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Residents question minor-modification thresholds and private-alley protections
Summary
Public commenters raised concerns about the definition of 'minor modification' for commercial conversions and said the draft does not protect private-alley ownership; staff and commissioners acknowledged the need for clearer metrics and potential language edits.
During the study session on commercial-use changes, members of the public raised specific concerns about how the proposed code would treat conversions from residential to commercial uses and whether private rights would be protected. Michael Roth, a resident of Olive Avenue, said the minor-modification thresholds (percentage versus square-foot metrics) are unclear and may not suit conversions, and he urged clearer metrics. Roth also said a privately owned alley between Grand Avenue and Oakland Avenue belongs to Olive Avenue residents and that the draft does not defend that ownership or address trespass concerns.
A resident who identified herself only as Elizabeth asked whether there is any real estate on Highland Avenue for new businesses and whether the city planned to expand commercial capacity; staff deferred that broader planning question to later discussions. Commissioners responded that the changes are incremental and intended to meet housing-element deadlines; several commissioners said additional clarity on the 100-square-foot versus percentage thresholds and cumulative modifications would be useful before finalizing language.
Public comment did not trigger a vote; staff said they will consider clarifications and return with revised language.
