Planning commission approves 210-unit, 8‑story housing project at 930 Erwin Street

The San Rafael Planning Commission on May 13 approved an eight‑story, 210‑unit apartment building at 930 Erwin Street and two adjacent parcels, approving environmental and design review and a lot merger and finding the project categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Class 32 infill exemption.

The project matters because it advances downtown infill housing under state density bonus rules while raising concerns from nearby residents and commissioners about traffic, neighborhood change and construction impacts.

Micah Henkel, San Rafael’s community economic development director, introduced the application as a downtown project that reflects recent city policy changes in the Downtown Precise Plan and the general plan. Christina Assidio, the city project planner, summarized the application history and entitlements: an initial SB 330 submission in December 2023, a formal application in June 2024, a completeness determination on Dec. 4, 2024, and a revised submittal completed March 6, 2025. Assidio said the applicant reduced a prior 213‑unit proposal to 210 units late in the review to provide resident amenities including a pool.

The developer, Mill Creek Residential Trust, presented project details through senior managing director Mike Kim and architect Isaiah Stackhouse. The proposal would merge three legal lots (545 Fourth Street, 523 Fourth Street and 914 Erwin Street), demolish existing buildings, and build an eight‑story building with 210 rental units. According to the project team, the unit mix includes 44 studios, 71 one‑bedroom units, 67 two‑bedroom units and 29 three‑bedroom units; the average unit…