Architectural Review Board - January 15, 2026

El Camino Real project advances with design conditions

The Architectural Review Board voted 3-0 to recommend City Council approval of a seven-story, 183-unit housing project at 3781 El Camino Real, subject to conditions and design refinements. The proposal includes 23 below-market-rate units, meeting the stated 13% affordability requirement.

The project would demolish approximately 10,100 square feet of commercial space and 14 existing residential units. The applicant confirmed that the new development would contain no retail space. Plans provide 215 vehicle parking spaces, including 183 spaces equipped for electric vehicles and 36 tandem spaces.

Board members sought changes intended to reduce the building’s visual mass and improve access and operations. The requested revisions include a third elevator in the northeast wing, off-street loading, better garage screening, a clear route through the bicycle room, an 8-foot unobstructed pedestrian path at the El Camino Real entrance, balcony and facade changes, additional upper-story setbacks and more detailed courtyard plans.

Public comments raised concerns about parking, congestion at Curtner Avenue and El Camino Real, and the loss of commercial space. Staff described the proposal as a builder’s remedy project eligible for an AB 130 infill housing exemption. Tribal consultation was still being completed, with related cultural and archaeological-resource conditions expected before City Council action. Staff anticipated a Council hearing in March 2026.

Geng Road townhomes receive unanimous recommendation

The board also voted 3-0 to recommend City Council approval of the Site and Design application for 145 for-sale townhomes at 2100-2400 Geng Road. The proposal includes 19 deed-restricted low-income homes, representing 13% of the units.

The development would replace four commercial buildings on an 11.02-acre site with 65 three-story residential buildings. Estimated development impact fees total $8,306,259.10, plus the applicable public-art fee. Revisions presented after an October 2025 study session included duplex units, a more subdued material palette, terraced retaining walls and lighting changes.

Board discussion included concerns about housing-type variety, a potentially repetitive appearance, exterior materials and aging-in-place features in one unit type. Public commenters questioned whether a proposed exemption under CEQA Guidelines Section 15183 adequately addressed airport noise, liquefaction, sea-level rise and other site-specific effects.

Staff said its environmental checklist found the project consistent with the 2023 Comprehensive Plan environmental impact report and recommended a Section 15183 exemption. The board’s recorded final motion expressly addressed the Site and Design recommendation, however, and the meeting record did not clearly establish a separate vote on the CEQA exemption. City Council is expected to take final action, with staff identifying March 2026 as a tentative hearing date.

Primary sources

Watch the meeting on YouTube · Read the official meeting packet