Redwood City Planning Commission Meeting - October 4, 2022

The Redwood City Planning Commission held a regular meeting on October 4, 2022, starting at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers (1017 Middlefield Road) and via Zoom. The meeting focused on four public hearing items: two requests for Mills Act historic property preservation contracts, a permit for a home expansion within the Mezesville Historic District, and a public hearing to receive comments on a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for a townhouse project. No public comments were received prior to the meeting, and no consent calendar items were presented.

Consent Calendar

• None. The consent calendar had no items.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public provided oral or written comments during any of the public hearings, as noted in the staff reports (no comments given as of preparation) and no transcript indicates otherwise.

Discussion Items

5.A. 1417 Middlefield Road – Mills Act Contract

• Request: A Contract for Historic Property Preservation (Mills Act Contract) for the historic residence at 1417 Middlefield Road, built in 1883 and already designated a local historic landmark. The property is an Italianate-style home and a contributor to the Stambaugh-Heller historic district.
• Applicant: Noventi QOZ Properties LLC.
• Background: The owner proposed a 10-year improvement schedule (2023–2032) for major restoration, including exterior repairs, painting, landscaping, and maintenance. The Historic Resources Advisory Committee (HRAC) recommended approval 4-0 on August 25, 2022.
• CEQA: Categorically exempt (Class 8 and 31).
• Staff Recommendation: Adopt Resolution 22-03 recommending City Council approval.
• Key Details: Mills Act contracts allow property tax savings of 40%–60% of assessed value; the City’s estimated annual revenue loss for a $1,000,000 property is $800–$1,200. Redwood City has granted 35 such contracts since 1990.

5.B. 2312 Hopkins Avenue – Historic Landmark Designation and Mills Act Contract

• Request: Designation of the residence at 2312 Hopkins Avenue (built 1928) as a local historic landmark and approval of a Mills Act Contract with a 10-year improvement plan.
• Applicant: Matthew Johnston (current owner with Marta Flory).
• Analysis: The property is a Colonial Revival brick home, identified as a historic resource in 1995. A May 2022 evaluation concluded it meets landmark criteria under City Code §40.6 Criterion C (distinctive characteristics of style/construction). HRAC recommended designation and contract approval 4-0 on August 25, 2022.
• CEQA: Categorically exempt (Class 8 and 31).
• Staff Recommendation: Adopt Resolution 22-04 recommending City Council approval of both the landmark designation and the Mills Act contract.
• Key Details: The improvement schedule includes arborist consultation, wood refinishing, brick repointing, window upgrades, and seismic retrofitting. Estimated annual property tax savings for a $2,000,000 home: $1,600–$2,400 (City revenue loss ~$1,600–$2,400/year).

5.C. 718 Hopkins Avenue – Expansion of Non-Contributing Home in Mezesville Historic District

• Request: Permit (AP2022-038) for a 183-square-foot rear addition, new bathroom, redwood deck, and replacement of an existing non-conforming garage with a 521.7 sq ft garage/office at 718 Hopkins Avenue, located within the Mezesville Historic District.
• Applicant: Kevin Holmes (represented by Glen Dodds & Associates).
• Background: The single-story home (built 1945) is not a contributing structure to the district. A historic evaluation by Robert Cartier, Ph.D., concluded the proposed changes would not adversely affect the character of the district. HRAC recommended approval 3-0 on August 25, 2022.
• CEQA: Categorically exempt (Class 1(e) – Existing Facilities) and does not cause substantial adverse change to a historic resource.
• Staff Recommendation: Adopt a resolution determining CEQA exemption and conditionally approve the permit.
• Key Details: Lot coverage would increase from 24.5% to 33.73% (within 60% max). All setbacks and zoning standards met. The project is subject to conditions including substantial conformity to plans, exterior material consistency, and indemnification.

5.D. 505 E. Bayshore Road – Public Hearing on Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR)

• Request: The Commission held a public hearing to receive comments on the DEIR for the 505 E. Bayshore Townhouse Project, a proposed 56-townhome development (including 8 moderate-income affordable units) on a 2.54-acre site currently occupied by Allen Steel & Supply.
• Applicant: Regis Homes Bay Area.
• Environmental Review: The DEIR identified potentially significant impacts in Air Quality, Biological Resources, Hazards/Hazardous Materials, and Transportation, all mitigable to less-than-significant levels through 16 proposed mitigation measures. Cumulative impacts were also analyzed. The DEIR evaluated alternatives, including a reduced-scale alternative (20 or fewer units) which would avoid VMT impacts.
• Next Steps: The public comment period runs through November 7, 2022. Staff will prepare responses and a Final EIR, followed by a 10-day comment period and Planning Commission action on project entitlements.
• No action taken at this hearing; the Commission only received comments.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 22-03 (1417 Middlefield Road): Adopted unanimously (no vote tally provided but consistent with staff recommendation). The Commission recommends City Council approve the Mills Act Contract.
• Resolution 22-04 (2312 Hopkins Avenue): Adopted unanimously, recommending City Council designate the property as a historic landmark and approve the Mills Act Contract.
• Permit AP2022-038 (718 Hopkins Avenue): Approved with conditions (adopted resolution determining CEQA exemption and conditional approval).
• DEIR Hearing (505 E. Bayshore): Public hearing held; no decision made. Comments accepted until November 7, 2022. Staff to prepare Final EIR with responses.

The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for October 18, 2022.