Community Development Department
What is the name for our long term plan of managing development in San Carlos?
The General Plan
Why did New York City come up with zoning laws in 1916?
To separate incompatible land uses (like residential and industrial)
What is the definition of Economic Development?
A set of policies and actions to promote and enhance the community’s economic health and long term sustainability.
Name three services provided by the Building Division.
Emphasis on Customer Service and Problem Resolution
Administer Local, State, and Federal Codes, Rules and Regulations
Plan Review & Permit Issuance
Field Inspections
Code Enforcement
Apartment Inspection Program
Floodplain Administration
Code Education
Counter Assistance
Will the Transit Village parking around the train depot be available for use by the public for free?
Yes, in the evenings and on the weekends.
What tool do we use to implement Land Use objectives in the General Plan?
The Zoning Code
What are two development standards that effect house size?
Lot Coverage, Setbacks, Height
Does the City charge developer's affordable housing fees for Commercial or Residential developments?
Both.
What are two ways to submit a code enforcement complaint?
Inform San Carlos and/or calling the Building Division
According to the Community Development Director, what are two pressing issues San Carlos (and the entire Bay Area) is currently facing?
Traffic and a lack of affordable housing options
What divisions make up the Community Development Department?
The Building Division, The Planning Division and the Economic Development and Housing Division
What is the maximum income a household of four can earn in order to qualify for affordable housing?
142,100
How did San Carlos respond to the 2015 Berkeley balcony collapse?
By requiring mandatory balcony inspections
Does the Community Development Department oversee disputes regarding fences and property lines?
No, these are civil matters that the City doesn't get involved with.
What is Smart Growth?
Smart Growth is an urban planning and transportation theory that concentrates growth in the center of a city to avoid urban spraw
What is the difference between development standards and land use regulations?
Development standards specify how buildings an be built (height, setbacks, floor area ratio, etc.) Land use regulations say what uses can go in what zones (where can residential, industrial, schools, etc. be located?)
We spend about half of our general fund expenses on what?
Public Safety
Name three 'common sense upgrades" the Building Division might recommend you consider.
Replace single-pane windows with energy efficient double-pane or better. Upgrade old furnace & install new ducts with leakage test. Insulate attic, floors, and walls – increase attic insulation. Install “Energy Star” appliances. Replace existing plumbing fixtures with new low-flow type. Consider a “Whole House Fan” in-lieu of air-conditioning. Hire a qualified individual to perform an energy audit of your home to find other possible upgrade solutions.
Name a project in San Carlos that is a Public-Private Partnership
Transit Village, Wheeler Plaza, Landmark Hotel
What is the best way to solicit public input in plan making?
Citizen Committees and Neighborhood Groups
True or False: If your plans for a large addition to your home are approved at a Residential Design Review Committee Hearing, you can apply for building permits the next day.
False, there is a 10-day appeal period for planning applications.
What are the three goals of the 2016-2019 Economic Development Plan?
Foster a strong local economy and business climate, facilitate private investment in businesses and buildings, and maintain and grow the City’s tax base.
What significant code change resulted from the MGM Grand fire?
Sprinklers became mandatory for such structures.
How many residential units will be developed in the Transit Village project?
202