Planning commissioner supports infill at 306 California but warns against flag-lot development in ravine

The commission advanced first reading of ordinance 26-1312 to rezone 306 California Avenue from R1 to RTZ, allowing three street-facing 50-foot lots and a flag lot. Developer John Kovel of HGH Construction described plans for 50-foot-wide lots with single-family homes and off-street parking; staff and planning commission recommended approval. The item passed first reading and will return for a final vote on August 4.

Kate Sonberg, a planning-commission member who lives on California Avenue, said she supports adding housing but opposed developing a flag lot within a wooded ravine and warned the commission that stormwater and tree canopy protections need clearer rules. She told the commission the UDC (unified development code) diagnostic identifies stormwater and tree-canopy issues that staff intends to address. "I think that that sets a dangerous precedent for our community around developing in landscapes that...make it really risky," Sonberg said. Staff reiterated existing land-disturbance, steep-slope and buffer rules and said some buffers (including a 10-foot RTZ buffer) apply now; the city plans to address broader protections in the UDC drafting period.