San Clemente zoning administrator approves setback exceptions for Calle Sonora home

Zoning Administrator Adam Octaimi on March 5 moved staff recommendations and adopted Resolution ZA26‑004 approving a minor exception permit to allow limited side‑yard setback reductions for a single‑family remodel at 204 Calle Sonora and found the project categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Project planner Jessica Gattney told the hearing the request would reduce side‑yard setbacks by up to 20 percent to accommodate a new first‑floor entry with a staircase, partial enclosure of a second‑floor balcony, and a new exterior balcony with a spiral stair to a small roof deck. Gattney said the proposed work includes about a 240‑square‑foot first‑floor addition (roughly 142 square feet of additional living area), enclosure of about 166 square feet of covered balcony on the second floor, and a new 205‑square‑foot exterior uncovered balcony. "The purpose of this hearing is to consider the request for a minor exception permit to allow for reduced side yard setbacks," Gattney said during her presentation.

Applicants and their representative described design constraints on the narrow lot and how the changes would improve interior circulation and the visual approach to the front door. The applicants said they had worked with staff and nearby neighbors, and one neighbor submitted a letter of support. "We tried to really limit what we had to do on the side encroachments to get a front door," one applicant said. Their representative added, "We're fighting for every inch that we can possibly get," describing the need to fit a dining table and provide usable living space on the tight footprint.

Octaimi reviewed the survey lines and encroachment math with staff and noted existing nonconformities on the property. After questioning about measurements and structural ties to a garage wall below, Octaimi said the project was modest in scale and consistent with the general plan and zoning standards, and that required building permits would follow. "I will move staff's recommendations to determine the project categorically exempt from the requirements of CEQA and adopt Resolution ZA26‑004 approving the minor exception permit," Octaimi said as he moved the recommendation.

Octaimi added a standard 10‑day appeal period for the public and noted the city council may call up zoning administrator items; the transcript records the council meeting that closes the appeal window as March 17. Building permits may be issued after that appeal period at the applicant's risk. The record shows staff will follow up with the applicants about next steps.