Santa Rosa Planning Commission Regular Meeting – September 8, 2022

On Thursday, September 8, 2022, the Santa Rosa Planning Commission held a virtual regular meeting starting at 4:30 PM via Zoom. Six commissioners were present (Chair Karen Weeks, Commissioners Charles Carter, Vicki Duggan, Jeffrey Holton, Jeff Okrepkie, and Patti Cisco); Vice Chair Julian Peterson was absent. The meeting featured two public hearings: a conditional use permit for a cannabis dispensary and two time-extensions for a subdivision. Both items were approved unanimously (6-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 8.2 – Kawana Village Extensions: Amanda Reed, a resident at 1320 Kawana Terrace, expressed concerns about the cumulative traffic impacts of multiple nearby developments, lack of safety measures (speed bumps, signs), and the loss of privacy. She questioned whether repeated extensions should trigger a re-evaluation of current conditions rather than assuming conditions from 2008.

Discussion Items

• Item 8.1 – Flora Terra Cannabis Dispensary (CUP21-097): Staff presented the request for a Major Conditional Use Permit to operate a Type 10 cannabis retail dispensary and sell smoking devices in a previously vacant 2,031-square-foot former Starbucks at 4575 Highway 12, Suite B. The project meets the 600-foot setback requirements from schools and other dispensaries and is located in a Neighborhood Commercial zone. A traffic study (W-Trans) found no significant transportation impacts. The applicant, Alicia Wingard, stated the operation would include on-site security, no deliveries from the site, and would not allow on-site consumption. Eight public emails opposing the project were received, citing concerns about proximity to residences and schools, increased traffic, and potential for loitering/crime. Staff responded noting the city code does not regulate residential setbacks, the traffic study was adequate, and the security plan meets requirements. Commissioners found the proposal straightforward, consistent with zoning, and an appropriate use of an existing commercial space. They expressed support for the project, noting that statistics do not show increased crime around dispensaries and that lighting/cameras often reduce loitering.
• Item 8.2 – Kawana Village Extensions (PRJ18-029 & EXT22-0005): The project involves two separate one-year time extensions for an approved Tentative Map, Small Lot Conditional Use Permit, and Hillside Development Permit to subdivide a 4.82-acre site at 1310 Kawana Terrace into 39 single-family lots (27 detached, 12 attached duet units). The original project was approved in June 2008 with a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND). The map received automatic extensions from the state and city council (due to economic conditions, fires, and COVID-19), and the current request would extend the map to June 12, 2023. Staff clarified that this would be the fifth and final time extension; no further extensions are allowed after this. A condition requires 18-foot-wide driveways for all 27 detached single-family homes to ensure adequate on-site parking (four spaces per unit), achieving a total of 159 spaces versus 138 required. Commissioners acknowledged the neighbors' concerns but noted the project was originally approved with full consideration of general plan densities and zoning, and that denial of an extension is rare. They all found the required findings met.

Key Outcomes

• Item 8.1 – Flora Terra Cannabis Dispensary: Motion to waive reading and adopt Resolution PC-2022-021 (approving the conditional use permit) carried 6-0 (Vice Chair Peterson absent). The decision is final unless appealed within 10 calendar days.
• Item 8.2 – Kawana Village Extensions: Two separate motions were made (by Commissioner Duggan, seconded by Commissioner Carter) to waive reading and adopt Resolutions PC-2022-022 and PC-2022-023, each granting a one-year extension of time for the tentative map (to June 12, 2023). Both motions carried 6-0. The planning director will separately act on the associated small lot and hillside permits. The decision is final unless appealed within 10 calendar days.