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With a parking problem apparently solved at a townhome complex planned for San Ramon, the Planning Commission is looking for options for affordable housing.

The ACRE townhome project would bring 48 three-bedroom homes to a three-acre site at the end Ryan Industrial Court, replacing two existing buildings. A number of the homes have an office area that could be converted to a fourth bedroom, which brought some concern from members of the Commission at a Nov. 20 meeting.

However, builders Ryan Industrial agreed to stipulations that would allow for a maximum of three bedrooms, shifted the 16 buildings planned for the site and removed guest parking, creating 20 additional parking spaces.

That won the approval of Planning Commission members, although they still want to address affordable housing. The city Planning Department has suggested two options: in lieu fees and the possibility of requiring that some of the 48 town homes be sold at less-than-market rates.

The townhomes would likely sell in the range of $400,000 to $500,000, not counting property taxes, fees for the homeowners association and other additional costs. That would put the homes out of reach for mid-level buyers.

Commissioner Harry Sachs originally suggested that the builder sell a portion of the town homes at a reduced rate. That, according to planning documents, would make the builder responsible for developing a program and making sure the standards are met.

Commissioner Donna Kerger worried that not classifying part of the property as affordable housing would mean other areas of San Ramon would be under greater pressure to create affordable housing.

But Planning Commission Chairman Dennis Viers said a similar approach to some housing in Danville fell flat, where a similar project left a number of units unsold.

"This project doesn't lend itself to affordable housing," he said.

In lieu fees would be just over $110,000 and that money could be used to help pay for affordable housing elsewhere in the city.

"It would be my choice just to go ahead and pay the fees," said Thomas Schulz, representing ACRE.

Commission members agreed on a number of details. They want to know specifics about the total costs of a home, including additional costs, and how they could be financed. They also want more information about where in lieu fees are currently being spent.

Public hearings on this subject will continue on Dec. 18 at the City Council chambers(2222 Camino Ramon).

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