Architectural Review Board - March 5, 2026

Old Trace study session ends with calls for safety and design changes

The Architectural Review Board took no action on a proposed 16-unit subdivision at 4103 Old Trace Road, but board members called for further work on intersection safety, emergency access, parking, sidewalks, building scale and the design of the project's smaller units. The nonbinding review was a study session intended to give the applicant and city staff feedback as technical review continues.

The Oaks would place eight single-family residences and eight junior accessory dwelling units on eight lots at the vacant 1.02-acre site. One home and its JADU would be deed restricted for households earning no more than 100% of area median income. The proposal includes a 20-foot-wide private street called Rose Drive and requests State Density Bonus waivers from several development standards, along with a concession that would allow the below-market-rate unit to be smaller than the average market-rate unit.

Neighbors focused heavily on congestion and safety around Old Trace Road and Arastradero Road. Commenters said additional traffic and overflow parking could worsen risks for pedestrians and bicyclists and impede emergency vehicles, evacuation, transit, deliveries and garbage service on nearby streets. They suggested measures including sidewalks, stop signs, flashing beacons, a traffic signal, speed controls and limits on street parking. Staff said the applicant had added an Arastradero Road sidewalk and a proposed rapid flashing beacon at the existing crosswalk, while possible Old Trace Road sidewalks remained under discussion.

Board members shared many of those concerns. David Hirsch questioned whether the proposed density, size of the homes and parking supply were appropriate for the site, while Mousam Adcock urged a more inclusive and livable design for the below-market-rate unit and JADUs. Kendra Rosenberg prioritized pedestrian safety and sought additional study of parking, building height and basement design. Chair Yingxi Chen called for continued coordination with transportation staff and neighbors on intersection safety, guest parking, privacy and scale. Marton Jojarth raised questions about ceiling heights, signage, mechanical equipment, windows and fencing.

Staff and the applicant will continue reviewing transportation, private-street access, emergency-vehicle circulation, parking, sidewalks, landscaping and stormwater requirements. Staff expected tribal consultation under AB 130 to be completed in April 2026 and tentatively anticipated bringing the vesting tentative map to the City Council in May, while the streamlined housing review would remain at the staff level.

Primary sources

Watch the meeting on YouTube · Read the official meeting packet