AgdaPkt 2021.04.12 Joint SA PFA - Complete Agenda Packet

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6.E. - Page 29 of 31 Navigation Centers — In July 2019, Governor Newsom signed AB 101, a bill that requires cities to permit temporary shelters in mixed-use zoning districts by right. The Legislature found that the shelters, defined as Low Barrier Navigation Centers, are essential tools for alleviating the homelessness crisis and mandated that all cities comply, including charter cities such as Redwood City. To ensure consistency with this new law, staff proposes adding a new definition to Section 2.2 (Definitions) and adding the use to each of the Mixed Use Zoning Districts tables and clarifying that it is permitted by -right. The Planning Commission recommended adopting changes to allow navigation centers to comply with State law. Nonconforming Structures and Uses — While the Nonconforming Ordinance will undergo a future comprehensive update, staff has identified two minor changes to this article to clarify the intent and application of these sections. These amendments are intended to clarify the intent consistent with past staff practice and implementation of regulations. First, further clarification is needed with the two sections governing additions and repairs to nonconforming structures. These revisions clarify the applicability of the sections, noting that additions or new construction is applied separately from repairs of existing structures. Additions would continue to be allowed provided they meet the current zoning district standards, regardless of the nonconformity of the existing structure. At the December 1, 2020 meeting, the Planning Commission added an amendment to clarify that structural alterations as a result of an addition would not be subject to regulations for nonconforming repairs. Second, staff has noted that the Use Permit findings for nonconforming uses do not allow duplexes or triplexes with nonconforming density to add even small additions. The required findings to expand a nonconforming use are too restrictive and prohibit even minor additions that otherwise comply with current zoning standards (such as setbacks and lot coverage). The current finding requires the expansion to reduce adverse impacts, which is a standard that can rarely be met. Given these restrictions, many owners are unable to invest in their property, or proceed without obtaining City approval. Staff proposes a minor change to this Use Permit finding, noting that the proposed expansion does not create new adverse impacts. A Use Permit with noticing and a public hearing will continue to be required for any expansion of a nonconforming use. The Planning Commission recommended adopting the proposed amendments to nonconforming regulations. Miscellaneous Revisions - Staff maintains a running list of miscellaneous revisions to incorrect references, typos, and duplicate sections. These include removing a duplicate zoning ordinance article, moving Home Occupation regulations out of the definitions section and into a Special Uses article, and correcting cross- references. At the December 1, 2020 meeting, the Commission added an amendment to Home Occupations clarifying that no significant traffic impact would be created where it currently states that no impact is required. Page 5 of 7 City of Redwood City 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA. 94063 Tel: 650-780-7000 www.redwoodcity.ore 294