HomeMy WebLinkAbout8/21/2018 Item 17, Justesen
Christian, Kevin
From:Justesen, Erik P. <EPJustesen@rrmdesign.com>
Sent:Monday, August
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Support for zoning Code update
Dear Council members,
I am hoping to attend the hearing scheduled for this Tuesday night, but may have a conflict so I wanted to express my
support for the planning commission recommendation on the zoning code update item. For many years I have used the
zoning code to design projects. An update was long overdue and I appreciate that so many have put much thought and
expertise into improving the code.
Specifically I support and appreciate the following areas of improvement:
1. Reorganization of the document to make it easier to navigate and find out what you can do with your property
(uses) what standards apply (design and development rules) and how do to get it done (process to a permit) as
someone that works with zoning codes for a living, this reorganization and clarity is a huge improvement for
applicants and those interested in what is being proposed.
2. Good neighbor standards. There are several areas where additional design sensitivity to existing R-1 neighbors
and creek/open space have been improved. (step backs in height, limiting windows, prevent over building, etc.)
New development should be done in a way that respects its neighbors.
3. Climate Action implementation: I applaud the City for moving the climate action polic8ies from the CAP in to the
zoning code. The staff report outlines a slew of new initiatives in the Code. Bravo! All of them are great concrete
steps to implement CAP goals.
4. Calculating density for R-2. I bought my first house on High Street, it was a 5,000 SF R-2 lot. We have two small
rd
kids and couldn’t add a 3 bedroom due to the density equivalency rule. I am glad to see this revised to allow
similar density as R-1.
5. Allowances for small units and tiny homes: along with proper good neighbor rules, allowing smaller units within
our neighborhoods is a win-win. It is good for a home owner who wants to have a family member or renter
occupy a unit on their property. I agree that owner occupied requirement is a neighborhood enhancement
helping to keep the peace and allow more units in a respectful way. Removing barriers and costs to allow tiny
homes in R-1 by connecting to the same infrastructure is a big advantage.
6. Parking: great improvement in how to calculate needed parking and moving towards a shared parking and
electric car environment. Parking lots account for 25-30% of all land area in a downtown area. If we are able to
reduce that by 5 or 10%, we have just added tremendous amount of space for more pedestrian areas, parks,
plazas, landscaping, trees and shops for locals and visitors.
Area of concern:
Downtown Density: I am disappointed to see that we are not moving ahead with eliminating density for units
600 SF or smaller. I look forward to the continued discussion and analysis of traffic and parking. BUT, this rule
could unlock the potential for smaller, less costly micro units in downtown. Exactly the kind of housing option
we are in great need of in exactly the right area of our town. Density calculation is a very misunderstood metric.
A 10,000 SF building 35’ tall could have 2 units or 20 units depending on the density applied. Why not measure
the building on adherence to design guidelines, and performance standards on parking, height, massing,
setback, ped space etc. and fill it up with smaller more affordable units rather than a mathematical density
calculation? Lets keep working on this as it will be a critical ingredient to creating a downtown neighborhood
where people live (affordably) work, eat, socialize and do their business. More people living downtown will also
help to self-regulate bars and night life.
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Thanks for all your efforts. I support the staff and planning commission recommendation to update the zoning code as
presented.
Erik Justesen
Erik P Justesen, ASLA, LEED AP
President + CEO
(805 431-6032 C
(805) 543-1794 O
rrmdesign.com
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