Santa Rosa Planning Commission Meeting – September 23, 2022 (Transcript Shows Sept 22)
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Santa Rosa Planning Commission Meeting – September 23, 2022 (Note: The meeting was called to order on September 22, 2022, per the transcript, but the instruction specifies the date as 2022-09-23.)
The Santa Rosa Planning Commission held a virtual public hearing via Zoom on a single agenda item: a conditional use permit (CUP21-071) for Jane Dispensary, a proposed cannabis retail facility with delivery service at 4040 Highway 12. The meeting included staff presentations, applicant testimony, public comments, and commission discussion, culminating in a unanimous vote to approve the permit.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Bill Vreland (resident on Kentire Road) opposed the project, citing its location directly adjacent to a residential neighborhood with families and children. He noted the application met the 600-foot setback from schools but questioned the spirit of the law and asked how many dispensaries the city needs, mentioning four within two miles and 13 total in Santa Rosa.
- William Pinkerton (property owner in Streamside) opposed the location, arguing it would attract homeless individuals from nearby creek areas and invite crime. He also objected to the proposed operating hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., calling the extended evening hours an “outrage.”
Discussion Items
- Staff Presentation (Suzanne Hartman, City Planner): The project site is at the corner of Highway 12 and Streamside Drive in a commercial zone. Surrounding uses include office, mobile home park, and medium-density residential. The facility would occupy an existing 1,997 sq. ft. space previously a pet shop. Plans include on-site security, odor control, lighting, and noise measures per city code. Parking (36 spaces) exceeds the required eight spaces. The project qualifies for three CEQA categorical exemptions (Class 1, 3, and 32). Staff recommended approval.
- Applicant Testimony (Mario Tamo, Jamie Shira, Leanne Baker): The team described their focus on retail dispensaries, with one already operating in Santa Rosa. Jamie Shira, a 10-year cannabis industry veteran, emphasized creating a safe, educational environment. Leanne Baker, COO, highlighted operational compliance with strict regulations.
- Commission Questions & Deliberation: Commissioners asked about operating hours and the city’s approach to dispensary concentration. Ms. Jones (Deputy Director) confirmed the code permits 9 a.m.–9 p.m. and that the city does not limit the total number of dispensaries. Commissioner Krapke clarified that any later change to hours would require a permit modification. Commissioners addressed public concerns:
- Commissioner Sisko noted that proximity to residential areas supports walkability and city goals.
- Commissioner Duggan pointed out that Highway 12 access avoids residential streets and that required security mitigates crime concerns.
- Commissioner Holton cited studies showing dispensaries can improve neighborhood safety and compared hours to liquor stores.
- Vice Chair Peterson stressed that the conditional use permit imposes enforceable conditions (odor, security) and is renewable every two years, giving the applicant incentive to be a good neighbor.
- All six commissioners stated they could make the required findings for approval.
Key Outcomes
- Motion: Vice Chair Peterson moved to approve the resolution, seconded by Commissioner Krapke.
- Vote: 6–0 in favor (Commissioners Sisko, Duggan, Holton, Krapke, Vice Chair Peterson, Chair Weeks; Commissioner Carter absent).
- Next Steps: The decision is final unless an appeal is filed within 10 calendar days (extended to the next business day if the deadline falls on a city holiday). Instructions for appeal are available from the project planner.
Meeting Transcript
So with that, I will go ahead and call to order the September 22nd, 2022 meeting of the Santa Rosa Planning Commission to order. Before we start, I'd like to read the following statement. Due to provisions of the governor's executive orders N25-20 and N29-20, which suspends certain requirements of the Brown Act and the order of the health officer of the County of Sonoma to shelter in place to minimize the spread of COVID-19. The planning commissioners will be conducting today's meeting in a virtual setting using Zoom webinar. Commissioners and staff are participating from remote locations and or practicing appropriate social distancing. Members of the public may view and listen to the meeting as noted on the city's website and as noted on the agenda for today's meetings. Members of the public wishing to speak during item four, the public comment portion or during our public hearing today, we'll be able to do so by raising their hand and we'll be given the ability to address the commission. Can we please ask for roll call? Yes. Let the record reflect that all commissioners are present with the exception of Commissioner Carter. Thank you. Item two is approval of minutes. So we'll move on to item three, public comments. I will now open the public comment for any item. I'm sorry. Oh no, I was just something. No, no, not not at all. I apologize. I was just going to give the instructions for participation. Oh that's okay. Okay. If you wish to make a comment via Zoom, please raise your hand. If you are dialing in via telephone, please press star nine and star six to unmute yourself once uh called upon. And we do have public comment, caller 3662. You have been given permission to speak. If you would please introduce yourself for the record. Yeah, uh, can you hear me okay? We can. If you would provide your name for the record, please. Yes, uh, William Pinkerton. I'm a property owner in the streamside. Um, if this if this a comment has to do with the um agended item under the public hearing, um, please wait until that item. Or is this uh more than one item right now? This is on um items that are not on the agenda tonight. Okay, so this has nothing to do with Jane dispensary. Not yet. That's further on in the agenda tonight. So we have to stay on for the whole thing until you get to it. Is that correct? Yes, and there's only one item on the agenda tonight, so it shouldn't be much longer. Okay, my apologies. That's okay. Okay, I don't see any other hands raised. So if that's the case, I will go ahead and uh close the public comment period and we'll move on to planning commissioners' reports. Um, the statement of purpose uh for the planning commission is that we are charged with carrying out the California planning and zoning laws in the city of Santa Rosa. Duties include implementing of plans, ordinances, and policies related to land use matters, assisting in writing and implementing the general plan and area plans, holding public hearings, and acting on proposed changes to the zoning code, zoning map, general plan, tentative subdivision maps, and undertaking any special planning studies as needed. So, with that, um, are there any committee reports? Okay, I don't see any. Uh, so we'll move on to 4.3 commissioner reports. Are there any reports from my fellow commissioners tonight?
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