Planning commission approves 87‑unit Sierra Garden affordable housing project with waivers and relocation protections

The Walnut Creek City Planning Commission unanimously approved the Sierra Garden redevelopment, a proposed six‑story, 87‑unit affordable housing project at 150 Sierra Drive, finding it exempt from CEQA under the Class 32 infill exemption and granting requested waivers and concessions under state density‑bonus law.

Senior planner Sameer Gill summarized the proposal: the 1.4‑acre site currently contains 29 units; the applicant proposes up to 87 units (mix of studios through three‑bedrooms), 58 surface parking stalls, and landscape and material updates. Gill said the project is processed under SB 330 (Housing Accountability Act) and that, if the project meets objective city standards and design guidelines, the city generally cannot deny it. Staff recommended adoption of the draft resolution to approve design review, the density bonus, tree removal and drip‑line encroachment permits.

Jonathan Astman, director of development at Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA), framed the redevelopment as addressing aging housing stock and the local housing crisis. "So we propose to exactly triple the amount of housing on-site from 29 homes to 87," Astman said during his presentation. He explained SAHA would set aside 15% of units for very‑low‑income households and that the project requests four waivers (height limit, side setback, storage per unit and light‑court dimensions) and two concessions (reduced parking to 58 stalls and no formal passenger loading zone).

Astman and the design team said the reduced parking is a concession to financial feasibility and pointed to studies and transit proximity to support lower parking supply. Astman added SAHA’s relocation plan: because the existing building is affordable housing, the project is subject to the Uniform Relocation Act; residents will receive relocation assistance and residents who meet eligibility may receive a preference to return to the new building. Staff noted the resolution includes a condition requiring a 55‑year affordability term.

Neighbors raised concerns during public comment about on‑street parking overflow, safety at the Edmond Court/Sierra intersection, shadowing, and the proposed building’s height relative to surrounding two‑ and three‑story buildings. Residents urged strict parking enforcement and mitigation to reduce neighborhood impact.

Commissioners discussed parking allocation and transportation demand management (TDM) measures. The applicant said the building will include six EV chargers and 17 EV‑ready stalls, at least 92 secure indoor bike spaces for bikes and e‑bikes, and that SAHA can evaluate a car‑share option and offer transit-pass programs where funds are available. Staff and the city traffic memo identified existing TDM measures (bike parking, EV readiness and proximity to transit) and noted the SB 330 processing limits the city’s discretion when objective standards are met.

After deliberation, the commission moved, seconded and carried a resolution approving the project, its waivers and permits by unanimous vote. The motion included findings for the CEQA Class 32 infill exemption and the conditions listed in the draft resolution, including the 55‑year affordability requirement and standard permit conditions addressing tree protections and required plan details.