Auburn planning commission approves three-unit design review at 160 Oak Street, 4-1

The Auburn Planning Commission voted 4-1 on Feb. 7 to approve a design review permit (DRP25-06) for three detached one‑bedroom residential units at 160 Oak Street.

Associate Planner Laura Stewart told the commission the project proposes demolition of an existing circa‑1920 single‑family house and detached garage and construction of three identical units on a quarter‑acre parcel in the R‑3 medium‑density zoning district. Each unit would have an oversized two‑car garage on the ground floor and about 1,089 square feet of living space on the second floor; each unit requires two on‑site parking spaces. Stewart said utilities would remain on site, with sewer served by the City of Auburn, water by the Placer County Water Agency, gas and electric by PG&E, and refuse by Recology Auburn Placer. Staff recommended approval after review by building, public works, fire, police and Placer County environmental health.

Commissioners asked technical and design questions. Vice Chair Kramer asked whether a sewer analysis memo signaled capacity concerns; Stewart said the memo is a standard requirement and does not indicate insufficient capacity. Kramer and others also questioned an apparent 25‑foot setback label on plan sheets versus the city code’s 20‑foot requirement; staff confirmed the code requires 20 feet and the plans show about 21 feet, meeting the rule.

Several commissioners raised design‑quality concerns. Commissioner Lundberg criticized the absence of local residential design standards, saying the city currently cannot deny a project that meets objective zoning and safety standards and that the commission lacks authority to require greater architectural character. Lundberg also pressed staff on grading and drainage given the site’s slope, noting the potential need for retaining walls and civil engineering work; Stewart and staff said Public Works reviewed the plans, found no significant hazards and will require a grading and drainage plan as a condition of approval prior to any building permit.

Neighbor Kenneth Ludwig, representing the property owner adjacent to the site at 277 Huntley Avenue, told commissioners he and the owner Howard Ludwig support the project and said the existing tenants had been notified and would voluntarily relocate. The applicant, identified in the hearing as Shani (Chaney) Tong, joined by Zoom and said she had no additional comments but was “really excited to get started.”

A motion to approve DRP25‑06 was made and seconded. Roll call votes were recorded as: Chair Hyatt — Yes; Vice Chair Kramer — Aye; Commissioner Galliard — Aye; Commissioner Lundberg — No; Commissioner Hobbs — Aye, producing a 4‑1 approval. Staff and the applicant were thanked and staff noted remaining technical conditions (grading/drainage, building permit reviews) that must be satisfied before construction can begin.

The decision advances a small multifamily infill project in Central Auburn; commissioners who flagged aesthetic concerns suggested the city consider residential design guidelines going forward. The commission concluded the public hearing and moved to staff follow‑up reports.