Moraga Canyon Plan Consultant and Piedmont City Charter Implications
Another Consultant is proposed to be hired at an unspecified cost to produce a Moraga Canyon specific plan.
“The RFP does not set a price, but … [in 2019] … the preparation of a specific plan cost an average of $544,237.” according to ABAG.
On the Council Agenda, Tuesday, January 17, 2023 the City of Piedmont returns to the previously unexamined, controversial legal opinion of the Piedmont City Charter when the City Attorney dismissed the specific language within the Piedmont City Charter of requiring voter approval of proposed zoning changes. Agenda > >council-agenda 1.17.23
This program requires an amendment to the City’s General Plan and the preparation of a specific plan to accommodate the density and create development standards for the unique site conditions. The required amendments would be reviewed by the City Attorney for conformance with the City Charter and other legal requirements. If it is determined that it is infeasible to develop this site during the planning process, the City will consider utilizing other City-owned properties as alternative sites (see Appendix B).
Funds generated by General Plan Maintenance fee instituted by the City on July 1, 2019 will provide significant funds for General Plan costs – plans and zoning changes.
Currently, the fee is $0.013 x the construction cost valuation on building permits. The fee generated $427,000 in FY 21-22 and the City expects a similar amount this fiscal year. The funds must be spent on updates and amendments to the General Plan and other auxiliary documents (e.g., Climate Action Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Hazard Mitigation Plan, and a specific plan). The City Council might consider increasing this fee to help cover the rising costs of land use planning.
READ the full staff report in the link below:
Moraga Canyon Plan Consultant 1.17.23
Stay Informed about the Moraga Canyon Specific Plan
After the City adopts a 6th Cycle Housing Element, a key piece of the implementation process will be the creation of a Moraga Canyon Specific Plan. This initiative will study all City-owned land in Moraga Canyon with the goal of creating a detailed plan for how to maintain and improve existing amenities while also incorporating new housing in the area.
The City expects to issue an RFP in late January seeking professional services to lead this process. Stay informed by subscribing to our Moraga Canyon Specific Plan email list.
