Zoning administrator continues proposed assisted‑living project at 635 Benjamin's Road after neighbors raise traffic and parking concerns

The Santa Rosa zoning administrator continued consideration of a proposed assisted‑living facility at 635 Benjamin's Road to a date certain, Dec. 18, 2025, after members of the public requested a formal hearing.

Neighbors told the zoning administrator they were concerned the 15‑bed proposal would worsen traffic, strain limited on‑street parking and be out of scale with nearby properties. Doug Smith, a resident at 612 Benjamin's Court, said, “My concern is with the traffic for the construction and the operation of the facility at 635 Benjamins Road.” Fred Bridal, who said he lives on the adjacent cul‑de‑sac, said the parcel is about 0.41–0.43 acre and “that's not in keeping with the various other parcels in the neighborhood,” which he described as larger single‑residence lots.

David Bryant, a nearby resident, said an existing residential care site across Spears Road already generates frequent vehicle activity and school buses, and he questioned whether adding more units was feasible. Lisa Seidel, who with her husband submitted the letter requesting the hearing, said she expected those operational and safety questions to be addressed at the Dec. 18 hearing.

Planning staff had told the administrator the item had been continued because a public hearing was requested; staff also said new noticing would be provided, including an on‑site sign and newspaper advertisement. The zoning administrator reopened and then closed the non‑agenda comment period to permit neighbors to speak and confirmed the Dec. 18 date for the formal hearing.

Next steps: The item will be presented on Dec. 18, 2025, with additional public notice. Members of the public will have an opportunity at that hearing to submit comments and, if the administrator takes action, file an appeal within 10 calendar days as described at the hearing.