City Council approves 90-unit Oak Hill Road apartment despite neighbors' concerns

The Lafayette City Council on June 9 approved a 90-unit, seven‑story for‑sale residential project at 1001 Oak Hill Road, finding the proposal exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and granting waivers and concessions allowed under state density‑bonus law.

The project, proposed by Project Oak Hill LLC, will replace three existing commercial buildings and include 11 below‑market units, roughly 2,000 square feet of ground‑floor commercial space, 178 parking spaces and 52 bicycle spaces. Staff and the applicant said the project meets the state law requirements that limit local review to objective standards and allow certain development concessions. "The project is categorically exempt from CEQA," contract planner Jean Iceberg told the council during the staff presentation.

Why it matters: Lafayette included the site in its housing element and the project will add 90 housing units to the city’s housing supply, including units counted under both the state density‑bonus law and the city’s inclusionary ordinance. Council action followed recommendations from the Design Review Commission and Planning Commission and resolves whether state density‑bonus concessions apply and what objective waivers the council will permit.

Most important facts: The…