Board: 205-unit Vandenberg proposal needs redesign after multiple waiver requests

Representatives for 720 Vandenberg Property Owner, LLC presented a proposal for a 205-unit multifamily residential building on a 6.8-acre parcel in the KPMU zoning district and requested eight waivers that the Board flagged as substantial. The applicant introduced project engineers and requested, among others, (1) combined preliminary and final review and approval, (2) a partial waiver for storm-pipe diameter less than 15 inches for roof and courtyard drains, (3) permission to remove an existing breezeway and regrade to the property line, (4) use of an aerial photo in lieu of a full survey for features within 200 feet, (5) payment in lieu for 45 replacement trees, (6) partial dimensional planting waivers due to parking and slopes, (7) payment in lieu for recreation parkland, and (8) to omit right-of-way dedication for private Arnold Road so the owner may maintain a 30-foot existing easement.

Vice-chair Supervisor Bill Jenaway and other supervisors said the proposed building footprint is too large for the parcel and discussed options to preserve parkland and tree plantings; Jenaway suggested narrowing the building and adding a seventh floor to make room for parkland. The applicant agreed to return with a revised plan rather than seek immediate approvals. "We're requesting to allow the owner to maintain the existing condition as a 30-foot existing easement," the applicant team said during the presentation.