2 Pleasanton Church Properties Could Be Rezoned For Housing

PLEASANTON, CA — Two Pleasanton church properties could eventually accommodate new housing under a rezoning proposal going before the City Council Tuesday, though no housing development is currently proposed at either site.

The council will consider changing the land-use designations for portions of Trinity Lutheran Church at 1225 Hopyard Road and Rock Bible Church at 4100 First Street to high-density residential, which would allow up to 10 homes on each property, according to a city staff report.

The rezoning was initiated by the city as part of its state-mandated housing planning process, rather than at the request of either church. Neither church has proposed a housing development for the properties.

About 0.66 acres of Trinity Lutheran's roughly 3.14-acre property would be zoned, and about 0.74 acres of Rock Bible Church’s 1.88-acre would be rezoned. The city considered 22 potential sites, but ultimately recommended the two church properties based on factors including their size, location, and suitability for infill development. Trinity Lutheran also expressed interest in additional residential zoning, according to the staff report.

As of August, neither church has submitted a housing development plan, and each church could continue to serve its current function after zoning changes. If approved, the rezoning would give the property owners the option to pursue residential projects in the future, which would still require separate city review and approval.

The circumstances differ from a recent church housing controversy in neighboring Danville, where Community Presbyterian Church sought approval for a specific housing development on its property. In May, the Danville Planning Commission approved a redevelopment project including 49 townhouses and 19 accessory dwelling units at the church. Neighbors appealed the approval over concerns including traffic and other neighborhood impacts, but the Town Council denied the appeal in July.

In Pleasanton, the Planning Commission recommended the zoning changes in June. The council will consider General Plan amendments and introduce the rezoning ordinances Tuesday.

See here for more information, and here for the full agenda.