Foster City staff proposes waterfront rules and Eichler‑home approach; commission opts for targeted outreach rather than a citywide survey

Foster City planning staff asked the Planning Commission on April 23 for guidance on municipal code updates in Objective Design and Development Standards (ODDS) Part 2, focusing on waterfront properties and Eichler‑style homes. The presentation proposed consolidating scattered policy language into a new chapter (17.15) and outlined potential standards, outreach and next steps.

Myra Blanco, senior planner, told commissioners that staff proposes to "amend chapter 17.04" and to include definitions for waterfront properties (currently proposed as properties within 100 feet of a water body, contiguous even if separated by a street) and to standardize setbacks, bulkhead/riprap treatment and mockup requirements for additions. "Staff will be reviewing these edge conditions... to ensure that the proposed standards apply in all situations," Blanco said.

On Eichler houses (a mid‑century tract architecture), staff reported a refined count of about 254 properties in Foster City and presented five candidate issue areas for standards or guidelines — roof, windows, mechanical equipment, first‑floor/second‑floor additions and garages/carports — drawing examples from Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, Cupertino and San Jose.

Public comment and commissioner debate highlighted tradeoffs. A public commenter who identified himself as Joe Ewing warned that using Eichler preservation as a policy tool could be perceived as exclusionary: "...doesn't the question about would you like to preserve the single story, low profile character... remind me of exclusionary housing policies," he said. Commissioners expressed mixed views: some said objective standards or pre‑approved exceptions could simplify permitting for Eichler homeowners; others warned overly restrictive rules could prompt demolition or legal challenges.

Rather than a full citywide survey, the commission favored targeted homeowner outreach. Staff will send targeted notices to the identified Eichler homeowners, prepare clear examples that define "standard" versus "guideline" approaches and return with building‑division feedback and a follow‑up study session. The commission also asked staff to continue work on waterfront definitions (including examining whether the 100‑foot threshold is appropriate), lot‑coverage calculations that may have included water area historically, and the tiered setback approach for narrow versus wide waterways.

No formal action was taken; staff said it will proceed with targeted outreach and bring draft language and examples to a future study session for further direction.