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Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Tue, January 23, 2024

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Meeting summaryAI-generated

Planning Commission — January 23, 2024


This was a special meeting of the Petaluma Planning Commission, held at City Hall. Six of seven commissioners were present; Commissioner Rick Whisman was absent. The meeting's main business was a public hearing on a proposed annexation and prezoning of a property on Old Redwood Highway.


Approval of Minutes (Items 1–3)


The Commission approved minutes from three prior meetings without amendments. The November 28, 2023 minutes passed 6–0. The December 12, 2023 minutes passed 4–0, with Commissioners Mozes and McErlane abstaining (likely because they were not present at that meeting). The December 19, 2023 minutes passed 5–0, with Commissioner McErlane abstaining. In all cases, Chair Hooper moved and Commissioner Bauer seconded.


Public Hearing: Prezoning and Annexation of 5400 Old Redwood Highway


Senior Planner Mike Janusek presented this item, which involves a 12.9-acre site at 5400 Old Redwood Highway currently outside Petaluma city limits. The proposal has two related components: first, to prezone the property in advance of annexation — assigning it Business Park (BP), Open Space and Park (OSP), and Floodplain Combining District (FP-C) zoning designations; and second, to formally initiate annexation proceedings by submitting a Resolution of Application for Reorganization to the Sonoma Local Agency Formation Commission (Sonoma LAFCO), the regional body that oversees city boundary changes. The project was determined to be categorically exempt from CEQA review under the exemption for annexations of existing facilities and lots for exempt facilities.


All commissioners disclosed no ex parte communications before the hearing opened. Each commissioner questioned staff and the applicant. Three members of the public weighed in: Duane Bellinger and Bryant Moynihan spoke in person, and Garrett Hill submitted written comments by email. The minutes do not detail the substance of these public comments.


The Commission then voted on the two resolutions separately. The resolution recommending the zoning map amendment (prezoning) passed unanimously 6–0, moved by Chair Hooper and seconded by Commissioner Bauer. The resolution recommending the annexation application passed unanimously 6–0, moved by Commissioner Racusen and seconded by Commissioner McErlane.


These recommendations now go forward to the City Council, which will consider adopting the prezoning ordinance and authorizing the annexation application to LAFCO. If ultimately approved through that full process, the property would be brought within Petaluma city limits with designated business park and open space zoning.


Key Takeaways


The Planning Commission unanimously recommended both the prezoning and the annexation application for a 12.9-acre site at 5400 Old Redwood Highway, advancing the matter to the City Council for final action.
If the full annexation process succeeds, the site would be incorporated into Petaluma city limits and zoned for business park use alongside open space and floodplain overlays.
Formal annexation still requires approval from Sonoma LAFCO — the Commission's vote is a recommendation, not a final decision.
Three members of the public commented on the annexation item; the nature of their comments was not detailed in the minutes.
All three sets of prior meeting minutes were approved with no amendments, clearing the administrative backlog from November and December 2023.

AI-generated summary from voice-to-text transcript. Not the official record. Verify important details with the source documents linked above.

Agenda items (4)

Procedural (3)
1ProceduralApproval of Minutes for the meeting of November 28, 2023.
2ProceduralApproval of Minutes for the meeting of December 12, 2023.
3ProceduralApproval of Minutes for the meeting of December 19, 2023.
Public Hearing
4Public HearingPUBLIC HEARING – Recommendation to the City of Petaluma Planning Commission to Conduct a Public Hearing and Make Recommendations to the City Council to Adopt an Ordinance Amending the Zoning Map of the Implementing Zoning Ordinance to Prezone a 12.9­acre Site Located at 5400 Old Redwood Highway to Business Park (BP), Open Space and Park (OSP), and Floodplain Combining District (FP­C) Zoning Districts Prior to Annexation Proceedings to Be Conducted by the Sonoma Local Area Formation Commission (Sonoma LAFCO) and to Approve a Resolution of Application for Reorganization (Annexation) of Properties located at 5400 Old Redwood Hwy.; APNs 047­213­017 and 137­011­048; City Record Nos. PLZA­2023­0001 and PLAN­2024­0001. The proposed project is categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15319 (Annexations of Existing Facilities and Lots for Exempt Facilities).

Additional votes recorded in minutes

Approve minutes of November 28, 2023

aye 6 · absent 1
Blake Hooperaye
Darren Racusenaye
Heidi Baueraye
Janice Cader Thompsonaye
Jessica Mozesaye
Rick Whismanabsent
Roger McErlaneaye

Approve minutes of December 12, 2023

aye 4 · abstain 2 · absent 1
Blake Hooperaye
Darren Racusenaye
Heidi Baueraye
Janice Cader Thompsonaye
Jessica Mozesabstain
Rick Whismanabsent
Roger McErlaneabstain

Approve minutes of December 19, 2023

aye 5 · absent 1 · abstain 1
Blake Hooperaye
Darren Racusenaye
Heidi Baueraye
Janice Cader Thompsonaye
Jessica Mozesaye
Rick Whismanabsent
Roger McErlaneabstain

Resolution Recommending Zoning Map Amendment for 5400 Old Redwood Highway

aye 6 · absent 1
Blake Hooperaye
Darren Racusenaye
Heidi Baueraye
Janice Cader Thompsonaye
Jessica Mozesaye
Rick Whismanabsent
Roger McErlaneaye

Resolution Recommending Annexation for 5400 Old Redwood Highway

aye 6 · absent 1
Blake Hooperaye
Darren Racusenaye
Heidi Baueraye
Janice Cader Thompsonaye
Jessica Mozesaye
Rick Whismanabsent
Roger McErlaneaye

Verbatim transcript available

4 transcript segments indexed

CITY OF PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA SPECIAL MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION City Hall Council Chamber 11 English Street Petaluma, CA 94952 MINUTES Tuesday, January 23, 2024 CALL TO ORDER - (6:00 PM) ROLL CALL PRESENT: Darren Racusen, Blake Hooper, Janice Cader Thompson, Jessica Mozes, Heidi Bauer, Roger McErlane ABSENT: Rick Whisman GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT - (6:01 PM) During General Public Comment, the public is invited to make comments on items of public interest that are within the Commission’s subject matter jurisdiction and that are not listed on the current agenda. Public comments are limited to up to three minutes per person. Depending on the number of persons wishing to address the Commission, time will be allocated in equal shares totaling no more than twenty minutes, subject to the Commission’s discretion (Cal. Gov’t. Code §54954.3(a), Petaluma City Council Rules, Policies and Procedures, III). Chair Hooper opened general public comment. There were no general public comments. Chair Hooper closed general public comment. Chair Hooper closed the Meeting Item and continued with the agenda. PRESENTATIONS - (6:01 PM) Chair Hooper announced that there were no presentations during this meeting. Chair Hooper closed the Meeting Item and continued with the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - (6:01 PM) 1. Chair Hooper announced Meeting Item 1 – Approval of Minutes for the meeting of November 28, 2023. Chair Hooper opened Meeting Item 1. Chair Hooper invited the Commissioners to provide amendments. No amendments were provided. Chair Hooper requested a motion to vote to approve the meeting minutes.
Chair Hooper motioned for a vote, and Commissioner Bauer seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken: Vote: Carried 6-0 Yes: Racusen, Chair Hooper, Cader Thompson, Bauer, McErlane, Mozes No: None Absent: Whisman Abstained: None Chair Hooper announced that the motion was approved by a vote of 6-0. Chair Hooper closed Meeting Item 1 and continued with the agenda. 2. Chair Hooper announced Meeting Item 2 – Approval of Minutes for the meeting of December 12, 2023. Chair Hooper opened Meeting Item 2. Chair Hooper invited the Commissioners to provide amendments. No amendments were provided. Chair Hooper requested a motion to vote to approve the meeting minutes. Chair Hooper motioned for a vote, and Commissioner Bauer seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken: Vote: Carried 4-0 Yes: Racusen, Chair Hooper, Cader Thompson, Bauer No: None Absent: Whisman Abstained: Mozes, McErlane Chair Hooper announced that the motion was approved by a vote of 4-0. Chair Hooper closed Meeting Item 2 and continued with the agenda. 3. Chair Hooper announced Meeting Item 3 – Approval of Minutes for the meeting of December 19, 2023. Chair Hooper opened Meeting Item 3. Chair Hooper invited the Commissioners to provide amendments. No amendments were provided. Chair Hooper requested a motion to vote to approve the meeting minutes. Chair Hooper motioned for a vote, and Commissioner Bauer seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken: Vote: Carried 5-0 Yes: Racusen, Chair Hooper, Cader Thompson, Bauer, Mozes No: None
Absent: Whisman Abstained: McErlane Chair Hooper announced that the motion was approved by a vote of 5-0. Chair Hooper closed Meeting Item 3 and continued with the agenda. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION - (6:03 PM) 4. Chair Hooper announced Meeting Item 4 - Public Hearing – Recommendation to the City of Petaluma Planning Commission to Conduct a Public Hearing and Make Recommendations to the City Council to Adopt an Ordinance Amending the Zoning Map of the Implementing Zoning Ordinance to Prezone a 12.9-acre Site Located at 5400 Old Redwood Highway to Business Park (BP), Open Space and Park (OSP), and Floodplain Combining District (FP-C) Zoning Districts Prior to Annexation Proceedings to Be Conducted by the Sonoma Local Area Formation Commission (Sonoma LAFCO) and to Approve a Resolution of Application for Reorganization (Annexation) of Properties located at 5400 Old Redwood Hwy.; APNs 047-213-017 and 137-011-048; City Record Nos. PLZA-2023-0001 and PLAN-2024-0001. The proposed project is categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15319 (Annexations of Existing Facilities and Lots for Exempt Facilities). Chair Hooper announced this was a public hearing and called on Commissioners to disclose ex parte communications, if any. No Commissioner disclosed any ex parte. Chair Hooper opened the public hearing. Senior Planner Mike Janusek presented on Meeting Item 4. Chair Hooper opened Meeting Item 4 to the Commission for questions of staff and applicants. - Chair Hooper - Commissioner Racusen - Vice Mayor Cader Thompson - Commissioner Mozes - Commissioner Bauer - Commissioner Whisman Chair Hooper opened Meeting Item 4 to public comments. In Person: - Duane Bellinger - Bryant Moynihan Emailed: - Garrett Hill Chair Hooper closed public comments and the public hearing. Chair Hooper opened Meeting Item 4 to Commissioner discussion.
Chair Hooper requested a motion to vote on Meeting Item 4 Attachment A – Resolution Recommending Zoning Map Amendment. Chair Hooper motioned for a vote, and Commissioner Bauer seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken: Vote: Carried 6-0 Yes: Racusen, Chair Hooper, Cader Thompson, Mozes, Bauer, McErlane No: None Absent: Whisman Abstained: None Chair Hooper announced that the motion was approved by a vote of 6-0. Chair Hooper requested a motion to vote on Meeting Item 4 Attachment B – Resolution Recommending Annexation. Commissioner Racusen motioned for a vote, and Commissioner McErlane seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken: Vote: Carried 6-0 Yes: Racusen, Chair Hooper, Cader Thompson, Mozes, Bauer, McErlane No: None Absent: Whisman Abstained: None Chair Hooper announced that the motion was approved by a vote of 6-0. Chair Hooper closed Meeting Item 4 and continued with the agenda. COMMISSION COMMENT - (07:23 PM) Commissioner McErlane Chair Hooper Commissioner Racusen Vice Mayor Cader Thompson STAFF COMMENT – (07:26 PM) Andrew Trippel, Planning Manager ADJOURNMENT Chair Hooper adjourned the meeting at 07:51 p.m.