Jun 7 2012
Piedmont to Create “Suspected” and “Illegal” List of Second Units-
In case you missed it, last year (2011) the Piedmont City Council adopted a new policy that assumes empty rooms in Piedmont homes represent a public
A list of homes with “Illegal” and “Suspected” second units will be created. Staff intends to “work with” Piedmont residents to convert rooms in their homes to legal second units.
The List is described in the Housing Element as being “confidential.” > Click to read more…
Jun 3 2012
State mandated housing requirements for increased housing units and multiple density residential to be implemented –
Staff will be presenting a comprehensive set of proposed revisions to Piedmont’s Zoning Code, Chapter 17, at the June 11, 5:00 p.m. Piedmont Planning Commission meeting.
A zoning change requiring any new development in Zones C and D (Multiple Density Residential and Commercial) to be a minimum density of 12 housing units per acre is included.
“The introduction will cover the purpose of the revisions: implementation of the General Plan Actions, Housing Element Programs, address comments received in the 2007 General Plan Survey, and codify City Council and Planning Commission directives. Additionally, staff are recommending certain refinements to the Code provisions aimed at improving clarity and consistency, and streamlining application procedures.”
Replacing a City Wall
The Planning Commission will also consider residential applications and an application by the City to demolish an existing concrete wall and side yard gate along the right (west) property line of City Hall and construct a new stucco-faced wall and wood gate. The wall borders City Hall and the adjacent property to the west. The City is adhering to City ordinances requiring the application and review of changes and improvements on City property.
The full Commission agenda and staff reports can be accessed here. To view video of Planning Commission meetings click here.
Mar 26 2012
Simple Changes in Buying Habits Make a Difference-
At a recent program, sponsored by the Piedmont League of Women Voters and Piedmont Connect, the audience learned about the worldwide pollution of plastics and how we, individually, can help solve this ever-increasing problem by reducing the use of plastics in our lives. > Click to read more…
Mar 21 2012
ABAG Stipulates More Housing and Jobs in Piedmont –
At the March 19, City Council meeting City Planner Kate Black explained the new housing and jobs allocations for Piedmont that have been designated by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). Based on California’s projected needs, ABAG, the regional planning agency for the nine Bay Area counties, apportions specific requirements for each city and county . Piedmont has historically struggled with meeting ABAG’s requirements because of the lack of available sites for businesses, parks and housing.
Despite Piedmont’s limitations as a built-out city with little opportunity to expand, ABAG continues to place demands on the City. > Click to read more…
Mar 10 2012
The Planning Commission will hold a hearing to discuss potential changes to the City’s Municipal Code and Residential Design Guidelines at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, March 12, in City Hall Council Chambers.
This hearing will be the first of several hearings to consider changes to the Code to implement General Plan, Housing Element, and Climate Action Plan objectives, and recommendations from the Environmental Task Force. Subjects to be considered include hot water heaters, impermeable surfaces
Mar 2 2012
Proposed “Flexibility” in Professional Verification of Pole Placement –
At its upcoming meeting on Monday, March 12, 2012, the Piedmont Planning Commission will consider changes to the current policy on construction of story poles prior to Commission review of proposed projects. > Click to read more…
Feb 10 2012
Off-street parking space would not be required for new low income second units –
The Planning Commission will continue discussions on a new second unit ordinance at its meeting on Monday, February 13. The new law would permit a second unit on any residential parcel in Piedmont without off-street parking as long as low-income rent and size restrictions are met. Sufficient on-street parking would be necessary in the general vicinity of the location, but not necessarily in front of the house. A variance would no longer be necessary.
> Click to read more…
Dec 3 2011
The Recreation Commission on November 16, took up the issue of large groups of primarily adult male soccer players taking over the grassy play space at Beach and Havens. The games have been noted to start as early as 7:00 a.m. Typically, the fields are divided in half, allowing four teams to use the space at one time. By City regulation, the fields cannot be reserved. The goal has been for casual, drop-in use by neighborhood residents.
Parking, noise, preemption of children’s play, and wear and tear on the fields have presented problems. The Recreation Commission plans to continue to monitor the issue to see if education will solve the problem or if monitors will need to be present during certain periods.
Nov 29 2011
Public input wanted on new incentives and policy changes –
On Monday, December 12, 2011 the City of Piedmont Planning Commission will hold a hearing to discuss potential changes to the City’s Second Unit ordinances and receive public input. Changes are being considered to promote extremely-low and low income units and streamline the application process. > Click to read more…
