CCAgenda_94Sep28 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Item C -6 Request for Variance, 1437 W California Avenue, Continued The alternative plan would also involve building the garage in the largest contiguous landscaped area of the lot, breaking up the greenspace of the yard. One of the applicants has a disability that requires all living space to be on one floor. This eliminates the possibility of adding a second floor to the home and expanding the current garage. The attached garage is needed by the applicant to avoid the risk of falling on wet or uneven pavement on the walk from the house to the car (see applicant's statement, attachment 4). The proposed garage's rear setback is consistent with the detached garages in the neighborhood and its side setback is flush with the side of the existing house. There is a six foot high, board -on -board fence between the proposed garage area and the neighbor to the west. It is unusual for a homeowner to request an attached garage in the Northome neighborhood. Granting this variance will not confer a special privilege to this property that is not enjoyed by similar properties in the neighborhood. These applicants have demonstrated both personal hardship and hardship with respect to the physical characteristics of the property that are unique to their situation. The Planning Commission will act on the variance at its September 26, 1994 meeting. ATTACHMENTS 1. Proposed site plan (to be used if variance is approved) 2. Alternative site plan (to be used if variance is denied) 3. Letter signed by adjoining neighbors 4. Applicant's statement of hardship 5. Proposed Resolution RECOMMENDATION AND ACTION REQUESTED Staff recommends approval of the variance, as it meets the standards of a variance, specifically (b), which states that the variance will not diminish or impair property values, and (c), which states that the variance is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of property rights. The variance can be approved by adoption of the attached resolution.