COMMISSION ON PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
MINUTES FOR REGULAR MEETING
March 12, 2025, CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
The regular meeting of the Commission on Persons with Disabilities was called to order at 6:35 PM.
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Mullings, Commissioner Schmitz, Commissioner Bonsmith, Commissioner Beehler, Commissioner Hall
Absent: Commissioner Roloff
Staff: Secretary Sarah Henry
2. NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
* Speaker Lilian Jewell, incoming Commission Secretary and ADA Coordinator, City of Alameda provides introductory remarks and background information
3. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS (labeled as on Meeting Agenda)
4-A Study Session - Zoning Ordinance Amendment - Universal Design Ordinance Updates
* Presented by Tristan Suire, Planner II, City of Alameda
* Universal Residential Design Ordinance in Alameda to ensure accessibility, adaptability, and visitability of all new housing development
o Purpose of Revisions: exemptions added to streamline permitting process; decision-making authority revised
o Shifted decision-making authority about "undue financial hardship" from Planning Board to Building Official; also limits waiver determinations to narrower context as opposed to multiple aspects of Universal Design
* Secretary Henry asked if this item would be brought back to this Commission for approval after review by other bodies; Speaker Suire said that approval from this Commission is not required, but that he would try to bring it back a second time.
* Clarifying Questions
o Chair Mullings asked about criteria for financial hardship; Speaker Suire offered that past determinations were somewhat arbitrary and so the new designation will adhere to building codes which provide a better guideline
o Chair Mullings asked how accessible housing is being incentivized; concern with phrasing of permit "shall be granted"
* Speaker Suire said that current exemptions allow for broad waivers to Universal Design, while this Amendment would narrow the exemption
o Commissioner...
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