Title
Staff Communication Regarding Building Permits for Block 11 at Alameda Point
Body
To: Honorable President and
Members of the Planning Board
From: Andrew Thomas,
Planning, Building & Transportation Director
Subject: Block 11 at Alameda Point Building Plan Check.
Block 11 at Alameda Point is in the Building Permit plan check process with the City of Alameda. Recently, the property owners, UDR notified the City (see exhibit 1) that they plan to make two changes to the building design:
1. They plan to convert the building to “all electric”. Staff supports this change because it is consistent with the Climate Action Plan and the recently approved “Electrification Ordinance. Since the project is subject to a previously approved Development Agreement, the applicants are not required to build all electric.
2. They plan to remove the large “Alameda Point” sign from the roof of the building. Staff supports the change for the reasons stated in the letter (Exhibit 1). The building was the first building to be approved at Alameda Point by the Planning Board, but due to cost issues, construction has not been able to proceed. Therefore, staff is comfortable with the removal of the large sign from the building roof.
Staff is prepared to find that these changes are in substantial compliance with the Planning Board’s Design Review approvals for the building and approve the changes to the construction plans.
If the Planning Board disagrees with this staff determination, staff will schedule a Design Review Amendment public hearing for September. If the Planning Board agrees with the determination, no future action is necessary, and staff will proceed with the Building Permit plan check.
Staff recommends that Planning Board concur with the Staff determination that the changes do not warrant a Design Review application amendment.
Exhibit:
1. UDR Letter