Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use And Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee reviews site items: transformers, ADUs, noise and screening concerns
Summary
Members discussed several site-review items and infrastructure issues, including above-ground transformers driven by supply constraints, ADU placement and screening, noise and retaining-wall concerns on specific parcels; staff said these items will return for follow-up reports.
The committee spent the latter part of the meeting on site-review matters and infrastructure questions, including concerns about transformer placements, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and neighborhood impacts.
Presenting staff described an electrification trend that has led to more ground-mounted transformers. "So these are now going from underground to above ground because of the supply," the presenter said, explaining a supplier shortage for underground transformers during COVID and resulting above-ground installations by PG&E.
Several committee members said property owners should be notified when a transformer is proposed on or adjacent to their property. One member described an experience she said occurred when a transformer installation impacted her lawn and required access: "They came into my property and I said, I just put in your new lawn, you can do it, but put your machinery on the patio," she said, urging better owner notification and pre-work coordination.
Site-review updates and neighborhood issues: committee members reviewed individual projects including Barley Hill, Hilltop, Perissima, Snow Lane and a controversial property on Magdalena. Concerns included noise and placement of ADUs, skylight and glazing types for noise abatement, retaining walls in utility easements, and landscape screening. Members asked staff to check outstanding site-review reports and to ensure project files include photos and mitigation notes.
Screening and materials: members debated screening options for visible transformers and whether noncombustible screening or setbacks might mitigate visual and fire risk. For some hillside transformers the committee discussed moving devices slightly away from the roadway to preserve pedestrian path width and reduce visual impact.
Next steps: staff said outstanding reports for several reviews remain and that site examples will be circulated by email. Members agreed to add WUI/home-hardening guidance to the site-review template so reviewers and applicants understand both code requirements and best practices.
