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: September 14, 2026
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:
DR/COAs:
The application file for each project is available online through the City’s ePermit Portal at: <https://www.alamedaca.gov/Departments/Planning-Building-and-Transportation/Planning-Division> (click on Minor Projects Activity and search under the above date). Information may also be viewed in person at City Hall, 2263 Santa Clara Avenue, Room 190, during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Monday - Thursday (closed for lunch from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.). You may also contact the assigned staff person listed for each application below to obtain further information.
Zoning Administrator:
The staff report and materials for this project will be available on the City of Alameda website <https://alameda.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx> under Zoning Administrator Hearing one week prior or earlier to the Zoning Administrator meeting or earlier.
If you have 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
August 20, 2026
3261 Garfield Avenue, PLN26-0510 (Close of Comment Period: August 31, 2026. Action Date: September 3, 2026. Deadline for Appeal/Call for Review: September 14, 2026.) Applicant: Babs Freitas. Project Description: Certificate of Approval - Oak Tree - The project requests an emergency removal of a hazardous coastal live oak (quercus agrifolia) that is approximately fifty-one inches (51”) DBH, as recommended by a certified arborist. The tree is located at the front of the property 3261 Garfield Avenue, with a large canopy in close proximity to the historic property on-site and the public right of way. General Plan: Low-Density Residential. Zoning: R-1, Residential District. CEQA Determination: The project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under CEQA guidelines section 15304 minor alterations to land, because the project involves the removal of problematic vegetation for the protection of public health and safety. Project Planner: Ben Wu, bewu@alamedac.gov. <mailto:bewu@alamedac.gov> Staff Recommendation: Approve with conditions.
2248 Encinal Avenue, PLN26-0545 (Close of Comment Period: August 31, 2026. Action Date: September 3, 2026. Deadline for Appeal/Call for Review: September 14, 2026.) Applicant: Guillermo Salazar. Project Description: Design Review - The project consists of reconstruction and extension of a second story rear deck on the existing 1,176 square foot single family dwelling. General Plan: Medium Density Residential. Zoning: R-6 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 <mailto:tsuire@alamedaca.gov>. Staff Recommendation: Approve with conditions.
September 3, 2026
1819 Nason Street - PLN26-0582 - (Close of Comment Period: September 14, 2026. Action Date: September 17, 2026. Deadline for Appeal/Call for Review: September 28, 2026.) Applicant: Matthew Everett. Project Description: Design Review - The project consists of legalizing the second story addition that was done by a previous owner and legalize the dining room bump out on the first floor and all windows/door replacements. The project involves the addition of 880 square feet (700 sq ft. on the second story and 180 SQ FT. in a rear addition) on an existing single-story, 980 SQ FT. residence with a detached 400 SQ FT. garage. General Plan: Medium Density Residential. Zoning: R-2 Residential District. General Plan: Medium Density Residential. Zoning: R-2 Residential District. CEQA Determination: Exempt per Class 3, which consists of construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures; installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures; and the conversion of existing small structures from one use to another where only minor modifications are made in the exterior of the structure. Examples of this exemption include but are not limited to one single-family residence in a residential zone; and design review approval for a permitted use, which is not subject to CEQA pursuant to McCorkle Eastside Neighborhood Group v. City of St. Helena (2018) 31 CAL.APP.5TH 80. Project Planner: Steven Buckley, sbuckley@alamedaca.gov <mailto:sbuckley@alamedaca.gov>. Staff Recommendation: Approve with conditions.
1336 St. Charles Street - PLN26-0586 - (Close of Comment Period: September 14, 2026. Action Date: September 17, 2026. Deadline for Appeal/Call for Review: September 28, 2026.) Applicant: Joanna Bianchi, Architect. Project Description: Design Review - The project consists of a 466 SQ FT. second floor addition over the existing first floor rear wing for a total floor area of 3,431 SQ FT. on three levels without raising the overall building height or lot coverage or modifying existing setbacks/yards. The north wall has a legal non-conforming setback of 1’-5” where 5’ is required. Extending the wall vertically, with no eave or windows, is allowed pursuant to AMC section 30-5.7.k and l. General Plan: Low Density Residential. Zoning: R-1 Residential District. CEQA Determination: Exempt per Class 1 - additions to existing facilities; and design review approval for a permitted use, which is not subject to CEQA pursuant to McCorkle Eastside Neighborhood Group v. City of St. Helena (2018) 31 CAL.APP.5TH 80. Project Planner: Steven Buckley, sbuckley@alamedaca.gov <mailto:sbuckley@alamedaca.gov>. Staff Recommendation: Approve with conditions.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommend that the Planning Board accept this report.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY:
Steven 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.