Laserfiche WebLink
SPR No. 2023-02 and DBA No. 2023-02 (322 N Harbor Blvd.) <br />September 25, 2023 <br />Page 7 <br />costs and make the project financially infeasible. Moreover, due to the site's <br />limited size, the project proposed podium level parking, and the residential <br />units stacked above the podium parking. Creating a courtyard or forecourt, <br />would result in the project reducing the number of units by two or more in <br />order to adhere to the open space standards. <br />When analyzed cumulatively, the requested concessions and waivers could be avoided if <br />the project were designed on a different site or using a different site plan. If the project were <br />designed on a larger site with a multi -level parking and/or subterranean parking structure, <br />or if the applicant used different building materials to construct a taller project on a larger <br />site, additional area on site would become available to provide the open space requirements <br />and the allowed building frontage type. However, these changes would increase <br />development costs, resulting in the housing project becoming financially infeasible due to <br />the significantly increased financial implications of an alternative construction type <br />compared to the relatively smaller scale of the project. In addition, these changes would <br />reduce the number of units that could be constructed on the site and therefore eliminate the <br />affordable housing units that would result from the project. <br />In addition, the changes would increase development costs and reduce the financial <br />feasibility of redeveloping the site, resulting in the affordable housing project becoming <br />financially infeasible due to the significantly increased financial implications. Lastly, the <br />proposed deviations are necessary to make the project economically feasible for the <br />applicant to utilize a density bonus authorized for the development pursuant to Section 41- <br />1603 of the SAMC. <br />Site Plan Review <br />Pursuant to Chapter 3 (Land Use Plan and Development Standards) of the SP2, any <br />structure that exceeds three (3) stories in height is subject to discretionary review and <br />approval of a site plan review (SPR) by the Planning Commission, for compliance with the <br />SP2. Planning staff has reviewed the project for compliance with the SP2 and all applicable <br />development standards and City design guidelines. As proposed, the development would <br />meet all required SP2 development standards and City design guidelines, with exception of <br />the requested concessions and waivers identified as part of the density bonus agreement <br />analysis (i.e., minimum common open space, building frontage and floor height, lot width, <br />and onsite open space requirements). <br />The proposed development will incorporate residential units that are in close proximity to <br />the corridor, which will increase street presence and create new activity throughout the day. <br />It would also add further visibility along the street, contributing to an improved sense of <br />community and safety. As a result, the proposed project will bring a safer and more vibrant <br />atmosphere for corridor users. Moreover, the proposed project will be compatible with <br />adjacent development and achieve the design and development principles outlined in SP2. <br />As previously mentioned, the project features a contemporary architectural style similar to <br />many multiple -family or mixed -use residential communities under construction in the <br />9/25/2023 <br />Planning Commission 2-7 <br />