Planning commission approves variance allowing porch addition on preexisting nonconforming house

The Planning Commission voted to adopt resolution PC2026-008, approving a variance and a CEQA exemption that will allow a porch/deck to be added to a preexisting nonconforming house. Commissioner (speaker 2) moved the measure and Commissioner (speaker 1) seconded; the commission took a roll-call vote and approved the motion unanimously.

Commissioners and staff discussed how road setbacks are calculated and why the house does not meet the current 50-foot setback from the road centerline. Staff explained the arithmetic for a 40-foot right-of-way on Columbaro/Columbaero, saying that "you take the 20 from the 50, you have 30 feet remaining" and that the structure is therefore a preexisting nonconforming building but that the proposed deck would be allowable under the variance. The commission also heard questions about sight-line safety related to a bush near the corner; the project proponent (speaker 6) said the vegetation is kept trimmed so it does not overhang the fence line.

The motion, as moved by Commissioner (speaker 2), was stated on the record: "I move that we adopt resolution p c 2 0 2 6 dash 0 0 8, approving the high variance with the CTQA exemption subject to the recommendations by any pending conditions." After brief discussion the commission called the roll and approved the resolution. The action directs staff to incorporate the recommended conditions described in the packet and monitor any outstanding building-department issues (the garage work discussed separately was not part of this approval).

Next steps: staff will finalize the written findings and conditions for PC2026-008 and return any required documentation to the building department; commissioners also asked staff to consider clarifying setbacks in the general plan so similar properties in unincorporated towns face fewer variance requirements in the future.