A developer wants to replace a vacant auto body shop on Mt. Diablo Boulevard with an eight-story, 104-unit apartment building, and Walnut Creek's Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposal Thursday, Aug. 27.
The mixed-use project at 1532 Mt. Diablo Blvd. would transform a 0.41-acre parcel that holds a shuttered body shop and surface parking lot into a 110,970-square-foot residential and retail building, according to city project records.
The site sits squarely in the downtown core.
Plans filed by applicant Mark Loper of Reuben, Junius and Rose LLP call for 104 rental apartments, including 14 affordable units that qualify the project for incentives under California's State Density Bonus Law. The ground floor would include commercial retail space, and upper levels would feature an outdoor terrace, a fitness center and a rooftop deck. Two levels of underground parking are planned beneath the building.
The application is being processed under the Housing Accountability Act (SB 330), which limits cities' ability to deny housing projects that comply with zoning and general plan standards. The city's environmental review recommends a categorical exemption for infill development.
Assistant planner Steven Cook is the staff contact for the project. The Planning Commission agenda shows the commission will also consider conditional use permits for two smaller businesses at 1828-1830 Mt. Diablo Blvd.: Green Oasis Day Spa, which would occupy a 1,492-square-foot space, and Rez Alterations Tailor, seeking an 800-square-foot space.
The commission is chaired by Pamela Nieting, with Molly P. Clopp as vice chair.
How to weigh in
The Aug. 27 hearing begins at 6 p.m. in the Council Chamber at 1666 North Main St. In-person speakers are limited to two minutes each; speaker cards are available in the chamber.
Written comments must be submitted by 4 p.m. Aug. 27 via email to [email protected] or by mail to City of Walnut Creek, Attn: Planning Commission, 1666 North Main St., Walnut Creek, CA 94596. The meeting will also stream on the city's website, YouTube channel and Comcast Channel 28.
The next regular Planning Commission meeting after the Aug. 27 hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 10, at 6 p.m.
