The city's planning department recently held a neighborhood meeting to present a proposal for a mixed office and residential project at 14651 Big Basin Way to neighboring property owners. Applicant Jeff Gasik's mixed-use proposal includes about 3,400 square feet of office space and approximately 2,400 square feet of residential space. Two office buildings would sit about 15 feet back from the front of the property, with two rental living spaces behind the offices.

Just days after that neighborhood meeting, planning commissioners unanimously approved a zoning ordinance amendment that sets standards for such mixed-use property. The amendment contains 18 provisions that include limiting residential space to no more than 50 percent of the property, requiring residential units to be either on the second floor or at the rear of the property, and providing private, usable outdoor space for residents.

The amendment implements a housing program that is part of the city's General Plan. According to Community Development Director Tom Sullivan, that program is intended to ensure that most of Saratoga's commercially zoned areas are used for their intended purposes.

"Probably two-thirds of the city's commercial zoning has been eaten up by multifamily dwellings," Sullivan said.

The amendment also dictates that residential units on mixed-use developments are for rental use only, and requires those units to be small enough that rental rates are reasonably affordable. Sullivan said many of the multifamily units previously allowed on commercial property are "out of the market share for what the state [wants] us to provide."

City planner Christy Oosterhous said the Big Basin proposal would likely fit in well in the Village.

"From what I've seen so far, it appears to be a real pedestrian-friendly development," she said, adding that it has an "interesting façade."