Commission recommends approval of eight‑unit condominium project on West Mount Diablo Avenue

The Planning Commission on April 22 recommended approval of a package of permits and a tentative subdivision map to allow construction of eight condominiums at 310 West Mount Diablo Avenue.

Assistant Planner Christina Delgadillo described the project as an infill development on a 24,056‑square‑foot undeveloped parcel zoned for medium‑density residential use. The proposal includes a duplex, a four‑plex and a standalone unit; staff said required open‑space, a fire department‑required hammerhead turnaround and landscape requirements are incorporated into the design. Staff recommended approval, noting the project fits within the density allowed in the general plan and qualifies for CEQA Guidelines §15332 (infill) if the commission makes the required findings.

Commissioners asked several questions about traffic, whether the Transportation Master Plan’s assumptions mean a separate traffic study is unnecessary, and whether the common open space would be public or private. Staff and other city planning personnel explained the transportation master plan assumes ultimate zoning density when it modeled lanes and signalization; they said the master plan does not indicate a need for new signalization at the nearby intersections and that any future signal would require a signal‑warrant analysis. Staff also said the condominium open space would be privately owned and managed by the condominium association, not a public park.

Commissioners asked for clarifications as to whether the private internal drive would require additional off‑site improvements; staff said sidewalk reconstruction, a five‑foot landscape strip and a grind‑and‑overlay of the roadway after utilities are installed would be required but no off‑site signal or major roadway widening was proposed. A motion to recommend approval of the development review permit, conditional use permit and tentative subdivision map (exempt under CEQA §15332) passed by roll call.

Next steps include finalizing conditions of approval and addressing building‑permit details as the applicant prepares construction drawings.