Planning Commission Meeting Agenda Packet 05272026

foot, ground-floor, live-work space, and associated site improvements. The Planning Commission discussion reflected a range of perspectives regarding land use, design, and site context. Several Commissioners raised concerns related to building height, parking, and overall architectural compatibility with the surrounding area. While opinions varied on the need to include commercial uses, making the project more consistent with the mixed use land use designation, the overarching direction was that commercial space is not essential; however, if proposed, the commercial uses should function as a true and viable commercial use rather than being ancillary to the proposed residential uses. Additionally, several Commissioners expressed a preference for increased residential density, such as townhome-style development (approximately 8–10 units), to better align with City housing goals, provided the proposal included appropriate setbacks and design considerations. The Planning Commission further emphasized the importance of achieving a cohesive design, adequate on-site parking, sufficient setbacks, and supporting the City’s housing goals. Public comments included input from two adjacent neighbors. One neighbor at 4702 Augustine Street indicated uncertainty regarding support, noting that potential impacts to their property are not yet clear. Another neighbor expressed concern about the introduction of mult iple residential units due to existing parking constraints in the area and emphasized the importance of tree preservation, specifically requesting that the redwood trees near the proposed Augustine driveway be retained. Project Modifications The current project plans (Exhibit B) reflect the applicant’s latest submission following the Planning Commission workshop. Although staff has determined the plans are incomplete, the applicant has requested that this version proceed through the developmen t review process. The revised project, as described further in the Project Description section of this report, is subject to different but similar standards and regulations due to the change in scope from a single-family residence with a live-work component to a four-unit multi-residential development. SITE AND AREA DESCRIPTION The 21,384-square-foot (0.49-acre) subject lot is located along Old Bernal Avenue between Augustine Street and Peters Avenue. The lot is generally flat and currently developed with an approximately 6,160 square-foot, two-story multi-tenant commercial office building measuring approximately 25 feet in height (see Figures 1 and 2). The structure is set back approximately 20 feet from the front property line. Twenty-one surface parking spaces are situated at the rear of the building, with access provided via driveways from both Old Bernal Avenue and Augustine Street. The site is predominantly paved, with limited landscaping confined to a narrow area along the Old Bernal Avenue frontage. The property contains 34 protected trees, none of which are classified as heritage trees pursuant to PMC Chapter 17.16 (Exhibit D).