In April, environmental and public health advocates across Santa Rosa celebrated a major victory: the unanimous 6–0 vote by the Santa Rosa Planning Commission to deny a permit for a proposed gas station at 874 North Wright Road. The decision was based on strong findings that the project was incompatible with local zoning, violated city climate goals, and posed serious risks to nearby residents, groundwater, and the Joe Rodota Trail.
But now, the fight is back, and it’s headed to City Council.
Despite the Planning Commission’s well-reasoned and unanimous decision, the project developer filed an appeal on April 21. This triggered a final public hearing before the Santa Rosa City Council, which will take place:
City Council Chambers, 100 Santa Rosa Avenue
Tuesday, August 19 at 12:00 PM
We are urging all supporters to attend the meeting and speak up in defense of the Planning Commission’s April 10 decision. This is the final opportunity to stop what would be the last new gas station ever built in Santa Rosa — a project that flies in the face of the city’s Climate Emergency Resolution and landmark gas station ban adopted in 2022.
Why this project must be stopped — again:
- Incompatible with zoning and land use laws: The site borders residential zones and violates regulations prohibiting gas stations adjacent to homes.
- Environmental and health risks: Underground fuel tanks and vehicle emissions pose threats to air quality, soil, and groundwater — especially in this flood-prone area.
- Outdated environmental review: The developer is relying on a 2013 environmental study, which ignores newer science on the toxic effects of gas station vapors and leaks.
- Dangerously auto-centric: Located next to the heavily used Joe Rodota Trail, this project would degrade bike and pedestrian safety while deepening fossil fuel dependency.
- Opposition from all corners: Environmental groups, healthcare professionals, residents, and local leaders have all voiced concern. “None of the neighbors I’ve talked to think it’s a good idea,” said one public health professional from the nearby Vintage Oaks neighborhood.
Santa Rosa became a national leader by banning new gas stations. Upholding the Planning Commission’s decision will cement the city’s leadership and protect our most vulnerable communities from further environmental harm.
Here’s how you can help:
- Attend the August 19 Council meeting and ask the City Council to: “Affirm the Planning Commission’s April 10 decision to deny the permit for a gas station at 874 North Wright Road, and reject the applicant’s appeal filed on April 21.”
- Re-send your public comment
If you wrote a letter to the Planning Commission earlier this year, you can simply forward it to the City Council with a brief note referencing the appeal. - Spread the word
Share the event with your neighbors, post on social media, and encourage others to show up in person.
We stopped it once — with your help, we can stop it for good.
For background, talking points, and resources, visit:
Stop the Wright Rd. Gas Station! – Enviro Updates
