News Flash

Planning & Economic Development

Posted on: July 27, 2023

Santa Rosa Unveils Draft General Plan Update; Requests Public Feedback

Santa Rosa Forward_300x189

Review the draft general plan update now or attend one of several in-person meetings this summer from Aug. 7 through 17

The City of Santa Rosa has unveiled its draft General Plan and is ready for public feedback and review. Now through Aug. 31, the public will have opportunities to explore and comment on the document, take a related survey, and attend one of five meetings to give their feedback on this draft plan and the future of Santa Rosa. 

“This is a change the City undergoes once every 15 to 20 years,” said City Manager Maraskeshia Smith. “This is a prime opportunity for the public to help shape the direction of Santa Rosa for the next quarter century and beyond. We need the public’s input on this document to make sure that decisions made now will help staff, working currently and in the future, mold the city as our residents today see fit.”  

The draft General Plan is separated into five major chapters, each highlighting areas of potential change and growth for Santa Rosa. They are: 

  1. Land Use and Economic Development 
  2. Circulation, Open Space, Conservation, and Greenhouse Gas Reduction  
  3. Urban Design, Historic Preservation, and Art & Culture 
  4. Safety, Climate Resilience, Noise, and Public Services & Facilities 
  5. Health, Equity, and Environmental Justice 

People are invited to provide comments on any or all sections that fit their interests. The public can leave comments directly on the document—using the City’s Konveio program—which also allows others to reply and like them. For those who prefer to give comment generally, they can do so in this survey, by email at [email protected], or in person by attending one of four meetings in August:  

Tuesday, Aug. 15, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Council on Aging
30 Kawana Springs Road
Register

Monday, Aug. 21, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. 
Finley Community Center
2060 W. College Ave.
Register

**MOVED** Wednesday, Aug. 30, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Maria Carillo High School Library
6975 Montecito Blvd.
(formerly at Rincon Valley Regional Library)
Register

*Thursday, Aug. 31, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. 
Latino Service Providers
1000 Apollo Way
Register

*Aug. 17 meeting will be presented in Spanish; bilingual assistance is provided at all meetings. 

A fifth meeting is also being held virtually. Check back with SantaRosaForward.com for date, time, and log-in information. 

Once all comments and feedback have been received, the City’s Planning and Economic Development Department will present the findings and the draft plan before Planning Commission and City Council review later this year. In addition, a programmatic Environmental Impact Report will be prepared and released for public review this fall.  

The City’s General Plan, which was last updated in 2009, sets the basis for all city development as a comprehensive policy document that provides the general framework for all zoning and land use decisions within a community. It establishes a community’s long-term vision for the future and contains goals and policies that will shape future housing, support job growth, foster healthy and resilient neighborhoods, protect and manage natural resources, ensure community safety, and promote social and economic equity, among many other efforts.  

Go to SantaRosaForward.com/DraftGP to review the draft of the updated General Plan and the approved Housing Element and to provide feedback on the City’s future.

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