Title
Review and Comment on the Request for Waiver to the 100% Visitability Requirement of the Universal Design Ordinance (Alameda Municipal Code Section 30-18) for the Alameda Marina Master Plan Project - 1815 Clement Avenue - Applicant: Alameda Marina, LLC.
Body
To: Honorable Chair and
Members of the Commission on Disability Issues
From: Allen Tai, City Planner
BACKGROUND
In 2017, the City Council adopted the Universal Design Ordinance (UDO), recommended by the Commission on Disability Issues (Commission) to require accessible accommodations in new housing construction with five or more units. The UDO allows the Planning Board to grant waivers to requirements in the UDO, provided that the request for waiver is first transmitted to the Commission for review and comment.
Currently, the developers of the Alameda Marina Master Plan project is requesting a waiver from the requirement that 100% of units meet the visitability standard. The proposed project would provide 92% of the required 100% visitable units. However, to make up for the shortfall of visitable units, 79% of all units will meet Universal Design standards when only 30% is required. Staff recommends the Commission review and comment on the proposed waiver considering the analysis provided below.
DISCUSSION
The UDO establishes two primary requirements: 100% visitability and 30% Universal Design. The Visitability standard requires providing accessible exterior access to the front door of the unit and access inside the unit to accessible bathroom, common/bed room and adaptable stairs, as well as blocking within bathroom walls for grab bars. The Universal Design standard requires providing these same features in addition to also providing accessible kitchen, laundry, and open space facilities.
The Alameda Marina Master Plan project was approved by the City Council in 2018 for redevelopment of the Alameda Marina property for up to 760 new residential units. The residential development ...
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