Commissions review SAHA plan for 48-unit affordable building at 949 Moraga Road; no formal action taken

The Joint Design Review and Planning Commission met Feb. 23, 2026, to review a density-bonus request from the Satellite Affordable Housing Association (SAHA) and Sunflower Hill for a 48-unit, 100% affordable housing project at 949 Moraga Road. Stephanie DeMantis, assistant planning director, told commissioners their role was advisory on the density-bonus waivers and that no formal discretionary approval would be taken at the meeting.

That advisory review matters because the project requests multiple objective-standard waivers under state density-bonus law and local rules. Staff described the proposal as 47 low‑income units plus one on‑site manager's unit on a 0.181‑acre parcel across from Lafayette Elementary School, organized as a four‑story building just under 55 feet with about 25 surface parking spaces and bike storage. According to staff, the property’s base capacity is 29 units; the combination of an 80% density bonus tied to the affordability level and a modest additional bonus from the housing element program…