Redwood City Planning Commission Regular Meeting – June 7, 2022

The Redwood City Planning Commission held a regular meeting on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at 6:00 PM at the Downtown Library Community Room. The meeting included a public hearing to receive comments on the Draft Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (Draft SEIR) for the proposed Transit District Downtown Precise Plan and General Plan Amendments, and a study session on Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) implementation for single-family zones. No action was taken on the Draft SEIR; the study session was for discussion only.

Consent Calendar

• No items were on the Consent Calendar.

Public Comments & Testimony

Public Hearing on Draft SEIR (Item 5.A.)

The public hearing was held to receive oral and written comments on the Draft SEIR. Members of the public submitted written comments prior to the meeting, which were included in the staff report:

• Cary Bloomquist (third-generation resident): Expressed opposition to the Transit District project due to drought conditions and water scarcity, stating the city lacks the water resources to support new development. Also criticized the transformation of Redwood City into tall, dense urban canyons.
• Claire Felong: Provided comments on the Draft Amendments, requesting clearer terminology (e.g., “micro mobility devices”), and noted the absence of requirements for permeable surfaces or restored Redwood Creek.
• Additional written comments were received from the City Manager and forwarded to staff.
• No speakers are recorded as having provided oral testimony during the meeting.

Public Comment on Items Not on the Agenda

• No public comments were made under this agenda item.

Discussion Items

5.A. Public Hearing: Draft Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (Draft SEIR) for the Transit District Downtown Precise Plan and General Plan Amendments

• Staff Presentation: Principal Planner Lindy Chan presented the proposed Transit District (16.6 acres) within the Downtown Precise Plan (DTPP) area, including Sequoia Station, the Transit Center, and the Perry parcel. Key elements include:
  • Office cap of 1,630,000 sq. ft. and anticipated 1,100 residential units (no change to maximum building heights).
  • Reductions in minimum parking ratios (e.g., no min for residential; 1.5–3 spaces/1,000 sq. ft. for other uses) and increased bicycle parking.
  • Circulation improvements (e.g., narrowing Hamilton Street, requiring protected bike lanes on El Camino Real, James, Brewster, Arguello).
  • Design: contemporary architecture, lower minimum ground-floor height from 35’ to 25’ to enhance pedestrian experience.
• Environmental Review: The Draft SEIR identified 18 mitigation measures. Significant and unavoidable impacts remain for air quality (criteria pollutants) and greenhouse gas emissions. Three alternatives were evaluated: No Project, Reduced Development (1.1M sq. ft. office, 750 units), and Altered Land Use Mix (800K sq. ft. office, 1,500 units). The Reduced Development Alternative was considered environmentally superior.
• Commissioner Discussion: Commissioners asked clarifying questions but took no substantive action, per staff’s recommendation to only receive comments. The public comment period ran from May 6 to June 21, 2022.

6.A. Study Session: Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) Implementation – Ordinance Amendments for Two-Unit Developments and Urban Lot Splits in R-1/RH Zones

• Staff Presentation: Senior Planner Apollo Rojas provided an overview of SB 9, which requires ministerial approval of up to two units on single-family lots and allows urban lot splits. Staff highlighted key policy questions for Commission feedback:
  1. Review Process: SB 9 eliminates discretionary review and neighbor notification for eligible projects; staff recommended also streamlining second-story additions to avoid inconsistency.
  2. Floor Area Ratio (FAR): Current “soft cap” (3,000 sq. ft. or 0.45 FAR) triggers public hearing; SB 9 requires objective standards. Staff is studying how to retain intent without violating state law.
  3. Height in Rear Yards: Propose a 24-ft. height limit for the rear 20 ft. of lots, consistent with existing ADU rules.
  4. Parking: SB 9 limits parking to one space per unit, and prohibits requiring parking for lots within ½ mile of transit (El Camino Real or Caltrain). Staff recommended requiring one uncovered space per unit (with setback exemption) for SB 9 projects.
  5. Number of Units on Urban Lot Splits: City may limit to two units per parcel (including ADUs). Staff is studying feasibility.
  6. Affordability: Staff noted that requiring affordability could be a barrier (up to 50% inclusionary) and may require economic feasibility study; HCD has scrutinized such requirements.
• Commissioner Feedback: Commissioners asked questions and offered input on the above topics, but no formal action was taken. Staff will develop an ordinance based on the discussion for future adoption by the Planning Commission and City Council.

Key Outcomes

• No action was taken on the Draft SEIR (Item 5.A.). The public comment period remains open until June 21, 2022. Staff will prepare responses and a Final SEIR for future Planning Commission recommendation and City Council action.
• No decision was made on SB 9 (Item 6.A.). The study session provided direction for staff to draft an implementing ordinance, which will be brought back to the Planning Commission for a public hearing and recommendation. Next steps include a proposed ordinance in summer 2022.
• The meeting adjourned with the next regular Planning Commission meeting scheduled for June 21, 2022.