Lafayette City Council Meeting – March 24, 2026

The Lafayette City Council met on March 24, 2026, at 6:15 PM. The meeting began with a closed session regarding litigation (Housing Action Coalition vs. City of Lafayette), followed by the pledge of allegiance, public comments, and the city manager's update. The Council approved the consent calendar with one item removed, confirmed FY 2026-27 priorities, and held two public hearings. Key decisions included approval of a 31-unit mixed-use project at 3458 Mount Diablo Boulevard (with conditions) and denial of a variance appeal for a barn conversion at 7 Lark Creek Lane. The Council also appointed a member to the Environmental Task Force, adopted proclamations for Autism Awareness Month and the Marquis de Lafayette, endorsed Measure H, and accepted a resignation.

Consent Calendar

• Approved (with item 10A1 removed for separate consideration): Minutes from February 20 and March 9, 2026 (later approved with corrections); Resolution 2026-22 and 2026-23 for Contra Costa Clean Water Program agreements; acceptance of a daguerreotype donation; approval of a public art proposal; Annual Progress Report for housing; and a budget request for library waterproofing ($127,372).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Joey Harris and Janine Palmer attempted to speak but had audio issues; their comments were not heard.
• Will Newhart (public comment on 13A) urged denial of the project, arguing the design lacks character and the developer is doing the bare minimum for affordable housing.
• Ramona Maral (North Coast States Carpenters Union) expressed support for housing but urged the Council to impose strong labor standards and ensure a responsible general contractor.
• No public comments were received on Items 12A, 13B, or other agenda items.

Discussion Items

Item 12A – City Council Priorities for FY 2026-27

• City Manager Niroop Srivatsa presented three multi-year priorities identified in the February 20 workshop: wildfire prevention/preparedness and utility safety; Mount Diablo corridor planning; and planning for development and financing of recreational needs. The Council unanimously confirmed these priorities, with a minor wording adjustment.

Item 13A – 3458 Mount Diablo Boulevard Mixed-Use Project (SB330)

• Consultant Planner Monica Ly presented the proposal: demolish a commercial building and construct a 62-foot, six-story building with 31 condominium units, one commercial space, one live-work unit, 55 parking spaces, and removal of 18 protected trees. The project requires density bonus, design review, subdivision, grading, and tree permits.
• Key issues: Below-market-rate (BMR) units: the applicant proposed three BMR units (two very low-income two-bedroom on level 2, one moderate-income two-bedroom on level 4). Staff noted the concentration does not meet the dispersion requirement. The applicant requested a concession to waive the dispersion requirement, and a separate concession to waive public art in exchange for a three-bedroom BMR unit.
• Council deliberation: The Council debated whether the BMR units were adequately dispersed. A motion to make a finding of adequate dispersal failed (2–2). Consequently, the applicant’s concession for dispersion was accepted, and the public art requirement remained.
• Other concerns: Tree protection for a heritage oak on adjacent property, sidewalk width (8.5 ft on Mount Diablo, 6 ft on Second Street), trash pickup logistics, solar installation (voluntary), and massing along Mount Diablo façade.
• Outcome: The Council adopted Resolution 2026-24 approving the project with conditions, including a condition for tree protection during construction.

Item 13B – Appeal of Planning Commission Denial for Barn Conversion (7 Lark Creek Lane)

• Associate Planner Nichole Zittel explained the appeal: the applicant sought a variance to convert an existing barn (1,365 sq ft) into a single-family home with a side-yard setback of 1 ft 4 in (required 15 ft). The Planning Commission upheld the Zoning Administrator’s denial. Staff recommended upholding the denial.
• Applicant commentary: The property owner (Hui-Tong) noted the barn could possibly be converted to an ADU if the two lots (5 and 7 Lark Creek Lane) were merged, but they preferred two lots for family care reasons.
• Council comments: Councilmembers acknowledged the desire but stated they could not make the required variance findings due to precedent and lack of unique physical circumstances. The denial was upheld.
• Outcome: The Council adopted Resolution 2026-21 (corrected from 2026-12 in the resolution) denying the appeal and upholding the Planning Commission’s decision.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved with removal of February 20 minutes (later approved with corrections).
• FY 2026-27 Priorities: Unanimously confirmed (wildfire prevention/preparedness and utility safety; Mount Diablo corridor planning; recreational needs planning).
• 3458 Mount Diablo Project (13A): Approved via Resolution 2026-24. The project includes 31 units (three BMR: two very low-income two-bedroom on level 2, one moderate-income two-bedroom on level 4), commercial space, and public art. The applicant received a concession for BMR dispersion. Tree protection for the adjacent heritage oak was conditioned.
• Barn Conversion Appeal (13B): Denied. Resolution 2026-21 adopted, upholding the Planning Commission’s denial.
• Environmental Task Force Appointment: Derek Siever appointed unanimously.
• Proclamations: Approved recognizing April 2026 as Autism Awareness Month and a proclamation honoring the Marquis de Lafayette.
• Measure H Endorsement: The Council unanimously endorsed a resolution of support for the Lafayette School District parcel tax measure on the June 2, 2026 ballot.
• Resignation: Accepted resignation of Maria Gastelumendi from the Environmental Task Force with thanks for seven years of service.