the Downtown Station Area Specific Plan and within one of the zoning
districts identified in the resolutions. In the September 2018 resolutions,
criteria was established for eligible residential projects including that
they “break ground” by August 31, 2023. Breaking ground was defined
as pulling a foundation building permit. As of October 2022, only one
project, The Cannery located at 3 West 3rd Street, had taken
advantage of the Incentive Program. Due to the ongoing housing crisis
and delays in housing investments and construction at that time, on
December 13, 2022, the Council adopted resolutions extending the
Program through August 31, 2026. To date, six projects have taken
advantage of the Incentive Program, with three additional projects
pending. Given the continued housing crisis and the City’s need to
develop an updated impact fee study, engage with the community and
developers, and subsequently amend the Program as necessary, staff
is recommending that the Incentive Program be extended to August 31,
2031.
RECOMMENDATION: The Planning and Economic Development
Department recommends that the Council, by three separate
resolutions: 1) rescind Resolution No. RES-2022-246 and set forth a
revised schedule of capital facilities fees for the high density multi-family
residential incentive program; 2) rescind Resolution No. RES-2022-247
and set forth a revised schedule of park development impact fees for
the high density multi-family incentive program; and 3) rescind
Resolution No. RES-2022-248 and establish payment options for water
and wastewater demand fees for the high density multi-family residential
incentive program to further support housing development and
increased density in downtown Santa Rosa. This item has no impact on
current fiscal year budget.
Jessica Jones, Deputy Director of Planning, Gabe Osburn, Director
of Planning and Economic Development, Kelli Kuykendall, Manager
of Housing and Community Services, and Megan Basinger, Director
of Housing and Community Services Director, presented and
answered questions from Council.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Gregory Fearon spoke on this item.
Caller 8309 spoke on impacts to neighborhoods.
A motion was made by Council Member Bañuelos, seconded by Council
Member Alvarez, to adopt the resolutions as presented by staff.