A new mixed-use project on Calle Real that would include 14 residential units went before the Goleta Design Review Board on Tuesday.
The three-story project, planned for a vacant 0.53-acre lot at 6491 Calle Real, was presented by RRM Design Group and would consist of 14 one-bedroom rental units — each ranging in size from 694 square feet to 979 square feet — and 585 square feet of commercial office space.
The project is also set to include 20 uncovered parking spaces, 10 short-term bicycle spaces, 16 long-term bicycle spaces, a trash enclosure, and a common open space with outdoor amenities for residents.
According to project plans, each residential unit would have a patio or a balcony, and the common outdoor space for residents would include a bocce ball court, seating and picnic areas, a central fireplace and more.
The applicants said the project would utilize an agrarian/rural style, with inspiration taken from Goleta’s Stow House.
Normally, zoning requirements would allow a maximum of 11 residential units, but because the applicants are planning to include affordable units in the project, the State Density Bonus Law allows them to increase the number of units.
Public commenters during Tuesday’s meeting — which included owners or employees of the neighboring Captain Fatty’s Brewery and SAMsARA Wine Co. — said they were generally supportive of the project, but concerned about the impact on parking.
With 20 parking spaces for the commercial office space and 14 residential units — which public commenters said would probably house more than one person in each unit, as well as guests — they were concerned about residents and guests parking in the businesses’ parking lot, which is already “stretched thin,” SAMsARA winemaker Matt Brady and Captain Fatty’s Brewery founder Preston Angell said.
While the Design Review Board does not handle parking, the public commenters were encouraged to express their views when the project goes before the Goleta Planning Commission.
“We’re not allowed to talk about the badly needed extra parking,” Design Review Board chair Scott Branch said.
Many other public comment letters, which can be viewed along with the project plans here, oppose the project, citing concerns with parking, traffic safety, reduced visibility for drivers and more.
Design Review Board members also expressed support for the project, but had suggestions including reconsidering the color palette, and considering more parking or bike spaces instead of the bocce ball court, among other design changes.
The Design Review Board recommended preliminary design approval of the project, which is now set to go before the Planning Commission.