Title
Adoption of Resolution Approving a Final Map and Authorizing the City Manager, or Designee, to Execute Subdivision Improvement Agreements (SIA) for Tract 8534, Broadway and Santa Clara Avenue. Approval of the Final Map and the SIA are categorically exempt from review under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 (infill development projects) because 1) the project is consistent with the applicable General Plan designations and policies and applicable zoning designations and regulations; 2) the project occurs within City limits on a site of no more than five acres substantially surrounded by urban uses; 3) the project site has no value as habitat for endangered, rare or threatened species; 4) project approval would not result in any significant effects relating to traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality; and 5) the project site is adequately served by all required utilities and public services. Additionally, approval of the Final Map is exempt from CEQA review pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21080(b)(1) (ministerial projects) and CEQA Guidelines section 15268 (ministerial projects). (Public Works 31041520)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On January 19, 2021, the City Council approved with conditions, Tentative Map 8534 per City of Alameda (City) Resolution No 15737. The Final Map provides for 12 total parcels on 1.29 acres located at 2607-2619 Santa Clara Avenue and 1514-1518 Broadway (Exhibit 1). The development consists of 22 existing residential units on 11 parcels (five (5) single-family dwellings, three (3) duplex buildings, one (1) triplex building, and two (2) four-plex buildings) and eight (8) proposed townhome units on 1 parcel for development by Cosso Cabana LLC, Momo’s Rook LLC, Dreamers and Cultivators LLC, Z-Co LLC, and Drumlin Alameda LLC, for a total of 30 residential units. Staff recommends City Council adopt a resolution approving the Final Map and authorize execution of two subdivision improvement agreements for Tract 8534, Broadway and Santa Clara Avenue.
BACKGROUND
On November 23, 2020, the Planning Board approved PB-20-25 and PB-20-26 for the Development Plan, Density Bonus, and Tentative Map applications for 12 total parcels consisting of 22 existing residential units and nine (9) proposed townhome units for the residential development.
On January 19, 2021, pursuant to Resolution No. 15737, the City Council approved with conditions, Tentative Tract Map 8534, upon which this Final Map is based.
On February 14, 2022, the Planning Board approved PB-22-02 to amend the Development Plan from nine (9) proposed townhome units to eight (8) proposed townhome units.
DISCUSSION
Approval of a final subdivision map is an administrative, ministerial, and mandatory action by the City Council once the City Engineer has determined that the final map is in substantial compliance with the previously approved tentative subdivision map and is technically correct. The Planning, Building, and Transportation Department and the Public Works Department completed their reviews of the improvement plans and Final Map for Tract 8534, Broadway and Santa Clara Avenue. The tract infrastructure includes private sanitary sewer, private storm drain lines, private stormwater pump station, sidewalk, curb and gutter, street pavement, and landscaping. In-tract utilities, driveway, play area, and parking will be privately maintained by the respective property owners and/or homeowner’s association. Public utility easements will be granted to the public overall in the driveway and parking area on Lot 12. The Final Map has been reviewed and determined to be technically correct and in substantial conformance with the approved tentative map, conditions of approval, and mitigation measures. Staff has determined that the developer has satisfied all conditions of approval necessary to record the final map.
Staff and Cosso Cabana LLC, Momo’s Rook LLC, Dreamers and Cultivators LLC, Z-Co LLC, and Drumlin Alameda LLC, successfully negotiated two Subdivision Improvement Agreements (SIA) (Exhibit 2), one for each phase of construction and completion of the public improvements within associated with Tract 8534. See Exhibit 3 for Phasing Exhibit. The City Engineer has reviewed and approved as to form. Staff recommends City Council approval to execute the agreements. Cosso Cabana LLC, Momo’s Rook LLC, Dreamers and Cultivators LLC, Z-Co LLC, and Drumlin Alameda LLC, has provided a performance bond for the first phase of the work guaranteeing the full and faithful performance of the Phase 1 public improvements in the amount of $68,000 and a labor and materials bond in the amount of $68,000. The City Attorney has reviewed and approved the SIA and bonds as the form of security.
ALTERNATIVES
• Approve the Final Map for Tract 8534.
• Return the project back to staff for further consideration and evaluation on any specific Tentative Map condition of approval.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
All in-tract improvements are private and will be constructed by the subdivider and maintained by the property owner. There is no impact to City funds.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
The recommended Final Map for Tract 8534, Broadway and Santa Clara, is consistent with the General Plan, the Zoning Ordinance, the Development Plan.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Approval of the Final Map and the SIA are categorically exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15332 (infill development projects) because 1) the project is consistent with the applicable General Plan designations and policies and applicable zoning designations and regulations; 2) the project occurs within City limits on a site of no more than five acres substantially surrounded by urban uses; 3) the project site has no value as habitat for endangered, rare or threatened species; 4) project approval would not result in any significant effects relating to traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality; and 5) the project site is adequately served by all required utilities and public services. Additionally, approval of the Final Map is exempt from CEQA review pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21080(b)(1) (ministerial projects) and CEQA Guidelines section 15268 (ministerial projects)
CLIMATE IMPACTS
This project is consistent with the City’s Climate Action and Resiliency Plan housing policies, which encourages higher-density housing in order to lower greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed project provides important infill housing in an urban area, in proximity to transit, jobs, and services, which can reduce greenhouse gas pollution more effectively than housing built in non-urban locations.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution approving a final map and authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to execute Subdivision Improvement Agreements for Tract 8534, Broadway and Santa Clara Avenue.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert Vance, Acting Public Works Director
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Margaret L. O'Brien, Finance Director
Exhibits:
1. Final Map, Tract 8534, Broadway and Santa Clara
2. Subdivision Improvement Agreement Phase 1
3. Subdivision Improvement Agreement Phase 2
4. Phasing Exhibit
cc: Erin Smith, City Manager