AgdaPkt 2019-12-16 Joint SA PFA - Laserfiche WebLink

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7.D. - Page 3 of 126 After obtaining public input on the matter, the Council recommended option 2 and included it as a short- term implementation item to be processed after Plan adoption. The above public input and Council direction framed the proposal that staff has prepared, which is to maintain the existing MULW districts, heights and densities, but to expand uses (including standalone residential housing) and incorporate a community benefits program. Drafting the MULW zoning amendments were delayed due to staffing and workload challenges, including new single-family residential policy changes that became a City priority in the last 18 months. Environmental analysis of the proposed amendments also added additional time and cost to the process. On June 4, 2019, staff presented the draft MULW amendments at the Planning Commission hearing. The Commission supported allowing housing but raised questions and concerns and recommended a study session before a formal recommendation could be considered. Key questions and concerns included: 1. Consider whether to maintain MULW or re -envision the zoning district 2. Provide more public engagement opportunities for those affected by the changes 3. Address displacement concerns 4. Consider how to promote housing S. Better define mixed-use developments 6. Consider whether live/work units are still desirable On October 1, 2019, the Planning Commission held a study session on the matter and provided direction on the key elements above, questions raised by staff, and concerns raised by the public. The Planning Commission generally supported the MULW amendments and suggested that potentially further amendments could be considered when the City processes the second phase of the Mixed -Use amendments, which will be a larger scale, more comprehensive effort. The second phase of the Mixed - Use Amendments is targeted to begin in summer of 2020 and be a two-year process. The Commission recognized the need for minor fixes to this district in the short term, which could help facilitate development projects that support community needs and interest. On November 5, 2019, the Planning Commission held a public hearing to consider the revised amendments. Based on feedback from the study session and public, staff provided a small and large project point systems for the Community Benefits Program and added two new categories; (1) housing, and (2) active uses. Also in response to comments received, staff maintained the existing FAR at 2.0 rather than lowering it for development without community benefits. The Commission indicated that the revisions adequately addressed their and the public's comments and supported the draft as revised. In addition, written and public testimony supported the revisions as drafted. ANALYSIS The proposed amendments to the MULW and MULW-S zoning districts are designed to increase flexibility in land uses, promote live/work units, improve the jobs/housing balance, and simplify the zoning. The amendments would also incorporate the community benefit bonus provisions, consistent with the other mixed-use zoning districts, which allows additional height or intensity in exchange for community benefits. Page 3 of 9 City of Redwood City 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA. 94063 Tel: 650-780-7000 www.redwoodcity.ore 604