HomeMy WebLinkAboutDIR-0392-2021 (163 Serrano Heights) - Signed ACityofSanLuisObispo,CommunityDevelopment,919PalmStreet,SanLuisObispo,CA,934013218,805.781.7170,slocity.org
September 24, 2021
Studio Prime Inc.
Subject: DIR-0392-2021 (163 Serrano Heights Drive)
Request to construct an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) above 16 feet in height.
The 443-square-foot ADU is proposed as a second story above new single-car
garage, which will be attached to the existing single-family residence.
Dear Studio Prime Inc.:
On September 24, 2021, I reviewed your request to allow the construction of a new 443-square
foot (sf) accessory dwelling unit (ADU), proposed as a second story above a new attached single-
car garage (total height of 21 feet above natural grade). The new garage will replace an existing
car port. The property is currently developed with a 2,903-sf single-family residence. The project
site is within the Low-Density Residential (R-1) zone. Zoning Regulations Section 17.86.020 B.5
states that the Community Development Director may authorize ADU construction above 16 feet
in height through the Director’s Action process. After careful consideration, I have approved your
request, based on findings and subject to the following conditions:
Findings
1. As conditioned, an exception to the height limitation standards to allow an Accessory
Dwelling Unit above 16 feet in height is consistent with the intent of the Zoning Regulations
and the setback proposed provides adequate consideration of potential adverse impacts on
surrounding properties because due to a change in grade and building orientation between
the subject property and the adjacent property, sun exposure will not be significantly reduced
for any neighboring properties. The six-foot setback proposed for the second-story ADU will
not create privacy impacts due to this change in grade and building orientation and the
existence of trees between the ADU and the neighboring property.
2. The project is consistent with the existing structure and the character of the neighborhood
because the second-story addition will maintain the roof pitch and architectural style of the
existing residence and will be consistent with the prevalent architectural style of existing
residences in the neighborhood.
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163 Serrano Heights Drive
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3. The project is consistent with the character of the neighborhood because adjacent properties
are developed with single-family residences that include accessory structures.
4. As conditioned, the project will not adversely affect the health, safety, or welfare of persons
living or working on site or in the vicinity because the proposed addition conforms to the
property development standards of the Zoning Regulations for non-ADU development,
except for approximately 45 square feet of second story floor area of the ADU. This area of
addition will be setback approximately six feet, which is a sufficient setback distance on the
project site to comply with solar access standards of General Plan Conservation and Open
Space Element Policy 4.5.1.
5. The project is exempt from environmental review under Class 1 (Section 15301), Existing
Facilities, of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines because the
project consists of an addition to an existing structure resulting in an increase of not more
than 50 percent of the floor area of the structure before the addition, and the project would
result in a negligible expansion of the existing residential use.
Conditions
Please note the project conditions of approval do not include mandatory code requirements. Code
compliance will be verified during the plan check process, which may include additional
requirements applicable to your project.
Planning
1. The applicant shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City and/or its agents, officers,
and employees from any claim, action, or proceeding against the City and/or its agents,
officers, or employees to attack, set aside, void, or annul the approval by the City of this
project, and all actions relating thereto, including, but not limited to, environmental review
Indemnified Claims”). The City shall promptly notify the applicant of any Indemnified
Claim upon being presented with the Indemnified Claim and the City shall fully cooperate
in the defense against an Indemnified Claim.
2. A building plan check submittal that is in substantial conformance with submitted project
plans, and the following conditions of approval shall be submitted for review and approval
of the Community Development Department. A separate, full-size sheet shall be included in
working drawings submitted for a building permit that lists all conditions of project approval
as Sheet No. 2. Reference should be made in the margin of listed items as to where in plans
requirements are addressed.
3. Plans submitted for a building permit shall show all existing trees with a trunk diameter of
3” or greater for that area within 20 feet of the proposed garage and ADU addition, both
onsite and offsite. The plan shall note trees to remain, and trees proposed for removal, and
their diameter. Tree canopies should generally be shown to scale for reference on plans.
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163 Serrano Heights Drive
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4. The City Arborist shall approve any safety pruning, the cutting of substantial roots, or
grading within the dripline of and trees either on site or on adjacent properties that are directly
adjacent to the proposed garage and ADU addition. A city-approved arborist shall complete
safety pruning. Any required tree protection measures shall be shown or noted on the
building plans and installed prior to any grading or construction.
5. Plans submitted for building plan check shall include a schematic floor plan of the existing
single-family residence to verify existing residential density on the property and for record
keeping purposes.
6. Prior to building plan submittal, the applicant shall verify with the Utilities Department
whether the project is subject to the City’s Wastewater Flow Offset Program. This
verification shall be provided with plans submitted for building permit review.
7. In order to maintain compliance with City and State requirements for accessory dwelling
units, the property shall only contain two residential units, the single-family residence and
accessory dwelling unit. If further development or remodel of the property is proposed,
additional entitlements or building permits may be required.
My action is final unless appealed within 10 calendar days of the date of this letter. Anyone may
appeal the action by submitting a letter to the Community Development Department within the
time specified. The appropriate appeal fee must accompany the appeal documentation. Appeals
will be scheduled for the first available Planning Commission meeting date. If an appeal is filed,
you will be notified by mail of the date and time of the hearing.
The Community Development Director’s approval expires after one year if construction has not
started. On request prior to the expiration of the original approval, the Community Development
Director may grant a single, one-year extension.
If you have any questions, or if you need additional information, please contact Kyle Van Leeuwen
at (805) 781- 7091.
Sincerely,
Tyler Corey
Deputy Director
Community Development