Albany planning commission approves live-work conversion at 599 San Pablo Avenue

The Albany City Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-0 to approve use permit PA25-023599 to convert the commercial building at 599 San Pablo Avenue into a live‑work unit that will include on‑site retail herbal preparation and Medicare insurance sales.

City Associate Planner Mira Hanna presented the proposal, saying the 5,000‑square‑foot lot on the northeast corner of San Pablo Avenue and Garfield Avenue contains a 2,712‑square‑foot building constructed in 1931 and that a June fire inspection revealed an unpermitted residential unit. “To bring the existing building into compliance with the municipal code and retain a residence, the applicant proposes to convert the building into a live workspace,” Hanna said. The applicant proposes 1,338 square feet for work and retail activities and a 1,374‑square‑foot area for habitation.

The live‑work designation is allowed in the San Pablo Commercial District with a use permit; staff recommended approval with the standard findings and conditions. Hanna told the commission that the zoning code requires the nonresidential portion to represent between 10% and 50% of the total space and noted the permit history shows an approved plan dating to February 2012. Staff also said the project does not alter the building envelope and thus is not subject to design review, but plans were revised to add skylights, improve interior light, and add landscaping at the front and a planted buffer at the rear.

A neighbor, Elinka Bridal, who said her husband owns the adjacent building at 591 San Pablo Avenue, asked whether the rear addition or configuration was newly constructed and raised concerns about prior water intrusion. Hanna replied staff reviewed permitting records and found an approved plan from 02/2012 and that the current action seeks approval of the use rather than alteration of the existing structure. The agenda’s building permit submittal requirements also instruct the applicant to provide a drainage plan addressing roof drainage.

Commission discussion focused on the inspection history, code compliance for bedroom egress and light, and the required commercial/residential split. Commissioners said the conversion would legalize bedrooms that previously lacked required light and egress. After a motion to approve the planning application, the commission voted: Commissioner Momen — yes; Commissioner Pearson — yes; Commissioner Pilch — yes; Commissioner Waddie — yes; Chair MacLeod — yes. The motion carried 5‑0.

The action clears the way for the applicant to pursue a building permit and to meet the conditions of approval, including the drainage plan and the required nonresidential/residential area ratio cited by staff. The record shows one public comment in support that also urged the commission to consider higher‑density redevelopment options; staff said the applicant had discussed but could not pursue a larger project for financial reasons at this time.