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Commission hears questions about accessory units, amenity triggers and buildout timing for Deering Park
Summary
Commissioners pressed the applicant on whether accessory dwelling units (ADUs) count toward the 2,150 unit cap, amenity thresholds for large neighborhoods, and the multi‑year phasing before residential construction may begin; the applicant and city attorney provided clarifications and the applicant agreed to add amenity language for 500+ unit neighborhoods.
Commissioners raised technical questions about how accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are treated in the master development agreement and whether ADUs should be counted in the stated cap of 2,150 residential units. Vice Mayor Martin and others suggested ADUs could substantially increase potential dwellings if treated as separate residential units.
City Attorney and applicant counsel clarified the MDA language: ADUs will be built on the same lot as the primary residence, cannot be sold separately and are not counted as separate residential units for the 2,150 cap. "The ADU is not a separate residential unit," a planning witness said, summarizing the MDA intent. Commissioners asked for further clarity in writing and one stipulation added an amenity threshold: if a neighborhood equals or exceeds 500 units it must provide two major amenities rather than one.
Council members also confirmed the MDA’s timing: residential construction is contingent on the delivery of 500,000 sq ft of constructed nonresidential space (with certificates of occupancy) plus an additional 500,000 sq ft permitted, meaning the earliest residential units are several years into permitting and buildout. Commissioners asked staff to preserve enforcement tools and return with language that documents ADU accounting and amenity triggers.
