Council approves Somo Village Phase 2NA tentative map with sewer-monitor condition

The Rohnert Park City Council voted to approve a tentative map for Somo Village Phase 2NA on May 20, adopting a staff‑amended condition that requires the developer to fund flow monitors at the Cannon Manor pump station and to implement upgrades identified in the 05/31/2022 Sonoma Mountain Village Sewer Hydraulic Evaluation by GHD Incorporated before later phases proceed. Council Member Adams made the motion and Council Member [11] seconded; the motion passed 4-0-1 with Mayor Gerard Judiche absent.

The approved tentative map covers about 28.4 acres south of Camino Collegio and east of the SMART train right‑of‑way. Staff said the application would subdivide three blocks for residential use (a mix of low‑ and medium‑density lots) and dedicate roughly 3.9 acres of public parkland plus an additional 3.9‑acre privately owned park area intended to be publicly accessible. Ally Giudici, Director of Development Services, told the council the project is consistent with the General Plan, the city code, and the Sonoma Mountain Village final development plan and EIR.

During the public hearing, neighbors raised questions about construction compliance, signage and enforcement, and visual impacts from potential five‑story buildings in later phases. Residents asked for more notice and for measures to preserve existing sight lines. Eric Reed, speaking for the applicant, said the five‑story buildings are beyond the tentative map’s area, that the project will include single‑story homes near the SMART tracks where feasible, and that the taller buildings would be in later phases and are unlikely.

Council members pressed staff and the applicant on enforcement of construction hours, a contact phone number for complaints, and timing for park improvements. Staff said the developer has dedicated parkland as shown in the map and that timing of certain improvements is governed by the development agreement; staff also described steps taken to educate contractors and require signage and a contact number for the public.

The council read the revised Condition G.1 into the record before the vote. That condition requires installation of flow monitors at the Cannon Manor pump station per Condition of Approval O3, implementation of upgrades identified in the 05/31/2022 GHD sewer hydraulic evaluation, and an updated sewer capacity analysis prior to approval of later phases.

The council’s action authorizes the tentative map to proceed with the stated condition; design and subsequent phases will return to staff and the council for further review and any required permitting steps.