Council approves conversion of vacant office at 975 N. D St. into four residential units

The mayor and city council unanimously approved a development permit to adaptively reuse a vacant, dilapidated commercial office building at 975 North D Street into four residential units.

Planning staff presented Development Permit D‑23‑19, describing the project as a 2,430‑square‑foot commercial building to be converted into four residential units of about 607 square feet each and the construction of 819 square feet of covered parking. Staff said the project sits inside the city’s adaptive‑reuse overlay (ordinance MC‑1479, effective May 4, 2018) and noted the Planning Commission voted to recommend approval by Resolution No. 2025‑024. The presentation said traffic engineering determined the project would not significantly affect nearby intersections and that the site would include drought‑tolerant landscaping, an ADA stall and an EV‑ready charging stall in the covered parking.

Three members of the public spoke in support during the hearing: Jim Mulvihill, Keith Benitez (representing the San Bernardino County Youth Advisory Board) and Ron Alvarado (First Ward). Speakers cited the city’s shortage of housing, the benefit of converting blighted structures and the opportunity to increase housing stock without new ground‑up construction. Several council members said they viewed the project as consistent with the city’s effort to address housing demand and reduce blight. Council member Ortiz confirmed the units would be affordable as presented.

Council member Sanchez moved approval. The motion was seconded (second not specified in the record), and the measure passed unanimously by electronic vote.

What the approval means: Staff may issue the development permit consistent with the conditions adopted in the council resolution. The project team will proceed to design and building‑permit steps required by city codes and the adopted conditions of approval.