ZA FULL PACKET 2012-11-28 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minor Exception Na. 2012-02 November 28, 2012 Page 2 Proiect Backaround The existing single-family residence was constructed in 1954 without a garage, although a driveway exists along the southern property line. Several nearby homes on Maple Street appear to be designed in a similar fashion, although the adjacent properties to the north and south have detached garages in the rear of the property. As part of the proposed project, the applicant is constructing a conforming two-car garage. In 2003, the California State Legislature enacted AB 1866, which took effect on July 1, 2003. The so-called "Granny Flat" bill instructs Focal governments to include provisions that encourage the addition of second dwelling units in their municipal codes and to remove unreasonable restrictions on constructing such units by making them ministerial in nature. The bill had broad support from a variety of constituents and sources and has been lauded as a means of improving affordable housing stock throughout California. General Plan and Zoning Analysis The General Plan land use designation for the site is Low Density Residential (LR-7). Low Density Residential districts are characterized primarily by single-family homes and lower density residential land uses. The project is consistent with this General Plan land use designation as it maintains the single-family residential characteristics of the neighborhood. The subject site is zoned Single-Family Residential (R-1). This designation allows for one-family dwellings and accessory buildings. This project is consistent with the zoning for the property. Proiect Analysis The applicant is requesting approval of minor exceptions from the City's Second Dwelling Unit ordinance {SAMC Section 41-194). Specifically, the applicant is requesting a minor exception from Section 41~194(h) and Section 41-194(k) to allow the second dwelling unit to have a rear yard less than 10 feet and to locate the second dwelling unit above a detached garage. The applicant is proposing to maximize the open space within the rear yard area by locating the second dwelling unit above the detached garage. However, by attaching the unit, both the garage and the second dwelling unit are required to maintain the 10 foot rear yard setback required in Section 41-194{h) of the SAMC. While the ground-level portion will only be five feet from the rear property line, the proposed second dwelling unit above the garage will be stepped back an additional five feet from the rear property line to maintain a 10 foot setback for the actual unit.