Commission grants special permit for duplex at 8009; neighbors warned about narrow street and enforcement steps promised

The City Plan Commission voted to approve a special-permit application allowing an infill duplex at 8009, granting a reduction of the required lot-width to permit two attached units on the 0.18-acre vacant parcel.

Planning staff presented the proposal and recommended approval of the special permit and the detailed site development plan. "The applicant is requesting the average lot width reduction from 70 feet to 50 feet," Alejandro Gonzalez of Planning and Inspections said, and staff said the proposed development "fits the character of the area and supports the city goals of encouraging small growth and infill development."

A neighborhood resident, schoolteacher Ana Leta, testified in public comment about repeated problems with large vehicles, contractors and parked cars blocking the narrow street and worrying that emergency vehicles, school buses and trash trucks cannot pass. "When I walk my dog I get almost hit on almost a weekly basis," Ana Leta said, and she asked how emergency units would get through in an emergency.

Homeowner and applicant Hector Gallos said he agreed with staff comments, provided photographs, and noted contractor activity on the street was not representative of normal daily traffic. Commissioners asked staff to verify whether existing no-parking signs on the block had been removed and how enforcement would proceed.

Staff said they were coordinating with Streets and Maintenance and code enforcement to ensure signage is reimplemented and to work with police on enforcement where appropriate. "We are verifying and making sure that those [no-parking signs] are reimplemented," a staff member said. Commissioners discussed painting red curbs for clarity and noted enforcement lies with separate departments.

After questions and discussion about parking and enforcement, commissioners voted to approve the special permit. Staff reminded the commission that final site plan elements will be binding at the detailed site development plan stage and that the item will also go to city council for final approval.