Zoning Administrator McKay approves conversion of office to community care facility at 170 Sotayomi Street

Zoning Administrator McKay approved a minor conditional use permit to convert an existing office building at 170 Sotayomi Street into a community care facility for elderly residents, during the same Santa Rosa City zoning administrator meeting. McKay cited the site's proximity to medical services and available parking and said staff had found all required findings could be made; he noted the decision is final unless an appeal is filed within 10 calendar days.

Sheila Walski, the project planner, told the zoning administrator the proposal would convert the existing building without exterior facade changes and would be categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines sections 15301 and 15303 because the conversion involves minor interior work and no footprint expansion. Walski reported the project was described on staff slides as proposing 15 resident beds and one staff overnight bed with two daytime staff on duty. Later slides and comments referenced a typographical error identifying the project as a 16‑bed facility; Walski told the panel the correct requirement for parking is 1 space per 3 beds and, given rounding rules and existing stalls, the site would provide well in excess of the required parking.

Walski also reported one supportive public comment from an advocacy organization (identified in the presentation as a California housing advocacy group) that encouraged approval. The prospective operator, Savannah Arroyo, was present in the audience.

McKay said the location, surrounding services and parking availability make the use compatible with the neighborhood and approved the minor conditional use permit as presented and conditioned by staff. He reminded listeners that the approval is final unless an appeal is filed with the planning and economic development department within 10 calendar days of the decision (appeal deadline noted in the hearing as Monday, 07/20/2026).

The record shows the staff recommendation, CEQA exemption claim, parking calculation and the bed count as items of record; the transcript contains inconsistent references to 15 and 16 beds and Walski acknowledged a typographical error in the slides.