Planning Commission recommends pre-zoning for 2299 Brush Creek Road to allow city sewer, water

The Santa Rosa Planning Commission voted 7-0 Aug. 14 to recommend that the City Council pre-zone 2299 Brush Creek Road to the RR-20 (rural residential, 20,000-square-foot minimum) zoning district to allow annexation into the city and connection to city water and sewer.

Planning staff told commissioners the pre-zoning would permit future development consistent with the site’s very low density residential General Plan designation and would allow an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on the parcel. "The project before you today is the annexation pre zoning for 2299 Brush Creek Road," said the Planning and Economic Development Department presenter, adding the site qualifies for exemptions under the California Environmental Quality Act and referenced section 15.183 and section 15.319 of the applicable code.

Commissioners asked whether city water and sewer capacity exists and who would pay for connections. Staff said capacity was analyzed as part of the General Plan and LAFCO review and that the property owner would pay the cost to connect. "The applicant would be paying the cost for the connection," staff said in response to Commissioner Sanders.

Neighbors and the property owner spoke during the public hearing. Neighbor Jerry Camrada described prior attempts to annex and said the city’s utility main previously stopped short of his house. The property owner — who identified herself at the hearing but whose name was not listed in the transcript — said the parcel currently uses septic that requires monthly pumping and that the system has been documented as failing. "We have to pump our sewer every month, so that system has failed," the property owner said, adding the failing septic system is a primary reason the owners seek annexation and connection to city sewer.

The applicant’s civil engineer, Casey Talbot of Adobe Associates, said engineers are pursuing an outside service agreement to connect the property to city sewer sooner and clarified that an easement referenced by a neighbor is not on the subject parcel and therefore would not be affected by the annexation. "They do have a failing septic system," Talbot said. "The easement is not on the property. So that's not impacted at all."

After discussion, Commissioner Sisco moved to adopt a resolution recommending the City Council pre-zone the property to RR-20 (file ANX24-001). The motion was seconded by Vice Chair Duggan and passed with seven ayes. Recorded votes were: Commissioner Carter — aye; Commissioner Sisco — aye; Commissioner Horton — aye; Commissioner Pardo — aye; Commissioner Sanders — aye; Vice Chair Duggan — aye; Chair Weeks — aye.

The Commission’s recommendation will go to the City Council and then to LAFCO as part of the annexation process; staff noted LAFCO conducted a sentiment survey and found no other property owners within the county island expressed interest in annexing at this time. Staff also said no off-site improvements are required for the proposed annexation as presented.

The Planning Commission’s action was limited to a recommendation; formal annexation and service connection depend on subsequent City Council and LAFCO approvals and completion of any required service agreements.