Nov 3 2011

Planning Commission Considers 2nd Unit Code Changes

City’s Goal  To Streamline Ordinance – 

Among other issues, the Piedmont Planning Commission will consider possible changes to the City’s second unit ordinance at its November 14 meeting, which starts at 5:00 p.m. in City Hall.  The full agenda will be posted on the City’s website  by Friday, November 11.

11. INTRODUCTION TO POSSIBLE FUTURE CHANGES TO SECOND UNIT CODE

Staff will introduce ideas for several possible changes to the City’s Second Unit Code (Chapter 17D) in order to begin implementation of Housing Element Actions, eliminate loopholes and inconsistencies, and streamline procedures. The purpose of the staff report will be to begin the discussions, take testimony from the public, and hear comments from the Planning Commission. The Commission may provide direction to staff concerning further research, additional information, and recommended amendments to Chapter 17D.  However, no action will occur at this meeting.

Other items on the Commission agenda include:

8. SECOND UNIT WITH PARKING EXCEPTION AND VARIANCES

The application proposes to construct a new 300-square foot, rent-restricted second unit above the existing garage. Variances to exceed the maximum floor area ratio and to construct within the front yard setback and right (Northern) side yard setback are requested. A parking exception is requested in order to construct the second unit without providing conforming on-site parking. This is a different application and design from the one considered at the September Planning Commission meeting.

10. STAFF DESIGN REVIEW DEFERRAL
The application proposes retroactive approval of modifications to construction completed under a previously approved application that did not receive a final permit: the unapproved construction created a room eligible for use as a bedroom, but did not provide the required third carport parking space under a proposed rear deck extension. The application seeks to eliminate the need to provide the deck extension/parking space through new construction modifications to an existing mid-level bedroom so that it is no longer eligible for use as a bedroom. This application is being referred to the Planning Commission for review.

 

 


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