AgdaPkt 2018-05-21 Joint SA PFA - Laserfiche WebLink

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8 development with an appropriate density per the City’s zoning and state law density bonus program, and responding to the precise plan’s development standards and urban design guidelines for a building design, form, and character that fits the surrounding context. The proposed use, a multifamily residential development, is consistent with the allowed uses in the NMPP. The use, associated improvements, maintenance, and operation would not be detrimental to public health, safety or general welfare. In addition to the proposed residential development, improvements include sidewalk widening, street trees, pedestrian lights, bike racks, creek side trail, benches, wayfinding signage, and utility upgrades. These would be consistent with development in the area. General Plan The Project site is located within the Redwood Creek/Harbor Center area. As envisioned in the General Plan (GP), developments within the Redwood Creek/Harbor Center area should embrace nearby water features linking the waterfront to the Downtown. The GP land use designation for the property is Mixed Use - Corridor, which promotes complementary commercial and residential uses, encouraging transit use, bicycle use, and pedestrian activity. A 100% residential project is subject to a maximum density of 60 units per acre and a maximum height of four stories. The project is consistent with the General Plan in that it would replace a one-story office building and creek facing surface parking lot with a 100% residential project that would activate the street and creek side frontages with pedestrian activity. Pedestrian-scale design features include the widening of the sidewalk and a new creek trail segment which includes pedestrian street lights, street trees, and bike racks. This trail segment would continue the existing North Main Trail segment to the west, which would eventually link the Downtown with the Bayfront trail system. As described in the Analysis section above, the project is eligible for increased density over and above 60 units per acre under the State Density Bonus Law given that it would incorporate affordable housing, and as such a General Plan amendment is not required. The project would also include public amenities and a transportation demand management program. It would also provide a public trail link adjacent to the Redwood Creek, continuing the existing trail segment and providing community amenities including a small bocce court, tables, and fitness stations. The proposal would also provide a transportation demand management plan as a condition of approval. PC Review and Action: On March 6, 2018, the Planning Commission held a public hearing to consider the proposal. The Commission supported the project and approved the entitlement applications for the project by adopting Resolution No. 18-03, finding that the City had complied with CEQA and that the proposed project was consistent with the NMPP (5-0). The Commission found the project to be categorically exempt from CEQA under Guidelines Section 15332 (Infill Development Projects, also referred to as “Class 32”) because the project meets the General Plan and zoning regulations, is on a lot less than 7.B. - Page 8