Larkspur commission advances general plan EIR

The Larkspur Planning Commission has recommended the city approve the general plan environmental impact report, a key document detailing the impact of development over the next 20 years.

The commission reviewed the report at its meeting on Tuesday. The City Council will review the document in order to codify the general plan update.

The general plan provides updated goals, policies and programs reflecting the community’s vision for housing and commercial development.

The report noted the effects of greenhouse gas emissions and water because of land use plans intended to encourage housing and commercial development. The report found that the urban water management plan adopted by the Marin Municipal Water District in 2020 was an adequate response to potential impacts and would ensure water access despite development.

The district’s water supply is expected to be sufficient to support the projected demand through 2045 during normal hydrologic years.

“We on some level have to rely on the findings of the experts who are running that system,” said Liam Campbell, a city planning commissioner. “Whether we may think that is right or wrong, we want to go down the path of reviewing and becoming water experts, which I know I am not, I just don’t think that would be wise of us.”

The document further noted that new development would likely increase greenhouse gas emissions, but the effect would be mitigated through environmental programs implemented by the city.

“There a legal basis to move forward with approving the general plan update and rezoning despite the development over the course the general plan’s life having having significant impacts in terms of GHG emissions,” said City Attorney Sky Woodruff.

The city initiated the update of the general plan in 2016. The following year, the council formed a steering committee to develop the document’s goals. A draft EIR was developed in 2021.

The plan is based on current and projected population and employment for the water district’s service area through the year 2045 and land uses within the service area.

The general plan prioritizes mixed-use housing above commercial development. The document also recommends zoning amendments to make new development more flexible with parking and massing.

Under the state’s housing mandate, Larkspur had to show it could accommodate 979 new residences during the eight-year planning cycle.