City Council

The council directed Cusimano and city planners to move forward. “Mill Valley has had a history … of going above and beyond when it comes to climate action,” said Vice Mayor Max Perrey. “I was just so impressed with our climate action plan and our community members that contributed to such a significant and thoughtful report,” said Councilmember Caroline Joachim. “We have the opportunity to really take advantage of this time and make the most of it before that six-year moratorium hits.” AB 306 has some exemptions that city staff believe Mill Valley could qualify for, Cusimano said. “But we want to leave no stone unturned and we don’t want to be sitting here a year from now regretting or assuming something that’s not the case,” he said.

Councilmember Joachim mentioned possible underutilized parking lots, particularly the private lot adjacent to the Depot Plaza. “Requires a willing property owner,” she noted. “We do have these private lots that are underutilized. The discussion concluded until later in the fall, but teased the possibility of dealing with formula businesses by identifying businesses above the 5,000 foot threshold, which applies to the larger buildings that are part of the downtown core area – not Miller, not Safeway. You could apply for a conditional use permit to have no parking if you are doing a non-expansion renovation or change of use to a building that was more than 5000 sq feet.