AgdaPkt 2019-08-26 Joint SA PFA - Laserfiche WebLink

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S.A. - Page 19 of 82 Lot Coverage Exemptions Current lot coverage requirements limit the amount of building area that may cover a lot (such as 40 percent maximum lot coverage). A homeowner may choose to build a two-story ADU to avoid conflict with a lot coverage limitation, and exempting ADUs from this provision could incentivize detached structures for constrained sites. A lot coverage exemption may require additional exemptions for setbacks between buildings and pervious area. A lot coverage exemption would not apply to structures associated with ADUs such as attached garages or porches Half -story The Planning Commission requested that staff explore exemptions for ADUs to half story height regulations in order to encourage more living space within attics. However, current ADU regulations do not preclude a design of an ADU above a garage to implement a half story height. ADUs above garages that exceed the ceiling height and living space ratio/threshold within the zoning guidelines of a half -story are considered a second story, which is permitted above a garage by code. Design considerations to encourage half -story heights above garages will be studied through the residential design guidelines effort. GENERAL PLAN CONFORMANCE The proposed Zoning amendments would further the City Housing Element's policies and programs that promote a variety of housing types that are accessible to all income levels. Program H-12: Second Units. Second units offer an additional source of affordable housing to homeowners and the community. Redwood City's Zoning Ordinance establishes development standards for second units on lots in residential areas with an existing single-family use. The development of this important housing type should be facilitated, while ensuring compatibility with and limited impact on existing neighborhoods. One of the objectives of Program H-12 is to review and consider revising development standards for second units to facilitate the development of more second units, including allowing units to be built over detached garages. HCD has the authority to review actions or inactions inconsistent with the housing element pursuant to Government Code Section 65585. The proposed amendments would reduce allowable heights and the unit sizes above garages, but would not significantly reduce the feasibility of ADU development. The Zoning amendments would also be consistent with Program BE -1: Amend Zoning Ordinance and Map, which contains the following bulleted point: Consider modifying second unit standards to facilitate increased density while preserving older structures. FISCAL IMPACT No fiscal impacts to the City have been identified. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW This activity is not a project under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as defined in CEQA Guidelines, section 15378, because it has no potential for resulting in either a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. 10 City of Redwood City 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA. 94063 Tel: 650-780-7000 www.redwoodcity.ore 244