pages: CityCouncil/2009-03-17.pdf, 10
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CityCouncil | 2009-03-17 | 10 | wants to add something to a residential property and design review is approved by staff; neighbors might not like the project for various reasons that were not addressed at the design review level because the Code is only checked; the matter could become a whole other issue such as blocking sun light. Mayor Johnson stated the appeal process has become too lax; a better process needs to be developed. Councilmember Tam stated twenty-two appeals have been filed within two years; the process does not seem to be abused. Mayor Johnson stated the Fernside Boulevard process took a year and a half; there was an amendment to the appeal months after the original appeal was filed; the process needs to be better defined; trying to accommodate everyone ends up being unfair. Vice Mayor deHaan stated incidentals could be cleaned up before coming to Council charging $10,000 for an appeal is a disgrace; an appeal process is democracy in motion and is right for the community; placing all appeals into one pot does not work. Mayor Johnson concurred that commercial and residential should have different fees; all commercial should not be lumped into the same category. Councilmember Gilmore stated that she does not like tying the fee to whether someone wins or loses; proposed a $350 residential flat fee with time and materials cap of $500, for a total of $850; a commercial flat fee of $350 with time and materials cap of $2,500, for a total of $2,850; inquired whether individual hardship could be considered. Mayor Johnson proposed lowering the residential flat fee to $200 or $250 with a time and materials cap of $500; concurred with Councilmember Gilmore's proposed commercial fee structure. Councilmember Matarrese moved adoption of the resolution with the following amended fees Residential : $250 flat fee with time and materials cap of $500; Commercial : $350 flat fee with time and materials cap of $2,500. The Planning and Building Director inquired whether a single family or duplex would be considered residential, to which Councilmember Matarrese responded in the affirmative. Mayor Johnson requested that policy recommendations be brought back regarding the appeal process. Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 10 March 17, 2009 | CityCouncil/2009-03-17.pdf |