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Santa Rosa Blog

What Santa Rosa City Hall is deciding about homes and land, this week's market, and guides written for Santa Rosa owners and buyers.

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At Santa Rosa City Hall

What the City Council and Planning Commission are deciding that touches homes and land: new tracts, zoning, fees and special taxes, roads. Straight from the city's official agendas.

Coming up

Tue, Nov 10 City Council, 2:30 PM

  • 16.1 PUBLIC HEARING - 2026 SONOMA COUNTY MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN AND CITY OF SANTA ROSA ANNEX BACKGROUND: The City of Santa Rosa participated with the County of Sonoma and other local jurisdictions and special districts in the preparation of the 2026 Sonoma County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP). The MJHMP identifies natural hazards affecting Sonoma County and participating jurisdictions, assesses risks and vulnerabilities, and establishes mitigation strategies intended to reduce long-term risks to people and property. Adoption of the updated MJHMP and City of Santa Rosa Annex is required to maintain the City’s eligibility for certain Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hazard mitigation funding. Following adoption, staff will bring forward a separate amendment to the General Plan Safety Element to incorporate the updated hazard mitigation plan consistent with State law. RECOMMENDATION: The Fire and Planning and Economic Development Departments recommend that the Council, by resolution, adopt the 2026 Sonoma County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan and the City of Santa Rosa Annex contained within Volume II, including Supplemental Section 8.10.4 regarding High Hazard Potential Dam Grant eligibility. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget. CC- Public Hearing
  • 13.5 RESOLUTION - APPROVAL OF GRANT OF UTILITY EASEMENT TO PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY OVER A PORTION OF RIGHT OF WAY DESIGNATED FOR FUTURE FARMERS LANE EXTENSION RECOMMENDATION: The Board of Public Utilities, Santa Rosa Water, the Transportation and Public Works Department, and Real Estate Services recommend that the Council, by resolution, approve the grant of a utility easement to Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) over approximately 9,352 square feet of City-owned property dedicated as right-of-way for the future Farmers Lane extension and authorize the City Manager or designee to make nonsubstantive changes to and execute the Easement Deed, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget. CC- Consent - Resolution
The full agenda →

Thu, Nov 12 Planning Commission, 4:30 PM

  • 11.2* PUBLIC HEARING - LANCE DRIVE PHASE 2 TENTATIVE MAP AND MINOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TIME EXTENSION - 1696 LANCE DRIVE - PLN26-0358 (THIS ITEM WAS CONTINUED FROM THE OCTOBER 22, 2026, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING) BACKGROUND: One-year time extension request for the Lance Drive Phase 2 Tentative Map and associated Minor Conditional Use Permit for a Small Lot Subdivision, originally approved by Planning Commission Resolution Nos. PC-2024-025 and PC-2024-024, respectively. The requested action would extend both approvals from November 14, 2026, to November 14, 2027. The Project was previously reviewed under CEQA, and no further environmental review is required pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15162. RECOMMENDATION: Planning and Economic Development staff recommends that the Planning Commission, by resolution, approve a one-year time extension for the Lance Drive Phase 2 Tentative Map and associated Minor Conditional Use Permit for the Small Lot Subdivision, extending both approvals through November 14, 2027. Public HearingWhat it means for owners →
The full agenda →

Tue, Nov 17 City Council, 3:30 PM

  • 12.2.1 APPOINTMENTS TO FILL VACANCIES ON THE BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY BOARD, BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS APPEALS, HOUSING AUTHORITY, MARIN/SONOMA MOSQUITO AND VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES, AND THE PERSONNEL BOARD The Council may vote to make appointments to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board, Board of Building Regulations Appeals, Housing Authority, Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District Board of Trustees, and the Personnel Board to fill current and upcoming vacancies. CC- Appointment
The full agenda →

Recently on the agenda

Tue, Oct 27 City Council

  • 15.1 REPORT - ISSUANCE OF WASTEWATER REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2026A AND RELATED DOCUMENTS AND ACTIONS BACKGROUND: Santa Rosa Water proposes that the City issue the Series 2026A Bonds to: (i) finance approximately $35 million of the Laguna Treatment Plant Electrical Infrastructure Improvement Project, (ii) refund in full the outstanding City of Santa Rosa Wastewater Revenue Bonds, Series 2014A (“Series 2014A Bonds”) and Series 2016A (“Series 2016A Bonds”), and (iii) partially defease the City’s outstanding Wastewater Revenue Bonds Series 2002B (“Series 2002B Bonds”). Staff recommends this financing structure to fund the electrical infrastructure improvements, reduce aggregate near-term debt service, release available funds, improve debt-service coverage, and provide flexibility in structuring future wastewater debt. Because the estimated savings from the refunding do not satisfy the minimum savings threshold established by Council Policy 000-58, the proposed resolution would waive that requirement based on the other financial benefits of the financing structure. RECOMMENDATION: The Finance Department, Santa Rosa Water and the Board of Public Utilities recommend that the Council, by resolution: (1) authorize the issuance of Wastewater Revenue Bonds, Series 2026A (the “Series 2026A Bonds”) to fund capital improvement projects of the wastewater system (the “Wastewater System”) and refund certain outstanding Wastewater Revenue Bonds for debt service savings, (2) approve the forms of the Preliminary Official Statement, Continuing Disclosure Certificate, Twenty-Second Supplemental Indenture of Trust, three Escrow Deposit and Trust Agreements and Bond Purchase Agreement, (3) authorize the defeasance of certain outstanding Wastewater Revenue Bonds to provide for flexibility to structure future bonds; (4) waive the minimum savings threshold in Council Policy 000-58 for the refunding, based on the release of reserve funds, partial defeasance of the Series 2002B Bonds, and resulting flexibility in structuring future debt service; and (5) approve all related documents and actions. The Series 2026A Bonds will be payable solely from Net Revenues of the Wastewater System and will have no impact on the General Fund. Approved
The full agenda →

Thu, Oct 22 Planning Commission

  • 11.2 PUBLIC HEARING - QUICK SERVE DRIVE-THROUGH RESTAURANT - 3575 CLEVELAND AVE - PLN26-0183 (THIS ITEM IS BEING CONTINUED TO THE DECEMBER 10, 2026, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING) BACKGROUND: Proposed demolition of the existing vacant commercial building and establishment of a future drive-through restaurant use on the developed commercial site. A Major Conditional Use Permit is requested to authorize the drive-through use, including maximum operating hours of 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (midnight), seven days per week, and a reduction in required parking from 80 spaces to 68 spaces. Categorically Exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 (Class 3 - New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures). RECOMMENDATION: The Planning and Economic Development Department recommends that the Planning Commission, by resolution, approve a Major Conditional Use Permit to allow a drive-through restaurant use with maximum operating hours of 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (midnight), seven days per week, and approve a reduction in the required parking supply from 80 spaces to 68 spaces, at 3575 Cleveland Avenue. Public Hearing
  • 11.4* PUBLIC HEARING - LANCE DRIVE PHASE 2 TENTATIVE MAP AND MINOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TIME EXTENSION - 1696 LANCE DRIVE - PLN26-0358 (THIS ITEM IS BEING CONTINUED TO THE NOVEMBER 12, 2026, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING) BACKGROUND: One-year time extension request for the Lance Drive Phase 2 Tentative Map and associated Minor Conditional Use Permit for a Small Lot Subdivision, originally approved by Planning Commission Resolution Nos. PC-2024-025 and PC-2024-024, respectively. The requested action would extend both approvals from November 14, 2026, to November 14, 2027. The Project was previously reviewed under CEQA, and no further environmental review is required pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15162. RECOMMENDATION: Planning and Economic Development staff recommends that the Planning Commission, by resolution, approve a one-year time extension for the Lance Drive Phase 2 Tentative Map and associated Minor Conditional Use Permit for the Small Lot Subdivision, extending both approvals through November 14, 2027. Public Hearing
The full agenda →

Tue, Oct 13 City Council

  • 16.1 PUBLIC HEARING - APPROVAL OF AN APPLICATION TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR PERMANENT LOCAL HOUSING ALLOCATION PROGRAM FUNDS AND ADOPTION OF THE 2024-2028 PLHA PLAN BACKGROUND: On July 16, 2026, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) released the Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Program 2024-2028 Formula Allocation Notice of Funding Availability. The PLHA Program is funded by revenues generated under Senate Bill 2, enacted in 2017, which established an ongoing source of funding for housing-related projects and programs. As a formula-allocation recipient, the City of Santa Rosa is eligible to receive up to $3,046,056 over the five-year period. To apply for the 2024 and 2025 allocations of $487,369 and $522,044, respectively, HCD requires the City Council to conduct a public hearing, adopt a five-year PLHA Plan, and authorize submission of the application. RECOMMENDATION: The Housing and Community Services Department recommends that the Council: 1) conduct a public hearing regarding the proposed Permanent Local Housing Allocation Program application and 2024-2028 PLHA Plan; and 2) by resolution, approve the submittal of an application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for formula allocations of $487,369 for 2024 and $522,044 for 2025, as part of a five-year allocation of up to $3,046,056 and adopt the 2024-2028 PLHA Plan. This item has no impact on the current fiscal year budget. Approved
  • 16.2** PUBLIC HEARING - DEL VALLE DRIVE-THRU APPEAL BACKGROUND: The proposed project includes construction of an approximately 850-square-foot drive-through building on a separate parcel adjacent to the existing Del Valle Mexican Restaurant at 2000 Sebastopol Road. The proposed drive-through would operate as an accessory use to the restaurant. Required entitlements include a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for drive-through service and Minor Design Review for the new commercial structure. While City staff recommended approval of the CUP, on February 12, 2026, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. PC-RES-2026-005 by a vote of 5-2, denying the application based on site unsuitability, noise, safety, and traffic impacts. On February 23, 2026, pursuant to City Code Chapter 20-62, the applicant appealed the decision of the Planning Commission. The Appeal Form identifies the following grounds for appeal: contradiction of traffic and safety findings; speculative future misconduct; mischaracterization of public street status and existing conditions; subjective belief substituting for evidence; that the CUP running with the land is not a valid basis for denial; and suitability of the site for the proposed use. City staff’s position on the findings for granting approval has not changed. As such, the action before the Council includes two options: 1) Deny the appeal and uphold the Planning Commission’s denial, or 2) Grant the appeal and approve the Conditional Use Permit. RECOMMENDATION: The Planning and Economic Development Department recommends that the Council consider the Planning Commission’s decision and City staff’s recommendation and, by resolution, either: 1) deny the appeal and uphold the Planning Commission’s denial of the Conditional Use Permit for the Del Valle Drive-Thru project located at 2000 Sebastopol Road; or 2) grant the appeal and approve the Conditional Use Permit for the project. This item has no impact on the current fiscal year budget. Approved
  • 13.2 RESOLUTION - PURCHASE OF SIX TRANSIT BUSES FROM THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE, HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT AND ACCEPTANCE OF TRANSFER OF TITLE AND FEDERAL INTEREST RECOMMENDATION: The Transportation and Public Works Department recommends that the Council, by resolution: 1) subject to approval by the Federal Transit Administration, authorize the Director of Transportation and Public Works or designee to negotiate and execute the agreements and other documents necessary to purchase and acquire title to six 2019 Gillig hybrid transit buses from the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney; 2) accept and assume the remaining federal interest in the six buses in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,894,566; and 3) authorize the Chief Financial Officer to appropriate $381,102 from the Transit Capital Fund to JL Key 45160 for the purchase. This item requests an appropriation of one-time funding from the Transit Capital Fund. Approved
  • 13.3 RESOLUTION - AUTHORIZATION TO REQUEST LOW CARBON TRANSIT OPERATIONS PROGRAM FUNDING FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 CYCLES A AND B FOR UR FREE PROGRAM SUPPORT RECOMMENDATION: The Transportation and Public Works Department recommends that the Council, by resolution: 1) authorize the Director of Transportation and Public Works to execute the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) Authorized Agent Form designating the Deputy Director - Transit as the City’s Authorized Agent; 2) authorize the Deputy Director - Transit to submit the City’s project nominations and allocation requests to the California Department of Transportation for $287,328 in Fiscal Year 2025-26 Cycle A funds and $184,089 in Fiscal Year 2025-26 Cycle B funds, for a total of $471,417, to support the Santa Rosa CityBus Free Fares for Youth Program (UR Free); 3) authorize the Deputy Director - Transit to execute the Certifications and Assurances and other documents necessary to request, accept, and administer the LCTOP funds; and 4) authorize the Chief Financial Officer to increase revenue and expenditure appropriations by the amount of the approved grant award. This item requests appropriations for one-time funding. Approved
  • 13.4 RESOLUTION - AUTHORIZATION TO FILE AN APPLICATION FOR ONE BAY AREA GRANT 4 (OBAG 4) FUNDING FOR THE ZERO-EMISSION BUS ROLLOUT PLAN IMPLEMENTATION BUS FLEET RESILIENCY PROJECT RECOMMENDATION: The Transportation and Public Works Department recommends that the Council, by resolution: 1) authorize the City Manager or designee to submit an application to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for $1,467,000 in One Bay Area Grant Cycle 4 funding for the Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan Implementation: Bus Fleet Resiliency Project; 2) commit the required nonfederal matching funds from the Transit Division’s Transportation Development Act Article IV funds; 3) provide the assurances required by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission concerning project delivery and completion; and 4) authorize the Chief Financial Officer to increase revenue and expenditure appropriations in the appropriate Transit fund and project key by the amount of the grant funding awarded. This item requests appropriations for one-time grant funding. Approved
1 more, and the full agenda →

Explained for owners

From the city's official agendas, checked November 8. Only items that touch homes, land or neighborhoods are listed; the agenda is the record.

Your next 30 days in Santa Rosa

The dates a homeowner here needs between now and Tue, Nov 17.

  1. City Council meets

    The City Council meets on this date; the agenda lists what is up for a vote.

    Source: City meeting agenda →Add to calendar

  2. Planning Commission meets

    The Planning Commission meets on this date; the agenda lists what is up for a vote.

    Source: City meeting agenda →Add to calendar

  3. City Council meets

    The City Council meets on this date; the agenda lists what is up for a vote.

    Source: City meeting agenda →Add to calendar

Dates from the county and city; check the source before you rely on one.

The desk note

A closer look at the stories shaping Santa Rosa neighborhoods this week.

Read the full brief →
Weekly desk note
Nov 4, 2026

Santa Rosa this week: 2 new listings and 1 price cut

This week in Santa Rosa: 2 new listings, 1 price cut, 0 closed sales and 2 homes going under contract. Data as of November 8, 2026.

Read the brief →
Price drops
  • 487 Hearn AveNone · United Brokers Real Estate-$14,000Watch
Property changes
  • 965 Doubles Dr 316Alliance Bay RealtyActive Under ContractWatch
  • 711 Brigham AvenueFiduciary Real Estate ServicesActive Under ContractWatch

As of November 8. Listing brokerage shown on each row. A new desk note is published every Monday — subscribe via RSS. Card photography is illustrative Santa Rosa imagery, not the addresses listed.

Around Santa Rosa

What the Santa Rosa desk is reading this week, straight off local outlets — we name the source and never republish the story.

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City of Santa Rosa News Flash
Oct 23

City Connections: Sept. 24, 2026

Measure L | Bike Infrastructure Project of the Year | Santa Rosa Police Beat Newsletters | National Fire Prevention Week | Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt | And More

City of Santa Rosa News Flash
3 days ago

It's Time to Turn Off Your Irrigation

With rainy season underway, many of your plants are likely in their slow-growth or dormant stage. Make sure to turn off all irrigation systems to save money and water.

City of Santa Rosa News Flash
Oct 23

City Connections: Oct. 22, 2026

Trunk-or-Treat | Election Day | Casa Roseland & Plaza Permanente | Halloween Safety | Fall Events | And More

Headlines are the outlets' own, shown with the source named and the story left where it was published. Card photography is illustrative Santa Rosa imagery, not a photograph from the story.

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