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Councilman Murray described the intent of the Council in approving the General Plan policy which encourages 2nd units while respecting the character of the neighborhood. If a precedent was set and every house in a single family neighborhood added a 2nd unit it would change the character of that single family neighborhood. It is reasonable to consider this possibility, as a policy considers every house not just one. Mr. Grandsaert advised that if every house on Highland Avenue had exactly the same 2nd unit as he is proposing including parking, walkway, and rear windows the character of the neighborhood would change very little if at all. City Manaqer Smith expressed concern that not only is the integrity of the Highland neighborhood in question here but R -1 zoning in general, and taking these actions one step further, the City must consider the impacts on utility systems. Art Balsamo, 3555 Highland Avenue, described the traffic on Highland Avenue as bad; Mr. Grandsaert wants a granny unit for his house so the lots his father owns on Highland can also apply for granny units in the future; and most houses on Highland are smaller than Mr. Grandsaert's house. M /S: Bury /Stangel to close the Public Hearing. Carried by unanimous voice vote and Hearing closed at 9:20 p.m. M /S: Murray /Buchan to deny the appeal of the decision of the Zoning Administrator which denied a Use Permit to allow a basement unit in a single family residence Under discussion of the motion Councilman Murray discussed the prior denial of Mr. Grandsaert's request for a 2nd unit and that he knew of Council's position; his interpretation of Redwood City housing policy is not apt as our policy states we will allow 2nd units under certain circumstances while respecting the character of the neighborhood, and that typically these conditions will occur in multi - family neighborhoods or transitional neighborhoods; there is evidence that there will be other requests for 2nd units if this one is allowed; and there are no judicial decisions supporting Mr. Grandsaert's position. Under discussion of the factor affecting this a the substandard street. factors. Additionally, 2nd units, and there is first one is approved. motion Councilman Claire advised the overriding peal is the serious problem of traffic, parking and The state allows consideration of health and safety a transitional neighborhood is more appropriate for typically a rush to build additional units after the Adopted by the following vote: AYES: Councilmembers Buchan, Bury, Claire, Murray, Stangel and Mayor Greenalch NOES: Councilman Greenalch MINUTE BOOK NO. 50 Reg. Mtg. Minutes August 27, 1990 Page No. 054 Page 5