RESOLUTION NO. __- 26
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF PLEASANT HILL, APPROVING A
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT, MINOR SUBDIVISION, DEVELOPMENT PLAN PERMIT, AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW PERMIT, ENT-2024-0032 FOR THE
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY FOUR-UNIT AFFORDABLE SINGLE-FAMILY HOME DEVELOPMENT AT 85 WOODSWORTH LANE
WHEREAS, the applicant, Habitat for Humanity, submitted a General Plan Amendment, Rezone (PUD & Concept Plan), Minor Subdivision, Development Plan Permit, and Architectural Review Permit application for a new, four-unit, affordable, single-family home development project at 85 Woodsworth Lane, APN 150-150-071; and
WHEREAS, General Plan Amendment (ENT-2024-0032) proposes to re-designate the development site at 85 Woodsworth Lane, APN 150-150-071, from Multi Family Low Density to Multi Family Medium Density; and
WHEREAS, an associated Rezone application (ENT-2024-0032) proposes to rezone a 2.1- acre site, consisting of 22 legal parcels along Woodsworth Lane, including APNs 150-280-001 through 150-280-015, 150-280-017, 150-150-065, and 150-150-067 through 150-150-071, from PUD-347 to a new PUD (Planned Unit Development) designation; and WHEREAS, the associated Rezone application (ENT-2024-032) would also amend the existing PUD-347 zoning district to remove the 2.1-acre project site, consisting of 22 legal parcels, from said PUD; and
WHEREAS, Minor Subdivision application (ENT-2024-0032) would subdivide an existing, undeveloped parcel at 85 Woodsworth Lane. (APN 150-150-071) into four legal parcels; and
WHEREAS, Development Plan and Architectural Review Permit (ENT-2024-0032) allows four attached, affordable, single-family homes within two separate structures, across the four resulting parcels, including associated site, landscape, and frontage improvements; and WHEREAS, after notice thereof having been duly, regularly, and lawfully given, a public hearing was held by the Architectural Review Commission on February 5, 2026, regarding the proposed Architectural Review Permit and PUD rezoning, and associated Concept Plan, at which time all interested parties were invited to provide comments on the proposal; and WHEREAS, on February 5, 2026, the Architectural Review Commission adopted Resolution No. 01-26 recommending approval of the Architectural Review Permit and PUD Rezone and Concept Plan, (ENT-2024-0032) for the Project; and WHEREAS, after notice thereof having been duly, regularly, and lawfully given, a public hearing was held by the Planning Commission on March 10, 2026, regarding the proposed General Plan Amendment, Rezone (PUD and Concept Plan), Minor Subdivision, Development Plan Permit and Architectural Review Permit, at which time all interested parties were invited to provide comments on the proposal; and
WHEREAS, on March 10, 2026, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 08-26 recommending approval of the General Plan Amendment, Rezone (PUD and Concept Plan), Minor Subdivision, Development Plan Permit and Architectural Review Permit (ENT-2024-0032) for the Project; and
WHEREAS, after notice thereof having been duly, regularly, and lawfully given, a public hearing was held by the City Council on May 4, 2026, regarding the proposed General Plan Amendment, Rezone (PUD and Concept Plan), Minor Subdivision, Development Plan Permit and Architectural Review Permit, at which time all interested parties were invited to provide comments on the proposal; and
WHEREAS, all other legal prerequisites to the adoption of this Resolution have occurred.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Pleasant Hill, in accordance with Chapters 17.25, 18.30, 18.120, and 18.125 of the Pleasant Hill Municipal Code, approves the General Plan Amendment, Minor Subdivision, Development Plan Permit and Architectural Review Permit, ENT-2024-0032, based upon the following findings and the conditions of approval contained in Attachment C of the City Council Staff Report, dated May 4, 2026.
General Plan Amendment Findings
1. The proposed General Plan amendment is deemed to be in the public interest.
The General Plan Amendment re-designates the site from Multi-Family Low Density (12.1 to 20 dwelling units per acre) to Multi-Family Medium Density (20.1 to 30 dwelling units per acre), allowing for the four-unit, affordable single-family project with a density of 21.6 units per acre. The project includes public benefits, including four affordable housing units (three low-income and one moderate-income), provides housing opportunities in a walkable neighborhood with nearby shopping and entertainment opportunities, bolsters economic activity in the downtown Crescent Drive area, develops an underutilized site, and provides public improvements along Woodsworth Lane and Treadway Lane.
Therefore, the City Council deems the General Plan Amendment to be in the public interest.
2. The proposed General Plan amendment is consistent and compatible with the rest of the General Plan and any implementation programs that may be affected.
The City Council finds that the General Plan Amendment is consistent and compatible with the rest of the General Plan and any implementation programs that may be affected, as it will not substantively modify the existing provisions of the General Plan. More specifically, the amendment will be consistent with the following goals and policies of the General Plan:
• Economics and Economy E-3.5: Underutilized Parcels. Facilitate appropriate reuse of underutilized parcels.
Development of the property will transform an underutilized site from vacant into a well-designed cluster of attractive and affordable new homes. • Land Use LU-1.3: Well-Defined Street Fronts. Require new buildings to maintain a street front that creates or maintains a well-defined streetscape.
The project will expand the existing Woodsworth Lane streetscape by placing sidewalk, curb cuts, driveways, walkways and garage doors along the south elevation, facing Woodsworth Lane. This orientation will be consistent with and maintain the well-defined streetscape of the surrounding development along Woodsworth Lane to the east. Additional sidewalk, curb cut and parking spaces will be positioned along Treadway Lane, further defining a well-defined streetscape along Tredway Lane. • Land Use LU-3.1: Neighborhood Character. Maintain and enhance the character and quality of existing residential neighborhoods, ensuring adequate public services and facilities maintained by the City such as streets and drainage are provided.
The proposed single-family development is consistent with the mix of single-family and multi-family development in the neighborhood and the proposed density complies with the MFMD General Plan designation. The building architecture achieves visual interest and articulation by combining projecting window bays, covered entries, trellis structures, overhangs, varying roof heights, and trim details to break up the massing of each structure and enhance the neighborhood. The project site will be served by all utilities and will provide storm drain improvements to mitigate additional impervious surfaces, as well as on-site detention and metering of stormwater runoff. • Land Use LU-3.3: Neighborhood Access. Ensure that new residential development includes safe and convenient pedestrian and bicycle access to existing residential neighborhoods.
The project, as conditioned, will ensure that public sidewalks are maintained and/or improved to meet current Public Works and ADA standards. Existing dedicated bike lanes along Woodsworth Lane will be preserved, ensuring continued bicycle access throughout.
• Land Use LU-3.4: Clustering Development. Encourage new residential development to be clustered to support increased densities, open space, and efficiencies of public facilities and services.
Development of this currently vacant parcel, which is surrounded by developed parcels and will include clustered, single-family homes, and drainage and frontage improvements, thereby supporting increased densities, open space and efficiency of public facilities and services.
• Land Use LU-3.5: Varying Housing Typologies. Support the development of a broad range of housing types, to increase housing choice, neighborhood diversity, and innovative design.
The project includes an attached, single-family development in an area that is surrounded by a mix of more traditional single-family homes and multi-family development. This project is atypical of other residential development within the City; thus, it will provide additional housing options and well-designed units for new residents looking to locate into the City.
• Land Use LU-3.7: Residential Intensification Criteria.
The City Council reviewed the project and finds that the intensification of the land use designation, from Multi Family Low Density (12.1 to 20 dwelling units per acre) to Multi Family Medium Density (20.1 to 30 dwelling units per acre), will not result in environmental constraints, noise, traffic and other hazards, as the project was reviewed and determined to be a Class 3 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) categorical exemption, under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) of 1970, as amended, since the project scope involves the construction of four dwellings, with a density of 21.6 dwelling units per acre, including site and landscaping improvements, in an urbanized area, and would therefore not result in a significant impact on the environment
Furthermore, the design has been reviewed and recommended for approval by the ARC and PC, which suggested the project incorporates excellent design and was compatible with adjacent development, as noted in the Architectural Review Permit findings.
Finally, the project would provide affordable housing pursuant to the policies in the City’s Housing Element.
• Land Use LU-5.3: Compliance with Performance. Standards Require that all new development comply with the City's performance standards for fire, police, parks, water, flood control, sanitary sewer, and transportation facilities.
The development project, as conditioned, will comply with the City of Pleasant Hill’s performance standards. The City has reviewed the request for potential impacts to City drainage and transportation facilities and has determined as conditioned, and with the proposed improvements, that it will be consistent with relevant performance standards.
The project will provide stormwater retention basins and pervious pavement in order to satisfy the requirements of the City Public Works Department and the Regional Water Quality Control Board. The Engineering Division has reviewed the project and noted that there will be no anticipated traffic impacts based on the small size of the project and adequate existing transportation infrastructure to support the increase.
Additionally, applicable outside and responsible agencies and districts have reviewed the plans and have no issues with the proposed development. • Land Use LU-5.5: Development Contribution Requirement. Require all new development to contribute to or participate in the improvement of park, school, police, sanitary, water, and flood control services in proportion to the demand generated by the development's occupants and users.
The project is conditioned to pay its share of costs including traffic mitigation fees, park fees, school fees, and drainage fees.
• Land Use LU-7.2: Alternative Transportation Improvements. Support new development and infrastructure improvements in existing neighborhoods that enable and encourage people to drive less and walk, bike, and take public transit more.
The project, which includes a housing development and infrastructure improvements, is located on a vacant lot within an existing neighborhood that provides opportunities to walk to local destinations, utilize the City’s bicycle and pedestrian network, and access nearby public transit.
• Housing H-3.1: Preference Policy: Facilitate construction of affordable housing by prioritizing new projects that include units for lower-income segments of the community.
The City serves as the Housing Successor Agency (Housing Successor) to the former Pleasant Hill Redevelopment Agency (Former Agency). Upon the dissolution of redevelopment, the Former Agency transferred the vacant lot located at 85 Woodsworth Lane to the Housing Successor. State law requires the Housing Successor to sell or initiate affordable housing development on the Property. The units will be sold to low‐ and moderate‐income buyers.
• Housing H-3.3: Low- and Moderate-income Housing. Participate in programs assisting production or preservation of affordable units in order to provide housing for low- and moderate-income households.
As noted above, the City has partnered with Habitat for Humanity to produce affordable units. The project will create four residential units restricted to low‐ and moderate‐income buyers.
• Housing H-5.1: High Quality Neighborhoods. Maintain and enhance the quality of Pleasant Hill’s neighborhoods, through high quality design, neighborhood compatibility and consideration of surrounding uses, and maintenance and improvement of public infrastructure, so they will retain their value as they mature.
The development enhances the quality of the neighborhood by redeveloping an existing underutilized site with a new four-unit, single-family development and associated improvements. The building architecture achieves visual interest and articulation by combing projecting window bays, covered entries and overhangs, trellis structures, varying roof heights, and trim details to break up the massing of each structure and enhance the neighborhood. The project site will be served by all utilities and will be providing storm drain improvements to mitigate additional impervious surfaces and will be providing on-site detention and metering of stormwater runoff. Finally, as previously mentioned, frontage improvements and new sidewalks will be installed along Woodsworth Lane and Treadway Lane, to the benefit of all adjacent properties. • Housing H-5.4: Livable Neighborhoods. Provide public services and improvements that keep neighborhoods safe and livable.
The development complies with the City of Pleasant Hill’s Zoning Ordinance, Objective Design Standards, City Wide Design Guidelines, Building and Engineering Standards, and other Local, State and Federal rules, policies and procedures to ensure the neighborhood will be safe and livable. Public safety will be maintained by providing unobstructed vision distance areas at each driveway and intersection.
Additionally, frontage improvements and new sidewalks will be installed along Woodsworth Lane and Treadway Lane and two new trees will be planted in the landscaped median in front of 85 Woodsworth Lane.
• Housing H-6.2: Preserve Affordable Units. Ensure that units produced for low- and moderate-income households are made available to those households and maintained as affordable units.
The property is subject to an Affordable Housing Covenant that requires all four low‐ and moderate‐income units to remain affordable for at least 45 years. Homeowners will enter into resale restrictions that require homes to be sold to qualified low‐ or moderateincome households during that time. Homeowners must also occupy the properties as their principal place of residence and shall not rent them to tenants. • Housing H-7.1: Anti-discrimination: Ensure that individuals and families seeking housing in Pleasant Hill are not discriminated against on the basis of income, age, disability, sex, gender, sexual orientation, family structure, national origin, ethnicity, religion, occupation, or other similar factors.
One of the four units will be designed with voluntary adaptability features to accommodate persons with disabilities, as well as allowing homeowners to age in place. The developer maintains a strict policy of non-discrimination in advertising and qualifying new homebuyers and affirmatively markets its programs to further equal opportunity and fair housing objectives. Habitat complies with the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, as well as all other Fair Housing laws.
Furthermore, Habitat does not discriminate in the sale or financing of residential real estate because of the handicap of a homebuyer or any person associated with the homebuyer or because all or part of the applicant's income is derived from public assistance.
• Housing H-8.1: Energy Conservation Practices. Encourage energy conservation practices for new and existing residential dwellings.
The project will be constructed using current energy efficiency codes, including Title24. All units will be equipped with solar panels with the aim of the entire project to be Zero Net Energy (ZNE). The project will be all‐electric. Trellises will be constructed at each unit to provide passive cooling.
• Housing H-8.2: Sustainable Building Practices. Require the use of green building and sustainable practices for new and renovation residential projects throughout the City, in compliance with State law.
The project will be constructed using current energy efficiency codes, including Title
24. Building materials will incorporate recycled content. Plumbing and irrigation fixtures will be low-flow. All units will be equipped with solar panels with the aim of the entire project to be Zero Net Energy (ZNE). The project will be all‐electric. Trellises will be constructed at each unit to provide passive cooling. • Environmental Env-8.6: Electric Vehicle Infrastructure. Require installation of electric vehicle charging stations as a ratio of total required parking for new and redeveloped commercial and multifamily projects and require new single‐family residential development to include 220-volt outlets in all garages.
Each unit will include electric vehicle charging stations. • Public Facilities, Services and Infrastructure PFS-3.3: Green Infrastructure:
Require new developments to install green infrastructure as required by the permit conditions of the Regional Water Quality Control Board, as part of their natural stormwater drainage systems, including but not limited to pervious pavement, infiltration basins, raingardens, green roofs, rainwater harvesting systems, and other types of low impact development (LID).
The development will provide stormwater retention basins and pervious pavement to satisfy the requirements of the City Public Works Department and the Regional Water Quality Control Board.
• Public Facilities, Services and Infrastructure PFS-5.7: Residential Electric Utility Use: Encourage the use of electric appliances and utility hook-ups in all new residential development.
The project will include photovoltaic solar arrays on all residential roof tops, electric vehicle charging stations, and electric appliances.
• Transportation and Circulation TC-4.4: Infill Development. Support infill and development in existing urban areas and around key transit facilities.
The project site at 85 Woodsworth Lane is a vacant site surrounded by developed parcels. The infill project is appropriately located near transit facilities along Gregory Lane and Contra Costa Boulevard.
• Transportation and Circulation TC-4.5: Correlation Between Land Use and Transportation. Support land use patterns that make more efficient use of the transportation system, such as locating development near transit routes and highquality bicycle/pedestrian facilities, minimizing new driveways, consolidating parking, and other best practice urban design measures.
The project site at 85 Woodsworth Lane is a vacant site surrounded by developed parcels. The infill project is appropriately located near transit facilities along Gregory Lane and Contra Costa Boulevard, as well as established bicycle/pedestrian facilities along Treadway Lane and Woodsworth Lane.
• Transportation and Circulation TC-8.8: New Development Neighborhood Traffic Impacts. Require developer participation in the cost of installation of traffic calming measures to reduce neighborhood traffic impacts through fee payments or direct contribution as a condition of approval, if applicable.
The project is conditioned to pay its share of costs, including traffic mitigation fees. • Transportation and Circulation TC-9.8: Sidewalk Improvements: Improve sidewalks to facilitate access by users of all ages and abilities.
The project has been conditioned to replace and/or repair any damaged sidewalks. All sidewalks fronting the project site will meet ADA requirements.
3. The potential impacts of the proposed amendment have been assessed and have been determined not to be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare.
The City Council assessed the proposed General Plan Amendment for potential land use related impacts and finds that it will not be detrimental to the health, safety and general welfare because the project supports the goals and policies of the 2024 General Plan, as noted in the General Plan Amendment Findings above, will be required to comply with all City development standards and/or PUD Concept Plan standards, and with the regulations of outside agencies including, but not limited to, the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, to further ensure no impacts detrimental to the public’s health, safety or welfare.
4. The proposed amendment has been processed in accordance with the applicable provisions of CEQA.
Pursuant to Section 15303 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) of 1970, as amended, this project is determined to be a Class 3 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) categorical exemption, since the project scope involves the construction of four dwellings, including site and landscaping improvements, in an urbanized area, and would therefore not result in a significant impact on the environment.
General Plan Amendment
1. The proposed amendment complies with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Pursuant to Section 15303 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) of 1970, as amended, this project is determined to be a Class 3 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) categorical exemption, since the project scope involves the construction of four dwellings, including site and landscaping improvements, in an urbanized area, and would therefore not result in a significant impact on the environment.
2. Additional Finding for General Plan Amendments. The proposed amendment is internally consistent with all other provisions established by the General Plan.
The City Council finds the development is consistent with the policies and goals established by the 2040 General Plan. An analysis of the project’s consistency with the 2040 General Plan can be found under the General Plan Amendment Findings above.
Tentative Map Findings
1. The proposed map is consistent with the general plan or any applicable specific plan, or other applicable provisions of this code.
The tentative map and associated development is consistent with the Multi-Family Medium Density (MFMD) general plan designation, which can accommodate a density range of
20.1-30.0 dwelling units per acre, the proposed PUD zoning designation requirements, the Subdivision Map Act, and the City of Pleasant Hill’s Subdivision Ordinance. The project site is not located within a Specific Plan area. The City Council finds the project is also consistent with the policies and goals established by the 2040 General Plan. An analysis of the project’s consistency with the 2040 General Plan can be found under the General Plan Amendment Findings above
2. The site is physically suitable for the type of development.
The 8,097 (gross) square-foot (0.186-acre) project site is rectangular in shape and relatively flat with frontages along Woodsworth Lane and Treadway Lane. The site will be served by all required utilities. The site is surrounded by single-family and multi-family development. The site characteristics and surrounding context make it suitable for the proposed four-lot subdivision and single-family attached development.
3. The site is physically suitable for the proposed density of development.
The City Council finds that the site is physically suitable to accommodate the density since the development is proposing a density of 21.6 units per acre, which is consistent with the Multi-Family Medium Density (MFMD) General Plan designation, which can accommodate a density range of 20.1-30.0 dwelling units per acre. Additionally, the project will provide appropriate setbacks from existing neighboring residential properties, will continue the streetscape found along Woodsworth Lane and Treadway Lane, will provide the appropriate level of off-street parking, and will have a building height and number of stories consistent with surrounding development.
4. The design of the subdivision or the proposed improvements is not likely to cause substantial environmental damage or substantially and avoidably injure fish or wildlife or their habitat (but see Government Code section 66474.01).
The design of the subdivision and the improvements are not likely to cause substantial environmental damage or substantially and avoidably injure fish or wildlife or their habitat because project site is currently undeveloped, is located within an urbanized area surrounded by other developed properties, has no existing on site trees, and does not contain any stream, creek, or riparian habitat. The project will be providing storm drain improvements to mitigate additional impervious surfaces and will be providing on-site detention and metering of stormwater runoff.
5. The design of the subdivision or the type of improvements is not likely to cause serious public health problems.
The design of the subdivision and the type of improvements are not likely to cause serious public health problems, because the subdivision and associated development is in conformance with the City of Pleasant Hill’s Zoning Ordinance, PUD standards, Objective Design Standards, City Wide Design Guidelines, Building and Engineering Standards, and other Local, State and Federal rules, policies and procedures. The project will be served by public sewer and water.
6. The design of the subdivision or the type of improvements will not conflict with easements, acquired by the public at large, for access through or use of property within the proposed subdivision.
The proposed project will not conflict with easements, acquired by the public at large, for access through or use of property within the proposed subdivision. All existing easements for access, utilities, storm drain, sanitary sewer, etc. will be reviewed and verified prior to the recording of the Final map.
7. The land is not subject to a contract entered into pursuant to the California Land Conservation Act of 1965 and the resulting parcels following a subdivision of the land would be too small to sustain their agricultural use.
The land is not subject to a contract entered into pursuant to the California Land Conservation Act of 1965.
Development Plan Findings
1. The development will not be detrimental to the health, safety and general welfare of persons residing or working in the vicinity of the proposed development.
The development will not be detrimental to the health, safety, and general welfare because it has been found to be in conformance with the City of Pleasant Hill’s Zoning Ordinance, Objective Design Standards, Building and Engineering Standards, and other Local, State and Federal rules, policies and procedures. Frontage improvements and new sidewalks will be installed along Woodsworth Lane and Treadway Lane, and the project has been designed to provide unobstructed vision distance areas at each driveway and intersection.
Finally, the four new, attached single-family homes will not generate any significant noise impacts to persons residing or working in the vicinity since single-family uses are low noise generating and are compatible with the existing development in the area.
2. The development will not be injurious or detrimental to adjacent properties or to property in the neighborhood in the city.
The development will not be detrimental to adjacent properties in the neighborhood because the attached single-family development pattern is consistent with the mix of single-family and multi-family development on neighboring properties. The new homes have two stories and comply with the maximum height regulations of the zone.
Additionally, the site plan has been oriented, so landscaping surrounds the entire project providing open space for the new residents; the side and rear setbacks from the neighboring single-family residential properties meets the standards for single-family residential zoning districts. The landscape plan also includes new trees along the south side of the property to enhance views from the public right-of-way. Each residential unit includes two off-street parking spaces to prevent parking spill-over into the adjacent neighborhood. Finally, as previously mentioned, frontage improvements and new sidewalks will be installed along Woodsworth Lane and Treadway Lane to the benefit of all adjacent properties.
3. The development is consistent with the policies and goals established by the 2040 General Plan.
The development is consistent with the policies and goals established by the 2040 General Plan. An analysis of the project’s consistency with the 2040 General Plan can be found under the General Plan Amendment Findings above.
4. The proposed development will be architecturally compatible with other developments in the vicinity.
The project site is surrounded by a mix of single-family and multi-family development, ranging from one to two stories. This project is architecturally compatible with other developments in the vicinity by proposing a medium density, two-story, attached singlefamily development. Additionally, the proposed building architecture achieves visual interest and articulation by combing projecting window bays, covered entries and overhangs, trellis structures, varying roof heights, and trim details to break up the massing of each structure. The ARC reviewed the project finding it architecturally compatible with other developments in the vicinity for the reasons stated above.
Architectural Review Findings
1. Ensure that the site demonstrates excellence in architectural design.
The project incorporates residential structures that have articulated and varied elevations.
The dwelling units have covered entry features that provide visual identification to the main entrances and have architectural features, such as variable setbacks, first-story roof elements, project window bays, trim details and trellis structures, that create visual interest.
In addition, the buildings use a variety of building materials and colors that complement each other and are of high quality and long lasting. The site plan is designed to relate to the surrounding development, provide for private open space and allow for off-street parking. The proposed landscape plan will include new trees, shrubs, flowering plants and ground cover, as well as water retention basins to handle storm water runoff. Therefore, the City Council finds that the project demonstrates excellence in architectural design.
2. Ensure that siting and architectural design of structures, including their materials and colors, are visually harmonious with surrounding development and with the natural landforms and vegetation of the areas in which they are proposed to be located.
The project incorporates a color palette of earth-toned blues, greens and beiges, along with grays and whites, that will complement the surrounding single- and multi-family properties, which include a variety of colors, including but not limited to earth-toned blues, greens and beiges, along with grays and whites. No design/material/color elements proposed will be inconsistent with the surrounding residential development. The project incorporates cement fiber siding, with wood trim-elements, and pitched roofs that can be found within the immediate residential neighborhoods. The project will create a droughttolerant landscape design, to include a mix of deciduous trees, that will also complement the existing neighborhood. Lastly, the project includes wood perimeter privacy fences that do not exceed six feet in height. Therefore, the City Council finds that the siting and architectural design of structures, including their materials and colors, are visually harmonious with surrounding development and with the natural landforms and vegetation of the areas in which they are proposed to be located.
3. Ensure that plans for the landscaping of open spaces conform with the requirements of PHMC 18.120 and that they provide visually pleasing settings for structures on the site and on adjoining and nearby sites, and blend harmoniously with the natural landscape.
The proposed landscape plan will complement the new buildings while providing cohesion to the site. The plant palette is complementary and consistent with the remainder of the neighborhood by using deciduous trees and incorporated drought-tolerant plantings. As the surrounding area is built out and features an urban landscape, the project will continue this type of landscape treatment and be compatible with the surrounding area. Therefore, the City Council finds that the plans for landscaping of open spaces conform with the requirements of PHMC 18.120, provide visually pleasing settings for structures on the site and on adjoining and nearby sites, and blend harmoniously with the natural landscape.
4. Prevent excessive and unsightly grading of hillsides and preserve natural landforms and existing vegetation.
The project is relatively flat with no existing vegetation, therefore grading of hillsides and preservation of natural landforms and existing vegetation is not applicable.
5. Ensure compliance with Citywide Design Guidelines and applicable provisions of the proposed PUD Concept Development Plan.
The City Council finds that, as noted in Attachment H, City Wide Design Guidelines & Objective Design Standards Summary, of the City Council staff report, dated May 4, 2026, the project, as conditioned, is consistent with applicable City-wide Design Guidelines and provisions of the proposed PUD Concept Development Plan.
CEQA Finding
Pursuant to Section 15303 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) of 1970, as amended, the Planning Commission finds the project is determined to be a Class 3 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) categorical exemption, which exempts the construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures including a duplex or similar multi-family residential structure totaling no more than four dwelling units, and in urbanized areas up to six dwelling units. Thus, since the project scope involves the construction of four dwellings, including site and landscaping improvements, in an urbanized area, and would therefore not result in a significant impact on the environment.
ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Pleasant Hill, on the 4th day of May, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
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ZAC SHESS, Mayor
ATTEST:
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LYONE P. CONNER, City Clerk