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Planning Commission votes to recommend general-plan and zoning-code amendments to implement SB 9
Summary
The commission voted unanimously to recommend City Council adoption of a general-plan amendment and ordinance amending the Piedmont City Code to implement state housing laws (referenced in the record as SB 9 and related provisions). Staff urged the commission to find the amendments exempt from CEQA and scheduled city hearings in August.
The Piedmont Planning Commission on July 14 recommended that the City Council adopt a general-plan amendment and zoning-code changes staff said are needed to implement state housing laws commonly referred to in the staff presentation as SB 9 and related statutes. Senior Planner Pierce McDonnell presented the package and said staff recommends the commission find the drafts exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act and proceed with the resolutions and ordinance.
"We do recommend that the planning commission find the proposed amendments to the general plan and Piedmont City code to be exempt from CEQA for the reasons stated in the staff report," McDonnell said during the presentation. The proposal includes a new tribal cultural-resources policy (policy 30.3), clarifications for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior ADUs related to lots created under new subdivision provisions, and a recordation requirement for SB 9 lot splits so subsequent reviewers can identify that ministerial rights were exercised.
Commissioners asked detailed questions about parking, minimum lot-size waivers, and how the city will apply objective standards. Staff said state law requires the city to grant certain waivers and that the proposed code text clarifies when waivers are and are not available (for example, waivers cannot authorize construction within required four-foot side and rear-yard setbacks). Senior staff also noted the package includes maintenance edits to clarify consistency between subdivision and zoning chapters.
Commissioner Zuruqian moved to adopt resolutions recommending City Council adoption of the general-plan amendment and Ordinance 782 amending the Piedmont City Code; Commissioner Yee seconded. The motion passed on a roll-call vote of the commissioners present. Staff indicated the City Council hearings and ordinance first reading are tentatively scheduled in August.
The commission’s recommendation is advisory; final adoption would occur at City Council public hearings with additional public comment and review.
