What is East Grove?
East Grove is the name of a proposed housing neighborhood for seniors in Santa Rosa. It would be an expansion of Spring Lake Village, a Front Porch community.
What is the proposed project?
Front Porch, a non-profit provider of housing and services for seniors, is proposing to add 32 independent residential apartments and a supporting community building to the existing Spring Lake Village campus. It would be located on the property owned by Front Porch bounded by California Highway 12, Los Alamos Road and Melita Road.
What is the proposed use for East Grove?
The proposed use is the same as the existing Spring Lake Village community: a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) that would be licensed as a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) by the Department of Social Services of the State of California. (CCRCs are sometimes referred to as Life Plan communities.)
Who is managing the proposed project?
Front Porch Communities and Services (Front Porch), a non-profit provider of housing and services for older adults headquartered in Glendale, California, is overseeing the proposed project. Front Porch has assembled a project team of professional services firms to assist them in designing, permitting and executing the project: Rockwood Pacific Inc. (development management services); and locally-based members of the project team including Adobe Associates (civil engineering) and Gervais & Associates (planning services).
What is the current status of the project?
Previously, the City of Santa Rosa engaged GHD, a global engineering firm located in Santa Rosa, to analyze the project and prepare the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). In response to the EIR, Front Porch submitted a refined and updated planning application to the City of Santa Rosa in January 2024. As part of the City’s extensive review, the City held Design Review Board hearings in May and November of 2024. At a hearing on March 26, 2026, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the project to the City of Santa Rosa. We expect the project to be presented to the City at a hearing on May 12, 2026.
How can members of the public review the application materials?
The application materials can be accessed at the following web address: https://www.srcity.org/425/Plans-Studies-EIRs. Scroll down to “Spring Lake Village East Grove Draft Environmental Impact Report.”
What is the expected timeline?
The timeline for the development of the East Grove depends upon a number of factors, particularly the review and approval by the City of Santa Rosa. If the City of Santa Rosa approves the current application submission, we expect to have more clarity regarding the timing and next steps. These would include but are not limited to completion of construction drawings, pre-sales and state licensing approval before finalizing financing, and breaking ground for construction.
Is it appropriate to develop these additional homes in an area that is at risk for wildfires?
This project will have fire safety at top of mind. In addition to meeting the requirements of the California Building Code and CalFire directives, this project will meet the Santa Rosa plans, codes and Fire Department policies aimed at minimizing potential wildland fires. Examples include incorporating modern fire-resistant construction technology, maintaining defensible space and providing alternate secondary emergency access. In addition to building safety, the services provided by the Spring Lake Village community add to the safety of residents. As demonstrated in October 2017, and again in 2020, Spring Lake Village is ready and able to alert all residents and employees swiftly and to implement an orderly evacuation of everyone to a safe place for as long as is needed.
How can we receive further updates on the project?
To be added to the distribution list to receive future updates regarding the project status, please send your name, address and email address to Susan Rockwood at susan@rockwoodpacific.com.