Project
The Oakland Planning Commission voted 6-1 to deny RCPC's appeal of the conditional use permit for Maison Nouveau's ground-floor real estate office at 5327 College Avenue. The approval was conditioned on Maison Nouveau including a home-design library and art gallery in the front of the building.
5327 College Avenue (near Bryant Avenue)
Maison Nouveau, a real estate company, purchased 5327 College Avenue and received a minor conditional use permit to locate offices on the ground floor, in violation of C-31 zoning requiring retail at street level. RCPC appealed the city's approval; hearing scheduled before the planning commission September 21.
RCPC's ongoing dispute over C-31 zoning compliance at 5327 College Avenue is discussed in an editorial context; RCPC used this case as a key example of its land use enforcement role while clarifying it is not advocating a Fruitvale-style transit village.
The Oakland Planning Commission voted 6-1 to deny RCPC's appeal of the conditional use permit for Maison Nouveau's ground-floor real estate office at 5327 College Avenue. The approval was conditioned on Maison Nouveau including a home-design library and art gallery in the front of the building.
“RCPC has opposed the issuance of a minor conditional use permit to Maison Nouveau because a real estate office does not conform to the C-31 zoning guidelines on College Avenue. C-31 requires retail on the ground floor with an allowance for offices and housing on upper floors.”2005_09 - article by Jessica Pitt on RCPC appeal
“Rockridge residents fought hard for C-31 zoning because the community recognized that the economic vitality of the College Avenue commercial area depends upon a vibrant retail environment.”2005_09 - article by Jessica Pitt on RCPC appeal
“RCPC needs as many voices as possible at the planning commission meeting.”2005_09 - RCPC call to action in article
“RCPC is appealing the City's decision to grant a Minor Conditional Use Permit for 5327 College Avenue, which violates C-31 regulations by allowing an office at street level. Once granted, this permit remains in perpetuity with the property.”2005_10 - article by RCPC Chair Deborah Weinstein clarifying RCPC's development position
“Planning commissioners were of the view that the project met the necessary criteria for approval, noting that conditional use permits allow the City to attach conditions on proposed uses that limit their impact.”2005_11 - article describing planning commission reasoning