Press Alt + R to read the document text or Alt + P to download or print.
This document contains no pages.
HomeMy WebLinkAboutDRB 2018-07-17 #3REPORT TO DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
SUBJECT: 3033 Redwood Highway/350 Merrydale Road— Conceptual Design Review for
redevelopment of the existing site with 44 "for -sale" townhome units with garages; APN(s):
179-041-27, 179-041-28; PD(1594) Zoning District; Michael Hooper, applicant, Francine
Clayton for Ridgewood Properties, owner; San Rafael Meadows Neighborhood.
PROPERTY FACTS*
Location General Plan Designation
Project Site: GC (General Commercial)
North: LI/O (Light Industrial/Office)
South: GC/HDR
East: N/A (Hwy 101)
West: LDR
Lot Size
Required: 2.5 acres (minimum for PD)
Proposed: existing 2.28 gross acres
Height
Allowed: 36'
Proposed: 30'
Parking
Required: 88 (44 covered)
Proposed: 99 (84 garage, 15 uncovered on-site)
plus 9 on -street spaces
Min. Lot Width (New lots)
Required: N/A
Proposed: N/A
Outdoor Area OR Landscape Area
Required: TBD
Proposed: private patios, common courtyard,
outdoor kitchen
Grading
Total: TBD
Cut:
Fill:
Off -Haul:
Zoning Designation
PD(1594)
PD(1436)
HR1/GC
N/A
R7.5 (Single Family)
Existing Land -Use
School
Public Storage
Retail, restaurant, residential
State Highway
Residential
Lot Coverage (Max.)
Standard: TBD
Proposed: not calculated
Residential Density
Allowed: 15-32 units/gross acre
Proposed: 19 units/gross acres
Upper Floor Area (Non -hillside residential)
Allowed: N/A
Proposed: N/A
Setbacks
Required Existing
Front: See * below N/A- existing
Side(s): buildings to be
Ext. side. demolished
Ped. side:
Bldg. sep:
Rear:
Tree Removal
Total(No./Species): 15; 9 oak, 6 bay
Requirement: 35 trees
Proposed: 36 trees; 28 oak, 18 bay
Proposed
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
* Development standards for the Planned Development (PD) Zoning District are delineated in SRMC Section 14.07. Pursuant to Section
14.07.03.E, "other development regulations shall be prescribed by the development plan". This would cover standards for lot coverage, setbacks
and landscaping/outdoor area). Building height limits shall be consistent with the General Plan. Standard building height is measured from an
established exterior finished grade elevation to mid -point of a sloped roof.
SUMMARY
The proposed project is being referred to the Design Review Board (DRB) for conceptual review of a
proposed 44 -unit "for -sale" townhome development at 3833 Redwood Hwy/350 Merrydale Rd (see
Exhibit 1: Project Vicinity Map). The proposed project entails the demolition of the existing on -story
buildings and the construction of eight (8) three-story buildings with a total of 44 townhome units (a
mixture of two-bedroom, three-bedroom and four-bedroom) with garages and uncovered parking. The
project would provide 20% of the units (total of 9 units) as affordable, in compliance with Section
14.16.030, and would qualify to request "concessions" to certain development standards (e.g., parking,
lot coverage, yard setbacks), as detailed in SRMC Section 14.16.360.H.3.a.
Typically, Conceptual Design Review application submittals to the Board include a proposed
conceptual building design concept. However, the applicant has presented seven (7) "Inspirational
Imagery" design options, and is requesting that the Board provide recommendations on which
design/materials would be supported on the project site. The project architect has described the
proposed architectural style for the project as "modern/contemporary". Staff has advised the applicant
that because the building design is still undecided, it is difficult to review the conceptual site plan, since
the actual building locations/setbacks might vary depending on the ultimate design choices. Staff
requests that the Board review this staff report and provide recommendations on compliance with all
pertinent design criteria. Specifically, staff asks the Board to consider the following:
1. Whether the three-story design should provide a "step back" on the upper stories to increase
light to the adjacent two-story residential apartment building.
2. Whether the proposed "modern/contemporary" building design/materials are appropriate.
3. Whether the proposed roof deck design would impact privacy for adjacent residential
properties.
4. Whether the location/types of recreational amenities are appropriate.
5. Whether the proposed landscape design is appropriate and the overall concept of an
encroachment into the creek setback.
6. Whether more information is needed about site lighting.
BACKGROUND
Site Description & Setting:
The project site is a flat through lot, fronting on both the east side of Merrydale Avenue and the west
side of Redwood Highway. There are two existing easements on the project site (see Conceptual Site
Plan):
➢ Along the north side of the property, a 25 -foot wide Marin County Flood Control easement
(including a 15 -foot -wide maintenance access easement).
Along the east side of the property (running north to south), a 22 -foot wide roadway/utility
easement.
The project site is bordered on the north by a one-story Public Storage building complex and on the
south by several two-story residential apartment complexes. There are also two (2) three-story
apartment buildings located on Merrydale to the south of the project site (250 Merrydale). Across
Merrydale (west of the project site) are the fenced rear yards of several one-story single-family homes
fronting on Las Flores Avenue. Also, one block south at 3773 Redwood (fronting on Redwood
Highway) is Oakmont of San Rafael, a three-story (35' in height) senior living facility approved by the
Planning Commission in January 2018 (the approved building elevation is attached as Exhibit 2).
To the north of the project site is a creek listed as a "blue line" creek on the USGS maps and is also
listed as a creek in Exhibit 37 of Conservation Element in the San Rafael General Plan 2020. It has
been described by the Marin County Flood Control District staff as a "highly disturbed" creek that flows
into the South Fork of Las Gallinas Creek.
History:
The project site is zoned Planned Development (PD1594). This PD(1594) zoning is specific to the
existing use on site - a learning center for training 120 developmentally disabled adults. The existing
site is developed with three (3) one-story classroom buildings and a parking lot. The site has operated
under a Use Permit approved by the Planning Commission in 1990 (UP90-22). However, this Use
Permit does not allow residential uses and therefore the project site is required to be rezoned to
accommodate the proposed project.
The purpose of the "PD" zoning is to allow innovative design on large sites, by allowing flexibility in
development standards, promote clustering on large site to avoid sensitive areas, as well as other
reasons cited in SRMC 14.07.010. Staff is recommending that the parcel be rezoned to a new PD to
accommodate the proposed residential use on site The required rezoning will trigger Environmental
(CEQA) Review (Initial Study/Negative Declaration), and City Council approval with the
recommendation of both the Design Review Board Planning Commission.
The proposed project was reviewed as a Pre -Application and received comments in January 2018 from
multiple City Departments (Building/Fire Prevention Bureau, Public Works), as well as Las Gallinas
Sanitation District, Marin Sanitary Service and Marin Municipal Water District. The applicant
independently contacted Marin County Flood Control District to review the proposed encroachment into
the 25' creek setback area. The District's comments are included (Exhibit 3). All agencies would again
review the formal application when submitted. In addition, the City's Pastfinder database has identified
the project site (APN #179-041-27 and APN #179-041-28) as having a "Medium" and "High" Sensitivity
respectively, for archeological resources. As part of the formal application review, staff is required to
refer the project plans to the local Native American Tribe (Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria) for
review and comment, and the Northwest Information Center (KWIC) for a records request search.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Use: The project proposes to construct 44 three-story "for -sale" townhomes, with garages (1 -car and
2 -car) and a mix of two-bedroom units (22), three-bedroom units (9) and four-bedroom units (9). There
are four (4) different floor plans proposed (see 11" x 17" size plans for examples). Unit sizes range
from 1,000 sf to 2,100 sf (see Conceptual Site Plan Sheet). The project is proposing that 18 of the
units would be designed to accommodate a possible future "in-law" unit on the ground floor. Roof
decks are proposed but not shown in the conceptual drawings. The applicant's project description is
attached (Exhibit 4).
Site Plan: The proposed project is designed with eight (8) three-story buildings on the 2.28 -acre
project site (Exhibit 5). The buildings are shown as encroaching up to about 5' into the 25 -foot creek
setback along the northern portion of the site. Access to the site is proposed from both Merrydale Road
and from Redwood Highway (via an existing roadway/utility easement). A total of 99 parking spaces
are proposed: 84 garage spaces and 15 uncovered spaces (including one (1) ADA space). An
additional 9 off-site parking spaces are shown along the Merrydale Road frontage (proposed to be
used by residents and/or guests). This proposed parking area is on a public street and therefore the
spaces must be open to the public and cannot be used exclusively for townhome residents or guests.
Separate guest parking is not required for projects that qualify for parking "concessions" in affordable
housing projects, as it is included in the overall parking calculation (SRMC Section 14.16.030.H).
Architecture: The applicant has not presented a specific conceptual design for the site. Rather, they
have indicated their preference is to construct the buildings in a "modern/contemporary" architectural
design. The applicant has presented several examples of building designs in several northern and
southern California communities (see Exhibit 6) and has requested that the Board weigh in on the
specific elements they would recommend for the proposed building design/colors.
3
Landscaping: Plan Sheet L1 and L3 shows the proposed planting plan and details the existing
tree/shrub/groundcover inventory. Sheet L-3 shows examples of proposed planter/seat walls, fencing,
gabion wood benches and bike racks. No numbers are shown on the plant legend, but the applicant
has indicated that a total of 105 trees are proposed to be planted on site (11 trees to be retained).
There are two areas shown as "turf" as well as concrete pavers and an outdoor kitchen to serve as a
common recreational area between buildings #3 and #4 on the north end of the site. The preliminary
creekside landscape and hardscape plan is shown on Sheet L-2. Based on the 25' creek setback
boundary shown on the conceptual site plan, it appears some of the planter/seat walls are located
within the 25' creek setback area.
Lighting: No information about lighting was provided.
ANALYSIS
General Plan 2020 Consistency:
The following policies are pertinent to the Board's review and comment on the project design concept:
➢ CD -3 (Neighborhoods): Recognize, preserve and enhance the positive qualities that give
neighborhoods their unique identities.
The proposed project would introduce a 3 -story structure across the street from the fenced rear
property lines in a predominantly single story residential neighborhood. However, the site is
adjacent to several two-story apartment complexes on the same side of the street (west side).
➢ Policy NH -66 (Design Considerations for Development in the Vicinity of the Civic Center):
Per San Rafael General Plan 2020 (Exhibit 16), the proposed project site is in the vicinity of
both the Rafael Meadows/Los Ranchitos Neighborhood and the Civic Center Neighborhood,
and would be highly visible from Highway 101 Freeway and the Civic Center. As such, the
project will require:
■ Urban design analysis to assure the project's compatibility of materials, color and
building mases with Civic Center.
• Consideration of recommendations in the Civic Center Station Area Plan. This
includes future options listed such as: SMART commuter parking spaces, residential
parking permit program, neighborhood connectivity and bicycle improvements.
➢ Policy NH -146 (Residential Uses at the End of Merrydale): Promotes residential use at the
end of Merrydale Road.
The proposed project would introduce new residential development adjacent to an existing
apartment complex and just south of the last lot at the end of Merrydale (currently a public
storage facility).
➢ CON -6.a (Creeks and Drainageway Setbacks): Creek Setback. Maintain a minimum 25- foot
development -free setback from the top of creek banks for all new development (including, but
not limited to, paving and structures), except for Miller Creek and its tributaries, where a
minimum 50 -foot setback shall be maintained. Setbacks up to 100 feet may be required on lots
or development projects two or more acres in size where development review determines a
wider setback is needed to maintain functions and resulting habitat values and in areas where
high quality riparian habitat exists.
The project proposes encroachments into the 25' creek setback and further analysis will be
needed to determine potential impacts. See Zoning Ordinance Analysis (Section 14.16.080) on
Page 5 for further discussion.
4
CON -7 (Public Access to Creeks): Provide pedestrian access to points along creeks
throughout the City where such access will not adversely affect habitat values. Through
development review, identify and secure areas appropriate for access points to creeks
The project proposes pedestrian access and landscaping improvements/planter and benches
along the creek north of the project site. Further analysis (and comments from other
responsible Agencies) is required to determine potential impacts. Staff is unable to recommend
support for the proposed encroachments without additional information.
Zoning Ordinance Consistency:
Chapter 14.07 (Planned Development)
The project site is currently zoned PD(1594), which does not allow residential uses and therefore, both
parcels would have to be rezoned to accommodate the proposed project. The purpose of the Planned
Development (PD) is to allow innovative design on large sites, by allowing flexibility in development
standards, promote clustering on large sites to avoid sensitive areas, as well as other reasons cited in
SRMC 14.07.010.
When a PD zoning does not allow for a proposed development, the applicant would need to either: 1)
request a Rezoning to a standard (conventional zoning district, like General Commercial or High
Density Residential); or 2) amend the PD to a new PD District, with appropriate standards set forth
specifically for the proposed project. In this particular case, either option could work; Rezoning to a
conventional zoning or Rezoning to another PD zoning that would specifically allow residential use.
Staff has recommended to the applicant that the parcel be rezoned to a new PD and not a specific
residential zoning district (e.g., HR1) in order to allow more flexibility in setbacks and site design.
In terms of density, SRMC Section 14.17.030 stipulates that "the total number of dwelling units in a PD
plan shall not exceed the maximum permitted by the General Plan 2020 density for the total site area."
Density bonuses for affordable housing are allowed if the project qualifies and requests a state density
bonus. The underlying General Plan Designation for the property is General Commercial, which allows
a residential density of 15-32 units/gross acre. This equates to between 34-72 units allowed on the
approximately 2.28 gross acre site. As such, the proposed 44 units would be consistent with the
allowable density range under the GP 2020. Similarly, the proposed height (30') is consistent with the
36' maximum height allowed (per GP 2020 Exhibit 8).
The project is also proposing to design 18 of the townhome units to potentially accommodate a future
"in-law" unit (Accessory Dwelling Unit or "ADU"). Staff would have to evaluate the parking implications
of adding ADU's to the project site.
Chapter 16 — Site and Use Regulations
Staff will require additional plan information/discussion to determine project consistency with the
following Zoning Ordinance sections:
9 Section 14.16.025 (Refuse Enclosure Requirement): The conceptual plan does not identify and
area for the trash enclosure. Comments from Marin Sanitary Service (MSS) indicated that they
would like to be able to use the roadway/utility access easement for their truck, in order to "limit
pushing or rolling out containers, and to limit being caught between building with a long walk".
9 Section 14.16.080 — Creeks and other Watercourses: SRMC Section 14.16.080 requires a
twenty-five foot (25) or greater setback between any structure and the high top of the creek
bank. The proposed site plan shows up to an approximately 5 -foot encroachment into the 25'
creek setback for the north side of buildings #1, #2 and #3, with possible additional
encroachments proposed for landscaping amenities (fencing and raised planter/seat walls)
shown on Sheet L2. The Marin County Flood Control District (MCFCD) staff reviewed the
conceptual design plans and submitted comments (Exhibit 3) expressing concern about
potential impacts from proposed structural encroachments within the 15' access easement
along the top of the creek, as well as trees and vegetation planted within a flood control
easement throughout the length of the creek channel. Further analysis (as stipulated in
General Plan 2020 CON -7) and coordination with MCFCD as well as environmental review is
required to adequately analyze the appropriateness of the proposed encroachments.
_Chapter 18 — Parking
The parking requirement for the project is based on the number of bedrooms proposed. The parking
required (Section 14.18.040) for 2 -bedroom units and 3 -bedrooms or more is the same: 2 parking
spaces per unit (including I covered space), for a total of 88 parking spaces. However, the parking
requirement for affordable projects (14.16.030.H.3.a) requires 2.8 spaces for 4 -bedroom projects.
This calculates to 23 spaces for the proposed nine (9) four-bedroom units, for a total of 93 parking
spaces required by the affordable housing parking standards. The project complies in with both
standards by providing 99 spaces on site (84 garage spaces and 15 uncovered spaces). Guest
parking is not required for projects providing affordable units (in compliance with the City Ordinance).
Chapter 25 — Environmental and Design Review permit
The project should be evaluated for conformance with the review criteria identified in Chapter 25 of the
Zoning Ordinance. This chapter states that the new structures should be harmoniously integrated in
relation to both the specific site design and the architecture in the vicinity in terms of colors and
materials, scale and building design. Specific architectural design considerations include, but are not
limited to the following:
➢ Creation of interest in the building elevation
➢ Encouragement of natural materials and earth tone/wood tone color
➢ The project size/scale should be analyzed as to the appropriateness to the existing
neighborhood scale
➢ Variation in building placement and height
➢ Equal attention to design of all facades
➢ Shadowing on recreational spaces on adjacent properties
➢ Landscape design
➢ Lighting design
Staff finds it difficult to provide an analysis on the project's compliance with the Design Review Criteria
(or the San Rafael Design Guidelines listed below) because the applicant has not presented a specific
conceptual design. The applicant has indicated that the preferred architectural style for the site is
"modern/contemporary", and asked that the Board select from the examples provided on the
Inspirational Imagery Plan Sheet.
San Rafael Design Guidelines
The San Rafael Design Guidelines are discretionary and intended to assist projects in achieving high
quality design. Staff has determined the following Design Guidelines need to be discussed as part of
the proposed project design:
➢ Building Desiqn: Where there is an existing pattern, particular attention should be given to
maintaining consistent streetscape.
➢ Scale: Where necessary to replicate existing patterns or character of development, design
techniques should be used to break up the volume of larger buildings into smaller units.
Transitional elements, such as stepped facades, roof decks and architectural details that help
merge larger buildings into an existing neighborhood should be used.
➢ Building Height: Adjacent buildings should be considered and transitional elements included to
minimize apparent height differences.
➢ Roof Shapes: Where possible, relate new roof form to those found in the area.
0
Building Entrances: Usable front porches, verandas or an overhead trellis can be used to
define the primary entrance and to further define street the fagade.
Parking: Driveway curb cuts and widths should be minimized.
Staff requests the Boards provide comments on the overall conceptual site plan design, specifically:
1. Whether the three-story design should provide a "step back" on the upper stories to increase
light to the adjacent two-story residential apartment building.
2. Whether the proposed "modern/contemporary" building design/materials are appropriate.
3. Whether the proposed roof deck design would impact privacy for adjacent residential
properties.
4. Whether the location/types of recreational amenities are appropriate.
5. Whether the proposed landscape design is appropriate and the overall concept of an
encroachment into the creek setback.
6. Whether more information is needed about site lighting.
NEIGHBORHOOD CORRESPONDENCE
Staff received one phone call in response to the public hearing notice mailed out 15 days prior to the
hearing date to residents and applicants within 300' of the project site. The resident's primary concern
was about maximum height of the building after grading and potential visual impacts. The applicant
also met with several nearby neighbors in May 2018 to introduce and discuss the proposed project.
City Council Resolution 8037 requires a Neighborhood Meeting for a Planned Development Rezoning.
As such, the proposed project would be required to schedule a Neighborhood Meeting within the first
30 days of formal application submittal.
CONCLUSION
Staff requests that the Board provide comments on the conceptual design and site plan, and
specifically address the items listed.
EXHIBITS
1. Vicinity Map
2. Oakmont Senior Center (3773 Redwood Hwy) — Approved Color Rendering
3. Comment letter from Marin County Flood Control District, dated July 2, 2018
4. Applicant Project Description, dated May 2018
5. Preliminary Conceptual Site Plan
6. Sample modern/contemporary architectural designs
Full-sized plans have been provided to the DRB members only.
cc: Michael Hooper, applicant, mhooperp_campusproperty.com
Francine M. Clayton, Ridgewood Properties, property owner, davidjacobsonl01(aD_gmail.com
San Rafael Meadows Improvement Association, waynemrayburn(a_yahoo.com
7
SanRafael
1 N)
216 1 t
http://gis.eityofsaDrafael.org/sanrafael/fasion.php
X ----, Y: — No selection. 1: 3247.1162 3607.86 x 2480.41 (ft)
EXHIBIT 1
1 of 1 7/9/2018, 4:39 PM
—Z—
Z
D
- -- nnnn nDhDAAAAD r`rNr A
(I� NNN N -� NT_
p m-iW��-F rr1 0A=m11r-0 =�00
0mmriim -in StNAr pzrr m
c zi- - I). -Ano �nno
3
EXHIBIT 2
F
V I II
m O 3 N
,,; z TTI N n nl
...... .............................................. D.E.RA R...T...M.E..N T...Of....P..U..B.L.1C...... W.Q.R.K$.
COUNTY OF MARIN Quality, Excellence, Innovation
Raul M. Rojas
July 2, 2018
DIRECTOR
City of San Rafael Planning
Attn: Caron Parker
Administration
1400 Fifth Avenue
PO Box 4186
San Rafael, CA 94901
San Rafael, CA 94913-4186
415 473 6528 T
RE: Planning Referral
415 473 3799 F
3R's School Site, 350 Merrydale Road
415 473 3232 TTY
179-041-27
CRS Dial 711
www.marincounty.org/pw
Ms. Parker,
Accounting On behalf of Marin County Flood Control & Water Conservation District (District) I have
Airport reviewed the preliminary plans for the subject project. Upon reviewing the proposed
plans, there appears to be adverse impacts on District -owned and/or maintained
Building Maintenance facilities. The impacts are as follows:
Capital Projects 1) Raised planters/seat walls, gabion wooden benches, a split rail fence, tree
plantings, and the corner of a building within a 15-foor access easement along
Certified Unified Program the top of the creek
Agency (CUPA) 2) Trees and vegetation planted within a flood control easement through the length
of the creek channel
Communications
Maintenance Prior to approval of the proposed development, the District requires alterations and/or
mitigations to the proposed Development that result in no adverse impact on District -
County Garage owned/maintained facilities. Please advise the applicant to provide revised plans
Disability Access showing no adverse impact on the above referenced facilities.
Engineering & Survey The City of San Rafael uses these easements to conduct annual creek vegetation
removal work as part of a cooperative agreement between the City and District. Their
Flood Control & preservation would therefore be in the direct interest of the City.
Water Resources
Thank you for the opportunity to allow the District to review and comment on this
Land Development proposed development. Please feel free to contact me with any questions at 415-473-
6562 or email at gepke@marincounty.org
Purchasing
Respectfully,
Real Estate
Reprographic Services
Gerhard Epke
Road Maintenance Senior Project Coordinator
Stormwater Program CC: Tony Williams
Transportation & Hannah Lee
Traffic Operations
Liz Lewis EXHIBIT 3
Waste Management
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN REVIEW
May 2018
350 MERRY®ALE ROAD
Baths
-'
RECEIVED
3833 REDWOOD HIGHWAY
FORMER Ws SCHOOL
_
MAY
PROJECT DESCRIPTION=_-
Plan 1
PLANNING
The project comprises 44 for -sale three story townhomes with roof decks located on an
approximate 2.44 acres site with primary access from Merrydale Road and secondary access
from Redwood Highway. A new sideways T shaped private road will link Merrydale Road with
Redwood Highway.
The 44 three story townhomes will comprise 8 buildings ranging from 4 to 8 units. 40 of the
townhomes will have 2 car garages, 4 will have 1 car garages. In addition, there will be 15
surface parking spaces on site. The Merrydale Road frontage will be improved with a new curb,
gutter, sidewalk and landscaping providing for 9 off street parking spaces.
The townhomes have generally been oriented to the north and west to provide an attractive
Merrydale Road street frontage and in order to celebrate the creek. This orientation has the
additional advantage of limited exposure to the freeway and providing a noise block to the
Rafael Meadow neighborhood.
In addition to the new Merrydale Road sidewalk, pedestrian access will be available along the
creek frontage and the new sideways T shaped private road providing continuous pedestrian
access from Redwood Highway to Merrydale Toad (and SMART). The townhome units will all
generally be accessed from Merrydale Road, the new sideways T shape private road and central
north south courtyards. In all cases garage access will be from the opposite side of the primary
access except 2 units in Building 5 where primary access will be from the side.
All sides of each building will be within 150 feet fire hose pull length. One side of each building
will have an eaves height of no more than 30 feet. Therefore no aerial ladder fire truck access
will be necessary.
The 44 townhomes will comprise a mixture of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom units:
Sq. Ft.
Beds
Baths
Garage
dumber
Plan 1
1,000 — 1,100
2
1.5
1
4 du
Plan 2
1,400 — 1,600
2
2.5
2
22 du
Plan 3
1,800 — 2,000
3
3
2
9 du
Plan 4
1,900 — 2,100
4
3
2
9 du
Total
44 du
Generally, bedrooms are located on the top floor with living spaces on the middle floor,
although that could be reversed based on market demand. Access and garage spaces only are
on the ground floor of Plan 1 and Plan 2. Plans 3 and 4 are deeper units allowing an "in law"
unit option (that may be rented) on the ground floor along with access and garage spaces.
The property has tremendous views of the surrounding hills, water ways and the Marin Civic
center. The project celebrates those views by offering roof top decks that generally will meet
the projects open space requirement along with the courtyards and creek promenade.
The property is constrained by 2 easements, both of which are currently paved:
1. A 25 feet wide Marin County Flood Control District (MCFCD) flood control easement
with 15 feet wide maintenance access easement each assigned to the City of San Rafael.
Maintenance appears to continue to be administered by the MCFCD.
2. A north south easement of variable width for Roadway and Utility purposes to an
unstated party but presumably to the City of San Rafael along the eastern (freeway)
property line.
Both agencies require that the project respect their easements however MCFCD have indicated
a willingness to consider a paved maintenance path of less than 15 feet with a more user-
friendly surface to accommodate pedestrian access to the units along the Creek Promenade.
The project will provide 20% of the townhome units (9 units) for sale to Moderate Income
families earning less than 120% of the Area wide median income adjusted for family size.
The project will provide 44 much needed workforce for sale townhome units of varying size, 18
with the potential "in law" units that could be made available for rental, that would be
attractive to a wide variety of home buyers. The project will start the transformation of the
north end of the Merrydale Road/Redwood Highway corridor close to Smart from commercial
to residential in character.
ZONING
General Plan:
General Commercial (allows 15-32 dua - up to 43 per acre)
Station Area Plan:
PD consistent with General Plan
Potential Opportunity Site - 43 dua
Zoning:
PD Allows Residential with AUP.
Existing Zoning & Use Permit: PD -NG (C-172)
PD 1594 - Adult Day Care Facility
UP90-22/Z90-2 - Adult Day Care Facility
Density Bonus:
The project will provide 20% of the townhome units (9 units) for sale to Moderate Income
families earning less than 120% of the Area wide median income adjusted for family size. The
project is therefore eligible for a Density Bonus and to receive 2 Concessions and Incentives
that would provide identifiable and actual cost reductions, an unlimited number of
Modifications and Waivers of Development Standards that would otherwise have the
effect of physically precluding the construction of the Project, and certain Parking
Reductions. The Project would claim 0% Density Bonus and no Parking Reductions but
would claim Concessions and Incentives and Modifications and Waivers.
Concessions and Incentives:
Waiver of City fees would provide identifiable and actual cost reductions.
Waiver of any required recreation facility would provide identifiable and actual cost reductions.
Modifications and Waivers:
Strict application of the creek setback would physically preclude the construction of the Project
at the density proposed. The creek operates as flood control channel. It's banks on the Property
is lined with rip rap placed there by the City of San Rafael some years ago for erosion control.
Strict application of any other applicable setback standard would physically preclude the
construction of the Project at the density proposed.
Subsequent Applications to be Submitted:
PD
Administrative Use Permit
Tentative Map/Final Map
0°% Density Bonus
Concessions and Incentives
Modifications and Waivers
Environmental Review
Open Spare far Pedasldan 8 Easamenl Edge
Communlry Amenity ^ _ VehiPac�la.Atness Top of Bank
jjj
ul
Grads Break
Mlplmum CreeB Fae o} Bank
Setback (251 Top of Bank
,Y ,I ► ��--. _ -- - - -- - -
II_ •II - - - - i�:;:r'-- Easement Edge
Possible C(esk.0 �4v - ri- G 33.6'-:- A A ;k; A A A 1 A ,A A /� I, y 1. ' PI
8alback{100R I -I1 I1 i \ JV f 4 11 11 I1 fli 1A0.3�
II
_ GI
7 }--:,. ! ��Y, LI LSU L 1 13 L SLS LL`j 1 M Nf
i • C�-_i _ C �• BLD3
--167.5 — I Tc
I
• J ' • \ ' l BLD t'
(� �I V
f J 7
, Itr� r-IrT r7 I-
-V r� nr;
Ul 1r tl If 11 If If 11 11 11 I+ II ; I8£
l i I De
/_ 7.6' BLD 1 BLD 2
+ 11 I I
Pa
D
r I ni n 5BLD7 BLDG I + LD 5
I'M _ __ •® 2 •Uz 1
_ l�
O u �-Ji.' 30.0 _ Q �' - �' 22.0' 8:0 A A A A A A • 4 I m 1
I _ - --�— 11 11 11 It fI It
i _ J -22.0 = . l -I LIL.1 LAL 3 LIL3
- O O
-22 10'- = 1
O c .J_J _> �� 1. ZI J. r T r I 1 7 r 1✓r I- 1
-A_L,1
043 Yl �+„- •I -�-�� i ~i' r Il•ri V V V V _ - 97.6— .
• 02I
� I 1 ttyc• /� r I
� • � � � Sidewalk
{ • 9t'II Ccnnectlan
I I
S
All m
...terlow_ I.I
PR IIPE"T1SAN RAFAEL, CA EXHIBIT 5
EXHIBIT 6