Planning Commission recommends City Council amend general plan, rezone 781 S. Wolf Road for eight homes amid neighbor traffic concerns

The Planning Commission on May 27 recommended that City Council amend the General Plan and rezone 781 South Wolf Road to allow a modest increase in housing density that would enable a conceptual plan for eight two‑story single‑family homes.

Project planner Astha Warshish told commissioners the site is roughly 30,000 square feet, currently designated low‑density residential and zoned R0; the applicant requested a general plan change to low‑medium density residential and rezoning to R2 with a plan‑development overlay. Staff said R2 would allow up to 12 dwelling units per acre, and given the parcel is smaller than an acre the conceptual maximum yields about eight units. Staff also described a conceptual design showing homes with an average lot of about 3,100 square feet and an average house size of roughly 2,500 square feet; each home conceptually includes a two‑car garage and two uncovered parking spaces (four spaces total per house).

Staff recommended allowing driveway access from Luster Leaf Drive and closing the existing driveway on Wolf Road, and recommended a publicly accessible pedestrian connection between Wolf Road and Luster Leaf. Staff said traffic division staff had safety concerns about a bicycle connection because northbound cyclists on Wolf Road would cross a four‑lane arterial without a protected crossing; staff therefore recommended pedestrian but not bicycle access.

Neighbors and neighborhood association speakers urged the commission to preserve vehicle access on Wolf Road and keep new vehicle traffic off Luster Leaf Drive, citing safety and congestion at school drop‑off points near Brawley Elementary. Several residents said Luster Leaf and nearby streets already experience congestion, parking and occasional loitering and that adding a new driveway would increase safety risks for children who walk or bike to school.

Applicant Forrest Mozart, who said his goal was to build eight homes, said the proposal would create a transition in density consistent with Firethorn Terrace to the north and that the conceptual design would seek to "put front doors and eyes on" Luster Leaf to improve safety.

Commission discussion touched on state housing law and ADUs. Commissioners said the Commission was considering just a general plan and rezoning change, not a specific site development permit; project‑level issues such as driveway location, tree removal, detailed traffic analysis, and precise layout will be examined later at the special development permit and tentative map stages. Commissioners and staff noted state ADU rules apply citywide and could affect the ultimate number of units on single‑family parcels, but no ADU plan was proposed by the applicant.

The commission voted to recommend approval to City Council. Vice Chair Davis moved the staff recommendation and Commissioner Pine seconded. The motion passed with five yes votes; two commissioners were absent. Staff said the item will go to City Council on July 1 for final decisions.

Ending: With the Planning Commission recommendation, the rezoning and general plan amendment will be considered by City Council on July 1; any specific development proposal will require subsequent design review, a special development permit and environmental compliance as applicable.