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Resident asks Moraga council to review compliance with SB 684 and AB 130 for 1800 Donald Drive
Summary
Property owner Steve Williams and a land broker urged the council to review state housing laws’ applicability to a hillside parcel at 1800 Donald Drive; staff advised application options and said staff remains available to assist but retains its prior eligibility determination.
Steve Williams, owner of a parcel at 1800 Donald Drive, asked the Moraga Town Council to place an agenda item on an upcoming meeting to review the town’s compliance with several state laws related to housing infill and urban use, specifically Senate Bill 684 and Assembly Bill 130 and references to public resources codes (PRC) cited by Williams.
Williams told the council he had provided copies of the statutes and requested a review at the council’s Oct. 8 hearing. He said he believes the parcel is surrounded by urban uses and argued that the town’s website lacks guidance documents (for example, a home-design checklist) required or expected under SB 684.
Peter Gillis, a local land broker, supported Williams and said a previous planning review had initially suggested staff support but ultimately deemed the property ineligible for the SB 684 lot split. Gillis described paying town fees ($8,200 initially, then $4,100 for revised review) and said the planning response that the parcel was “not substantially surrounded” came after the fees were charged. He urged the council to consider the town’s consistency with state law and to allow applicants to get an application deemed complete so statutory timelines apply.
Town Manager Scott Mitnick responded that, because the matter was not on the agenda, staff could not discuss all details but provided background. He reiterated Moraga’s record on housing: the town received a certified housing element from the California Department of Housing and Community Development in September 2023 and has rezoned infill sites to accommodate regional housing needs. Mitnick said the specific 1800 Donald Drive parcel has a long history: a single-family home project previously received approval about a decade ago but the owner did not pull building permits and the project was not built. He said planning staff concluded a later SB 684 application was ineligible and that the property owner had options: pursue a single-family application, apply for a duplex/multifamily project with design review, or submit an SB 684 application again and, if denied, appeal to the planning commission and potentially the council.
Mitnick said staff would meet with the property owner to review the options and, if necessary, update the town website to supply clearer guidance on state law compliance. No formal action or vote was taken; the council heard public comment and staff offered follow-up assistance.
