Council approves rezoning at 1933 Pulgas allowing up to 62 units after developer offers higher affordability

The City Council voted to direct staff to pursue a subdivision and rezoning of 1933 Pulgas Avenue from RMD subzone 1 to RMD subzone 2. Under the proposed upzone, a development could yield roughly 58 units under base assumptions and up to 62 units if the developer implements 30% affordable units; the developer indicated willingness to provide 30% affordability rather than the standard 20% inclusionary requirement.

Architect Riyadh (RG Architecture) said the concept envisions townhome-style units with underground parking, landscaping and internal open space to reduce perceived massing. He told the council the team seeks to "maximize the possibility of providing high quality, affordable, and market rate housing for this property" and had adjusted massing and put the garage below grade to reduce height. Multiple residents testified that morning and evening traffic backups on Pulgas and East Bayshore would make ingress and egress difficult; the project's Hexagon traffic consultant said the project's additional trips would not exceed the city's threshold for creating a traffic deficiency. Councilmembers stressed that traffic mitigation, TDM measures and specific entitlement-level studies will be required as the project proceeds through planning and permitting.