Piedmont, City Of

The agenda for the meeting included a Proclamation for Black History Month under Presentations. The Consent Calendar involved approving resolutions to set compensation and employment terms for a new Building Inspector and Permit Technician, and to approve a revised job classification for a Police Officer Academy Trainee. The Regular Agenda featured two public hearings: one concerning the adoption of the Piedmont Objective Design Standards and introduction of an amending ordinance, and another regarding amendments to City Code Chapter 17 concerning Accessory Dwelling Units, Notice Requirements, Appeals, and Definitions. Additionally, the Council was set to consider a Consulting Services Agreement with Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. for services related to the preparation and review of responses for the Moraga Canyon Specific Plan Area RFP/Q.

The Moraga Canyon Specific Plan is designed to address Piedmont's housing needs by 2031, planning for 587 new housing units, including 132 units in Moraga Canyon with 60 designated as affordable housing. The plan focuses on enhancing recreational amenities, improving pedestrian and traffic safety, and increasing wildfire safety, all while maintaining existing city facilities. It includes two development scenarios: one building housing on the north side of Moraga Avenue and another on the south side, both aiming to create a cohesive neighborhood. The plan also outlines design and safety standards for new housing, roadway improvements, and bicycle enhancements to improve safety and promote active transportation.

The City of Piedmont's Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) Update guides hazard mitigation planning to protect residents from hazard events. The plan identifies and assesses risks, sets mitigation goals, and outlines strategies to reduce vulnerability and increase resilience. It focuses on natural hazards such as climate change, dam failure, drought, earthquakes, floods, landslides, severe weather, and wildfires. The plan also addresses community lifelines, critical facilities, and the integration of mitigation principles into local laws and policies.

The Land Use Element establishes Piedmont's goals for property use, including the Land Use Diagram. It focuses on preserving residential areas, guiding development, and preserving open spaces. Key areas include residential, commercial, public, and institutional uses, coordination with Oakland, and planning administration. The plan addresses existing land uses, the Land Use Diagram, and goals, policies, and actions for various land use topics.

The Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Element focuses on providing high-quality parks and recreational programs that meet the diverse needs of Piedmont residents. Key areas of focus include park planning and management, maintenance, recreational programming, and joint use of City and School District recreational facilities. The plan aims to balance active and passive recreation, improve access for disabled residents, and address the need for additional athletic fields and updated facilities. It also emphasizes sustainable practices and community involvement in park stewardship.