Santa Rosa Planning Commission Meeting: Del Valle Drive-Through Denied (February 12, 2026)

The Santa Rosa Planning Commission met on February 12, 2026, at 12:30 PM (actual meeting start time not specified but agenda indicates 12:30 PM) to consider a conditional use permit for a drive-through at the existing Del Valle Mexican restaurant, among other routine items. After extensive public testimony and deliberation, the commission voted 5-2 to deny the permit, citing incompatibility with the neighborhood, inadequate site design, and potential nuisance.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from January 22, 2026: Approved as submitted without changes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dwayne DeWitt (Roseland resident): Spoke in support of creating Pomo Park and Preserve along Roseland Creek, urging the commission to honor Pomo heritage. Also commented on the need for younger and more diverse representation on boards and commissions.
• Edina Flores (civil rights activist): Expressed strong support for the Del Valle drive-through, arguing that approval is a matter of equity for the Latino community. Warned that denial would show the commission does not support the community.
• Andy Mayhew (Kenmore Lane resident): Opposed the project, stating the traffic study did not adequately analyze Kenmore Lane and that additional traffic would worsen cut-through conditions and safety.
• Sam Metz (Kenmore Lane resident): Opposed, noting that proposed perpendicular parking would overhang into the roadway and that directing traffic on public streets poses liability. Concerned about employees parking and litter.
• Manuel Benjibar (Kenmore Lane resident): Opposed, citing proximity to a school, lack of sidewalk and lighting on Kenmore Lane, and difficulty making turns onto Sebastopol Road.
• Howard Leighton (Kenmore Lane resident): Opposed, describing turning onto Sebastopol Road as a game of Frogger and noting that on-street parking already narrows the road.
• Don Gibble (supporter): Spoke in favor, arguing the project should be given a chance and that traffic is already heavy in the area.
• Scott Robinson (Kenmore Lane resident): Opposed, questioning the traffic study's comparison to Fourth Street, raising concerns about future tenants if the business fails, noise from customers, and emergency vehicle access.
• Colleen O'Neill (44-year Kenmore Lane resident): Opposed, detailing difficulties turning onto Sebastopol Road and predicting that exiting customers would use side streets to avoid congestion.
• Ken Davis (40-year Kenmore Lane resident): Opposed, objecting to claims that opposition is racist, noting many Latino neighbors also oppose. Called the queue management plan unworkable and unsafe.
• Unnamed supporter: Spoke briefly in favor of giving the business an opportunity, suggesting traffic would not be as bad as feared.

Discussion Items

Item 11.1 – Del Valle Drive-Through Conditional Use Permit (CUP 23-041)

• Staff Presentation (Sachinora Bisla): Proposed an 850-square-foot drive-through building as an extension of the existing restaurant at 2000 Sebastopol Road. The site is zoned General Commercial. The revised site plan includes ingress from Sebastopol Road only and egress onto Kenmore Lane. A queue management plan would close the entrance at 10 vehicles. Staff recommended a condition limiting hours to 10 PM (originally proposed 11 PM, staff had earlier suggested 9 PM) to comply with noise ordinance, but the applicant did not agree. Staff found the project consistent with zoning and General Plan but left the hours condition for commission decision.
• Applicant (Pedro Martinez Navarro): Presented over three years of planning, revisions based on public input, and studies (traffic, noise, queue management). Emphasized that the drive-through would provide year-round stability for the family-run business. Traffic study (by WTrans) concluded 30-35 vehicles per hour with a 230-foot queue accommodating 10 vehicles, and no spillback onto public streets. Noise study (by York Engineering) found less-than-significant impacts due to existing background traffic noise. Applicant expressed willingness to accept a 10 PM closing time but not 9 PM.
• Commission Questions: Commissioners questioned the queue management plan, easements on neighboring property, employee count (2 initially), and ability to direct traffic. The traffic consultant (Dailen Whitlock) acknowledged that Kenmore Lane impacts were not specifically studied, and that left-turn delays onto Sebastopol Road would increase. Staff confirmed that parking spaces are 17 feet long and that fire truck access is feasible.
• Public Hearing: Opened and closed after extensive testimony.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on motion to approve (moved by Commissioner Sanders, seconded by Commissioner Pardo): Failed 2-5 (Sanders and Pardo in favor; Carter, Sisko, Horton, Duggan, Weeks opposed).
• Subsequent motion to deny (moved by Commissioner Sisko, seconded by Vice Chair Duggan): Passed 5-2 (Carter, Sisko, Horton, Duggan, Weeks in favor; Sanders and Pardo opposed).
• Findings for denial: The commission adopted findings that the project is not compatible with existing and future land uses (finding C), the site is physically unsuitable due to inadequate ingress/egress and queue constraints (finding D), and granting the permit would constitute a nuisance injurious to public safety and welfare (finding E).
• Re-election of Vice Chair: Vice Chair Duggan was re-elected by unanimous vote (7-0) for another term.