Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council advances 22‑unit Walnut Street townhome project using state density bonus; 4 moderate‑income for‑sale units included
Summary
Council introduced first reading of an ordinance approving a planned unit development for 22 townhomes at 300 S. Walnut, including a 10% state density bonus and four for‑sale moderate‑income units; council recorded a 4‑1 vote with Councilmember Gomez opposed.
The City Council on March 17 introduced the first reading of an ordinance approving a planned unit development permit to demolish an existing industrial building and build 22 townhomes at 300 South Walnut Street.
Senior planner presented the staff report: the 1.36‑acre parcel is zoned for multiunit residential and the applicant is proposing to use a 10% state density bonus, allocating four units for sale to moderate‑income buyers under the city’s inclusionary framework. The project will provide attached garages for residents and common open spaces, and the developer proposes new 6‑foot split‑face concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls along portions of the property line to replace existing deteriorated chain‑link fences.
The project design includes Spanish‑Mediterranean architectural elements, landscaping, a common shade structure and barbecue areas. Staff said the applicant has opted to use parking standards under state density bonus law for two‑ and three‑bedroom units (1.5 spaces per unit) while the city’s R‑3 standards typically require two enclosed garage spaces per unit; the developer indicated the project will provide attached garages and exceed the state parking minimums on site.
Members of the public and council asked questions about sightlines, the single vehicle access from Walnut Street and the height and setbacks. Several nearby residents and a planning commissioner suggested the developer consider additional landscaping for privacy or adding more affordable units; the developer declined the request for additional affordable units and said attached garages are preferred by the market and enforced by homeowners association covenants.
Developer representative Chris Sagismen (Bonanni Development) told council the project would likely take a year to 2 years to build and gave a ballpark sale range for market units. Staff noted that building permits — not just approvals — are required before units are counted toward the city’s RHNA totals.
Council voted to introduce the ordinance for first reading and made the CEQA finding that the project is exempt under CEQA Guidelines §15332 (infill development). The motion passed with a recorded vote of four in favor and one no (Councilmember Gomez).
