Board approves Forestville Downtown Park general plan amendment, zone change and use permit

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors approved a general plan amendment, zone change and use permit that will allow the Forestville Planning Association to develop and operate the Forestville Downtown Park. The board adopted the environmental finding (mitigated negative declaration), changed the property’s land-use designation to public/quasi-public, rezoned the parcel to Public Facilities, and approved a permit allowing new park amenities and up to 20 community events per year.

The 4-acre parcel sits near Maryville Road and Highway 116 and already serves as a trailhead and community gathering spot. The applicant told the board the parcel was purchased and preserved with matching grant support from the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District and carries a recorded conservation easement and a recreation covenant guaranteeing public access in perpetuity; staff confirmed those instruments were recorded in 2013.

Planned site improvements include a 17-space parking lot, a small restroom and storage building, picnic areas, and a natural amphitheater with a covered stage. The project design retains on-site oak trees and the 40-foot wetland setback required by staff; only two small buildings were proposed, each about 15 feet high. The Planning Commission reviewed the project and forwarded a favorable recommendation after adding conditions to address accessibility, noise and parking.

Local residents and FPA representatives testified in support, describing regular farmers markets, festivals and volunteer stewardship of the park. The board’s motion to approve was made by Chair Hopkins and seconded by Supervisor Gore; the vote was unanimous.

Votes: Motion to adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration and approve the general plan amendment, zone change, and park use permit (mover: Chair Hopkins; second: Supervisor Gore) — Outcome: approved, unanimous.