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Planning Commission

Planning Commission

Tue, April 23, 2024

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Meeting summaryAI-generated

Planning Commission — April 23, 2024


This was a regular meeting of the Petaluma Planning Commission, held at City Hall. All seven commissioners were present, and the session ran late into the evening, requiring a mid-meeting vote to continue past 10:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.


Approval of Minutes — April 9, 2024


The Commission approved the minutes from its prior meeting without amendment. Commissioners Bauer and Whisman abstained, having presumably been absent from or otherwise unable to vote on that meeting's record.


Vote: Carried 5–0 (Bauer and Whisman abstaining)


2 Rovina Lane — 32-Unit Multifamily Development (SPAR + Density Bonus)


Senior Planner Mike Janusek and the project applicants presented a proposal for a 32-unit multifamily residential development at 2 Rovina Lane. The project also requested approval of State Density Bonus concessions and waivers, which allow developers to exceed standard zoning limits in exchange for including affordable housing units.


This item generated the most public engagement of the evening. More than two dozen people submitted written comments and over a dozen spoke in person, including neighbors Greg O'Brien, Teresa and Gary Oefinger, Chantel Smith, Tom Starke, Blake George, Daniel Guzman, and others. The minutes do not detail the substance of individual comments, so the specific concerns or points of support raised are not recorded here. Multiple commissioners — Mozes, McErlane, Hooper, Bauer, Racusen, and Cader Thompson — asked questions of staff and the applicants before the hearing closed.


The Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the SPAR and to grant the requested Density Bonus concession and waiver.


Vote: Carried 7–0


118 Kimberly Way — Mallison-Way Residence Project (SPAR)


Associate Planner Daniel Harrison and the applicants presented a Site Plan and Architectural Review for a proposed residential project at 118 Kimberly Way. Commissioner Racusen asked questions of staff and the applicants, but no members of the public submitted written or in-person comments on this item.


The Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the SPAR.


Vote: Carried 7–0


Amendment to Planning Commission Rules — Officer Term Limits


This item, continued from the April 9 meeting, proposed amending Section 3.303 of the Planning Commission's Rules and Regulations to allow the Chair and Vice Chair to serve a maximum of two consecutive terms in their officer roles (rather than the existing limit of one term).


Three written public comments were submitted — from Jane Hamilton, Susan Kirks, and Veronica Olsen — though the substance of those comments is not captured in the minutes. Commissioners Bauer, Racusen, and Whisman questioned staff before the vote. The amendment does not constitute a CEQA project and is considered a purely administrative action.


The Commission voted 6–1 to adopt the resolution, with Commissioner Racusen casting the sole dissenting vote. The reason for his dissent is not recorded in the minutes.


Vote: Carried 6–1 (Racusen dissenting)


Key Takeaways


32-unit housing project at 2 Rovina Lane moves forward: The Commission unanimously recommended approval of the multifamily development along with State Density Bonus concessions and waivers — a significant infill housing decision that will advance to final approval.
118 Kimberly Way residence approved: A smaller residential project on Kimberly Way was recommended for approval with no public opposition.
Chair/Vice Chair term limits extended: Commissioners can now serve up to two consecutive terms as Chair or Vice Chair, a rules change adopted over one dissenting vote.
High community interest in the Rovina Lane project: Over 25 written comments and more than a dozen in-person speakers weighed in, signaling this project has drawn notable neighborhood attention.
Late meeting: The session ran until 11:25 p.m., requiring a unanimous procedural vote to continue — underscoring the volume of business and public input handled that evening.

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 (1)
1ProceduralApproval of Minutes for the meeting of April 09, 2024
Public Hearing
2Public HearingPublic Hearing – Recommendation to the City of Petaluma Planning Commission to Conduct a Public Hearing and Consider a Recommendation to Approve a Site Plan and Architectural Review (SPAR) for a 32­unit Multifamily Development Located at 2 Rovina Lane and Grant State Density Bonus Concession and Waiver Requests; APN 019­210­ 009; City Record No. PLSR­2023­0017. THIS ITEM WAS PUBLISHED ON 04/18/2024
3Public HearingPublic Hearing – Recommendation to the City of Petaluma Planning Commission to Conduct a Public Hearing and Consider a Recommendation to Approve Site Plan and Architectural Review (SPAR) for the Proposed Mallison­Way Residence Project Located at 118 Kimberly Way; APN 008­630­043; City Record No. PLSR­2023­0016
4Public HearingAdministrative Action – Recommendation to the Planning Commission to Introduce A Resolution Amending Section 3.303 of the Planning Commission Rules and Regulations to Allow Chair and Vice Chair Officers of the Commission to Serve a Maximum of Two (2) Consecutive Officer Terms. Amending the Rules and Regulations is not a “project” pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Section 15378, as the action is considered administrative. THIS ITEM WAS CONTINUED FROM THE 04/09/2024

Additional votes recorded in minutes

Approve Minutes of April 09, 2024

aye 5 · abstain 2
Blake Hooperaye
Darren Racusenaye
Heidi Bauerabstain
Janice Cader Thompsonaye
Jessica Mozesaye
Rick Whismanabstain
Roger McErlaneaye

Continue meeting past 10:30 PM and 11:00 PM to consider Meeting Items 3 and 4

aye 7
Blake Hooperaye
Darren Racusenaye
Heidi Baueraye
Janice Cader Thompsonaye
Jessica Mozesaye
Rick Whismanaye
Roger McErlaneaye

Approve SPAR for 32-unit Multifamily Development at 2 Rovina Lane (PLSR-2023-0017)

aye 7
Blake Hooperaye
Darren Racusenaye
Heidi Baueraye
Janice Cader Thompsonaye
Jessica Mozesaye
Rick Whismanaye
Roger McErlaneaye

Approve SPAR for Mallison-Way Residence at 118 Kimberly Way (PLSR-2023-0016)

aye 7
Blake Hooperaye
Darren Racusenaye
Heidi Baueraye
Janice Cader Thompsonaye
Jessica Mozesaye
Rick Whismanaye
Roger McErlaneaye

Adopt Resolution Amending Section 3.303 of Planning Commission Rules and Regulations (Two Consecutive Officer Terms)

aye 6 · nay 1
Blake Hooperaye
Darren Racusennay
Heidi Baueraye
Janice Cader Thompsonaye
Jessica Mozesaye
Rick Whismanaye
Roger McErlaneaye

Verbatim transcript available

5 transcript segments indexed

CITY OF PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION City Hall Council Chamber 11 English Street Petaluma, CA 94952 MINUTES Tuesday, April 23, 2024 CALL TO ORDER – (6:03 PM) ROLL CALL PC PRESENT: Blake Hooper, Darren Racusen, Heidi Bauer, Janice Cader Thompson, Jessica Mozes, Rick Whisman, and Roger McErlane ABSENT: NONE GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT – (6:03 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. - None Chair Hooper closed general public comment. Chair Hooper closed the Meeting Item and continued with the agenda. PRESENTATIONS – (6:04 PM) Chair Hooper announced there were no presentations during this meeting. Chair Hooper closed the Meeting Item and continued with the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – (6:04 PM) 1. Chair Hooper announced Meeting Item 1 – Approval of Minutes for the meeting of April 09, 2024. Chair Hooper opened Meeting Item 1. Chair Hooper invited the Commissioners to provide amendments. No amendments were provided.
Chair Hooper requested a roll call vote. A roll call vote was taken: Vote: Carried 5-0 Yes: Cader Thompson, Hooper, McErlane, Mozes, Racusen No: None Absent: None Abstained: Bauer and Whisman Chair Hooper announced that the minutes were approved by a vote of 5-0. Chair Hooper closed Meeting Item 1 and continued with the agenda. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION – (6:05 PM) 2. Meeting Item 2 – Public Hearing – Recommendation to the City of Petaluma Planning Commission to Conduct a Public Hearing and Consider a Recommendation to Approve a Site Plan and Architectural Review (SPAR) for a 32- unit Multifamily Development Located at 2 Rovina Lane and Grant State Density Bonus Concession and Waiver Requests; APN 019-210-009; City Record No. PLSR-2023-0017. THIS ITEM WAS PUBLISHED ON 04/18/2024 Chair Hooper introduced Meeting Item 2. Chair Hooper announced this item was a public hearing and did require disclosing any ex- parte communications. No ex-parte communication disclosures were made. Senior Planner Mike Janusek presented on Meeting Item 2. The applicants presented on Meeting Item 2. Chair Hooper opened Meeting Item 2 to questions for staff and applicants. Commissioner Mozes Commissioner McErlane Chair Hooper Commissioner Bauer Commissioner Racusen Council Member Cader Thompson Chair Hooper opened Meeting Item 2 to public comments: Emailed: - Win Aye - Erin B. Carlstrom - Gina Dentoni - Kent Eagleson - Denise Fedrick - Richard Green - Alison C. Johnson - John McEvoy - John Kelly - Greg O’Brien - Chris O’Brien - Gary Oefinger - Teresa Oefinger - Paul Shedden - Chantel Smith - Tom Starke - Robert Steger - Ivette Steger - Brian Breen - Amanda Descagina - Ann Gardner - Blake George - Daniel Guzman - Susan Kirks - Jason Osborne - Dylan Casey In Person: - Greg O’Brien - Teresa Oefinger - Steve Harris - Greg Thrasl - Chantel Smith - Tom Starke - Gary Oefinger - Blake George - Daniel Guzman - Calum Weels - Mike Sulke
- Kate Byrne - Gina Rossotti Chair Hooper closed public comment and the public hearing. Chair Hooper brought the item back to the Commission for discussion. Chair Hooper requested a motion to vote to consider Meeting Items 3 and 4 past 10:30 pm and to continue the meeting past 11 pm. Commissioner Mozes motioned for a vote, and Commissioner Racusen seconded the motion. Chair Hooper requested a roll call vote. A roll call vote was taken: Vote: Carried 7-0 Yes: Bauer, Cader Thompson, Chair Hooper, McErlane, Mozes, Racusen, and Whisman No: None Absent: None Abstained: None Chair Hooper announced that the motion was carried by a vote of 7-0. The Commission continued to discuss Meeting Item 2. Chair Hooper requested a motion to vote on Meeting Item 2. Commissioner Racusen motioned for a vote, and Commissioner Whisman seconded the motion. Chair Hooper requested a roll call vote. A roll call vote was taken: Vote: Carried 7-0 Yes: Bauer, Cader Thompson, Chair Hooper, McErlane, Mozes, Racusen, and Whisman No: None Absent: None Abstained: None Chair Hooper announced that the motion was carried by a vote of 7-0. Chair Hooper closed Meeting Item 2 and continued with the agenda. A short break was taken. 3. Meeting Item 3 –Public Hearing – Recommendation to the City of Petaluma Planning Commission to Conduct a Public Hearing and Consider a Recommendation to Approve Site Plan and Architectural Review (SPAR) for the Proposed Mallison-Way Residence Project Located at 118 Kimberly Way; APN 008-630-043; City Record No. PLSR-2023- 0016
Chair Hooper Introduced Meeting Item 3. Chair Hooper announced this item was a public hearing and did require disclosing any ex-parte communications. No ex-parte communication disclosures were made. Associate Planner Daniel Harrison presented on Meeting Item 3. The applicants presented on Meeting Item 3. Chair Hooper opened Meeting Item 3 to the Commission to questions for staff and applicants. Commissioner Racusen Chair Hooper opened Meeting Item 3 to public comments: No public comments were made. Chair Hooper closed public comment and the public hearing. Chair Hooper brought the item back to the Commission for discussion. Chair Hooper requested a motion to vote on Meeting Item 3. Commissioner Racusen motioned for a vote, and Commissioner Whisman seconded the motion. Chair Hooper requested a roll call vote. A roll call vote was taken: Vote: Carried 7-0 Yes: Bauer, Cader Thompson, Chair Hooper, McErlane, Mozes, Racusen, and Whisman No: None Absent: None Abstained: None Chair Hooper announced that the motion was carried by a vote of 7-0. Chair Hooper closed Meeting Item 3 and continued with the agenda. 4. Meeting Item 4 – Administrative Action – Recommendation to the Planning Commission to Introduce A Resolution Amending Section 3.303 of the Planning Commission Rules and Regulations to Allow Chair and Vice Chair Officers of the Commission to Serve a Maximum of Two (2) Consecutive Officer Terms. Amending the Rules and Regulations is not a “project” pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Section 15378, as the action is considered administrative. THIS ITEM WAS PUBLISHED ON 04/09/2024 Chair Hooper Introduced Meeting Item 4. Chair Hooper brought the Meeting Item to the Commission for discussion. Chair Hooper opened Meeting Item 4 to public comments: Emailed: - Jane Hamilton
- Susan Kirks - Veronica Olsen In-Person: - None Chair Hooper closed public comment and the public hearing. Chair Hooper opened Meeting Item 4 to the Commission to questions for staff. Commissioner Bauer Commissioner Racusen Commissioner Whisman Chair Hooper requested a motion to vote on Meeting Item 4. Commissioner Mozes motioned for a vote, and Commissioner Bauer seconded the motion. Chair Hooper requested a roll call vote. A roll call vote was taken: Vote: Carried 6-1 Yes: Bauer, Cader Thompson, Chair Hooper, McErlane, Mozes, and Whisman No: Racusen Absent: None Abstained: None Chair Hooper announced that the motion was carried by a vote of 6-1. Chair Hooper closed Meeting Item 4 and continued with the agenda. COMMISSION COMMENT – (11:21 PM) Council Member Cader Thompson Commissioner Racusen Commissioner McErlane Commissioner Mozes STAFF COMMENT – (11:23 PM) Andrew Trippel, Planning Manager ADJOURNMENT Chair Hooper adjourned the meeting at 11:25 p.m.