[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6673625,"mediaKeyId","2092343-02c2316c0a9a3edf6d51449b89cf0d8f","parentId",2092343,"title","Albany commission recommends zoning changes to clarify accessory structures and permit more uses","audioSeconds",957,"startMs",2669000,"endMs",3626000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2092343-02c2316c0a9a3edf6d51449b89cf0d8f&start=2669&end=3626","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2092343-02c2316c0a9a3edf6d51449b89cf0d8f/thumbnail_2669000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6673625/Albany-City/Alameda-County/California/Albany-commission-recommends-zoning-changes-to-clarify-accessory-structures-and-permit-more-uses","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6673625-6984aff0ac0f6ccd6db02a1bbbec1051/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156664&Signature=jS5zLImnGgpKL3-dDjkrxowMXbohwsuIO-osPyrVI-CNUaDQMthL20F4R2CuzU6WoxUGzeUV5-jL6mvcfxZTi41dZugVovjOEESCEKU1tXsus2m9gcFoGXylweOSod7FcakcVTGfN4jDErloR4neXPXydjEcCL~TIT5m0-AWdunns8UOuza-Gt0I5XWwoJKDdW9Nqf2QfiPCfeyHGjfw2PAtT5xr-UiKMlOipNam8c8pIEaUzTrAIJkkffk-GcL8Te49g4yazDY14JJPYvY-w~FqyTQNAQqIwI-Qq7oKTEkNmbogg0NXFyi4wbbb4PsZ9Lb~wMZy7bxKDZb6XIpRLQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Albany, CA","date","2025-01-09T05:35:05.543Z","article","At its Jan. 8 meeting, the Albany City Planning and Zoning Commission recommended that the City Council adopt a set of amendments to the zoning ordinance that update how the city defines and regulates accessory structures.

Planning Manager Leslie Mendez told commissioners that the current code defines accessory buildings but is silent about accessory structures that do not meet that definition (for example, outdoor cooking facilities, play equipment and sports installations). Staff proposed creating a definition for “accessory structure,” expanding the existing accessory‑building rules to apply to accessory structures citywide (with some exceptions), and listing certain accessory uses that are regulated elsewhere in the code (ADUs, fences, wireless facilities, mechanical equipment).

Key elements in staff’s proposal included:
- A clarified building definition (four walls and a roof) and a new accessory‑structure definition for items that require placement on the ground but are not enclosed buildings.
- Expansion of Section 20.24.130 to apply to accessory structures throughout the city, with listed exemptions for public facilities and other locations where flexibility is needed (parks, schools, emergency response sites).
- Removal of the prior blanket restriction that prohibited full bathrooms in accessory structures and explicit allowance for certain temporary accessory structures on vacant lots.
- Clarification that accessory‑structure coverage calculations (for example, the “no more than 30% of the required rear yard” rule) apply to the existing rear yard area for nonconforming lots.
- Elimination of a variance option that allowed exceeding established standards for “street tree houses,” with staff saying that the variance findings could not be made and there are no building‑code provisions for treehouses.

Commissioners asked staff for examples and for clarification about how the 30% rear‑yard coverage rule would apply on nonconforming lots; staff said the calculation would use the existing rear‑yard area. Commissioners and staff discussed that many accessory structures will not require permits, but that if a structure is placed where the code says it is not allowed, staff could require compliance or removal.

A commissioner characterized the package as a pragmatic code cleanup to provide clearer, consistent rules; the commission voted to recommend the amendments to the City Council.

Ending: Staff will forward the amendments and the commission recommendation to the City Council for consideration and adoption.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Planning & Zoning Commission - January 8, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend city‑council adoption of amendments that define and regulate accessory structures citywide, remove some prior restrictions (including prohibition on full bathrooms), and clarify setbacks and temporary use rules.","taxTitle","Albany City, Alameda County, California","taxId",72346,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6673630,"Planning commission grants variance for small upper‑level deck at 833 Polk Street",716,1914000,2630000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2092343-02c2316c0a9a3edf6d51449b89cf0d8f&start=1914&end=2630","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2092343-02c2316c0a9a3edf6d51449b89cf0d8f/thumbnail_1914000.jpg","/articles/6673630/Albany-City/Alameda-County/California/Planning-commission-grants-variance-for-small-upperlevel-deck-at-833-Polk-Street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6673630-20643471cc2cd0d523c2b480f7e9eb64/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156664&Signature=I4EEvlEZFBho94ARW-1DnrSkn-5tFh26RH6J0s0RQyNTc2RkNzxeVjrs2uHF1Q~Cb56txJyK7rOIukI5QcYUPzxWYh00h6akxDlhZ3a5Nn2rxxjx16odAo8UXpZSgptimuMR4fObCllQZZ~CKU-m3Vw9HrnYrb4zGHb83T-NNlnCwuT~CzF01fuA2dyeUc5kZAfM4ZWPaTpGXE~uCY1WCyxTy-t23gpbmO9ccVsnqI4GxGSzYIFKURovrrPwKJlxITZbycy4e977wCtoL14o4vdhBgdrm5RF3ccqHpi4XTzRKrH5QRPEua7cmfX0-rZw~pn~bSNAlQLZawlrLqdE2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On Jan. 8, 2025, the Albany City Planning and Zoning Commission approved a variance and design‑review application to construct a small 42‑square‑foot upper‑level deck at the rear of the house at 833 Polk Street.

Staff described the lot as shallow and the existing home as already located with a reduced rear yard setback; the proposed 4‑foot‑deep deck would sit within about 5 feet, 7¼ inches of the rear property line where the code requires a 14‑foot rear‑yard setback for decks. Staff said the project would not enlarge an existing opening but would replace a large existing window with an aluminum folding door to access the new deck. Materials shown in the plans include neutral‑stained redwood decking and black metal cable railing.

Staff reported one neighbor called with concerns after initially being unable to access the posted plans; staff and the applicant said they later communicated and the neighbor indicated the plans alleviated the concern. Staff visited the site and found the proposed deck does not face private bedroom windows of the neighbor. Given the property’s substandard lot depth and the modest size of the deck, staff recommended approval subject to conditions that the building‑permit plans reflect the approved size and location.

The owner/applicant (identified on the record as Martine) said the deck is intended as a small balcony for step‑outside access from the upper level rather than a large entertaining area and said she had contacted the neighbor and worked to address concerns.

Commission discussion described the feature as more akin to a small balcony than a sizable deck and found the project de minimis. A motion to approve the variance and design review with the staff‑recommended mechanical‑equipment condition passed 3‑0.

Ending: Staff will ensure the building‑permit plans match the approved drawings; the decision is subject to the standard appeal period.","The commission approved a variance and design review to add a small 42‑sq. ft. upper‑level deck at 833 Polk St., finding the lot’s substandard depth and neighbor outreach supported the request.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6673635,"Albany planning commissioners approve design review for new home at 1126 Brighton Avenue",1154,445000,1599000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2092343-02c2316c0a9a3edf6d51449b89cf0d8f&start=445&end=1599","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2092343-02c2316c0a9a3edf6d51449b89cf0d8f/thumbnail_445000.jpg","/articles/6673635/Albany-City/Alameda-County/California/Albany-planning-commissioners-approve-design-review-for-new-home-at-1126-Brighton-Avenue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6673635-9085b9ab6b0fd63805883278e737e977/orig.mp4?Expires=1771156664&Signature=Wbn54hzEMRBMq~o5L6fVVtkQuu23NFvMty-CGZ9pBXuEY4WDdtkOnTUO~7j0voJJr4r1KWjhPsdbGcdpiHDIAz39GSMp-PE3dvwStgEevoKxQuyQrocUKjGqLKrXXvbwLgBVHgMfoUpXhvup6FwMORU5FI3VOeb7v7BdBJXa4fKaBNMp879igAYVUstaGtGkFntky3f3ilTBmy5OsfP~9ApxJo6j20cF9J1Gr7oOhNcScb3bQEeoKvWBhSRoP7~tExctmbtJFsd0v5ZQe2gHshdcqpJDd2bZVlk8ccL0oyWEX-l-S-rYlMv93kEIvDTcSLc4uqGW04fKu48KUKWYVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","On Jan. 8, 2025, the Albany City Planning and Zoning Commission approved a design‑review application to demolish an existing one‑story single‑family house and detached garage and build a new two‑story single‑family residence at 1126 Brighton Avenue.

Staff told the commission the proposal would replace a dilapidated structure with an approximately 1,779‑square‑foot two‑story house and that the project meets Albany development standards. Staff recommended approval subject to findings and conditions of approval, including a modified mechanical‑equipment condition and a condition requiring building‑permit plans to show a driveway whose width does not exceed the garage door width plus six inches on each side.

The staff presentation noted the project exceeds the residential design guidelines’ 45% floor‑area ratio threshold used to identify “exceptional design,” and clarified that while the guidelines call out a 45% threshold, the municipal code permits up to 60% FAR for some small lots. Staff said the applicant revised the porch and roofline to reduce FAR impacts and to improve the house’s visual relationship to the street.

The applicant described design changes intended to emphasize the porch entry and reduce the appearance of a forward‑projecting garage, and said the front windows would be installed with a spacer bar between the panes (a “full divided light” appearance) rather than the lower‑profile simulated option. Commissioners asked for that detail to be made a condition of approval; the commission adopted a motion to approve the project with that condition and with the revised mechanical‑equipment condition staff described earlier.

The commission voted unanimously to approve planning application 24‑045 (1126 Brighton Avenue); commissioners recorded their votes during the hearing.

The approval includes the standard building‑permit review and the conditions referenced in the staff report, including the mechanical‑equipment condition that staff read into the record and the driveway‑width condition. Staff also noted no written correspondence on the project had been received before the hearing.

The approval is subject to the normal 14‑day appeal period following the decision.

Ending: The applicant may proceed to building‑permit submittal and must reflect the approved drawings and conditions on permit plans. If appealed within 14 days the decision would be held pending appeal resolution.","The Planning and Zoning Commission approved a design-review application to demolish a dilapidated house and build a two‑story, ~1,779 sq. ft. single‑family home at 1126 Brighton Ave., subject to conditions including full-divided‑light windows and mechanical‑equipment requirements.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Albany commission recommends zoning changes to clarify accessory structures and permit more uses

Planning commission grants variance for small upper‑level deck at 833 Polk Street

Albany planning commissioners approve design review for new home at 1126 Brighton Avenue