Walnut Creek Planning Commission Meeting - February 27, 2025

The Planning Commission met on February 27, 2025 at 6:00 PM. The primary action was the approval of the Haven Single Family Residential Development at 1948 Third Avenue, a 6-lot subdivision with one moderate-income affordable unit, density bonus, and 13 waivers. The meeting also included the adoption of previous meeting minutes and recognition of Commissioner Steve Reiser's resignation.

Consent Calendar

• Adoption of Meeting Minutes (January 23, 2025): Approved unanimously by roll call vote (6-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Cynthia Schneider and Jim Gerendis (741 Thomas Lane): Expressed concerns about privacy from lot 4, which abuts their property with a 3.5-foot setback. They also worried about potential damage to their redwood trees (three 75-foot trees) during construction and requested that trees on their property be protected.
• Terry Edwards (neighbor since 1992): Opposed the high density, stating six lots on a half-acre is "incredible" and raised fire safety concerns due to close proximity of houses.
• Steve Collins (owner of adjacent property at 1958-1962 Third Avenue, low-income tenants): Asked for an additional five feet of setback on lot 4 to ease conflicts between new and existing residents.
• Jonathan Spiegel (1951 Third Avenue): Supported single-family homes but questioned equity of adding one moderate-income unit while casting three groups of working people into "perpetual shade." Echoed request for more space.
• Rob Johnson (1910 Third Avenue): Questioned why homes were so large and close together, suggesting four smaller homes instead. Applicant responded that shrinking homes would make the project infeasible.

Discussion Items

• Staff Presentation (Gerardo Victoria, Assistant Planner): Detailed the project: demolition of existing house, 6 two-story homes (one affordable at moderate income), private street, 5-foot land dedication, removal of 19 trees (3 highly protected), 13 density bonus waivers (e.g., reduced lot sizes from 8,000 sf to 2,600 sf, reduced setbacks). CEQA exempt under Section 15332. Staff recommended approval with conditions including a 6-foot windowsill height on lot 4's left elevation.
• Engineer Ryan Cook: Explained drainage: bioretention basin in northeast corner (historical low point) cannot be relocated due to sewer easement restrictions. Stormwater treatment for 10-year event; detention pipes meter flow to pre-project conditions. Grading plan maintains existing elevations to protect adjacent trees.
• Applicant (CM Ozami, Haven Development): Addressed design review commission recommendations: changed wood wall to concrete, increased fence height to 7 feet, added architectural detailing, smaller windows. Planting 10 new trees (6 protected species). Defended project feasibility and density.
• Commission Discussion:
  • Commissioner Kwok recused himself initially (lives 700 feet away) but later participated in the vote.
  • Commissioners acknowledged state density bonus law constraints and housing need.
  • Commissioner Ward: Appreciated staff/developer collaboration on drainage and design; housing reduces environmental footprint.
  • Commissioner Klopp: Noted grading plan preserved existing elevations to protect trees; building height under 35 feet (28.8 ft) avoids need for aerial fire apparatus access.
  • Commissioner Nating: Clarified building height waiver not required; height at 28 feet complies with zone (25 ft base + 4 ft for roof pitch).
  • Commissioner Strongman: Thanked neighbors for participation.
• Recognition: Chair Strongman acknowledged Commissioner Reiser's resignation (appointed 2018) and thanked him for service.

Key Outcomes

• Approval (6-0): Motion to approve the draft resolution (revised) for major subdivision, density bonus, design review, tree removal, and tree drip line encroachment permits (Application Y24-051) at 1948 Third Avenue. Included condition that second-story windowsill height on left elevation of lot 4 shall be no less than 6 feet, to be shown on building permit plans.
• Vote: Commissioners Kwok, Ward, Klopp, Nating, Vice Chair Anderson, and Chair Strongman voted yes. (Commissioner Reiser had resigned; no vacancy filled.)
• Staff Transition: Gerardo Victoria announced his last meeting as Planning Commission Secretary; Chip Griffin will take over.