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Habitat for Humanity City Council Staff Report.pdf

Pleasant Hill City Council
May 4, 2026

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Habitat for Humanity City Council Staff Report.pdf
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May 4, 2026
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Pleasant Hill City Council
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CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: May 4, 2026
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
TITLE: PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE A

GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT, MINOR SUBDIVISION,

DEVELOPMENT PLAN PERMIT, AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW

PERMIT & INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE FOR A REZONING (PUD &

CONCEPT PLAN) FOR THE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY FOUR-UNIT,
SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AT 85 WOODSWORTH
LANE & SELECT PARCELS BETWEEN 47 AND 129 WOODSWORTH
LANE

SYNOPSIS
A public hearing to consider recommendations from the Architectural Review Commission and Planning Commission to approve a General Plan Amendment, Rezone (PUD Concept Plan), Minor Subdivision, Development Plan Permit and Architectural Review Permit request, ENT-2024-0032, submitted by Melanie Mintenko of Habitat for Humanity (applicant) for a four-unit affordable housing development at 85 Woodsworth Lane. The proposal would amend the overarching General Plan designation for the project site at 85 Woodsworth Lane from Multi-Family Low Density to Multi-Family Medium Density; rezone 22 legal parcels along the north side of Woodsworth Lane from PUD-347 to a new PUD zoning district; subdivide the parcel at 85 Woodsworth Lane into four parcels; and develop four attached, single-family dwelling units within two separate buildings across the four resulting parcels. The project would also include site and frontage improvements.

DISCUSSION
Project Description
The applicant, Melanie Mintenko of Habitat for Humanity, is proposing a four-unit, affordable, single-family home development at 85 Woodsworth Lane. The proposal includes multiple entitlement requests, including:
• General Plan Amendment – Request to re-designate the 0.19-acre site at 85 Woodsworth Lane from Multi Family Low Density to Multi Family Medium Density. The Parcel APN is 150-150-071.
• Rezone - Request to rezone a 2.1-acre, 22-parcel site from Planned Unit Development No.

PUD-347 and create a new PUD zoning district (and associated Concept Plan) for the 22 parcels. Parcel APNs include:
o 150-280-001, 150-280-002, 150-280-003, 150-280-004, 150-280-005, 150-280- 006, 150-280-007, 150-280-008, 150-280-009, 150-280-110, 150-280-111, 150- 280-112, 150-280-113, 150-280-114, 150-280-015, and 150-280-017, o 150-150-065, 150-150-067, 150-150-068, 150-150-069, 150-150-070, and 150- 150-071.
• Minor Subdivision (Tentative Parcel Map) – Request to divide the existing parcel at 85 Woodsworth Lane into four legal parcels.
• Development Plan Permit – Request for the development of a residential project on a parcel in a PUD zoning district.
• Architectural Review Permit –Request related to the proposed site layout, architectural design, compatibility, and preservation of natural landforms and vegetation on the project site at 85 Woodsworth Lane.

The four attached, single-family homes would be located on existing Assessor Parcel Number 150- 150-071 within two separate buildings on four new parcels. The project proposal includes site, landscaping, and frontage improvements on Woodsworth Lane and Treadway Lane.

Background
There are no City records of development at this vacant lot.

In 2017, the City of Pleasant Hill’s Housing Successor Agency (Housing Successor) issued a request for proposals for affordable housing development at 85 Woodsworth Lane, as required under State Law after the dissolution of the Pleasant Hill Redevelopment Agency in 2012.

In February 2021, the City Council approved a Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) to sell the property to Habitat for Humanity for $10 and provide a forgivable $285,000 loan from the Housing Successor’s Low- and Moderate-Income Housing Asset Fund to assist with the development of four ownership units affordable to low- and moderate-income households. The sale of the property is contingent on the approval of project entitlements.

On February 15, 2022, the applicant submitted a preliminary application to the City for a four-lot subdivision consisting of four attached, single-family townhomes. Staff provided comments to the applicant regarding compliance with City standards.

On July 16, 2024, the applicant submitted a formal application to develop the site. The project scope incorporates many comments provided by Staff during the preliminary review phase.

On February 5, 2026, the Architectural Review Commission reviewed the project at a public hearing. The Commission adopted Resolution No. 01-26 recommending approval of the proposed Architectural Review Permit, the PUD Concept Plan, and the amendment to the existing PUD347, subject to the staff-recommended findings and conditions of approval, for consideration by the Planning Commission and City Council.

The ARC supported the recommended COAs with the following addition:
• COA 2.a: The applicant shall collaborate with the “Gregory Gardens” neighborhood on incorporating a gateway sign announcing the entry into the “Gregory Gardens” neighborhood at or near the project site.

On March 10, 2026, the Planning Commission reviewed the project at a public hearing. The Commission adopted Resolution No. 08-26 recommending approval of the proposed General Plan Amendment, Rezone (Concept Plan and PUD-347 amendment), Minor Subdivision, Development Plan Permit and Architectural Review Permit, subject to the staff- and ARC-recommended findings and conditions of approval, for consideration by the City Council.

General Information
General Plan Designation
The General Plan designates the site (85 Woodsworth Lane, APN 150-150-071) as Multi-Family Low Density (MFLD). The MFLD land use designation identifies areas suitable for the development of duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhouses, and very-small-lot, single-family dwelling units with densities between 12.1 and 20 dwelling units per acre.

The General Plan Amendment request would re-designate the site to Multi-Family Medium Density (MFMD) to accommodate the project’s proposed density of 21.6 du/acre. The MFMD designation allows for multi-family residential uses including townhouses, manufactured housing, and mid-sized condominiums or apartments with densities between 20.1 and 30 dwelling units per acre.

Zoning
The existing zoning designation is Planned Unit Development No. 347 (PUD-347). The Rezone application under review would remove the subject parcels from PUD-347 and create a new PUD zoning designation.

Site Description and Existing Land Use
The relatively flat site is currently undeveloped and vacant.

Surrounding Zoning and Uses
Zoning Uses
North R-7 (Single-Family, 7,000 sq. ft. Lots) Duplex and Single-Family Homes South PUD-347 Two Worlds Mixed-Use Site
East PUD-347 Single-Family Home
West PUD-347 Condominium Development
Findings
The Required findings related to the General Plan Amendment, Rezone (Planned Unit Development and Concept Plan), Minor Subdivision (Tentative Parcel Map), Development Plan Permit and Architectural Review Permit, can be found in the attached draft ordinance (Attachment A).

Analysis
A. General Plan Amendment
The proposed General Plan Amendment would re-designate the 0.19-acre site at 85 Woodsworth Lane, APN 150-150-071, from Multi Family Low Density (MFLD) to Multi Family Medium Density (MFMD) to accommodate the proposed project density of 21.6 dwelling units per acre. The MFMD designation allows for attached, single-family residential uses with densities between 20.1 and 30 dwelling units per acre. In this case, the new land use designation will allow the project to build an additional affordable unit.

There are various General Plan goals, policies, and programs applicable Citywide that should be considered in connection with the project. An analysis of the project’s consistency with the General Plan is included in the Draft Ordinance and Draft PUD Concept Plan (Attachment A), as well as Planning Commission Resolution No. 08-26 (Attachment M).

General Plan Land Use Map
The project would require amending the City’s General Plan Land Use Map. The proposed change is reflected in the graphics below, which show a partial view of the overall Land Use map to highlight the site at 85 Woodsworth Lane.

B. Rezone – Planned Unit Development & Concept Plan
The application includes a proposal to remove a 2.1-acre, 22-parcel site along the north side of Woodsworth Lane from the existing PUD-347 zone district and create a new PUD zone district applicable to those 22 parcels. The proposed PUD Concept Plan would divide the area into three subareas: Area 1 (16 parcels), Area 2 (1 parcel), and Area 3 (5 parcels).

The proposed PUD Concept Plan (Attachment A) provides development provisions applicable only to the project site at 85 Woodsworth Lane contained in Area 2. The other sites within Area 1 and Area 3 would remain unchanged subject to existing development provisions of the corresponding zone district, Multi Family Low Density - MFL. Should Area 1 and/or Area 3 be developed in the future, they would either use existing development standards (MFL) or propose a concept plan with development standards applicable to the proposed development.

1. Land Uses
Uses permitted within the proposed PUD are listed in Table 1 – Land Use Regulations under the attached Draft PUD Concept Plan, as classified according to PHMC 18.210, Land Use Classifications. According to the Draft PUD Concept Plan, in the event a proposed use is not listed in Table 1, it is not allowed, or if applicable, the Zoning Administrator has the discretion to determine if a proposed use is substantially similar to a listed use.

2. Site Plan
The site plan and unit layout allows for variation in the front setback and private open space in the rear yard of each unit. By staggering the front setback, in combination with architectural features discussed in greater detail below, the applicant can provide a sense of reduced bulk and mass and variation along the street elevation, consistent with City Wide Design Guidelines.

3. Access and Parking
The proposal is seeking deviations from certain off-street parking standards.

Specifically, interior garage dimensions, number of enclosed parking spaces, and tandem parking. The project is subject to the off-street parking requirements for single-family residential under PHMC 18.80.

Though new single-family homes are required to provide two fully enclosed spaces, Units 2, 3, and 4 would each provide one enclosed parking space and one unenclosed parking space (note: parking for these three units is also proposed in a tandem configuration). Unit 1 would provide two unenclosed spaces (note: these parking spaces would not be in a tandem configuration).

Furthermore, the enclosed parking garages have interior dimensions of 11’-2” x 20’-0” where 10’-0” x 22’-0” would otherwise be required for a single-car garage.

The application, therefore, includes associated parking development deviations to allow: 1) a five-space reduction in the number of enclosed parking spaces; 2) a reduction of interior garage depth by two feet (i.e. 9 percent); and 3) a tandem parking configuration for Units 2, 3 and 4.

Staff Note: The requested deviations to the parking standards can be supported, due to the nature of the project. The project is an affordable housing development on an already compact site that includes an ADA accessible unit (Unit 1). Providing two enclosed parking spaces per unit, in a 20’x22’ garage, would potentially add costs to the project, result in additional bulk and mass to the structures, and potentially require adding a third story, thereby increasing impacts on neighboring properties and potentially resulting in the reduction of affordable units.

4. Compatibility
A mix of single-family and multi-family development surrounds the project site.

Directly to the north is a duplex on Treadway Lane and a single-family home on Mazie Drive; to the east is another single-family home. Across Treadway Lane to the west are two-story townhomes, and across Woodsworth Lane to the south is the mixed-use Two Worlds development. A medium density, two-story, attached single-family development, as proposed, is compatible with these surroundings.

5. Landscaping
The proposed landscape plan includes landscaped areas buffering all publicly visible project areas (i.e. front, side, and corner-side yards). The applicant’s landscape architect selected hardy, drought-tolerant landscape plantings that are appropriate in scale and function for the site, including a mix of ground cover, flowering plants and shrubs, ornamental grasses, and trees. With a rehabilitated area over 2,500 sq. ft., the landscape will be required to comply with the City’s Water- Efficient Landscaping Ordinance (WELO). A complete analysis of the landscape plan is included in the attached ARC Staff Report, dated February 5, 2026 (Attachment J).

6. Infrastructure
• Utilities – The project site would be served by all utilities. In accordance with PHMC Chapter 18.55.090, all electrical, telephone, cable television, and similar utility distribution lines providing direct service to, or running adjacent to, the development site will be installed underground within the site and within any public right-of-way or public easement directly adjacent to the site. This includes existing overhead utilities and any new utilities installed during the project development.
• Stormwater/Drainage – Storm drain improvements would mitigate additional impervious surfaces and would be providing on-site detention and metering of stormwater runoff
• Solid Waste and Recycling – Units 2, 3 and 4 have dedicated spaces for the storage of their three waste bins within fenced-in side yard areas. Unit 1 does not have an interior side yard area such that residents of Unit 1 would store the waste bins in the driveway within public view.

ARC and PC note: The City municipal code requires storage of residential waste bins out of public view, unless placed on the curb for collection.

Therefore, the ARC and PC recommend a condition of approval that the bins be stored out of public view, either on the private patio space or behind a fence or screen.

7. PUD Special Findings for Size
Under PHMC chapter 18.30.040, the minimum area of a PUD shall be four contiguous acres. However, the City Council may approve a PUD that is at least two acres, upon finding that special site characteristics exist.

The applicant is proposing a PUD that is less than four contiguous acres, but larger than two acres, due to special site characteristics. The PUD-347 zone district encompasses several sites with a range of uses, including mixed-use, office, semipublic and institutional, and multi family. Many of these sites are no longer contiguous, because various sites have been rezoned to new PUD zone districts over time.

The applicant has selected a 2.1-acre contiguous group of residential parcels, all along the north side of Woodsworth Lane, all having a Multi Family Low Density General Plan land use designation. Rezoning these 22 contiguous parcels as a unified site would allow for a more cohesive future development potential if Area 1 and Area 3 of the Draft PUD Concept Plan are redeveloped, and new concept plans are proposed.

Finally, the 2.1-acre strip of parcels are only one parcel deep, which limits opportunities to meet size limitations. In addition, across the street from the site is the previously developed Two Worlds mixed-use development, which was developed in an internally cohesive manner, yet isolated from other surrounding areas of PUD-347. Thus, aggregating parcels to achieve a four-acre size would be difficult as special site characteristics exist.

8. PUD Concept Plan Compliance
The PUD Concept Plan is tailored to maximize an infill opportunity and provide greater flexibility within the project area. Chapter III of the proposed PUD Concept Plan establishes the proposed development regulations applicable to Area 2. The project is otherwise subject to the development standards contained in the MRM zoning district, as well as the other applicable regulations located in Title 18 (Planning and Land Use) of the Municipal Code. The project’s compliance is outlined in Attachment G.

9. Deviations from Multi Family Medium Density Development Standards The project applicant is proposing various development standards through the creation of a PUD that deviate from the standards under Multi Family Medium Density. A summary of the project’s conformance and non-conformance with the Multi Family Medium Density development standards is included under Attachment G. The requested deviations include the following:

Proposed Deviations from MFM Development Regulations for Area 2 Standards Required Proposed Compliance
Minimum Lot
Width 80 ft.

Lot 1: 20’-9”
Lot 2: 22’-7”
Lot 3: 22’-7”
Lot 4: 25’-3”
No, all lots*
Minimum Lot
Depth 90 ft.

Lot 1: 83’-2”
Lot 2: 83’-10”
Lot 3: 85’-9”
Lot 4: 89’-2”
No, all lots*
Front Setback 10 ft.

Unit 1: 9’-3”
Unit 2: 23’-9”
Unit 3: 21’-6”
Unit 4: 23’-8”
No, Unit 1
Yes, Units 2, 3 & 4
Corner Side
Setback 10 ft. 3 ft. No, all lots*
Side Setback 10 ft. 0 ft. No, all lots*
Aggregate Side
Setback 20 ft.

Unit 1: N/A
Unit 2: 2’-7.5”
Unit 3: 2’-7.5”
Unit 4: 5’-3”
No, all lots*
Garage &
Dimensions
Two-car
20’ x 22’
Unit 1: No Garage
Unit 2, 3 & 4: Single-car;
11’-2” x 20’
No, all units*
*The applicant is seeking approval through the PUD Concept Plan.

The applicant is requesting a lot width and lot depth as small as 20’-9” wide by 83’- 2” deep, where 80’-0” wide by 90’-0” deep would otherwise be required. Generally, lot widths and depths help to ensure there is adequate and appropriate space on a site to place a structure while maintaining sufficient setbacks. The sections below note the project in relation to setbacks.

The proposed project site at 85 Woodsworth Lane adjoins three neighboring residential parcels; two along the north (rear) and one to the east (side). The proposed 15’-0” rear setback is conforming, thereby minimizing potential impacts to the northern neighbors, and the side setback from the eastern property line to the exterior wall surface of Unit 4 is conforming at 5’-3”, thereby minimizing the potential impacts to the eastern neighbor. All other side setbacks are “zero-yard” interior setbacks to allow for attached single-family units; therefore, the applicant is requesting deviations for side and aggregate side setbacks.

The streetside yard setbacks, including the front and corner side, would deviate from the 10’-0” minimum standard; these deviations only apply to Unit 1, which is an ADA accessible unit that includes the essential elements of a residential unit (i.e. bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living area) all on the ground floor. The reduced streetside yard setbacks would allow for the project to provide a conforming rear setback of 15’-0” and allow the unit to remain at two stories, versus three stories, thus reducing potential impacts on neighboring residential parcels.

10. PUD-347 Amendment
The entire 2.1-acre project area is being removed from the PUD-347 zone district.

Amending PUD-347 requires a change to the PUD-347 map to reflect the removal of the subject area.

Staff Note: There is no PUD text under PUD-347 to be amended.

11. Compensating Benefit
The Planning Commission recommended approval of the proposal to rezone the site to a new PUD zoning district upon finding that deviations from the underlying zoning district regulations are justified through compensating benefits of the PUD.

The compensating benefits include:
• Provide affordable housing opportunities beyond the City Inclusionary Housing Provisions. Affordable housing is critical to address the Bay Area housing crisis by providing four (100%) affordable units. The breakdown of affordable units is: three low-income and one moderate-income. The project is subject to an Affordable Housing Covenant that requires all four units to remain affordable for at least 45 years. Homeowners must agree to resale restrictions requiring homes 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.
• Provide housing opportunities in a walkable neighborhood with nearby shopping and entertainment opportunities;
• Bolster economic activity in Downtown Pleasant Hill by bringing residents into the immediate area;
• Development of an underutilized, undeveloped site in a prominent location; and
• Provide curb, gutter, sidewalk and undergrounded utilities along portions of Woodsworth Lane and Treadway Lane.

The compensatory benefits provided by the project applicant offer opportunities to satisfy a portion of the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation by providing affordable units in the low- and moderate-income levels.

The proposed project will also provide residential units in an area that will benefit from the synergy of residents in proximity to shopping and dining establishments, which is projected to increase economic activity and benefit citywide. The project will improve an underutilized and undeveloped site and provide an enhanced landscape palette, including the planting of five trees.

C. Development Plan Permit
A Development Plan is required for any development project with a PUD zoning designation. The project’s compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood and its consistency with the policies and goals established in the General Plan shall therefore be considered. Recommended Findings for the Development Plan are included in the Draft Resolution (Attachment B).

The project, as conditioned, would be compatible with the surrounding development, and would not be injurious to adjacent properties or to persons living or working in the surrounding area. The project site is surrounded by a mix of single-family and multi-family development, ranging from one to three stories. This project is architecturally compatible with other developments in the vicinity by proposing a medium density, two-story, attached single-family 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.

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 typically quiet uses and compatible with the existing development in the area.

Finally, the project helps to support the goals and policies of the 2040 General Plan, as described under the Development Plan Permit Findings in the Draft Resolution (Attachment B).

D. Objective Design Standards
Based on the summary of the Objective Design Standards (Attachment H), the applicant is seeking relief from the following Objective Design Standards:
• ODS.II.A.2.b (i) – Residences shall have a front entry sited from parallel to within 45 degrees of parallel, to the street. Units 1 complies with this ODS. Units 2, 3 and 4 have front entries that are 90 degrees to the street. Therefore, the applicant is seeking relief from this ODS.

ARC Comment: The circulation of the proposed floor plans is constrained by the placement of the garage and first floor bathroom, as well as the pedestrian access to the rear yards. The applicant has incorporated architectural elements, such as attached trellis structures and awnings to highlight the front entries. In addition, the design of the buildings, including window placement, strengthens the project’s relationship to the street. Therefore, the ARC recommended allowing relief from this design standard.
• ODS.II.A.9.b – The front yard shall not exceed a maximum of 50 percent of pavement or hardscape. The front yard consists of approximately 60 percent pavement or hardscape. Therefore, the applicant is seeking relief from this ODS.

ARC Comment: The applicant is proposing to use pervious pavers at all driveway and walkway surfaces to increase visual interest while reducing stormwater runoff.

Therefore, the ARC recommended allowing for a 20-percent deviation from this standard, while encouraging the applicant to find ways to reduce further hardscape prior to issuance of a Building Permit.

E. City Wide Design Guidelines
As discussed in the summary of the City Wide Design Guidelines (Attachment G), the project as proposed is not consistent with the following City Wide Residential Design Guidelines:
• DG.II.A.1.e – Set back garages or de-emphasize garages from the front of the dwelling.

Garage doors are not set back and face the public right-of-way.

ARC Comment: The applicant proposed a quality wood door design that incorporates trim and glazing to create more visual interest. In addition, it is common for single- family homes to have garage doors facing the street and the ARC has historically allowed garage doors facing the street on single-family lots. In addition, given project lot size and corner lot location, options to set back the garages were further constrained. Therefore, the ARC recommended allowing the placement of the garage doors on the south-facing elevations.

F. Cultural Resources
Staff did not find records of any cultural resources related to the undeveloped parcel of land. The Recommended Conditions of Approval (Attachment C) contain conditions requiring special measures be taken in the event that historic, archaeological, Native American or paleontological artifacts are identified during the project construction (ARC Conditions of Approval 1.23 and 1.24).

G. Architectural Design
The proposed contemporary building architecture achieves visual interest and articulation by combining projecting upper window bays, varied window sizes, first story roof elements, attached trellis structures, varied siding materials and trim details to break up the massing of each structure.

The buildings feature an assortment of colors and materials, combining earth-tone shades of blue, beige, green, gray, pink, red and off-white, overlap and board and batten siding.

The variety and use of these colors and materials on the project is unique and create a playful and visually interesting exterior.

Additional analysis of the proposed project architecture and design is provided in the attached Architectural Review Commission Staff Report, dated February 5, 2026 (Attachment J).

H. Engineering Comments
The project includes the installation of three new driveway aprons within the public rightof-way on Woodsworth Lane and one new driveway apron on Treadway Lane. All sidewalk and driveway improvements shall conform to the grades of the existing adjacent sidewalks and driveways.

Because the project will require the installation of eight new sewer and water laterals crossing Woodsworth Lane, the Engineering Division has conditioned the applicant to perform a grind and overlay and replace the striping along the project frontage on Woodsworth Lane. In addition, as this project is a subdivision, the City’s ordinance requires the developer to underground all existing overhead power lines, along with associated poles and utility boxes, along the project frontage and within the project boundary.

Due to the limited landscape area available on the site, the applicant will install permeable pavers in compliance with the Contra Costa Clean Water Program C.3 Guidebook to treat onsite stormwater runoff and to mimic historic drainage patterns. Excess runoff shall be collected by area drains and discharged through bubble-up emitters.

The Engineering Division has provided recommended Conditions of Approval (see attachment C).

I. Outside Agency Comments
The project application was provided to various agencies for review and comment.

Comment letters were received from the Contra Costa Water District, Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, Contra Costa County Flood Control & Water Conservation District, and PG&E. All agency responses are attached to this staff report (Attachment I).

J. CEQA Status
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.

K. Public Comments
The City has received two comment letters regarding the proposal and, at the ARC and PC hearings, a combined 10 people spoke on the item. Comments were made concerning the following:
• Traffic and pedestrian safety
• Density concerns
• Concerns about street parking and additional parking demand. • Consider adding a gateway sign for the “Gregory Gardens” neighborhood All written public comments received prior to the May 4, 2026 City Council hearing are attached to this staff report.

Gateway Sign
At both the ARC and PC hearings, a member of the public spoke and requested that the project incorporate a “gateway sign” that announces the entrance to the “Gregory Gardens” neighborhood. Details of said signage, such as type, size, location, etc., were not discussed at the hearings. The applicant displayed a willingness to explore integrating a sign into the site, while expressing uncertainty around a location for the sign, given the confined landscaping and sight distance limitations near the intersection of Woodsworth Lane and Treadway Lane.

The ARC and PC recommended a condition of approval that the applicant collaborate with the “Gregory Gardens” neighborhood on incorporating a sign at or near the project site.

The Council is requested to provide additional input regarding the concept of a neighborhood sign either on the property or within the public right-of-way.

General Plan Consistency
The proposed ordinance would be consistent with existing General Plan policies and programs identified in the Land Use Element and Housing Element; an analysis of the amendment’s consistency is provided under Section 2 in the attached Draft Ordinance (Attachment A) and Draft Resolution (Attachment B).

Environmental Review
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.

FISCAL IMPACT
There are no fiscal impacts resulting from the proposed project actions requested. However, the City is already committed to providing a forgivable $285,000 loan from the Housing Successor’s Low- and Moderate-Income Housing Asset Fund to assist with the development of four ownership units affordable to low- and moderate-income households.

PUBLIC CONTACT
A 30-day public notice was sent to all property owners within 300 feet of the parcels included in the PUD Rezone and a public notice sign was posted at the project site at 85 Woodsworth Lane.

In addition, a notice of this public hearing was published in the Contra Costa Times on Friday, April 3, 2026, on the City website, through social media posts, and on the electronic message board outside City Hall. All written public comments received on the project proposal have been attached to this staff report.

RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION
Conduct the public hearing, determine the project to be exempt from CEQA, adopt the proposed resolution, and introduce the proposed ordinance.

ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDED ACTION

1. Introduce the proposed ordinance and adopt the proposed resolution with modifications.

2. Provide further direction to staff pertaining to the proposed ordinance and/or proposed resolution and continue consideration to a subsequent City Council Meeting.

3. Do not introduce the proposed ordinance and do not adopt the proposed resolution.

ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Draft Ordinance (Including PUD Concept Plan and Map & Proposed PUD Rezoning and Map)
B. Draft City Council Resolution, including Findings
C. PC-, ARC-, and Staff-Recommended Conditions of Approval D. Location Map
E. Color Renderings
F. Project Plans
G. Summary of Development Standards Compliance
H. City Wide Design Guidelines & Objective Design Standards Summary I. Public Agency Comment Letters
J. ARC Staff Report, dated February 5, 2026 (attachments available at the Planning Division)
K. ARC Resolution No. 01-26
L. PC Staff Report, dated March 10, 2026 (attachments available at the Planning Division) M. PC Resolution No. 08-26
N. Public Comment Letters
Prepared by: Andrew Shiflet, Associate Planner
Reviewed by: Troy Fujimoto, City Planner
Approved by: Ethan Bindernagel, City Manager

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