Santa Rosa Planning Commission Meeting – September 12, 2024

The Santa Rosa Planning Commission met on September 12, 2024, beginning at 4:30 p.m. and adjourning at 6:48 p.m. All six commissioners present (Chair Weeks, Commissioners Carter, Cisco, Pardo, Peterson, Sanders) voted unanimously (6–0) on all five public hearing items. Vice Chair Duggan was absent. The meeting covered two time‑extension requests for subdivisions, a new conditional use permit and tentative map for a 25‑unit pocket neighborhood, a citywide update to the Resilient City Standards, and a minor General Plan amendment to the Noise and Safety Element.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dutton Meadows Subdivision (Item 11.2): Kevin McPheeters spoke in opposition, citing concerns about traffic congestion on Hearn Avenue, inadequate infrastructure, emergency response times, and insufficient parking. He argued that the development would degrade the quality of life in southwest Santa Rosa.
• Acacia Village (Item 11.3): Seven members of the public spoke:
  • Lisa Joslen (speaking for herself and 37+ neighbors) opposed the project, citing incompatibility with the surrounding neighborhood, unrealistic traffic projections, and privacy/health impacts from the 10‑foot setback and single‑story design. She requested that the lots facing Breedon Street be conditioned as single‑story.
  • Oscar Chora expressed support but with concerns about transparency and the potential for future two‑story homes overriding the agreed single‑story design.
  • Sassun Torikian expressed support but requested that the privacy of adjacent residents remain protected through the design.
  • Daniel S. supported the pocket neighborhood concept but raised concerns about construction parking on Acacia Lane and the unfinished street condition.
  • Frank Rivera supported the project but worried about parking overflow and the lack of nearby parks for children.
  • Mark Brassnick supported the project but asked for clarity on the 12 on‑site parking spaces, emergency vehicle access, and responsibility for finishing the street.
  • Bruce Decossi opposed the project, arguing that the 50 additional cars would overflow onto neighboring streets and that the single‑story commitment appeared uncertain.

Discussion Items

• 11.1 Cherry Ranch Development Tentative Map Extension (EXT24‑0006): Staff presented a request for a one‑year extension (to June 9, 2025) for a 67‑unit small‑lot subdivision at 930 Fresno Avenue. The subdivision includes 40 attached and 27 detached single‑family dwellings. The EIR was previously certified. Commissioner Cisco asked about a historic sign from the site; staff confirmed the signs were delivered to the Sonoma County Library, though the business records for the required time capsule could not be obtained. No public comment. The commission unanimously approved the extension.
• 11.2 Dutton Meadows Subdivision – Second Tentative Map Time Extension (EXT24‑0008): Staff requested a second one‑year extension (to December 9, 2025) for a 137‑unit small‑lot subdivision on 18.4 acres. The applicant’s representative stated that recordation of the final map is imminent. After public comment, staff from Traffic Engineering (Rob Sprinkle) addressed concerns: Hearn Avenue overcrossing is scheduled for completion in 2026, a fire station is planned at Dutton and Hearn as part of the Hearn Hub project, and the subdivision’s parking meets code requirements. Commissioners noted the infrastructure challenges but supported the extension, citing the pending improvements. Unanimous approval.
• 11.3 Acacia Village – Conditional Use Permit and Tentative Map (PRJ24‑006): The project proposes 25 detached dwelling units (3 for low‑income owners) on 2.5 acres at 746 Acacia Lane, with a density bonus of five units. The same plan was approved in 2019 but expired. The design features a “pocket neighborhood” with remote parking, a central common area, and single‑story homes along the rear property line. Staff and the applicant (Robert Upton) confirmed the project is identical to the 2019 approval. Concerns from the public and commissioners focused on parking adequacy, traffic generation, construction parking, the single‑story commitment, and drainage. Traffic engineer Dalene Whitlock explained that the 2018 traffic study used standard, conservative trip generation rates and remains valid. The city’s traffic engineer confirmed that the 24‑foot street width and planned edge‑line striping on Winding Creek would help calm traffic. The zoning administrator clarified that any change to two‑story designs would require a new modification process. The commission unanimously approved both the conditional use permit and the tentative map.
• 11.4 Resilient City Standards and Development Measures (PRJ23‑010): Staff presented a comprehensive citywide code amendment to replace the expiring Resilient City Combining District (applied to 8,383 parcels affected by the 2017 Tubbs/Nuns fires) with new “Resilient City Standards” that apply automatically after a declared hazard. The ordinance also streamlines design review for affordable housing, updates temporary housing and mobile food facility regulations, and memorializes the first‑ and second‑time map extensions related to the fires. The public survey received over 400 responses. The Design Review Board commented that streamlined review may reduce its role, but a DRB member is now included in the process. No public testimony was offered. The commission unanimously passed three resolutions recommending adoption to the City Council.
• 11.5 General Plan Text Amendment – Noise and Safety Element (GPAM24‑001): Staff proposed a minor amendment to incorporate the City’s FEMA‑approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (adopted December 2021) into the General Plan 2035 Noise and Safety Element. This change is required to qualify for maximum disaster relief reimbursement under AB 2140 (2006). No public comment. The commission unanimously approved the amendment.

Key Outcomes

• Cherry Ranch Extension: Approved Resolution PC‑2024‑015 (vote 6‑0).
• Dutton Meadows Extension: Approved Resolution PC‑2024‑016 (vote 6‑0).
• Acacia Village Conditional Use Permit: Approved Resolution PC‑2024‑017 (vote 6‑0).
• Acacia Village Tentative Map: Approved Resolution PC‑2024‑018 (vote 6‑0).
• Resilient City Standards – Text Amendment: Approved Resolution PC‑2024‑019 (vote 6‑0) recommending adoption to City Council.
• Resilient City Map Amendment – 8,383 parcels: Approved Resolution PC‑2024‑020 (vote 6‑0) recommending adoption to City Council.
• Resilient City – Title 19 Text Amendment (first/second Tubbs/Nuns map extensions): Approved Resolution PC‑2024‑021 (vote 6‑0) recommending adoption to City Council.
• General Plan Amendment – Noise and Safety Element: Approved Resolution PC‑2024‑022 (vote 6‑0) recommending approval to City Council.

All decisions are final unless appealed within 10 calendar days to the City Clerk.