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2023 GENERAL PLAN, INCLUSIONARY
HOUSING,
& GROWTH MANAGEMENT ANNUAL REVIEW
P
lanning Commission and City Council Report
Attachment 1
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Table of Contents
I. GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL REVIEW .............................................................................................. 4 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................... 4 GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENTS IN 2023 ..................................................................................... 4 GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION .............................................................................................. 4 HOUSING ELEMENT ....................................................................................................................... 5 Population ................................................................................................................................................................. 5 Residential Growth and Development ..................................................................................................................... 5 Housing Needs and Affordability ............................................................................................................................. 8 Housing Element Objectives .................................................................................................................................... 9 Housing Policy Implementation ............................................................................................................................ 11 LAND USE / URBAN DESIGN ELEMENTS ................................................................................... 12 Non-Residential Growth and Development ........................................................................................................... 12 Annexations............................................................................................................................................................. 12 Downtown................................................................................................................................................................ 12 TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT ...................................................................................................... 13 Bicycles and Pedestrians ....................................................................................................................................... 13 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan ...................................................................................................................... 13 Bicycle and Pedestrian Project Updates ............................................................................................................... 14 Coordination with Regional Entities ....................................................................................................................... 15 Transit and Transportation Systems Management .............................................................................................. 16 Overview of Transit Services .................................................................................................................................. 16 PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES ELEMENT ............................................................................ 17 Police Services ........................................................................................................................................................ 21 Police Service Statistics ......................................................................................................................................... 22 Fire Protection ......................................................................................................................................................... 23 Fire Service Statistics ............................................................................................................................................. 23 Water Supply ........................................................................................................................................................... 24 Water Conservation and Efficiency ........................................................................................................................ 24 Wastewater ............................................................................................................................................................. 24 OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION ELEMENT ........................................................................... 26 Creek Stewardship.................................................................................................................................................. 26 Greenhouse Gas Emissions ................................................................................................................................... 27 Energy Efficiency ..................................................................................................................................................... 29 Renewable Energy .................................................................................................................................................. 29 Parking and Land Use Management ..................................................................................................................... 30 Improved Transportation Options .......................................................................................................................... 30 Waste Reduction, Recycling and Composting ....................................................................................................... 30
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YOUTH AND FAMILY ELEMENT .................................................................................................... 31 City’s Support Program Facility Fund ..................................................................................................................... 31 Children’s Savings Account .................................................................................................................................... 32 Santa Rosa Violence Prevention Partnership (The Partnership) ......................................................................... 32 ECONOMIC VITALITY ELEMENT ................................................................................................... 33 HISTORIC PRESERVATION ELEMENT .......................................................................................... 35 NOISE AND SAFETY ELEMENT..................................................................................................... 36 ART AND CULTURE ELEMENT...................................................................................................... 38 Public Art Program .................................................................................................................................................. 39 II. ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE GROWTH MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ............................................ 41 III. ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE INCLUSIONARY HOUSING ORDINANCE ....................................... 46 HOUSING ELEMENT GOALS & POLICIES APPENDIX .................................................................. 48
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I. GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL REVIEW
INTRODUCTION
The General Plan was adopted in November 2009, and addresses the physical development and growth of Santa Rosa, and it represents the community’s aspirations for the future. The General Plan is required by State law and has a long -range focus, looking 20 or mo re years into the future. The General Plan guides the City’s growth and development as well as the funding of public improvement projects, including parks and streets. A comprehensive update of the City’s General Plan is currently underway with adoption expected by early 2025. This General Plan Annual Review R eport reviews the existing General Plan. To learn more about and participate in the General Plan update process, please visit the City’s dedicated website santarosaforward.com.
Staff prepares the General Plan Annual Review Report to provide members of the public and the City’s decision makers with information relating to progress with implementing the General Plan and toward meeting City goals. This General Plan Annual Review report looks at the 2023 calendar year. All jurisdictions are required to provide this report to the California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) each year per Government Code Sections 65400 and 65700.
The report also includes an annual review of the Growth Management Program and the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance as required by local ordinance.
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENTS IN 2023
According to City policy, the General Plan can be amended three times per year and is typically acted on by Council in spring, summer, and fall/winter. Any c hange to the General Plan requires a hearing before both the Planning Commission and the City Council . If there are multiple amendment requests, the requests are grouped together as one package.
In 2023, one General Plan amendment was approved to update the Housing Element of the General Plan for the period 2023-2031.
GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
The Santa Rosa General Plan contains twelve elements, or chapters, and hundreds of goals and policies which guide the daily decision making of City staff, the City Council and City boards and commissions. The following sections address City progress toward implementing General Plan elements, goals, and policies.
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HOUSING ELEMENT
Population
The California Department of Finance (DOF) estimates that Santa Rosa had 174,523 residents as of January 1, 2023, representing a 0.5 percent decrease from the 2022 population of 175,351.
Residential Growth and Development
Building permits were issued for 1,708 residential units in 2023 (excluding fire rebuild area housing).
Of the 1,708 residential units issued through Building permits:
154 residential units were Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU).
112 residential units were for single-family detached dwellings. 57 residential units were for single-family attached dwellings. 9 residential units were for multi-family structures consisting of 2 to 4 units. 1,376 residential units were for multi-family structures with 5 or more units.
Building permits were issued for detached and attached single-family dwellings in the Marlow Commons, Acacia East, Paseo Vista, Bellevue Ranch, and other projects. ADU and JADU residential units have been issued citywide for large projects, such as Colgan Creek, and by individual property owners for their single-family homes. Building permits issued for multi-family housing included units in the Fountaingrove Apartments, 38 Degrees North Apartments, Quarterra/Renata at Perennial Park, Mahonia Glen, Schellinger Burbank, and others. Please note that project names may have changed since initial applications were filed.
Several notable residential projects currently in the planning or building process are highlighted below.
Figure 1 – 2023 Residential Units
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Marlow Commons is an approved subdivision on 4.94 acres for attached single family homes and duplexes consisting of 64 units on 44 residential lots. Additional phases of this project are receiving Building Permits.
Burbank Avenue Subdivision is an approved 75 lot subdivision on 14.25 acres including 62 single-family detached with ADUs, 12 duplexes, and 64 multi-family apartments to be built in 5 phases. Several master plan phases are currently receiving building permits.
Colgan Creek is an approved 65 lot subdivision with 62 attached single-family homes and attached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) located at 3011 Dutton Meadow. Proposed single- family homes will be 1,050 square feet, and the attached accessory dwelling units will be 474 square feet. The project will provide 8% affordable rental housing (five units on-site and
0.2 in lieu fee).
Figure 2 -Marlow Commons: 2199 Marlow Rd., 2045 Guerneville Rd.
Figure 3 -Burbank Avenue Subdivision: 1400 Burbank Ave.
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Fountaingrove Apartments, is an approved 239-unit multifamily project located at 3586 Mendocino Avenue in the Northeast quadrant. The units will be spread among six three-to five-story buildings, comprised of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. Amenities include a swimming pool, dog park and children’s playground.
38 Degrees North Apartments is a 15.82-acre site on Petaluma Hill Rd consisting of three phases. Phase 2 and Phase 3 are currently receiving building permits. Phase 2 consists of 172 market-rate units and phase 3 consists of 30 market-rate units with 15 one-bedroom, 12 two-bedroom, and 3 three-bedroom units.
Quarterra/Renata at Perennial Park , formerly known as 3575 Mendocino, involves the redevelopment of the former Journey’s End Mobile Home Park, at the interse ction of Mendocino Avenue and Bicentennial Way, in the City’s Northeast quadrant. In total, 422 multi- family housing units are proposed with 162 targeted for low - and very low -income senior Figure 4 -Colgan Creek: 3011 Dutton Meadow
Figure 5 -Fountaingrove Apartments: 3586 Mendocino Ave.
Figure 6 -38 Degrees North Apartments: 2660 Petaluma Hill Rd.
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households. In 202 3, additional building permits were issued for the second phase of the senior housing development.
Housing Needs and Affordability
State law requires Housing Elements to be updated every eight years. The Cycle 6 Housing Element was adopted by the City Council on February 14, 2023, and certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) on April 7, 2023. It will regulate housing needs and policies from its certification date in 2023 through January 2031.
California mandates each jurisdiction to creat e its fair share of housing, called the Regional Housing Needs Allocation, or RHNA. As part of the RHNA, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) determines the total number of new homes the Bay Area needs to build—and how affordable those homes need to be —to meet the housing needs of people at all income levels.
The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), working with the Housing Methodology Committee, then distributes a share of the region’s housing need to each city, tow n, and county in the region. Each local government must then update the housing element of its general plan to show the locations where housing can be built and the policies and strategies necessary to meet the community’s housing needs.
In 2023, the City issued building permits for a total of 1, 708 residential units. This includes affordable units targeted for 12 extremely low-, 173 very low-, 198 low-, and 7 3 moderate- income level households, as well as 1, 252 above moderate-rate units. For HCD, extreme ly low- and very low - income units are counted together. Please note, in the table below, the RHNA calendar for the 6 th Cycle begins on January 31, 2023, so eight of these above - moderate units are not included in the RHNA summary.
The following table compares the ABAG RHNA numbers for Santa Rosa with building permit issuance by income category to illustrate the remaining need near the end of this Housing Element reporting period.
Figure 7 -Quarterra: Renaissance Wy.
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*The Housing Element 6 th Cycle projection period for RHNA bega n June 30, 2022 and the projection period numbers include units that were issued up until January 3 1, 2023. Units permitted during this timeframe count toward the 6th Cycle RHNA. ** While the City may issue building permits for more above-moderate residential units than required by RHNA, additional above-moderate units do not reduce the overall remaining need for residential units in other income categories.
Housing Element Objectives
As part of the RHNA discussion, the 6 th Cycle Housing Element identifies six objectives and annual figures that are necessary to meet the City’s RHNA goals. Each objective is listed below, followed by an explanation of the steps taken during 2023 to meet it.
Housing Element Objective 1): Encourage the development of housing to meet the needs of all Santa Rosa residents.
2023 Comment: The City is working on a Missing Middle Housing Ordinance. Missing Middle Housing provides options for different housing types (i.e. cluster homes, cottage courts) with footprints that blend in with existing residential neighborhoods, increasing density while supporting walkability, locally-serving retail, and public transportation options. The goal of this type of housing is to provide solutions along a spectrum of affordability to address the mismatch between the available U.S. housing stock and shifting demographics , combined with the growing demand for walkability.
The City received California’s Prohousing Designation in 2023. This designation is conferred by the State on c ommunities for their efforts to encourage development of housing at all income levels. A Prohousing Designation comes with funding incentives and additional resources to help speed housing production. As of the date of this report, fewer than 40 communities in California had received this designation.
In 2023, City staff collaborated with staff from Sonoma County LAFCO to remove the requirement for a City Utility Certificate application for Accessory Dwelling Units located in County jurisdiction pockets of the City that are also in Sewer/Water Agreement Area s. This action will increase housing units and remove financial and regulatory barriers, as well as time spent processing Utility Certificate applications for these requests.
Housing Element Objective 2): Conserve and improve the existing affordable housing stock. 2023 Comment: Staff commenced the process of initiating a Housing Conditions Survey. This Units Issued Building Permits by Income Category
2023 – 2031 (6th RHNA Cycle)
Income Category Very Low Low Moderate Above
Moderate
TOTAL
ABAG RHNA Objectives 1,218 701 771 1,995 4,685
Projection Period* 142 160 2 324 628
2023 Issued 185 198 73 1,244 1,700
Remaining Need by
2031
891 343 696 427 2,357**
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survey will provide more accurate data on the percentage of housing in need of rehabilitation in the City’s Neighborhood Revitalization Program area (www. https://www.srcity.org/787/Neighborhood-Revitalization-Program). With these results, the City will be able to identify measures to encourage housing preservation, conservation, acquisition rehabilitation, and mitigate potential costs, displacement and relocation impacts on residents.
In 2023, the Housing Authority funded rehabilitation for 49 units dedicated to affordable senior housing in the very-low-income category at the Vigil Light Senior Apartments.
Housing Element Objective 3 ): Increase special needs housing opportunities and supportive services for lower income households, families with children, seniors, persons with physical and developmental disabilities, farmworkers, female-headed households, and people who are experiencing homelessness.
2023 Comment: In 2023, the City began work on amending the Zoning Code to exempt senior care facilities from the Community Care Facility overconcentration limitation and spacing requirement, and to modify the definition of Community Care Facility to allow palliative care and end of life medical treatments for senior care facilities. These anticipated changes will reduce barriers for special needs housing and provide these residents and their families with end-of-life care options in the same location, if needed.
In 2023, staff continued to work on Zoning Code text amendments to reduce application and use permit requirements for special needs housing populations to include the following land uses: C ommunity Care Facilities, Mobile Home Parks, Emergency Shelter, Single Room Occupancy Facility, and Agricultural Housing.
In June 2023, the City adopted an Ordinance that codified th e Supplemental Density Bonus.
This is offered to eligible affordable housing projects within the Downtown Station Area and the North Station Area-Specific Plans. One criterion that can provide additional eligibility points is providing affordable housing units with three or more bedrooms.
On the development side, as part of the Caritas Homes Phase I and II project, 63 affordable units completed construction, 30 units of which are targeted to chronically homeless persons with a disability, referred by Coordinated Entry. The Caritas Home Phase II project received $1.3 million in a funding commitment to build an additional 63 units each with another 30 units for formerly homeless with disabilities. The Housing Authority also awarded funds to the affordable Vigil Light senior apartments project for acquisition and rehabilitation. The rehabilitation work includes bringing the site into ADA compliance standards for all units to ensure the site is accessible to people with disabilities.
Housing Element Objective 4): Ensure equal housing opportunities for all residents, regardless of their special characteristics, as protected under state and federal fair housing laws. 2023 Comment: The City funds Fair Housing services which provides counseling services t o homeowners and renters who have experienced discrimination based on their membership in a protected class. The City also funds Legal Aid, which provides eviction/tenant protection services, including legal advice, preparation of legal documents, negotia tions and in court representation to low -income people including those in a protected class. Last Fiscal Year, Legal Aid served 407 Santa Rosa residents with eviction/tenant protection services. The City
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operates within the 2012 Fair Housing Plan and prior itizes grant searches within Equity Priority Communities, which include persons in protected classes.
Housing Element Objective 5 ): Reduce or remove government constraints on the maintenance, improvement and development of housing, where feasible. 2023 Comment: In 2023, the City conducted a fee study to analyze fees charged to applicants that recover staff time in processing applications, inspections and permits for private land development. The objective s of this fee study were to: m ake the fee structure easier for all parties to understand; define what it costs the City to provide the various fee-related services; determine whether there are any services where a fee should be collected; identify service areas where the City might adjust fees based on the full cost of services and other economic or policy considerations . Through the fee study, the City plans to identify areas where reductions in fees can be implemented to decrease the financial burden on a pplicants.
Additionally, the fee study may be used to identify new fees to support Zoning Code text amendments to implement reduced permitting requirements for certain uses, which would ultimately reduce application fees.
Housing Element Objective 6): Develop energy -efficient residential units and rehabilitate existing units to reduce energy consumption.
2023 Comment: In 2023 the Housing Authority approved a $1,073,000 loan to PEP Housing for rehabilitation of the Vigil Light Senior Apartments at 1945 Long Drive. Rehabilitation work includes improvements to energy efficiency throughout the development, including updated windows and sliding glass doors, new insulation, solar gable vent fans, and Energy Star appliances.
In addition to rehabilitating existing units to be more energy efficient, the Housing Authority funded two projects through the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program (CDGB-DR), which are now completed: Caritas Homes Phase I and Laurel at Perennial Park Phase I. This block grant funding requires new construction to meet or exceed CalGreen requirements, which are the standard for sustainable building practices achieved through a submittal checklist that, among other items, addresses ene rgy and water efficiency standards.
Housing Policy Implementation
The Housing Element identifies goals and policies which provide the framework for Santa Rosa’s housing program. Housing Element policies are unique among General Plan policies in that implementation dates and responsible entities are included. While some of the goals and policies identify a specific year when the work is expected to be completed, others are identified as ongoing.
There were no specific policies slated for completion in 2023, however Housing Element goal and policy related work remains ongoing. A list of each Housing Element p olicy and its implementation status has been added as an Appendix to the report.
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LAND USE / URBAN DESIGN ELEMENTS
Non-Residential Growth and Development
Non-residential projects that are currently in the planning or building process are highlighted below.
The Zones (formerly a Boys & Girls Club) is located at 1011 Hahman Drive. The approved project proposes interior and exterior remodeling of an existing children’s daycare facility. In addition to a new roof and additional height, improvements include a new reception area, new offices, new staff lounge and kitchenette, additional restrooms, and a new multipurpose room.
Ceres Community Project on vacant land on Apollo Way is an approximately 19,500 square foot culinary and youth development facility for production and distribution of medically tailored meals. This project was approved by the Design Review Board in August 2023.
Building permit applications have not yet been submitted for this project.
Annexations
One annexation at 1040 Clover Drive was recorded in 2023, adding a total of 0.20 acres, resulting in a City boundary of 42.843 square miles.
Downtown
Downtown Santa Rosa is envisioned as an energetic commercial and cultural center with a Figure 8- The Zones, formerly Boys & Girls Club: 1011 Hahman Dr.
Figure 9 -Ceres Community Project: Apollo Wy.
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wide range of housing, employment, and commercial options in a vibrant, walkable environment. Over the last 5 years the City has addressed downtown area specific polici es, fees, and processes to continue to encourage higher density, transit -oriented housing and mixed-use development. These efforts began to bear fruit in 2020, with new developer interest evidenced through the sale of long vacant or underutilized propertie s, and new or previously stagnant projects embarking on and/or securing entitlement. In light of the pandemic-driven delays to financing and construction, the City extended the life of the development incentives, moving the expiration date from 2023 to 2026.
In late-June 2020, the City allowed restaurants to set up dining areas in streets and curbside parking spaces to increase accessible sit -down and takeout options. The success of this temporary program drove the City to codify a permanent parklet policy, allowing curbside seating areas to remain open for outdoor dining and recreation purposes so long as the spaces meet code and all other policy requirements.
In October 2020, the City Council adopted an updated Downtown Station Area Specific Plan (DSASP). The DSASP addresses land use as well as transportation, economic development, and historic preservation issues associated with intensifying downtown housing development.
The DSASP and its Subsequent Environmental Impact Report facilitate housing production to provide a range of options for people of all incomes, abilities, and stages of life; simplify development standards; provide flexibility and choice for developers; and strengthen sense of place. Read the DSASP and the Final Subsequent Environmental Im pact Report at:
https://srcity.org/2911/Downtown-Station-Area-Specific-Plan .
In November 2020, the City Council also adopted Zoning and General Plan Amendments to implement the DSASP. The Amendments created new zoning districts and associated development standards within the DSASP area, generated new DSASP combining districts to implement the transition zone standards, implemented DSASP design standards, updated the Historic Combining District with additional preservation district character defining elements, modified the Landmark Alteration and Design Review process, and included other necessary additions or clarifications to specific land use regulations.
TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
Bicycles and Pedestrians
The General Plan declares a vision for Santa Rosa where:
Complete streets provide safe access for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit users of all ages and abilities. Neighborhood-scale retail and service uses, schools, and recreational facilities are connected by bicycle and pedestrian paths and transportation management programs and bicycle/pedestrian improvements have reduced the number of single - occupancy cars on regional/arterial streets.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan
Adopted in 2019, t he Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update 2018 (BPMP 2018) establishes a vision and strategies toward improving walking and bicycling in Santa Rosa. Its primary focus is on infrastructure improvements, including new or improved sidewalks and bike lanes. It also includes policy and program recommendations in education, encouragement, enforcement, and evaluation. The P lan recognizes that limited fundin g and
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resources will require phased implementation over many years.
Accomplishments in 2023 include:
Installed Class IV cycle track on Armory Drive between Ridgway Avenue and Elliott Avenue
Constructed several bicycle and pedestrian projects (see below). Continued to implement actions in the Vision Zero initiative adopted by Council in July 2022.
Continued to participate in a two-county bike share pilot program.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Project Updates
BPMP 208 identifies several bicycle and pedestrian enhancements that were completed in 2023. These include:
• Class II facility on Range Avenue from Russell to Bicentennial. • Class II facility on Range Avenue from Edwards to 100 feet south of Guerneville Road. • Adding a painted bicycle lane buffer on W College Avenue from about 150 feet west of Halyard Drive to the CalFIRE station.
• Adding a painted bicycle lane buffer to Santa Rosa Avenue as part of the Santa Rosa Avenue Corridor Improvements project.
• Adding a new Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon (R RFB) at Hoen Avenue and Sierra Creek Lane.
• Adding a new RRFB at Sebastopol Road and Laurel Grove Circle. • Adding a new High -Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) to Fulton Road in front of Piner High School.
• Widening and installing of new crosswalks and bulb -outs on Fulton Road and Santa Rosa Avenue as part of greater corridor improvements.
In addition to this list, there are several projects that were meant to be completed in 2023 but are stalled until 2024 . Most of these projects are due to scheduling conflicts with hired contractors, internal City crews working on other projects, and/or winter weatherization.
The City submitted several grant requests, including:
• Sustainable Transportation Planning grant to fund an update of the BPMP 2018. This grant was not awarded.
• Safe Streets for All grant to fund a remainder of the Highway 101 Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing. This grant was not awarded.
• Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods grant to close the funding gap for the Highway 101 Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing. City staff anticipated hearing about this grant in Q1 of 2024.
• Thriving Communities Grant Letter of Interest submitted to assist the City in planning for a low -stress connection betwe en the Prince Memorial Greenway and the future Southeast Greenway site. City staff anticipated hearing about this grant in Q2 of 2024. • MTC Technical Assistance grant funds requested to purchase K71 bollards to ensure bicycle lanes with painted buffers have a protected element. This grant was awarded to the City.
• MTC Technical Assistance grant funds requested to receive technical assistance to plan for improvements to the Elnoka Trail to Channel Drive. This grant was not awarded but City staff will apply again in 2024.
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• Caltrans Sustainable Communities grant requested planning money to hire a consultant to complete a Complete Streets Network Study within 1 -mile of the future Highway 101 Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing site.
Coordination with Regional Entities
The General Plan calls for coordination of the City’s Transportation Plan with regional entities such as the Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA), the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). City staff work with these agencies to secure funding and to develop strategic plans to implement transportation improvements. A few ongoin g transportation planning efforts include Vision Zero initiatives, reporting and tracking of grant funding and projects, as well as working on regional projects together like the Sonoma-Marin Bikeshare program. In November 2020, Go Sonoma (an extension of the existing Measure M – local transportation sales tax) was approved by voters. This measure will provide a significant increase in funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects and other initiatives beginning in 2025. Staff developed a list of five project priorities which were approved by the City Council in September 2021 to submit to the SCTA Five Year Funding Program. Two of the five projects were selected by SCTA : the Hearn Multiuse Path between Corby and SMART Multiuse Path, and the Downtown Connectivity to Support Housing. City staff continues to work with SCTA as they solidify the Go Sonoma funding program and guidelines.
The City’s Transit Division closely coordinates efforts with regional transit agencies on regional integration efforts as well as operational efforts specific to the pandemic. Most notable is the regional effort initiated in 2020 through MTC, the Blue-Ribbon Task Force, aimed to coordinate and integrate regional transit services throughout the Bay Area. Specific to Sonoma County is a SCTA coordinated effort, funded by MTC and the City of Santa Rosa, to implement the findings of the 2019 Transit Integration and Efficiency Study. To this end SCTA has convened the Future of Transit Ad Hoc committee working with the three local bus systems in Sonoma County – CityBus, Sonoma County Transit and Petaluma Transit – to implement integrated rider focused projects. The process is moving forward into a second phase with a grant from MTC to support higher-level integration activities in the areas of service planning, fare policy, public information, customer service and technology. Thus far, the effort has resulted in several changes to operator policies and procedures, including CityBus aligning holiday service levels with those used by Sonoma County Transit starting in fall of 2022. Additionally, five fare-free days per year were authorized to support community events and promote transit ridership recovery in coordination with county-wide transit operators. For paratransit services, a universal county wide eligibility application was implemented along with a pilot “one-seat” ride program that limits the need to transfer within the County for paratransit riders. Finally, North Bay transit operators have started undertaking a comprehensive coordinated service planning for the Marin and Sonoma Counties primarily on “regional service,” along the Highway 101 corridor where the greatest overlaps in service occur. The effort will pull together an understanding of the travel markets that exist, the scale of those markets, and then determine which type of service and providers can best serve those markets, as well as assess how best to serve demands considering rider needs, operational cost effectiveness, and funding availability.
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Transit and Transportation Systems Management
The General Plan calls for expanding transit service, coordination of transit services with other transit operators, and encouraging ridership through marketing and promotional efforts. The City of Santa Rosa Community Climate Action Plan identifies transit as important for affordable housing, density, carbon reduction and improved transport options. The City’s Transit Division manages fixed route service, paratransit service, and other transit related programs. The City’s Transit service plans are detailed in the City’s Short-Range Transit Plan (SRTP) which is updated every 3-5 years with an adoption by City Council. The SRTP refreshes and details a 10-year vision for the City’s transit service and transit capital program. The planning process involves si gnificant public engagement and data analysis to evaluate opportunities to diversify, improve and better integrate transit services.
Overview of Transit Services
The Santa Rosa Transit Mall is the busiest Transit Hub in the North Bay. In addition to loca l CityBus fixed route service, downtown Santa Rosa is served by five regional bus transit providers (Sonoma County Transit, Golden Gate Transit Mendocino Transit, Amtrak and Greyhound), and one regional commuter rail (SMART). Along with integration with t ransit operators, CityBus relies on and seeks to integrate with the bicycle and pedestrian network to improve first and last mile connections.
The City of Santa Rosa provides the greatest number of local fixed-route bus service and demand-responsive paratransit service trips in Sonoma County. CityBus seeks to return to pre-pandemic service levels with three corridors (four routes) operating on 15-minute frequency during weekdays, six routes operating on 30-minute frequency and a remaining four routes operating on 60-minute headways. Currently, most routes begin service between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Monday – Saturday, and finish service between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. On Sundays, service operates between 10:00 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. Fixed- route ridership totals were 1,289,000 in fiscal year 2022-2023, up from 1,028,440 in fiscal year 2021 -2022, but still down from pre-pandemic level of 1.8 million during fiscal year 2018-2019. Paratransit ridership totals were 26,015 in fiscal year 2022-2023, up from 24,755 in fiscal year 2021 to 2022; but down from the pre-pandemic level of 35,000 during fiscal year 2018-2019.
CityBus maintains a diverse portfolio of fare options. Fare options include a cash fare, 24-hour passes, ticket books, and a 31 -day pass. Discounts or free fares are provided for SRJC students, veterans, youth, seniors, Medicare card holders, low -income adults, and persons living with a disability.
Figure 10 -Santa Rosa City Bus
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The Youth Unlimited Rides (UR Free) program has vastly exceeded ridership projections. Prior to the UR Free program, youth ridership accounted for about 10% of CityBus ridership with about 198,000 rides per year (pre-pandemic). Following initiation of the UR Free Program in July 2021, youth ridership exceeded pre -pandemic levels within three months. During the first year of the program, youth took a total of about 250,000 trips. Ridership has continued to increase in the third year of the UR Free Program, with October 2023 youth ridership hitting a new monthly high of 46,000 rides and annual ridership for FY 2022-2023 reaching 390,000 trips. The Youth Unlimited Rides program was recently funded countywide from July 2023 through June of 2025 for all three fixed route operators: CityBus, Sonoma County Transit and Petaluma Transit.
Additionally, in summer of 2021, CityBus established an Unlimited Rides pass program for employers, housing developers and institutions to provide deeply discount ed passes to employees, residents, and for program participants. In January 2024, the City and Sonoma County will enter into a pilot one-year reciprocal agreement to allow employees to ride both CityBus and Sonoma County Transit for no fare with by showing an employee ID. Transit staff continue pursuing more of these partnerships. Additionally, a two-hour transfer policy allows unlimited transfers for riders within two hours from the purchase of a ride. Riders can transfer to SMART, Golden Gate Transit or Sonoma County Transit and receive a transfer credit using paper transfers or Clipper.
Clipper is the all-in -one regional transit card for the Bay Area. Clipper Cards hold transit passes, cash value, or any combination of the two. Cash value works on all participating transit systems, while Clipper passes and tickets a re specific to each system. Approximately seven percent of CityBus riders use Clipper to pay their fares. North Bay transit operators are participating in the Clipper START pilot program which allows lower income riders aged 19 to 64 to receive a 50-percent fare discount for single rides starting January 2024.
PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES ELEMENT
Parks and Recreation
The General Plan directs the continuing acquisition and development of neighborhood and community park facilities, along with special use facilities, throughout the City. The following Section includes highlights of park planning and improvement efforts in 2023.
Luther Burbank Home and Gardens Re -roofing project
Plans were finalized to replace the roofing on both the cottage and carriage house structures at the historic Luther Burbank Home and Gardens site in 2023. Along with roofing the project includes replacement of a portion of the gutters and downspouts, in addition to a minor adjustment of the roof line where the porch overhang connects to the main roof of the cottage. The plans were drawn by historic architects TreanorHL, and the project will be in construction in late Spring 2024.
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Howarth and Galvin Park Tennis Court Renovations
A number of tennis courts at both Howarth and Galvin Community Parks are in need of repair and resurfacing. There is also interest from the public in converting some amount of tennis courts into pickleball courts. A public meeting and survey were conducted in late 2023 and collected community input relative to different approaches to renovation and conversion at each facility. A proposal for court conversion is anticipated to be brought to the Board of Community Services in Spring 2024, and construction could begin as early as Fall of 2024.
Fremont Park Updates
Plans to amend the master plan for this 3-acre downtown park were started in 2022. After an initial round of conceptual planning and public review, the Cultural Heritage Board recommended more historical investigation be done on the site to better inform the design effort. In the fall of 2023, a Historical Resource Survey was conducted, and a report created by MIG Inc. for the City. The findings will be incorporated into a renewed planning effort for the park, with outreach to the Cultural Heritage Board and the public for input anticipated in the Summer of 2024.
Figure 11 -Luther Burbank Home and
Gardens Cottage and Carriage House
Figure 12 – Howarth Park tennis courts
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Southeast Greenway Acquisition and Planning
The City began the acquisition process for the Southeast Greenway in 2016. In 2023, negotiations began with the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District (District) to finalize the conservation easement, recreation covenant and matching grant agreement with the District to acquire approximately 49 acres of Park land. Final easement, covenant and agreement are expected in late Spring 2024. The next steps will be to develop a maintenance and management plan for the land while a future park master plan and environmental impact report are prepared.
Kawana Springs Community Garden
The Community Garden for Kawana Springs Community Park (1350 Kawana Springs Road) is planned as the first phase of the approved park Master Plan. The new garden will comprise approximately .75 acres and provide for up to 100 or more garden plots. The design includes a picnic area, storage sheds, and small parking area and drop off zone to facilitate deliveries of garden materials. Construction drawings are being finalized, and construction of the garden is anticipated to begin in late 2024.
Figure 14– Kawana Springs Park
Figure 13 – Fremont Park site analysis diagram
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South Davis Park
The State of California’s Per Capita Program, funded through Proposition 68, is being utilized to revitalize the playground at South Davis Neighborhood Park (712 South Davis Street). After a series of four public meetings, an amended park Master Plan was finalized and approved by City Council. The playground renovation project is planned as the first phase of the amended Master Plan. Based on public input collected during the Master Planning process, detailed design drawings are being developed and construction of the playground improvements and associated pathways is anticipated to begin in late Summer 2024.
Dutch Flohr Neighborhood Park
The City Council approved a Master Plan amendment for Dutch Flohr Neighborhood Park (1160 Exeter Drive). The primary focus of the plan is to replace the two play areas, bring them closer together, provide updated and more interesting play equipment and improve the accessibility of the pathways throughout the park. Specific features in the plan include an assortment of climbing structures, spinning features, swings, a zip line and sand play area. Fitness equipment, game tables and new picnic areas and pathways are also planned. Design documents will be finalized in Spring 2024 and construction is anticipated to begin in late 2024.
Figure 15 – South Davis Park
Figure 16 – Dutch Flohr Park Master Plan
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Finley Aquatic Center Sprayground and Renovation Project Construction began in October 2023 for the Finley Aquatic Center Sprayground and ADA improvement project. The project will construct a sprayground to replace the existing wading pool, replace the majority of the pool decking, and re-plaster the two remaining larger pools.
Landscaping and new site furnishings are also included as part of the project. The sprayground will create a multi-generation water feature, and the pool deck replacement will greatly improve the look and safety of the facility and ensure compliance with current building codes standards. Construction is anticipated to be completed in June 2024. The Finley Community Park is located at 2060 West College Avenue.
Parks Condition Assessment and Prioritization Report
Phase I of the Conditions Assessment Report was completed in December of 2022 and is a valuable planning tool to help the department prioritize and guide capital improvements and deferred maintenance projects throughout the park system. Phase II of the report began in 2023 and will develop a benchmark condition at which all parks will be considered to have appropriate condition levels of use. Phase II is anticipated to be complete in summer 2024.
Police Services
The General Plan calls for
collaboration with local jurisdictions
regarding police services and for
increased community contact through
community-oriented policing. The
Police Department collaborates with
County partners, allied law
enforcement agencies, neighborhood associations, city departments, and community -based organizations. The Police Department maximizes these relationships to develop best practice strategies related to traffic safety, violent crime reduction, impacts of service resistant Figure 17 – Finley Aquatic Center Site Plan
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homeless individuals, and community engagement. The Police Department also participates in the Sonoma County Public Safety Consortium which includes a multi-agency Computer Aided Dispatch and Records Management System. This partnership creates a regional records database and enhances access to county, state, and federal records.
The Police Department is an active partner with the Santa Rosa Violence Prevention Partnership, which is comprised of dozens of community-based organizations and supported by city staff . Police department leadership participates in the Operation and Policy team discussions from the Violence Prevention Partnership.
The Police Department partners with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Safe Streets Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Regional Task Force. Detectives from the Violent Crimes Team and the Narcotics Team are assigned to these task forces. These teams are focused on violence reduction and combating the opioid crisis in Sonoma County.
The Police Department led the creation of the inRESPONSE-Mental Health Support Team and continues to manage the program. This is a multi-disciplinary mental health response team comprised of a licensed mental health clinician, a Fire Department paramedic, and a homeless engagement specialist. The team is supported by system navigators who help those in need navigate the complexities of our county mental health system and assists them in connecting with resources. The inRESPONSE team is collaborating with mental health providers from across the county to enhance the level of mental health resources provided to our community.
Police Service Statistics
The General Plan calls for expedient police response to emergency calls. The Police Department 911 Dispatch Center handled 189,287 calls for service in 2023, and police personnel responded to 122,160 calls for service. The Police Department investigated 10 homicides and 2 fatal traffic collisions in 2023. Police Officers conducted 51,835 proactive contacts and self -initiated activities in 2023, which is a 35% increase from 2022. Police Officers seized 255 firearms related to criminal investigations. Fifty -five of these seized firearms were personally manufactured firearms or “Ghost Guns” which are un -serialized firearms and are disproportionately being used in felony crimes across the city.
Each Police Department call for service received is categorized into priority levels, the majority being Priority 1, 2, or 3. Police response times and clearance rates for investigations are greatly impacted by staffing shortages and the growth of our city. The goal is to respond to Priority 1 calls within six minutes.
Priority 1 calls are for an incident in progress that threatens life or property. In 2023, the Police Department’s median response time for Priority 1 calls was 6 minutes and 57 seconds.
Priority 2 calls are for an incident that has the potential to escala te to Priority 1 status. In 2023, the median response time for Priority 2 calls was 11 minutes and 57 seconds. Priority 3 calls are for incidents which are not in progress or those that do not require an immediate
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response. In 2023, the median response tim e for Priority 3 calls was 25 minutes and 36 seconds.
The Police Department continues to be committed to community -oriented policing efforts by assigning officers and sergeants to specific patrol beats throughout the city. There are nine beats which allows officers to become familiar with the neighborhoods and the unique communities across our city. The Police Department is committed to working with our community partners to make Santa Rosa a safe place to live, work, and play.
Fire Protection
The Gene ral Plan calls for collaboration with other local jurisdictions for the provision of some fire services when it improves service levels and is cost effective. The Fire Department is part of the Redwood Empire Dispatch Communications Authority (REDCOM), a J oint Powers Agreement for fire and emergency medical dispatch services for most cities and fire protection districts within Sonoma County.
The Santa Rosa Fire Department also has Auto Aid Agreements with the Sonoma County Fire District and the Sonoma Valley Protection District. The Sonoma County Fire District agreement is designed to ensure the closest, most appropriate fire resources are dispatched to an incident regardless of jurisdictional boundaries. Additionally, the Fire Department participates in the Santa Rosa Mutual Threat Zone Operating Plan which is a joint response plan with the Sonoma County Fire District and CALFIRE to cover specific wildland/urban interface areas.
Fire Service Statistics
The Fire Department responded to 30,03 5 calls for service in 2023. The 30,035 calls for service prompted 39,985 total responses by Fire Department apparatus, 19,392 (65 percent) were for emergency medical incidents. The Department provides emergency services for fire, medical, hazardous material, and urban rescue incidents, responding with ten paramedic engine companies and two paramedic ladder truck companies from ten s trategically located fire stations. There were 541 fire incidents resulting in $5,815,564 of fire loss last year. City growth and density impacts Fire Department service delivery. Traffic congestion and longer response distances continue to cause delays t o Fire Department response times. General Plan policy PSF -E-1 provides that first fire company arrival shall be within five minutes of dispatch center notification 90-percent of the time. This goal does not include the additional 70 second standard for the dispatch center call taking and emergency medical dispatching.
In 2023, the Department’s emergency resources arrived on scene within five minutes of dispatch 60.02% percent of the time.
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Water Supply
General Plan Policy PSF -F requires the City to “ensure that an adequate supply of water is available to serve existing and future needs of the City.” T he City’s water supply consists of water supply from Sonoma Water, groundwater, and recycled water. In ad dition, the City implements an aggressive water conservation program that reduces current demand to help assure that future water demands are met.
In a normal water year, the total water supply available to the City is approximately 31,5 40 acre-feet per year ( AFY). Santa Rosa’s highest water us age to date was 2 4,402 acre-feet in 2005 compared with 16,292 acre-feet used in 2023.
Water Conservation and Efficiency
The City has promoted water use efficiency programs for more than 30 years and has invested over $ 22 million to upgrade approximately 5 7,000 toilets with ultra -low-flow and high - efficiency toilets and replac e over 4.2 million square feet of high-water use turf landscapes with low water use landscapes.
The City also promotes innovative water use efficiency programs like offering rebates for rainwater harvesting, graywater reuse, sustained reduction of water usage, and more. Water Use Efficiency staff hold workshops on rebate programs for water effi cient home fixtures, irrigation upgrades, turf removal, among others. The City’s cumulative water use efficiency efforts result in savings of over 7 ,900 AFY, and per capita water use has declined by 44% since 1990.
In 2023, Water Use Efficiency utilized the advanced metering infrastructure system to identify and follow up on over 450 water waste issues.
Wastewater
Santa Rosa Water operates the Regional Water Reuse System which serves the residents in Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Sebastopol, and unincorporated areas of Sonoma County.
The hub of the Regional Water Reuse System is the Laguna Treatment Plant (LTP), which recycles wastewater from homes and businesses throughout the region. In 2023 , 7.1 billion gallons of sewage received treatment, or an average of 15.8 million gallons of sewage per day.
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During the winter, in times of high rainfall and correspondingly high flow into the plant, Santa Rosa Water is permitted to discharge its tertiary treated recycled water into the Laguna de Santa Rosa. However, recycled water discharges are kept to an absolute minimum to support Santa Rosa Water’s goal of 100% beneficial reuse of both recycled water and biosolids.
Throughout the year an average of 12 million
gallons per day is sent to the Geysers
Recharge Project high in the Mayacamas
Mountains. The Geysers steam field s are the
largest geothermal operation in the United
States. Recycled water injected into the earth
generates enough electricity for up to 100,000
households in the North Bay Area.
During the growing season, recycled water is used to irrigate over 6,600 acres. About 80% of this land is agricultural, growing hay, pasture grasses, wine grapes, turf, and vegetables. The remainder is urban, including parks, schools, ballfields, and a golf course. Most of the land is privately owned, giving landowners an oppor tunity to replace groundwater use (part of our drinking water supply) with recycled water. In 202 3, Santa Rosa Water beneficially reused
1.30 billion gallons of recycled water for agricultural and urban irrigation and sent 4.85 billion gallons to the Geyser’s Recharge Project.
The facility also receives septic waste, landfill leachate, and high strength wastes (primarily grease and food production waste) from Santa Rosa and surrounding communities. Annually over 30,000 wet tons of solids are treated to Class B standards and dewatered to 16-percent solids content. Approximately 64-percent of the remaining solids are applied on local farmland while 28 -percent is further treated off-site by a private op erator, and a small amount is disposed of in the landfill. In 2023, the City applied 23,749 wet tons of biosolids.
The Council adopted Capital Improvement Program (CIP) includes various improvements to the LTP and reuse system so that adequate capacity to treat and reuse General Plan anticipated wastewater volumes is maintained. The current system rated capacity is 21.34 - million gallons per day which is anticipated to be sufficient into the future. Previous planning and environmental work identified projects to be implemented as growth occurs. These future projects will expand the system capacity to 25.89 million gallons per day which meets General Plan projections for Santa Rosa and regional partners. In 2022, the City began construction on the Disinfection Improvement Project at LTP which replaces the existing ultra -violet disinfection system and adds a diversion wet well and pump station. Once completed, the upgraded system will be able to disinfect a peak flow of 70 million gallons per day.
Figure 18 - Laguna Treatment Plant
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OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION ELEMENT
The Open Space and Conservation Element includes goals
and policies related to open space and natural resource conservation. General Plan goals and policies support
creating new public access trails to maximize the benefit s of open space, the conservation of natural and biological resources and waterways, the promotion of energy and
water efficiency, and the reduction of greenhouse gas
emissions.
Creek Stewardship
The City’s waterway conservation and stewardship
activities continued in 2023. The Creek Stewardship
Program (CSP), a partnership with Sonoma Water, helped
care for more than 100 miles of creeks within the Urban Growth Boundary. The program continued to initiate and support:
Outreach and educational activities regarding storm water pollution prevention and the many benefits that healthy creeks provide to the community. Public participation in the care of creeks and the involvement of volunteer Creek Stewards who adopt a specific reach of creek.
Cleanups, maintenance, and enhancement of creeks and the creek trail system.
In fiscal year 2022 -2023 the CSP organized educational and stewardship activities such as creek walks, school presentations, community activities, creek restoration projects, and volunteer creek cleanups. In total 8,080 City residents, including 6,670 youth, participated in educational and stewardship events, resulting in 3,490 hours of volunteer community service and 7,425 hours of creek -based education. Last year, thirty -three school and youth organizations received 212 sessions of educational and stewardship activities.
One hundred seventy -two volunteer creek cleanups occurred on 20 different creeks. Over 1,085 cubic yards of trash and debris were removed from waterways by the City’s Storm Water and Creeks section with help from youth corps, contractors, and volunteers. Most of the trash originates from areas where people live and congregate along creeks and under bridges. The Storm Water & Creeks section partnered with Catholic Charites, Sonoma County Probation Department, and law enforcement to facilitate the cleanup of debris from 1 63 active camps and 183 abandoned camps along City waterways, including over 1,500 hypodermic needles.
Additional cleanups of waterways were conducted by Sonoma Water, City Parks, and the City’s Transportation & Public Works Department staff.
Storm Water & Creeks staff responded to residents’ reports regarding trash, trail needs, flood concerns, and other creek -related issues. Security fencing structures under bridges were maintained and repaired to prevent access and camping that leads to the accumulation of trash and other pollutants in waterways. Volunteers re-stock pet waste bag dispensers, which Figure 19- “Ours to Protect” signs
increase awareness of Santa Rosa’s
many creeks.
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along with trash cans, help keep the creeks and creekside trail system clean.
The Storm Water & Creeks section continues to work toward restoring 1.3 miles of Colgan Creek in southwest Santa Rosa to transform an engineered flood control channel into a healthier creek ecosystem . With two of the three phases already complete, and the third phase in design, the project has already increased flood protection, enhanced habitat, improved water quality, and provided recreational opportunities.
In 2023, Storm Water & Creeks and Capital Projects Engineering began completing design for Phase 3 of the project, which will connect Phases 1 and 2 of the project and restore an approximately 2,500-linear foot reach of the creek between Boron Avenue and Dutton Meadow. Phase 3 will complete restoring the natural ecological value of Lower Colgan Creek as a critical part of the Laguna de Santa Rosa and Russian River watersheds; prevent future property damage by upgrading the creek from a 25 -year to a 100 -year flood capacity; and expand community involvement, education, and riverine stewardship through programs for project-based learning, community art, and hands-on volunteerism.
To achieve these goals, the project will re -contour meanders into a currently straightened creek channel, re-grade the creek cross section to a more natural floodplain geometry, and install a series of pools, riffles, and log structures for habitat and water quality improvement.
In addition, the project will remove invasive plants and install over 2,000 locally appropriate native plants to create a healthy riparian corridor. The project also includes a strong environmental education and outreach component that will link nearby schools and members of the public to the creek restoration project through in -class and field-based educational programming, student-led citizen science, volunteer creek cleanups, community art projects, and volunteer planting days, in addition to paid maintenance work with local youth corps programs.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The City of Santa Rosa has two Climate Action Plans that are incorporated into the General Plan. A Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP) which includes measures to reduce citywide emissions 25 percent below 1990 levels by 2020, and a Municipal Climate Action Plan which focuses on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in City of Santa Rosa facilities and operations.
The emission reduction measures developed for both Climate Action Plans address a range of sectors including energy efficiency, renewable energy, parking and land use management, transportation, waste reduction and recycling, water and wastewater, and off -road vehicles and equipment.
As part of the City’s comprehensive General Plan update and concurrent preparation of a GHG Reduction Strategy and climate action strategies, the City updated the 2007 community-wide GHG baseline inventory to reflect changes to methods and protocols since 2010 and prepared a community -wide GHG inventory for the year 201 9. The City selected 2019 as the most recent year because the COVID -19 pandemic resulted in significant changes in activity for
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various sectors, many of which may not reflect “normal” levels for 202 0 and 2021, making them less useful as a foundation for estimating future emissions.
The updated 2007 and new 2019 GHG inventories will provide a foundation for the City’s GHG Reduction Strategy and inform updated climate action strategies which will no longer be in a separate CCAP but will instead be integrated within the General Plan. This approach will allow a wider range of mitigation measures in the GHG reduction strategy and ensure that climate action strategies throughout the General Plan use a consistent set of baseline conditions and growth assumptions. A memorandum providing a summary of GHG inventory results can be found on the City’s SR Forward website ( https://www.santarosaforward.com/Greenhouse- Gas-Reduction-Strategy ).
The following information provides a synopsis of CCAP implementation process from 2023:
In response to public interest, t he Climate Action Subcommitt ee (comprised of three Councilmembers), committed to regularly scheduled monthly meetings . These meetings provide Staff and the Council with direction to implement the Climate Action Plan and offer a forum for public participation and education.
Efforts considered by the Climate Action Subcommittee in 2023 included:
In 2023, CityBus started operating the City’s first four battery electric buses (BEBs). City Council approved the CityBus Zero Emissions Bus (ZEB) Rollout Plan as required by CARB and FTA
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Master Plan
Status Update on the 2012 Community Climate Action Plan and 2013 Municipal Climate Action Plan
Downtown Parking Study
Overview of low carbon concrete
Update on artificial turf ban investigation
Development of the City’s Comprehensive Integrated Pest Management Policy Update on Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Strategy
The Subcommittee also received presentations from the Regional Climate Protection Authority (RCPA) on RCPA’s Sonoma Climate Mobilization Strategy, a Countywide 2018 greenhouse gas inventory, and an updat e on countywide transportation improvements aimed at reducing reliance on single-occupancy vehicles. These presentations and continued collaboration are part of an effort to improve regional coordination in Climate and Transportation Planning.
In July of 2020, the City transitioned from Level of Service to Vehicles Miles Traveled (VMT) as the measure of transportation impacts under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
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New development projects exceeding the VMT threshold must integrate strategies to lessen greenhouse gas emissions including increasing access to common goods and services, the provision of car, bike, or ride sharing programs, and improving p edestrian and bicycle networks or transit service.
Energy Efficiency
The CCAP provides energy efficiency and conservation goals and encourages utilization of CALGreen building code standards for new construction. The CCAP also calls for improved energy efficiency in existing buildings, smart meter utilization, and energy efficient appliances.
City staff applied enhanced energy efficiency requirements for new construction based on the City’s All-Electric Reach Code adopted in 2019 and CALGreen building code standards. City staff continue to review new development for consistency with local and state energy efficiency requirements. In 202 2, the installation of advanced metering infrastructure was completed for all properties with City water meters. These new meters allow for real time tracking to detect leaks and reduce energy waste associated with the transportation of water. The City readopted an All-Electric Reach Code in 2022 as part of the CALGreen standards applicable through 2025 for new low-rise residential buildings.
Renewable Energy
The MCAP and CCAP call for renewable energy installations and renewable power generation.
In 2023 , the City continued to participate in SCP’s EverGreen service for all City facilities .
EverGreen is 100% renewable and is sourced by day with solar energy and by night with geothermal energy. All power is sourced within Sonoma and Mendocino Counties.
EverGreen power will also be used to power the City’s first four Battery Electric Buses (BEBs) which were purchased with a competitive grant award from the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) 5339 Buses and Bus Facilities Program, combined with federal formula funding and various State and local awards and funding allocations . These BEBs will beg an revenue service in Janua ry 2023. During 2023 , renewable energy projects at Laguna Treatment Plant generated solar PV while combined heat and power engines generated electricity from digester gas. The water department continues to investigate additional solar PV opportunities at several sites including a large floating solar array at the treatment pla nt and a large canopy cover at the utility field office.
Planning and Economic Development Department staff continue to provide expedited review for all EV charging stations and to r equire EV charging infrastructure in all new residential projects. In 2023, the City released an RFP for the development of an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Master Plan which is expected to be completed in 2025.
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Parking and Land Use Management
The CCAP encourages dense residential and commercial development near existing services and transit centers within the Urban Growth Boundary to reduce vehicle miles traveled.
Planning and Economic Development Department staff continue to encourage transit use by streamlining residential, lodging, and daycare projects that are located within Priority Development Areas within a half mile of frequent transit . In the fall of 2021, the conceptual design of the Highway 101 Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing was revie wed by the community and the Design Review Board. This Overcrossing will provide connection between the SRJC area and Coddingtown Mall. In 2023, the project is in the final design stages and City staff are working to secure all required funding . Transportation staff is expecting results on a grant application for Reconnecting Communities.
Improved Transportation Options
The CCAP calls for an improved bicycle and pedestrian network, improved transit, and car sharing. CityBus staff completed the following items to support SMART service in 202 3: 15- minute local bus service for the Santa Rosa Downtown Station along with 3rd Street bus stop improvement, reciprocal transfers , updated Clipper rules, C ommuter Discounted Parking Permit, and off -platform si gnage was provided at the Downtown and North Station.
Coordination efforts and planning for improved bus stops and wayfinding continued in 2023.
The City is looking to provide residents with alternative forms of transportation that are accessible for all ages and abilities. The City installed its first protected two-way cycle track on Armory Drive in July 2023. When surveyed in November 2023, 458 riders reported using the cycle track over a twelve-day period in November. The City renewed its Silver Bicycle Friendly Communities designation through the League of American Bicyclist . This designation will be in place from 2023 to 2027. The City received its first Bronze designation as a Bicycle Friendly Business through the League of American Bicyclist. This designation will be in place from 2023 to 2027. Both awards come with report cards that give the City direction on ways to work toward a higher designation status and help give guidance on becoming a more bicycle friendly community/business.
Waste Reduction, Recycling and Composting
The City of Santa Rosa Zero Waste Master Plan (Plan) aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions resulting from consumption and disposal activities and includes the following goals:
to reduce landfill disposal to one pound per person per day of franchised waste landfill disposal (currently at 2. 4) and the overall diversion of at least 75 -percent (from 45 -percent currently) of franchised waste from landfill disposal by 2030. Franchised waste is any waste that is processed by the City’s franchised hauler versus self-haul waste which is waste that is transported by individuals or businesses to other locations (i.e., food waste to pig farmers, corporate backhauling (i.e. Safeway with cardboard), etc.).
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The Plan suggests five strategies that the City should implement in order to divert the most tons from landfill: stem the flow of waste at its source; increase community requirements for recycling program participation; maximize and enhance waste diversion; increase recoverable items from construction activities; and establish the City as a leader for waste reduction behaviors and programs.
In 2021, the Council adopted the Zero Waste Food Ware Ordinance, a main strategy recommendation in the Plan. Effective as of January 2022, the Zero Waste Food Ware Ordinance regulates the use of disposable food service ware and bans the sale of polystyrene (plastic foam) and Fluorinated (PFAS) products which contribute t o street litter, marine pollution, harm to wildlife, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste sent to the landfill.
City staff and regional partners (Zero Waste Sonoma and Recology) are focused on the implementation of the provisions and requirements contained within SB 1383 - Short-Lived Climate Pollutants: Organic Waste Reductions. SB 1383 became effective in January 2020 and establishes the following statewide greenhouse gas emission reductions goals: by 2025 reduce the amount of organic material disposed in landfills by 75% from the 2014 level and by 2025, no less than 20% of edible food currently disposed must also be recovered for human consumption. SB 1383 impacts both residents and businesses and is the most aggressive waste reduction law to be adopted in California for the past 30 years.
Recology’s Zero Waste team continues to offer waste audits and waste education for Santa Rosa schools, businesses, and conferences. Recology’s Zero Waste team conducted 1,060 site audits/site visits, 176 trainings/presentations, initiated recycling at 34 establishments, and started composting programs for 125 accounts during 2023.
YOUTH AND FAMILY ELEMENT
The Youth and Family Element promotes the health, safety, and welfare of children, teens, the elderly, and their families in Santa Rosa. Childcare services, youth, and senior programs are supported.
City’s Support Program Facility Fund
In 2021, the Council supported funding for the City’s Support Program Facility Fund. This Program seeks to stabilize and grow the childcare business sector, ensuring easy access to quality early childcare and education that is within families’ financial means. The goal of the Childcare Facility Fund is to award the $2.9 million in A merican Rescue P lan Act (ARPA) allocation funds via grants in support of childcare facility development and rehabilitation (less program administration costs), and to leverage the $1.4 m illion General Fund seed funding with other funding sources to be accessed through a no-interest revolving loan program (less program administration costs).
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Children’s College Savings Accounts
An investment of $1,575,000 of ARPA funds for the Children's Saving Account (CSA) was approved by the Council in 2021. CSA is a transformational investment into the future of qualifying 0–5-year-olds in the City. Building on an existing CSA program called First 5 Sonoma Futures offered by First 5 Sonoma County, this investment holds some of the most significant opportunities to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty and positively impact family economic wellness and self-sufficiency. To date, over $1.1 million in program funds have been expended and 980 accounts have been opened.
Santa Rosa Violence Prevention Partnership
(The Partnership)
The Santa Rosa Violence Prevention
Partnership (The Partnership) is funded
through Measure H (2022) proceeds and
provides funding for staffing and program
operating costs, as well as grants to City
schools and non-profit organizations to fund
programs related to Prevention, Intervention,
Diversion, Re-Entry, and Healing.
Measure O funds preceded Measure H, and
since 2006, the Partnership has provided more than $11,000,000 to local community-based organizations and schools. Together, the Partnership and Measure H CHOICE grant funded programs work together towards our shared vision, that Santa Rosa emerges as a strong, resilient and interconnected community where all residents are safe, healthy, and thrive. In 2022, The Partnership released a Request for Proposals for the CHOICE Cycle XI Grant Program. Eight local agencies were selected for funding, totaling $1.875 million in grant awards over the two-and -a-half-year grant cycle (July 1, 2022 – December 31, 2024) . In addition to the CHOICE Grant Program, The Partnership implements other strategies to reduce and prevent violence and gang activity in Santa Rosa. In response to acts of increased violence in the community during the last three years The Partnership revised its five - year strategic plan in early 2023 and began work on building out intervention programs and services that will allow staff to interrupt and prevent violence in the community. This includes the development and launch of the Safe Campus Intervention Program, the Clean Slate Tattoo Removal Program and the Crisis Response and Hospital -Based Intervention Program. The Partnership initiated its Crisis Response Team three times in 2023, including after the March 1, 2023 fatal stabbing incident at Montgomery High School, and in response to the shootings on June 16, 2023, and June 24, 2023. Partnership staff participated in debriefing discussions at Montgomery High School and connect ed CHOICE grantees to students and families for direct services. In response to the two June shootings, The Partnership held a community meeting on June 27, 2023, and also held two community wellness popups in the two neighborhoods impacted by the shootings. These events included linking communi ty members impacted by the shooting to services and support through The Partnership.
The Partnership also continued to implement its referral program in 2023. With funding
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leveraged by the Sonoma County Probation Department, The Partnership also continued implementation of the Guiding People Successfully (GPS) Program. GPS provides critical funding for system -level improvements to The Partnership’s referral system, while also supporting evidence-informed prevention and intervention programs, including services such as case management, in -home counseling, work readiness training, and paid work experience. Since its inception in January 2015, over 515 youth have been enrolled in GPS.
For FY 2022-2023, this includes 119 non-probationary youth and 20 youth on probation, an increase of about 120% over the previous year.
The Partnership also planned and hosted the 2023 Roseland Cinco de Mayo event. In less than two weeks, Partnership staff organized 26 vendors to provide re sources, food and activities for youth and families in the area. Neighborhood Services provided a kids activity area and four bands provided entertainment for attendees. The event ran from 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. and hosted approximately 1,500 community members t hroughout the duration of the event. While the City does not typically plan or host this event, doing so this year provided the community with a safe, family friendly space to celebrate and also prevented sideshow activity and incidences of violence from o ccurring. Find more information ab out The Partnership online at www.srcity.org/santarosapartnership
or on Facebook and Instagram
@santarosapartnership.
ECONOMIC VITALITY ELEMENT
The General Plan calls for a positive business climate that includes the economic development programming goals of business and workforce attraction, retention and expansion in order to maintain the vitality of the city’s economic and commercial centers.
According to the latest Economic perspective, Sonoma County is poised for continued economic growth in 2024 and proves to be vibrant relative to Bay Are a and regional counterparts. One key indicator cited in this positive trend is the job growth rate in Sonoma County which has experienced a 2.8% increase in growth since 2020, signaling a recovery and expansion in the job market. The unemployment rate has also seen a significant drop, currently at 3.7% in the County and 4.7% in Santa Rosa for 2023 . These figures are a testament to the economic vitality of the City and its ability to create employment opportunities for its residents.
The growth has been spread across various industries with leisure and hospitality, construction, health care, and social services sectors seeing job gains of around 6% in 2023. The sectors that saw a drop in job opportunities were mainly in the retail, professional and business sectors, but the biggest decline was among farm jobs, dropping by nearly 2%, and may be affected by poor weather conditions. Overall, the City, with its diverse and growing industries, low unemployment rates, and overall positive economic trends is expected to witness a sustained growth in 2024.
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In terms of vacancy rates: office, industrial, and retail were historically steady until 2020 when, mirroring national trends, all sectors saw increases in vacancies, with retail being hit the hardest. In 2023, following years of rapid expansion in overall markets, rent growth and near-zero vacancy rates, the industrial sector has slightly cooled off, which may be caused by the availability of suitable properties to meet demand. Retail vacancy rates are still on the rise and at a higher rate than pre -pandemic levels. Office vac ancies have not recovered and continue to climb throughout Sonoma County.
Note: infographics typically provided in this report related to percentage of jobs in various labor sectors, unique job postings and quarterly revenues by industry for 2023 are furnished by Sonoma County Economic Development Board and were not available at this time.
Wayfinding Signs
In March 2023, a pilot program was launched in the Railroad Square to collect feedback on commercial wayfinding signs, as advertisement-related wayfinding was prohibited in the Zoning Code. This program was temporary and lasted one year to provide staff time to draft an amendment to the Zoning Code. In September 2023, a Public/Civic Wayfinding Sign Program was approved in the Downtown/Courthouse Square Area. This sign program provides directions to various parks, civic buildings, and events in Courthouse Square. The City conducted a public survey to help inform the drafting of an ordinance for proposed changes to the wayfinding sign regulations. At the end of 2023, staff was preparing to bring forward for adoption the Wayfinding Sign Ordinance, with additional standards for Figure 20 –Vacancy Chart
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Public/Civic Wayfinding and Business Wayfinding, allowing Railroad Square to apply for a non-temporary permit.
Lastly, the programs intended to help address community inequities highlighted and intensified by the longevity of the pandemic to which Council allocated one-time funding sources, including the Childcare Facility Fund grant program, an educational savings account for eligible children under the age of 6, and a guaranteed basic income program for randomly selected qualifying residents, were developed and successfully launched in 2022.
With a budget of $2.9 million, the childcare support facility fund provides funding for facility development, rehabilitation and expansion of childcare facilities. In 2023, a total of 21 letters of interest were received. Of these, 90% were from licensed family childcare homes, and 10% from licensed childcare centers. As of 2023, grant agreements have been completed and allocations disbursed through First 5. Of the approved grant agreements, 57% submitted for the minor renovation and repair to preserve an existing facility grant category. There is an estimated total request of $614,000. 29% submitted for the minor renovation and repair grant to increase licensing capacity grant category with a total funding request of $480,000. And finally, 14% submitted for the major renovation and new construction grant category where there is a total request of $345,000. The Guaranteed Basic Income pilot program’s goal is to reduce homelessness and its impacts and promote economic and community vibrancy by alleviating financial stressors for lower income pregnant and parenting families with young children in Sonoma County. As of December 2023, 80 Santa Rosa residents had qualified and a County-wide total of $1,008,000 County ARPA funds had been expended via $500/month payments through December 2024. The children’s educational savings account program is administered by First 5 of Sonoma County, using funds from the City of Santa Rosa and the California Student Aid Commission to provide initial investments in student savings accounts. As of December 2023, 980 accounts have been opened.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION ELEMENT
General Plan policy calls for preserving Santa Rosa’s historic structures and neighborhoods by pursuing new designated landmarks and preservation districts, ensuring that alterations to historic buildings are compatible with the character of the building and district, and increasing public participation in the preservation process.
A Landmark Alteration Permit (LMA) is required for all exterior alterations to designated Figure 21 – Wayfinding Signs
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landmarks, and for all buildings within historic preservation districts , with few exceptions.
There were nine LMA applications submitted in 2023.
The grant-funded Historic Resource Evaluation (HRE) of the Downtown Station Area (DSA) was concluded in 2023. R econnaissance surveys (a lso known as windshield surveys) were conducted on 779 age -eligible (pre-1974) properties and a historic context statement was prepared for the area. California Department of Parks and Recreation 523 forms were created for each surveyed property and evaluated for eligibility against the criteria of the National Register of Historic Places, the California Register of Historical Resources, and the Santa Rosa Historic Preservation Ordinance. These steps informed which of the 779 properties required more research through intensive level surveys. In 2023, staff was preparing to present the survey findings to the Cultural Heritage Board.
NOISE AND SAFETY ELEMENT
On November 30, 2021, the Council adopted the Sonoma
County Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP).
The City elected to participate in the development of an MJHMP recognizing that hazards cross jurisdictional and political boundaries. The benefits of taking a
multijurisdictional approach to hazard mitigation planning include the ability to pool resources and eliminate
redundant activities within a planning area that has
uniform risk exposure and vulnerabilities, creating
opportunities for coordination and collaboration, and the ability to create stronger grant applications by joining with other agencies.
The MJHMP includes two volumes. Volume 1 contents apply to all partners and Sonoma County in its entirety. Volume 2 includes an Annex, or chapter, for each of the participating local agencies and special districts. The City of Santa Rosa Annex, found in Volume 2 Chapter 3, addresses City -specific vulnerabilities to natural hazards such as earthquake, flood, and wildfire and includes mitigation action items to minimize the effect these natural hazards have on people, property, and natural systems. The City’s Annex updates the City’s previous Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) adopted in January 2017, and incorporates all actionable items included in the City’s 2020 Community Wildlife Protection Plan. The MJHMP and LHMP update will serve as foundational docum ents for the Safety Element as part of the General Plan update process. Visit: srcity.org/LHMP for more information and to access the Plan.
Some of the City’s recent and ongoing actions to identify, address, and prioritize mitigation projects related to flooding, drought, hazardous materials, wildfires, and other potential hazards are:
The City’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) continued to serve as a roadmap to reduce the risk of wildfires locally through education, evacuation route improvements,
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community wildfire education, wildfire and evacuation preparedness, structural hardening of the built environment, vegetation treatments to reduce wildfire threat, implementation of defensible space standards and increased staffing dedicated to the wildfire mitigation workload. The CWPP is a 5-year plan is schedule to be updated in 2025. $2.75 million was allocated for implementation of the Fire Department’s Wildland Resiliency and Response Strategic Plan in 2021. In 2022, the Fire Department took delivery of two wildland fire engines (Type 3s) and completed the overall order of apparatus that includes two addition wildland fire engines (Type 6s) . The purchases will significantly improve the Fire Department’s capacity and abilities to prevent, mitigate, and respond to wildland fires using current staffing and fire stations. The plan will also continue to pr ovide additional resources to legislative efforts, community engagement and education, and wildland firefighting equipment.
The Fire Department received approval from the State’s Housing and Community Development’s Community Development Block Grant – Mitigation Resilient Planning and Public Services Program for $500,000 to fund the development of the Hazardous Vegetation and Fu els Management Ordinance along with education, outreach and assessments in the City’s Wildland Urban Interface areas. The Fire Department has continued to implement two FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grants that will total $4.9 million upon completion of the programs to implement Fuel Reduction along Evacuation Routes and Wildland Urban Interface Fuel Modification ( a Home Hardening and Defensible Space Program) work.
The Water Department initiated environmental review required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to construct an earthen berm around the Laguna Treatment Plant to prevent flooding . This project is in the final review phase for a $14.6 million FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance Program grant, and $3.2 million of Community Block Development Grant Mitigation Assistance funding.
City Council reviewed and accepted the Final Water Supply Alternatives Plan in October 2023. The plan identified a suite of adaptive options for increasing the city’s water supplies by 2045 to enhance water supply resiliency and reliability, particularly in times of drought and/or catastrophic events. As recommended in the plan, Water Department will next identify funding opportunities , plan for capital investments, conduct hydrogeologic feasibility studies, and begin to scope the environmental pathway for identified conceptual projects.
Progress was made toward the replacement for F ire Station 5, located in the Fountaingrove area, and included environmental review and land acquisition, which were approved by Council in February 2022.
Environmental Compliance and Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) Inspectors review hazardous waste manifests to ensure that hazardous materials are not being dumped to sanitary or storm sewers. These actions protect the Laguna Treatment Plant, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer collection systems. Secondary containment is verified for Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and California Non-RCRA wastes. Outside storage of equipment, chemicals, and materials is evaluated to verify that rain will not wash unwanted materials, especially hydrocarbons, to the storm drain system. Best Management Practices are shared as they relate to these inspection items. Additionally, businesses are encouraged to contact the local CUPA with questions. In compliance wit h
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the NPDES MS4 permit issued by the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, inspections are conducted by CUPA, Environmental Compliance, Sonoma County Health Department, Storm Water and Creeks, and other City Departments to assess compliance with municipal ordinances at industrial and commercial facilities that are critical sources of pollutants in storm water runoff. Pollutant reduction and control measures are required at industrial and commercial facilities with the objective of reducing pollu tants in storm water runoff. Pollutant reduction and control measures may include structural treatment control, source control BMPs, and operation and maintenance procedures, which may be applied before, during, and/or after pollutant generating activities . Non-compliance is
addressed with Corrective Action Notices, Notices of Violation, Administrative Orders, fines and at times termination of services/
Planning and Economic Development Department staff review new development for compliance with building c ode requirements including soil stability and seismic risk evaluation and require appropriate erosion control measures during construction. In 2023, there were no incidents that required the activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The award of a federal earmark grant prompted implementation work in 2022 to upgrade the EOC over the next few years, which will allow the EOC to remain “hot” (permanently set -up) rather than “warm” (set up and ready to activate, but not a permanent, dedicated space), and where the space is shared among multiple departments. Emergency Management secured an Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS) certificate allowing staff to send alert and warning messag es to the community separate from the County, The City completed a major update to the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), which was adopted by the Council in December 2022.
The Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) annexes have been updated and the basic plan will be updated in early 2023.
ART AND CULTURE ELEMENT
The General Plan Art and Culture Element calls for public art throughout Santa Rosa . Over the years, the City’s Public Art Program has grown to include the following key areas:
Public Art
Projects
Site Specific
Installations
Temporary &
Permanent
Projects
Community
Based Projects
Collection
Management
Accessions &
Deaccessions
Relocations
Maintenance &
Conservation
Public Art in
Private
Development
Art on Site
Fee In-Lieu
Cultural Events
Live at Juilliard
Earth Day On
Stage
Performances
Crafts Fair
Vendor Jury
Rotating Art
Exhibits
30 Exhibits Per
Year
Installed in select
City / community
buildings
National Arts
Program Exhibit
& Competition
Street
Performer
Permits
Annual permits
issued over the
counter
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Public Art Program
In late 2018, the Public Art Program was relocated from the Recreation & Parks Department to the Planning & Economic Development Department.
Some 2023 Public Art Program highlights include:
Public Art Strategic Plan Implementation. In 2019, the program began a strategic planning process that was completed in February 2021. More about the plan can be found HERE. In 2023, the following strategies and tactics were implemented towards achieving the identified goals:
Public Art Audit continued
Partnerships:
Office of Community Engagement
General Plan Update
Economic Development Small Business Support Program
Creative Sonoma
Santa Rosa Fire Department
DEIAB professional development and mentoring for Art in Public Places Committee Grants for art organizations
The Mural Project
Artstart
Grants for artists
ArtSurround Program
Ongoing maintenance for public art collection
PR & Marketing improvements
Rosa californica. Installed at City Hall , this gilded mural was created by Anna Wiziarde and Julian Billotte in June 2023. The site-specific mural was a project of ArtSurround, a partnership with Creative Sonoma to en hance community livability through public art. A dedication ceremony was held on Friday, August 23, 2023.
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Maintenance & Conservation. To care for its existing collection, the Public Art Program performs annual repairs and maintenance on murals, sculptures, and mosaics. In 202 3, repairs and/or annual cleaning was performed on the following items: Daphne by Ron Rodgers, Untitled by Harry Dixon, Marcie’s Bench by Tivoli Too, Schroeder and Lucy by Tivoli Too, Live Oak Lives On by Artstart/Mario Uribe, Sonoma Cownty by ArtStart, Whole Some by Boback Emad, Tuberosity by Al Voigt & Douglas Unkrey, My Turn by Robert Ellison, Guardian of the Creek, by Mario Uribe.
Figure 22– Photo of Rosa californica mural, City Hall
Figure 23 – Photos of before treatment, after removal and after treatment of existing mural
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II. ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE GROWTH MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
The City’s Growth Management Ordinance regulates residential growth. In 2023 , the Growth Management Ordinance allowed 800 new residential allotments. Each allotment allows for the future issuance of a building permit.
Growth Management allotments are available from two reserves, "A" and "B," each reserve having 400 new allotments per year. Reserve "A" allotments are for accessory dwelling units, mixed use units, units affordable to very low- and low-income households, and other qualifying units. Reserve “A ” q ualifying units also include all multifamily units, for-sale single family attached units with project density of 10 units per acre or more, and smaller single family attached or detached units with maximum lot size, square footage, and bedroom requirements. Reserve "B" allotments are generally for any single -family unit greater than 1,250-square feet.
Section 21-03.140 of the Growth Management Ordinance specifies that at least once each calendar year, City staff shall prepare a report on the Growth Management program. The following covers the information required by the Ordinance for the 2023 calendar year. 1) The number of building permits issued (1) with Reserve "A" allotments and (2) with Reserve "B" allotments during the time period covered by the report.
In 2023, 1,708 residential building permits were issued. Of these permits, 1,596 were issued with Reserve “A,” allotments and 112 were issued with Reserve “B” allotments. 2) The number of entitlements, if any, that remained unallotted in (1) Reserve "A" and (2) Reserve "B" during the time period. The number of Reserve "A" entitlements, if any, borrowed from the next year's Reserve "A" entitlements. The number of Reserve "B" entitlements, if any, that were reserved in future calendar year entitlements.
In 2023, 400 new Reserve “A” allotments became available, with 1, 596 Reserve “A” qualifying unit s permitted. Pursuant to City Code section 21 -03.090 Untitled entitlements, Reserve “A” entitlements which are not allotted in a particular calendar year shall be added to the new Reserve “A” entitlements which will become available in the next calendar year. In 2023, 256 remaining unused Reserve “A” allotments were used from the years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. 1,340 Reserve “A” allotments were used from the years 2016, 2017 and 2018, and 140 allotments were used from 2019. Of the 400 new Reserve “B” allotments made available in 2023, 112 allotments were used.
3) An evaluation of the coordination of planning and development decisions, including infrastructure planning, with policies related to growth management.
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Residential development is not approved without acknowledging the requirements of the Growth Management Ordinance. Residential development applications must indicate the total number and type of units proposed and for what year reserve allotments are requested.
The relationship between infrastructure planning and the growth management program is indirect. Infrastructure planning is done on a broad basis, to ensure there is sufficient infrastructure to serve General Plan buildout a s well as to support individual p roject requirements. The Downtown and North Santa Rosa Station Area Specific Plans outline the infrastructure needs and cost estimates for future development within each respective plan area.
Development impact fees are used to finance capital improvement projects. Projects programmed in the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) are reviewed annually by the Planning Commission to ensure that the CIP is consistent with improvements identified by the General Plan.
4) An analysis of the provision of public services, and if those services, including fire and police response, parks, water, and wastewater services, have sufficient capacity to meet the needs of Santa Rosa.
Planning to ensure sufficient capacity to meet the future service needs of Santa Rosa is ongoing. The City meets each of the above noted service needs in the following ways:
Parks
Santa Rosa’s Park acreage includes approximately 1,038 acres of neighborhood and community parks, open space, special purpose parks, recreational facilities, public plazas and gathering spaces, and a golf course. The City maintains an additional 66 acres of medians, roadway landscapes. The General Plan standard is 6 acres of park land per 1,000 residents, with city parks (community, neighborhood, and special purpose) making up 3.5 acres per 1,000 residents, publicly accessible school recreational land accounting for 1.4 acres per 1,000 residents, and public serving open space accounting for 1.1 acres per 1,000 residents.
Conditions That Could Affect Water Supply
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and Sonoma Water to ensure protections for three salmon species that are listed under the federal Endangered Species Act: Central California coast steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss); Central California Coast Coho salmon ( O. kisutch ); and California Coast Chinook salmon ( O. tshawytscha) . City restoration efforts include the protect ion and enhance ment critical habitat and managing waterway flow rates among others. Adhering to NMFS waterflow requirements could impact Sonoma Water’s ability to meet peak water demands during prolonged dry seasons.
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In 2021 Sonoma Water and USACE completed construction of the final elements of Phases I through III including habitat enhancement in six reaches along the 14-mile length of Dry Creek between Lake Sonoma and the Russian River confluence . In 2023, Sonoma Water and t he Army Corps of Engineers continue d to make progress on Phases IV through VI of the habitat enhancement project under a cost -share partnership where the Corps of Engineers covers 65% of the cost and implements the actual construction and Sonoma Water contributes the remaining costs as well as right of way, and management of the design contracts. Construction on Phase IV and V of the Dry Creek Project are underway, including Reaches 2A, 4C, 10 and 13 of Dry Creek. Phase VI is in final stages of design and planning with construction tentatively scheduled for 2025 and 2026. A successful project will enable flow rates in Dry Creek to meet the current and future water demands of Sonoma Water, further stabilizing the region’s water supply.
Future Water Supply
The City adopted its 2020 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) and submitted it to the State Department of Water Resources on June 30, 2021. The UWMP provides an updated analysis of the City’s projected water demand, water supply, and wat er supply reliability for the next 25 years. The City’s projections integrate population growth, forecasted development, potential climate change impacts, and anticipated water savings from plumbing codes and regulations. The UWMP includes an analysis of w ater supply reliability in the event of five consecutive dry years for 2021-2025 and for each five-year increment through 2045.
In addition, the City prepared and adopted an updated Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) in June 2021. The WSCP describes how the City will respond to water shortage conditions in times of drought, supply reductions, or emergencies to ensure the City is prepared to respond to water shortages ranging from mild (up to 10%) to severe (over 50%).
Short-term water supply shortages a re anticipated in the City’s long -term water supply planning and are not expected to constrain new development. The City adopted an Amended WSCP on November 30, 2021, with changes to the Excess Use Penalty structure and revisions to the offset requirements for any new development that may occur during severe shortages (Stages 5-8).
The City’s 2020 UWMP water demand analysis indicate s that the City water supply will be adequate to meet demand through 2045 in normal and some dry year scenarios. As described in the WSCP, the City will enact the appropriate stage of its Shortage Plan as needed to ensure water demand does not exceed supply.
Completed in 2023, the City led a comprehensive research effort to diversify and increase its potable urban water supply portfolio to enhance its resiliency to mitigate the impacts of future water supply shortages due to severe and/or prolonged droughts or service interruptions that could occur in catastrophic events. The City conducted a study of water supply options and developed an adaptive Water Supply Alternatives Plan for reducing vulnerability to water shortages and enhancing long -term water supply reliability. Throughout this process, Santa Rosa Water engaged a wide range of stakeholders. The project team held four interactive community meetings to give the community opportunities to learn about this effort, ask
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questions, make comments, and offer ideas and suggestions. The project has also been discussed at publicly noticed meetings with the Board of Public Utilities and the City Council.
The Water Supply Alternatives Plan presents a number of potential pathways that the City could take as it continues to plan for its water future . Next steps include identifying possible funding sources, plan ning for additional water use efficiency efforts, and beginning hydrogeologic and siting studies for future groundwater supplies.
Wastewater
The City’s wastewater collection system, inclusive of scheduled, planned, and anticipated CIP projects, is anticipated to adequately serve existing and future development needs as predicted by the General Plan. Example CIP projects include on-going annual replacement of wastewater collection and trunk pipelines, improvements to wast ewater lift stations, and maintenance and repair of the City’s wastewater system.
Wastewater from Santa Rosa is treated at the Laguna Regional Treatment Plant (LTP) and is reused in the Santa Rosa R egional Water Reuse System. The CIP includes LTP and reuse system improvements that are intended to maintain adequate capacity to treat and re use General Plan anticipated wastewater volumes. The reuse system’s current 21.34 -mgd capacity is anticipated to be sufficient into the future. Projects that would expand the existing reuse system to 25.89 -mgd to meet General Plan projections for Santa Rosa and other regional partners have been identified.
5) A listing of any significant problems which arose during the time period covered in administering the Growth Management program.
No specific Growth Management administration problems were experienced in 2023; however, there is overall conflict between the program and realization of City housing production goals and Regional Housing Needs Assessment requirements. The maximum allowable 800 residential allotments per year is further limited on a per project basis to 75 single-family allotments per year and 200 multi-family allotments per year and Council action is required to allow more than 400 allotments per calendar year for most detached single - family construction. During consider recent years, Reserve “A” allotments were borrowed from previous years, however, this may not be a viable way to achieve housing goals depending on the number of residential units in future years.
6) A listing of any staff recommendations, with regard to changes or revisions to the adopted program to improve its effectiveness and/or administration.
See item seven (7) response below.
7) A recommendation, if any, together with factual supporting data, as to whether the Growth Management Element of the General Plan and/or the Growth Management program should be substantially revised or discontinued.
The Growth Management Ordinance, Chapter 21 -03 of the City Code, sunset at the end of
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2020, however, General Plan Policy GM-B -1, in the Growth Management Element, provides housing allocations through 2035. Staff is evaluating amendments to the Growth Management General Plan Element as a part of the comprehensive General Plan update with considering the City’s current and projected need for housing development including affordable housing.
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III. ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE INCLUSIONARY HOUSING ORDINANCE
The City's 2016 Housing Action Plan seeks to increase development of affordable housing. A key tool in that effort is the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance. The Inclusionary Housing Ordinance requires that housing projects include on -site affordable units or the payment of “in lieu” funds which are used for affordable housing development. Allocated units are defined as a newly constructed “for-rent” or “for-sale” dwelling unit which is:
• Made available and occupied by a household of lower or moderate income; • Subject to occupancy and affordable rent or sales price controls for a period of not less than 55 years;
• Compatible with the design of other units in the residential housing development of which it is part in terms of exterior appearance, materials and quality finish; and • A similar unit type and bedroom mix to the overall residential development.
Pursuant to City Code Section 21 -02.140, City staff reports on the effectiveness of the inclusionary housing ordinance at least once each calendar year including the items listed below.
1) The number of allocated units, both on and off site, issued building permits during the time period covered by the report.
Between January 1 and December 31, 2023, a total of 456 allocated units were issued building permits on the respective housing development site.
The number of qualifying units, owner/builder units, accessory dwelling units, very low- or low- income units and mixed-use units issued building permits during the time period covered by the report.
Between January 1 and December 31, 20 23, 1,708 units were subject to the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance. In 2023, 154 building permits were issued for Accessory Dwelling Units (excluding the fire rebuild area), which are exempt from the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance.
Building permits were issued for 456 units targeted to lower income households, including 12 units for extremely low-income households, 1 73 units for very low-income households , 198 units for low-income households, and 73 for moderate-income households. A total of 530 owner/builder building permits were issued outside of the fire rebuild area last year. 2) The amount of housing impact fees collected.
In 2023, $ 2.45 million was collected in Housing Impact fees, representing a 31 percent increase from 2022, when $1.79 million was collected.
3) The amount of acreage by land use category dedicated to the City.
No land was dedicated to the City through the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance during 2023.
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4) A listing of any staff recommendations, with regard to changes or revisions to the adopted program to improve its effectiveness and/or administration.
The Inclusionary Housing Ordinance was updated in December 2019. Planning and Economic Development and Housing and Community Services staff continued implement ation of th is Ordinance in 2023 without issue. There are no staff recommended changes at this time.
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HOUSING ELEMENT GOAL APPENDIX
2023 ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT
Goal Objective Housing
Element
Timeframe
Policy Implementation Status
H-1 Encourage the development
of housing to meet the
needs of all Santa Rosa
residents.
Ongoing H-1 Adequate Sites: The City has ensured adequate sites are available for the development of a variety
of housing types for all income levels, including
single and multi-family units, mobile homes,
transitional housing, and homeless shelters. The
2023 Housing Element identified vacant parcels
available for construction of residential units at
various densities. The City is currently updating its
General Plan which will review the inventory of
vacant parcels and explore density increases within
appropriate areas. Planning staff are also working
on the development of a Missing Middle Housing
Ordinance which would increase the residential
densities on many sites located within walkable
neighborhoods. The City is currently working on the
House Santa Rosa project to improve data collection
and reporting within the City’s current permitting
system. One outcome of this project includes
making the Sites Inventory data available on the
City’s GIS webpages.
H-2 Lot Consolidation & Small Site Development:
The City is currently developing its outreach program
with various departments to promote lot
consolidation and small lot development. Staff aims
to launch the program in late Spring or early
Summer 2024. Additionally, the City is working on
developing the Missing Middle Housing Ordinance
which will help development on smaller sites. The
City’s House Santa Rosa project contains a
Development Feasibility Tool that displays site-
specific development standards for properties
throughout the City. This can be used to help
promote the need to consolidate small lots to
owners of this type of land.
H-3 Encouraging Housing in Mixed-Use Projects: The
City conducted surveys of local developers in July
2023 and January 2024 on how to encourage
residential units within mixed-use projects. The City
is now developing additional incentives from the
results. Planning Staff are currently working on an
Ordinance to reduce application requirements for
residential projects, including mixed-use residential
projects. Additionally, the City is working on
providing a streamlined review process for
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residential projects over 10,000 square feet within
Priority Development Areas.
H-4 Opportunity Development Areas: The City is
currently working on a project to permanently adopt
reduced review authority and permit streamlining
measures in Priority Development Areas (PDAs) by
the end of 2024. Opportunity Areas are proposed to
be added to the City's internal and public GIS
programs in 2024. The City is also working on a city-
wide process to prioritize projects with 100%
affordability. The City will continue to review
additional ways to promote higher-density and
affordable housing in PDAs and Opportunity Areas.
H-5 Accessory Dwelling Units: The City continues to
support the Napa Sonoma ADU Center's pre-
reviewed plans and is working on tools to streamline
ADUs. In late 2023 and early 2024, staff worked
with LAFCO on removing the requirement of Utility
Certificates for ADUs within the County that are
located inside a Sewer/Water Agreement Area. This
will now allow for ADUs to be placed by-right within
these parts of the County/City. The City's website
and Zoning Code for ADU information are
translatable into multiple languages beyond the
typical bilingual translation. Staff will continue to
work on a plan to conduct outreach on ADUs in local
programs in 2024.
H-6 Innovative Housing Options: The City currently
offers innovative temporary housing options for a
period not to exceed five years, including RVs and
tiny homes on wheels. Planning staff are also
working on the development of a Missing Middle
Housing Ordinance which would increase the
residential densities on many sites located within
walkable neighborhoods. Additionally, the City is
working on multiple Zoning Code updates to address
housing legislation from 2023. The City is also
looking into the possibility of allowing tiny homes on
wheels as ADUs. Tiny Homes on permanent
foundations are currently allowed by-right on parcels
that allow for single-family detached housing uses.
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H-7 Prohousing Designation: On July 14, 2023, Gov.
Gavin Newsom announced that the City of Santa
Rosa had received the State of California’s
Prohousing Designation from the Department of
Housing and Community Development (HCD). The
City will continue following the requirements to keep
this designation and reapply, as needed, in the
future.
H-8 Sites Identified in Previous Cycle: Planning staff
is working on cross-referencing sites identified in the previous Housing cycle, to be completed in 2024.
These sites will then be located on the City's public
and internal GIS programs. Additionally, the City is
working on an interactive dashboard that displays
site-specific development standards for properties
throughout the City, which will showcase these sites
as possible project locations for by-right housing to
be available in 2024.
H-9 Large-lot Development and Subdivision: The City
continues to support and offer the Pre-Application
Meeting to prospective applicants. This is an
interdepartmental staff review of preliminary or
conceptual design applications, especially for large
lot development and subdivisions. These meetings
are intended to provide a better understanding of
the City’s permitting process and, through early
consultation, troubleshoot project issues for
potentially complex development proposals.
Planning application fee estimates can also be
provided to applicants, based on the submitted
project description. These meetings are currently
available at no cost to the applicant. Additionally,
the City is working on an Ordinance to establish
permit streamlining for projects in Priority
Development Areas and projects with 100%
affordability. The City is also working on a Specific
Plan for South Santa Rosa with Sonoma County that
has the potential for larger lot development and
subdivision.
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H- 2 Conserve and improve the
existing affordable housing
stock.
Ongoing H-10 Code Enforcement Activities: The City
continues its support of the Neighborhood
Revitalization Program (NRP) with support from
Code Enforcement, the Fire Department, and
administrative staff. The program will continue to
grow with the addition of an Outreach position in
2024 through the Ombudsman grant to offer
additional support. This position is aimed at
advancing the NRP by connecting with the
community about Code Enforcement and with a
bilingual staff member. Currently, The West End,
Cherry St, St Rose, Railroad Square, Burbank
Gardens, and Ridgway are not a part of the NRP, but
would be captured on a complaint basis by Code
Enforcement. The City is planning to expand the
program in the future to Roseland, a predominantly
Latino and Spanish-speaking community. Staff will
continue to review opportunities to expand the
program through grant funding. Areas that are
currently part of the NRP are Apple Valley, Aston
Ave, Corby Beachwood, Heidi Place, Olive/Corby,
South Park, Sunset McMinn, and West Ninth. In
2023, the Housing Authority funded rehabilitation
for 49 units dedicated to affordable senior housing
in the very-low-income category.
H-11: Housing Conditions Survey: The Housing
Conditions Survey is currently underway with a
proposed completion date targeting the end of
Spring 2024.
H-12 Housing Rehabilitation: The City continues to
offer the Housing Accessibility Mobility Program
(HAM). The City is planning to launch a new
rehabilitation program with funding availability by
the end of 2025. Staff continues to evaluate
opportunities for additional funding as they become
available through HUD and HCD. The City continues
to utilize local and federal funds to help rehabilitate affordable housing units. In 2022, $700,000 was
awarded by the Housing Authority to rehabilitate a
51-unit complex, 27 are very-low and 24 are low-
income. Another complex was awarded a $2.2
million loan in September 2022 and an additional
$1.07 million loan in 2023 for acquisition and
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rehabilitation. This project consists of the
acquisition of a senior complex and rehabilitation
work to keep the units affordable rather than at
market rate. The work on rehabilitation is pending
and should begin in 2025. This project consists of
48 units, all very low-income.
H-13 Mobile Home Park Preservation: The City
continues to provide the Mobile Home Zoning
District, the Mobile Home General Plan Land Use
Designation, and the Mobile Home Use as methods
to help preserve the existing Mobile Home Parks
and Mobile Homes. The City is still identifying the
feasibility and community support for a conversion
ordinance.
H-14 Mobile Home Park Rent Control: The City
continues to administer and enforce the Mobile
Home Rent Control Ordinance and allows rent
increases as a percentage of the Consumer Price
Index. This program is utilized Citywide within all of
the 16 Mobile Home Parks to help protect the
Mobile Home land use as an affordable housing
option. The City lost its 17th Mobile Home Park in a
fire. This property is being redeveloped with
affordable units and dedicated senior housing that
allows the former Mobile Home Park residents first
choice.
H-15 Preservation of At-Risk Housing Units: The City
routinely connects with affordable housing
developers to assess needs for properties. The City
will provide additional affordability restrictions by
pushing back the date before units can enter
market conditions and offer loan extensions for
projects that are nearing the end of their
affordability loan and have not been able to pay
their loan. This process is to ensure ongoing
affordability and to not lose any units to market rate
conditions.
H-16 Santa Rosa Housing Trust: The City tracks
affordable housing through a variety of internal
processes and public-facing programs. The Trust
Affordable Housing Management System is an
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ongoing program that tracks loans, and the Housing
Allocation Program supports the increase of
affordable housing through a requirement of on-site
affordable units or payment of in-lieu fees to
support affordable housing on other sites. Staff are
currently working on releasing a public version of an
affordable housing tracker in 2024. The City will
continue to review, update, and expand these
existing programs. In 2023, the Housing Authority
Made the following awards from federal, state and
local funding sources: • $2,585,610 for new
construction costs for 30 units (all targeted to
seniors). 6 units at Extremely Low income, 17 units
at Very Low income, 7 units at Low income
• $1,300,000 for new construction costs for 64
units, 30 units at Extremely Low Income for
Permanent Supportive Housing for formerly
homeless with a disability, and 33 units at Low
Income.
• $1,073,583 for rehabilitation and acquisition-
related costs for 49 units (all targeted to seniors)
and 48 units are at Very Low Income.
• $3,500,000 for new construction costs for 64
units, 24 units at Extremely Low (16 of those
targeted to homeless), 27 units at Very Low, and 12
units at low income.
H-17 Affordable Housing Tracker: In 2023, the City
began developing a series of housing data
dashboards that track all housing data, including
the level of affordability. This Dashboard was
launched in January 2024 to assist staff with
housing data tracking for reporting to the
Department of Finance and HCD. The City is in the
final stages of the House Santa Rosa project which
will provide a live Pending Development Report as
well as housing data that showcases each project in
the City and its affordability levels. Staff is working on providing information on funding sources in the
dashboard.
H-18 Inclusionary Housing: The City evaluated the
possibility and determined that a requirement for
on-site inclusionary housing would not be sought by
the City. The City has no issue providing affordable
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units through in-lieu fees. This will continue to be
under review and can be re-evaluated in the future.
H-19 Essential Housing Bond Financing Program:
The City has joined two Joint Powers Authority
programs to help target affordable housing projects.
Staff currently work with the California Community
Housing Agency (CalCHA) and the California
Statewide Communities Development Authority
(CSCDA). The programs work to provide for gradual
conversion of units to lower income as people move
out. • The CalCHA partnership has a 390-unit
complex with 1/3 of the units as Low income, 1/3
as Median income, and 1/3 as Moderate income. •
The CSCDA partnership has a 277-unit complex
consisting of 1/3 of the units as Low income, 1/3 as
Median income, and 1/3 as Moderate income.
o An additional California Special Districts
Association (CSDA) partnership consists of a 180-
unit complex with 1/3 of the units as Low income,
1/3 as Median income, and 1/3 as Moderate
income.
H-3 Increase special needs
housing opportunities and
supportive services for
lower income households,
families with children,
seniors, persons with
physical and developmental
disabilities, farmworkers,
female-headed households,
and people who are
experiencing
homelessness.
Ongoing H-20 Support Affordable Housing Development: In July 2023, the City met with developers for feedback
on existing streamlining programs offered by the City
and to receive additional comments regarding
additional incentives. Staff is currently working on a
project, proposed to go to City Council in 2024, that
would do the following: codify Priority Development
Areas (PDAs), provide a streamlined application
process for projects in a PDA, provide streamlined
process for projects with 100% affordability, codify a
process to apply for Temporary Housing, and reduce
application requirements and use permit
requirements for Community Care Facilities, Mobile
Home Parks, Emergency Shelter, Single Room
Occupancy Facility, and Agricultural Housing. In
2024, the City is removing the overconcentration
standards for Senior Housing and allowing
palliative/end-of-life care as part of the land use.
The City is currently working on its Missing Middle
Housing Ordinance aimed at increasing density in
various parts of the City. Additionally, the City is
working on launching a development feasibility tool
that displays site-specific development standards
for properties throughout the City. A user can also
enter specific project criteria and view a list of
properties that could accommodate that conceptual
project.
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H-21 Funding for Affordable Housing Development:
The City is currently working on adoption of a new
General Plan. Equity Priority Areas are a key
component of the new General Plan and staff have
conducted outreach to address Equity Priority Areas
including goals, policies, and actions. In 2024, staff
will explore additional strategies and programs.
Equity Priority Areas have been added to internal
and public GIS programs. The City follows the
Uniform Relocation Act for use of Federal funds as
required by HUD. The deepest levels of affordability
have preference. Yearly outreach is conducted for
Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), and outreach
is currently underway for the consolidated plan
(CONPLAN) for HUD. For projects in high resource
areas of the City with affordability: 99 units are for
the SB35 Mahonia Glen project, which is under
construction, and includes units dedicated to
Farmworkers, and 48 units for an affordable Senior
Housing rehabilitation and acquisition project.
Additionally, 5 of 12 units for affordability ownership have been built in one of the highest resource areas
of the City.
H-22 Housing for Persons with Disabilities: The City
is proposing to adopt a fee study in Spring 2024
that changes several application fees. The fees
associated with Reasonable Accommodations and
Affordable Housing are proposed to be reduced to
promote inclusionary housing and housing for
persons with disabilities. Additionally, in 2024, the
City will reduce application requirements for Senior
Housing and will allow Senior Housing to include
palliative/end-of-life care. In 2023, as part of the
Caritas Homes Phase I and II project, 63 affordable
units completed construction, 30 units of which are
targeted to chronically homeless persons with a
disability, referred by Coordinated Entry. The Caritas
Home Phase II project received $1.3 million in a
funding commitment to build an additional 63 units
each with another 30 units for formerly homeless
with disabilities. The Housing Authority also awarded
funds to a project for acquisition and rehabilitation.
The work includes bringing the site into compliance
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with ADA standards for all 48 residents to ensure
the site is accessible to people with disabilities.
H-23 Housing for Farmworkers: In 2024, staff is
working on a proposal to the City Council to reduce
the Use Permit requirements for Farmworker
Housing. The City also regularly meets with
developers to discuss potential sites for affordable
housing. Additionally, an approved SB35 project
with a proposed 99 units (26 units at extremely low
income, 22 units at very low income, and 50 units at
low income) is providing 43 dedicated units toward
permanent Farmworker Housing.
H-24 Housing for Persons Experiencing
Homelessness: The City has been developing an
updated Resilient City Ordinance since Spring 2023
and is proposing to bring the project to the City
Council before the end of 2024. The City held a
public survey in July 2023 to gain feedback on the
existing Ordinance. This Ordinance focuses on
emergency protocol in response to natural disasters
which includes rebuilding measures, lenient
nonconforming standards, temporary housing
permitting processes, reduction of planning
entitlement requirements for use permits, design
review, creekside development, hillside
development, and historic landmark alteration.
Additionally, it reduces permit requirements for
Emergency Shelters. Public Services Program funds
are used for homeless services to help fund local
homeless support centers, including beds for
interim housing and day services, as well as a local
program for homeless women and children. The
homeless outreach team is funded annually and
works with local nonprofits. The City continuously
supports developers that house formerly homeless
individuals and homeless dedicated units. The City
also participates in the HOME American Rescue
Plan and conducts outreach on homeless
prevention services.
H-25 Housing for Extremely-Low Income
Households: The City is currently developing its
outreach program by December 2024 to
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organizations that support extremely low-income
residents. Additionally, the City is working on an
Ordinance to reduce permit requirements for Single
Room Occupancy Facilities, Community Care
Facilities, and supportive housing. In 2024, the City
is proposing to reduce permit requirements for
Senior Housing and increase the population this use
permit could serve by adding palliative/end-of-life
care. This Ordinance also includes the codification
of the City's Temporary Housing program. The City
also has annual outreach with the developer and
service provider community as well as outreach to
residents. In early 2024 the City will conduct
additional outreach under the Federal Consolidated
Plan community meeting. This provides information
on available federal funds and what they can be
used for, as well as the amount of funding available
in the next year. Feedback will be aimed at
determining priorities for funding for allocation.
Additionally, an online survey will run for six weeks
in early 2024 for everyone in Santa Rosa to help
prioritize the funding for affordable housing and
homeless services. The information from this will be
presented to the Housing Authority Board and the
Community Advisory Board to receive additional
public comment. In 2023, 97 extremely low-income
units completed construction with a recorded deed
restriction, and the Housing Authority awarded funds
for 60 additional affordable units for new
construction.
H-26 Housing for Senior Households: The City is
proposing to adopt a Zoning Code Text Amendment
in 2024 that reduces the permitting requirements
for Senior Care Facilities and adds palliative/end-of-
life care to the use to encourage Senior Housing
options in the City, especially for those that need
assisted living and on-site skilled care. Staff is
currently working with developers to utilize the new
changes and provide additional Senior Housing
units. The City continues to promote and utilize the
State Density Bonus, the local Supplemental Density
Bonus, reduced parking requirements in the
Downtown Station Area Specific Plan, and a
streamlined application process in Priority
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Development Areas. The City is currently working on
a proposal to streamline projects that consist of
100% affordability. In 2023, the Housing Authority
funded 30 units for low-income Senior Housing, and
132 units were constructed for low-income senior
housing near public transit and medical facilities.
H-27 Housing for Large Households: In June 2023,
the City adopted an Ordinance that codified the
Supplemental Density Bonus. This is offered to
eligible affordable housing projects within the
Downtown Station Area and the North Station Area-
Specific Plans. Eligible projects can earn up to 100
eligibility points that provide additional bonuses.
One of the criteria that can provide additional
eligibility points is providing affordable housing units with three or more bedrooms, which can earn up to
40 eligibility points. The Supplemental Density
Bonus also offers eligibility points for Open Space
and innovative community benefits. Additionally, the
City is working on an ordinance to reduce permitting
requirements for a variety of Day Care uses
Citywide. The City will continue to review additional
ways to provide incentives through this program and
others. The City does an annual solicitation for
housing funds and reviews the proposed projects.
Proposed projects with larger units have a higher
score that is used to receive funds. In 2023, the
Housing Authority funded 18 3-bedroom affordable
units.
H- 4 Ensure equal housing
opportunities for all
residents, regardless of
their special characteristics,
as protected under state
and federal fair housing
laws.
Ongoing H-28 Building Community Acceptance: Planning
staff is currently working on an engagement strategy
and is looking into potential partnerships with local
community organizations to host an annual event by
June 2024.
H-29 Fair Housing Services: The City continues to
fund fair housing services by contract every Fiscal
Year. The June 2022-2023 contract served 222
households. The City is finalizing the HUD-required
Fair Housing Plan, which is expected to be adopted
in Spring 2024.
H-30 - Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing - Anti-
Displacement Strategies: The City operates from the
2012 Fair Housing Plan. This plan is currently being
updated by Spring 2024 to address the Fair Housing
issues in Santa Rosa and the requirements of HUD.
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The City is working on removing barriers that will
allow additional residents of Santa Rosa to serve on
Boards and Commissions in 2024.
H-31 - Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing – Place-
Based Revitalization Strategies: The City currently
meets monthly with School Administrators as part of
the Safe Routes to Schools Task Force to focus on
walking and biking issues for students. Staff
conduct school walking audits, meet with parents at
schools in Equity Priority Areas, and field public
comment at community meetings for ways to
incorporate and improve the City's active
transportation programs. The upcoming Active
Transportation Plan will be engaging in three phases
of outreach in 2024 and aims at meeting with
several community groups within Equity Priority
Communities and will work toward forming a group
to connect annually. The City works with the SCTA
on a weekly basis for various projects across the
City and meets with MTC staff regularly through
roles on regional advisory boards. Staff prioritize
grant searching to conduct city-led projects within
PDAs and Equity Priority Communities. The City
continuously supports the following programs: Park-
A-Month, Violence Prevention Partnership,
Volunteers in Police Service, The Violence
Prevention Awareness Series, Public Art in Private
Development Ordinance, and Public Art Program.
The Choice Grant Program assisted 5,858
individuals during the 2022-2023 Fiscal year and
the current cycle of programs is proposed to support
these individuals through the end of 2024.
Neighborfest, a pilot program to encourage locally
organized gatherings, was discontinued. In late
Spring 2024, the Small Business Support Program
is scheduled to award 42 businesses a Facade
Improvement Grant. The City has allocated
$2,900,000 (approximately $1,500,000
encumbered in grants) to provide financial support
to the childcare sector for the build-out of new
childcare/early learning facilities, as well as
rehabilitation, renovation, and repair of existing
childcare/early learning facilities. The Childcare
Facility Fund promotes the sustainability and
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expansion of access to high-quality childcare
options for working families. In addition, 980 child
college savings accounts have been opened totaling
$1,137,500 expended to address educational
disparities. Staff is working on an Ordinance for
2024 that will reduce Planning permitting
requirements for Child Care facilities. In 2023, the
City conducted outreach to local high schools to
incorporate ideas from students into Placemaking
Strategies within the General Plan. The Pathway to
Income Equality Pilot Program is being supported by
the City and funds have been awarded to the
program. In 2023, the City offered the one-time
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB)
Spaces Mini-Grant Program. The goal of the DEIB
Spaces Mini-Grant is to increase access to and
secure spaces that create diversity, equity,
inclusion, and belonging. Eligible applicants
received up to $5,000 in funding to implement their
projects. In 2022, the City awarded 9 projects up to
$2,500 for Community Improvement Grants and all
work has been completed by the end of 2023 on
these projects. In 2023, the City awarded 4 grants
for a total of $9,613.80. The work must be
completed by the end of 2024. In 2023, 267 Teens
participated in the Summer Work Experience
Program for Teens. The City's Capital Improvement
Program is currently operating in its five-year
financial plan as set by the City Council. Current
projects include bridges and other structures,
creeks and drainage systems, work at the Laguna
Wastewater Treatment Plant and other City facilities,
upgrades to parks, pedestrian and bicycle facilities,
sanitary sewer collection system, street network,
traffic signals and systems, and the water
distribution system. The City will continue to review
new Place-Based Revitalization Strategies. The City
Council holds a public hearing during the first
quarter of each year to solicit budget priorities from
the community. This input, combined with
information given directly to the City Council or City
Manager, and from specific staff project requests, is
evaluated and prioritized based on need and the
amount of funding available. The Public has the
opportunity to weigh in on CIP projects during the
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budget cycle. Additionally, public comment is utilized
for prioritizing walking and biking projects,
specifically through the Bicycle and Pedestrian
Advisory Board. The City works to complete all
priority 1 CIP projects as soon as possible which
include projects that are grant-funded, and disaster
recovery, public safety, and environmental-related,
mandated/required, and fully funded.
H-32 - Tenant Protection/Eviction Prevention
Measures: The City funds Legal Aid annually each
Fiscal Year to assist people with eviction/tenant
protection. The 2022-2023 Fiscal Year contract
served 407 people.
H-33 - Real Property Transfer Tax: Real property
transfer tax is used to fund Homeless Services by
the City. In 2023, Homeless Services supported
these services by approving funds for 94 low-income
units. The City is currently working on the South
Santa Rosa Specific Plan and will be reviewing ways
to support housing in this area of the County/City.
H-34 - Participation in the Mortgage Credit
Certificate Program: The MCC program is currently
not an active program by the City. A version of this
program was formulated in 2021. The Council
approved $2 million for a down payment assistance
loan program to serve 26 households with initial
deployment of the funds. The program began
accepting applications in October 2023. This is a
revolving loan fund, and the program will continue to
fund additional households as funds are deployed in
the future.
H-35 - Community Land Trust Program: The City is
researching the possibility of developing a
Community Land Trust Program.
H-36 - Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program:
As of October 2023, the Housing Authority is under
contract for 1,925 Section 8 Vouchers. The number
of vouchers that can be administered is a direct
result of funding provided by HUD and the cost of
the rental market in Santa Rosa.
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H-5 Reduce or remove
government constraints on
the maintenance,
improvement and
development of housing,
where feasible.
Ongoing H-37 - Application Streamlining and Compliance with Senate Bill 35 (Streamlined Affordable Housing): In
2023, the City conducted a fee study, proposed to
be adopted in 2024. Part of this process included a
new fee to allow for a future comprehensive Zoning
Code update. This also lowers fees related to
Reasonable Accommodation. Additionally, the City is
working on various Zoning Code text amendments to
reduce permitting requirements for farmworker
housing, emergency shelters, community care
facilities, and definitions related to housing, The City also annually works on implementing various
housing bills from the State through Zoning Code
Text Amendments. In November 2023, the City
adopted an Ordinance that extended Priority
Development Areas through the end of 2024 as well
as streamlined the Design Review process that
corresponded with PDAs. The City is currently
working on codifying the Priority Development Areas
and the streamlined Design Review Process as well
as expanding the additional provision to projects
that have 100% affordability. This project is
proposed to be brought to Council in 2024.
Additionally, the City is working on updating SB 35
checklists to help streamline the application
process.
H-38 - Zoning Code Amendments: In 2023, the City
conducted a fee study which is proposed to be
adopted in 2024. Part of this process included a
new fee to allow for future comprehensive Zoning
Code updates. This study also lowers the fees
related to Reasonable Accommodation. Additionally,
the City is working on various Zoning Code Text
Amendments that reduce permitting requirements
for farmworker housing, emergency shelters,
community care facilities, and definitions related to
housing, The City also annually works on
implementing various housing bills from the State
through a comprehensive Zoning Code Text
Amendment proposed in 2024.
H-39 - Revised Parking Standards: The City is
currently working on Zoning Code Text Amendments
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related to parking that originated from Housing Bills
from the State Assembly and State Senate in 2023.
H-40 - Design Review Findings: The City is looking
into updating the Design Review process to provide
a more streamlined approach. This would also
include reviewing and updating the Objective Design
Review standards for by-right housing. Additionally,
Staff is working on a project that will streamline the
Design Review process for projects within Priority
Development Areas and for projects with 100%
affordability by the end of 2024.
H-6 Develop energy-efficient
residential units and
rehabilitate existing units to
reduce energy
consumption.
Ongoing H-41- Energy Efficiency in Residential Development:
The City currently requires CALGreen Tier 1
Standards, which is continuously supported and
applied in an ongoing process. The program can be
reviewed every three years to ensure State
compliance with standards and CALGreen tiers. In
2023 the Housing Authority approved a $1,073M
loan to PEP Housing for rehabilitation of the Vigil
Light Senior Apartments at 1945 Long Drive.
Rehabilitation work includes improvements to
energy efficiency throughout the development,
including updated windows and sliding glass doors,
new insulation, solar gable vent fans, and Energy
Star appliances. Additionally, two projects funded
through the Housing Authority’s Community
Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-
DR) program, Caritas Homes Phase I and Laurel at
Perennial Park Phase I, were completed, and two
are under construction (Cannery at Railroad Square
and Burbank Avenue Apartments). CDBG-DR
funding requires new construction to meet or
exceed CalGreen requirements. Staff is researching
the possibility of further efficiency strategies and the audit program, as well as funding opportunities to
support these programs.
H-42 - Water and Wastewater Priority: On
September 26, 2023, the City Council readopted
Council Policy No 200-20, “Provision of Priority
Water Service to Residential Developments with
Affordable Housing Units” and Council Policy No
200-21, “Provision of Priority Sewer Service to
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Residential Developments with Affordable Housing
Units”. California Government Code Section
65589.7 enhances the priority granted to lower-
income housing by requiring public agencies that
provide water or sewer services to adopt written
policies and procedures for providing priority service
to residential developments with lower-income
housing by July 1, 2006, and at least every five
years thereafter. The City Council adopted Policies
200-20 and 200-21 on October 17, 2006, and re-
adopted these policies on August 30, 2011,
December 5, 2017, and again on September 26,
2023. The City of Santa Rosa, to the extent
practical, will provide water and sewer service when
sufficient water supply, distribution and collection
transmission capacity, and treatment and disposal
facilities are available to accommodate demand
approved by the City within the service area, in
accordance with the General Plan and the proposed
development can be served in a fashion that meets
the City’s criteria. Approval of applications for
connection to the City’s water and sewer system
shall not be based on the presence or absence of
affordable housing or low-income households.