AgdaPkt 2007-11-19 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7A Neiqhborhood Transition and Privacy: The project has also been redesigned such that Page 4 no windows or balconies on the fifth floor face the rear yard single-family residential neighbors. Only nine rear yard balconies now face east and these balconies are now partially enclosed (instead of fully open) to further increase privacy. The developer has also agreed to provide alternate tree species, including deciduous trees (rather than the previously proposed redwood trees) along the rear (east) property line to enhance privacy in spring and summer seasons and to maximize sunlight in autumn and winter seasons. If the Precise Plan is approved, staff will facilitate discussion between the developer and individual property owners in consultation with the City Arborist to determine species that are most suitable for the site and the aesthetic desires of the existing homeowners. These improvements, combined with the project's reduced height and tiered rear yard setback approach, (which increases from 15 to 20 to 43 feet from the first floor to the top floor), are similar to the standards used for the west side of EI Camino Real within the Downtown Precise Plan and provide a more sensitive transition between neighboring properties. Precise Plan: On November 28, 2006, the Planning Commission recommended Council adoption of the project's Draft Precise Plan. Council returned the matter to the Planning Commission on April 9, 2007. On September 18, 2007, the Planning Commission recommended Council adoption of the project's Draft Precise Plan as revised. The Precise Plan outlines land use, urban design and capital improvement policies to promote an attractive 'boulevard residential' development that supports pedestrian circulation, transit use and provides a quality standard for similar development elsewhere along the corridor. The Precise Plan's policies are consistent with the intent of the Redwood City General Plan land use designation for the area and are intended to supersede the site's previous zoning requirements. The Precise Plan outlines policy direction for the following land use topics: 1. Density and the Role of Infill Development 2. Boulevard Building and Frontage Design 3. Interface with Adjacent Properties 4. Architectural Form and Character The project as redesigned remains consistent with the overall vision and policy direction of the Precise Plan. The project will continue to provide much needed infill housing, including six affordable units close to transit. The project's redesign will also continue to enhance the Woodside Road corridor and improve pedestrian circulation and safety. In addition, the project's redesign will result in an improved interface with adjacent single- family residential homes to the rear. The architectural integrity of the project also remains intact and has been recommended for approval by the Architectural Review Committee. Refer to Attachment 3 for a summary of Draft Precise Plan revisions. General Plan and Zoning Compliance General Plan: With 43 units, the project density is proposed to be 65 units/acre. The General Plan allows development to exceed the maximum allowable residential density of 40 units/acre if it is part of a Precise Plan and if the project demonstrates three or more of the following features: