Santa Rosa Planning Commission Meeting – December 11, 2025

The Santa Rosa Planning Commission met on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at approximately 12:30 PM. All seven commissioners were present. The agenda included a presentation on the draft Community-Based Transportation Plan for the South Santa Rosa Avenue Corridor and a public hearing for the Lago Fresca Apartments conditional use permit. Item 11.1 (Housing Element Implementation) was continued to January 8, 2025. No consent or report items were heard.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the November 13, 2025 meeting were approved as submitted with no changes or corrections.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Non-agenda items: No public comments were received.
• Item 8 – Transportation Plan: No public comments were made during the public comment period for this informational item.
• Item 11.2 – Lago Fresca Apartments: Multiple members of the public spoke in opposition to the project, raising concerns about:
  • Traffic safety at the intersection of Hoen Avenue and Summerfield Road, citing recent fatalities and near-misses.
  • Inadequate parking (63 spaces for 50 units), with fears of overflow onto residential streets.
  • Evacuation difficulties during wildfires, given the area's narrow roads and high density.
  • The project's reliance on state density bonus law, which the speakers argued allowed insufficient affordable housing (only 4 of 50 units designated very low-income).
  • Construction impacts on nearby businesses and residents.
  • The proximity of the single driveway to the intersection, creating queuing hazards.
• One speaker from Generation Housing spoke in support, noting the project's location near transit, services, and parks, and the need for diverse housing options.

Discussion Items

• Item 8 – Community-Based Transportation Plan (South Santa Rosa Avenue):

  • Presented by Torina Wilson (City Transportation Planner) and Steph Britt (Sonoma County Transportation and Climate Authority). The plan identifies transportation improvements prioritized by community input from low-income and disadvantaged neighborhoods. Key recommendations include a shared-use path on Yolanda Avenue, safety improvements on Santa Rosa Avenue, higher frequency bus service on CityBus route, and better east-west connections across Highway 101. The plan is funded by MTC and leverages state and federal grants. Public comment period closes December 12, 2025. The presentation was informational; no action required.

• Item 11.2 – Lago Fresca Apartments (Conditional Use Permit CUP 22-050):

  • The project proposes a 50-unit multifamily residential development on two parcels at 2445 Summerfield Road and 4744 Hoen Avenue. It includes 4 very low-income affordable units (deed-restricted for 55 years) and 63 parking spaces. The project qualifies for state density bonus, resulting in two concessions and five waivers from local standards (including reduced setbacks, reduced parking, and increased building height up to 45 feet on Building D).
  • Staff, led by Michelle Kali, presented the project's consistency with the General Plan, zoning, and CEQA (infill exemption). The design review board will consider the project's design on the following Thursday.
  • The applicant (Janver Hawley and partners) and architect presented visuals, emphasizing compatibility with the neighborhood, unbundled parking, and a parking management plan with 24-hour enforcement.
  • Commissioners questioned staff and the applicant on affordability levels, parking management, traffic studies, and evacuation safety. The Assistant Fire Marshal confirmed that recent evacuation improvements (zones, early notification) would mitigate wildfire risks. The traffic engineer explained that the driveway location, crosswalk with flashing beacon, and striping changes were intended to improve safety.
  • After public testimony, the commission discussed the project. Some expressed disappointment over the limited number of affordable units and the sober living designation for the four-bedroom units, but acknowledged the city's need for housing and the constraints of state law.

Key Outcomes

• Item 11.2 – Motion by Commissioner Sisko, seconded by Commissioner Pardo, to approve Resolution approving Conditional Use Permit (CUP 22-050) for the Lago Fresca Apartments. Vote: 7-0 in favor (all commissioners present voted aye). The decision is final unless appealed to the City Clerk within 10 calendar days.
• Item 8 – No action taken; the plan was presented for informational purposes and will be finalized after the comment period closes on December 12, 2025.