Planning Commission Meeting Agenda Packet 05272026

development that is sensitive to the context, scale and character of existing neighborhoods. As proposed and per the DSP, staff finds the project would not further commercial viability and would deviate too greatly from the land use and development standards as outlined in the DSP policies mentioned above to warrant approval. Height & Design Height DSP policies LD-P.2, LD-P.50, and LD-P.54 provide standards for preserving character and height. The project proposes a three-story multi—unit residential building measuring 34 feet in height. In comparison, the existing on-site commercial office building is approximately 25 feet in height. In addition, the three-story mixed-use building across the project site at the west- north intersection of Old Bernal Avenue and Augustine Street is approximately 30 feet in height. For the MU-T designation, the DSP states that “Buildings shall be a maximum of two- stories and have a height limit of 36 feet.” However, for residential uses, DSP LD-P.50 limits residential building height to no more than 30 feet and a maximum of two stories. In addition, DSP LD-P.2 calls for buildings to be pedestrian in scale, and to include first-story storefront windows, recessed entries, building details, and awnings. The policy also calls for stepping back upper floors and maintaining an overall horizontal design character. Additionally, DSP LD-P.54 regulates visual transitions between apartment buildings and single-family homes by avoiding placement of new buildings more than 15 feet taller than an existing adjacent primary structure. Per DSP LD-P.50, the project’s proposed height exceeds the maximum by four feet and includes one additional story beyond what is permitted. In addition, the proposed project proposes the building to be more than 15 feet taller than the adjacent primary structure at 287 Old Bernal Avenue by at least 16 feet2. Design Per the DSP, buildings must be pedestrian in scale, encourage landscaping in building design, design entrances to be visible and accessible, and foster harmonious visual transitions (see DSP Land Use and Design Goals below). Relevant design policies of the DSP include the following: • LD-P.10: Diversity of Architectural Styles. Encourage a diversity of architectural styles in new construction the employ caried rooflines, upper facades, and storefronts. • LD-P.14: Landscaping in Building Design. Encourage the use of landscaping in building design, such as flowering vines on trellises or arcades, ivy over blank side walls, and flower pots and window boxes. • LD-P.21: Design entrances to be visible and accessible. Residential entrances: In mixed-use projects with a residential component, design residential entrances to be separate and clearly distinguishable from commercial entrances or office lobbies. Street fronting residential entrances are allowed in areas designated as Mixed -Use Downtown and Mixed-Use Transitional. 2 City records indicate that the primary structure at 287 Old Bernal Avenue to be approximatley18 feet tall.