Yes. The approved plan provides 1,358-1,448 total public parking spaces (not including parking for the residential units, which is provided underground), including:

• Replacement of run-down asphalt and gravel parking areas with surface parking and a parking garage;
• Public parking spaces distributed in a new garage at South L Street, a ground level expansion of the existing garage at I Street, and underground parking for the hotel;
• Two new drop-off areas, on the east and west sides of the Bankhead Theater;
• Significant expansion of accessible parking (ADA), from 3 spaces to 16-18 spaces, adjacent to the Bankhead Theater and the two new drop-off areas; and
• Diagonal parking spaces provided along the length of the new east/west street, slowing vehicle traffic, providing an inviting pedestrian experience, and giving visitors and residents convenient access to the park and nearby retail businesses.

Here is a map displaying accessible parking, drop off areas, and delivery zones planned for Downtown.

• A new street will wrap around the hotel and provide a drop-off area for the Bankhead Theater and adjacent businesses with 24 parking spaces, 10 of which will be accessible (ADA).
• A new parking area with 6-8 accessible (ADA) parking spaces will be provided on the east side of the Theater.
• A surface lot with 57 parking spaces will be provided adjacent to the existing parking structure (referred to as the I Street parking expansion) on land currently owned by the City.
• The hotel will provide 100 underground spaces, open to the public on a fee basis.

• A new east/west street with diagonal parking allows efficient vehicle circulation through the site, while providing convenient access to nearby businesses, housing, and Stockmen’s Park.
• Delivery and service access is provided behind existing First Street businesses.
• Delivery, service access, and a drop-off area is provided wrapping around the hotel for adjacent businesses and the Bankhead Theater.
• Delivery, service access, and a drop-off for the cultural facilities, new retail, and Stockmen’s Park is provided via a north/south extension of K Street

The approved plan provides 3.5 acres of publicly accessible open space, which is 44% of the site. Included in the open space is Stockmen’s Park, which is approximately 1.5 acres (roughly the same size as the 1.65 acre Carnegie Park).

Yes. A Request for Proposals (RFP) has been issued for a landscape architect to design all of the open space areas, which includes the overall design of Stockmen’s Park, the tree-lined path that stretches from South L to South Livermore, and the park-like green space connection through the housing from South L to South Livermore.

There was considerable discussion regarding the best location for a downtown hotel. The Council decision accomplished the competing interests of the protection of Blacksmith Square and the wide support for a hotel presence on South Livermore Avenue. Ultimately, based on feedback from hotel experts and community comments, the Council chose the parcel next to the Bankhead Theater, on the east side of South Livermore Avenue. This site provides the best opportunity for synergy between the hotel, surrounding restaurants, and the Bankhead Theater. The Council concluded that it is important to have a hotel at this very visible site, rather than housing or a parking garage.

Experts studied our market and found that the market will support a 125-135 room hotel. Studies show that 1,000-1,500 square feet of meeting space would best match a 125 room hotel. The terms sheet between the hotel builder and the City, approved by Council in February 2018, includes a meeting space of 1,500-2,000 square feet within the hotel.

The affordable housing obligations for the site originate from the funding sources used to purchase various parcels on the site, as well as the state’s determination that the site is a housing asset.

The Downtown Specific Plan (DSP) developed in 2004 included housing on this site as part of the overall revitalization strategy. Beginning in 2005, the City’s former Redevelopment Agency used a total $14.5 Million of affordable housing funds from both City and State sources to acquire the site.

During the process to dissolve the former Redevelopment Agency of the City of Livermore, both the California Department of Finance and the California Secretary of State allowed most of the parcels to be transferred to the City as housing assets.

A portion of the housing obligation originating with the City’s Inclusionary Housing Fund will be satisfied by the affordable housing opportunity on the Civic Center campus that was made possible by the Livermore Stockmen’s Rodeo Association.

The State loan programs used for a part of the total funding requires that affordable housing be placed on the site. Those obligations were reinforced by the State’s determination during the RDA dissolution process that the parcels are housing assets.

For more information please see the press release dated 9/21/2018

Yes, both the number of affordable housing units and the financial obligations originating from the funding sources used to purchase the site are fully satisfied by the combination of 130 affordable workforce housing units on the downtown site and at least 75 units of affordable senior and veterans housing on the Civic Center site enabled by the Stockmen’s deal.

In 2005 plans for the site included over 400 housing units. In 2016 the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for up to 260 units.

The approved plan provides a net average unit size of 650 square feet. This average size allows for a variety of unit types, including studios, one and two bedroom units. This mix will implement Council direction that the units be affordable workforce rental units (as opposed to senior units, which would be a mix of studios and one bedroom units).

Overall, housing comprises less than 9% of the site (open space is the most dominant use, at 44% of the site area). The housing is located at the northwest corner of the site, at South L Street and Railroad Avenue. Housing in this location will allow for a transition from the four story residential units planned on the west side of South L Street, on the former Groth site, with four stories at South L Street and then three stories adjacent to Stockmen’s Park.

Housing is distributed among four buildings with appropriate setbacks from the sidewalk and a wide community green space connection through the middle, from South L Street to Stockmen’s Park and ultimately out to South Livermore Avenue.

The City currently has not chosen a developer for the new rental housing project. For other Affordable Housing Opportunities please click below.

Affordable Housing Opportunities

Studies show that retail is most successful when located next to busy streets and next to other businesses. The approved plan provides new single-story retail uses connected to retail uses in Blacksmith Square and Stockmen’s Park.

If no private funding is secured, the area planned for the Science and Society Center would be a surface parking lot, and the area planned for the Black Box Theater would be incorporated into Stockmen’s Park as green space.

The Senior Housing will be located at the end of Pacific Avenue, next to the skate park. Senior Housing Location Map

Homeless are subject to the same regulations as others.

There are a variety of service providers available to assist people who may be homeless or at risk of homelessness.

The City has an online portal that allows community members to report any homeless related issues, such as: individuals in need of assistance, concerns related to encampments, safety, and/or any other concerns.

City Serve of the Tri Valley has volunteer opportunities.

The City has two full time Homeless Liaison Officers to response to issues within the community related to homelessness. These officers are actively engaged with the homeless community and work closely with service providers, the District Attorney’s office, Zone 7, CalTran, LARPD, the School District, and related partners.

Alameda County conducts a comprehensive count of homeless individuals every two years. The most recent count in 2022 identified 242 homeless individuals in Livermore. 68 people were sheltered and 174 were unsheltered.

Livermore does have an ordinance for unlawful camping. Here is an excerpt. View the entire ordinance here.

12.65.030 Unlawful camping.

It is unlawful and a public nuisance for any person to camp, establish, maintain, operate or occupy camping facilities, or use camp paraphernalia in the following areas:

1. Any public property, improved or unimproved, including but not limited to public streets and sidewalks, open space, and other property, not including a space or stall in an off-street parking facility owned or operated by the City; or
2. Any private property where the public has right of access.

This prohibition does not apply to:

1. Overnight camping on private residential property with the consent of the property owner or a person in lawful possession of the property, provided the camping does not pose a threat to the public’s health, safety, and welfare or otherwise create a public nuisance or private nuisance;
2. Mobile home parks and special occupancy parks;
3. Camping on public or private property in connection with a special event, when authorized pursuant to LMC 12.65.040; and
4. Day use for lawful activities on public property where authorized. (Ord. 2065 § 1(A), 2018; Ord. 1993 § 1 (Exh. A), 2014)

However:

In Martin V. City of Boise the Ninth Circuit Court ruled that such laws violate the constitution when there is no shelter available. That being said, the City can still issue citations and make arrests for activities other than sleeping on public property that violate law.

We consider whether the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment bars a city from prosecuting people criminally for sleeping outside on public property when those people have no home or other shelter to go to. We conclude that it does.

The City does not have an ordinance that makes it illegal to sleep in your car on City streets.

City staff from Housing and Human Services work actively with community partners to support the provision of supportive services for homeless and other community members in need. This includes housing/shelter services, outreach, case management support, food services, medical, mental health, and a range of other services. The City also actively pursues grant funding from County, State, and Federal Sources.

A person is homeless if they lack a fixed, adequate nighttime residence, or reside in a public or private location not intended for habitation.

Recognizing the impacts of homelessness in our community, on December 10, 2018, the City Council appointed Vice Mayor Carling and Council Member Munro to a Subcommittee on Homelessness (Subcommittee). The intent of the Subcommittee was to evaluate issues and identify alternatives in response to the homeless crisis in Livermore. The Subcommittee hosted a series of community meetings with presentations from experts and service providers to develop short-, medium-, and long-term strategies.

Unsheltered: A person sleeping anywhere not designed for habitation such as a car, abandoned buildings, or anywhere outside.

Sheltered: A person staying in an emergency shelter, transitional housing, supportive housing, or similar facility.

There are a wide range of people experiencing homelessness including families, veterans, youth, seniors, working poor, people with mental, behavioral, or physical challenges, those escaping domestic violence, and those with alcohol or substance abuse problems. A detailed survey in 2022 identified the following major reasons for homelessness in the Tri-Valley. Some respondents listed more than one reason from this list.

• 16% Family/Friend couldn't let me stay
• 11% Eviction/Foreclosure
• 19% Alcohol/Substance Abuse
• 18% Illness/Medical/Mental Health
• 22% Family/Domestic Violence

The response will depend on the referral submitted. For example, the Police Department will respond to health and safety concerns. Neighborhood Preservation will respond to property damage. Abode will respond to provide outreach and support services for those in need.

Although permits are not required for fences up to 7 feet tall, there are required setbacks and height limitations for fences. Typically a fence of not more than 6 feet in height is allowed to the sides and rear of a residence. Fences in the front of a home are limited to 3 feet in height. There are special considerations for corner lots, lots that back up to major streets like Portola Avenue, as well as homes in the South Livermore Valley Specific Plan (please see page 9-26). General fencing guidelines can be found here.

The building owner or owner's representative with written authorization and a completed Owner Builder Declaration signed by the property owner, or a contractor licensed by the State of California to perform the work being permitted can obtain a building permit.

No you do not need a permit for flat concrete work in your backyard.

No you do not need a permit. There are limitations to the number of days, hours and the location of signage.

Yes, both replacement of windows whether retrofit or new construction style require a permit. Replacement of glass only does not require a permit. A permit is required for the replacement of a pre-hung front door. A permit is not required if the frame of the door way will remain and a new door will be set on existing hinges. Window Replacement handout.

Vehicles parked on the street are handled by the City of Livermore Police Department. To make a report to the Police Department please call 925-371-4824.

Vehicles park on private property are handled by City of Livermore Neighborhood Preservation. To make a report to Neighborhood Preservation please call 925-960-4444 or complete the Service Request Form.

Sheds, patio covers or arbors over 120 square feet or attached to a building, require a permit. If the structure is under 120 square feet and detached from a building a permit is not required. Any electrical or plumbing work associated with the structure will require a permit.

Regardless of the need for a permit, the structure will need to meet the required set backs to the property line and from the house. Accessory Structure Guidelines

To report unsightly weeds on a residential or commercial lot, please contact the City of Livermore Neighborhood Preservation Division either by completing the online Complaint Form or by calling 925-960-4444.

To report overgrown weeds on an open/vacant lot, which is considered a fire hazard, please contact the Livermore Pleasanton Fire Department - Fire Prevention Office at 925-454-2362.

Yes, you may still submit an application, but if you are selected you must meet all of the program guidelines at the time you are contacted.

The Inclusionary Housing Program was created through the City Council’s adoption of an ordinance that requires residential developers to provide either 10% or 15% of their units at an affordable price. There is a high demand for this housing, so the City has started a program to identify first-time homebuyers that may be eligible to participate. The program is available to first-time homebuyers whose income does not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) or, in some programs, 120% of the AMI. Buyers are chosen through a City-administered selection process with preferences given to persons who live and/or work in Livermore.

The Resale Restriction Agreement restricts the use and sale of the home for 55 years. Download a copy of the Resale Restriction Agreement.

Yes.

There is no minimum or maximum time limit for home ownership before sale.

It varies depending on the purchase price of the home, the amount of down payment, personal debt, and other associated costs/payments for the unit (i.e. Homeowners Association dues, mortgage insurance, etc.) For more details, please contact the Housing & Human Services Division.

No. All parties must be FTHB. (See Program Guidelines for a definition of a FTHB.)

A household includes all persons who reside in a housing unit. Persons included in the household must have lived together in one location for a minimum of six months prior to the initial date of the application.

A FICO score is another name for a credit score.

Usually between 3% and 5% of the purchase price of the home.

Total household income is the total gross income of all adult members of the household, including undocumented income and temporary disability income. It does not include income earned by a dependent of a household member who is a full time student under 24 years of age.

No, the City needs the original application with a wet signature.

No. On-street parking is considered public parking, and is available for parking of any legal vehicle.

The City maintains public streetlights. Contact the Maintenance Department at 960-8020 or fill out the maintenance request form.

This condition could be an indication of a signal malfunction. However, if it occurs on a major street during commute hours it could be the result of coordinating the traffic signals to favor major street traffic. Please call Transportation Engineering at 960-4500 to report the problem.

Motorcycles/bicycles should wait in the center of the traffic lane or bike lane if provided at a traffic signal about 3 feet behind the limit line in order to be detected. If the traffic signal still does not change, report the problem to the Maintenance Department.

For more information on traffic signal operations, call Transportation Engineering at 960-4500.

For a copy of traffic counts or a speed survey, call Transportation Engineering at 960-4500 or the online version of the Engineering and Traffic Survey

Motorist with valid driver's license are expected to know the Vehicle Code restrictions on parking next to fire hydrants. It is the City's policy not to paint red curb in front of the hydrants, unless it becomes a repetitive problem of enforcement by the Police Department.

Crossing guards are primarily used to assist elementary and middle school students across the street on an identified route to school. The City of Livermore uses City-adopted guidelines to evaluate the needs for adult school crossing guards. State guidelines are based on the results of extensive research. All requests for new adult crossing guards should be directed to Transportation Engineering at 960-4500. Staff will thoroughly study the location. If it is determined that a crossing guard is warranted, a request will be forwarded to the Police Department to budget funds and hire a new crossing guard.

Crosswalks are not safety devices. They are used to guide pedestrians into a preferred path and should not be used indiscriminately. Crosswalks are marked at intersections where there is substantial conflict between vehicles and pedestrians, where significant pedestrian concentrations occur, where pedestrians could not otherwise recognize the proper place to cross, and where traffic movements are controlled. When a crosswalk is requested, a traffic study will be conducted to determine if a crosswalk is appropriate. If you have any questions, please call Transportation Engineering at 960-4500.

No. Bicyclists are required to obey the same traffic laws as vehicles, including riding in the same direction as the flow of vehicular traffic, stopping at stop signs and red lights and all other traffic laws. Riding with the flow of traffic is for the safety of the bicyclists because it increases the motorist's ability to see bicyclists. Motorists are not expecting traffic (autos or bicycles) coming from the opposite direction of traffic and therefore, may not see a cyclist riding in the wrong direction. Most collisions involving bicycles are caused by bicyclists riding the wrong way on a street.

It is against the law to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk except in local residential streets and where a sidewalk is specifically designated as a bike route. When riding a bicycle on a sidewalk where permitted, the bicyclist must yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian, and must give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian.