RES 2026071 - Laserfiche WebLink

Resolution No. 2026-071 Page 4 of 7 compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods. The project also does not meet DSP design objectives related to pedestrian orientation, including the absence of a street- facing primary entrance and the absence of active frontage along Old Bernal Avenue. Collectively, these inconsistencies demonstrate that the project does not implement the land use, density, design, and economic vitality objectives of the General Plan and DSP, and therefore cannot be found consistent with these adopted plans. As such, the Council finds that this finding cannot be made. 3. Whether the proposed development plan is compatible with the previously developed properties in the vicinity and the natural, topographic features of the site. The surrounding neighborhood is characterized by predominantly one- and two-story structures with articulated building forms, pedestrian-oriented design, and established transitions in scale between residential and mixed-use buildings. In contrast, the proposed three-story, 34-foot-tall building introduces a level of height, massing, and density that is not consistent with the prevailing development pattern and does not provide adequate transitions to adjacent lower-scale uses. The building's orientation, setbacks, and lack of street-facing entry and landscaping, as part of its architectural design, further reduce its compatibility with the established downtown and residential context. As a result, the development does not comply with the requirements of the Objective Design Standards or other applicable objective standards established in adopted City plans and documents, reflect the scale, character, or environmental context of surrounding properties and is therefore found to be incompatible. As such, the City Council finds that this finding cannot be made. 4. Whether grading in conjunction with the proposed development plan takes into account environmental characteristics and is designed in keeping with the best engineering practices to avoid erosion, slides, or flooring, and to have as minimal an effect upon the environment as possible. The City Council finds that the proposed grading does not demonstrate that it has been designed in accordance with the site's environmental characteristics or in keeping with best engineering practices to avoid erosion, instability, or flooding, or to minimize environmental impacts. The project application materials are incomplete and lack sufficient detail regarding stormwater treatment measures, drainage design, and utility coordination, including unresolved issues related to the Clean Water Program and sewer infrastructure. The absence of comprehensive grading, drainage, and erosion control information prevents the City from verifying that the project would avoid potential erosion, surface runoff impacts, or localized flooding conditions. As such, the City Council finds that this finding cannot be made. 5. Whether streets, buildings, and other manmade structures have been designed and located in such a manner to complement the natural terrain and landscape. The proposed development plan includes a building layout and site design that is primarily driven by building mass rather than a cohesive visual relationship with the surrounding environment. The project emphasizes large building massing with limited articulation and minimal integration of landscaping into the architectural design. The building's orientation—featuring a rear-facing elevation along Old Bernal Avenue and