CC MIN 03012022 - Laserfiche WebLink

united and advised staff finds them suitable. She advised the project will add trees to the existing landscape. Associate Planner Campbell explained the site with the new unit requires 12 parking spaces including 2 spaces for the residential unit and 10 spaces for the commercial unit. She advised in the Applicant's appeal, detail was added that advised the carport would be assigned in its entirety to the residential unit with the other surface units being assigned to the commercial property. The project would comply with the required parking for the residential unit as it provided two code-compliant spaces within the carport. She reported the project is including an additional 9 parking spaces outside of the carport which all comply with the code. The Applicant is proposing 1 in-lieu parking fee which is permitted in the Municipal Code. She reported in the appeal, the Applicant offered to allow the 9 commercial parking spaces to be opened to the public on the weekends. Associate Planner Campbell explained the Municipal Code offers many parking solutions in this zoning district including parking variances, agreements with nearby lots, reductions in parking requirements if property owners create easements between lots and allows for in-lieu payments to offset parking requirements. She advised the project is requesting 1 parking site be provided through an in-lieu payment of$22,000. She noted in-lieu payments have been accepted by the City in the past. Associate Planner Campbell reported the proposed project will be Green Point Rated and will include drought-tolerant landscaping, an electric vehicle charger, and solar panels. She advised the area is a positive location for a new residential unit given the proximity to the Altamont Commuter Express, amenities such as shopping, and potential employment locations. Associate Planner Campbell reported the Planning Commission reviewed the project in January and was supportive of many aspects including building design, and the site design. She noted most of the Planning Commission's discussion centered on parking with some supporting in-lieu parking and some opposing it. She reported the Planning Commission denied the application by a vote of 3-2. She reiterated that the Applicant advised they would dedicate that parking space to the residential unit in the appeal paperwork which was not clear during the Planning Commission's review of the application. She advised staff has added the carport assignment to the residential unit as Condition of Approval No. 07. Associate Planner Campbell reported that staff recommends the City Council approve the appeal and the application through the resolution and approve the in-lieu parking agreement. Councilmember Narum inquired if a parking study was conducted. Associate Planner Campbell advised staff did not conduct a parking count. Councilmember Narum inquired if an off-site parking option was discussed with the Applicant as an alternative to paying the in-lieu parking fee. Associate Planner Campbell reported the Applicant could obtain an agreement with neighboring property within 300 feet of the subject lot as an alternative. Staff would need to review a proposed off-site parking agreement. She deferred to the Appellant to speak regarding this topic. Councilmember Balch inquired if the Applicant could build a ground floor Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on the property. Community Development Director Clark clarified that since there is not a primary residential unit on the property, an ADU could not be built on the site. She does not believe the site would be eligible for a Senate Bill (SB) 35 application because it is a single unit only. Councilmember Arkin inquired if it is just a dental office in the commercial property. Associate Planner Campbell reported the property also contains the personal office of the Applicant. Councilmember Arkin inquired what in-lieu parking fees have been used for in the past. Interim City Manager Dolan advised the funds have been used for Downtown parking projects in the corridor. City Council Minutes Page 6 of 12 March 1, 2022