Belvedere poised to send housing element to state
Belvedere's Planning Commission signed off on the city's updated housing element.
The commission unanimously voted to recommend approval on Jan. 3, moving the document along to the City Council for approval.
Along with a recommendation to send the updated element to the state Department of Housing and Community Development, the commission also reviewed the environmental impact report and mitigation plan.
Consultant Dyett and Bhatia Urban and Regional Planners, an Oakland firm hired by the
city, identified five significant environmental impacts related to the housing plan: air quality, biological resources, greenhouse gas emissions, cultural resources and tribal resources.
All can be mitigated to less than significant impacts by restricting construction during certain seasons, dust control measures, following air quality best management practices set by the regional air quality agency, and requiring regular surveys on buildings over 45 years to assess for historic significance.
Impacts to the San Pablo song sparrow and migratory birds due to construction and tree removal were specifically identified. Seasonal restrictions and pre-construction
surveys would be required.
The housing element was originally submitted to the state in January 2023. In May, the state suggested the city adjust its zoning to support high density. After about six months, the city presented its revised housing plan to residents at an open house.
In November, the commission halted a housing project in Mallard Pointe by requiring an environmental impact report under the California Environmental Quality Act. Many residents said that they felt the density of the project, and potential environmental impact to the lagoon, was too severe.