Design review board weighs Hansel Ford service building; board urges durability, clarifies accessibility

A concept design for a new Hansel Ford commercial truck service building drew Design Review Board feedback Wednesday about materials, color and long-term durability.

Roberto, a planning staff member with the City of Santa Rosa Planning & Economic Development Department, told the board the proposal is “to construct a new 13,770 foot square foot commercial truck service building for the Hansel Ford of Santa Rosa” on a parcel located behind the existing dealership with vehicle access from Corby Avenue. The site is zoned IL, the city’s light industrial district, and the proposed land use, “vehicle services, major repair/bodywork,” requires an approved minor conditional-use permit; because the building exceeds 10,000 square feet it also requires major design review.

Board members said the project’s scale and configuration are broadly appropriate for the industrial area but pressed for design details and operational clarifications. Board member Drew suggested the exterior colors be reconsidered if the applicant intends a bright Ford-blue scheme: “If the rendering you’re showing is that it’s going to be blue and that’s your plan, I would maybe reconsider that.”…