1515 Fourth Street Senior Residential Care Facility
| Address: | 1515 4th Street |
| APN(s):
|
New APN: 011-245-41
Old APNs: 011-245-26, -39 |
| Project No.(s): | PLAN22-039 ED22-016 PLAN24-033 |
| Applicant: | Troy Vernon; Greystar Development West LLC, Belmont Senior Living and 1515 Fourth Street Associates LLC |
| Project Planner: | Margaret Kavanaugh-Lynch (415) 485-3095 margaret.kavanaugh-lynch@cityofsanrafael.org |
Project Description
On March 10, 2022, the Planning Division received an Environmental and Design Review application for a proposed new seven story mixed use building at 1515 4th Street that would include 191 residential units and 4,000 square feet of commercial space.
On June 16, 2022, the Planning Division received a letter from the applicant intending to withdraw their Environmental and Design Review application and instead pursue a Senate Bill 35 (“SB 35”) process. SB 35 took effect on January 1, 2018, and it requires that development applications meeting certain criteria must be subject to a streamlined, ministerial approval process.
On December 29, 2022, the Planning Division received a letter from the applicant withdrawing their SB 35 letter of intent and instead continuing with a formal Environmental and Design Review application process. The applicant also provided revised plans that reduced the number of residential units to 162 units, while maintaining seven stories and 8,900 square feet of commercial space.
On March 4, 2024, the applicant submitted a modified project for formal consideration by the City. After completing a thorough comparison, the Community and Economic Development Director determined that there were different components to the modified project. They are:
Environmental and Design Review Permit. The Director found that proposed plans included in the March 2024 submittal were consistent with the intent of the original approval Environmental and Design Review Permit (ED 22-016), pursuant to San Rafael Municipal Code Section 14.25.160 - Amendments—New application.
Use Permit. The Director found that the new use, a state licensed residential care facility for the elderly (RCFE), required a Use Permit at the proposed location, pursuant to Table 2.3.070.A of the Downtown Precise Plan (DPP). This use is identified as Residential Care Facility, Other (Large 7 or more residents) on the table.
Public Hearings
On March 7, 2023, the Design Review Board recommended Planning Commission approval of the design aspects of the project.
On April 11, 2023, the Planning Commission approved the Environmental and Design Review Permit for the project.
On May 8, 2023, the City Council denied an appeal to the Planning Commission approval of the project and upheld the project approval.
On July 23, 2024, the Planning Commission approved the revised project.