[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6655516,"mediaKeyId","5387757-bd6c241603cd011c0247a70f41986c83","parentId",5387757,"title","Votes at a glance: Lafayette City Council actions","audioSeconds",3573,"startMs",275000,"endMs",3848000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5387757-bd6c241603cd011c0247a70f41986c83&start=275&end=3848","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5387757-bd6c241603cd011c0247a70f41986c83/thumbnail_275000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6655516/Lafayette/Contra-Costa-County/California/Votes-at-a-glance-Lafayette-City-Council-actions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6655516-4ccb13465379efc186e99e3f8e0cf72d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770491039&Signature=TpxY9QuLgF4I-vDuZH~2NSp3zpnVFGKbDrGYgpEc8AV7JK55hJZliATnlTZ7bdfrmuk1rSJIdZWX03Iayliz8VbyI3E6hgeVsnwcbvlhVdGRm8PXZkw7X4QqNTvATWCS3VS7ICTR~ph-uG1VwPUySsGLspAIKM6xFU-~7sfS~AapAhA1C350b5vCGyQYvafEbP2L5OQhfeCGYgloCs65U4n3pzPJbfg0zgvdYFLMxCO0dHbfXb1m3A1R3cW--FCADWTxzkrqQ--RHu2JWfgAI-g8PHe7iNWiuAN0WyZzrEFQeMAn8M4Ri9TVl36Sl~tYc8v3VntG8UQtzSDw9W4wvQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Lafayette","date","2025-07-15T01:10:43Z","article","The Lafayette City Council took the following formal actions during the meeting (motions listed as recorded in the public transcript). Where the transcript noted only a voice vote, the tally is recorded as 'unanimous voice vote' and individual roll‑call counts were not provided.

1) Adopted the meeting agenda (motion made and seconded; outcome: adopted by voice vote).

2) Adopted the consent calendar (motion made and seconded; outcome: adopted by voice vote). The consent calendar included, among other items, the 2024 Traffic Calming Program projects.

3) Zoning text amendments (Housing Element implementation, ZTA‑125): Council voted to introduce and waive first reading of the ordinance and continue the matter to July 28, 2025. Council directed two edits (vacant‑lot grammatical fix and an ADU cross‑reference). (Motion: adopt staff recommendation with amendments; outcome: approved by voice vote.)

4) Oak Hill Place (Resolution 2025‑38): Council approved the project (tentative map, hillside development/grading permit, tree permit) with amended conditions, including an added condition requiring that the very‑low‑income density‑bonus unit be sold consistent with state density‑bonus law. (Motion: adopt resolution 2025‑38 as amended; outcome: approved by voice vote.)

5) Contra Costa Library Commission recommendation (Resolution 2025‑40): Council approved the recommendation to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors to appoint Sarah Blumenfeld as Lafayette’s representative and Stuart Robinson as alternate. The council noted the recommendation is advisory to the county board. (Motion: adopt resolution 2025‑40 with wording corrected to indicate the council is making a recommendation; outcome: approved by voice vote.)

6) Scribe Prevention Commission appointments (Resolution 2025‑29): Council appointed Denise Brown and Ken McCormack to the Scribe Prevention Commission (motion made and seconded; outcome: approved by voice vote).

7) Proclamation for La Mirinda Arts Council: Council approved a proclamation recognizing the La Mirinda Arts Council’s 75th anniversary (motion made and seconded; outcome: approved by voice vote).

Notes: Several motions included minor typographical edits directed by staff or council (for example, correcting a date and correcting references to the correct decisionmaking body). The record shows unanimous voice votes in each instance; the transcript does not include individual roll‑call tallies.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lafayette City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of formal council actions taken at the meeting, including consent calendar adoption, introduction of zoning text amendments, approval of Oak Hill Place (res. 2025‑38), and several civic appointments and proclamations.","taxTitle","Lafayette, Contra Costa County, California","taxId",77659,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6655520,"Lafayette Police introduce new crime‑scene investigator, detective and officer to council",81,3519000,3600000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5387757-bd6c241603cd011c0247a70f41986c83&start=3519&end=3600","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5387757-bd6c241603cd011c0247a70f41986c83/thumbnail_3519000.jpg","/articles/6655520/Lafayette/Contra-Costa-County/California/Lafayette-Police-introduce-new-crimescene-investigator-detective-and-officer-to-council","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6655520-1919852730cef4d4108014477369a1db/orig.mp4?Expires=1770491039&Signature=F1P0~q3AvUaKdXPzjiJdjbE4jAP~tp~zb~6Fav3ftiJiY-0013LRs1BPkxZ5BmQet~gek79ttDClULDcOwn1tUdNiTT2ZSwTT7V5Jtce28OnrqeKThIilXomHTHI7f2V3hCKQrgmkRd5ua82TiZ1F7d~WhgT3iI8Q19IRYm4WZT-VudrKxfwhK9gVKyRVBOHcihdae1ZovaMwFnqy46oT4mUTnuaubQQuzVl3pU8BWPJPFWogTUecsN6xJSfUD3Jl-aKZfVEo47hSJhptywxLG-7q8X4I8MxW-5lrHrrPzAnNTJt6U41YpmB2SQ6LbzOBvDYvXAeqqL~fZ6He~Pdqw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Police Chief Williams introduced three new Lafayette Police Department staff members to the council and public during the meeting: Haley Cuellar, crime‑scene investigator (joined July 7); Detective Gabriela Giovannetti (promoted to detective after joining the department in January 2025); and Officer Zach Cowan (joined June 30). The chief described each new employee’s background, training and prior service.

Chief Williams said Cuellar earned a Bachelor of Science in entomology from UC Davis with coursework in forensic entomology and has internship experience with the Yolo County coroner’s office and the UC Davis police. Cervantes (staff) and the chief noted Giovannetti began her law enforcement career with Contra Costa County and has served in patrol and detention assignments. Officer Cowan was described as a U.S. Air Force veteran with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and prior service with the county sheriff’s office.

Councilmembers thanked the new hires and asked the department to continue bringing newly hired personnel to meetings so the public can meet them. A resident, Jim (public speaker), welcomed the hires and thanked them for their service.

No formal council action was required or taken. The introductions were informational and intended to familiarize the council and community with the new staff.","Lafayette Police Chief introduced three new department employees — a crime scene investigator, a new detective and a patrol officer — and council and members of the public welcomed them to the department.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6655525,"Lafayette announces ADU Accelerator rebate program; city congratulates businesses recognized by Diablo Magazine",0,3373000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5387757-bd6c241603cd011c0247a70f41986c83&start=3373&end=3373","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5387757-bd6c241603cd011c0247a70f41986c83/thumbnail_3373000.jpg","/articles/6655525/Lafayette/Contra-Costa-County/California/Lafayette-announces-ADU-Accelerator-rebate-program-city-congratulates-businesses-recognized-by-Diablo-Magazine","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6655525-8aadf33a19864fe7bb00b15af8cf5c98/orig.mp4?Expires=1770491039&Signature=GPdJJN7C-Yvki4GpbfbI8JOXuFQtgq2rwJNg3k1XaaylL0qZdn9XSNDyapnkzDrlGrIKt4Asgh8Jvu4nzJ4KamBgtfuwDWapKG8RwMkqPh9FnGBlD-v89wPoZhErIyCzM7bqaYFH829FLyUqOYt1wpqnQmmgS5MH0YNdQHtysT8sB7QZ-uapBWnMRXL-W6CHucNsWmJflbsX3CrRo9N8t6FIvsp3wO77~s4Mfah8958EsYGteakqIGuhqsZkkKX3yO~-SzCmb~24N~uLBm31zuTOOt4fu18aKC7yllV4gmNskVMyU5fL2x0cfQ9y7DiEuLCHn9t2vnWutQJHzCPXvQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the start of the meeting the city manager delivered a routine update, announcing a newly launched ADU Accelerator rebate program and congratulating a slate of Lafayette businesses honored by Diablo Magazine.

The manager said the ADU Accelerator includes approximately $50,000 in rebates for homeowners who obtain permits to build accessory dwelling units. Eligibility requires submission of construction plans and a requirement that the ADU be completed within 18 months of permit issuance; interested residents were directed to contact the planning department for program details.

The city manager also read aloud a list of local businesses that were recognized in Diablo Magazine’s 'Best of the East Bay' issue, congratulating establishments including Town Hall Theatre, Lafayette Park Hotel, Diablo Foods, First Mile Cycle Works, La Mirinda Music, and others listed in the city packet. No formal council action was taken on the announcements.","City Manager said Lafayette launched an ADU Accelerator with about $50,000 in rebates for homeowners who pull ADU permits and complete construction within 18 months; the manager also read a list of local businesses recognized in Diablo Magazine's 'Best of the East Bay.'",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6655530,"Council introduces zoning text amendments to implement certified housing element, approves two clarifying edits",1000,3273000,4273000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5387757-bd6c241603cd011c0247a70f41986c83&start=3273&end=4273","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5387757-bd6c241603cd011c0247a70f41986c83/thumbnail_3273000.jpg","/articles/6655530/Lafayette/Contra-Costa-County/California/Council-introduces-zoning-text-amendments-to-implement-certified-housing-element-approves-two-clarifying-edits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6655530-0bd84b32092bb5c422ade1e99503f583/orig.mp4?Expires=1770491039&Signature=HppZb~i9U38SWsgO7dDNYLiP6JR9FJtb5Mk4OeBXf3AZisScw-JV66wwtQSQotspJgXx1FlrSOr5ApZA6k4JI8Jzzk9wrl5tignWeIRolIBO0c~3rSckBLNmigyZcrNBD~Tr93HPDEon5MDCqKxwJ-AGaGrCbyv4lOPi2AEBJQhk5jInyV4hr38oh4HRUB9Km1vBD6cf9DdrzIUl7PK4SMmuN3OI-psBNy7vX0BH8c9HqfwxQ~vpSYPZuamIf1MjSOpzQ7BXlgmTJ6ZvBnJ5RMASKhD-RE87-yF8znysy2B6wLEIP5TG8Tmz4ns0mnpGXPXwEFjADt1dAb3YSg9~8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lafayette City Council held a public hearing and voted to introduce (and waive first reading of) zoning text amendments intended to implement several programs from the city’s certified 6th‑cycle housing element.

Senior Planner Stephanie Cervantes outlined the package — described in the staff report as “Zoning Text Amendment 125” — which updates definitions (including family and farmworker housing), adds an activity classification for boarding houses, revises general provisions to conform with post‑2014 state law changes, incorporates the zoning table into the ordinance, clarifies emergency shelter and reasonable‑accommodation language to align with state law, updates the inclusionary housing chapter and clarifies SB 9/SB 330‑related provisions.

Cervantes said the amendments implement roughly eight housing‑element programs, remove unused agricultural district code sections, and update multiple chapters (6.6‑3, 6‑4, 6‑7, 6‑13, 6‑34, 6‑35, 6‑37 and 6‑38). She told the council the amendments had been reviewed by the Planning Commission in April and June and recommended moving the ordinance forward for public review.

Councilmembers asked clarifying questions about the boarding‑house definition (staff said the prohibition is intended to avoid future conflicts), the removal of a finding from the reasonable‑accommodation section (staff said state law prohibits using subjective neighborhood‑impact factors in finding determinations) and whether ADU height limits still apply (staff explained height limits for ADUs are maintained in the ADU ordinance and the zoning amendment clarifies which code section governs ADU height when an SB 9 application is involved).

During deliberation the council approved staff’s motion to introduce and waive first reading and continue the matter to July 28 for second reading and adoption, with two edits: a grammatical change in the vacant‑lot definition (parallel phrasing) and a cross‑reference to the ADU ordinance to clarify ADU height limitations when SB 9 or other applications intersect. The motion was approved by voice vote.

Staff noted there were no public speakers on the item. The package will return on July 28 for second reading and formal adoption, with the edits directed by the council.","Lafayette city staff presented zoning‑text amendments implementing eight housing‑element programs; the council voted to introduce the ordinance, with two edits: a grammatical fix to the vacant‑lot definition and an added cross‑reference for ADU height rules.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6655535,"Lafayette council approves Oak Hill Place subdivision, preserving 100‑year‑old valley oak",2511,4737000,7248000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5387757-bd6c241603cd011c0247a70f41986c83&start=4737&end=7248","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5387757-bd6c241603cd011c0247a70f41986c83/thumbnail_4737000.jpg","/articles/6655535/Lafayette/Contra-Costa-County/California/Lafayette-council-approves-Oak-Hill-Place-subdivision-preserving-100yearold-valley-oak","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6655535-27d0f66e547811b0dc97e333dbd843ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1770491039&Signature=MnDL~Croq8b~EXhqLPokY0wNat2S~tUfkcPgB-l88E4vi5c0YREEY4tDwukyWMgFIRr6okxE2PRyvgRtJSjyy3YDCLJk2lZzsQpf-lfAnFeusl5EwchWZrZ0ffIAwrPNgG4K04IE~YFjKz8-TZPDrU-seflq-q3tdsJJGEu28RvEBMKHUwyN3u9qhTYORj286GB3LkEWQaaZgaCBLOaV3CyxVVLU43Lb47adEPL27JzfmwhIUEww235KAoQ1HflSQsU-BS0lr23wgbxTxxgs75jWmdni-yoI3uwy5PpmAq9XUK-PsVI5x-SS0AurpjV9AjG815jn9lAYtu9Wh-dMZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lafayette City Council unanimously approved Oak Hill Place, a 17‑unit subdivision with three attached accessory dwelling units at 3600 Deerhill Road, during its meeting following a public hearing and staff presentations. The council adopted resolution 2025‑38 with minor corrections and an added condition requiring that the project’s very‑low‑income density‑bonus unit be sold consistent with the state density‑bonus rules.

City planner Stephanie Cervantes told the council the 3.19‑acre site has about 2.3 acres of developable area after excluding the dedicated memorial parcel. The proposal includes 17 single‑family lots (three with attached ADU studios), a community park that preserves an approximately 100‑year‑old valley oak, a private pathway network, and a new six‑foot public path along Oak Hill Road. The homes range in footprint from roughly 1,100 to 2,000 square feet; all units include a one‑car garage plus an assigned parking space, for a total of 34 parking spaces.

The developer, Laura Duto, described design changes made in response to public and staff feedback, including lowering certain building ridge lines, reconfiguring the driveway loop at the fire department’s request, and filling a man‑made swale to create a continuous sidewalk on Oak Hill Road. Duto said the project was intended as a “gentle” increase in local housing density and emphasized preservation of the memorial parcel and the large valley oak.

Public comment included one speaker who asked about nighttime lighting near adjoining properties. The applicant and staff said the project specifications were revised during design review to use downward‑shielded, dark‑sky‑compliant lighting and that path lighting could be added in ways intended to avoid light spill onto neighboring lots. Councilmembers and staff also discussed the proposed shared bicycle shed and the applicant’s goal to provide powered e‑bikes or a shared fleet, noting final details would be worked out by the homeowners association.

The project uses the state density bonus law: staff computed a base density of 14 units on the developable area; the applicant is providing one on‑site unit restricted to very‑low‑income households (7 percent), which allows an increase in density. The council’s action approved the project as conditioned, including the amendment requested by staff to ensure the very‑low‑income unit is sold to eligible buyers consistent with density‑bonus requirements.

Council discussion praised the project’s design changes, community outreach and the preservation of the valley oak. The council instructed staff to correct two typographical errors in the resolution and to add the density‑bonus sale condition before finalizing the permit documents. The motion to approve was made and seconded on the record; the council voted in favor by voice vote and the resolution was adopted.

The approval authorizes the applicant to proceed with the remaining ministerial and encroachment permits required for recordation of the final map and issuance of building permits, subject to the conditions in the adopted resolution and any standard permit review processes.

Notes: The council’s packet and staff presentation include the tentative map, tree removal summary (96 of about 160 trees proposed for removal; 64 to remain), parking and circulation diagrams, and the applicant’s neighborhood cooperation agreement recorded with the county.","The Lafayette City Council approved a 17‑lot subdivision at 3600 Deerhill Road (Oak Hill Place) with conditions including a requirement that the very‑low‑income density‑bonus unit be sold consistent with state law. The project preserves a landmark valley oak and will create a private HOA‑managed park, pedestrian path, and shared bike shed.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Lafayette City Council actions

Lafayette Police introduce new crime‑scene investigator, detective and officer to council

Lafayette announces ADU Accelerator rebate program; city congratulates businesses recognized by Diablo Magazine

Council introduces zoning text amendments to implement certified housing element, approves two clarifying edits

Lafayette council approves Oak Hill Place subdivision, preserving 100‑year‑old valley oak