Nestled in the hills of San Mateo, California, this 290-home master planned community is sited on an underutilized business park comprised of four parcels that have been combined to create a north and south terraced master plan. The development features three distinct building typologies: single-family, townhomes, and townhomes over flats. A seamless mixture of densities was an important design objective resolved by outlining the site with single-family homes to create a low-density bridge from the existing low-density residential neighborhoods to the higher density townhomes internal to the project site. This approach provides many of the residences with unobstructed views of the San Francisco Bay. The 35-foot pad difference between the northern and southern parcels has also been cleverly disguised with a lush verdure wall system and a redesigned Campus Drive frontage.
Peninsula Heights offers community spaces that are both inwardly and outwardly facing to create an inclusive setting for both residents and neighbors. These community spaces include playgrounds, picnic areas, fitness stations and flexible green spaces. An extensive path system also seamlessly conjoins the current neighborhood and activates the open space that covers 42 percent of the overall site.
Complying with the City of San Mateo’s affordable housing requirements, ten percent of the proposed units have been designated for low-income households and qualify for benefits under the Density Bonus Law. In addition to addressing affordable housing, Harvest Properties is working with local transit experts to implement a robust Transportation Demand Management (TDM) plan which includes emerging mobility initiatives—engaging with key city and community stakeholders to promote a more connected transportation ecosystem that encourages alternative transit over vehicle ownership. Peninsula Heights will help increase ridership for the existing dedicated Caltrain shuttle route and promote a positive impact on transportation and circulation.
Entitlement Processing
A formal Planning Application was submitted for Peninsula Heights. Required entitlements included:
-- Special Use Permit (SUP) to permit residential uses in the E1 Executive Park zoning district;
-- Site Plan and Architectural Review (SPAR) for construction of new residential buildings;
-- Site Development Planning Application (SDPA) for grading and removal of vegetation; and
-- Vesting Tentative Map for creation of condominium units.
