pages: PlanningBoard/2020-05-11.pdf, 2
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PlanningBoard | 2020-05-11 | 2 | Director Thomas answered the project must meet the California Building Code, that's non- negotiable. The Universal Design ordinance (local ordinance) exceeds the state's standards. The Applicant is requesting waivers from the city standards. Board Member Asheshh Saheba thanked the staff for the presentation, found the information very clear, and had no questions. Board Member Teague asked about the interior width of the garages for the fourteen units. Director Thomas answered while Robert McGillis, Project Architect, looked up that information. There are one and two-car type garages, they are some grading issues with making the garages accessible. Board Member Teague said that if the garages are not even 13 or 16 feet wide then they could not accommodate a ramp. Director Thomas said it's more about the ability to roll in from the alley over the rolled curb into the garage. The grade excessed the 5% grade. Board Member Teague wanted to make sure if someone brought in a wheelchair accessible van if they would have the required room. Director Thomas said yes, on the 14 waterfront homes that "basically" meet all the requirements of the Universal Design. Except for access into the units from the street. They do not meet the letter of the code because the only way to get in with a wheelchair is by vehicle. Those 14 units all have two-car garages so they could accommodate a wheelchair accessible van. Board Member Hansom Hom wanted to know if the items listed by the Disability Commission address accessibility issues and if Staff feels comfortable adding them to the project. Also wanted to know how the applicant feels about the list. Director Thomas said that the Disability Commission got together and gave staff the list just today. There may be some items that the Planning Board might think would enhance the project. The list takes into account many types of disabilities, not just the need for a wheelchair. The applicant had only an hour or so to read over the list. There were no public comments. Board Member Ruiz was very disappointed that the new development is not able to provide 100% visitability. She went back to the map and is struggling to believe that this is the best they can do with this site. She did understand there are unique challenges but to claim that only 40% of the townhomes are being provided with visitability she would need further detail, without she could not support. Board Member Rothenberg advocated strongly for optimal disabled access provided by law, however, the Universal design in her opinion is a reach goal. She was inclined to support bringing more housing to fruition sooner rather than later. Approved Planning Board Minutes Page 2 of 10 May 11, 2020 | PlanningBoard/2020-05-11.pdf |