DATE: August 24, 2023
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Taylor Richard, Associate Planner and Elizabeth Blanton, AICP, Senior Planner
SUBJECT
Title
Draft Regulations for the Hayward Residential Design Study
End
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
That the Planning Commission provide feedback on the draft regulations for the Hayward Residential Design Study.
End
SUMMARY
The Hayward Residential Design Study is a long range planning project that will result in the development of objective residential design standards as well as zoning amendments that ensure General Plan and Zoning Ordinance consistency. At this work session, staff would like feedback on the following proposed revisions to the Hayward Municipal Code:
• Consolidated Residential District Section. Sections 10-1.200 through 10-1.500 of the Municipal Code have been consolidated into a single section governing the four residential zoning districts: Residential Natural Preservation (RNP), Low Density Residential (RL, previously referred to as “RS” or “Single Family Residential”), Medium Density Residential (RM), and High Density Residential (RH). Within this section are new standards and revisions related to building types, setbacks, heights, lot coverage, design standards, and open space. The revised standards are aimed at facilitating new development up to the maximum allowed densities set in the General Plan while promoting visually attractive development that is aligned with community priorities. The new consolidated Residential District is included in its entirety as Attachment II.
• Additional changes to Chapter 10, Article 1, Zoning Ordinance. In addition to the consolidated Residential District section, further updates were made to Chapter 10, Article 1 of the Hayward Municipal Code to remove subjective standards related to residential development, align with recent State housing legislation, and complete simple “clean up” updates required by the City’s Housing Element. Revisions to the Zoning Ordinance are provided in redline in Attachment III.
• Chapter 10, Article 2, Parking Regulations. The proposed updates also include changes to the Off-Street Parking Regulations which are aimed at addressing community concerns, introducing new Transportation Demand Management and unbundled parking policies, and ensuring that standards align with State Law. There are also “clean up” revisions to correct terminology for consistency, remove redundancies and consolidate all residential parking standards in this Article. Revisions to the Off-Street Parking Regulations are provided in redline in Attachment IV.
• Zoning Map Amendments. The Hayward 2040 General Plan and Zoning Ordinance shape and regulate development throughout the city. Under California State law, the Zoning Ordinance shall be internally consistent and compatible with the General Plan. Furthermore, if inconsistencies exist, residential development is required to fully comply with the General Plan. Of the 20,791 RL zoned parcels in the city, 857 of those parcels have General Plan land use designations which require a greater density than is currently allowed by the RL District. To remedy these inconsistencies, two changes are proposed. First, all residentially zoned parcels will default to their underlying General Plan land use designations to determine the applicable density range. Second, as identified in Attachment V, 49 parcels are proposed to be rezoned where defaulting to the density allowed by the underlying General Plan land use designation is not sufficient to address the inconsistency.
At this work session, staff is requesting specific feedback from the Planning Commission on the following questions related to the draft standards:
• Are any of the proposed development standards and/or Code amendments not right for Hayward?
• Which architectural design standards for multi-unit buildings are appropriate for the Mission Boulevard Code?
• Do you think the proposed open space amenities are weighted appropriately? Are there other amenities that should be included?
• Though a popular development typology, the City of Hayward current requires a Planned Development rezoning for small lot residential subdivisions. Should staff explore an option to allow small lot subdivisions by right as part of this project?
• Do you think the proposed TDM measures and associated reductions are appropriate?
• Do you support the new parking ratios for senior and special needs housing?
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I Staff Report
Attachment II Proposed HMC Section 10-1.200, Residential Districts
Attachment III Additional Revisions to HMC Chapter 10, Article 1, Zoning Ordinance (redline)
Attachment IV Revisions to HMC Chapter 10, Article 2, Off-Street Parking Regulations (redline)
Attachment V List of Parcels Proposed to be Rezoned
Attachment VI Map of Parcels Proposed to be Rezoned