In Under the Wire: Development Proposed for Lafayette's Christmas Tree Lot

In his "Friday Summary," Lafayette City Manager Steven Falk talked about plans for a 315-unit apartment complex across the street from Acalanes High School on land known to most locals as "the Christmas tree lot" come that time of year.

"With 14 buildings, 569 parking spaces and 700 trees, this is the largest development project ever proposed in Lafayette’s 43-year history," Falk wrote.

Lamorinda Patch has heard from the developers of this project in previous weeks, and their plans remain outwardly ambitious. They are also expecting a challenge.

"The city had anticipated that the vacant properties along the eastern end of Deer Hill Road might attract high-density developers," Falk wrote Friday. "As a result, last year, the City Council ordered staff to rezone the land to a lower density zoning category. Not coincidentally or surprisingly, the developer submitted the application before the rezoning process got under way."

The site is zoned “APO,” which encourages administrative, professional and office uses on the site, Falk said. Multi-family developments, such as the one proposed, are allowed but require a land use permit from the Planning Commission.

Staff is reviewing the application to ensure that it is complete, according to Falk. Once that is done, the next steps in the process and a timeline for reviewing the application will be determined.  Questions regarding this project should be sent to Ann Merideth (amerideth@lovelafayette.org), who will manage the project from the staff side.