Public Meetings - Santa Rosa, California

The Cultural Heritage Board held a virtual public hearing and unanimously approved a major landmark alteration permit for the Smart Village residential development, a six-story, 114-unit project at 34 W 6th Street and 2 4th Street within the Railroad Square Preservation District. The meeting included a noticing correction, applicant presentations, public comments, and board deliberation. Consent Calendar - No items were presented for approval. Public Comments & Testimony - Greenbelt Alliance (Karen Rosenberg) – Expressed full support for the project as a climate-smart, transit-oriented development to address housing needs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. - Santa Rosa Metro Chamber of Commerce (Peter Rumble) – Strongly supported the project, citing its role in attracting workforce and supporting economic growth. - Generation Housing (Kaelin Weeks) – Endorsed the project as a proof-of-concept for modern downtown housing, emphasizing its alignment with local planning and transit access. - North Bay Leadership Council (Katie Murray) – Urged approval, stating the project is a catalyst for vibrant downtown and needed housing. - Neighbor (Leilani Clark) – Expressed excitement about new neighbors, complimented the design, and requested community pool access at a discounted rate. - Sixth Street Playhouse Board Chair (Dorothy Beatty) – Voiced 100% support, noting the project would enhance the entertainment district and create a lively neighborhood. - Sonoma County Transportation and Land Use Coalition (Willard Richards) – Supported the project but urged design improvements to provide “eyes on the” Prince Memorial Greenway path for safety. Personally opposed adding brick veneer. - Neighbor (Paul Pullman) – Expressed enthusiasm but raised concerns about parking adequacy (114 units, 75 spaces) and urged a future connection from the bike trail to the Prince Memorial Greenway. - Neighbor (Noelle Johnson) – Supported the project but echoed parking concerns, noting insufficient parking does not automatically make a city bikeable. Discussion Items - Staff Report (Adam Ross) – Presented the project details, including 114 units (12 affordable, 10.5%), amenities (pool, fitness, play area), 75 parking spaces (0.7 spaces/unit), and compliance with the Downtown Station Area Specific Plan. Staff noted a minor noticing defect on mailed postcards (missing meeting time) but recommended proceeding under Zoning Code Section 20-66.02083. Board agreed to continue without continuance. - Applicant Presentation (Peter Stanley, Ben Wrigley, Brett Cordenbrock, Kara Brunzel) – Designed focused on compatibility with adjacent historic districts (Railroad Square, West End) and the historic cannery site. Key design changes included replacing glass balcony rails with metal work and upgrading ground-floor materials to a masonry product. The pool would be available to the public via membership. The applicant team addressed questions about the 4th Street connection (pending state approval), ground-floor activation (future phases planned), and archaeological mitigation (standard measures, no prior survey required as site not pre-identified). - Board Comments – Members praised the contemporary design’s compatibility, appreciated community support, and noted the project’s potential to set a precedent. Board Member Garrett requested that the developer remain open to adding parking if neighborhood issues arise. No amendments were made to the resolution. Key Outcomes - Motion & Vote – Board Member Garrett moved to approve the major landmark alteration permit (File No. LMA21-008) for the Smart Village development. The motion was seconded by Board Member Borin and passed unanimously (6-0). - Conditions – No additional conditions were added beyond staff’s standard language. The board acknowledged the noticing defect and invoked the relevant code section to proceed. - Next Steps – The project will proceed to the Design Review Board for further review. The applicant will continue work on the 4th Street crossing and future phases. Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:25 PM. No future meetings scheduled for December 15; next meeting may be December 1st if scheduled.

This virtual meeting of the Santa Rosa Cultural Heritage Board (CHB) was held on November 3, 2021, at 4:30 PM via Zoom. The main agenda item was a public hearing for the Avenue 320 Apartments project, a 37-unit multifamily development at 320 College Avenue within the St. Rose Preservation District. The board unanimously approved a landmark alteration permit for the project after presentations from staff, the applicant team, and public comments. The meeting also included approval of previous minutes, board reports, and department updates. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously approved the draft minutes from June 16, 2021, and August 4, 2021. Public Comments & Testimony - Denise Hill (neighborhood representative) expressed strong support for the final project design, commending the applicant for engaging with the community and redesigning to fit the neighborhood character. She called the process a "win-win" and urged the board to approve the project. - Greg Parker (resident of B Street, St. Rose Historic District) noted initial opposition to earlier designs but praised the revised project, stating it is "beautiful" and that the applicant "listened to us." He also suggested that future projects in historic districts should incorporate neighborhood input earlier to avoid multiple redesigns. - Roy Loison (resident of the St. Rose Historic District) supported the project and highlighted the efforts of Denise Hill in preserving the district's history. He commended the applicant for sensitivity to the neighborhood and expressed hope that similar engagement would become standard. Discussion Items - Public Hearing – Avenue 320 Apartments (DR19-045): The board heard a staff presentation from Senior Planner Susie Murray, who outlined the project: two multifamily structures (37 market-rate rental units), conversion of an existing commercial building at 320 College Avenue into residential units, and construction of a new building fronting Lincoln Street. The project includes 36 parking spaces (unbundled), landscaping, and improvements to street frontages. The site is in the St. Rose Preservation District, and staff concluded that the project meets all required findings under the Cultural Heritage Board criteria and the Secretary of the Interior Standards. The applicant team, led by Nick Abbott, presented the design evolution, noting that earlier schemes (Art Deco/Art Moderne) were rejected by the Design Review Board and neighbors; the current Spanish Colonial Revival-inspired design (influenced by Irving Gill) emerged from community input. Architect Randy Figuredo described the design elements, including a three-story building stepping down to two stories along Lincoln Street, hip roofs, stucco, accent tiles, and arched entries. Historic architect Mark Perry confirmed the design is compatible with the historic district and commended its sensitivity. Board members asked questions and expressed appreciation for the collaborative process. - Board Business: The board read the statement of purpose, received member reports (none), and conducted ex parte disclosures (several members had met with the applicant or visited the site). No abstentions were declared. Key Outcomes - Motion and Vote: Board Member Garrett moved to approve Resolution No. CHB-2021-01, approving a landmark alteration permit for the Avenue 320 Apartments project. Board Member Bourne seconded. The motion passed unanimously (5-0), with Board Members Garrett, Bourne, Pratz Ellis, Vice Chair Fennel, and Chair Muser voting in favor. - Next Steps: The project will proceed to building permit stage, with conditions including unbundled parking, street tree preservation, and landscape improvements as outlined in the resolution.

The Santa Rosa Planning Commission met virtually on October 14, 2021, via Zoom webinar. The meeting included a study session on the Water Demand Offset (WDO) Policy and Fee Study, approval of minutes, public comments, department reports, and two public hearings: a conditional use permit for a cannabis retail dispensary and a modification of the Courtney Estates final map. Both public hearing items were approved unanimously on 6-0 votes, with Commissioner Vicki Duggan absent. Note: The agenda indicated a 4:30 p.m. start; the minutes record a 4:00 p.m. call to order. Study Session – Water Demand Offset (WDO) Policy and Fee Study - Colin Close (Senior Water Resources Planner) and Mark Hildebrand (consultant) presented an informational session on the proposed WDO Policy and Fee Study, which implement the City’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan requirement that new construction offset water demand during declared water shortage emergencies requiring rationing. - The policy would apply only during severe shortages (greater than 25% supply reduction) when water allocations/rationing are in effect; it would require new development (projects subject to new or increased connection fees) to achieve a 100% offset of its projected water demand, with fees collected at occupancy only if rationing is in effect. - The originally adopted plan had required offsets increasing from 1x to 4x across shortage stages 5 through 8; staff is proposing to simplify this to a flat 100% offset, to be brought before City Council. - The fee study calculated costs based on past conservation programs: bathroom conversions (toilets, aerators, showerheads), clothes washer rebates, and turf removal. Proposed fees are shown by development type (single-family homes by size, multifamily, commercial/industrial/institutional on a per-thousand-gallon basis). - Staff noted that the policy would meet the requirements of AB 602 (impact fee nexus law) even though not directly subject to it. They cited a 42% per-capita water use reduction between 1990 and 2010, replacement of more than 56,000 toilets, and removal of 3.5 million square feet of turf. - Commissioner comments raised concerns about whether the fee reflects the most recent building codes (Commissioner Okrepkie), potential exemptions for fire rebuilds (Okrepkie), rainwater harvesting incentives (Holton), the proportion of urban vs. agricultural water use (Peterson), deferral/design credits and housing cost impacts (Carter), and possible developer self-selection to delay projects (Cisco). Staff responded to each, noting existing rebates, low-income housing considerations, and that no fees would have been collected in the past 30 years because rationing has never been declared. - Next steps: City Council study session October 26, Board of Public Utilities November 4, and City Council public hearing November 30; a companion amendment to the shortage plan will be considered. Approval of Minutes - The September 23, 2021 draft minutes were approved as submitted. Public Comments & Testimony - Maureen G spoke during general public comment regarding agenda item 9.2 (Courtney Estates/Fox Meadow), expressing neighbor concerns about preserving a conservation easement, closing open spaces, construction activity and road construction on the west side, barriers to vehicle access, and potential impacts related to homeless encampments. Staff later confirmed these comments would be addressed in the item 9.2 presentation. Department Reports - Andrew Trippel, PC Liaison, reported on the recently approved Short-Term Vacation Rental Urgency Ordinance (approved by City Council October 12). The ordinance requires permits for each short-term rental property, notification to residents within 600 feet, and distinguishes “operators in good standing” (registered for TOT/BIA by October 27) who must apply by December 3, and new operators who may apply from December 4. - Trippel also summarized recent state housing legislation: SB 8 extends SB 330 streamlining through 2030; SB 9 requires ministerial approval of lot splits and two-unit projects in single-family zones; SB 10 allows up to 10 units in transit-rich or urban infill areas via ordinance. Staff is working toward SB 9 compliance resources before January 1, 2022, and future zoning text amendments will come to the Planning Commission. - Upcoming meetings: October 28 regular meeting canceled; November 16 joint session with City Council on General Plan Housing Element; November 18 special meeting. Public Hearing – CR Santa Rosa, LLC (Cookies Retail) Conditional Use Permit (CUP21-013) - Staff (Monet Sheikhali) presented the request for a Conditional Use Permit to operate a commercial cannabis retail (dispensary) and delivery use within an existing 4,475-square-foot building at 1937 Santa Rosa Avenue. The project is CEQA-exempt, complies with the 600-foot dispensary buffer, and includes a security plan. Three public comments opposed the project; late correspondence from the applicant offered to revise the building color scheme. - Applicant representative Steve Jones (Cookies Retail) presented the company’s background, security standards, and willingness to adopt a muted color scheme and add bike parking. - Commissioner discussion focused on signage and the ability to condition the alternative color scheme. Staff confirmed two amendments: condition 12 modified to require at least two bicycle parking spaces, and a new condition requiring the building color scheme as described in late correspondence received October 13, 2021. - Motion by Commissioner Okrepkie, seconded by Commissioner Carter, to adopt Resolution No. 12070. Passed 6-0 (Commissioner Duggan absent). Public Hearing – Modification to Courtney Estates Final Map (MOD21-002) - Staff (Kristinae Toomians) presented the request to modify the Courtney Estates Final Map (recorded July 2007) for the 30.07-acre subdivision to adjust lot layouts and reconfigure easements to accommodate stormwater requirements. Changes include: maximum lot size reduced from 8,985 to 8,064 sq ft; minimum lot size from 4,046 to 4,043 sq ft; average lot size from 5,228 to 5,042 sq ft; the number of lots remains 50; Parcels A and B become stormwater treatment areas owned/maintained by the HOA; public utility easements resized generally to 5.5 feet with exceptions; affordable housing rental units consolidated onto lots 21 and 22; units per acre remain 2. A Mitigated Negative Declaration was recommended. - Commissioner Carter sought clarification on the location of affordable units; staff explained the zoning administrator had approved consolidating the eight affordable rental units into two four-unit buildings on lots 21 and 22. - Public comment (Maureen G) had raised concerns about construction activity, road work, and open space; staff noted the activity was related to the neighboring Fox Hollow subdivision, not Courtney Estates. - Motion by Vice Chair Peterson, seconded by Commissioner Cisco, to adopt Resolution No. 12071. Passed 6-0 (Commissioner Duggan absent). Key Outcomes - Study session held; no formal action taken. Staff received Planning Commission input for consideration. - Minutes approved. - Resolution No. 12070 approved (CUP21-013) with amended conditions. - Resolution No. 12071 approved (MOD21-002). - The meeting adjourned at 6:17 p.m.

The Santa Rosa Planning Commission met virtually on September 23, 2021, at 4:30 p.m. to consider two conditional use permits for cannabis businesses. After lengthy public hearings, the commission unanimously approved both projects. The meeting included first-time Spanish translation services via Zoom, a public comment period, and staff updates on city planning initiatives. Consent Calendar - None. Public Comments & Testimony - Duane DeWitt (Roseland resident) urged the commission to resume in-person meetings at City Council chambers with social distancing, citing that the virtual format burdens the community. He also requested meetings start after 5:15 p.m. to accommodate working-class people. - For the Erudite Dispensary (9.1): Michael Hilber expressed concern about defective noticing and requested a suspension of the vote until adequate public notice was ensured. - For Old School Cannabis (9.2): Numerous community members spoke, with a majority in opposition. Key opposing points included: proximity to schools and residences, concerns about increased policing and impacts on undocumented immigrants, potential odor and safety issues (volatile manufacturing), over-concentration of dispensaries, and the desire for community-serving uses (library, community center, daycare) at the former school site. Supporters cited benefits such as economic development, safe and regulated access, minority/women ownership, and improved property maintenance. Many Spanish-speaking residents (e.g., Ana Salgado, Marcela, Rocio Mondragon Reyes) spoke through interpretation, and several students from Roseland University Prep and MEChA de SRJC voiced opposition. Discussion Items - Erudite Dispensary (CUP19-056): Staff presented the project – a 2,500 sq ft cannabis retail dispensary with delivery at 3059 Coffee Lane. The project was found exempt from CEQA. Discussions highlighted the minor noticing defect (sign posted 3 days late) and clarified that the zoning (General Industrial) is not consistent with the General Plan (Light Industrial) but no rezoning is required because both zones allow the use with a conditional use permit. The commission also addressed parking and traffic study discrepancies. The applicant (Jeff Linden) explained the revised site plan corrected parking layout. - Old School Cannabis (CUP21-027): Staff and applicant (Nayeli Rivera, co-owner) presented the project – a 2,350 sq ft retail dispensary with delivery and on-site consumption, 17,120 sq ft commercial cultivation, 870 sq ft distribution, and 500 sq ft volatile manufacturing at 100 Sebastopol Road. The property was formerly a school, and the applicant emphasized community engagement, bilingual outreach, and plans for local hiring and donations. The commission discussed the history of the city's cannabis ordinance (adopted after 20+ meetings, effective January 2018), the tier-one goal for cannabis industry development, and the 600-foot separation requirement. Concerns about on-site consumption, odor control, and manufacturing safety were addressed; the applicant stated they would consider revising the 30-minute stay cap for on-site consumption and would post on-site contact information. Key Outcomes - Approved Resolution No. 12068 for Erudite Dispensary (motion by Commissioner Cisco, second by Vice Chair Peterson) by a 6-0 vote (Commissioner Okrepkie absent). - Approved Resolution No. 12069 for Old School Cannabis (motion by Commissioner Duggan, second by Vice Chair Peterson) by a 6-0 vote (Commissioner Okrepkie absent). - The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Other Reports - Staff announced plans for hybrid meetings (in-person + Zoom) contingent on staff return to campus expected November 1, 2021, and provided updates on upcoming meetings and new state housing laws (SB9 and SB10).

The Santa Rosa Planning Commission met virtually on September 9, 2021, at 4:30 p.m. The meeting covered routine approvals, department reports, and one scheduled public hearing item, which was continued to a later date due to a late request for Spanish translation services. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The draft minutes from July 22, 2021, were approved as submitted without changes. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - Department Reports: Andrew Trippel, PC Liaison, reported on the transition to hybrid meetings, which was paused due to noticing requirements. He also noted an error: the Rudy Dispensary item (3059 Coffee Lane) from August 12, 2021, was not agendized for September 9 as intended and is rescheduled for September 23, 2021. - Commissioner Reports: Chair Weeks welcomed back Commissioner Patti Cisco. Commissioner Carter noted an invitation to participate in an interview panel for a supervising planner recruitment. - Old School Cannabis - Conditional Use Permit (CUP21-027): The item, proposed for 100 Sebastopol Rd., includes 2,350 sq. ft. retail with delivery and onsite consumption, 17,120 sq. ft. cultivation, 870 sq. ft. distribution, and 500 sq. ft. volatile manufacturing. Planner Kristinae Toomians requested a continuance due to a late request (received September 8) for English-Spanish translation services. Staff committed to providing translated materials and coordinating community outreach. Senior Planner Beatriz Guerrero Auna provided a Spanish-language summary of the continuance request. Key Outcomes - Motion to Continue Item 9.1: Commissioner Okrepkie moved, seconded by Commissioner Cisco, to continue the Old School Cannabis item to a date certain of September 23, 2021. The motion carried 5-0 (Commissioners Weeks, Carter, Duggan, Okrepkie, Cisco voting yes; Vice Chair Peterson and Commissioner Holton absent). The continuance allows time to arrange translation services and notify the public effectively. - Next Meeting: The next regular meeting is scheduled for September 23, 2021, which will include the continued Old School Cannabis public hearing and the Rudy Dispensary item.

The Cultural Heritage Board of Santa Rosa held a virtual regular meeting on September 1, 2021, at 4:30 PM via Zoom due to COVID-19 precautions. All board members were present except for Board Member Garrett, who joined late, and one vacancy. The meeting included a training session on Rosenberg's Rules and conflict of interest, a report on proposed new board procedures/rules/regulations, and a study session on the Fremont Park Master Plan. No public comments were made on any agenda item. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during any of the public comment periods. Discussion Items - Rosenberg's Rules and Conflict Training (Item 7.2) - Assistant City Attorney Ashley Crocker presented an overview of Rosenberg's Rules of Order (used by city boards) and conflict-of-interest laws under the Political Reform Act, Government Code Section 1090, and common law bias. Key rules: quorum requirements, motion procedures (including friendly amendments), and disclosure/recusal for financial conflicts (e.g., property within 500 feet creates a presumption of conflict). Board members asked about the 500-foot map for property disclosures; staff committed to follow up. - Proposed Cultural Heritage Board Procedures, Rules, and Regulations (Item 7.3) - Senior Planner Susie Murray presented the proposed document that would supersede the existing rules. Discussion centered on whether to include a “statement of purpose” that had been part of the prior rules. Board Member Pratt Sellis noted the omission; staff initially recommended removing it to avoid redundancy with the zoning code, but after debate, the board agreed to retain the statement of purpose from the previous version (May 2021) as an amendment. The board also requested future documents include “redline” versions to track changes. - Fremont Park Master Plan Study Session (Item 7.1) - Parks Deputy Director Jen Santos presented the park’s history (designed by landscape architect Howard Gilkey in 1929) and current conditions. The park features an elliptical lily pool, a tiered fountain, Irish yew trees, and a reflecting pool site now occupied by a cancer survivor sculpture. The city plans a community engagement process to reimagine the park, with a master plan expected over three years. Board members provided feedback emphasizing preservation of the historic design (including the yew trees and fountain), restoration of original features (reflecting pool), and addition of low-impact amenities (bocce ball, seating) while improving sight lines to deter homeless encampments. No action was taken; the session was for input only. Key Outcomes - Adoption of Procedures, Rules, and Regulations (Item 7.3): The board unanimously approved a motion (Board Member Pratt Sellis, seconded by Board Member Garrett) to adopt Resolution 2021-01, which introduces the Cultural Heritage Board procedures, rules, and regulations as superseding the existing rules, with a friendly amendment to include the statement of purpose as it appeared in the rules dated May 2021. The motion passed with all six voting members in favor (Board Members Boren, Garrett, Huang, Pratt Sellis, Vice Chair Fennell, Chair Muser). Staff will add the statement of purpose and continue researching its origin. - Follow-up: Staff will provide board members with the 500-foot property conflict map and future documents in redline format. - Next Steps for Fremont Park: Staff will incorporate board input into the community engagement process for the master plan, which will also involve the Board of Community Services and City Council.

The Santa Rosa Planning Commission met virtually on August 12, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. for a regular meeting. Chair Karen Weeks presided with Vice Chair Julian Peterson and Commissioners Charles Carter, Vicki Duggan, and Jeff Okrepkie present. Commissioner Jeffrey Holton was absent. The meeting was conducted via Zoom due to COVID-19 executive orders and public health orders. Consent Calendar - None. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided testimony during the public comment period or public hearings. Although one caller was in the Zoom lobby, they did not raise a hand to speak. Discussion Items 9.1 Erudite Dispensary (CUP19-056) - This public hearing concerned a conditional use permit for a cannabis retail dispensary and delivery service in an existing 3,520-square-foot commercial building at 3059 Coffey Lane. - Several commissioners disclosed that they had visited the site. - Staff, on behalf of the applicant, requested a continuance to September 9, 2021, to bolster the traffic study. - The Commission voted 5-0 to continue the item to September 9, 2021. 9.2 Valero Gas Station (CUP21-007) - This public hearing concerned a conditional use permit to allow the existing Valero gas station at 4501 Highway 12 to sell beer and wine for off-site consumption. - The project qualifies for a Class 1 categorical exemption under CEQA. - Staff reported that within a 1,000-foot radius, there were 28 alcohol-related arrests/citations between July 6, 2018, and July 7, 2021. The Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) allows up to 10 off-sale licenses in the area; only 3 have been issued, making this the fourth. - Three public comments opposing the project were received, citing concerns about over-concentration and gas station alcohol sales. - Vice Chair Peterson opposed the permit, noting the station had operated for 31 years without alcohol sales and arguing that allowing sales from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. could be injurious to public welfare. - The Commission approved the permit 4-1, with Vice Chair Peterson opposed, via Resolution No. 12066. 9.3 Density Bonus Ordinance Update (REZ21-003) - Staff presented amendments to Zoning Code Chapter 20-31 to comply with State density bonus law (Government Code Section 65915), as amended by AB 2345. - Key updates include: increasing the density bonus from 35% to 50% over maximum density; allowing 100% lower-income projects to receive a 100% density bonus with 80% lower-income and 20% moderate-income units; reducing affordable set-aside thresholds; limiting incentives to four with one development standard waiver unless more are authorized; further parking reductions for projects within 1/2 mile of major transit stops; and adjusting supplemental density tiers to keep the total maximum at 100%. - The public hearing was opened and closed with no public speakers. - The Commission voted 5-0 to recommend that the City Council adopt the ordinance, via Resolution No. 12067. Key Outcomes - Item 9.1 was continued to September 9, 2021. - Item 9.2 was approved (Resolution No. 12066) with a 4-1 vote. - Item 9.3 was recommended to City Council (Resolution No. 12067) with a 5-0 vote. - Starting September 2021, Planning Commission meetings will begin at 4:30 p.m.; a hybrid format is anticipated. - Former Commissioner Cisco will return and be sworn in at the September 9, 2021 meeting.

The Santa Rosa Cultural Heritage Board met virtually on August 4, 2021 at 2:34 p.m. to receive updates on the Downtown Station Area Historic Resource Evaluation, a study session on the Downtown Station Area Specific Plan (DSASP), and to consider new procedures and regulations for the board. No votes were taken; the procedures item was continued to August 18, 2021. Staff announced that future meetings will shift to a 4:30 p.m. start time effective September 1, 2021. Public Comments & Testimony - During item 7.1 (Historic Resource Evaluation), Denise H. asked two questions: (1) where to find a bio of the consultant (Architectural Resources Group), and (2) whether the evaluation would allow developers to avoid CEQA review for potentially historic properties. Staff clarified that the consultant’s bio would be posted on the project website and that CEQA would not be avoided; the evaluation only streamlines review for non‑significant properties. Discussion Items 7.1 – Downtown Station Area Historic Resource Evaluation Update - Shari Meads, Project Planner, presented an overview of the evaluation project. The goal is to identify properties built before 1975 (approximately 627 properties) outside existing preservation districts within the DSASP area. The reconnaissance survey and field work are complete; a historic context statement is being drafted. An intensive survey and final report will follow. The public kickoff meeting is scheduled after the next Cultural Heritage Board meeting. Board members asked about their role in responding to evaluations, communication with property owners, and parameters of the area. Staff noted that these details are still being developed and will be brought back to the board. 7.2 – Study Session: Downtown Station Area Specific Plan Overview/Training - Amy Nicholson, Project Planner, presented the DSASP and recent zoning code amendments affecting the Cultural Heritage Board. Key changes include: new floor area ratio (FAR) standards for most properties (except some contributory properties in preservation districts), updated design standards, transition areas to reduce visual impact on preservation districts, and revised design review processes (separate action by Cultural Heritage Board and Design Review Board; joint concept review now required). Compatibility criteria now reference “contributors” to preservation districts. A board member asked about the timeframe; staff reported that the changes have been in effect about nine months and several projects are coming before the board. 7.3 – Introducing the Cultural Heritage Board Procedures, Rules and Regulations - Chair Meuser continued the item to August 18, 2021, giving board members time to review the proposed updates in light of the recent zoning code changes. Key Outcomes - The Historic Resource Evaluation project is ongoing; a public kickoff meeting will be held after the next board meeting. Staff will return with answers to board inquiries. - The study session on the DSASP was informational; no action taken. - Item 7.3 (Procedures, Rules and Regulations) was continued to the next meeting on August 18, 2021. - Future meeting start time will change to 4:30 p.m. effective September 1, 2021. - The board will transition to hybrid meetings in October 2021.

The Santa Rosa Planning Commission met virtually via Zoom on July 22, 2021, at 4:00 PM. The meeting included approval of prior meeting minutes, commissioner reports, and four public hearings: a setback variance for a fire rebuild, two rezoning requests, and a conditional use permit for a cannabis dispensary. Chair Weeks reordered the agenda to accommodate abstentions, placing the dispensary item last. The meeting adjourned at 6:17 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved draft minutes from June 10, June 24, and July 8, 2021, as submitted (unanimous). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the general public comment period. - On the Eggert Rezone (1434 Peterson Lane), William Van Aslan of 1414 Peterson Lane spoke in opposition, citing concerns about on-street parking overflow, traffic safety at the Peterson Lane/Sagebrush Drive intersection, and the size and privacy impact of proposed two-story homes. - On the Warren Residence variance, no public testimony was heard; staff noted that one neighbor expressed support for the rebuild during a site visit. - On the 1225 Fulton Road Rezoning, two email correspondences from neighbors were received in support of the day care facility. - On the Green Pen Dispensary, no members of the public testified during the hearing; however, public correspondence submitted prior included concerns about crime, traffic, and proximity to schools. Discussion Items 1. Warren Residence Tubbs Fire Rebuild – Setback Variance (ZV20-003) – 3523 Coffey Meadow Place - Request to reconstruct a two-story home destroyed in the 2017 Tubbs Fire, allowing the second story to encroach 5 feet into the required 10-foot side yard setback on both sides. - Senior Planner Susie Murray presented: the lot is narrow; several existing homes in the same Planned Development (PD) district have similar vertical construction at the five-foot setback. The variance is needed because the city's resilient city measures did not waive the second-story setback requirement. - Commissioners visited the site; all six found they could make the required five findings for approval. No opposition. - Motion by Commissioner Okrepkie, seconded by Vice Chair Peterson. Approved unanimously (6-0). 2. Eggert Rezone (REZ21-001) – 1434 Peterson Lane - Request to rezone a residential lot from R-1-9 (minimum 9,000 sq ft) to R-1-6 (minimum 6,000 sq ft) to allow a future two-lot minor subdivision and development of a single-family home on each lot. - Associate Planner Kristinae Toomians presented: the 12,800+ sq ft lot is surrounded by R-1-6 properties to the north and west; the rezoning is consistent with the General Plan's low-density residential designation. Late correspondence from Robert and Cindy Tancreto (1402 Peterson Lane) raised concerns about on-street parking and speeding traffic. - Public speaker William Van Aslan opposed, citing parking, traffic, and privacy concerns. - Commissioners clarified that the rezoning only changes the zoning designation; any future subdivision would require a separate public hearing before the Subdivision Committee. All found the rezoning consistent with the General Plan and not detrimental to public welfare. - Motion by Vice Chair Peterson, seconded by Commissioner Okrepkie. Recommended to City Council (6-0). 3. City of Santa Rosa – 1225 Fulton Road Rezoning (REZ20-004) - City-initiated rezoning from PD (Planned Development) to RR (Rural Residential) to allow a permanent child day care facility in a former church building. No new construction is proposed. - Associate Planner Kristinae Toomians presented: the property currently operates under a temporary use permit; the rezoning aligns with the General Plan's rural residential designation. Two emails from neighbors expressed support for the day care. The city-owned site also includes a planned sewer lift station, which will remain. - No public testimony. Commissioners found the rezoning appropriate and noted the need for child care. - Motion by Commissioner Duggan, seconded by Commissioner Holton. Recommended to City Council (6-0). 4. Green Pen Dispensary (CUP18-080) – 349 and 353 College Avenue - Resubmittal of a revised conditional use permit for a cannabis retail dispensary and delivery (State License Type 10) in an existing 2,943 sq ft building at 353 College Avenue, with a 25% parking reduction. The revised project incorporates the adjacent property at 349 College Avenue (burned in 2020) for five additional parking spaces, bringing the total on-site parking to nine spaces (plus two spaces retained for the existing office at 349 College). The building is in the Ridgway Historic Preservation District (GC-H zoning). - Interim Senior Planner Adam Ross presented: earlier version was denied in 2019 (2-2 vote); revised circulation plan provides a one-way entrance from Glenn Street and a right-turn-only exit onto College Avenue to reduce neighborhood traffic. A focused traffic study (July 1, 2021) found the project would generate fewer than 50 new peak-hour trips and that the site screens out of VMT analysis. Staff recommended modifying Condition 15 to restrict no more than 50% of the nine spaces to 30-minute parking (instead of all nine) to ease enforcement. - Applicant representatives Brian Dombrowski, Dennis Hunter, and engineer Cameron Nye (WTrans) spoke: highlighted community engagement (removing planter box, painting building neutral colors, new fence for neighbor), complementary parking demand with the adjacent office use, and a successful similar operation at another dispensary. They offered to provide employee parking stipends for off-site parking. - Commissioners discussed parking enforcement and employee off-site parking. Commissioner Holton initially proposed a friendly amendment to require a full-cost stipend for employee parking in Condition 20, but withdrew after learning conditions run with the land and could bind future less-intensive uses. The commission agreed with staff's recommendation on Condition 15. - Motion by Commissioner Duggan, seconded by Commissioner Carter, with Condition 15 modified as recommended (no more than 50% of parking spaces to be signed for 30-minute parking). Approved (4-0-2; Vice Chair Peterson and Commissioner Okrepkie abstained). Key Outcomes - Warren Residence Variance: Approved (6-0). - Eggert Rezone: Recommended to City Council (6-0). Future subdivision requires additional public hearing. - 1225 Fulton Road Rezoning: Recommended to City Council (6-0). The day care operator may apply for a minor use permit in the future. - Green Pen Dispensary: Conditional use permit approved (4-0-2) with amended Condition 15 (no more than 50% of nine parking spaces restricted to 30-minute parking). Condition 20 encourages but does not mandate employee off-site parking. - Commissioner Reports: Chair Weeks announced retirements of Deputy Director Bill Rose (leaving for private sector) and senior staff Patty Pacheco Greg (retiring after 27 years); appointed Commissioner Okrepkie to the Subdivision Committee. Commissioners expressed gratitude for their service. - Staff Reports: Andrew Trippel, Planning Commission liaison, reported on a joint general plan session with City Council and upcoming August 12 meeting where Commissioner Patty Sisko will be seated.