Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves nine‑unit Clara Street project despite debate over adding a tenth unit and affordable requirement
Summary
After extended questioning about unit stacking, inclusionary rules and neighborhood privacy, the commission approved a five‑story, nine‑unit residential project at 224–228 Clara Street and accepted the sponsor’s voluntary offer of one below‑market unit; the vote passed 4‑3.
The Planning Commission on Dec. 10 approved a conditional use authorization to demolish a single‑family house at 228 Clara Street and construct a five‑story building with nine dwelling units, after extensive public comment and commissioner questioning about density and affordable housing.
Planning staff described the project as consistent with the General Plan but recommended exploring an increase from nine to ten units so the project would participate in the city’s inclusionary housing program. The sponsor and architect said height limits and interior “stacking” constraints — plumbing alignment and ceiling height limits under the site’s envelope — make adding a tenth unit technically and economically infeasible.
Neighbors raised concerns about window coverings, a proposed light well and rooftop access, saying the development would reduce light, privacy and backyard open space for adjacent properties. The project sponsor agreed to adjust the light well location to avoid covering a central neighbor window and offered screening/roof‑access measures. Neighbors requested formalized commitments in the plans.
During deliberations the sponsor volunteered to make one of the building’s units a below‑market‑rate (BMR) unit at middle‑income levels (110% AMI for rental; 130% AMI if sold) and to continue working with adjacent property owners to resolve window and deck concerns. Commissioners debated whether to continue the project to seek a real 10‑unit solution or to accept the voluntary BMR offer.
Commissioner Diamond moved to approve the project as amended to reflect the sponsor’s offer and the condition that the sponsor continue working with neighbors on light‑well and roof‑deck issues. The motion passed 4‑3 (Tanner, Diamond, Fung and President Koppel in favor; Chan, Imperial and Moore opposed).
The approval includes a finding recognizing the sponsor’s volunteered BMR unit and conditions requiring continued coordination with adjacent property owners and plan updates to reflect agreed design adjustments. Because the project totals nine units, it is not automatically subject to the city’s inclusionary program; the voluntary offer is memorialized in the commission’s finding rather than as an enforceable inclusionary condition.
