Board Packet 01 18 06 - Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit - Home Page

6.3 Development Intensity and Massing Considerations
The context of the site, located between the historic Railroad Square commercial area and the historic
West End Neighborhood, influences the configuration of potential development. Development on the
SMART site will need to interface with the surrounding properties and respect important view corridors
and other site features. Some key intensity and massing considerations include:
• Matching the scale of the West End neighborhood along 6th Street (likely limiting development
to 2-3 stories on this frontage).
• Matching the scale of the historic Cannery building on 3rd Street (likely limiting development to
3 stories on this frontage with the potential of up to 5 stories stepped back from a primary 3 story
facade).
• Preserving views along 4th Street “corridor” to the historic water tower on the Cannery site.
• Concentrating massing and intensity at the center of the site (up to 4-5 stories) with lower
intensities at the perimeter of the site.
• Respecting a City required 45 foot setback from the face of the adjacent Cannery project to the
west of the site
6.4 Architecture and Design
There is no particular architectural style required for this project, although development teams should
consult any relevant City of Santa Rosa design guidelines that apply to Railroad Square. The overall
design of the site should be of a high quality, fit well within its context, and acknowledge the presence of
the rail station.
In addition, the SMART Board strongly supports the incorporation of green building techniques in the
development. As a guide, builders are encouraged to review the Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED) criteria as defined by the U.S. Green Building Council. A project with LEED certification
at the silver or gold level is desirable, although the incorporation of “green” elements may be more
essential than actual certification. Proposals should clearly identify any project elements that could be
considered evidence of green building.
6.5 Labor Provisions
There are a number of labor-related provisions that will be requirements in any future joint development
agreement with SMART. Consequently, development team should factor these provisions into their
proposals, including any financial analyses.
Prevailing Wage & Apprenticeship Program for Construction Phase
It is SMART’s intent to require the payment of “prevailing wages” for applicable classifications of labor,
as determined by the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) for the construction phase of
the development, regardless of whether the project is technically deemed a public works project.
Moreover, it is SMART’s intent to require the use of apprentices during the construction phase, consistent
with the requirements for public works projects as governed by DIR regulations. The apprenticeship
requirement will apply to any craft for which the State Department of Apprenticeship Standards has
approved an apprenticeship program. Apprenticeship programs must have been approved by the State
Department of Apprenticeship Standards. Additionally, the apprenticeship program must have graduated
apprentices annually for the past 5 years. This graduation policy shall not apply to crafts not recognized
by the Dept. of Labor and/or the Department of Apprenticeship Standards. It shall be the responsibility of
the developer to provide documentation of compliance with apprenticeship and prevailing wage
requirements.
Request for Proposals for Joint Development at Railroad Square -13-