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Planning commission studies 28‑unit Stewart Drive townhome proposal, flags transformer and waiver questions
Summary
City staff and the developer presented a 28‑unit townhome condominium project for 845 Stewart Drive; commissioners asked for more detailed justification for waivers, raised concerns about above‑ground transformers at a former Superfund site and requested clearer sidewalk, accessibility and landscaping plans ahead of the public hearing.
City staff and the project team presented initial plans on Oct. 27 for a 28‑unit townhome condominium project at 845 Stewart Drive and asked the Planning Commission for feedback before a formal public hearing.
Wendy Lau, associate planner, said the 1.16‑acre site at the northwest corner of Stewart and DeGein drives is currently occupied by a one‑story commercial building and lies adjacent to former TRW Superfund property. The application requests a special development permit and a vesting tentative map to build four three‑story buildings totaling 28 townhome‑style condominium units, each with two parking spaces, five visitor stalls and limited central open space. The applicant has submitted Phase I environmental assessments and staff said the developer will be required to remediate contamination before any residential occupancy.
Julia Cotton Norton, City Ventures project manager, described the proposal—s design goals and sustainability features and said the project team is "excited to be proposing a project in this neighborhood." The applicant described a traditional architectural approach with a mansard roof to conceal HVAC and solar equipment, a sidewalk wrapping from DeGein to Stewart to close a local gap, and landscaping intended to improve walkability.
Commissioners focused on several key issues the staff wanted feedback on: the proposed location and screening of two transformers (shown in plans as 8 feet tall), requested waivers to setbacks, heights, lot coverage and objective design standards, and architectural treatments for the east frontage facing DeGein Drive. Applicant Samantha Hauser said the project team would "love to not have transformers, and have them below ground," but said shallow groundwater on the site made underground vaults infeasible and that they were seeking clarification from their joint‑trench designer on the transformers— height; the applicant committed to fully screening any above‑ground equipment.
Other discussion covered affordability and concessions: the applicant said it is proposing a 15% affordability level (four deed‑restricted units) and would therefore qualify for one concession and unlimited waivers tied to the density incentives. Commissioners asked that the applicant provide written, itemized justification for each requested waiver at the formal hearing rather than answering repeated oral questions.
Commissioners and the applicant also discussed pedestrian circulation and a longstanding Stewart Drive sidewalk gap; the developer said it could build the sidewalk to the property line and explore options to avoid harming an existing redwood on an adjacent site. Questions about accessibility focused on three units the applicant labeled "accessible," and the team said units will follow California Building Code requirements and may include chairlifts in lieu of elevators for vertical circulation; additional details will come with the formal packet.
Staff said it will return with a public hearing that includes the environmental analysis, waiver justifications and any conditions of approval. The commission treated the presentation as a study session and did not take a formal vote on the project tonight.
