Notes on Zoning Update Committee October 29 Meeting

On Wednesday October 29, several stakeholder groups provided their thoughts and vision for Oakland to the Zoning Update Committee. These groups included the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, Oakland Builders Alliance, Oakland Heritage Alliance, CALM, and East Bay Housing Coalition.

There appear to be two main areas still requiring resolution: 1) what will be the final and permitted building heights along the downtown edge of Lake Merritt and 2) the final implementation strategy for the Fine Grain approach to zoning as the method for accomplishing historic preservation and economic development downtown.

With regard to building height limits, it is fair to say that the process has reached an impasse. The impasse is the result of the City of Oakland's unjustified position to permit buildings of 170 feet and higher in some areas by the Lake. This is in clear contrast to CALM's proposal for 55 foot height limits. Please see the staff report here: October 29, 2008, ZUC Staff Report

CALM's presentation focused entirely on specific General Plan policies and provisions which require the City to maintain and enhance the Gold Coast neighborhood, respect and preserve the historic properties and districts, and to protect important views into and away from downtown. CALM also pointed out that the General Plan directs new high-density housing away from the Gold Coast and Lake area.

It is clear that City staff has not considered the policies and directives of the General Plan in its height recommendations by Lake Merritt. CALM was please to be the first to bring actual General Plan materials into the rezoning process. The entire rezoning process for the CBD was initiated by the City Council in December, 2007, for the express purpose of bringing the Zoning Code into compliance with Oakland's General Plan. CALM will continue to press for limited building heights at Lake Merritt in compliance with Oakland's General Plan.

October 6 Combined Central Business District Rezoning Meeting

On Monday October 6, a combined meeting of the Zoning Update Committee (ZUC) and the Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board (LPAB) will take place to consider the LPAB's comments and recommendations on potential strategies, regulations, and incentives to retain and protect historic resources in the Central Business District (CBD). The ZUC previously requested the LPAB review proposed amendments to the zoning regulations in the CBD. In response, the LPAB held a series of meetings in July, August, and September which included public input from CALM, Oakland Heritage Alliance, Oakland Builders Alliance, and other interested parties.

The LPAB has now issued its report and recommendations based on those meetings and the combined meeting will consider the LPAB's recommendations on the 6th. You may read the staff report here: October 6 Combined ZUC/LPAB Staff Report

Most notably for CALM, the LPAB has tentatively recommended the 55 foot height limit along Lakeside Drive at the edge of Lake Merritt. The exception in this regard is that the LPAB recommends the somewhat higher building height of 85 feet at 19th Street and in the vicinity of Snow Park. We will continue to advocate the 55 foot limit for the entire area along Lakeside Drive, but we are encouraged by the LPAB recommendations at the Lake.

Additionally, CALM is pleased with many of the recommendations in the report, especially the report's detailed consideration of the effect of building heights on historic properties and areas. The LPAB recommends using a "Fine-Grain" approach to the rezoning with respect to historic resources. This approach identifies sub-areas in the CBD in order to align height with identified historic districts, such as the Lakeside Apartment District by the Lake, in order to maintain the integrity of historic districts and properties.

The October 6 combined meeting of the ZUC and LPAB will take place in Hearing Room 1, City Hall, One Frank H. Ogawa Plaza at 5:30pm.