Title
Planning, Building and Transportation Department Recent Actions and Decisions
Body
To: Honorable President and
Members of the Planning Board
From: Steve Buckley
Planning Services Manager
Date: May 12, 2025
Re: Planning, Building and Transportation Department Recent Actions and Decisions
Since the last regularly scheduled Planning Board meeting, the following applications have been reviewed by staff, and public notices have been sent to solicit neighborhood input. Decisions on these applications will be made on the dates noted below. Staff will provide an update at the Planning Board meeting during Staff Communications if changes to the status of any project occur.
Decisions become final unless a member of the public files an appeal during the 10-day appeal period immediately following the decision date, or the Planning Board or City Council call for review a Zoning Administrator or Planning, Building and Transportation Department decision during this appeal period. All appeals and calls for reviews will be heard at a public hearing before the Planning Board.
How to Access Project Files:
We encourage the use of Building Eye for direct access to current Planning applications, real time status, and plan drawings:
1. Click or go to: <https://alameda.buildingeye.com/planning>
2. Enter project address in search box.
3. Click on the Map Marker (i.e. dot on the map) to display the project summary sidebar.
4. To view the project file, click on the “More details” button. A new window will appear.
5. In the new window that opens, click on “Record Info” tab and then click “Project Documents” in the drop-down menu. A list of project documents will display.
If you experience any trouble accessing the files electronically, please contact Planning staff for assistance 510-747-6805 or visit the Permit Center to view the files in person.
Zoning Administrator
None
Planning, Building and Transportation Department Decisions
April 24, 2025
3256 GARFIELD AVENUE, PLN24-0640 (Close of Comment Period: May 5, 2025. Action Date: May 8, 2025. Deadline for Appeal/Call for Review: May 19, 2025.) Applicant: Chuck Voong. Project Description: Design Review - The project consists of a 1’-7” raise, conditioning of existing lower level, remodel of upper level, and roof alterations to an existing 1,273 square foot, single-family residential building. General Plan: Low Density Residential. Zoning: R-1 Residential District. CEQA Determination: Design review approval for a permitted use is not subject to CEQA pursuant to McCorkle Eastside Neighborhood Group v. City of St. Helena (2018) 31 Cal.App.5th 80. Project Planner: Tristan Suire, tsuire@alamedaca.gov. Staff Recommendation: Approve with conditions.
527 PACIFIC AVENUE, PLN25-0117 (Close of Comment Period: May 5, 2025. Action Date: May 8, 2025. Deadline for Appeal/Call for Review: May 19, 2025.) Applicant: Benjamin Louie. Project Description: Design Review - The project consists of a 2’-1” raise, conditioning of existing lower level and a 770 square foot rear addition to an existing 1,300 square foot, single-family residential building. General Plan: Medium Density Residential. Zoning: R-4-PD Residential District, Planned Development Combining District. CEQA Determination: Design review approval for a permitted use is not subject to CEQA pursuant to McCorkle Eastside Neighborhood Group v. City of St. Helena (2018) 31 Cal.App.5th 80. Project Planner: Tristan Suire, tsuire@alamedaca.gov. Staff Recommendation: Approve with conditions.
439 TAYLOR AVENUE, PLN25-0221 (Close of Comment Period: May 5, 2025. Action Date: May 8, 2025. Deadline for Appeal/Call for Review: May 19, 2025.) Applicant: Richard Donahue. Project Description: Certificate of Approval - The project consists of demolition of the existing approximately 581 square foot, two-story accessory structure constructed prior to 1942, located on private property in the rear yard area of the existing residential building at 439 Taylor Avenue. General Plan: Medium Density Residential. Zoning: R-3, Residential District. CEQA Determination: This project is a Class 1 Categorical Exemption and no additional environmental review is necessary pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(L)(4) - Existing Facilities - demolition and removal of individual small structures and accessory structures including garages, carports, patios, swimming pools, and fences. Project Planner: Tristan Suire, tsuire@alamedaca.gov <mailto:tsuire@alamedaca.gov>. Staff Recommendation: Approve with conditions.
1628 SANTA CLARA AVENUE, PLN25-0109 (Close of Comment Period: May 5, 2025. Action Date: May 8, 2025. Deadline for Appeal/Call for Review: May 19, 2025.) Applicant: Ingrid Ballmann. Project Description: Design Review - The project consists of adding an approximately 60 square foot covered front porch, restoration of previously demolished entry stairs, rebuilding of a pantry and laundry room, removal of a small brick chimney and minor window modifications. General Plan: Medium Density Residential. Zoning: R-4, Residential District. CEQA Determination: Design review approval for a permitted use is not subject to CEQA pursuant to McCorkle Eastside Neighborhood Group v. City of St. Helena (2018) 31 Cal.App.5th 80. Project Planner: Brian McGuire, bmcguire@alamedaca.gov <mailto:bmcguire@alamedaca.gov>. Staff Recommendation: Approve with conditions.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Planning Board accept this report.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY:
Steve Buckley
Planning Services Manager
NOTICE: If you challenge the proposed project in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised during the review period described in this notice and in an appeal of the Planning Director’s decision. {Government Code Section 65009(b)(2)}.
NOTICE: No judicial proceedings subject to review pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.5 may be prosecuted more than ninety (90) days following the date of the final decision plus extensions authorized by California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.6.