Upzoning and height limits
Hello hive mind:
Our main street district here in Alameda, 3000’ long, is divided into two segments: a southern portion, of 1-3 story older buildings with a classic walkable main street feel, and a northern portion, with newer car oriented buildings. We are in the depths of upzoning the entire area beyond the existing 21 residential units per acre density to something more like 60 units per acre to spur development. We are also removing parking requirements for new developments. The difficulty we are having is this: how do we keep the southern portion down to 3 stories with the new proposed higher density? The concern is that new development greater than 3 stories will visually overpower the historic nature of the southern portion of the district. While we currently have a cap to 3 stories in the muni code, there is a risk of the State of CA density bonus incentive program allowing an increase in the number of floors beyond the hoped for 3 story cap. Maybe we just need to embrace the idea that new buildings in the historic area are going to be taller than their surrounding structures? Thoughts much appreciated.
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Is this the density bonus incentive program you're referencing? https://www.meyersnave.com/wp-content/uploads/California-Density-Bonus-Law_2021.pdf (or, if not, could you provide a link to information about the program of concern?)
I see that projects with 100% affordable housing within 1/2 mile of a transit stop would require allowing greater height (+3 floors or 33 feet). It also appears that there may be some exemptions if it's demonstrated that it would "harm historical properties". Do you know if the sites of concern might be protected under that provision?
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