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8.A. - Page 2 of 85
<br />demolished, and larger incompatible homes constructed in their place. Table 1 below shows the
<br />applications received for new homes and second story additions from the beginning of 2017 to the end of
<br />2018, and the Mt. Carmel neighborhood received the most applications. An unusually high number of
<br />applications have been initiated by developers, as opposed to homeowners, in recent months.
<br />Table 1- 2017 - 2018 ARCHITECTUAL PERMITS BY NEIGHBORHOOD
<br />(LISTED BY AVERAGE FLOOR AREA RATIO FOR HOME)
<br />Neighborhood-
<br />A•
<br />Redwood Oaks
<br />8
<br />5,759 sq. ft.
<br />3,160 sq. ft.
<br />0.56
<br />Stambaugh -Heller
<br />3
<br />3,133 sq. ft.
<br />1,442 sq. ft.
<br />0.56
<br />Friendly Acres
<br />2
<br />6,250 sq. ft.
<br />3,329 sq. ft.
<br />0.54
<br />Redwood Village
<br />1
<br />6,100 sq. ft.
<br />3,221 sq. ft.
<br />0.53
<br />Roosevelt
<br />8
<br />6,059 sq. ft.
<br />2,975 sq. ft.
<br />0.52
<br />Redwood Shores
<br />7
<br />6,415 sq. ft.
<br />3,107 sq. ft.
<br />0.49
<br />Woodside Plaza
<br />6
<br />7,498 sq. ft.
<br />3,502 sq. ft.
<br />0.47
<br />Palm
<br />1
<br />6,550 sq. ft.
<br />2,955 sq. ft.
<br />0.45
<br />Eagle Hill
<br />9
<br />6,753 sq. ft.
<br />2,917 sq. ft.
<br />0.44
<br />Edgewood Park
<br />6
<br />9,285 sq. ft.
<br />3,443 sq. ft.
<br />0.43
<br />Central
<br />5
<br />4,976 sq. ft.
<br />2,070 sq. ft.
<br />0.42
<br />Mt. Carmel
<br />21
<br />7,035 sq. ft.
<br />2,931 sq. ft.
<br />0.42
<br />Canyon
<br />5
<br />9,210 sq. ft.
<br />3,692 sq. ft.
<br />0.40
<br />Centennial
<br />2
<br />5,058 sq. ft.
<br />2,005 sq. ft.
<br />0.40
<br />Farm Hill
<br />14
<br />13,051 sq. ft.
<br />3,589 sq. ft.
<br />0.32
<br />ALL PROJECTS
<br />98
<br />6,687 sq. ft.
<br />2,956 sq. ft.
<br />0.46
<br />In response to these concerns, the City Council held two study sessions on July 23, 2018 and on November
<br />19, 2018 to consider additional tools and development regulations when reviewing new homes or second
<br />story additions. At the time, staff presented short-term and long-term ideas for consideration. On
<br />December 3, 2018, the City Council approved a set of Guiding Principles for Neighborhood Compatibility
<br />to be used when evaluating neighborhood compatibility for homes.
<br />The City Council also directed staff to evaluate a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) Ordinance for single-family homes
<br />in Redwood City. The idea at the time was that the ordinance would provide a short-term mechanism for
<br />additional review by the Planning Commission for projects that exceed a specific floor area threshold while
<br />the work continues on the long-term strategy of establishing City-wide Residential Design Guidelines. It
<br />was anticipated that the design guidelines would be accompanied by various Zoning Ordinance updates,
<br />including the evaluation of development standards and the Architectural Permit findings. The City has
<br />initiated the development of Residential Design Guidelines study, with anticipated completion by summer
<br />of 2020.
<br />Current Process - An Architectural Permit (AP) is required for construction of new or expanded second -
<br />story additions, or construction of a new two-story home. As part of the AP review, staff evaluates the
<br />City of Redwood City 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA. 94063 Tel: 650-780-7000 www.redwoodcity.ore
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