Agenda Item # 12.1
For Council Meeting of: June 7, 2022
CITY OF SANTA ROSA
CITY COUNCIL
TO: MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL
FROM: AMY NICHOLSON, SENIOR PLANNER
PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: 2021 GENERAL PLAN, INCLUSIONARY HOUSING, & GROWTH MANAGEMENT ANNUAL REVIEW REPORT AND WAIVE Council policy 200-01 requirement for a joint study session on the general PLAN ANNUAL review AGENDA ACTION: MOTION
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended by the Planning Commission and the Planning and Economic Development Department that the City Council, by motion; 1) receive and approve the 2021 General Plan, Inclusionary Housing, and Growth Management Annual Review Report; and 2) waive the Council Policy 200-001 requirement for a joint study session on the General Plan Annual Review to allow for a streamlined General Plan Annual Review process until the adoption of General Plan 2050.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Each year the Planning Commission and City Council review the progress made toward implementation of the General Plan during the prior calendar year. The 2021 General Plan Annual Review Report (included as Attachment 1) provides an overview of progress made last year toward achieving General Plan goals and policies. The Report also reviews the implementation of the Inclusionary Housing and Growth Management Ordinances as required by City Code.
BACKGROUND
2021 General Plan Annual Review
The General Plan is Santa Rosa’s primary policy document and it guides the growth and development of the City. General Plan policies address many of the Council’s goals and strategic objectives.
The 2021 General Plan Annual Review Report addresses each of the 12 General Plan Elements including, among others, the Economic Vitality Element, which addresses creation of a strong, sustainable economic base; the Open Space and Conservation Element, which addresses environmental preservation and greenhouse gas emissions reduction; and the Public Services and Facilities Element which includes enhancement of recreational assets and public safety.
The City’s progress toward meeting the required Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) is reviewed, and the report considers the implementation of the Growth Management and Inclusionary Housing Ordinances.
Council Policy 200-001, Santa Rosa General Plan Consistency and Amendment Policy: General Plan – Annual Review requirement Council Policy 200-001 requires an annual joint study session of the Planning Commission and the Council to review the status of the General Plan and its implementation.
PRIOR BOARD OR COMMISSION REVIEW
The Planning Commission received the 2021 General Plan Annual Review Report during a March 24, 2022, Study Session and recommended that it be forwarded to the City Council for review and approval.
ANALYSIS
A report reviewing implementation of the General Plan and the Growth Management and Inclusionary Housing Ordinances is attached to this staff report.
Staff is recommending that, until such time as General Plan 2050 is adopted, the Council waive the Council Policy 200-001 requirement to hold a joint study session on the General Plan Annual Review. During the General Plan 2050 update process, waiver of this policy will eliminate the requirement for a joint study session but the General Plan Annual Review Report will still be prepared annually consistent with state law and a presentation will be made to the Planning Commission during a regularly scheduled public meeting. After incorporating Planning Commission and public feedback, the General Plan Annual Review Report will be provided to the City Council as a consent item. This streamlined approach will allow the Council and staff to focus on the General Plan Update which includes multiple Council items per year. Staff will resume General Plan Annual Review reporting consistent with Council Policy 200-001 requirements, including the joint study session requirement, after the adoption of General Plan 2050.
FISCAL IMPACT
This item has no fiscal impact on the General Fund.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The 2021 General Plan Annual Review Report and the waiving of the Council Policy 200-01 requirement for a joint study session on the General Plan Annual Review are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378. The General Plan Annual Review Report and waiving of policy requirement are not projects which have a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
NOTIFICATION
Not applicable.
ATTACHMENT
Attachment 1 – 2021 General Plan, Inclusionary Housing, & Growth Management Annual Review Report Attachment 2 – Council Policy 200-001
CONTACT
Amy Nicholson, Senior Planner
Planning and Economic Development Department
[email protected]
(707) 543-3258
2021 GENERAL PLAN, INCLUSIONARY HOUSING, & GROWTH MANAGEMENT ANNUAL REVIEW Report PAGE 5 OF 5