Auburn Planning Commission Approves DRP 25-06 for 160 Oak Street on January 21, 2026

The Auburn Planning Commission met on January 21, 2026 — the date recorded in the meeting metadata, although the agenda and staff report are dated February 17, 2026 — to conduct a public hearing and unanimously approve Design Review Permit (DRP) 25-06 for three one-bedroom detached residential units at 160 Oak Street. The Commission also received staff follow-up reports on economic development, the General Plan update, and discussed a Caltrans roundabout crosswalk safety issue.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No member of the public spoke during the general public comment period for items not on the agenda.
• Kenneth Ludwig, son of property owner Howard Ludwig of the Marlowe Apartments at 277 Huntley Avenue, spoke in support of the 160 Oak Street project. He said the neighbors to the south welcome the new development, had reviewed the plans with staff, and had no concerns. He described the adjacent property as an eight-unit senior housing complex that has operated since 1974, is zero-profit, and charges $650 per month for seniors.
• Later, during Commission discussion, an audience member residing at 134 Aolia reported seeing several near-misses at the Caltrans roundabout crosswalk near the Union Pacific overhead structure and suggested installing a lighted crosswalk like the one at Raley's on Lincoln Way and Forest Hill Road.

Design Review Permit (DRP 25-06) - 160 Oak Street

• Associate Planner Laura Stewart presented the item. The applicant, Shannee Tong, requested a Design Review Permit to demolish the existing 1,072-square-foot residence (built 1920) and 288-square-foot detached garage, and construct three identical detached one-bedroom units on the 0.25-acre lot in the R-3 (Medium Density Multiple-Family Residential) zoning district.
• Each unit would include an oversized two-car garage on the ground floor and 1,089 square feet of living space on the second floor. Parking would be provided inside each garage (two spaces per unit, six total). Access would be via a continuous driveway from Oak Street along the northern property boundary, with no parking in the driveway to preserve emergency access.
• Staff reported the project complies with all objective zoning and development standards, including front setback 21 feet (required 20), density 12 units/acre (max 15), lot coverage 29.65% (max 40%), and height 24 feet (max 30). Staff recommended approval with conditions, and determined the project is categorically exempt from CEQA under Section 15332 (In-Fill Development Project).
• Commissioner questions focused on the sewer analysis memo (standard), the setback note, and the lack of design standards for residential structures. Commissioner Lemberg commented that the architecture appeared "uninspired" and said the city should develop design guidelines, but acknowledged there was no legal basis for denial. Chair Hyatt asked about drainage; staff confirmed Public Works reviewed the plans and would require grading and drainage plans before building permits.
• Applicant Shannee Tong thanked the Commission and said she was excited to get started. When design comments were raised, she said, "I promised to not make it ugly."

Staff Follow-Up Reports

• Economic development director Jonathan Wright was double-booked and will present updates at the March 17, 2026 meeting.
• Staff reported the City Council approved a short-term rental appeal for 180 Greenfield, adding three conditions: parking allowed in front of the property, garbage toters in the garage, and no outdoor fire/smoking/fire pits.
• The General Plan update: the draft EIR is expected in April/May, with staff hoping to bring it to the Planning Commission for a public hearing in May. An administrative draft will be reviewed by staff and legal counsel first.
• The next Planning Commission meeting is expected on March 17, 2026, possibly joint with the Historic Design Review Commission.

Planning Commission Discussion and Reports

• A commissioner requested staff look into four trailers located on Auburn Ravine near Eberly, on a property adjacent to a previously approved auto-related project.
• Chair Hyatt raised a pedestrian safety concern at the Caltrans roundabout crosswalk near the Union Pacific Railroad overhead structure. He said the bridge pier blocks drivers' view of pedestrians, and he had mentioned it to Public Works staff. He asked that the issue be followed up with Caltrans.

Key Outcomes

• The Planning Commission approved DRP 25-06 for 160 Oak Street, adopting Planning Commission Resolution 26-03 on a unanimous 5-0 roll call vote (Chair Hyatt, Vice Chair Kramer, and Commissioners Galliart, Lemberg, and Hobbs all voting yes).
• The approval includes numerous conditions of approval covering design review, building, public works, grading, storm drainage, sanitary sewer, and fire requirements, plus a CEQA categorical exemption determination under Section 15332.
• The permit expires on February 17, 2028, unless the project is effectuated or an extension is approved, per the written resolution.
• Staff will follow up on the Auburn Ravine trailers and coordinate with Public Works on the Caltrans crosswalk safety concern.