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9.A. - Page 2 <br /> • Clarification of language and diagrams in Article 2 (Definitions), Articles 4 and 5 <br /> (RH and R-1 Zoning Districts), Article 32 (Supplementary Requirements), Article <br /> 45 (Architectural Permits) and Article 49(Notice of Public Hearing). <br /> BACKGROUND <br /> The 2010 General Plan identifies Hillside Neighborhoods as a key neighborhood <br /> typology within Redwood City. Currently, most sloped residential land is located in the <br /> RH (Residential Hillside) Zoning District, though several sections of the hillsides are <br /> located in the R-1 (Residential — Single Family) Zoning District. Although there are <br /> numerous regulations that currently exist in all zoning districts, for several years there <br /> has been community and Council interest in further refining hillside regulations to <br /> provide more certainty in the development review process. <br /> In 2011, the Planning Commission considered a draft ordinance that proposed <br /> additional regulations for home construction in the RH Zoning District (See October 18, <br /> 2011 Planning Commission Meeting). At that public hearing, members of the public <br /> expressed significant concerns with the public outreach and the proposed ordinance's <br /> impact on their ability to expand their homes. The Planning Commission was in general <br /> agreement about the need for a hillside ordinance, but continued the item contingent on <br /> additional public engagement and analysis. The City Council did not have a hearing on <br /> the item and did not take any further action. <br /> In 2014, Council directed staff to re-consider a hillside ordinance. Recent hillside <br /> development highlighted the concerns about lack of clear standards and guidance on <br /> appropriate home size, grading, design, and protection of vegetation in these <br /> neighborhoods. Currently, most sloped residential land is located in the RH (Residential <br /> Hillside) Zoning District, though several sections of the hillsides are located in the R-1 <br /> (Residential — Single Family) Zoning District. <br /> Since Council gave direction last year, staff has primarily been focused on community <br /> outreach. In 2014 and 2015, two workshops and two Planning Commission meetings <br /> were held to discuss issues and potential strategies with hillside development (see <br /> www.redwoodcity.org/hillside for materials and results of each of the meetings). <br /> Approximately 3,500 notices were sent to property owners west of Alameda advertising <br /> these workshop and public hearing dates. An email list was developed along with use of <br /> News Releases, E-News, Next Door and newspaper advertisements. The initial <br /> community workshop was held in September 2014 to discuss key features of hillside <br /> areas and issues of concerns. <br /> City Staff and the consultant team (Dyett & Bhatia, Urban and Regional Planners), <br /> prepared a Redwood City Hillsides and Hillside Regulations Background Report to <br /> integrate feedback received with the research and potential strategies. This report was <br /> reviewed at an October Planning Commission meeting and staff received further <br /> direction. A November community workshop obtained further input from community <br /> members on possible strategies for hillside regulations, including issues of floor area, <br /> setbacks, grading, landscaping, and a variety of other topics. <br /> Page 2 of 10 <br />