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Council approves 13‑unit downtown project at 333 Franklin with eight below‑market units
Summary
The council conditionally approved a 13‑unit infill project at 333 Franklin Street (11 apartments plus two detached ADUs) that replaces a red‑tagged building. The project includes eight below‑market units, removal of two heritage trees with replacement plantings, and two voluntary on‑site parking spaces.
The Mountain View City Council approved a planned community and development review permit June 23 for a 13‑unit residential development at 333 Franklin Street in the downtown transition area.
Planning staff explained the proposal replaces a previously red‑tagged eight‑unit building with a three‑story apartment building of 11 units plus two detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in the rear. The developer voluntarily provides two on‑site parking spaces (one accessible and one with EV charging). The project exceeds the city’s below‑market requirement by offering eight below‑market units (seven at 80% AMI and one at 50% AMI) and meets replacement requirements for the previous rent‑stabilized units. Staff determined the project is categorically exempt from CEQA under the infill exemption (Guidelines §15332).
The design includes requested waivers for open space, FAR, landscape planting, building eave height and trash enclosure dimensions under state density bonus law. The project will remove two heritage trees (one redwood and one silver maple); the applicant proposes four 24‑inch box replacement trees on site. Planning Manager George Schroeder said site geometry and lot constraints precluded additional on‑site parking beyond the two spaces beneath the ADUs.
Applicant Jenny Kang said the development replaces an unsafe building, adds housing capacity near transit and downtown businesses, and contributes a high share of affordable units. Council discussion recognized the project’s affordable component and transit‑oriented location but also included concerns about limited parking and site hardscaping.
Council approved the permits (vote 6–1, Council Member Mallister dissenting). Conditions require replacement tree planting and standard development conditions. Staff will return as needed to finalize any technical details.
