3B Public Hearing 2011 1121 - Laserfiche WebLink

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File Number: 11 -343 The General Plan's Land Use Diagram designates the site as Office. In order to allow for this multi - family residential project, proposed with a density of 23 dwelling units per acre, the General Plan Land Use map is proposed to be amended to a residential designation that would support this residential density. Given that the Washington Avenue vicinity oriented to the north, south and east of the site is high density residential, a modification to the General Plan Land Use Map to a Residential designation is an appropriate action. Staff proposes a General Plan Amendment to High Density Residential (which allows from 19 to 25 units per acre) and a Rezone to RM -1800 Residential Multi - Family (where the allowed density is up to 24 units per acre.) In addition, minor exceptions are requested to the Zoning regulations for the RM District, including an exception to the minimum setbacks. To address these exceptions, the application will be processed as a Planned Development, which allows for leniency in development standards in return for higher - quality aesthetic and site development. Based upon the recommended General Plan Map Amendment for the site from Office to High Density Residential, the proposal is consistent with City goals, objectives and policies related to housing and land uses outlined in the General Plan. The project increases the housing supply in a manner that will be compatible with the existing area. The development will result in an improvement in appearance to the property, which is currently underutilized. In addition to aesthetic quality, the new apartment buildings will be designed, constructed and equipped to provide an adequate level of safety and security for the residents. Furthermore, the site will be adequately served with public services, including utilities. Findings of Fact for Approval of the General Plan Land Use Map Amendment based on the General Plan Chapter 1, Section F: Implementing and Amending the Plan (pages 1 -11) are attached to this report. Rezone The Zoning Map designates the site P (AU) Professional with an Assembly Use Overlay District. The applicant has requested a rezone of the two parcels to RM -1800 (PD). This would be consistent with the High Density Residential which is proposed for the site. Following project approval, the applicant will complete a final map to create a single -lot condominium lot zoned RM -1800 (PD). The Planning Commission recommends approval of the rezone to the PD overlay, based upon findings that the Planned Development concept plans are consistent with the adopted Land Use Element of the General Plan (as amended) and other applicable policies of the General Plan, and that the project is compatible with surrounding development, per the attached Findings of Fact for Approval of the Rezone, per Zoning Code Article 27 Amendments, Sections 5 -2708 and 5 -2712. Planned Development Staff supports approval of the Planned Development for the construction of the 66 -unit apartment development, subject to the Recommended Conditions of Approval as this project provides superior urban design in comparison with the typical development under the base Residential Multi - Family district. Site plan elements provide harmonious and orderly City of San Leandro Page 3 Printed on 11/15/2011