Title
Introduction of Ordinance Amending the Zoning Map for Esperanza (APN 74-475-1-7) and Rosefield Village (APN 73-426-5) Removing the “G” (Government) Overlay Zoning District. [The Proposed Amendment is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15305, Minor Alternations to Land Use Limitations.] (Community Development 481005)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jill Keimach, City Manager
Re: Introduction of an Ordinance Amending the Zoning Map for Esperanza (APN 74-475-1-7) and Rosefield Village (APN 73-426-5) Removing the “G” Overlay Zoning District. [The Proposed Amendment is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15305, Minor Alternations to Land Use Limitations]
BACKGROUND
The subject parcels are both owned and operated by the Housing Authority of the City of Alameda (Housing Authority) for the purpose of providing affordable housing. Esperanza is located at 101-223 Brush Street and 150-284 Maple Way and is currently zoned as R-4-G (Neighborhood Residential with a Special Government Combining District) on the Zoning Map (Exhibit 1). Rosefield Village is located at 719-727 Buena Vista Avenue and 718-746 Eagle Avenue and is currently zoned as R-5-G (General Residential with a Special Government Combining District) on the Zoning Map (Exhibit 2). Both properties are designated as Medium Density Residential on the General Plan Land Use Diagram.
The Housing Authority is requesting removal of the “G - Special Government” overlay zoning district from both properties as the overlay is no longer applicable and affects funding, refinancing and grant opportunities.
On March 27, the Planning Board held a public hearing and unanimously voted to recommend to the City Council adoption of the proposed Ordinance amending the Zoning Map removing the G Overlay (Exhibit 3).
DISCUSSION
The “G - Special Government” overlay is used on the Zoning Map to denote properties under Federal ownership. Originally both of these properties belonged to the Federal government and contained military housing. After World War II, the properties were deeded over to the Housing Authority and redeveloped with the current uses. At that time the “G” overlay should have been removed, but it was not. This issue has arisen now as the Housing Authority seeks grant opportunities to improve these properties. The “G” overlay creates a disadvantage for grant applications because it raises questions about zoning conformance, which is often a prerequisite for grant qualification. Bringing the property zoning into conformance with the current uses and ownership would also help streamline future environmental review by allowing the use of categorical exemptions, when applicable.
Removal of the “G” overlay does not change the underlying residential zoning designation for either property, nor does it change the density, height limit, required parking or any other development regulation currently in place on the property. The request is simply to remove the “G” overlay from both properties as the overlay is no longer applicable. Therefore, staff is recommending that the City Council introduce an ordinance on first reading amending the Zoning Map to remove the G Overlay for both properties.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no impact to the General Fund by amending the Zoning Map as described above.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This is a conformance rezoning creating consistency between the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Map.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This project is determined to be Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines Section 15305, Minor Alterations to Land Use Limitations.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the Ordinance amending APN 74-475-1-7 and APN 73-426-5 removing the “G” overlay zoning district.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Potter, Community Development Director
By:
Allen Tai, Planning Services Manager
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Elena Adair, Finance Director
Exhibits:
1. Vicinity Map with General Plan and Zoning (Esperanza)
2. Vicinity Map with General Plan and Zoning (Rosefield Village)
3. Planning Board Resolution Recommending Approval