CC Min 1990-09-24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ernesto Barron, architect, 727 -19th Avenue, Menlo Park, representing Matesoni Latu, requested Council to uphold appeal on the following grounds: the property is zoned R -2 appropriate for duplexes; the property is adjacent to an industrially zoned area; the service alley is a special condition facilitating access to the proposed second unit; there exists a multi - family 4 -5 story building within 150 feet; the rear structure is not an existing garage; there are no traffic problems; and the original Master Plan included R -2 zoning for neighborhood. Council advised neighborhood was originally incorporated into Redwood City as R -1 and later rezoned to R -2 for specific circumstances; the service alley was designed for access to garages only and never intended for access to rear second units; R -2 requirements upgraded in 1977 to prevent traffic, sewer and neighborhood congestion; the rear structure was built as a 3 -car garage; most homes in the area are single - family dwellings; and need to show special circumstance of hardship before variance can be granted. In response to Council questions, Mr. Barron described the special circumstances as the proximity to an industrially zoned area; the existence of multi - family units in the neighborhood; and the service alley was designed for access to second units and lighting the alley would make the neighborhood safer. Mayor La Berge asked if anyone else wished to speak to this issue. No one else wished to speak. M /S: Bury /Stangel to close the Public Hearing. Carried by unanimous voice vote and the Public Hearing was closed at 8:05 p.m. In response to Council questions City Attorney Schricker advised other alternatives include modifying the existing home, or possibly, adding a "granny unit ". M /S: Murray /Buchan to deny the appeal for failure to establish special circumstances and based upon the following findings: "FINDINGS 1) No special circumstances exist pertaining to the property regarding its size and shape that would justify adding a second dwelling unit. The property is flat and rectangular in shape. The property meets the minimum lot size requirements for a single family residence. The request to construct a second unit would require exceptions to both the minimum lot size requirement of 7,500 square feet and the minimum 60 foot lot width requirement. Reg. Mtg. Minutes September 24, 1990 Page 2 MINUTE BOOK NO. 50 Page No. 075 II