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Rohnert Park council approves housing‑code updates to meet state density and group‑home rules
Summary
The council introduced and waived first reading of two housing‑element implementation ordinances — increasing the minimum density on two low‑income sites and updating group‑home rules — to avoid state enforcement that could decertify the housing element; the actions passed 4–0–1.
Rohnert Park on June 23 moved to align city zoning with clarified state housing rules, voting to introduce an ordinance that raises minimum density on two designated low‑income housing sites and to update group‑home regulations.
City staff told the council the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) clarified this spring that the minimum density for the two housing‑element rezoned sites must be at least 20 units per acre. Staff said failing to adopt the change could trigger decertification of the city’s housing element, legal enforcement by HCD, loss of funding priorities and exposure to developers’ "builder’s remedy" projects that bypass local zoning.
Corey Kreth, the owner of 5040 Snyder Lane, said his previously approved 36‑unit townhouse project (which equates to about 15 units per acre) has not been built because current market economics do not attract investors. "Taking it up to 20 is not gonna make this project any more economically viable," Kreth said, urging the city to consider alternatives such as single‑family homes with accessory dwelling units that might meet HCD’s requirements while remaining feasible.
Staff said an existing approved project at 5040 Snyder Lane may continue under its current entitlements so long as they remain active, but any amendment or new proposal would have to meet the new minimum. Staff and the city attorney described limited local options and urged action to maintain the city’s standing with HCD and avoid enforcement.
On related changes, staff recommended updates to group‑home and congregate‑care definitions and permit tables to bring local code into compliance with fair‑housing guidance. The amendments remove a conditional‑use requirement for many larger group homes and align parking rules and licensing categories with state definitions.
Council members expressed sympathy for property owners and residents concerned about traffic and neighborhood impacts but said the state mandate left the city limited choices. Council introduced (waived first reading of) Ordinance No. 996 on minimum density and Ordinance No. 997 on group‑home regulations; both measures passed on 4–0–1 roll call votes (Council member Rodriguez absent).
Next steps: both ordinances were introduced for formal adoption at a future meeting; staff said it will continue discussions with HCD about possible flexibility for specific proposals and follow up with affected property owners.
