Native American
remains or burials, the City shall consult with FIGR to determine the appropriate treatment, with a
priority for avoidance as set forth in TCR-1.
FINDING
The City finds that with incorporation of Mitigation Measure CR-3, which would require projects
where human remains are expected to be present based on the results of tribal consultation and/r a
qualified archaeologist, to consult with FIGR and other local California Native American tribe(s) to
determine the appropriate treatment, impacts to cultural resources would be reduced to a less than
significant level. Mitigation Measures TCR-1, TCR-2, and TCR-3 (provided under Tribal Cultural
Resources, below) would also be required. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091 (a)(1),
changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the proposed project that avoid
or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect to the extent feasible.
SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCE
Pages 4.4-14 through 4.4-16 of the Draft EIR.
Noise (vibration)
Impact N-3
Construction of individual projects facilitated by the proposed project could temporarily generate
groundborne vibration, potentially affecting nearby land uses. Policies in the 2040 General Plan
would limit vibration disturbance and reduce high vibration levels during working construction
hours to the extent feasible. However, construction vibration from pile-drivers may disturb people
or damage buildings. Impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
MITIGATION MEASURE N-2 CONSTRUCTION VIBRATION REDUCTION MEASURES
The following measures to minimize exposure to construction vibration shall be included as
standard conditions of approval for applicable projects involving construction:
1. Building Examination. The pre-existing condition of any buildings within 25 feet of any
construction activities shall be recorded in order to evaluate damage from project-related
construction. Fixtures and finishes within a 25-foot radius of construction activities susceptible
City of Rohnert Park Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan
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to damage will be documented (photographically and in writing) prior to construction. All
damage will be repaired back to its pre-existing condition.
2. Stationary Equipment. All vibratory stationary construction equipment shall be placed as far as
possible from the nearest sensitive receptors.
3. Equipment Staging Areas. Equipment staging shall be located in areas that will create the
greatest distance feasible between construction-related vibration sources and noise-sensitive
receptors.
FINDING
The City finds that with incorporation of Mitigation Measure N-2, which requires construction
vibration reduction measures, impacts from construction vibration would be reduced to a less than
significant level. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091 (a)(1), changes or alterations have been
required in, or incorporated into, the proposed project that avoid or substantially lessen the
significant environmental effect to the extent feasible.
SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCE
Pages 4.11-15 through 4.11-17 of the Draft EIR.
Tribal Cultural Resources
Impact TCR-1
Development facilitated by the proposed project would involve land disturbance, which has the
potential to disturb natural communities, expose buried cultural resources and by extension impact
tribal cultural resources. These impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
MITIGATION MEASURE TCR-1 AVOIDANCE OF TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES
When feasible, development facilitated by the project shall be designed to avoid known tribal
cultural resources. The feasibility of avoidance of tribal cultural resources shall be determined by
the City and applicant in consultation with FIGR, as required by State law.
MITIGATION MEASURE TCR-2 TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCE PLAN
A Tribal Cultural Resources (TCR) Plan shall be required for development occurring in areas
identified as potentially sensitive for tribal cultural resources during consultation with FIGR.
If the project includes ground disturbance, the TCR Plan shall include a TCR treatment plan to be
implemented in the event an unanticipated archaeological resource that may be considered a tribal
cultural resource is identified during construction. In the event of an inadvertent discovery of tribal
cultural resources or a Native American remain or burial, the TCR Plan shall require consultation
with FIGR. The treatment plan shall include any necessary monitoring requirements, suspension of
all earth-disturbing work in the vicinity of the find, avoidance of the resource or, if avoidance of the
resource is infeasible, the plan shall outline the appropriate treatment of the resource in
consultation with FIGR and, if applicable, a qualified archaeologist.
Examples of appropriate treatment for tribal cultural resources include, but are not limited to,
protecting the cultural character and integrity of the resource, protecting traditional use of the
resource, preservation in place, protecting the confidentiality of the resource, or heritage recovery.
CEQA Findings of Independent Judgment
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations 23
4922-9711-1443 v1
The TCR Plan and treatment plan shall be reviewed and approved by the City and FIGR to confirm
compliance with this measure prior to construction.
MITIGATION MEASURE TCR-3 NATIVE AMERICAN MONITORING
For development occurring in areas identified as potentially sensitive for tribal cultural resources
through consultation with FIGR, the project applicant shall retain a FIGR tribal monitor to observe all
ground disturbance, including archaeological excavation, associated with development facilitated by
the project. Monitoring methods and requirements shall be outlined in a tribal cultural resources
treatment plan prepared as described above under Mitigation Measure TCR-2. In the event of a
discovery of tribal cultural resources, the steps identified in the TCR treatment plan prepared under
Mitigation Measure TCR-2 shall be implemented.
MITIGATION MEASURE TCR-4 SENSITIVE LOCATION OF HUMAN REMAINS
For any development facilitated by the project where human remains are expected to be present
based on the results of tribal consultation and/or as identified by a qualified archaeologist, the City
shall consult with FIGR and other local California Native American tribe(s) as applicable on the
decision to employ a canine forensics team. Ifa canine forensics team is employed, the City shall
require the team to attempt to identify human remains in a noninvasive way (e.g., non-excavation).
Any requirements for the use of a canine forensics team shall be documented in the TCR treatment
plan prepared under Mitigation Measure TCR-2. The TCR treatment plan may require revisions to
the design of development facilitated by the project or an addendum to the treatment plan in the
event that human remains are identified, with avoidance as set forth in TCR-1 as the preferred
recommendation. For any development facilitated by the project, regardless of whether Native
American remains or burials are expected to be present, in the event of an inadvertent discovery of
tribal cultural resources or Native American remains or burials, the City shall consult with FIGR to
determine the appropriate treatment, with a priority for avoidance as set forth in TCR-1.
FINDING
The City finds that with incorporation of Mitigation Measures TCR-1, TCR-2, TCR-3, and TCR-4, which
require avoidance of tribal cultural resources, preparation of a tribal cultural resource plan, native
American monitoring, and consultation for the sensitive location of human remains, impacts related
to tribal cultural resources would be reduced to a less than significant level. Pursuant to CEQA
Guidelines Section 15091 (a)(1), changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into,
the proposed project that avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect to the
extent feasible.
SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCE
Pages 4.15-4 through 4.15-7 of the Draft EIR.
Significant and Unavoidable Impacts
The City Council, having reviewed and considered the information contained in the Final EIR and the
record of proceedings, and pursuant to PRC Section 21081(a)(3) and CEQA Guidelines Section
15091(a)(3), makes the following findings with respect to impacts of the project that are significant
and unavoidable. The City Council hereby finds that mitigation measures identified in the EIR that
have been required in or incorporated into the project would lessen the following significant
City of Rohnert Park Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan
24
environmental impacts but not to a less than significant level. These findings are based on the
discussion of impacts in the detailed impact analyses in Section 4 of the Draft EIR as well as relevant
responses to comments in the Final EIR. The findings below are for impacts where implementation
of the project may result in the following significant, unavoidable environmental impacts, even with
the implementation of mitigation measures.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions (generate emissions, and conflict with greenhouse gas emission reduction plans)
Impact GHG-1
Development facilitated by the proposed project would make progress towards achieving State
goals but may not meet State 2030 or 2045 goals. Implementation Programs CC-A and CC-B would
result in development of a Climate Action Plan (CAP) and implementation of CEQA greenhouse gas
(GHG) thresholds; however, development facilitated by the proposed project is unlikely to meet the
2030 and 2045 goals until a CAP is developed and adopted. Therefore, this impact would be
significant and unavoidable.
FINDING
With the implementation of General Plan Policies C-3.1, C-3.2, C-3.3, C-3.4, C-3.5, C-9.1, C-9.2, CD-
3.4, CD-3.5, CD-7.2, CD-7.3, PFS-3.3, PFS-3.4, PFS-3.7, C-5.1, C-6.4, CC-2.6, and C-8.2; and General
Plan Implementation Programs CC-A and CC-B, development facilitated by the 2040 General Plan
would be consistent with State emissions goals, once the CAP and CEQA thresholds are adopted.
However, individual projects that may occur before Implementation Programs CC-A and CC-B are
completed and fully implemented; therefore, development facilitated by the project would not be
guaranteed to be consistent with State emissions goals, nor are exact emissions reductions known
at the time of adoption of the 2040 General Plan.
There are no reasonable or feasible mitigation measures that would ensure the completion of
Implementation Programs CC-A and CC-B prior to new development allowed by the proposed
project occurring within the city. Until the CEQA GHG thresholds are adopted and the CAP is
developed, as required by General Plan Implementation Programs CC-A and CC-B, implementation
of the proposed project would not be consistent with Bay Area Air District GHG thresholds, nor
would it be consistent with State GHG reduction plans.
There are no additional feasible mitigation measures that could reduce this potentially significant
impact. Therefore, this impact would remain significant and unavoidable.
The City finds that no mitigation measures or alternatives are feasible that would reduce this impact
to less than significant levels. Since no feasible mitigation measures or project alternatives have
been found to reduce the impact to a less than significant level, this impact remains significant and
unavoidable.
SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCE
Pages 4.17-13 through 4.17-19 of the Draft EIR.
CEQA Findings of Independent Judgment
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations 25
4922-9711-1443 v1
Noise (construction noise)
Impact N-1
Construction of individual projects facilitated by the proposed project would temporarily generate
increased noise levels, potentially affecting nearby noise-sensitive land uses. Provisions in the
Rohnert Park Municipal Code and 2040 General Plan policies would limit noise disturbance to the
extent feasible. However, construction noise may still exceed noise standards and impacts would be
significant and unavoidable. Mitigation Measure N-1 below has been developed to address this
potential impact.
MITIGATION MEASURE N-1 CONSTRUCTION NOISE REDUCTION MEASURES
The following measures to minimize exposure to construction noise shall be included as standard
conditions of approval for applicable projects involving construction:
1. Mufflers. During excavation and grading construction phases, all construction equipment, fixed
or mobile, shall be operated with closed engine doors and shall be equipped with properly
operating and maintained mufflers consistent with manufacturers’ standards.
2. Stationary Equipment. All stationary construction equipment shall be placed so that emitted
noise is directed away from the nearest sensitive receptors.
3. Equipment Staging Areas. Equipment staging shall be located in areas that will create the
greatest distance feasible between construction-related noise sources and noise-sensitive
receptors.
4. Smart Back-up Alarms. Mobile construction equipment shall have smart back-up alarms that
automatically adjust the sound level of the alarm in response to ambient noise levels.
Alternatively, back-up alarms shall be disabled and replaced with human spotters to ensure
safety when mobile construction equipment is moving in the reverse direction
FINDING
Implementation of 2040 General Plan Policy HS-6.2, Rohnert Park Municipal Code requirements,
and Mitigation Measure N-1 would reduce construction noise over ambient noise levels. However,
implementation of Mitigation Measure N-1 would not ensure that all construction-related noise
impacts would be reduced enough to not be considered a substantial increase in noise. No
mitigation is available that would reduce impacts to a less than significant level.
While implementation of Mitigation Measure N-1 would reduce impacts to the extent feasible,
some project-specific impacts may be unavoidable. Therefore, the City finds that despite
incorporation of Mitigation Measure N-1, which would require construction noise reduction
measures, impacts related to construction noise would remain significant and unavoidable. The City
finds that no other mitigation measures or alternatives are feasible that would reduce this impact to
less than significant levels. Since no feasible mitigation measures or project alternatives have been
found to reduce the impact to a less than significant level, this impact remains significant and
unavoidable.
SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCE
Pages 4.11-10 through 4.11-12 of the Draft EIR.
City of Rohnert Park Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan
26
Transportation and Traffic (vehicle miles traveled)
Impact TRA-2
Roadway capacity improvements designed to accommodate development and population growth
facilitated by the proposed project would increase VMT in Rohnert Park. In addition, development
facilitated by the proposed project would increase VMT in the Plan Area and VMT per service
population would not be 15 percent below the Citywide VMT per service population. Therefore, the
proposed project would be inconsistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3(b). Impacts would be
significant and unavoidable.
FINDING
While the implementation of 2040 General Plan goals, policies, and implementation programs
(including implementation of Program C-E) may reduce Total VMT per Service Population, the City of
Rohnert Park may not achieve the overall VMT reduction level required to reduce impacts as the
effectiveness of VMT reductions strategies is not certain at this time. Disruptive changes to
transportation such as transportation network companies (i.e., Uber, Lyft), increased delivery
services (Amazon, UPS, FedEx, food, etc.), and autonomous vehicles may increase Total VMT per
Service Population beyond forecast levels. There are no reasonable or feasible mitigation measures
that could increase the effectiveness or guarantee the anticipated effectiveness of 2040 General
Plan policies and programs that would reduce VMT. There are no additional feasible mitigation
measures that could reduce this potentially significant impact. Therefore, this impact would remain
significant and unavoidable.
The City finds that no mitigation measures or alternatives are feasible that would reduce this impact
to less than significant levels. Since no feasible mitigation measures or project alternatives have
been found to reduce the impact to a less than significant level, this impact remains significant and
unavoidable.
SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCE
Pages 4.14-33 through 4.14-38 of the Draft EIR.
Findings Regarding Alternatives
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations 27
4922-9711-1443 v1
4 Findings Regarding Alternatives
CEQA requires that an EIR include an analysis of a reasonable range of feasible alternatives to a
project capable of avoiding or substantially lessening any significant adverse environmental impact
associated with the project. The discussion of alternatives is required to include the “No Project”
alternative. CEQA requires further that the City identify an environmentally superior alternative. If
the “No Project” alternative is the environmentally superior alternative, an environmentally
superior alternative must be identified from among the other alternatives (CEQA Guidelines Section
15126.6). However, “CEQA did not require the City to choose the environmentally superior
alternative. It simply required the City to consider environmentally superior alternatives, explain the
considerations that led it to conclude that those alternatives were infeasible, weigh those
considerations against the environmental harm that the Plan would cause, and make findings that
the benefits of those considerations outweighed the harm” (California Native Plant Society v. City of
Santa Cruz (2009) 177 Cal.App.4th 957, 1005-1006).
Whether to reject or approve any of the alternatives is a decision only for the decision-makers.
“They may reject alternatives that are undesirable from a policy standpoint as well as alternatives
that fail to meet project objectives” (Ocean Street Extension Neighborhood Assn. v. City of Santa
Cruz [2021] 73 Cal.App.5th 985, 1016). “While it is up to the EIR preparer to identify alternatives as
potentially feasible, the decision-making body ’may or may not reject those alternatives as being
infeasible‘ when it comes to project approval. Rejection by the decision-makers does not undermine
the validity of the EIR's alternatives analysis” (California Native Plant Society v. City of Santa Cruz
[2009] 177 Cal.App.4th 957, 999; 99 Cal.Rptr.3d 572, 602).
Alternative 1: No Project Alternative
Alternative 1 is comprised of a land use pattern that reflects the land use identified in the existing
2020 General Plan. Under this alternative, the proposed 2040 General Plan would not be adopted
and the existing 2020 General Plan, including the land use map and all existing goals and policies,
and the current 2023-2031 Housing Element, would remain in place through the horizon year of
2040. Thus, any new development in Rohnert Park would occur consistent with the existing land use
designations and the allowed uses within each designation. Similarly, any new infrastructure in
Rohnert Park would occur as envisioned in the 2020 General Plan.
Development under this alternative compared to the proposed project provides less infill residential
development and less dense residential development on infill or undeveloped properties within the
City. This alternative would not include the Business Park (B-P) land use designation and the existing
Industrial (I-L), and Regional Commercial (C-R) land use designations would remain in the northwest
portion of the city, as shown on Figures 2-3 and 2-4 in Section 2, Project Description, of the Draft
EIR. This alternative would not modify existing land use designations. Because this alternative would
not include the higher density and infill residential development within developed areas of the city
or the minor modifications to existing land use designations, overall development and anticipated
growth would be reduced compared to the 2040 General Plan. Overall growth would be similar to
that anticipated under the current 2020 General Plan with a potential buildout of approximately
6,031 dwelling units, a population of approximately 15,679, non-residential development of 2.4
million square feet, and 5,728 new jobs by the year 2040 (refer to Table 6-1 in Section 6,
Alternatives, of the Draft EIR). This would be a reduction in overall development and growth
City of Rohnert Park Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan
28
compared to the 2040 General Plan which anticipates a potential buildout of approximately 6,127
dwelling units, a population of approximately 15,844, non-residential development of 2.6 million
square feet, and 6,165 new jobs by the year 2040 (refer to Table 6-1 in Section 6, Alternatives, of the
Draft EIR).
Finding
Alternative 1 (No Project) assumes that the proposed 2040 General Plan would not be
implemented. Future development would follow the existing 2020 General Plan, and no land use
changes would occur. Significant and unavoidable impacts from GHG emissions, construction noise,
and VMT would remain. However, the lack of policies reducing GHG emissions and construction
noise in the 2020 General Plan compared to the proposed project would result in increased GHG
and noise impacts. Alternative 1 would not achieve the VMT thresholds described in Section 4.14,
Transportation and Traffic, of the Draft EIR. Additionally, Alternative 1 would not fulfill any Project
Objectives because no General Plan update would be adopted, resulting in no changes to the land
use plan and policies governing future development in the city.
The City rejects Alternative 1 as infeasible because it would not achieve the objectives of the
proposed project. Furthermore, Alternative 1 would result in greater impacts to air quality,
biological resources, energy, GHG emissions, hazards and hazardous materials, land use and
planning, noise, and transportation and traffic, as compared to the proposed project. Furthermore,
Alternative 1 would not reduce any of the significant and unavoidable impacts of the 2040 General
Plan to a less than significant level.
The findings for the proposed project set forth in this document and the overriding social, economic
and other considerations set forth in the Statement of Overriding Considerations provide support
for the proposed project and the elimination of this alternative from further consideration.
Supportive Evidence
Pages 6-3 through 6-10 of the Draft EIR.
Alternative 2: Environmental Conservation
Alternative 2 would change the land use designations of property located north of Golf Course Drive
West and west of Dowdell Avenue to “Environmental Conservation.” Existing rural residential uses
would remain as non-conforming uses. This alternative would result in adoption of the 2040 General
Plan; however, the total potential buildout by 2040 under this alternative would be reduced
compared to the proposed project. This alternative would result in the following land use
modification from the proposed 2040 General Plan land use designations:
Add the Environmental Conservation (E-C) land use designation to approximately 33 acres in the
northwest portion of the city, which would replace Business Park (B-P) land use designations
north of Golf Course Drive West and west of Dowdell Avenue.
All modified land uses from the proposed project land use designations are shown in Figure 6-1 in
Section 6, Alternatives, of the Draft EIR.
Under this alternative, development would occur over a smaller area as compared to the proposed
project, with a reduced buildout potential of non-residential uses. Alternative 2 would allow for less
development potential compared to the proposed project.
Findings Regarding Alternatives
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations 29
4922-9711-1443 v1
Finding
Alternative 2 (Environmental Conservation) would implement the proposed 2040 General Plan with
reduced land uses in the northwest area of the City. Under this alternative, the significant and
unavoidable impacts from GHG emissions, noise, and VMT would remain significant and
unavoidable. However, the reduced overall development would reduce impacts related to noise and
VMT. Overall, Alternative 2 would be considered the environmentally superior alternative, as most
impacts are slightly reduced as a result of less overall development. Alternative 2 would not fulfill
the Project Objectives to the same extent as the proposed project because the development
potential under this alternative would provide a smaller amount of economic growth and
population growth potential in the city.
The City rejects Alternative 2 as infeasible because while it would fulfill some of the Project
Objectives, it would do so to a lesser extent than the proposed project because the development
potential under this alternative would provide a smaller amount of economic growth and
population growth potential in the city. However, Alternative 2 would be consistent with proposed
policies to support Racial, Social and Environmental Justice (by supporting adjacent tribal land use
practices), Climate Change (by reducing emissions from development and enhancing resilience
through land conservation) and Resource Conservation.
The findings for the proposed project set forth in this document and the overriding social, economic
and other considerations set forth in the Statement of Overriding Considerations provide support
for the proposed project and the elimination of this alternative from further consideration.
Supportive Evidence
Pages 6-11 through 6-18 of the Draft EIR.
Alternative 3: Workforce Housing Program
Alternative 3 includes the proposed 2040 General Plan and associated land use changes described in
Section 2, Project Description, in addition to a General Plan and Zoning Code change that would
implement a Workforce Housing program throughout the City. The program would allow for the
development of workforce housing, targeting lower income groups, on any site with a non-
residential zoning designation, outside of the approved Specific Plan, Planned Development and
Priority Development Areas, with no additional approvals required beyond the standard approvals
for development per existing zoning designations. Practically, the City expects this Alternative would
result in additional housing developed along Rohnert Park Expressway, west of Highway 101 and
along Redwood Boulevard.
This alternative would result in the future construction of approximately 400 workforce housing
units throughout the city. These units are anticipated to be constructed on vacant land or under-
utilized parking lots in existing commercial and industrial areas. The intent of this alternative is to
provide additional housing options for low to median income earners and to provide more flexibility
for meeting the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation. Alternative 3 would result in a greater
residential unit count and population increase as the proposed project. Alternative 3 could result in
a reduction in non-residential square footage and job count but for the purposes of analysis it is
conservatively assumed that these will be same as the proposed project.
City of Rohnert Park Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan
30
Finding
Alternative 3 (Workforce Housing Program) would result in 400 additional housing units of low and
median income housing in existing non-residential areas. While this alternative would result in
increased residential development throughout the city, it would result in lower VMT per capita as
the new residences would be on vacant land or under-utilized parking lots in existing commercial
and industrial areas (e.g. along Rohnert Park Expressway west of Highway 101), which would result
in reduced VMT per capita by approximately 1.3 percent as compared to the CEQA baseline. Under
this alternative, the significant and unavoidable impacts from GHG emissions, noise, and VMT would
remain significant and unavoidable, with GHG impacts remaining the same, noise impacts slightly
increased due to the overall increase in development potential, and VMT impacts slightly decreased
due to the decrease in VMT per capita. In general, Alternative 3 would have a similar impact to the
majority of the remaining impact sections, as compared to the proposed project. Alternative 3
would fulfill all of the Project Objectives and provide additional options for meeting the RHNA
allocation for the City of Rohnert Park.
Development would occur within the same general areas where development would occur under
the proposed project, with additional workforce housing units throughout the city in existing
commercial and industrial areas, as described above. Alternative 3 would allow for increased
development potential compared to the proposed project. Alternative 3 would fulfill all of the
Project Objectives and provide the City with more flexibility to meet its Regional Housing Needs
Allocation.
The City rejects Alternative 3 as infeasible. Although this alternative creates additional housing
opportunities, the proposed project already identifies a sufficient supply of sites to meet the City’s
RHNA. Alternative 3 would reduce the available land supply for job and revenue creating uses,
which is an important project objective. Alternative 3 would result in greater impacts to noise, as
compared to the proposed project. Furthermore, Alternative 3 would not reduce any of the
significant and unavoidable impacts of the 2040 General Plan to a less than significant level.
The findings for the proposed project set forth in this document and the overriding social, economic
and other considerations set forth in the Statement of Overriding Considerations provide support
for the proposed project and the elimination of this alternative from further consideration.
Supportive Evidence
Pages 6-18 through 6-26 of the Draft EIR.
Alternative 4: “Missing Middle Housing” West of Highway
101
Alternative 4 would replace the proposed 2040 General Plan land use changes for the Northwest
and Wilfred Dowdell Specific Plan Areas (described in Section 2, Project Description, of the Draft EIR)
with high density (R-H) residential zoning. This proposed change is shown in Figure 6-3 in Section 6,
Alternatives, of the Draft EIR. Alternative 4 was assumed to include up to 450 new residential units
and a reduction of 643,697 square feet of commercial/industrial development. Alternative 4
assumes that the 450 additional housing units are developed under the City’s current municipal
code requirements, which would ensure 15 percent of the housing is affordable to lower-income
households and that parkland is provided at a standard of 5 acres per 1,000 residents.
Findings Regarding Alternatives
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations 31
4922-9711-1443 v1
The intent of this alternative is to provide additional “missing middle” housing options and to
provide more flexibility for meeting the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation. Alternative 4
would result in a greater residential unit count and population increase as the proposed project and
would result in a reduced non-residential square footage and job count compared to the proposed
project. Development would occur within the same general areas where development would occur
under the proposed project.
Finding
Alternative 4 (“Missing Middle Housing” West of Highway 101) would result in 450 additional
housing units within the Northwest and Wilfred Dowdell Specific Plan Areas. While this alternative
would result in increased residential development in specific plan areas and a reduction in non-
residential development, it would result in lower VMT per capita of approximately 1.0 percent as
compared to the CEQA baseline, as residents would be located closer to commercial services. Under
this alternative, the significant and unavoidable impacts from GHG emissions, noise, and VMT would
remain significant and unavoidable, with GHG impacts remaining the same, and noise and VMT
impacts reduced due to the decreases in VMT per capita. In general, Alternative 4 would have a
similar impact to the majority of the remaining impact sections, as compared to the proposed
project.
Alternative 4 would allow the City to focus its economic development and job creation resources on
its two Priority Development Areas (Central Rohnert Park and SOMO Village), which may increase
the effectiveness of those efforts. However, Alternative 4 would result in fewer sites for economic
development activities overall. As such, Alternative 4 may not meet Project Objectives as well as
the proposed project with respect to increased employment opportunities and economic
development.
The City rejects Alternative 4 as infeasible because it would result in greater impacts to population
and housing, public services and recreation, and utilities and service systems, as a result of
increased development. Furthermore, Alternative 4 would not reduce any of the significant and
unavoidable impacts of the 2040 General Plan to a less than significant level.
The findings for the proposed project set forth in this document and the overriding social, economic
and other considerations set forth in the Statement of Overriding Considerations provide support
for the proposed project and the elimination of this alternative from further consideration.
Supportive Evidence
Pages 6-26 through 6-34 of the Draft EIR.
City of Rohnert Park Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan
32
5 Statement of Overriding Considerations
CEQA requires the decision-making agency to balance the benefits of a project against its significant
unavoidable impacts when determining whether to approve a project. If the benefits of the project
outweigh its unavoidable adverse environmental effects, those effects may be considered
acceptable (CEQA Guidelines Section 15093[a]). CEQA requires the agency to state in writing the
specific reasons for considering a project acceptable when significant impacts are not avoided or
substantially lessened. Those reasons must be based on substantial evidence in the Final EIR or
elsewhere in the administrative record (CEQA Guidelines Section 15093[b]). The General Plan
Update, as proposed, could result in significant unavoidable impacts related to GHG emissions,
construction noise, and vehicle miles traveled. These significant unavoidable impacts are identified
and discussed in Section 3 of the Findings.
The City adopts and makes this Statement of Overriding Considerations regarding the significant
unavoidable impacts and the anticipated benefits of the Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan. The City
finds that each of the benefits set forth below in this Statement constitutes a separate and
independent ground for finding that the benefits of the Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan outweigh
the risks of their potential significant adverse environmental impacts. The benefits of the Rohnert
Park 2040 General Plan, which constitute the specific economic, legal, social, technological and
other considerations that justify the approval of the Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan are as follows:
The proposed project would emphasize sustainable growth through well-planned development
that provides for the needs of Rohnert Park’s residents and businesses, makes efficient use of
land and infrastructure, protects important environmental resources, promotes the health of
the community, and maintains the unique character of the City.
The proposed project would emphasize infill and reuse development within the City limits with
a focus on increasing opportunities for housing development in Priority Development Areas,
Specific Plan areas, and infill corridors of the City through mixed-use projects where appropriate
while revitalizing underused land.
The proposed project would encourage development in Priority Development Areas in an effort
to create a more equitable and inclusive city for all residents.
The proposed project would support implementation of proposed racial, social, and
environmental justice policies and programs and would reduce barriers to opportunity while
promoting social and economic resilience.
The proposed project encourages infill in areas near transit encouraging alternative modes of
transportation and strengthening retail centers through increased pedestrian activity.
The proposed project avoids land use conflicts by focusing new development in planned
residential and mixed-use growth areas and by maintaining appropriate transitions between
residential neighborhoods and employment-serving districts, thereby minimizing the potential
for incompatible land uses. The project protects industrial land from incompatible uses and
retains significant areas for activity in the innovation economy.
The proposed project provides for increased housing opportunities relative to the existing
General Plan, allowing the City to meet its Regional Housing Needs Allocation and retain a
legally compliant Housing Element.
Statement of Overriding Considerations
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations 33
4922-9711-1443 v1
The proposed project would provide a well-connected transportation system that emphasizes
improved connections between different modes of transportation, and enables safe access for
all transportation modes, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all
ages and abilities.
The proposed project would promote fair and equitable access for all residents to employment,
housing, parks, education, recreation, transportation, retail, and public services, including
participation in governmental decision-making.
The proposed project includes multiple commercial and industrial designations corresponding
to different employment types, providing opportunities for businesses and jobs in all sectors of
the economy.
The proposed project responds to the changing nature of the retail and office markets and
includes proactive measures to maintain the vibrancy of the City’s neighborhood commercial
centers and create a new Downtown.
The proposed project would generate substantial local employment opportunities, improving
the City’s jobs-housing balance and supporting job opportunities for Rohnert Park residents.
The proposed project would increase local tax revenues and economic output, thereby
enhancing the City’s fiscal stability and its ability to fund public services and infrastructure.
The proposed project would advance local economic development objectives by expanding the
supply of land uses that support business retention, investment, and long-term competitiveness
within the region. Rohnert Park would remain a competitive and innovative business
destination.
The proposed project supports continued partnerships and collaboration with Sonoma State
University, as well as strengthened partnerships and coordination with the Federated Indians of
Graton Rancheria.
The proposed project would provide housing opportunities that meet the existing and future
needs of all residents and the objectives of the State of California in promoting affordable
housing.
The project would provide for a city that improves the ability of individuals, communities,
economic systems, and the natural and built environments to withstand, recover from, and
adapt to changes from natural hazards, human-made disasters, climate change, and economic
shifts.
The proposed project was shaped by an extensive public outreach process that engaged the
community and decision-makers. The City hosted a series of community workshops and forums,
pop-workshops, online surveys, stakeholder interviews and meetings, and Planning
Commission/City Council study sessions. The proposed project incorporates this input and
represents the desires of the community as a whole in shaping the future of the City.
The proposed project updates outdated policies in a manner that meets current legal
requirements for General Plans.
The proposed project incorporates recently adopted plans and programs such as the Active
Transportation Plan and the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, as well as area plans and specific
plans prepared since the last General Plan Update.
City of Rohnert Park Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan
34
The proposed project provides a more user-friendly document that will make use of the General
Plan easier for decision-makers, staff, and the public.
On balance, the City finds that there are specific beneficial considerations associated with the
Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan that serve to override and outweigh 2040 General Plan’s significant
unavoidable effects. Therefore, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15093(b), these adverse
effects are considered acceptable.
PC Resolution 2026-04 Page 1 of 6
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 2026-04 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK RECOMMENDING THE CITY COUNCIL ADOPT THE ROHNERT PARK 2040 GENERAL PLAN
WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 65300 requires that each county and
city in the State adopt a comprehensive, long-range general plan to address the community’s
future growth and physical development; and
WHEREAS, the current Rohnert Park General Plan 2020 was adopted in July 2000 and
was periodically amended thereafter; and
WHEREAS, the current General Plan has a horizon year that has already passed and
includes baseline data and policies that do not reflect current conditions, trends, and long-range
forecasts, or fully respond to changing community issues and recent State mandates; and
WHEREAS, the City requires a contemporary plan that will guide the community
through the year 2040, reflect changes in the community over the last 25 years, and recognize
new opportunities identified through community input;
WHEREAS, in October 2017, the Rohnert Park City Council provided direction to issue
a request for proposal (RFP) for consulting assistance to update the General Plan and move the
planning horizon forward to 2040;
WHEREAS, the City formally initiated the General Plan Update in March 2018 when it
executed a Master Agreement for consulting services, including approving a scope of work,
budget allocation, and schedule for completion; and
WHEREAS, Staff and the consultant team developed a comprehensive data base of
existing conditions material related to land use, transportation, economics, demographics,
community services, parks and open space, natural resources, hazards, historic preservation, arts
and culture, environmental justice, and noise, which informed policy and program choices and
resulted in the publication of white papers on Land Use and Community Character, Economics,
Transportation, Climate Change, and Environmental Justice; and
WHEREAS, the City sponsored an extensive community engagement program that
included the following components:
• Study sessions and progress updates with the City Council and Planning Commission
• Presentations to other City commissions and committees, including the Parks and
Recreation Commission and Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC).
PC Resolution 2026-04 Page 2 of 6
• Development and ongoing maintenance of the Envision Rohnert Park General Plan
website
• A “Town Hall” meeting in April 2018 to introduce the General Plan Update program
• A “Visioning” workshop in November 2018
• Two community surveys administered through the General Plan website
• Stakeholder interviews with representatives of civic groups and organizations
• A technical advisory committee, comprised of internal and external agency directors and
senior staff, which was convened several times over the course of the project
• “Pop-up” workshops at community events in 2018 and 2019 such as the Farmer’s
Market, Founder’s Day, “I Heart Rohnert Park” and others.
WHEREAS, the community engagement program included outreach to and consultation
with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (FIGR), in accordance with SB18 and AB52,
with 12 meetings convened between project initiation and publication of the Draft Plan and EIR,
and numerous changes made in response to FIGR feedback; and
WHEREAS, Staff and the consultant team completed a comprehensive “audit” of the
goals and policies in General Plan 2020, and identified whether each statement should be
deleted, carried forward, edited, or replaced; and
WHEREAS, the City considered a range of alternative growth directions as part of the
process, and completed the technical analysis necessary to evaluate Plan alternatives, including
growth projections and traffic modeling for Year 2040; and
WHEREAS, Staff and the consultant team produced an Alternatives Report in October
2019 recommending a preferred alternative; and
WHEREAS, an updated Land Use Map was prepared to reflect the preferred alternative,
including adjustments to density ranges and permitted uses, creation of new land use categories,
and strategic changes to accommodate housing needs and create economic development
opportunities; and
WHEREAS, Staff developed new policy and program language to reflect recent State
planning laws, including new policies for Vehicle Miles Traveled (SB 743) and Complete Streets
(AB 1358), policies relating to environmental justice (SB 1000), and policies related to resilience
and climate change (SB 379, AB 1241); and
WHEREAS, Staff incorporated new policy and program direction into the General Plan
as provided by the Active Transportation Plan, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, the
Downtown PDA Plan, and specific plans for subareas within the City; and
PC Resolution 2026-04 Page 3 of 6
WHEREAS, at the direction of the City Council, the state mandated Environmental
Justice Element was expanded to cover racial and social justice, as well as environmental justice;
and
WHEREAS, at the direction of the City Council, the City added optional elements on
Economic Development and Climate Change; and
WHEREAS, the City published a Public Review Draft 2040 General Plan Policy
Document in June 2022, including goals, policies, and actions for all elements, narrative text,
and maps, and circulated this document for public review and comment; and
WHEREAS, the City prepared the Housing Element of its General Plan in 2022, in
accordance with State law and the Regional Housing Needs Assessment process, and the City
Council adopted the 2023-2031 Housing Element on January 24, 2023; and
WHEREAS, the Housing Element was deemed compliant by the State Department of
Housing and Community Development (HCD) and certified on March 20, 2023; and
WHEREAS, the Draft 2040 General Plan Policy Document was edited in 2025 in
response to public comments and tribal consultation, and factually updated to reflect activities
occurring in 2022-2025; and
WHEREAS, the City Council received an informational report on the 2040 General Plan
on August 12, 2025 and the Planning Commission received an informational report on the 2040
General Plan on August 28, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the Draft 2040 General Plan (referenced herewith as “Exhibit A”) was
published on November 21, 2025, with media, email, and written notification of its availability
for public review provided to interested parties; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission and City Council convened a joint study session
on February 5, 2026 to review the Draft 2040 General Plan and accept public comment on the
document; and
WHEREAS, staff has prepared an “Addendum” to the November 21 Draft 2040 General
Plan (attached herewith as “Exhibit B”) itemizing proposed edits to the document based on the
study session, environmental review and other comments; and
WHEREAS, the General Plan Update is defined as a “project” under the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and was determined to require preparation of an
Environmental Impact Report (EIR); and
PC Resolution 2026-04 Page 4 of 6
WHEREAS, the City published a Draft EIR for the Draft 2040 General Plan on
November 21, 2025; circulated the Draft EIR to the State Clearinghouse, local agencies, and
members of the public; and advertised its availability over a 57-day public and agency comment
period ending on January 16, 2026; and
WHEREAS, comments on the Draft EIR were received, and responses were prepared,
and revisions to the EIR and General Plan were made accordingly; and
WHEREAS, a Final EIR was published on March 4, 2026, including Responses to
Comments and a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission considered the EIR and Draft General Plan and
Addendum and provided opportunities for public comment at a duly noticed public hearing on
March 12, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has adopted a resolution recommending that the
City Council certify the EIR and adopt the required California Environmental Quality Act
Findings, Statement of Overriding Considerations and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting
Program EIR for the 2040 General Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ROHNERT PARK DOES RESOLVE, DETERMINE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The above recitations are true and correct and are incorporated by reference
into this action. This resolution is based on the staff report, Final EIR, oral and written
comments and all information in the record.
Section 2. Findings. The Planning Commission hereby finds and recommends the City
Council make the following findings:
1. CEQA Compliance.
The 2040 General Plan has been reviewed in compliance with the California Environmental
Quality Act (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.) and the CEQA Guidelines. A
Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) was prepared for the 2040 General Plan,
circulated for public review, and revised in response to comments. The Commission has
reviewed and considered the information contained in the FEIR and finds that it adequately
analyzes the potential environmental impacts of the Project. Mitigation measures and a
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program have been incorporated.
2. Compliance with California Government Code.
The proposed Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan complies with the requirements of the
California Government Code Sections 65300 et seq. The Plan contains all mandatory
PC Resolution 2026-04 Page 5 of 6
elements required by State law, including Land Use (Community Development), Circulation,
Conservation and Open Space (organized as a Resource Conservation Element), Noise and
Safety (organized as a Health and Safety Element), and Environmental Justice, plus the
Housing Element previously adopted in January 2023. Each element addresses all applicable
statutory requirements.
3. Responsiveness to Local Issues.
The updates incorporated in the 2040 General Plan will keep the document current, recognize
changes in conditions and circumstances, move the time horizon forward to 2040 to reflect
new forecasts and respond to emerging issues, recognize actions already taken and actions
currently planned, incorporate recently adopted plans and initiatives, and respond to public
input. The Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan includes optional elements that respond to local
issues and conditions. The Plan includes an Economic Development Element, Climate
Change Element, and Public Facilities and Services Element, and expands the state-mandated
Environmental Justice Element to address racial and social justice. These optional elements
are responsive to local priorities and issues raised during the Plan Update process and
consistent with the State of California’s General Plan Guidelines.
4. Internal Consistency.
The Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan is internally consistent as required by Government
Code Section 65300.5. The Land Use Diagram, goals, policies, and implementation programs
have been reviewed to ensure consistency among elements. Circulation policies support
planned land use patterns; land use designations align with demographic projections and the
City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA); and conservation, safety, and open
space policies are coordinated with development standards. Additionally, the General Plan
would not conflict with the goals, policies, and programs expressed by other City plans and
will provide a framework and foundation for future plans that support its guiding principles.
5. Public Participation.
The General Plan was developed through an extensive and inclusive public engagement
process. The City conducted community workshops, stakeholder meetings, pop-up
workshops, online surveys, public study sessions, and maintained a project website for the
duration of the project. The City held duly noticed public hearings before the Planning
Commission, which were publicly noticed in accordance with Government Code Sections
65090 and 65091. The City further engaged local California Native American tribes in the
planning process, as required by AB 52 and SB 18, and made meaningful changes to the
document in response to comments from the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria.
6. Orderly and Sustainable Development.
The Planning Commission finds that the 2040 General Plan establishes a balanced and
sustainable pattern of development consistent with the community’s vision. The Land Use
Element directs growth to appropriate infill and strategic expansion areas, supports
PC Resolution 2026-04 Page 6 of 6
multimodal transportation options, protects established neighborhoods, preserves open space
and environmental resources, and ensures that development pays its fair share of
infrastructure and public service costs. The Plan provides a logical framework for growth
within the Rohnert Park planning area.
7. Public Health, Safety, and Welfare.
The Planning Commission finds that adoption of the Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan will
support the public health, safety, and general welfare of the residents and businesses of
Rohnert Park. The General Plan provides a comprehensive framework for orderly growth,
infrastructure planning, climate adaptation, wildfire and flood hazard mitigation, economic
vitality, and preservation of environmental resources, thereby promoting the long-term well-
being of the community. The land use diagram directs growth away from areas with very
high and high fire hazard severity and would not result in incompatible land uses.
Section 3. Recommendation. The Planning Commission hereby recommends that the
City Council of the City of Rohnert Park rescind the current General Plan, except the 2023-2031
Housing Element, and adopt the proposed 2040 General Plan, attached herewith as “Exhibit A”
(Draft General Plan) with the revisions included in Exhibit “B” (Addendum).The Planning
Commission further authorizes City staff to make minor, non-substantive revisions to the Draft
General Plan prior to final adoption. Such revisions may include, but are not limited to,
correction of typographical or formatting errors, clarification of language that does not alter the
intent or meaning of the document, and updates to the departmental responsibility assignments
listed in the matrices contained in each Element.
DULY AND REGULARLY ADOPTED on the 12th day of March, 2026, by the City of Rohnert Park Planning Commission by the following vote:
AYES: _____ NOES:_____ ABSENT:_____ ABSTAIN:_____ LAM____ CAMPBELL_____ AUSTIN-DILLON____ EPSTEIN_____ ORLOFF_____ Fanny Lam, Chairperson, Rohnert Park Planning Commission
Attest: ________________________________ Clotile Blanks, Recording Secretary
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Draft Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan
B. Draft Addendum to Rohnert Park 2040 General Plan (to be incorporated into the Draft
General Plan prior to Council action)
EXHIBIT “A”
DRAFT ROHNERT PARK 2040 GENERAL PLAN
PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 21, 2025
(under separate cover)
https://envisionrp.com/images/docs/RPGPU_PRD_FULL_2025-11-17-RL.pdf
(286 pages)
Exhibit.B¿.March.78?.868❷.General.Plan.Addendum Page.7
4928-8942-5299 v1
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 2024-04: EXHIBIT “B”
GENERAL PLAN 2040 ADDENDUM
March 12, 2026
The following edits are incorporated by reference into Exhibit “A” (Draft Rohnert Park 2040
General Plan) and will be incorporated into the document prior to the City Council’s
adoption hearing(s). The edits respond to comments received on the Draft Plan and EIR
since its publication in November 2025, including staff comments; comments from the
City Council, Planning Commission, and public received at the February 5, 2026 study
session; and responses to comments on the Draft EIR. Proposed additions to the text are
shown in red, underlined font. Proposed deletions are shown in red, strikeout font.
RACIAL, SOCIAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT
P. 3-7 Add new Policy RSEJ-3.6 as follows (responds to Council/Commission
comments):
Policy RSEJ-6.6: Public Awareness of General Plan
The City shall strive to increase public awareness and understanding of the
City’s General Plan and long-range planning initiatives. This could include
education and outreach efforts that showcase city plans, explain local growth
and development policies, demonstrate progress in implementing General Plan
programs, and inform residents on how to stay engaged and informed on
planning and development issues.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
P. 4-34 Amend Program CD-A as follows (responds to Council/Commission
comments):
Program CD-A: Zoning Ordinance Update for Clear Development
Regulations
The City shall review the Zoning Ordinance and map to ensure that standards
and regulations are clear, implement General Plan policy, reinforce quality
design, and are easily monitored. This review shall include development of a
new Business Park zoning district or overlay that implements the General Plan’s
Business Park Land Use designation, along with zoning map changes to ensure
consistency between the General Plan and zoning.
Exhibit.B¿.March.78?.868❷.General.Plan.Addendum Page.8
4928-8942-5299 v1
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT
P. 5-7 Add new Policy ED-2.9 (responds to Staff comments):
Policy ED-2.10: Partnerships with Sonoma State University
The City should recognize Sonoma State University as a driver of local economic
activity and a potential economic development partner. Opportunities for
collaboration that benefit Rohnert Park residents and businesses, and Sonoma
State students, faculty, and staff should be considered.
P. 5-20 Add new Program ED-V (responds to Staff comments):
ED-V: Sonoma State University MOU
The City shall continue to implement its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
with Sonoma State University and the City of Cotati to foster a collaborative,
long-term strategic relationship focused on community well-being,
sustainability, and regional growth.
[Related.Policies¿.ED‗8¡76¿.Partnerships.with.Sonoma.State.University
Responsible.Department¿.City.Manager.(primary)?.Economic.Development.
(secondary)
Implementation¿.Ongoing]
CLIMATE CHANGE ELEMENT
P. 6-13 Add new Policy CC-1.7 (responds to public comments):
Policy CC-1.7: Unintended Consequences
The City should evaluate the potential for unintended consequences in
association with new climate action measures, particularly impacts that would
disproportionately impact lower income communities or could have indirect
negative environmental or fiscal impacts.
CIRCULATION ELEMENT
P. 7-17 Amend Policy C-7.2 as follows (responds to Council/Commission
comments):
Policy C-7.2: Bicycle and Pedestrian Education and Outreach
The City shall work with advocacy organizations and the School District, 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. This should include programs to improve e-
bike safety, enforce e-bike regulations, and increase awareness of rules and
Exhibit.B¿.March.78?.868❷.General.Plan.Addendum Page.9
4928-8942-5299 v1
regulations related to e-bike use, as well as ongoing Safe Routes to School
initiatives.
P. 7-24 Amend Policy C-9.1 as follows (responds to Council/Commission
comments):
Policy 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: (a) adjust train
schedules and bus routes to address new potential markets and levels of
demand and (b) improve bus waiting and boarding areas, especially in areas
with large transit-dependent populations.
P. 7-32 Amend Program C-H as follows (responds to Council/Commission
comments):
Program C-H: Active Transportation Plan
Implement the 2025 Active Transportation Plan (ATP) in accordance with the
priorities for bicycle and pedestrian projects established by the Plan. This
should include a high priority on connecting neighborhoods to existing Class I
bike paths, providing additional protected or buffered bike lanes, improving
safety and lighting of bike lanes and bike paths, and providing bike and
pedestrian connections to Downtown Rohnert Park. Periodically update the
ATP to reflect evolving needs, conditions, and bicycle and pedestrian planning
and design best practices. Future update should be coordinate with the City of
Cotati, County of Sonoma, SMART, and Sonoma County Transit.
PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES ELEMENT
P. 8-6 Amend Policy PFS-3.6 as follows (responds to public comment):
Policy 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 and commercial development, where possible and feasible. The City
should continue to support and pursue expansion of the recycled water
distribution system so that it serves all of Rohnert Park.
P. 8-6 Add new Policies PFS-3.10 and PFS-3.11 as follows (responds to CEQA
comment):
Policy PFS-3.10: Agency Coordination
The City shall coordinate with the Santa Rosa Plain Groundwater Sustainability
Agency, Sonoma County Water Agency, and other appropriate agencies to
monitor groundwater resources and to update the Groundwater Sustainability
Exhibit.B¿.March.78?.868❷.General.Plan.Addendum Page.0
4928-8942-5299 v1
Plan to include policies, programs, and regulations for preserving and enhancing
the watershed and surface and groundwater resources.
PFS-3.11 Groundwater Sustainability
The City shall cooperate with the Santa Rosa Plain Groundwater Sustainability
Agency in planning and implementing programs and projects that improve
regional water supply resilience and achieve and maintain groundwater
sustainability, consistent with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.
P. 8-6 Add new Policy PFS-3.12 as follows (responds to public comment):
Policy PFS-3.12: Water Supply Planning
The City shall evaluate and assess the adequacy of the water supply to meet
current and expected future needs, including requiring Water Supply
Assessments (WSAs) for projects exceeding the thresholds established by the
State of California, addressing water availability as part of the environmental
review process, and updating the City’s Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP)
every five years to align City growth forecasts with water availability.
P. 8-24 Add new Program PFS-V (responds to CEQA comment):
Program PFS-V Review Groundwater Sustainability Plan
The City will review the DWR-approved Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP)
every five years to ensure that land use and growth assumptions in the General
Plan and subsequent amendments are consistent with the 50-year water
demand projections in the DWR-approved GSP and that projected groundwater
demand will not exceed GSP sustainable management criteria or result in
undesirable results in accordance with the Sustainable Groundwater
Management Act (SGMA).
Related.policies¿.PFS‗9¡76?.Agency.Coordination·.PFS‗9¡77?.Groundwater.
Sustainability
Responsible.Department¿.Public.Works
Timing¿.868❷‗8696¡.8697‗869❶?.869❷‗8606
1
City of Rohnert Park
Planning Commission Report
Meeting Date: March 12, 2026
Item No: 6.2
Prepared by: Emily Quig, Interim Housing Manager Elliott Pickett, Senior Planner
Agenda Title: Receive the Annual Report on the Status of the General Plan and Housing Element for Calendar Year 2025 (CEQA Review: This is not a project under the CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5))
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive the Annual Report on the Status of the General Plan and
Housing Element for Calendar Year 2025.
BACKGROUND: Government Code Section 65400 requires local jurisdictions to submit an Annual
Progress Report on the status of policies and programs of the jurisdiction’s adopted General Plan and
Housing Element and on the progress made toward reaching the jurisdiction’s Regional Housing
Needs Allocation (RHNA) targets. This report must be provided to the jurisdiction’s legislative bodies
and subsequently submitted to the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) and
the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) by April 1st of each year. The intent
of this requirement is to ensure that the General Plan directs all land use decisions and remains an
effective guide for future development. The outcomes of the annual reports are also considered by
many state grant programs.
This progress report provides the City of Rohnert Park’s progress in implementing the City’s General
Plan 2020 and its progress toward meeting the City’s RHNA and Housing Element programs during
the 2025 calendar year. This report was also presented to the City Council on March 10, 2026.
ANALYSIS: All cities and counties are required to adopt a General Plan to guide future development
within their jurisdiction. The City of Rohnert Park’s current General Plan 2020 was adopted in 2000,
and was amended a number of times. General Plan 2020 includes the following mandatory
components:
• Land Use
• Transportation
• Open Space (Parks and Recreation)
2
• Environmental Conservation (including Air Quality)
• Health and Safety
• Noise
• Housing
In 2023, the City adopted a comprehensive update of the Housing Element as required by state law. A
comprehensive update to the General Plan (General Plan 2040) will be considered by the Planning
Commission and City Council at public hearings in Spring 2026.
General Plan Progress:
In 2025, the City continued implementing policies and working toward goals in the currently adopted
General Plan (General Plan 2020), while continuing work on the General Plan update (General Plan
2040). Through implementation of these policies, the City has continued operational practices and
implemented new programs for safety, fiscal responsibility, sustainability, cohesive community
development, and worked toward best meeting the needs of the residents and priorities of the City
Council.
The City’s 2025 accomplishments, guided by General Plan 2020, include the adoption of a Parks and
Recreation Master Plan and Active Transportation Plan, initiation of construction work on the Trail to
Crane Creek project, award of $28 million in Homekey+ funds to construct a 72-unit affordable
housing complex for seniors, and implementation of a “Go Bag”’ emergency preparedness program.
Progress in meeting specific goals is outlined in Attachment 1.
Moving forward, City staff plan on providing a more comprehensive Annual Report. A proposed
outline for this report, which includes the specific implementation programs proposed in the draft
General Plan 2040, is provided as Attachment 2.
Housing Element Progress:
The Housing Element is one of the mandated elements of General Plan 2020 and must be updated on a
set schedule, consistent with the eight-year cycle of the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA)
process. The City is currently reporting under its 2023 Housing Element, which covers the period
between 2023 and 2031. The Housing Element Annual Progress Report for Calendar Year 2025
(Attachment 3) reports units entitled, permitted and occupied from January 1, 2025 through December
31, 2025 by affordability level. Housing affordability is measured as a percentage of area median
income (AMI), which is calculated and updated regularly by HCD. The base income is defined by a
household of four and adjustments are made by HCD for other household sizes. The most current data
for Sonoma County, which became effective on June 1, 2025, is summarized in Table 1 below.
3
Table 1: 2025 Area Median Income (AMI) Levels
For the Housing Element 2023-2031 cycle, Rohnert Park’s total RHNA is 1,580 units, with the
affordability profile presented in Table 2.
Table 2: RHNA Allocations for 2023-2031 Cycle, By Income Level
Income Level RHNA Allocation
Very Low (≤50% AMI) 399 units
Low (≤80% AMI) 230 units
Moderate (≤120% AMI) 265 units
Above Moderate (Over 120% AMI) 686 units
TOTAL 1,580 units
The Housing Element Annual Progress Report RHNA Progress table (copied as Table 3 below)
presents the total number of housing units permitted in the City from the beginning of the RHNA cycle
(June 30, 2022) through December 31, 2025. This data is compared to the Regional Housing Needs
Allocation (RHNA) by income level for the current cycle, providing a comprehensive overview of
progress toward meeting housing needs across different income categories.
One change from the 2024 APR is the addition of the “acutely low-income” and “extremely low-
income” categories. Rohnert Park does not have separate RHNA allocations for these categories; any
units reported in these categories will be counted toward the City’s Very Low Income RHNA.
4
Table 3: Housing Element Annual Progress Report 2025 “Table B”
RHNA Progress - Permitted Units Issued by Affordability
With 318 market-rate units permitted since July 1, 2022, the City is on track to meet its goal of 686
units for the “above moderate-income” level. In the third year of its 8-year RHNA cycle, the City has
issued permits for 46% of the overall units in this income category. Figure 1 below illustrates the
City’s RHNA allocation for above moderate-income (blue) compared to units permitted June 30, 2022
through December 31, 2025 for above moderate-income units (orange.)
The City is behind in meeting its housing targets for lower-income and moderate-income categories. It
has made some progress in the very low-income category, permitting 71 out of the 328 required units
5
(24% of the target). The Homekey+ project will provide 70 very low-income units, bringing the City to
nearly half of its RHNA target in this income category. Staff anticipate issuing permits for this project
in 2026. With respect to meeting the RHNA targets for low-income and moderate-income housing, to
date, the City has only fulfilled 5% and 3% of the overall targets for these categories, respectively.
The City's current shortfall in meeting its affordable housing targets is influenced by several factors,
including the timing of planned developments such as Downtown and SOMO Village. The downtown
project is anticipated to deliver at least 75 affordable units, while SOMO Village is expected to provide
over 200 affordable units during this cycle. Other developments, like Redwood Crossings (11
affordable units), Snyder Lane Commons (6 affordable units), and Willowglen Phase 4/Townhome
Phase (12 affordable units), also include affordable housing. Additionally, the City can count
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) toward its affordable housing goals. Of the 40 ADUs the City
anticipated would be built by 2031, as outlined in the City’s Housing Element, 37 have already been
constructed to date. As these projects progress and more permits are issued, the number of units in
these income categories is expected to rise. However, the City relies heavily on its Housing Element
programs to promote and incentivize affordable housing development. An update on these programs is
provided below the figure.
Figure 2 below illustrates the City’s RHNA allocations (blue) compared to units permitted through
June 30, 2022 (orange) for each of the below-market-rate income levels.
As previously mentioned, the City's 2023-2031 Housing Element incorporates several programs and
policies designed to support the development of housing across all income levels. The City has already
initiated the implementation of many of these programs and will continue this process over the next 5
years. A detailed report on the status of Housing Element program implementation is included in
6
Attachment 3. Certain aspects of program implementation require City Council action, such as
considering amendments to the City's Municipal Code.
Some key actions taken by the City in 2025 to support Housing Element program goals include:
• Amending the City's Municipal Code as required by State law to implement the required
programs of the City’s Housing Element and to ensure consistency with State Housing Law;
• Rezoning multiple parcels at 5435 Snyder Lane to meet RHNA allocations;
• City Council approved the submission of an application with Burbank Housing for State
Homekey+ funds to convert an existing hotel into a 72-unit permanent supportive housing
project for seniors. The City and Burbank were awarded $28,758,453, and the project’s
anticipated completion date is November 2026;
• Conducted a Planning Commission Study Session on Objective Design Standards;
• Received $1.27 million in operations funding from the County of Sonoma for Labath Landing,
an interim housing program serving homeless adults;
• Invested $682,610 in homeless services for FY 25/26;
• Hosted the second annual Housing and Resource Fair in partnership with the Rohnert Park -
Cotati Library and City of Cotati; and
• Promoted the "Keep People Housed" initiative through City media channels.
Among the key Housing Element programs that staff intend to pursue in 2026 are:
• Prepare an updated development impact fee study;
• Study a Small Lot Consolidation Program and present findings to the Planning Commission
and City Council;
• Study a Workforce Housing Overlay and present findings to the Planning Commission and City
Council;
• Promote and publicize the City’s ADU Amnesty Program through the City website and social
media channels; and
• Create a dedicated website for housing developers featuring a map, housing site summaries,
and other tools to facilitate housing development.
NEXT STEPS:
Staff will submit the General Plan and Housing Element Annual Reports to the State Office of Land
Use and Climate Innovation and the Department of Housing and Community Development by April 1,
2026.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION:
This action is not a project under CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5) because the receiving the
Annual Report on the General Plan and Housing Element is an administrative activity that will not
result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. No additional environmental analysis
is necessary.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION:
7
None. This informational presentation to the Planning Commission is not a public hearing.
Attachments:
1. Annual Report on the Status of the Rohnert Park General Plan (Calendar Year 2025)
2. Proposed Format for Annual Report on the Status of the Rohnert Park General Plan
(Calendar Year 2026 and Onward)
3. Housing Element Annual Progress Report – Tables B & D (Calendar Year 2025)
Page 1
Attachment 1
Annual Report on the Status of the Rohnert Park General Plan
Calendar Year 2025
Government Code Section 65400 mandates that the planning agencies of cities submit an annual report on
the status of the General Plan and progress on the implementation to their legislative bodies, the
Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR), and the Department of Housing and Community
Development (HCD) each year. The report must address each City’s progress in its General Plan
implementation, including the progress in meeting its share of regional housing needs. The intent of this
requirement is to ensure that the General Plan directs all land use decisions and remains an effective guide
for future development. The information that follows complies with the Government Code requirements
related to the provision of an annual report on the status of the Rohnert Park General Plan.
Status of the Rohnert Park General Plan
The Rohnert Park General Plan was adopted in July 2000 and has been amended a number of times to stay
current. The General Plan includes the following mandatory components:
• Land Use
• Transportation/Circulation
• Housing
• Open Space (Parks and Recreation)
• Noise
• Health and Safety
• Environmental Conservation (including Air Quality)
During 2025, the General Plan was not amended.
General Plan Progress in Implementation
The City made progress in 2025 toward achieving General Plan Goals and Policies as listed in the
subsequent tables in this report. Notable achievements include the include the adoption of a Parks and
Recreation Master Plan and Active Transportation Plan, initiation of construction work on the Trail to
Crane Creek project, award of $28 million to construct a 72-unit affordable housing complex for seniors,
and implementation of a “Go Bag”’ emergency preparedness program. The City has also made progress on
its Housing Element goals, which are described in Attachment 2.
Page 2
The following series of tables represents the progress the City has made toward implementing its general plan goals during the 2025
calendar year. As is to be expected, the City did not work on all goals in this calendar year and the list covers only activities that took
place in 2025.
Table 1 –Implementation of Land Use Goals and Policies in 2025
Goal or Policy Progress in 2025
Goal LU-B Provide soft urban edges and
ensure that designated
intensities provide gradual
transition to open space at
city edges.
Ongoing In 2025, the City made progress on the CIP0719 Trail to Crane
Creek Regional Park Project near SSU that includes 7,500 feet of
a new class 1 trail, open to the public, that will extend from
Copeland Creek Trail near Sonoma State University to Crane
Creek Regional Park.
The University District and Southeast Specific Plan provide low
densities of housing and an open space buffer as they transition
towards Petaluma Hill Road. The SOMO Village Final
Development Plan provides its high density housing near the
commercial core, with lower density housing at its edges, and
provides open space on the southern and eastern sides of the
property.
Goal LU-I Provide a range of housing
variety in type and price,
including large-lot homes and
housing oriented to students.
Ongoing Construction and permitting continues on a wide variety of
housing types, including large-lot homes in the Southeast Specific
Plan Area (Willowglen), Compact single-family homes and condos
(SOMO Village), multifamily development (Redwood Crossing)
and ADUs.
Goal LU-K Promote a diverse range of
jobs within the city.
Ongoing The City’s Economic Development Department continued to
support and promote diverse businesses.
Page 3
Table 3 –Implementation of Growth Management Goals in 2025
Table 4 –Implementation of Urban Form Goals in 2025
Goal or Policy Progress in 2025
Goal GM-B Undertake efforts to facilitate provision
of housing affordable to low and very
low income household by exemption
affordable housing form any numerical
“trigger cap” restrictions.
Ongoing The City’s growth management ordinance continues to
exempt affordable housing units from trigger caps.
Goal GM-C Ensure that growth is paced to achieve
General Plan buildout over a 20-year
period, representing an annual average
population growth rate of one percent.
Ongoing Housing construction rates are averaging less than one
percent per year in Rohnert Park.
Goal GM-F Ensure all new development provides
necessary public facilities to support
development.
Ongoing The City’s Development Agreements continue to support the
provision of and funding for public facilities to support
development.
Staff continue to review plans and perform inspections on
infrastructure constructed for new subdivisions and infill sites
to ensure it meets City Standards. These developments include
Willowglen Phase 4, Redwood Crossings, and SOMO Village.
Goal GM-H Minimize impacts – physical, visual
and fiscal – of growth and annexation
on existing homes and businesses.
Ongoing The City continued collecting maintenance annuity fund
deposits from builders in the University District, special taxes
for services in Willowglen, development fees specific to
impacts of SOMO Village, and continues to monitor project-
specific mitigation measures to minimize impacts of growth.
Created program to meet with and recruit businesses and
developers to potentially start their project in the City,
ensuring that meet all City standards and are appropriate to
the site with which they wish to developer or operate.
Page 4
Goal or Policy Progress in 2025
Goal CD-B Establish strong connections between
adjacent neighborhoods and between
neighborhoods and activity centers to
encourage walking and biking.
Ongoing In 2025, the City adopted the City of Rohnert Park Active
Transportation Plan. This plan provides projects to create and
improve both intra-city connections and regional connections
for pedestrians and cyclists.
Staff continue to Review plans and perform inspections on
connecting paths within subdivisions to encourage walking and
biking.
Goal CD-C Establish an open space network that links
residential neighborhoods, parks and open
space areas.
Ongoing In 2025, staff performed the inspection and acceptance of Park
C within SOMO Village Phase 1N-A.
Goal CD-D Preserve and enhance views of the eastern
ridgeline.
Ongoing When reviewing development proposals and specific plans for
areas along the east of the city, view corridors and view impact
analyses are used to protect the view of the ridgeline. In 2025,
this included approvals for SOMO Village.
Goal CD-L Create a consistent character and identity
for Central Rohnert Park – particularly in
area defined as Downtown.
Ongoing Monitored and reviewed conceptual plans from CenterCal,
taking in public feedback and staff input, in order to ensure
that the Downtown concept complies with the character and
identity established in the DDAZ and further commented on by
staff and members of the public.
Goal CD-F Maintain a distinct urban edge, while
creating a gradual transition between
urban uses and open space.
Ongoing Specific Plans along City borders have gradual transitions to
open space and maintain scenic corridors. The City continues
to maintain an Urban Growth Boundary.
In 2025, infrastructure and streets in Vast Oak North were
accepted, which preserves an open space wetland between
urban development and the eastern City limits.
Goal CD-
M
Ensure the quality of new development
within Central Rohnert Park
Ongoing In the process of creating a business concierge program in
order to ensure that developments and new businesses meet the
standards set forth by the City.
Created program to meet with and recruit businesses and
developers to potentially start their project in the City,
Page 5
ensuring that meet all City standards and are appropriate to
the site with which they wish to developer or operate.
Goal CD-P Promote art and culture in Rohnert Park Ongoing In 2025, the Parks and Recreation Commission considered and
provided a recommendation regarding a public art program
for utility boxes, which will be considered by the City Council
in 2026.
The City’s Performing Arts Center, Spreckels, produced 5 in-
house productions and 2 youth productions during 2025. The
City also sponsored events for Dia De Los Muertos, Pride
Night, Latino Heritage Night, Juneteenth, and cosponsored the
African Soul festival and Pacific Islander Festival.
Table 5 –Implementation of Street System Goals in 2025
Goal or Policy Progress in 2025
Goal TR-B Maintain high levels
of mobility along all
major street segments
and at major
intersections.
Ongoing Public Works completed the CIP2205 Preventative Maintenance Slurry project
to extend the life of approximately 190,000 square yards of asphalt concrete
pavement.
The City regularly assesses and adjusts signal timing along Rohnert Park’s
major corridors.
In 2025, staff performed inspection and acceptance of intersection
improvements at the Keiser Road and Petaluma Hill Road, maintaining a high
level of mobility.
Goal TR-C Build new roads and
improve existing
roadways, where
necessary, in
conjunction with new
development.
Ongoing In 2025, Public Works initiated construction of CIP1718 Keiser Avenue
Reconstruction Project – Phase 3, to construct a new traffic signal at the
intersection of Snyder Lane and Keiser Avenue to mitigate traffic impacts
associated with University District residential development.
Public Works also initiated construction of the CIP2020 Dowdell Avenue
Extension Phase 1 Project allowing construction of future hotel to occur on
schedule.
Page 6
Multiple roadway improvement projects took place to create and maintain
Rohnert Parks roadways. (Dowdell Avenue, A&B Slurry, Southwest Boulevard
Complete Streets, Keiser Avenue)
In 2025, staff performed inspections and accept new roads constructed in
conjunction with new development, including roads in Vast Oak North, and
review plans for proposed new roadways for development projects, including
SOMO Village.
Table 6 –Implementation of Transportation Demand Goal in 2025
Goal or Policy Progress in 2025
Goal TR-1
and TR-2
Establish LOS C as the
minimum standard for all
arterial and collector roadway
segments and intersections.
Require mitigation measures,
as needed, for new
development that increases
traffic such that LOS levels fall
below the established
minimum standard.
Ongoing The City regularly assesses and adjusts signal timing along Rohnert
Park’s major corridors.
In 2025, staff continued to perform reviews, collect traffic mitigation
fees, and monitor implementation of traffic mitigation measures related
to large development areas.
Goal TR-37 Provide continuous sidewalks
along all existing and future
streets.
Completed
Ongoing
Public Works completed construction of the CIP2221&CIP2015 A&B
Sections Utility Project that included as part of the project, the
reconstruction of 19 new ADA pedestrian access ramps.
Public Works initiated design of the CIP2508 Citywide Pavement
Maintenance Project scheduled for construction in 2026 that will
include reconstruction of 64 new ADA pedestrian access ramps along
existing streets and 6,200 square feet existing sidewalk replacement.
Page 7
Ongoing Staff continue to review plans to ensure all new development provide
continuous sidewalks and connectivity on proposed streets according
to Municipal Code and City Standards.
Goal TR-N Promote safe, efficient, and
comfortable circulation for
cyclists and pedestrians
throughout Rohnert Park.
Ongoing The City adopted the City of Rohnert Park Active Transportation Plan.
This plan provides projects to create and improve both intra-city
connections and regional connections for pedestrians and cyclists.
Staff continue to Review plans to ensure that all required bike lanes are
provided as part of development areas, including SOMO Village and
University District.
Table 7 –Implementation of Open Space Goals in 2025
Goal or Policy Progress in 2025
Goal OS-D Maintain and enhance the Petaluma
Hill Road Scenic corridor.
Ongoing Public Works initiated construction of the CIP0719 Trail to
Crane Creek Regional Park Project that includes a new
pedestrian traffic signal at Petaluma Hill Road and Laurel
Drive, to allow pedestrians to safely cross Petaluma Hill Road
as part of the new trail project. Construction slated for
completion in 2026.
Goal OS-E Maintain publicly owned open space
areas in their natural state; provide
public access in a manner that is
compatible with the conservation of
habitat.
Ongoing Public Works initiated construction of the CIP0719 Trail to
Crane Creek Regional Park Project that includes 7,500 feet of
a new class 1 trail, open to the public, that will extend from
Copeland Creek Trail near Sonoma State University to Crane
Creek Regional Park. The trail is situated on a city owned
parcel that will include a future conservation easement to
protect the land from future development.
In 2025, the SOMO Phase 2N-A Tentative Map was approved,
which included identified wetlands and preserves that will be
accessible to the public.
Page 8
Goal OS-F Provide an integrated system of parks
and trails throughout the City to meet
the community's recreational needs.
Ongoing A Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update was adopted in
June 2025 which includes near-term, mid-term, and long-term
goals and policies to meet the community’s recreational needs.
Goal OS-G Develop additional parkland in the City
to meet the standards of required park
acreage for new residents.
Ongoing In 2025, staff performed inspection and acceptance of Park C
within SOMO Village, and continued to require parkland or in
lieu-fees in conjunction with the approval of new development
areas.
Goal OS-H Ensure adequate funding for parks and
recreation facilities acquisition,
development, and maintenance.
Ongoing In 2025, the City continued to appropriate Measure M funding
toward park maintenance.
Table 8 –Implementation of Wastewater Goals in 2025
Goal or Policy Progress in 2025
Goal PF-7 Continue participation in the planning, financing
and construction of wastewater treatment capacity
expansions of the Subregional Wastewater Disposal
System. Explore opportunities for increasing
reclaimed water use and decreasing potable water
demand.
Ongoing Active involvement in subregional wastewater
planning committees, funding and oversight of
treatment plant expansion projects,
implementation of reclaimed water programs for
irrigation and industrial use, and public outreach
to encourage reduced potable water use.
Goal PF-P Require developers to install or pay for new sewer
lines and other sewer improvements needed to
accommodate new development.
Ongoing Implement Public Facilities Finance Plan
(PFFP) Fee Program, collecting fees to construct
necessary sewer improvements.
Table 9 –Implementation of Water Supply and Conservation Goals in 2025
Goal or Policy Progress in 2025
Goal PF-F Utilize purchased water supplies and
reduce reliance on groundwater drawn
from municipal wells, except for
emergency use
Ongoing Public Works continues the purchase approximately 60% from
Sonoma Water and the balance from municipal groundwater
wells.
Page 9
Goal PF-G Continue to encourage water
conservation through the use of
reclaimed water and reduction of water
consumption and discharge, for both
existing and new development.
Ongoing Public Works advanced water conservation efforts through
implementation of irrigation efficiency measures, coordination with
the City’s recycled water program, and enforcement of the Model
Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) for applicable
projects. Efforts also included planning for low-water landscape
retrofits, non-functional turf conversions, and public outreach to
reduce potable water use at City facilities and in new development.
Goal PF-H Ensure that groundwater withdrawal
does not exceed safe yield.
Ongoing Public Works continues to monitor groundwater withdrawal to
not exceed safe yields for water production.
Participate in Santa Rosa Groundwater Sustainability Agency
(GSA), which monitors and provides annual reports related to
groundwater levels, to ensure withdrawal does not exceed safe
yield.
Goal PF-K Provide recreational and cultural
facilities serving residents and visitors
Ongoing Started the process to form an EIFD with the City of Cotati,
contracting Kosmont Cos. to perform the analysis of an
ongoing financing district, with Central Rohnert Park the
backbone of that effort. An EIFD could be used to fund such
facilities.
Table 10 –Implementation of Historic and Archaeological Resources Goals in 2025
Goal or Policy Progress in 2025
Goal EC-A Conserve historic and archaeological
resources for the aesthetic, educational,
economic and scientific contribution
they make to Rohnert Park’s identity
and quality of life.
Ongoing Public Works initiated construction of the CIP0719 Trail to
Crane Creek Regional Park Project, which includes 7,500 feet
of new Class I trail on a City-owned parcel. The trail will be
open to the public and will feature educational markers
highlighting the property’s historical and archaeological
resources.
Page 10
Table 11–Implementation of Habitat and Biological Resources Goals in 2025
Goal or Policy Progress in 2025
Goal EC-C Protect special status
species and
supporting habitats
within Rohnert Park,
including species that
are State or federally
listed as Endangered,
Threatened, or Rare.
Ongoing Public Works initiated construction of the CIP0719 Trail to Crane Creek
Regional Park Project, which includes 7,500 feet of new Class I trail on a City-
owned parcel. The project includes the protection of special status species and
supporting habitats as part of the construction of the project. Public Works also
coordinated ongoing habitat protection measures for California Tiger
Salamander (CTS), including annual monitoring, maintenance, and repair of
existing wildlife crossing tunnels to maintain habitat connectivity and comply
with State and federal biological requirements. The City owns an 18-acre parcel
at the northern edge of the City near Horn Avenue, that protects established
special status rare plants.
Additionally, staff monitors compliance with environmental mitigation measures
during the development review process
Goal EC-C Protect sensitive
habitat areas and
wetlands in the
following order of
protection preference:
1) avoidance, 2) on-
site mitigation, 3) off-
site mitigation.
Ongoing The City implements this goal through its permitting and inspection process by
requiring compliance with the Construction General Permit to protect wetlands
and other sensitive areas during construction, including routine inspections and
enforcement of erosion and sediment control BMPs. Post-construction runoff
reduction and water quality protection are addressed through required LID
measures and inspections, along with on-site and off-site mitigation where
impacts cannot be avoided. The City owns an 18- acre parcel at the northern
edge of the City near Horn Avenue, that protects several wetlands. On Capital
Projects where impacts are anticipated, protection is followed in that order.
Additionally, staff monitors compliance with environmental mitigation measures
during the development review process
Goal EC-D Maintain existing
native vegetation and
encourage planting of
native plants and
trees.
Ongoing The City maintains existing native vegetation through environmental review,
permitting conditions, and construction and post-construction inspections. The
City encourages the planting of native plants and trees through landscape
requirements, Low Impact Development practices, public education, and
implementation of the future Urban Forest Management Plan, which guides
species selection, planting, and long-term maintenance to support biodiversity,
climate resilience, and canopy health.
Page 11
Table 12 –Implementation of Water Quality Goals in 2025
Goal or Policy Progress in 2025
Goal EC-F Enhance the quality of
surface and groundwater
resources and prevent
their contamination.
Ongoing Regular water quality monitoring, pollution source and construction site
inspections, public education on proper waste disposal, and
implementation of stormwater management practices in accordance with
the City’s MS4 permit, including BMP maintenance, creek cleaning, and
sediment and debris removal.
Goal EC-G Undertake steps to
minimize the depletion of
groundwater resources.
Ongoing Water conservation programs, promotion of efficient irrigation practices,
coordination of leak detection and repair efforts, monitoring of
groundwater levels to inform sustainable use, implementation of irrigation
efficiency improvements and low-water landscape planning at City
facilities, and encouragement of Low Impact Development (LID).
Staff also participate in the Santa Rosa Groundwater Sustainability
Agency (GSA), .
Goal EC-I Ensure that the City’s
drinking water continues
to meet or exceed water
quality standards.
Ongoing Routine testing for contaminants, compliance with state and federal
standards, infrastructure upgrades to treatment facilities, and timely
reporting of water quality data.
Table 13 –Implementation of Air Quality Goals in 2025
Goal or Policy Progress in 2025
Goal EC-K Continue to work toward
improving air quality and
meeting all federal and state
ambient air quality standards by
reducing the generation of air
pollutant from both stationary
and mobile sources, where
feasible.
Ongoing Public Works advanced efforts to reduce air pollutant generation by
transitioning to battery-powered equipment where feasible, supporting
fleet electrification planning, implementing energy efficiency measures
at City facilities, and monitoring and maintaining compliance for
emergency generators in accordance with Bay Area Air Quality
Management District regulations.
When approving grading permits, conditions are included to ensure air
quality standards are met and to require an inspector on site during
grading activities to monitor air quality impacts.
Page 12
Table 14 –Implementation of Seismic and Geological Hazards Goals in 2025
Goal or Policy Progress in 2025
Goal HS-A Minimize the risk to life and
property from seismic and
geologic hazards in Rohnert Park.
Ongoing Public Works initiated design of the CIP2017 Water and Tank
Seismic Project to update and bring to current codes two existing
water tanks and 6 existing wells sites.
Table 15 –Implementation of Drainage, Erosion, Stormwater and Flooding Goals in 2025
Goal or Policy Progress in 2025
Goal HS-B Minimize the risk
to life and property
from flooding.
Ongoing Public Works reduced flood risk through creek cleaning, storm drain and inlet
maintenance, vegetation management, and sediment and debris removal to
improve conveyance capacity. During storm events, Public Works plans ahead
and maintains staff on standby to respond quickly to flooded areas and protect life
and property.
Goal HS-C Control erosion and
sedimentation to
provide flood
protection and
water quality.
Ongoing Public Works controlled erosion and sedimentation through construction
inspections of development and City-run projects that disturb or expose soil,
ensuring appropriate erosion and sediment control BMPs are installed and
maintained, particularly in advance of rain events, to protect water quality and
reduce flood risk.
Table 16 –Implementation of Solid Waste Management and Recycling Goals in 2025
Goal or Policy Progress in 2025
Goal HS-D Reduce the generation of solid waste and recycle
those material that are used to slow the filling of
local and regional landfills, in accord with the
California Integrated Waste Management Act of
1989.
Ongoing The City continued implementation of solid waste
reduction, recycling, and organics programs through its
franchise agreement with Recology Sonoma Marin in
compliance with AB 939 and SB 1383. Public Works
conducted contract oversight, reviewed diversion and
compliance reporting, and supported education and
outreach efforts to reduce contamination and improve
proper sorting of materials.
Page 13
Table 17 –Implementation of Hazardous Materials Goals in 2025
Goal or Policy Progress in 2025
Goal HS-G Protect groundwater
and soil from
contamination by
hazardous materials.
Ongoing Protect groundwater and soil from contamination by regulating the use, storage,
and disposal of hazardous materials; enforcing stormwater and environmental
protection requirements; and implementing best management practices to
prevent spills, leaks, and improper discharges. These efforts reduce the risk of
hazardous substances entering soil, groundwater, and the storm drain system,
protecting local water resources and public health.
Table 18 –Implementation of Emergency Management Goals and Policies in 2025
Goal or Policy Progress in 2025
Policy HS-23 Prepare and disseminate
information to help
households prepare for
emergency situations.
Ongoing The Fire Prevention developed and implemented a “Go Bag” emergency
preparedness presentation focused on helping community members prepare
for emergencies by providing free go bags, access to resources, and essential
emergency preparedness education. During the 2025, six presentations were
completed throughout the city.
Table 19 –Implementation of Noise Goals in 2025
Goal or Policy Progress in 2025
Goal NS-A Protect public health and
welfare by eliminating or
minimizing excessive noise
levels.
Ongoing Noise is evaluated as new projects are proposed in compliance with the
city noise ordinance.
When approving grading permits, include conditions to ensure noise
standards are met. Require an inspector on site during grading activities
to monitor noise impacts
Goal NS-B Minimize the exposure of
noise-sensitive uses – including
residences, schools, churches,
hospitals and other public uses
– to excessive noise levels.
Ongoing When approving grading permits and other projects,, include conditions
to ensure noise standards are met. Require an inspector on site during
grading activities to monitor noise impacts
Page 14
Table 20 –Storm Drainage Goals in 2025
Goal or Policy Progress in 2025
Goal PF-31 Require new development and
capital improvement projects to
reduce pollution and runoff
affecting creeks in Central Rohnert
Park by following the adopted Low
Impact Development Technical
Design Manual.
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Public Works initiated construction of the CIP2020 Dowdell
Avenue Extension Phase 1 Project, which includes permanent Low
Impact Development features as part of the project.
Public Works initiated construction of CIP1718 Keiser Avenue
Reconstruction Project – Phase 3 Project which includes
permanent Low Impact Development features as part of the
project.
The City requires all applicable new development and capital
improvement projects to comply with the adopted Low Impact
Development Technical Design Manual through plan review,
permitting, and construction inspections, ensuring stormwater is
treated, detained, and released in a manner that reduces pollution
and protects local creeks. The City reinforces this through
ongoing LID training for staff, developers, and consultants, and
through annual regional coordination and reporting to ensure
consistency in LID implementation and MS4 compliance across
the region.
2027 General Plan Progress Report for Calendar Year 2026 * SAMPLE ONLY Page 1
General Plan Progress Report
(SAMPLE 2027 REPORT FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2026)
Table of Contents Page
Purpose................................................................................................................................................... 1
Required Information ............................................................................................................................... 2
Major Accomplishments .......................................................................................................................... 3
Recommendations .................................................................................................................................. 4
Appendix A: General Plan Implementation Progress Matrix ........................................................................ 6
Attachment 2
2027 General Plan Progress Report for Calendar Year 2026 * SAMPLE ONLY Page 2
1.Purpose
Government Code Section 65400 and 65700 mandates that all cities and counties submit an annual report
on the status of the General Plan and progress in its implementation to their local legislative bodies, the
Governor’s Office of Land Use & Climate Innovation (“LCI,” formerly the California Office of Planning and
Research, or OPR), and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) by April 1
of each calendar year. This report fulfills that requirement. It has been formatted pursuant to LCI Guidelines
for Annual Progress Reports (APRs) issued by LCI in 2026.
The APR is intended to help decision makers assess how the General Plan was implemented over the 12-
month reporting period, and how the various goals, policies, and implementing actions of the Plan are being
carried out. As appropriate, the APR may provide guidance for “course adjustments” or amendments to the
General Plan to improve implementation.
A separate APR is prepared for the Housing Element. That APR is subject to statutory requirements
documenting the jurisdiction’s progress in implementing its Housing Element programs. The Housing
Element APR is focused on the jurisdiction's efforts to meet its fair share of regional housing needs, including
the number of applications, entitlements, permits, and certificates of occupancy issued during the prior
year. It also addresses progress on zoning map and text changes, programs to remove regulatory constraints,
and other steps identified in the Housing Element to facilitate the conservation and production of affordable
housing.
General Plan 2040 includes 126 specific implementing actions. This General Plan APR is formatted to
document the progress being made on these actions. The General Plan itself identifies a responsible party
for each action and a timeline (2026-2030, 2031-2035, 2036-2040, annual, or ongoing). This information is
included in the report, in addition to the program descriptions. The report identifies progress made on each
action during Calendar Year 2026, as well as steps planned for 2027. These planned steps include potential
“course corrections” where conditions have changed or a particular action has been completed or is no
longer applicable.
2027 General Plan Progress Report for Calendar Year 2026 * SAMPLE ONLY Page 3
2. Required Information
A. Date of Presentation and Acceptance by Local Legislative Body
• Planning Commission. This report was presented to the Rohnert Park Planning Commission
and accepted on ##/##/2027.
• City Council. This report was presented to the Rohnert Park City Council and accepted on
##/##/2027.
B. Date of the Last Update to the General Plan
Rohnert Park General Plan 2040 was adopted by the City Council on [INSERT DATE].
C. Measures to Implement the General Plan Associated with Specific Elements
See attached matrix (Appendix A)
D. Compliance with LCI Guidelines
Text will be included here to demonstrate the compliance of the General Plan with LCI Guidelines. Given
that the Plan is to be adopted in 2026, it is anticipated to be fully compliant with the Guidelines (e.g.,
environmental justice element, consultation with tribal communities, etc.).
E. Priorities for Land Use Decision-Making
Text will be included here to document priorities such as the development of Downtown Rohnert Park,
completion of zoning changes identified in the Housing Element, creation of the new Business Park zone,
and continued development of Specific Plan areas.
2027 General Plan Progress Report for Calendar Year 2026 * SAMPLE ONLY Page 4
3. Major Accomplishments
This section of the report will summarize milestones reached in 2026, including planning activities
completed and initiated, and progress on planning activities that are currently underway. Activities
completed would include adoption of General Plan 2040 itself, and certification of the EIR. This section will
also document General Plan and zoning amendments taking place during the calendar year, planning grants
received, and other studies or plans that progressed during the year. This section also will cover major
development applications processed during the year, with metrics and data provided as appropriate.
2027 General Plan Progress Report for Calendar Year 2026 * SAMPLE ONLY Page 5
4.Recommendations
This section will summarize any recommended changes to Goals, Policies, and Implementing Actions,
as well as recommended edits to narrative text and maps. Updates to the Implementing Actions also will
be provided, drawing from the conclusions in Appendix A.
2027 General Plan Progress Report for Calendar Year 2026 * SAMPLE ONLY Page 6
APPENDIX A: GENERAL PLAN 2040 IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS MATRIX
RACIAL, SOCIAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT (RSEJ-)
ID Program or Action Department Timing Progress in 2026 2027 Planned Activities
A Social and Racial Justice Equity Survey
The City shall conduct an annual survey which
measures the success of advancing social equity
and diversity citywide and report the results of
the survey to the City Council and community.
City Manager Annual SAMPLE TEXT (illustrative only):
The City completed the survey as proposed.
SAMPLE TEXT (illustrative only): An
update of the survey is planned for
2027.
B RSEJ 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.
City Manager Ongoing SAMPLE TEXT (illustrative only):
No action was taken on this program in
2026 due to limited budget and competing priorities
SAMPLE TEXT (illustrative only): The
City is continuing to pursue funding
for this task
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 and work with
educational institutions and other entities to
promote city job opportunities with technical
schools and college students.
City Manager
Human Res.
Ongoing SAMPLE TEXT (illustrative only):
In March 2026, the City met with Sonoma
State to discuss potential City internship
opportunities.
SAMPLE TEXT (illustrative only):
Meetings will be convened on an as
needed basis.
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.
City Manager
Public Safety
Ongoing SAMPLE TEXT (illustrative only):
An annual training occurred in June and
these topics were covered.
SAMPLE TEXT (illustrative only):
Annual training is anticipated to
occur later in 2027. Dates have not
yet been set.
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.
City Manager
Public Safety
Ongoing SAMPLE TEXT (illustrative only):
The Academy occurred during a four-week
period in July.
SAMPLE TEXT (illustrative only): The
Academy is expected to continue in
2027.
2027 General Plan Progress Report for Calendar Year 2026 * SAMPLE ONLY Page 7
RACIAL, SOCIAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ELEMENT (RSEJ-)
ID Program or Action Department Timing Progress in 2026 2027 Planned Activities
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.
City Manager
Public Safety
Ongoing
G 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.
Dev. Services 2026-
2030
H 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.
City Manager
Public Works
2031-
2035
I 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.
City Manager
Human Res.
Ongoing
2027 General Plan Progress Report for Calendar Year 2026 * SAMPLE ONLY Page 8
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT (CD-)
ID Program or Action Department Timing Progress in 2026 2027 Planned Activities
A Zoning Ordinance Update for Clear Development
Regulations The City shall review the Zoning
Ordinance and map to ensure that standards and
regulations are clear, implement General Plan
policy, reinforce quality design, and are easily
monitored.
Dev. Services 2026-
2030
B Urban Forest Master Plan The City shall prepare
an Urban Forest Master Plan and update it every
five years. 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.
Dev. Services
Public Works
2031-
2040
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).
Dev. Services Annual
D CIP Programs
The City shall include the design and
implementation of Gateway and streetscape
design features in future CIPs.
Public Works Ongoing
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT (CD-)
ID Program or Action Department Timing Progress in 2026 2027 Planned Activities
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.
Dev. Services 2026-
2030
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.
Dev. Services 2026-
2030
G Sustainable Development Checklist The City shall
continue to make information available to
developers and other applicants regarding
compliance with the CalGreen Building Code &
the Model Water Use Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
Dev. Services 2026-
2030
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT (ED-)
ID Program or Action Department Timing Progress in 2026 2027 Planned Activities
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.
Econ Dev.
Finance
2026-
2030
B Fiscal Impact Analysis
The City shall require a Fiscal Impact Analysis for
Market Rate Residential Developments or Mixed
Use Developments that meet the following
criteria: (a) development contains more than 50 Residential Units, and (b) development requires a
discretionary permit and/or a land use change.
Dev. Services Ongoing
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.
Dev. Services Ongoing
D Services Taxes or Assessments
The City shall continue to require maintenance
special tax or assessment districts for new
residential development.
Dev. Services Ongoing
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.
City Manager
Dev. Services
Ongoing
F District Financing Tools
The City shall explore the feasibility of district
financing tools such as EIFDs and CFDs to fund
infrastructure in targeted business areas that can
catalyze private development.
Econ Dev.
Dev. Services
2026-
2030
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT (ED-)
ID Program or Action Department Timing Progress in 2026 2027 Planned Activities
G Property-based Business Improvement District
The City shall consult with business owners to
gauge interest in and encourage the formation of
a Property-based Business Improvement District
(PBID) to lead efforts in revitalizing and activating
commercial areas.
Econ Dev.
Dev. Services
2031-
2036
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.
All City Depts 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.
Econ Dev.
Dev. Services Ongoing
J Capital Improvement Program The City will use its capital improvements
program to invest in technology that improves
efficiency in transportation and utility services.
Public Works Ongoing
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.
Dev. Services Ongoing
L Telecommunications Ordinance
The City shall regularly review and update its
telecommunications ordinance to support new
ways of working.
Dev. Services 2031-
2036;
Ongoing
M Home-Based Business Ordinance
The City shall regularly review and update its
home-based business ordinance to support new
ways of working.
Dev. Services 2026-
2030;
2036-
2040
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT (ED-)
ID Program or Action Department Timing Progress in 2026 2027 Planned Activities
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.
Econ Dev. 2026-
2030;
Ongoing
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.
Econ Dev. Ongoing
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.
Econ Dev. Ongoing
Q City Branding The City shall invest in and evolve Rohnert Park’s
Branding Program.
Econ Dev. Ongoing
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.
Dev. Services 2026-
2030
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.
Econ Dev. 2026-
2030;
Ongoing
T Downtown Form Based Code
The City shall continue to implement and where
appropriate modify the Form Based Code for
Downtown.
Dev. Services Ongoing
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT (ED-)
ID Program or Action Department Timing Progress in 2026 2027 Planned Activities
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.
Econ Dev.
Dev. Services
Ongoing
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CLIMATE CHANGE ELEMENT (CC-)
ID Program or Action Department Timing Progress in 2026 2027 Planned Activities
A Climate Action Plan
Develop a Rohnert Park Climate Action Plan
within two years of the adoption of the General
Plan to outline how Rohnert Park will meet the
State’s 2030 goal of 40 percent below 1990
emissions levels and 2045 goal of carbon
neutrality. Implementation measures in the new
CAP to achieve the 2030 and 2045 goals may
include, but are not limited to, zero net energy
requirements for new and remodeled
construction; carbon sequestration measures
such as tree planting, composting, rooftop
gardens, and open space protection; and
measures in the California 2022 Climate Change
Scoping Plan (supporting electric charging
stations, cleaner transit, etc.).
Public Works
Dev. Services
City Manager
2026-
2030
B CEQA Thresholds
Prepare, adopt, and implement a CEQA GHG
Emissions threshold of significance within two
years of adoption of the General Plan for use in future CEQA GHG emissions analyses through
2045. In addition, upon completion of future
Climate Action Plan (“CAP”) updates and as
necessary, the City shall update the CEQA GHG
Emissions threshold of significance and Rohnert Park CEQA GHG Checklist to be consistent with
each CAP update.
Dev. Services 2026-
2030
C City-wide Adoption of Electric Vehicles
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.
Public Works 2026-
2030
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CLIMATE CHANGE ELEMENT (CC-)
ID Program or Action Department Timing Progress in 2026 2027 Planned Activities
D Establish a Green Team
The City shall establish a “Green Team” consisting
of staff from City departments, community, and
regional partners to implement policy goals and
measures related to climate action.
City Manager Ongoing
E Climate Action Partnerships
The City shall explore climate restoration
partnerships and investment strategies to
remove greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from
the atmosphere.
Public Works 2026-
2030
F Shared Transit and Other Mobility Opportunities
and Improvements
The City shall improve shared mobility, transit
programs, and infrastructure to reduce passenger
VMT by 2 percent by 2030, and 4 percent by
2045.
Public Works Ongoing
G Increase Edible Food Recovery Efforts
The City shall establish and implement edible
food recovery programs to improve efficiency of
edible food generators, food recovery services, and food recovery organizations comply with
requirements to increase recovery rates.
Public Works Ongoing
H City-wide Organics Waste Collection Ordinance
The City shall implement an ordinance requiring
residential and commercial organic generators to
subscribe to organics collection programs or
alternatively report organics self-hauling and/or
backhauling.
Public Works Ongoing
I Residential and Business Organics Waste
Disposal Ordinance
In collaboration with the City’s waste hauler,
continue efforts to achieve the performance
benchmarks set by SB 1383, including composting
programs for multi-family housing and
commercial centers.
Public Works Ongoing
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CLIMATE CHANGE ELEMENT (CC-)
ID Program or Action Department Timing Progress in 2026 2027 Planned Activities
J Increase Trees Planted for Environmental
Benefits
The City shall maximize local carbon
sequestration by increasing urban canopy cover
by at least 12 percent by 2035.
Public Works 2036-
2040
K Electric Appliances Replacement Program
The City shall coordinate with Sonoma Clean
Power (SCP) and other local programs to create
incentives for retrofitting for electric appliances in
existing buildings by 2030.
Public Works 2031-
2035
L Limitations on New Natural Gas Installations
Ordinance
The City shall adopt a new building ordinance
which limits the installation of natural gas in new
residential construction and new commercial
construction by 2026. The ordinance will only
apply for building types where electrification is
shown to be cost-effective.
Dev. Services 2031-
2035
M All-Electric Buildings for Critical Public Facilities
The City shall require on-site renewable energy and battery storage for critical public facilities.
Public Works
Dev. Services
2031-
2035
N Improve Micro-Grid Energy Storage Evaluation
Processes
The City shall 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.
Dev. Services 2026-
2030
O Rebates & Funding Incentives for Residential
Battery Storage
The City shall identify rebates and funding
opportunities for residential battery storage
capabilities and notify residents and businesses of
opportunities through existing communication
channels.
Public Works 2026-
2030
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CLIMATE CHANGE ELEMENT (CC-)
ID Program or Action Department Timing Progress in 2026 2027 Planned Activities
P Carbon-free Powered Rohnert Park
The City shall partner with SCP to increase
generation and storage of local renewable energy
by taking advantage of Federal and State grant
programs.
Public Works 2036-
2040
Q Bi-annual Review of Development Standards
The City shall 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.
Dev. Services Ongoing
R GHG Emissions Inventory Update Program
The City shall update the citywide GHG emissions
inventory every five years utilizing methodology
applied to the City 2010 and 2015 inventories.
Public Works 2026-
2040
S 100% Clean Energy City-wide Initiative The City shall decarbonize electricity to reduce electricity emissions 100 percent by 2030 through
negotiations with the SCP coalition.
Public Works Dev Services 2031-2035
T Resilient Public Critical Facilities
The City shall 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.
Public Works Ongoing
U Case Study for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
The City shall conduct a community EV Feasibility
Study to assess infrastructure needs and
challenges, particularly in disadvantaged
communities.
Public Works 2026-
2030
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CLIMATE CHANGE ELEMENT (CC-)
ID Program or Action Department Timing Progress in 2026 2027 Planned Activities
V City of Rohnert Park Transition to Electric
Vehicle (EV) Fleet
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.
Public Works Ongoing
W Prepare Publicly Owned Lands for Climate-
friendly Future
The City shall utilize public lands and spaces to
increase local carbon sequestration, reduce urban
heat island effect, and improve air quality.
Public Works
Dev. Services
Ongoing
X BAAQMD’s Non-Attainment Standards
The City shall comply with BAAQMD’s non-
attainment standards and implement required
pollution control measures by State and Federal statutes.
Public Works
Dev. Services
Ongoing
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CIRCULATION ELEMENT (C-)
ID Program or Action Department Timing Progress in 2026 2027 Planned Activities
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.
Dev. Services
Public Works
Ongoing
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.
Dev. Services
Public Works
Ongoing
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.
Dev. Services Ongoing
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 updated travel
demand models, (2) when sustainability-related
plans (i.e., Climate Action Plan) are adopted, or
(3) when Specific Plans are adopted or updated.
Dev. Services
Public Works
2026-
2035
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CIRCULATION ELEMENT (C-)
ID Program or Action Department Timing Progress in 2026 2027 Planned Activities
E Transportation Demand Management Program
The City shall develop a comprehensive, citywide
transportation demand management (TDM)
program. 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. The program shall be
designed to reduce Total VMT per Service
Population to 21.9 Total VMT per Service
Population by 2040 and address VMT from all
land uses, including (but not limited to)
residential, employment-focused, educational,
retail, commercial, and industrial uses. The TDM
program shall be periodically updated as baseline
VMT values from the City are updated per the
SCTA Travel Demand Model update process. The
performance of the TDM program shall be periodically monitored relative to achieving Total
VMT per Service Population performance.
Dev. Services
Public Works
2026-
2030
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.
Public Works
Dev. Services
Ongoing
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.
Public Works
Dev. Services
2026-
2030
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CIRCULATION ELEMENT (C-)
ID Program or Action Department Timing Progress in 2026 2027 Planned Activities
H Active Transportation Plan Implement the 2025
Active Transportation Plan (ATP) in accordance
with the priorities for bicycle and pedestrian
projects established by the Plan. Periodically
update the ATP to reflect evolving needs,
conditions, and bicycle and pedestrian planning
and design best practices. Future updates should
be coordinated with the City of Cotati, County of
Sonoma, SMART, and Sonoma County Transit.
Public Works
Dev. Services
2031-
2035;
Ongoing
I Streamline Multimodal Mixed-Use Development
The City shall update the design review
requirements for mixed-use projects to include
incentives for multimodal features.
Dev. Services 2026-
2030
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.
Dev. Services 2026-
2030
K Central Rohnert Park/SMART Station
Connectivity In partnership with private
developers and SMART, the City shall plan to
expand bicycle and pedestrian connections within
Central Rohnert Park. The plan shall address off-
street bicycle and pedestrian trail improvements
and supporting programs.
Public Works Ongoing
L Maintain a Local Roadway Safety Plan The City
shall maintain its Local Roadway Safety Plan
(LRSP) 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.
Public Works
Public Safety
2026-
2035
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CIRCULATION ELEMENT (C-)
ID Program or Action Department Timing Progress in 2026 2027 Planned Activities
M Improve the Convenience of Transit
The City shall work with SCT to support
improvements to 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.
Public Works
Dev. Services
Ongoing
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, as part of traffic mitigation measures, or to
meet TDM requirements. Transit-related
improvements may include but are not limited to:
• Direct paved pedestrian or bicycle access to
transit stops and multi-use paths;
• Safety improvements such as lighting or
signage;
• Bus turnouts and shelters; and
• Lane width dedication to accommodate buses.
Dev. Services Ongoing
O Monitor 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.
Dev. Services Ongoing
P Transit Incentives
The City shall incentivize people to ride transit by
promoting free and reduced fare programs,
including incentives for Sonoma State University
students, seniors, youth, and those eligible for
Community Route fares, to decrease cost barriers
to transit.
City Manager
Dev. Services
Ongoing
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CIRCULATION ELEMENT (C-)
ID Program or Action Department Timing Progress in 2026 2027 Planned Activities
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.
Dev. Services
Public Works
2026-
2030
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.
Dev. Services Ongoing
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.
Dev. Services 2026-
2030
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PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES (PFS-)
ID Program or Action Department Timing Progress in 2026 2027 Planned Activities
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.
City Manager Ongoing
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.
City Manager Ongoing
C Implement Updated Parks and Recreation
Master Plan
Implement the updated Parks and Recreation
Master Plan. Moving forward, update this Plan
every 10 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.
Community
Services
2026-
2030;
2036-
2040
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.
Public Works
Dev. Services
2026-
2040
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PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES (PFS-)
ID Program or Action Department Timing Progress in 2026 2027 Planned Activities
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
Public Works 2026-
2040
F Water Conservation Efforts
Implement and enforce water conservation efforts throughout Rohnert Park.
Public Works Ongoing
G Large Landscape Conservation Programs
The City shall implement appropriate large landscape conservation programs during any
temporary water delivery impairment.
Public Works 2026-
2030
H 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.
Public Works Ongoing
I 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.
Public Works Ongoing
J 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.
Public Works Ongoing
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PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES (PFS-)
ID Program or Action Department Timing Progress in 2026 2027 Planned Activities
K Sewer System Management Plan
The City shall maintain and regularly update the
Sewer System Management Plan.
Public Works Ongoing
L 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.
Public Works Ongoing
M 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.
Public Works Ongoing
N 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.
Public Works Ongoing
O Staffing Resources and Recruitment
The City shall ensure recruitment and
promotional practices are representative of the
city’s diverse population.
Human
Resources
Ongoing
P 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.
Public Safety Ongoing
Q 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.
Public Safety Ongoing
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PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES (PFS-)
ID Program or Action Department Timing Progress in 2026 2027 Planned Activities
R Employee Wellness
The City shall implement wellness programs to
meet the mental, emotional, and physical needs
of employees in each department.
Human
Resources
Ongoing
S 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.
City Manager
Dev. Services
Ongoing
T Communications Infrastructure in CIP
The City shall consider the inclusion of CIP
projects that will support improved
communications
Public Works
All Depts.
Ongoing
U Cybersecurity Plan The City shall develop a cybersecurity plan to protect City infrastructure and government data
against cyberattacks.
City Manager 2026-2030
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HEALTH AND SAFETY (HS-)
ID Program or Action Department Timing Progress in 2026 2027 Planned Activities
A Evacuation Study and Constraints Analysis As
required by AB 747 and SB 99, the City shall
complete an evacuation study (or participate in a
regional or subregional evacuation study) which
evaluates evacuation times under different
disaster scenarios. The study should include the
mapping of residential subdivisions with only one
means of ingress and egress. Amend the Safety
Element as needed upon completion of the
evacuation analysis, with policies and programs
that reflect findings.
Dev. Services
Public Safety
Public Works
2026-
2030
B Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
The City shall regularly review and update every
five years the Comprehensive Emergency
Management Plan.
Public Safety
Dev. Services
2026-
2040
C 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.
Public Safety Ongoing
D 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.
Dev. Services Public Safety 2031-2035
E 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.
Public Safety Ongoing
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HEALTH AND SAFETY (HS-)
ID Program or Action Department Timing Progress in 2026 2027 Planned Activities
F Local Hazard Mitigation Plan The City shall work
collaboratively with the Sonoma County
Department of Emergency Management to
update the Rohnert Park HMP to address hazard
mitigation, resiliency, climate change adaptation,
and land use planning conditions and priorities.
Periodically update the LHMP in compliance with
federal requirements.
Dev. Services
Public Safety
Public Works
Ongoing
G 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.
Public Works
Public Safety
Ongoing
H 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.
Public Safety Ongoing
I 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.
Dev. Services
Public Safety
Ongoing
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HEALTH AND SAFETY (HS-)
ID Program or Action Department Timing Progress in 2026 2027 Planned Activities
J 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.
Public Works 2026-
2030
K 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.
Public Works 2026-
2030
L 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.
Public Works
Dev. Services
2026-
2040
M Low-Impact Development
The City shall require the implementation of low-
impact design (LID) principles as required by State
law.
Dev. Services Ongoing
N Development Standards
The City shall establish development standards
for new construction adjacent to riparian zones
to reduce erosion, sedimentation and flooding.
Standards should include: (a) 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 corridors during construction; (b) As part
of construction permits, require installation of
storm sewers before construction to collect
runoff during construction; (c) 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.
Dev. Services
Public Works
2026-
2030
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HEALTH AND SAFETY (HS-)
ID Program or Action Department Timing Progress in 2026 2027 Planned Activities
O National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
Community Rating System (CRS)
The City shall designate a 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.
Dev. Services
Public Safey
2026-
2030;
Ongoing
P 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.
Public Works Ongoing
Q 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.
Dev. Services Ongoing
R 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.
Dev. Services Ongoing
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HEALTH AND SAFETY (HS-)
ID Program or Action Department Timing Progress in 2026 2027 Planned Activities
S 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. The State of California’s
Noise Compatibility Guidelines may be used as
the benchmark for determining compatible uses
in areas with different ambient noise levels.
Dev. Services Ongoing
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RESOURCE CONSERVATION (RC-)
ID Program or Action Department Timing Progress in 2026 2027 Planned Activities
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.
Dev. Services 2036-
2040
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.
Dev. Services Ongoing
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.
Dev. Services 2026-
2030
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RESOURCE CONSERVATION (RC-)
ID Program or Action Department Timing Progress in 2026 2027 Planned Activities
D Requirement for Archaeological Resources Study
The City shall require all discretionary projects to
investigate the potential to disturb archaeological
resources. If preliminary reconnaissance suggests
that archaeological resources may exist on a
proposed project site, a Phase I archaeological
resources study shall be performed by a qualified
professional meeting the Secretary of the
Interior’s (SOI) Professional Qualification
Standard (PQS) for archaeology (NPS 1983). The
study shall include a pedestrian survey of the
project site and sufficient background research
and, as necessary, field sampling to determine
whether archaeological resources may be
present. Archival research shall include a records
search at the Northwest Information Center
(NWIC), a Sacred Lands File (SLF) search with the
Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), and consultation with FIGR, including a request to
FIGR to provide a tribal registry records search
and an invitation to FIGR to provide a cultural
monitor for the survey. The report documenting the study shall include recommendations to avoid or reduce impacts on archaeological resources, to
be implemented by the project sponsor.
Dev. Services Ongoing
E Protection of Paleontological Resources
The City shall require avoidance and/or mitigation
for potential impacts to paleontological resources
for any development in the City that occurs
within high sensitivity geologic units, whether mapped at the surface or subsurface. When such
resources are uncovered during site excavation,
grading, or construction activities, work will be
suspended until the significance of the fossils can
be determined by a qualified paleontologist. If
significant resources are determined to exist, the
paleontologist shall make recommendations for
protection or recovery of the resource.
Dev. Services Ongoing
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RESOURCE CONSERVATION (RC-)
ID Program or Action Department Timing Progress in 2026 ID
F Tribal Consultation Policy or Memorandum of
Agreement (MOA) The City shall work in
partnership with the Federated Indians of Graton
Rancheria to develop a formal policy or MOA to
implement General Plan goals and policies, as
indicated in Policy RC-2.3. This should include
measures to: (a) Improve the development
review and environmental review consultation
processes; and (b) Ensure that the City’s plans,
programs and communications accurately reflect
FIGR’s history and cultural heritage.
Dev. Services 2026-
2030
JurisdictionRohnert ParkANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORTReporting Year2025 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31)Housing Element ImplementationPlanning Period6th Cycle01/31/2023 - 01/31/20311Projection Period34RHNA Allocation by Income LevelProjection Period - 06/30/2022-01/30/20232023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031Total Units to Date (all years)Total Remaining RHNA by Income LevelDeed Restricted - - - - - - - - - - Non-Deed Restricted - - - - - - - - - - Deed Restricted- - - - - - - - - - Non-Deed Restricted- - - - - - - - - - Deed Restricted60 - - - - - - - - - Non-Deed Restricted3 2 4 2 - - - - - - Deed Restricted2 - - - - - - - - - Non-Deed Restricted4 2 4 2 - - - - - - Deed Restricted2 - - - - - - - - - Non-Deed Restricted6 - 1 1 - - - - - - Above Moderate686 69 71 145 33 - - - - - - 318 368 1,580 146 75 154 38 - - - - - - 413 1,167 Extremely Low- - - Table BRegional Housing Needs Allocation ProgressPermitted Units Issued by Affordability2Income LevelAcutely Low- - - Total UnitsVery Low399 71 328 Low230 14 216 Moderate265 10 255 Total RHNA*For years prior to 2025, Acutely Low-Income units are reported within the Extremely Low-Income category*For jurisdictions that received RHNA determinations for the current cycle prior to the passage of AB 3093 (September 19, 2024):- You were not allocated Acutely Low-Income and Extremely Low-Income RHNA targets, therefore the allocations in Field 1 are listed as "0"- If you wish to set your own targets in these income categories for informational purposes, contact HCD staff at apr@hcd.ca.gov.- All Acutely Low-Income and Extremely Low-Income units reported during the cycle are counted towards Very-Low Income RHNA progress*For years prior to 2025, data on deed-restricted vs. non-deed restricted Extremely Low-Income units is approximated from whether the projects reported any deed-restricted Very Low-Income Units. If you wish to edit this historical data for accuracy or have any questions about the data, you may login to HCD's online APR system, or contact HCD staff at apr@hcd.ca.gov.Please Note: Table B does not currently contain data from Table F or Table F2 for prior years. You may login to the APR system to see Table B that contains this data.Please note: The APR form can only display data for one planning period. To view progress for a different planning period, you may login to HCD's online APR system, or contact HCD staff at apr@hcd.ca.gov.Attachment 3
Jurisdiction Rohnert Park
Reporting Year 2025 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Name of Program Objective
Projected Completion
Date in Housing
Element
Applicable Cycle Status of Program
Implementation Program Implementation Details Quantified Outcomes:
Category
Quantified Outcomes:
Count Supporting Documents
HO-1.A No Net Loss of
Residential Capacity to
Accommodate RHNA
(a) To ensure sufficient residential capacity is maintained to
accommodate the RHNA for each income category, staff will
develop and implement a formal, ongoing (project-by-
project) administrative evaluation procedure
Within six months of
adoption 6th Cycle Completed
Procedure developed, staff to update regularly. Staff have
also identified next steps for software integration for more
streamlined tracking.
Other 1 N/A
HO-1.A No Net Loss of
Residential Capacity to
Accommodate RHNA
(b) No project approval or other action that reduces the
density or development capacity of a site shall be
undertaken unless sufficient remaining sites are available or
additional adequate sites are identified to meet the City's
RHNA obligation prior to approval of the development and
made available within 180 days of approval of the
development, as required by Senate Bill 166.
Ongoing 6th Cycle Continuous A procedure has been developed and is being
implemented on a project-by-project basis. Other 0 N/A
HO-1.B Administrative List
of Additional Sites
The City shall create and maintain a list of additional sites
with appropriate zoning that could be added to the City's
Sites Inventory if and when an analysis provided through the
Annual Progress Report indicates that sufficient sites may
not exist to accommodate the City's remaining RHNA, by
income level, for the planning period.
Create list by December
2023, consider adding sites
from list to inventory on an
annual basis
6th Cycle Continuous
Administrative List of Additional Sites has been developed.
Sites will be added to inventory if/when needed as per no
net loss procedure.
Other 1 N/A
HO-1.C Rezone to meet
RHNA
(a) As part of the General Plan update, the City shall rezone
sufficient sites in order to demonstrate an adequate
inventory of sites to meet its Regional Housing Needs
Allocation (RHNA).
Within one year of adoption 6th Cycle In Progress
Three sites have been identified for rezoning. Two are
complete. The third site is being analyzed with the General
Plan which is anticipated to be considered by the City
Council in April 2026, with the rezoning to follow in
May/June 2026.
Other 2
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HO-1.C Rezone to meet
RHNA
(b) The City will amend the code as required to allow non-
vacant sites included in one previous Housing Element
inventory and vacant sites included in two previous Housing
Elements to address by-right approval requirements in
Government Code § 65583.
By 2023 6th Cycle Completed Code updates completed.Other 0
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HO-1.D Streamline
Development Process
(a) Develop a written SB 35 application process, including
the pre-application and the procedure that would be used if
the City becomes subject to SB 35 provisions. This process
would provide a streamlined ministerial approval process to
qualified residential and mixed-use development projects.
The written procedures and checklists would be developed
and made available on the City's website.
By 2024 6th Cycle In Progress A draft of the application process has been completed and
is under staff review. Other 0
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HO-1.D Streamline
Development Process
(b) Develop Objective Design and Development Standards
for multi-family and mixed-use projects. Replace factors 1, 2,
and 3 in the City's Site Plan and Architectural Review
procedures with objective findings.
By 2024 6th Cycle In Progress
Staff held a study session on the objective design
standards with the Planning Commission on 12/11/25 and
will bring it back in April 2026. City Council has adopted
code amendments updating the Site Plan and Architectural
Review procedures.
Other 0
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ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
Table D
Program Implementation Status pursuant to GC Section 65583
Housing Programs Progress Report
Describe progress of all programs including local efforts to remove governmental constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing as identified in the housing element.
HO-1.E Replacement
Housing Program
The City will require replacement housing units subject to
the requirements of Government Code Section 65915(c)(3)
when any new development occurs on a site in the Sites
Inventory or on a site within the Downtown District Amenity
Zone (DDAZ) if that site meets any of the conditions listed in
the Housing Element.
Ongoing 6th Cycle Continuous This program is being implemented on a project-by-project
basis. No units have needed to be replaced. Units 0 N/A
HO-2.A Accessible and
Transparent Information
(a) Post all required information about development
standards and fees to an easily accessed location on the
City's website.
By Jan 2024 6th Cycle In Progress
This information has been posted on the City's website.
Staff plan to continue work to make it easier for
developers to access and navigate. A consultant has been
assigned to the task of making updates to the City website
and progress will be made in the near future.
Other 0 N/A
HO-2.A Accessible and
Transparent Information
(b) When making findings for Government Code Section
66001(d)(1) every five years, ensure compliance with AB
602 requirements for new development impact fee studies
and resulting fees.
By 2025 6th Cycle In Progress
The City completed a Development Impact Fees Annual
Report and Required Five-Year Findings For the Fiscal
Year June 30, 2025. The City plans to contract consultants
to conduct a development impact fee study in Fiscal Year
2026-2027
Other 0 N/A
HO-2.A Accessible and
Transparent Information
(c) Create and publish a summary that identifies the sites on
the City's Sites Inventory and make the summary available
online in map format. Provide site-specific development
information and support whenever possible in order to
reduce up-front costs for interested housing developers.
Create summary by 2023;
Update annually or as sites
are developed
6th Cycle In Progress
This program is partially complete. The information is
posted online in the City's certified Housing Element, and
staff regularly directs interested developers to the
appropriate sections. Staff are actively working with a
contractor to create a dedicated housing developer
webpage with a map, housing site summaries and other
tools to help promote housing development.
Other 1 N/A
HO-2.B Outreach to
Developers
(a) Conduct outreach annually for the housing fair, including
contacting developers, lenders, fair housing organizations,
providers of affordable housing, homeless service providers,
regional organizations that provide ADU TA.
Annual 6th Cycle Continuous
The City, in partnership with the City of Cotati and the
Rohnert Park-
Cotati Regional Library, hosted a Housing and Resource
Fair in September 2025. The
Fair featured vendors from 14 community organizations
and a First-Time Homebuyer
Workshop. Approximately 100 people attended the Fair
and 40 attended the
Workshop.
Meetings 1
https://events.sonomalibrary.org/event/afforda
ble-housing-resource-fair-
84550?language=en
HO-2.B Outreach to
Developers
(b) Facilitate opportunities for collaboration between market-
rate and affordable housing developers through the annual
housing fair.
Annual 6th Cycle Continuous
The City, in partnership with the City of Cotati and the
Rohnert Park-
Cotati Regional Library, hosted a Housing and Resource
Fair in September 2025. The
Fair featured vendors from 14 community organizations
and a First-Time Homebuyer
Workshop. Approximately 100 people attended the Fair
and 40 attended the
Workshop.
Meetings 1
https://events.sonomalibrary.org/event/afforda
ble-housing-resource-fair-
84550?language=en
HO-2.B Outreach to
Developers
(c) Maintain contacts with nonprofit housing and refer
potential developers of such housing to these organizations
for assistance.
Review annually and update
if needed 6th Cycle Continuous
The City maintains contacts with nonprofit housing
organizations and refers developers to these
organizations.
Units 716 N/A
HO-2.C Zoning for a Variety
of Housing Types
(a) City staff will bring forward Municipal Code amendments
to address recent changes to State law (see HE program
for list of codes that require updating).
Amend code by June 2024 6th Cycle In Progress
The majority of the code updates were adopted by City
Council in January 2026. Some additional updates on
Group/Community Care Homes will move forward in the
coming months.
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HO-2.C Zoning for a Variety
of Housing Types
(b) The City will review all other plans regulating land use
and complete any legally permissible amendments to
Specific Plans to ensure compliance with State laws related
to transitional housing, supportive housing, group homes,
Low Barrier Navigation Centers, and Accessory Dwelling
Units.
Amend remaining plans
regulating land use by 2024 6th Cycle In Progress
In January 2026 City Council adopted code updates and
amendments for the Downtown District Amenity Zone
Regulations. Staff are continuing to update other Specific
Plans.
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HO-2.D Incentivize and
Promote ADU and JADU
Development
Incentivize and promote the development of accessory
dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units
(JADUs) by providing technical assistance and resources for
their development and rental through the following actions:
See description in sub-
programs below.6th Cycle Continuous See below Other N/A N/A
HO-2.D Incentivize and
Promote ADU and JADU
Development
(a) Maintain ADU webpage with accessible information,
simple application, and contact information for questions
about and assistance with accessory dwelling units.
Review annually and update
if needed 6th Cycle Continuous
City staff have developed clear checklists for both ADUs
and JADUs and other resources to assist homeowners
interested in building an ADU or JADU. The City's ADU
webpages have also been updated to be more user
friendly and streamlined.
Other 2
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208/ADU-Application-Checklist---Single-
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HO-2.D Incentivize and
Promote ADU and JADU
Development
(b) Partner with and/or fund regional organizations that
provide technical assistance, including site evaluations, for
the development of ADUs and JADUs, and landlord/tenant
support, such as the Napa Sonoma ADU Center and Homes
for Sonoma. Share resources provided by these
organizations, including webinars and technical assistance
programs, through the City webpage, newsletter, and social
media.
Contact at least one regional
organization by the end of
2023 to establish a
partnership
6th Cycle Completed
In Fiscal Year 2024-25, the City provided $20,000 in
General Funds to the ADU Center (formerly the Napa-
Sonoma ADU Center), who provides technical assistance
and support to both homeowners interested in building an
ADU or JADU, and to the City. The City also shares these
resources on its website. City funding was not continued in
FY 25-26. The City is participating in a Pre-Approved ADU
Plan Collaborative with other jurisdictions. Each
jurisdiction in contributing a set of pre-approved plans for
an ADU type – JADU, garage conversions, etc. Once
complete, these will be posted on the City’s website.
Completion is projected for summer 2026.
Other 0 https://www.rpcity.org/219/Pre-Approved-
ADU-Program
HO-2.D Incentivize and
Promote ADU and JADU
Development
(c) Facilitate the development of JADUs by developing
promotional materials specific to JADUs and their funding
and making these available on the City's ADU webpage.
By December 2023 6th Cycle Completed
Staff have made materials specific to developing a JADU
available on its website, as part of the ADU process
streamlining efforts.
Other 1
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HO-2.D Incentivize and
Promote ADU and JADU
Development
(d) In partnership with regional organizations, promote and
publicize new allowances for ADUs and JADUs to the
public, including place-based promotion for locations with
higher income eligibility limits for the CalHFA ADU grant
program.
By December 2024 6th Cycle Continuous
The ADU Center (formerly the Napa-Sonoma ADU Center)
is currently promoted on the City's ADU webpages. The
ADU Center and City were working on a collaborative
effort to promote the CalHFA ADU grant program in Fall
2023, however, the program ran out of funds before the
promotion effort got off the ground. City staff look forward
to additional grant funds becoming available in the future
and will work with the ADU Center to promote them to
Rohnert Park residents.
Other 0 https://www.rpcity.org/218/Accessory-
Dwelling-Units
HO-2.D Incentivize and
Promote ADU and JADU
Development
(e) Help legalize existing unpermitted units. Promote and
publicize program through City website and social media to
encourage people with unpermitted units to bring up to code.
By December 2024 6th Cycle In Progress
This program is partially complete. The City's ADU
amnesty program and associated webpage are now
active. Staff is actively working with a contractor to
develop an internal process to manage applications and
promotional materials.
Other 0 https://www.rpcity.org/218/Accessory-
Dwelling-Units
HO-2.D Incentivize and
Promote ADU and JADU
Development
(f) Annually report out on the City's successes in the
production of ADUs and JADUs with the City's APR.Annually 6th Cycle Continuous
The City continues to report ADU and JADU production
annually. By the end of 2025, the City had already
permitted 37 of the 40 accessory dwelling units projected
in the Housing Element. Reported quantified objective is
ADUs permitted as of the end of 2025.
Units 37 N/A
HO-2.D Incentivize and
Promote ADU and JADU
Development
(g) The City will monitor the affordability and production of
ADUs every two to three years (three times in the planning
period) as part of the annual report. If production and
affordability does not meet assumptions in the sites
inventory then, based on the results, the City will take
appropriate action within 6 months.
Review in 2025, 2027, and
2029, and if necessary,
implement cost-reducing
measures within one year.
6th Cycle In Progress
Staff distributed an affordability survey mailer in November
2025. The survey has been completed and no cost-
reducing measures are needed this year.
Other 0 N/A
HO-2.E Workforce Housing
Overlay
(a) The City will prepare a Workforce Housing Overlay
(WFHO) that further provides for the City's identified housing
needs. The City will determine locational factors for the
implementation of WFHO. Findings and recommendations
will be presented to the Planning Commission and City
Council. If directed, WFHO will be adopted into the Code
within 6 months
Present by Jan 2026 6th Cycle In Progress The City contracted a consulting team to assist in an initial
analysis. A study session is planned for late 2026.Other 0 N/A
HO-2.E Workforce Housing
Overlay
(b) The City will conduct necessary outreach to property
owners and residents in proposed overlay areas.By Dec 2026 6th Cycle Not Yet Started Outreach is pending completion of the above.Other 0 N/A
HO-3.A Mortgage Credit
Certificate Program
Once the CDC resumes participation in the MCC Program,
the program will be implemented through private lenders so
that homebuyers in Rohnert Park can continue to benefit
from the federal Program. The City will invite local lenders to
the annual housing fair (See Program HO-2.B) , provide
information on the MCC Program, and report out on these
efforts in the Annual Planning Report.
Outreach annually,
beginning in 2024 6th Cycle Not Yet Started There has not been any update from the County with
regard to re-starting this program.Households 0 N/A
HO-3.B City Density Bonus
Program
The City will study the feasibility of providing a supplemental
density bonus program that further incentivizes the provision
of units to meet the City's identified housing needs. The
study will include review of the provisions for which the
supplemental (City) density bonus program may be used
which could include, but are not limited to, the following:
- A deeper level of affordability
- Higher proportion of affordable units
- Units available to persons exiting homelessness
- Universal Design
The City will complete a study by July 2026 to determine the
appropriate additional densities and incentives to
development projects, and will present their findings and
recommendations to the Planning Commission and City
Council by the end of 2026. If directed, the City Density
Bonus will be adopted into the Code within 6 months.
Complete study by July
2026; Present
recommendations by end of
2026.
6th Cycle Not Yet Started Not yet started.Other 0 N/A
HO-3.C Essential Housing
Bond Financing Program
(a) In partnership with a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) and
non-profit asset manager, utilize tax-exempt governmental
purpose bonds to fund: (1) the acquisition of existing market-
rate apartment complexes and restrict future rents to be
affordable to households that earn very low to moderate
incomes, and (2) the construction of new development of
deed-restricted affordable housing. In order for asset
managers to access these types of bonds, Cities must join a
Joint Powers Authority (JPA) and authorize the JPA to issue
these bonds on behalf of the City. The JPA, in partnership
with the non-profit asset manager, then purchases the
apartment complex, using only money from the bond
financing, and sets the rents to be affordable to low- to
moderate- income households.
Establish JPA structure or
join existing JPA by July
2023
Implement construction or
acquisition projects through
2031
6th Cycle In Progress
In 2023, City staff met with a rep of the Joint Powers
Authority "CA Statewide Communities Development
Authority" (CSCDA), which operates the "Workforce
Housing Program" through which they issue tax-exempt
governmental purpose bonds to acquire existing market-
rate housing and restrict the rent to lower to moderate-
income households. The City confirmed that it is already
an active member of CSCDA and can implement this
program in Rohnert Park if and when an eligible market-
rate apartment complex is put up for-sale and if market
conditions allow.
Other 0 N/A
HO-3.C Essential Housing
Bond Financing Program
(b) Review production of units provided by the Essential
Bonds Housing Financing Program four years into the
planning period, compare with Housing Element
requirements and targets, and report progress to City
Council.
Report progress to the City
Council in 2027, and to HCD
within 30 days of City
Council report.
6th Cycle Not Yet Started Pending, will review production in 2027.Units 0 N/A
HO-3.D Homes for the
Essential Workforce
In partnership with Housing Land Trust of Sonoma County,
the City shall continue to set aside funds to buy down the
affordability on new and existing market-rate homes for sale
in Rohnert Park and make the homes affordable to low- to
moderate-income families. Housing Land Trust adds the
homes to their inventory, provides ongoing stewardship and
compliance monitoring of the units, and ensures the ongoing
affordability of the homes if/when they resell.
Ongoing 6th Cycle In Progress
In September 2019, the City Council allocated $200,000
from its affordable housing funds to support the creation of
moderate-income affordable housing ownership units in
collaboration with the Housing Land Trust (HLT) of
Sonoma County. This initiative aims to "buy down" the
affordability of existing market-rate homes, restricting the
homes to moderate-income households and ensuring
affordability in perpetuity. The HLT secured $300,000 in
matching funds and are actively pursuing houses now.
Other 1 N/A
HO-3.E At-Risk Units
(b) Ensure nonprofit developers and property owners of at-
risk housing are aware of existing State and Federal noticing
requirements. Provide education to tenants about upcoming
expiration of affordability and their rights under the law.
Provide this information at the annual housing fair. (See
Program HO-2.B)
Annual 6th Cycle In Progress
Staff reached out to the property manager at Edgewood
Apartments (whose affordability covenant is set to expire
in October 2026) to notify them about State and Federal
noticing requirements. City staff are partnering with them
in an effort to identify affordability preservation measures,
including housing vouchers. Edgewood Apartments
includes 67 affordable units.
Meetings 1 N/A
HO-3.E At-Risk Units
(c) Proactively outreach to owners at least three years
before expiration of affordability covenants to inform them of
state preservation notice law requirements and to ensure
tenants receive the required notices at three years, twelve
months, and six months prior to the scheduled expiration of
rent restrictions, as described in Government Code
65863.10. (Government Code Sections 65863.10, 65863.11,
65863.13)
Review annually. Contact at
least three years before
expiration of affordability
covenants.
6th Cycle In Progress
Affordability at Santa Alicia has been extended to Sept
2039. Edgewood expires in Oct 2026. City staff reached
out to the property owner in early 2024 to check in about
plan to communicate with tenants, and the property
management confirmed that they are aware of their
expiration date. The City met with them again in February
2026 and are partnering with them in an effort to identify
affordability preservation measures, including housing
vouchers.
Meetings 1 N/A
HO-3.E At-Risk Units (d) Proactively outreach to at least two qualified entities per
year to make diligent efforts to maintain affordability levels.Annual 6th Cycle Completed
City has outreached and met with two qualified entities
seeking to maintain affordability levels at property at-risk of
conversion.
Meetings 2 N/A
HO-3.E At-Risk Units
(e) Meet with owners of at-risk units who intend to opt out of
a Section 8 contract or Affordable Housing Agreement to
examine potential strategies to preserve or replace the units
(e.g., transferring the units to a nonprofit developer).
Ongoing 6th Cycle Continuous Will implement if/when applicable.Meetings 1 N/A
HO-3.E At-Risk Units
(f) Commit to extending the terms of City loans with
affordable projects, thereby also extending the affordability
period. Commit funding, as available, from the City's
housing fee funds to preserve affordable units.
Ongoing 6th Cycle Continuous
Affordability at Santa Alicia has been extended to Sept
2039. Edgewood expires in Oct 2026. City staff reached
out to the property owner in early 2024 to check in about
plan to communicate with tenants, and the property
management confirmed that they are aware of their
expiration date. The City has a meeting scheduled with
Edgewood's property management for February 2026 to
discuss their plan to support tenants.
Other 2 N/A
HO-3.E At-Risk Units
(g) Support grant applications to provide funds for
preservation of affordable projects. Continue coordinating
with County Housing Authority to connect people living in
units with expiring affordability covenants with Housing
Choice Vouchers.
Ongoing 6th Cycle Continuous City will continue to do this on any eligible projects willing
to engage.Meetings 1 N/A
HO-3.E At-Risk Units
Between 2023 and 2033, Rohnert Park has 68 units at high
risk and up to 20 affordable units at lower risk of converting
to market rents. The City will work to preserve the units
within these 2 projects as affordable by undertaking the
following specific actions:
See description in sub-
programs below.6th Cycle Continuous See below.Units 68 N/A
HO-3.E At-Risk Units
(a) Maintain an inventory of units at-risk of conversion to
market-rate in the next 10 years. Annually update this list
during the City's APR process.
Annual 6th Cycle Continuous City staff maintain an inventory of units at-risk of
conversion. Other 1 N/A
HO-3.F Affordable Housing
on Underutilized City Sites
(f) Coordinate with Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School
District to identify housing opportunities on underutilized
District-owned lands for educator workforce housing and/or
other residential development, including but not limited to
133 units on the CRPUSD-owned site in University District.
Meet with CRPUSD staff
and provide information on
development options by
2026
6th Cycle Completed
City Development Services staff met with Cotati-Rohnert
Park Unified School District (CRPUSD) leadership in 2024
to discuss their plans and offer guidance on next steps to
consider to develop this site. If no progress has been
made in the next few years, staff will reach out again for a
status update and to offer support in 2026.
Meetings 1 N/A
HO-3.F Affordable Housing
on Underutilized City Sites
(a) Outreach to property owners, businesses, and residents
of adjacent parcels of City-owned inventory sites. Provide
annual status updates on stakeholders and co-facilitate
community meeting(s) with potential developer of site if site
is being actively considered for housing project.
Ongoing, begin prior to RFP
for each project, consistent
with schedule in HO 3.H
Timeline tab
6th Cycle In Progress
In 2024, the City selected a developer for the 30-acre City-
owned downtown property. City Council approved the term
sheet at the 11/18/25 meeting. The City has co-facilitated
outreach meetings with the proposed developer of the City-
owned site on State Farm Drive and community members.
City staff have and will continue outreach efforts to
neighbors and stakeholders of this and other city-owned
inventory sites in the coming years.
Other 1
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HO-3.F Affordable Housing
on Underutilized City Sites
(b) Explore land donation or long-term ground lease of City-
owned sites included in inventory for development into
affordable housing projects. Ensure consistency with the
Surplus Land Act through development of a comprehensive
and competitive program to solicit requests for proposals
(RFPs), with an application publicly available on the City's
website.
Ongoing, consistent with
schedule of actions in HO
3.H Timeline tab
6th Cycle In Progress
The City entered into a long-term ground lease in 2022 for
a Homekey-funded interim housing project on City-owned
land, "Labath Landing." (This project pulled permits in the
6th RHNA cycle.) In 2023, the City declared its downtown
site Exempt Surplus Land and set aside at least 25% of
the overall housing units as affordable to lower-income
households. City Council approved the term sheet for the
downtown site at the 11/18/25 meeting. Analysis work for
affordable housing within the downtown project has not
started. Staff plan to explore a land donation or long-term
ground lease for the affordable housing project site.
Other 1
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HO-3.F Affordable Housing
on Underutilized City Sites
(c) Research and implement appropriate environmental
mitigation measures for housing development of City-owned
sites.
Ongoing as sites are
developed 6th Cycle In Progress Ongoing as sites are developed. Other 1 N/A
HO-3.F Affordable Housing
on Underutilized City Sites
(d) Pursue funding for appropriate projects on City-owned
sites in inventory.
Ongoing, consistent with
schedule of actions in HO
3.H Timeline tab
6th Cycle In Progress
The City was awarded $14.6 million in Homekey funds to
build the 60-unit non-congregate interim housing project
on City-owned land in 2021. This project received final
certificates of occupancy in 2023. In 2024, the City applied
for and was awarded $670K in Prohousing Incentive
Program funds to provide gap financing for the Homekey+
(aka Terraces at Copeland Creek) affordable housing
project.
Units 60 N/A
HO-3.F Affordable Housing
on Underutilized City Sites
(e) Review production of units on City-owned land four years
into the planning period and compare with Housing Element
projections. If actual production is below the projected level,
and the City is not meeting its RHNA targets proportional to
the duration of the planning period, implement an alternative
action program aimed at meeting RHNA targets. This action
may include implementation of the Workforce Housing
Overlay Program (see Program HO-2.E.)
By 2028 6th Cycle In Progress
Homekey+ and Labath Landing sites previously discussed
are included in this program. See status described within
each program referenced.
Other 0 N/A
HO-3.F Affordable Housing
on Underutilized City Sites
The City shall support the development of affordable
housing on underutilized City-owned sites by taking the
following actions:
See description in sub-
programs below.6th Cycle Continuous See sub-sections for more information.Other 0 N/A
HO-3.G Prohousing
Designation
In collaboration with the Napa Sonoma Collaborative and
local nonprofit organizations, such as Generation Housing,
the City will analyze policies and programs needed to meet
the threshold for the Prohousing Designation program. The
City will complete a study by July 2023 to determine which
policies and programs may be required for the program and
will present their findings and recommendations to the
Planning Commission and City Council by the end of 2023.
Complete study by July
2023; Present
recommendations by end of
2023
6th Cycle Completed
The City submitted Prohousing Designation Program
application in March 2023. Application was approved and
designation awarded in August 2023.
Other 1
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ohnert-Park---Prohousing-Designation-from-
the-California-Department-of-Housing-and-
Community-Development-PDF?bidId=
HO-3.H Assist in the
Development of Affordable
Housing
a) Funding: The City will work with affordable housing
developers to identify, leverage, and pursue local, state, and
federal funding programs to maximize the number of
affordable units available to low-, very low-, and extremely
low-income households, whenever possible. Additionally,
the City will continue to analyze the benefit of joining a Joint
Powers Agreement (JPA), to allow the issuance of bonds in
Rohnert Park for the development of affordable housing and
provide funding to the Homes for the Essential Workforce
Program (Program HO-3.D)
Identify, leverage, and
pursue funding opportunities
as they arise, beginning in
2023, and at least annually
throughout the planning
period
6th Cycle Continuous
The City does this on an on-going basis. See description
of some recent efforts above under HO-3.F(d). Partially
tied to efforts in HO-3-C.
Other 0 N/A
HO-3.H Assist in the
Development of Affordable
Housing
b) Development Opportunities: The City currently actively
participates in subregional housing planning efforts through
the Napa Sonoma Collaborative and will continue this
participation. This includes a regional mapping project that
provides relevant development information and TCAC
Opportunity Index Scores for available housing sites on the
City€™s Sites Inventory. The City will continue their
participation and will provide updated site information
annually to allow developers easy identification of
development opportunities, including opportunities for
development of affordable housing, farmworker housing,
and special needs housing.
Beginning in 2023, updated
annually during preparation
of the Annual Progress
Report
6th Cycle Continuous
The City participates in regular meetings and efforts led by
the Napa Sonoma Collaborative, and will continue to
provide updated site information annually to the
Collaborative to include in their regional mapping project.
Other 1 N/A
HO-3.H Assist in the
Development of Affordable
Housing
c) Small Lot Consolidation: To expand opportunities for
affordable housing development and enhance the financial
viability of smaller sites, the City will encourage the
consolidation of small parcels to accommodate larger-scale
and higher density developments that are compatible with
existing neighborhoods. The City will also facilitate lot
consolidation for mixed-use developments by providing
appropriate assistance to developers to encourage
negotiations between property owners.
By October 2023, the City
will develop a list of sites
where lot consolidation is
feasible based on
ownership, sales, and
existing uses. Provide list to
interested developers when
requested, and review
annually for accuracy.
Develop incentives for lot
consolidation by October
2024.
6th Cycle In Progress
Staff has identified sites that would benefit from small lot
consolidation, and plans to finalize the list in 2026 and
consider incentives for lot consolidation. This process has
been initiated with consultant support and completion is
anticipated by September 2026.
Other 0 N/A
HO-3.H Assist in the
Development of Affordable
Housing
(d) Farmworker Housing: The City will identify housing
opportunities and support housing development for
farmworkers identifying development opportunities
(subprogram (b)), providing priority processing and
incentives to farmworker housing projects coordinating with
farmworker advocacy groups (Program HO-4.C: Culturally
Appropriate Outreach and Marketing), developers of
farmworker housing (Program HO-2.B: Outreach to
Developers).
By October 2024, the City
will develop and provide
developers information
about incentives for
farmworker housing
6th Cycle In Progress
As described below under Program HO-4.C, in 2023, staff
developed a program and process for affordable housing
providers to conduct outreach to historically
underrepresented populations, including people of color
and farmworkers, when affordable housing programs are
being marketed. As described above under Program HO-
2.B, staff are in the process of creating a dedicated
housing developer webpage with a map, housing site
summaries and other tools to help promote housing
development. This will also include identification of
housing opportunities for developers of farmworker
housing. Staff have initiated work developing this new
webpage in partnership with a consultant, which is
expected to go live in 2026. Completion is anticipated in
2026.
Other 0 N/A
HO-3.H Assist in the
Development of Affordable
Housing
(e) Special Needs & Extremely Low-Income Housing: The
City will expand on its strong track record of supporting the
development of housing affordable to extremely low-income
households including permanent supportive housing,
transitional housing, and low-barrier navigation centers
through continued pursuit of Project Homekey and other
funds as they are available. Additional programs supporting
the development of extremely low-income housing include:
Programs HO-2.B: Outreach to Developers, HO-2.C: Zoning
for a Variety of Housing Types, HO-3.F: Affordable Housing
on Underutilized City Sites, HO-4.C: Culturally Appropriate
Outreach and Marketing, and HO-4.D: Actions to Address
Homelessness.
As included in individual
programs 6th Cycle In Progress See status described within each program referenced. Units 95 N/A
HO-4.A Anti-Displacement
Actions
(a) Consider a Condominium Conversion ordinance to limit
the loss of rental housing stock.
Present information and
data regarding
Condominium Conversions
and policy options to the
Planning Commission and
City Council in 2028. If
directed, adopt ordinance by
December 2028
6th Cycle Not Yet Started Not yet started, due 2028.Other 0 N/A
HO-4.A Anti-Displacement
Actions
The City shall take measures to reduce the risk of
displacement throughout the City, especially in areas of
increased investment and development, through the
following actions:
See description in sub-
programs below.6th Cycle In Progress See updates within each subsection.Other 0 N/A
HO-4.A Anti-Displacement
Actions
(b) Continue to promote programs for housing stability and
eviction prevention. Prepare a directory of trusted
community partners willing to promote these programs.
Utilize these partnerships to share resources in a culturally
sensitive manner and incorporate place-based outreach.
Prepare list by 2023 6th Cycle Continuous
City shares housing resources and programs for housing
stability and eviction prevention on the City's website and
in City Hall. In Dec 2024, a local nonprofit launched a new
countywide pilot project for homeless prevention called
"Keep People Housed". City staff worked with the
nonprofit's staff to promote this program through its utility
bill mailer, website, social media channels, City newsletter
and billboard. Additionally, in Oct 2024, the City, in
partnership with a local nonprofit, opened a new services
hub in a City-owned building called "Rohnert Park People
Services Center." The center is staffed 40 hours a week
and provides low-income residents access resources
related to homeless prevention, affordable housing,
counseling, case management and referrals to other
countywide programs and services.
Other 1 N/A
HO-4.A Anti-Displacement
Actions
(c) When implementing Essential Housing Bond Financing
Program, prioritize areas identified as susceptible to
displacement, as identified by the Assessment of Fair
Housing.
Present recommendation by
July 2023 6th Cycle In Progress
As it considers potential sites for this program, the City will
prioritize sites that are susceptible to displacement. (See
also status described in Program HO-3.C above.)
Other 0 N/A
HO-4.A Anti-Displacement
Actions
(d) Study the need for and implications of enacting additional
anti-displacement strategies, present findings and
recommendations to the Planning Commission and City
Council in 2024, and implement recommendations in 2025,
which may result in an update to the City's existing rental
housing ordinance. Topics to be considered may include but
are not limited to anti-displacement strategies that address
unfair evictions, excessive rent increases, substandard
rental housing conditions, rental inspections, harassment, or
other strategies that reflect conditions unique to the City.
Present study of additional
strategies in September
2024; Implement
recommendation in
September 2025
6th Cycle In Progress
In 2024, City staff had discussions with representatives
from the local Legal Aid and Fair Housing organizations
about recommended anti-displacement strategies. Staff
prepared an analysis of options for potential anti-
displacement strategies in 2025. Due to loss of several
key staff, the implementation of this item has been
delayed.
Households 0 N/A
HO-4.B Fair Housing
Information
(b) Invite fair housing organizations, such as Sonoma
County Legal Aid, to the annual housing fair (See Program
HO-2.B) to share information and resources.
Annual 6th Cycle Continuous
The City hosted its first annual housing and resource fair
in September 2024, and invited Sonoma County Legal Aid
and Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California to
table. The two organizations also led a "Know Your Rights"
workshop during the fair. The City, in partnership with the
City of Cotati and the Rohnert Park-Cotati Regional
Library, hosted a Housing and Resource Fair in
September 2025. The Fair featured vendors from 14
community organizations and a First-Time Homebuyer
Workshop. Approximately 100 people attended the Fair
and 40 attended the Workshop.
Meetings 1
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ble-housing-resource-fair-
84550?language=en
HO-4.B Fair Housing
Information
(c) Continue to maintain an inventory of existing affordable
rental housing and affordable ownership opportunities and
programs on the City website.
Review inventory annually
and update postings and
website if needed
6th Cycle Continuous
The City continues to maintain this inventory on the City
website. Additionally, the City hosted a Housing and
Resource Fair in September 2025, reaching approximately
140 people, and at least 60 people accessed information
about affordable housing through the City website.
Persons 200 https://www.rpcity.org/BusinessDirectoryII.asp
x?lngBusinessCategoryID=23
HO-4.B Fair Housing
Information
The City shall take measures to provide and publicize
information regarding fair housing programs, housing rights,
and complaint procedures, including the following actions:
See description in sub-
programs below.6th Cycle In Progress See sub-sections for more information.Other 0 N/A
HO-4.B Fair Housing
Information
(a) Post information regarding local, State, and Federal fair
housing programs in public places, including City Hall, the
Community Center, and the Senior Center, and on the City's
Affordable Housing webpage. Include information about Fair
Housing of Sonoma County to ensure residents with
housing complaints can connect to the appropriate agencies
and services.
Review posted information
annually and update
postings and website if
needed
6th Cycle Continuous Information currently on City webpage. Staff will create a
flyer version that can be distributed to physical locations.Other 1 https://www.rpcity.org/BusinessDirectoryII.asp
x?lngBusinessCategoryID=23
HO-4.C Culturally
Appropriate Outreach and
Marketing
Develop a program and process for affordable housing
providers to conduct outreach to historically
underrepresented populations, including people of color and
farmworkers, when affordable housing programs are being
marketed.
By July 2023 6th Cycle Completed
In 2023, staff developed a culturally appropriate outreach
and marketing procedure to ensure effective and inclusive
promotion of new affordable housing programs. This
procedure is now a standard requirement in all Affordable
Housing Covenants executed by the City. Developers are
required to create a marketing plan for affordable units,
which must be reviewed and approved by City Housing
staff. These plans must incorporate strategies for culturally
appropriate outreach, including providing all marketing
materials in both English and Spanish, conducting
outreach to a diverse range of local groups and
organizations, and sharing marketing materials with the
City for promotion through official channels such as the
website, facilities, and social media. This new procedure
was successfully implemented with an affordable housing
project that began leasing in 2023 and will be applied to all
future affordable housing projects, ensuring that
information about affordable housing opportunities
reaches a broader, more diverse audience within the
community.
Units 0 N/A
HO-4.D Actions to Address
Homelessness
(f) Explore additional innovative strategies and programs to
better address and end homelessness.
Present findings and/or
make program
recommendations to City
Council annually, beginning
in 2024
6th Cycle Continuous
Staff present findings and make recommendations
regarding homeless service programs to City Council at
least annually.
Meetings 1 N/A
HO-4.D Actions to Address
Homelessness
Continue current City actions to address homelessness,
including the following actions:
See description in sub-
programs below.6th Cycle In Progress See sub-sections for more information.Persons 133 N/A
HO-4.D Actions to Address
Homelessness
(a) Invest funding in outreach services and housing
programs, such as interim housing, rapid rehousing, and
permanent supportive housing. Utilize metrics-driven
approach to ensure programs are performing according to
their agreement with the City.
Ongoing, at least annually,
beginning in 2023 6th Cycle Continuous
In fiscal year 2024/25, the City invested $3.5 million in
homeless services, including outreach, interim housing,
and permanent supportive housing. In 2025-26, the City
invested $698,745 in contracts to support homeless
services including street outreach and interim housing,
budgeted from the General Fund. The City also received
$28 million in HCD Homekey+ funds as a co-grantee with
Burbank Housing. The funds will be used to construct
Terraces at Copeland Creek. The City also received $1.27
million from Sonoma County to offset Labath Landing
operating costs. City staff closely monitor to ensure that all
programs are performing according to their agreements
with the City.
Other 1 https://rpcity.org/633/Budget
HO-4.D Actions to Address
Homelessness
(b) Continue facilitation of the Rohnert Park Homelessness
Roundtable on a regular basis.
Monthly or as needed,
beginning in January 2023 6th Cycle Continuous City staff continue to facilitate the Homelessness
Roundtable as needed. Meetings 1 N/A
HO-4.D Actions to Address
Homelessness
(c) Support the construction, occupancy, and operation of
local interim housing.
Ongoing, at least annually,
beginning in 2023 6th Cycle Continuous
In 2023, the City issued final certificates of occupancy for
its 60-unit Homekey-funded interim housing project,
Labath Landing. The City received $1.27 million from
Sonoma County to offset Labath Landing operating costs.
The City manages the ground lease and services
agreement with the nonprofit who operates the facility, and
works closely to monitor and ensure the success of the
program.
Other 1 https://rpcity.org/259/Labath-Landing
HO-4.D Actions to Address
Homelessness
(d) Retain homeless services coordinator to manage and
oversee City's homeless services program.
Ongoing, at least annually,
beginning in 2023 6th Cycle Continuous The City continues to have designated staff to manage
and oversee the City's homeless services program.Other 1 N/A
HO-4.D Actions to Address
Homelessness
(e) Support regional cooperation efforts to address
homelessness, including providing technical assistance and
support to City representatives serving on the Sonoma
County Continuum of Care (CoC) Board and regularly
attending and/or participating in CoC Board and
subcommittee meetings.
Quarterly, beginning Spring
2023 6th Cycle Continuous The City maintains representation on the Sonoma County
CoC Board and participates in subcommittee meetings. Other 1 N/A
HO-4.E Inclusionary
Housing Ordinance
The City shall review its Inclusionary Housing Ordinance
requirements for rental residential developments with the
provisions of Government Code 65850.01 as amended by
AB 1505. If necessary, the City shall amend its Inclusionary
Housing Ordinance to promote fair housing opportunity and
meet housing needs. The City will consider a variety of
provisions for its Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, including
allowances for alternative equivalents and units that are
affordable by design.
Review ordinance by
December 2028;
Recommend any necessary
amendments to Planning
Commission and City
Council by December 2028
6th Cycle Not Yet Started Not yet started, due 2028.Units 4 N/A
HO-5.A Housing
Rehabilitation for Low-and
Moderate-Income
Households
The City shall continue to partner with the Sonoma County
Community Development Commission (CDC) on housing
rehabilitation programs for low-and moderate-income
households, including the following actions:
See description in sub-
programs below.6th Cycle In Progress See sub-sections for more information.Other 0 N/A
HO-5.A Housing
Rehabilitation for Low-and
Moderate-Income
Households
(a) Update and distribute information about the CDC's
rehabilitation programs to individuals with disabilities,
seniors and the elderly, and advocacy groups that represent
these special needs groups.
Ongoing at least annually,
beginning by December
2025
6th Cycle In Progress Housing staff reached out to CDC to request this info.Other 0 N/A
HO-5.A Housing
Rehabilitation for Low-and
Moderate-Income
Households
(b) Provide and maintain information on rehabilitation
programs, including the CDC rehabilitation program, on the
City's website.
Ongoing, beginning in 2023 6th Cycle Continuous This information is on the City's website. Households 0 https://www.rpcity.org/263/Affordable-
Housing
HO-5.A Housing
Rehabilitation for Low-and
Moderate-Income
Households
(c) Pursue grant opportunities to create a residential
rehabilitation program for lower income residents. Work with
the Community Development Commission to apply for
HOME, CalHome, and CDBG funds, as well as promote
Section 504 Home Repair Program loans and grants to
provide housing rehabilitation loans and weatherization
services for income-eligible households to improve living
conditions
Review of grant funding
opportunities annually,
beginning in 2023
6th Cycle Continuous
City staff are in regular contact with staff at the Sonoma
County Community Development Commission about
opportunities to apply to grant programs to provide
housing rehabilitation loans to income-eligible households.
City staff refer people that are looking for assistance to
that program.
Other 0 N/A
HO-5.B Continuing
Protections for Mobile Home
Parks
The City will continue to provide protections for mobile home
parks and residents within them by implementing its existing
Chapters 17.23 and 9.70 of its City Code:
See description in sub-
programs below.6th Cycle Continuous See sub-sections for more information.Other 0 N/A
HO-5.B Continuing
Protections for Mobile Home
Parks
Its voter-approved Mobile Home Ordinance (Chapter;
includes rent stabilization tied to CPI, vacancy decontrol,
and creation H84of a rent appeals board); and
Ongoing, with any activity
reporting in the APR 6th Cycle Continuous Households 85
https://library.municode.com/ca/rohnert_park/
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EMOWE_ARTVICOPR_CH9.70MOHOOR
HO-5.B Continuing
Protections for Mobile Home
Parks
- Its Mobile Home Park Conversion Ordinance (Chapter
17.23), which prohibits the conversion of a mobile home
park to another use unless certain findings are made
Ongoing, with any activity
reporting in the APR 6th Cycle Continuous This ordinance is in place.Other 1
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HO-5.C Community
Revitalization
The City will develop a mixed-use downtown with housing,
retail and commercial space on a 30-acre City-owned parcel
in the central Rohnert Park area, adjacent to the Sonoma-
Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) train station. This area,
located at 6400 State Farm Dr, is known as "Station Center."
Additionally, the City will continue its investment in bicycle
and walking paths as well as a pedestrian/bicycle
overcrossing of Highway 101, to connect the east to the
west side of the city. This will increase the walkable
amenities and resources in areas in the City with higher
concentration of lower-income households including the
Copeland Creek Corridor, Central and West Rohnert Park,
as well as A and B Sections. Between 2023 and 2031, the
City will undertake the following specific actions:
See description in sub-
programs below.6th Cycle In Progress See sub-sections for more information.Other 0 N/A
HO-5.C Community
Revitalization
(a) Explore options to accelerate construction of major
backbone infrastructure to facilitate development of a
walkable mixed-use downtown area.
Present findings and
recommendations to Council
by July 2023, and begin to
implement
recommendations in the
2023-2024 Capital
Improvement Program
6th Cycle In Progress
In 2024, the City selected CenterCal as the developer for
the downtown project. Council approved the term sheet at
the 11/18/25 meeting. Analysis work for infrastructure
needs within the downtown project is in progress.
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HO-5.C Community
Revitalization
(b) Consistent with the Exempt Surplus Land Act resolution
adopted by the City Council on March 14, 2023, implement
land donation or long-term ground lease in the Station
Center area for development of housing, of which 25% shall
be targeted as deed-restricted as affordable to lower-income
households, through development of a comprehensive and
competitive program to solicit request for proposals (RFPs),
with an application publicly available on the City's website.
Adopt resolution in March
2023. Release RFP by
January 2025.
6th Cycle Completed
In progress. Surplus Land Act resolution was adopted by
the City Council on March 14, 2023 and the RFQ was
released on November 1, 2023. In 2024, the City selected
CenterCal as the developer for the downtown project. The
project is no longer called Station Center. City Council
approved the term sheet for the new developer at the
11/18/25 meeting.
Other 1
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HO-5.C Community
Revitalization
(e) Per the City's five-year capital improvement plan,
continue to prioritize investments in infrastructure in the
City's lower-resource areas, including Copeland Creek
Corridor, Central and West Rohnert Park, and A and B
Sections. This includes constructing and improving bicycle
and walking paths, as well as pedestrian/bicycle
overcrossings of Highway 101 to connect the Central and
West Rohnert Park areas. These paths provide direct
connections to Sonoma State University, public transit
(including the SMART train) and the downtown area. Apply
for funding to develop and improve bicycle and walking
paths and transit access, as available including regional
efforts with the Community Based Transportation Planning
(CBTP) Program.
Revisited annually, starting
in 2023 6th Cycle Continuous
The City's capital improvement plan was adopted in June
2025 along with the City's annual budget. The plan
continues to prioritize investments in infrastructure in the
City’s lower-resource areas, including Copeland Creek
Corridor, Central and West Rohnert Park, and A and B
Sections.
Other 60 N/A
HO-5.C Community
Revitalization
(c) Pursue funding for infrastructure and affordable housing
to support development of project, including Infill
Infrastructure Grant (IIG) funding.
Ongoing, starting in 2023 6th Cycle Continuous
The City submitted letter of interest for IIG Catalytic grant
in early 2023, but wasn't selected for this grant. In 2024,
the City received funds through the ABAG Priority Sites
Program for planning and determining path to compliance
with the ABAG/MTC OBAG funding policies for the
downtown site. The City also received funding through the
HCD Prohousing Incentive Program to help promote the
development of the Homekey+ project (aka Terraces at
Copeland Creek). City has taken steps to ensure
compliance with ABAG MTC TOC policies, to increase
grant eligibility.
Other 1 N/A
HO-5.C Community
Revitalization
(d) Uphold equitable transit-oriented development (eTOD)
best practices for the Station Center site, including but not
limited to the pursuit of local match for affordable housing
subsidy, removal of barriers to development, and
infrastructural improvements to serve transit and pedestrian
access.
By January 2025,
incorporated into the Station
Center RFP
6th Cycle In Progress
Staff included eTOD best practices in the RFQ for this site,
which was posted on November 1, 2023. Staff will
continue to consider this as they pursue outside funding
opportunities. The City selected CenterCal for the
downtown project. Council approved the term sheet at the
11/18/25 meeting.
Other 1 N/A