This week, members of the Marin County Planning Commission rejected an appeal from a development corporation that plans to build a subdivision on a grassy glen in unincorporated San Rafael.
The developer, emboldened by recent state laws to streamline housing permits, argues that county staff are unlawfully causing unnecessary costs and delays to the project at 1501 Lucas Valley Road.
At a Monday meeting, community speakers raised concerns about the impacts of the project on public safety, citing single-road access as a hazard in fire evacuations and excessive grading as creating a potential risk for localized flooding. The commissioners concurred and proceeded to require further environmental review…