Walnut Creek Planning Commission Meeting - August 27, 2026

The Walnut Creek Planning Commission met on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. The meeting was chaired by Pamela Nieting, with Vice Chair Molly P. Clopp and Commissioners Brendan Moran, Cherise Khaund, and Ken Strongman present. Commissioners Brandt Andersson and Steven Kwok were absent. The meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m. The Commission unanimously approved three conditional use permits and a mixed-use development after public hearings.

Consent Calendar

• No items were on the consent calendar.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comment was received for items not on the agenda.
• For Item 4c (1532 Mt. Diablo Mixed-Use Development), four members of the public spoke:
  • William Smith expressed support for the project, noting its location in the city center and affordable housing component, but cautioned that one affordable unit per market-rate unit is insufficient to address the housing crisis.
  • Craig Lazereti (representing the Housing Action Coalition and YIMBY organizations) expressed strong support, stating the project would make a significant dent in the regional housing shortage and praised the city’s leadership.
  • Brianna Morales (Housing Action Coalition) expressed support, emphasizing the need for 104 new homes (14 affordable) and the activation of underutilized land, and commended the project team’s responsiveness to design review feedback.
  • Ethan Ramirez, a longtime Walnut Creek resident, expressed opposition to the building’s aesthetics, describing it as “plain, cheap, and a monstrosity” that does not match the city’s luxury atmosphere, though he stated he was not against the project itself.

Discussion Items

• Item 4a: Green Oasis Day Spa Conditional Use Permit (CUP Y25-040) – Located at 1830 Mt. Diablo Blvd., the applicant proposed a 1,492-square-foot day spa in a vacant building. Staff (Gerardo Victoria) presented the project, including a parking study showing five stalls would meet demand, a shared parking agreement, and restriping from 10 to 13 stalls. The applicant Eddie Salem spoke, noting the property had been vacant for four-and-a-half years and the spa would offer massage, cosmetology, and hair services. Commissioner discussion included questions about vacancy duration and parking efficiency. The public hearing was opened and closed with no additional public comment. The Commission deliberated and approved the permit.

• Item 4b: Rez Alterations Tailor Conditional Use Permit (CUP Y25-041) – Located at 1828 Mt. Diablo Blvd., the applicant proposed an 800-square-foot tailor shop. Staff presented similar context, with a shared parking agreement and the same parking study. Applicant Eddie Salem spoke, noting the business is family-operated by a former Nordstrom tailor. Commissioner Moran commented positively on filling a long-vacant space with local small businesses. No public comment was received. The Commission unanimously approved the permit.

• Item 4c: 1532 Mt. Diablo Mixed-Use Development (CUP and Design Review Y25-050) – This was the major item of the evening. Staff (Steven Cook) presented a proposed eight-story, 110,970-square-foot mixed-use building with 104 residential units (14 affordable), 8,483 square feet of ground-floor commercial retail, a publicly accessible outdoor paseo, a fitness center, and two levels of underground parking (49 residential-only stalls). The project is subject to State Density Bonus Law: based on a base density of 60 units (via a volumetric study due to no applicable density standard), the project qualifies for a 77.5% density bonus (maximum 107 units), but the applicant voluntarily reduced to 104 units to improve design. The applicant requested six waivers (height up to 89 ft vs. 50 ft; sidewalk setback reduced to 10 ft 7 in vs. 15 ft; modified setbacks on Commercial Lane; reduced ground-floor height in rear; elimination of passenger loading zone; and reduced paseo width) and three concessions (reduced private outdoor space, reduced parking, modified parking dimensions). The project qualifies for a Class 32 CEQA exemption (infill). The applicant team (Mark Loper, attorney; Steve Perry, architect) presented the design, emphasizing a brick facade, a perforated brick wall for the courtyard, and a reduction from 8 to 7 stories along Mount Diablo to improve compatibility. Commissioners discussed parking adequacy, EV charging (10% of spaces), bike parking (secure in lobby), and pedestrian safety. Commissioners also questioned the volumetric study, HCD correspondence, and the water supply finding. After public comment, the Commission deliberated and approved the project.

Key Outcomes

• Item 4a (Green Oasis Day Spa): Motion by Vice Chair Clopp, second by Commissioner Strongman. Unanimously carried (5-0) to adopt Resolution No. 4019 approving the Conditional Use Permit (CUP Y25-040).
• Item 4b (Rez Alterations Tailor): Motion by Commissioner Khaund, second by Commissioner Strongman. Unanimously carried (5-0) to adopt Resolution No. 4020 approving the Conditional Use Permit (CUP Y25-041).
• Item 4c (1532 Mt. Diablo Mixed-Use Development): Motion by Commissioner Moran, second by Vice Chair Clopp. Unanimously carried (5-0) to adopt Resolution No. 4021 approving the Conditional Use Permit and Design Review for the mixed-use development (104 units, 14 affordable, 8,483 sq ft commercial).
• Commission Considerations: Chair Nieting introduced three topics for future consideration:
  1. Requiring affordable development applications to identify which units will be deed-restricted and at what income level (AMI) before entitlement, to increase transparency.
  2. Acknowledging that including environmental studies (e.g., CEQA Class 32 reports) in agenda packets is helpful.
  3. Exploring whether certain office and personal service uses should be permitted by right rather than requiring a Conditional Use Permit, to reduce administrative burden. Staff noted this discussion could be held at the upcoming joint session of the Design Review Commission and Planning Commission on October 22, 2026, as part of the General Plan Update Existing Conditions Report.
• Staff Reports: Staff announced the joint session on October 22 and confirmed that the Planning Commission will now receive the Design Review Commission’s schedule. No other reports.