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Council approves rezoning of Washington Heights amid drainage concerns
Summary
The Fremont City Council voted to rezone 1.68 acres in Washington Heights from R‑1 to R‑2, a change proponents say will enable smaller, more affordable homes; neighbors raised drainage and habitat concerns during the public hearing.
The Fremont City Council adopted Ordinance 57‑47 on final vote, rezoning 1.68 acres in Washington Heights from R‑1 (low‑density residential) to R‑2 (low‑medium residential) to allow attached single‑family or duplex homes on slightly smaller lots.
Planning Director Jeff Ray told the council the proposal reduces some lot sizes to about 4,800 square feet to support smaller, more affordable units and complies with the comprehensive plan and Fremont’s affordable housing goals. Ray said engineering plans include drainage swales and recommended placing easements over those swales so future owners will not obstruct drainage. “Each [unit] has a two‑car garage and two‑car driveway, so it should provide adequate parking,” Ray said.
Developer Corey Christiansen described the homes as zero‑entry, two‑bedroom, two‑bath units and said design examples across the street illustrate the intended look and spacing. He said his team is working with the city’s review engineers and JEO to meet drainage requirements and would build a continuous sidewalk along Westside Avenue.
Several neighbors urged caution. Anna Young Hans said she supports more affordable units but asked the council to be confident that existing drainage and flooding issues have viable solutions and realistic timelines before approving the change. Gloria Triggs said she had been assured decades ago the area would remain R‑1 and raised concerns about a nearby drainage ditch clogged with crop residue and possible impacts to nesting killdeer.
Council discussion focused on zoning form and on ensuring drainage protections are required at the building‑permit stage. Councilman Peterson moved to approve the ordinance and also requested suspension of rules for final reading to expedite construction; council carried the final reading and approval. The ordinance passed on final vote 7–0.
The matter now proceeds under the zoning change with conditions noted by staff; building permits and site‑specific drainage plans will be required before construction can begin.
