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Planning Commission approves Mathnasium relocation to downtown Lafayette
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a land-use permit for Mathnasium of Lafayette to relocate to 960 Moraga Road with conditions addressing circulation and short-term parking; the commission found the project CEQA-exempt under existing-facilities rules.
The Lafayette Planning Commission approved a land-use permit for Mathnasium of Lafayette to relocate to 960 Moraga Road after staff concluded the tutoring center is consistent with the downtown specific plan and would produce minimal circulation impacts if approved with conditions.
Planner Madison Leonard told commissioners the proposed Mathnasium would occupy one tenant space in an existing building in the Plaza District and proposed operating hours similar to the current location: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Staff said the business currently peaks at about 10 students and expects up to 20 students at the new site as it grows; initial staffing would include four tutors and a center director. "Mathnasium of Lafayette is currently located at 3435 Mount Diablo Boulevard... and is proposing to relocate to 960 Moraga Road, Suite B," the planner said.
Referral comments from the city's Transportation and Circulation Manager suggested conditions such as a tutoring-session phasing plan to space drop-offs and pick-ups and short-term parking signage; staff added those conditions and recommended the commission find the project exempt from CEQA under Section 15301 (existing facilities) and adopt PC Resolution 2024-11 approving the project with conditions.
Commissioners raised questions about the land-use classification label (the staff report described the use as "daycare and educational services" per code), lease terms for short-term parking and circulation impacts. Applicant Abhimanyu Dhariva, who identified himself as the Mathnasium owner, said the lease already provides two 10-minute parking spaces and that the move would increase visibility and proximity to local schools. "Those 2 10 minute parking spaces are part of their lease agreement," Dhariva said.
After questions and brief discussion, Commissioner Hystien moved to find the project exempt from CEQA and adopt PC Resolution 2024-11 approving the land-use permit subject to conditions; the motion was seconded and the commission voted in favor. Chair announced motion carries and noted the 14-day appeal period.
Next steps: the permit is approved and will become final after the appeal period, unless appealed; tenant improvements will require zoning plan check and Contra Costa County building permits before occupancy.
