Title
Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of a Resolution Upholding the Planning Board Decision to Approve Design Review Permit File No. PLN16-0232 for the Construction of an 880 Square Foot Accessory Structure at 1208 Saint Charles Street, including Demolition of a Two-Car Garage and Construction of an Accessory Structure with a Three-Car Garage and an Artist Studio. This project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15303. (Community Development 481005)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jill Keimach, City Manager
Re: Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of a Resolution Upholding the Planning Board Decision to Approve Design Review Application PLN16-0232 at 1208 Saint Charles Street for Demolition of a Two-Car Garage and Construction of an Accessory Structure that will have a Three-Car Garage and an Artist Studio
BACKGROUND
In early 2016, the owners/applicants of 1208 Saint Charles Street hosted a neighborhood meeting to review a proposal to replace their rear-yard garage with a new three-car garage with attached artist studio at the rear of their large 22,000-square foot single-family residential property.
On May 2, 2016, the applicants submitted their plans to the Community Development Department for review. The initial plans proposed a 920-square foot accessory structure. Based on feedback from staff, the applicants submitted revised plans on August 10, 2016, reducing the size of the accessory structure to 880 square feet. On November 14, 2016, the Assistant Community Development Director approved the Design Review application to replace the garage and construct a new accessory structure with conditions to address concerns expressed by two adjacent neighbors regarding setbacks.
On November 14, 2016, the Planning Board called the decision for review in response to concerns expressed by two neighbors regarding the Oak trees on the property. Following the Planning Board call for review, the applicants engaged in further consultation with their arborist, architect, and engineer and made additional revisions to their plans. The changes added greater separation between the building and the trees while maintaining compliance with all development standards for accessory structures.
The revised plans were considered by the Planning Board at its January 23, 2017 meeting. The Planning Board unanimously (6-0-1) approved the project. On February 1, 2017, Mayor Trish Spencer informed City staff that she was calling the Planning Board decision for review. Mayor Spencer’s Call for Review is attached as Exhibit 1.
DISCUSSION
As described in the attached Planning Board staff report (Exhibit 2), the project complies with all applicable zoning regulations and is consistent with the City’s Design Review Manual. In addition, both staff and the Planning Board believe that the project has been designed to ensure the continued health of the property owner’s Oak trees. The Planning Board’s approval is supported by the work of an independent and well respected arborist, a review of the arborist’s report by the City arborist, the applicant’s local structural engineer, and the applicant’s local architect.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact from taking action on PLN16-0232 approving demolition of a two-car garage and construction of an accessory structure that will have a three-car garage and an artist studio.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
The proposed project is consistent with the City of Alameda General Plan and Zoning Ordinance.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This project is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines Section 15303, Small Structures, based on the findings made by the Planning Board.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a Resolution to uphold the Planning Board’s approval of Design Review Application PLN16-0232 at 1208 Saint Charles Street for Demolition of a Two-Car Garage and Construction of an Accessory Structure that will have a Three-Car Garage and an Artist Studio.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Potter, Community Development Director
By,
Andrew Thomas, Assistant Community Development Director
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Elena Adair, Finance Director
Exhibits:
1. Call for Review by Mayor Trish Spencer
2. January 23, 2017 Planning Board Staff Report with Exhibits