Jul 30 2016

Renewed Proposal for All Way Stop Signs at 10 Piedmont Intersections: Second Council Consideration

Safety dominates the plan to install stop signs.

Two weeks ago the Council deliberated on various stop signs to be installed at vulnerable intersections for pedestrians, including school children, and vehicles.  Some neighbors to the proposals were pleased with the proposals; whereas, some thought the stop signs were problematic.  Speakers stated the lack of notification from the City of the proposals. The Council directed the staff to return to various sites and evaluate their appropriateness along with costs that would allow flexibility.

The staff returned with an almost identical plan with the exception of further study for the eliminated intersection at Dormidera Avenue and Mountain Avenue, and the addition of an all way stop at the intersection of Saint James Drive and Hampton Road.

Prior to the beginning of the regular school calendar in approximately 2 weeks, the City staff has urged moving ahead with the stop sign installations and concurrent pavement striping.

All of the proposed intersections were not included in the recently adopted Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan; however, the approved Plan provides for flexibility as new issues arise.

Read the current 24 page staff report here.

The total expense was previously estimated at $55,857, including a 15% contingency to be funded by Measure B and BB funds. The new estimate for the work is $26,086 with 10 intersections to be included. 

DISCUSSION for the August 1 meeting: Based on the directive of the City Council at the July 18, 2016 meeting, the City Engineer developed plans for inclusion of the intersection at Hampton Road and St. James Drive in the proposed list, and to include this in the solicitation of bids. Additionally, based on resident concerns expressed at the July 18th meeting, it was decided by staff to postpone a decision on the intersection at Mountain Avenue and Dormidera Avenue pending further study of both traffic and parking in this area. The diagrams for each of the proposed intersections prepared by the City Engineer is attached as Exhibit B. Based on the engineer’s estimate, and in accordance with the City’s purchasing policy, informal bids were requested from various contractors. Striping Graphics was the only contractor to respond. Their bid was $28,424. Deleting the costs for the Mountain Ave. & Dormidera Ave. intersection improvements ($2,338), brings the revised total contract to $26,086. Striping Graphics is a company that has done work for the City of Piedmont for over 20 years. They are fully qualified and have consistently completed projects for the city in a professional manner. The city’s standard contract is attached as Exhibit C.    City Administrator Paul Benoit

Read the current 24 page staff report here.

Read the prior staff report here.

The matter will be considered at the August 1, 2016 Council meeting. It will be broadcast live starting at 7:30 p.m.

Agenda for the meeting > here.

Jul 30 2016

Council: Sewer Loans, All Way Stops, Swim Team, Employment Agreements, Arts Center, and More

Agenda for Monday,  August 1, 7:30 p.m.  Council meeting includes the following: (Click on each underlined item below to read the staff report.)

08/01/16 – Approval of a Revised Resolution Dedicating Sewer Revenue for Repayment of State Loans for Sewer Rehabilitation

City Charter states:

“SECTION 4.13 TEMPORARY LOANS Money may be borrowed in anticipation of the receipts from taxes during any fiscal year, by the issue of notes, certificates of indebtedness or revenue bonds; but the aggregate amount of such loans at any time outstanding shall not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the receipts from all taxes during the preceding fiscal year; and all such loans shall be paid out of the receipts from taxes for the fiscal year in which they are issued.”

08/01/16 – Approval of a Renewed Facility Use Agreement with the Piedmont Swim Team until August 14, 2018

08/01/16 – Approval of the Reclassification of the Support Services Commander and Human Resources Administrator Positions as Recommended by the Civil Service Commission at its Meeting of July 22, 2016 as well as Approval of Updated Employment Resolutions Reflecting Changes Made to the Classifications

08/01/16 – Approval of the Second Amendment to the Employment Agreement between the City of Piedmont and Paul Benoit

Base Salary: The annual salary for the position of City Administrator shall be Two Hundred Twelve Thousand One Hundred and Eighty Dollars ($212,180.00) effective July 1, 2016. The City Administrator shall be paid at the same intervals and in the same manner as regular City employees. The City shall not at any time during the term of this Agreement reduce the base salary, compensation or other financial benefits of the City Administrator, unless as part of a general City management salary reduction, and then in no greater percentage than the average reduction of all City department heads.

08/01/16 – Approval of the Purchase of a New Vehicle for the Fire Chief

08/01/16 – Approval of a Renewed Agreement to Provide Animal Control Services to the City of Emeryville in the Amount of $93,421 Per Year

08/01/16 – Appoint Councilmember Levine as Liaison to the Planning Commission

08/01/16 – Consideration of the Installation of All Way Stop Signs at Various Intersections to Increase Traffic and Pedestrian Safety (con’t from 07/18/16)

08/01/16 – Consideration of Authorization to Issue an RFP for IT Support Services

08/01/16 – 2nd Reading of Ord. 723 N.S. Approving the First Amendment to the Lease Agreement with Piedmont Center for the Arts at 801 Magnolia Avenue

The meeting will be broadcast live. If you have questions about this material, call the City Clerk’s office at (510) 420-3040.

Read the full August 1 Council > agenda.

Jul 28 2016

Hampton Field: Special Tour and Meeting, Friday, July 29

City Council will tour Hampton Field Renovation Project and Review Project Progress (No Action Will Be Taken).

This Special Meeting is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

Special City Council meeting will be held on Friday, July 29, 2016,  3:30 p.m., Hampton Field, Hampton Road and La Salle Avenue.

“The $2 million project was approved by the City Council in late April. The large-scale improvements are being financed by a combination of public and private funds. The city is using $507,000 in Measure WW park bond money, $417,000 from the legal settlement with Harris & Associates over the Piedmont Hills undergrounding project and about $390,000 in private donations. The city is backfilling the remaining cost for now from the athletic facilities preservation fund and the general fund. Other donations may roll in reducing the city’s obligations, City Administrator Paul Benoit said.”   Piedmonter

Read the entire Piedmonter article > here.

Piedmont News Release and Photos of Hampton Field Project > here.

Jul 28 2016

Council and School Board Candidates Take Out Papers for November Election

According to City Clerk John Tulloch, as of July 28, Council papers have been taken out by three Piedmonters:  Jennifer Cavenaugh, Jonathan Levine (appointed incumbent), and Robert McBain (incumbent).  McBain filed his completed papers on July 27 and has qualified for the November 8 General Election, when two Council positions will be filled.  The other two individuals have not completed their filings as of this date.

Candidacy papers for School Board have been taken out by four individuals: Julie Caskey, Sarah Pearson (incumbent), Cory Smegal, and Hari Titan.  Smegal completed papers on July 25 and has qualified for the November election, when three individuals will be elected. Andrea Swenson (incumbent) has indicated she plans to run in the November election.

The City Council and Board of Education are Piedmont’s two elected bodies and guide the operation of City government and the Piedmont Unified School District respectively. Members of these bodies may serve a maximum of 2 four-year terms.

The nomination period for the two vacancies on the Piedmont City Council and three vacancies on the Board of Education ends Friday, August 12th at 5:00 p.m. There is no cost to candidates to file for election.

The California Elections Code requires that nomination papers be issued in person to the prospective candidate at City Hall. It is strongly recommended that residents wishing to take out or return candidate paperwork set at an appointment with the City Clerk.  The required twenty registered Piedmont voters signatures must be checked for validity.  Early return of papers ensures prompt service for the candidate. Candidates without appointments will be seen on a time available basis and may encounter delays.

The Guide to Nomination and Candidacy is available for residents to review online by clicking above.

Residents with questions about the process or wishing to make an appointment can call the City Clerk’s office at (510) 420-3040.

For futher information click: > http://www.ci.piedmont.ca.us/html/govern/staffreports/2016-07-05/november_election_procedural.pdf

Editors’ Note:  While welcoming candidate information, the Piedmont Civic Association does not support or oppose candidates for public office. 

Jul 28 2016

OPINION: Proposed Zoning Changes Give Away the Farm

Objections to proposed zoning regulations are voiced in letters to the Piedmont Planning Commission by Piedmont resident. 

Subject: 7/26/16 Planning Commission Study Session

My name is Don Dare. My wife, Dianne, and I live at XXX* Wildwood Avenue, and have done so for the past thirty four years. Our Zone A property shares a boundary with the Zone D property which currently is the Shell station at 29 Wildwood Avenue. I and a group of my neighbors attended the Planning Commission Special Session held on 7/26/16 to discuss City Code Chapter 17 modifications. We were, and continue to be concerned about the proposed modifications to the Zone D regulations, specifically those concerning building height, lot coverage, and parking space requirements. These modifications propose a 40’ height limit, no lot coverage restrictions, and a severely reduced parking space requirement.

At this meeting, Planning Director Kevin Jackson stated that there were 19 parcels in Piedmont that are in Zone D. He said that of these 19 parcels, only one would be a likely candidate for mixed use development in the years or even decades to come. That is the parcel at 29 Wildwood Avenue. He also stated that under the existing code, the mixed use development proposal for this site, submitted for discussion last year, (by ex­ Planning Commissioner David Hobstetter and Shell owner Jeff Hansen), could not be built. It therefore appears to me that the proposed modifications are being made to accommodate these would-be developers and their project, as no other mixed use development is anticipated for some time, if ever.

Mr. Jackson displayed photo examples of mixed use development on Grand Avenue and Lakeshore Avenue in Oakland, and Solano Avenue in Albany. These photos depicted streets which for a block or more were lined with retail on both sides. These examples in no way compare with the site at 29 Wildwood, a stand­ alone triangular parcel that either abuts or faces Zone A single family neighborhood homes on two of its three sides.

As the discussion concerning these modifications proceeded, Commissioner Theophilos said that there should be no modification to the existing code, and if need be, the General Plan should be modified to remove the need for any such modifications. He stated that this type of development should be constrained. Alternate Commissioner Jajodia expressed the opinion that the proposed modifications were “giving away the farm.” Commissioner Zhang pointed out that the Grand Avenue and Civic Center locations are unique, and not easily covered by one set of regulations, and suggested creating code for each. Commissioner Behrens found the various lot coverage scenarios confusing. Commissioner Ramsey expressed the need to minimize the impact on adjacent neighbors. Full support for the modifications was given only by Commissioner Ode, who stated that this was not a one property issue, (which it actually is), and eagerly supported all modifications without reservation.

Despite the obvious lack of consensus among the Commissioners and the repeated and ongoing protests by property owners who live in the immediate neighborhood, it appeared at the end of the meeting that the proposed Zone D modifications were given back to Mr. Jackson largely unchanged. The Commission’s discussion of these modifications included little or no reference to concerns expressed by the public. The concerns and issues expressed by Commission members appeared to fall victim to time constraints, as 7:30 p.m. came and went and became time to wrap it up.

I would urge you to continue discussion of this difficult and complex topic at your next meeting. Giving away the farm is not the best solution when the perceived motivation is to accommodate the financial viability of a specific project for a specific developer at a specific site.

Thank you, Don Dare, Piedmont Resident

Comments ­ Part 2

My name is Don Dare. My wife, Dianne, and I live at XXX* Wildwood Avenue, and have done so for the past thirty four years. Our Zone A property shares a boundary with the Zone D property which currently is the Shell station at 29 Wildwood Avenue.

At the subject Study Session, it was established by comments from Kevin Jackson, Planning Director, that the proposed changes to Chapter 17 Zone D regulations were being made primarily to accommodate mixed use development of 29 Wildwood, as no other Zone D parcels were likely candidates for development for many years or even decades.

Per the Piedmont Post article printed following the 7/6/15 Study Session regarding the proposed mixed­ use development at 29 Wildwood, Investor David Hobstetter claims his project can’t proceed without assurances from the City that they will grant variances that far exceed the code for anything currently existing in Piedmont. Mr. Jackson confirmed this at the 7/26 Study Session, saying that under the current code, the proposed project could not be built. Jackson therefore proposed an increased height limit to 40’ and removal of all lot coverage restrictions.

I have included a photo representation of the impact that a 40’ tall building covering the lot to the sidewalk would have for me. The photo was taken from my front porch and is looking southwest. Aside from the obvious negative aesthetic impact and loss of view, this wall would deprive me of several hours of direct sunlight every day for the 6 months a year that the sun would set behind it.

I am hard pressed to imagine how the Planning Commission can reconcile approval for such a monstrosity, or the code which would allow it, with providing me the protection to which I am entitled under Zone A code. To further assist your decision making regarding the proposed Zone D code modifications, I have included quotes by David Hobstetter, a well­ regarded proponent of the positive effects of daylighting and natural light who is also an ex­ Planning Commissioner, and a principal in the proposed development.

Thank you for your consideration, Don Dare, Piedmont Resident        Date: July 28, 2016

Dare’s further comments: ______________

Let The Sun Shine in: The Value of Daylight    Excerpts..
By Susan Bloom

According to David Hobstetter, a Principal at San Francisco ­based KMD Architects, “Regular contact with daylight promotes circadian stimulation, regulating physical and mental function through our natural responses to the rhythms of light,” and helps to minimize the incidence of “cardiovascular problems, immune dysfunction, cognitive and functional deterioration and depression. Exposure to full­ spectrum sunlight further enables us to synthesize vitamin D, which promotes strong nerve and muscle functioning as well as cell growth regulation.”

He adds: “Optimizing the use of daylight also has enormous potential to provide energy savings—electric lights can be turned off when sufficient daylight is available, cutting lighting and cooling costs dramatically.” For example, he shares, “The CEC estimated that incorporating skylights with automatic daylight sensors into all new educational buildings would save the state of California up to $7 million dollars in energy costs each year.”

Overall, Hobstetter concludes: “Windows that admit daylight and provide an ample and pleasant view can dramatically affect mental alertness, productivity and psychological well­ being.”

*Address numbers have been removed in the interest of privacy.

Editors’ Note:  Opinions expressed are those of the author. 
Jul 27 2016

Public Safety: Disaster Prep and Police Chief Report

Public Safety Committee Meeting, Thursday, July 28, 2016, 5:30 p.m. – City Council Chambers, 120 Vista Avenue. 

Agenda includes:

  • Public Forum: an opportunity for members of the audience to speak on an item not on the agenda.
  • Discussion of Distribution of > Get Ready, Piedmont Guides and Checklists
  • Discussion of October 15, 2016 Disaster Preparedness Event 
  • Discussion of Chief Goede’s Opinion Piece in the July 20th Edition of the Piedmont Post Entitled “Piedmont Police Department and Recent Tragic Events”

____________

DRAFT PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting Minutes for Thursday, May 26, 2016

A Regular Session of the Piedmont Public Safety Committee was held on May 26, 2016 in the City Hall Council Chambers at 120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont.

Committee Members: Lori Elifant, Garret Keating, Sue Lin, Lyman Shaffer, Andrea Swenson, Lynne Wright, Police Chief Rikki Goede, and Fire Chief Bud McLaren Absent: Ryan Gilbert
There were no speakers for the public forum.

The Chair introduced Lynne Wright and Lori Elifant as new Committee members. They each provided brief descriptions of their backgrounds as they related to the Committee’s responsibilities under its charge.

The Committee reviewed the schedule of meetings through March, 2017 and confirmed the dates by consensus.

Chief Goede provided an update on the implementation of the AC Alert emergency notification system. It appears that signup for the system is consistent with the CodeRed system that it replaced. It was noted that Piedmont had more signups than any other city. It does not appear that there is any need for action by the Committee at this time but a more detailed briefing by Lisa Douglas will be scheduled for the July meeting.

Chairman Shaffer reported that Ace Hardware conducted a sale of earthquake supplies at a discount for Piedmont residents. The sale was well advertised in the POST and Piedmonter, as well as the Civic Association and the Portal. However, Ace management described the sales as less than expected. The Committee agreed that the idea had merit, and we should look for other opportunities in the future.

Chairman Shaffer and Chief McLaren reported on the May 14 Fire Extinguisher training event. They found that the event was poorly attended probably due to a lack of earlier promotion as it got very limited press coverage. Chairman Shaffer reported that many of those who attended were from recent neighborhood meetings where the event was promoted. The Committee felt that this activity had merit and should be explored in the future possibly as part of another activity.

Chairman Shaffer reported on his submission of the Committee’s annual report to the City Council on May 16. Committee members had previously reviewed the report and were encouraged to watch the presentation on KCOM.

Chief Goede reported on her presentations on sexual harassment and related matters to the entire student population of Piedmont High School. Unlike prior presentations which were done in assembly format, these were done on a classroom basis which resulted in over 20 sessions. This gave students an opportunity to ask questions and better understand consequences for inappropriate behavior. This was a joint effort with the PUSD management and was well received.

Chairman Shaffer reported that over 500 Get Ready, Piedmont Guides have been distributed, and an additional 500 have been printed. Over 700 of the supporting checklists have been distributed. Distribution was done through neighborhood meetings, promotion to existing neighborhood organizations, and pickup at the Police and Fire Departments. The Committee discussed other distribution ideas with the caveat that distribution should be limited, as much as possible, to Piedmont residents due to the cost involved. The Committee suggested that the Public Works and Recreation Department counters might offer additional distribution venues. Chairman Shaffer agreed to follow up on this.

Chairman Shaffer reported that 10 neighborhood public safety meetings were conducted in 2015. To date in 2016, there have been 6 Map Your Neighborhood (MYN) meetings and two general disaster preparedness meetings with one MYN meeting scheduled for early June. At this time, there are about 10 good possibilities for MYN meetings.

The Committee discussed ways to promote neighborhood meetings. Sue Lin suggested using Piedmont CONNECT as a means to reach out to residents. Garrett Keating agreed to provide the contact information for that group. Chairman Shaffer discussed providing a description of MYN to those seeking block closure permits for the 4th of July. A sample was provided to the Committee as part of the meeting package, and the Committee agreed by consensus that it should be provided to Public Works which Chairman Shaffer agreed to do.

Chief McLaren advised that, as discussed in the March meeting, the event is scheduled for October 15. He was able to reserve the county earthquake/fire trailer for that date. The Fire Department plans to staff the trailer and to also provide fire extinguisher training. They also plan to do “sidewalk CPR” training which is very brief and doesn’t involve certifications. There will also be a jumpy house for kids.

The Committee discussed other options. They agreed that PG&E electric and gas safety exhibits have been very well received in the past. Chairman Shaffer agreed to follow up with PG&E. Lori Elifant advised that she had been involved in a couple of game activities at a similar event in Emeryville and agreed to explore those activities. Garrett Keating offered to contact someone who promotes solar cooking to see if they would participate. Lynne Wright agreed to pursue food options that could support the event.

The Committee also agreed that it would staff a table to distribute the Get Ready, Piedmont Guide and supporting documents as well as promote neighborhood meetings. A subcommittee was appointed to work out the logistics of this event. Chairman Shaffer designated himself, Lori Elifant, Lynne Wright, and Andrea Swenson but later substituted Chief McLaren for Andrea Swenson as he was responsible for most of the activities.

The Committee agreed that the event needs to be well promoted in advance. In addition to approaching newspapers, the Civic Association, and the Piedmont Portal, the Committee discussed using Nextdoor to promote the event. The major reservation was the concern that this would attract a significant number of nonresidents which might impose a logistical and financial burden. Garrett Keating agreed to approach Nextdoor to determine if information could be restricted to Piedmont residents only.

Chief Goede reported that crime continues to decline but that they have observed an increase in street robberies involving young suspects. These are occurring primarily in Oakland and were increasingly directed at people getting off buses or BART at the end of the day when people weren’t as alert. She pointed out things that people could do to reduce their vulnerability such as not talking on their cell phones while walking, being alert and making eye contact with suspicious people. She particularly expressed the need for people to be able to provide good descriptions to police. The Committee felt it would be useful to provide that information to residents via the Safety Tips column that appear weekly in the POST. Chairman Shaffer and Chief Goede agreed to collaborate on that.

There being no further business, Chairman Shaffer adjourned the meeting at 6:57 p.m.

Jul 25 2016

AirBNB Home on Sharon Avenue Robbed by Imposter

Piedmont Police captured ELISEL JESUS NAVARRO
Hispanic male, 18 years old, 5’10”, 160 lbs., a resident of Hayward for fraudulently using a false identity to rent and steal property from an AirBNB home* on Sharon Avenue in Piedmont.

Press release is below:

DATE: July 25, 2016

On July 23, 2016, at 11:20 a.m., the Piedmont Police Department was notified of a possible fraudulent transaction utilizing AirBNB for a residence in the 0-100 block of Sharon Avenue, Piedmont.

The victim reported a subject, later identified as ELISEL NAVARRO, had used stolen personal identifying information to fraudulently rent out the victim’s residence. The victim provided NAVARRO with access to the residence keys prior to approval from AirBNB. The victim requested police assistance after being notified by AirBNB of reservation denial.

Piedmont Police observed NAVARRO throwing a bag of stolen jewelry out of the victim’s residence window. NAVARRO then attempted to flee upon seeing the police but was captured a short distance away. NAVARRO was found in possession of stolen property from a reported auto burglary that occurred in San Ramon the previous day. NAVARRO was interviewed and told officers he had knowingly purchased the personal identifying information of another person to fraudulently use in his attempt through AirBNB.

NAVARRO was booked for burglary, forgery/fraud, possession of methamphetamine, and resisting arrest.

NAVARRO has prior arrests in Alameda County for residential burglary, auto theft, and drugs.

Anyone with information regarding this case or the suspect are asked to contact Detective Robert Coffey at (510) 420-3010.

*Editors’ Note:  The Piedmont Planning Commission recommended to the City Council in 2015 that rentals such as AirBNB not be permitted in Piedmont.  The Piedmont City Council scheduled consideration of an ordinance concerning the rentals for September 2015, however, the Council delayed action on the matter, and has yet to adopt an ordinance. 

Currently, AirBNB like rentals are not considered compliant with Piedmont ordinances.  No announcements have been provided on when further consideration of the matter will be undertaken by the City Council.  When consideration is announced, it will be published on this PCA website. 

Jul 23 2016

ZONING: Controversy and Cleanup: Special Meeting, Tuesday, July 26

Every home, apartment, commercial property, and public property in Piedmont is potentially impacted by the broad proposals before the Planning Commission.

Changes of use in the public zone, reduced parking requirements, buildings permitted in setbacks, reduced setback requirements, new descriptions of zone uses, changes in lot coverage requirements, etc. have or will be considered by the Planning Commission as they review staff proposals prior to making recommendations to the City Council, the deciding body.  The changes proposed are entirely too numerous to be listed here; however at the end of this article is a list of official documents related to the proposals.

The proposals currently being considered by the Planning Commission call for a new description of Piedmont’s predominate zones, the single-family residential zones, A and E.

The Planning Commission thus far has undertaken consideration of proposals at the end of their regular meetings. Typically, there have been few, if any, public participants at these meetings. The proposals are lengthy, fragmented and, likely, difficult for the average resident to follow. Awareness of government requirements generally only occur when property owners attempt to build a project or when a neighbor builds or proposes a project.

Piedmont’s foundational law is the Piedmont City Charter < .  Piedmont is a Charter City, and, as such, is governed differently than California General Law cities.

Piedmont’s original Charter intent was to maintain Piedmont as an independent residential city and to control commercial development within the city. To preserve Piedmont’s residential character,  a key provision was included in the Piedmont City  Charter  < requiring any change of classification or reclassification of zones to be done only with voter approval.

The Zoning System as outlined in Piedmont’s  City Charter states:<

“SECTION 9.02 ZONING SYSTEM

“The City of Piedmont is primarily a residential city, and the City Council shall have power to establish a zoning system within the City as may in its judgement be most beneficial. The Council may classify and reclassify the zones established, but no existing zones shall be reduced or enlarged with respect to size or area, and no zones shall be reclassified without submitting the question to a vote at a general or special election. No zone shall be reduced or enlarged and no zones reclassified unless a majority of the voters voting upon the same shall vote in favor thereof; provided that any property which is zoned for uses other than or in addition to a single family dwelling may be voluntarily rezoned by the owners thereof filing a written document executed by all of the owners thereof under penalty of perjury stating that the only use on such property shall be a single-family dwelling, and such rezoning shall not require a vote of the electors as set forth above.”  Emphasis added.

Use change in ZONE D – PIEDMONT’S COMMERCIAL ZONE

During planning processes and action by the City Council Zone D was reclassified by expanding its uses to incorporate the use of Zone C multiple units/apartment/multi-family units.   Zone D is better know as Piedmont’s business or commercial zone. Expanding the use of Zone D to include the Zone C multi-family usage was done by the City Council without voter approval in 2013.   An explanation or legal justification for this relaxed interpretation of the Charter requirement has not been provided.  If a legal interpretation is provided, it will be printed on this website.

The test, if any, on voter avoidance for Zone D, will likely occur only through legal action brought by unhappy neighbors to Zone D development projects. Recently, residents near the Shell Station on Grand Avenue at Wildwood Avenue objected to development proposals presented to the Planning Commission and City Council at a unique joint meeting to hear a presentation from an architect and developer of the property.  Many of the proposed regulations relate directly to this property in Commercial Zone D.

Some Piedmonters encouraged the change of use in Zone D and have accepted the lack of voter approval because of a desire for more housing in Piedmont.  Perhaps, most voters in Piedmont would agree to the change, if given an opportunity to cast a vote per the Charter language.

Zone D has always permitted single-family homes in the zone.  Based on the Council’s pre-emptive use change in Zone D, new rules are proposed.

The Planning Commission will consider changes to the Zoning Code Chapter 17 on Tuesday, July 26, 5:30 p.m – 7:30 p.m.  The meeting will be broadcast live on Channel 27 and from the City website.  

The July 26 Special meeting at City Hall in the Council Chambers will be the first meeting that is separate from routine Planning Commission matters.  This meeting includes rules for Zone D, the commercial zone and how development can be permitted on commercial properties.

Some of the recommendations for Zone D include:

  • reduction on the number of parking spaces required
  • requirements for only housing on the second floor of commercial buildings
  • zero setbacks in the zone
  • setbacks only when adjacent to Zone A the single-family zone
  • reduction on the size of a parking space
  • increase in the height of a building from 35′ to 40′
  • etc.

Read > agenda for the Planning Commission’s special meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 26, 2016.

Read the full  >  staff report for the July 26th Planning Commission meeting.

You can submit comments to the Commission by sending an email to kjackson@ci.piedmont.ca.us or on paper to the address: Kevin Jackson, AICP Planning Director, City of Piedmont,  120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont, CA 94611    (510) 420-3039   Fax: (510) 658-3167

To read all of the staff produced documents, click items on the list below. These are links to various documents related to the proposals and are found on the City website. You can find ongoing information on this project by visiting the City’s website.:

Staff Reports, in chronological order:

Follow this link to find the Minutes for the above Planning Commission meetings.

City provided information is below:

“In 2012, the Planning Commission began to have discussions about revisions to Chapter 17 of the Municipal Code, otherwise known as the Zoning Code (Code). These discussions followed and were partially in response to a 2009 comprehensive update of the Piedmont General Plan, which included some goals and actions that necessitated some revisions to the Zoning Code. There are many reasons to make amendments to Chapter 17. Some revisions are mandatory in order to stay in compliance with the General Plan and Housing Element. Other revisions are voluntary but equally important to improving planning services in the city.

The first two of five planned phases of revisions were completed in 2012 and 2013. To achieve the goal of completing phases III and IV of Zoning Code revisions, the Planning Commission will be holding discussions about a variety topics related to potential revisions to the Code during its regularly scheduled meetings beginning in March 2016. Ultimately, and if things go as envisioned, the Planning Commission will be asked to make a recommendation to the City Council to adopt Zoning Code changes before the end of 2016.

During this process there will be multiple opportunities for public input, and staff will continue to try to reach out to as many Piedmonters as possible.

Staff has already assembled a list of residents who wish to receive notices and staff reports directly via email. Anybody who wishes to be added to the list may contact the planning office by contacting Planning Director Kevin Jackson atkjackson@ci.piedmont.ca.us or (510) 420-3050.

Jul 23 2016

School Bond Measure: Ballot Argument Deadlines for November 8, 2016 Election

  • School Bond Measure Deadlines –

  • Wednesday, August 17, 2016:   Last day to File Direct Arguments For/Against a Measure for the November 8, 2016 General Election 

  • Monday, August 22, 2016:     Last day to File Rebuttal Arguments For/Against a Measure for the November 8, 2016 General Election 

Guidelines for arguments > here.

Guidelines for ballot measures > here.

Piedmont Unified School District information:  Click below.

http://www.piedmont.k12.ca.us/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/21-2015-16-Calling-Bond-Election.pdf

Ballot arguments related to the Piedmont Unified School District ballot measure must be filed with the Alameda County Registrar of Voters.

Editors’ Note:  The Piedmont Civic Association does not support or oppose ballot measures.  Information on the ballot measure is welcomed and can be sent to editors@piedmontcivic.org. 
Ballot Measure Argument Deadline Wednesday, August 17, 2016
Ballot Measure Rebuttal Argument Deadline Monday, August 22, 2016
Public Examination Period Monday, August 15, 2016 through Thursday, September 1, 2016
Jul 20 2016

Jonathan Levine Chosen to Fill Council Vacancy

Experienced Commissioner Appointed –

At its special meeting July 19, 2016, the Council appointed Jonathan Levine to fill the vacancy on the City Council created by the resignation of Margaret Fujioka. Mr. Levine will serve until the results of the November 8, 2016 General Municipal Election are certified.

Jonathan Levine - Girard Gibbs

Jonathan K. Levine is an attorney and co-founding partner of Pritzker Levine LLP.  <  He is a current member of both the Piedmont Park Commission and the Piedmont Civil Service Commission.  Levine is also a member of the Aquatics Master Plan Steering Committee. He previously served on the Piedmont Planning Commission and the Piedmont Environmental Task Force.

For additional information, contact City Clerk John Tulloch at 420-3040.

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