[{"_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",6579051,"mediaKeyId","3105092-667f706f38dc2f6cf259f723939d38f6","parentId",3105092,"title","Commission approves rear addition and future ADU conversion at 1020 Key Road with variance for reduced rear setback","audioSeconds",306,"startMs",3009000,"endMs",3315000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3105092-667f706f38dc2f6cf259f723939d38f6&start=3009&end=3315","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3105092-667f706f38dc2f6cf259f723939d38f6/thumbnail_3009000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6579051/Albany-City/Alameda-County/California/Commission-approves-rear-addition-and-future-ADU-conversion-at-1020-Key-Road-with-variance-for-reduced-rear-setback","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6579051-a949265af99d0730cb9cf2f99b404fac/orig.mp4?Expires=1771061188&Signature=m5UjPw9BAxWf8fFPSN8Lk1PeJGbM0Ym~Mhun-3e0aIFQWOkWU0J4VzVVCXDXq24z6szpRiVSimDMuHp~ldz~45bq152ol4~UXZS1jmWOf8WeTw0YnFsAtBvgtCxkvB1Pd~nnBW6Gl~6a2WeuV~cmjAUlZRoMCSMQiFm50deO0Em5lnJT0O344zyviPHONNOj1eK-~U0O2mffo-Ftq41tWFWxTWKZgyVy5XfeYmFlzYVV8oiDSgWiOhPzjeyhogY6eVQ5YRd8Z3KexUbh3FGjT4wQ6WpOCrf1yAFIMtEoDfO~X~nkk3Rx4szkrpDsuHzSq2jYVJ5gE5Fsk2uLkwDhqA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Albany, CA","date","2025-04-24T04:16:49.1Z","article","The Planning and Zoning Commission on April 23 approved a variance, use permit and design review application (PA25‑009) for a rear addition and garage conversion at 1020 Key Road, allowing a 5‑foot rear yard setback where Albany code requires 20 feet.

Associate Planner Mira Han presented the proposal, explaining the property is a substandard lot (approximately 3,520 square feet with a depth of about 55 feet rather than the typical assumed depth of 100 feet). The project would add an approximately 246‑square‑foot rear first‑floor addition and convert a 265‑square‑foot existing garage to livable space; the applicant intends to convert the addition to an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and later construct a detached ADU on the lot. Han said the city’s local ordinance (cited in the staff report as “government section 66,323 in the city's local ordinance”) does not permit a combined detached and attached ADU on one single‑family property, so the applicant structured the work in stages.

Han told the commission the rear addition would not be visible from the street, the rear height would match the existing 10‑foot‑9‑inch height, and that proposed windows on the south side are roughly 47 feet from the property line while windows on the north side are more than 15 feet from the adjacent property. “The proposed project will be in scale with nearby residences,” Han said. She concluded, “Staff recommends that the Planning and Zoning Commission review and approve the proposed project subject to findings and standard conditions of approval.”

No public commenters objected to the application during the meeting; the architect Adam Abraham and the property owners, who identified themselves as Haley and her husband, were on the call and made themselves available to answer questions. Commissioners discussed the need for a variance due to the lot’s substandard size and depth and noted the property backs onto the Ohlone Greenway and BART tracks, reducing the potential for rear‑yard impacts.

A commissioner moved to approve item 6‑1 (PA25‑009, 1020 Key Road). The motion carried on a roll‑call vote with all commissioners present voting to approve. The chair reminded the applicant to keep any story poles up for 14 days and noted the 14‑day appeal period.

The commission’s approval authorizes the variance and design review findings in the staff report and is conditioned on the standard conditions of approval listed by staff. The conversion to an ADU and any subsequent detached ADU construction will require separate building‑permit review to ensure compliance with city building, safety and ADU rules.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Planning & Zoning Commission - 04/23/25","oneSentenceSummary","The Planning and Zoning Commission on April 23 approved a variance and design review (PA25‑009) for a rear addition and garage conversion at 1020 Key Road, allowing a 5‑foot rear setback where 20 feet is normally required.","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},6579054,"Albany planning commission approves two‑story addition at 625 Evelyn despite neighbors' privacy objections",1350,610000,1960000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3105092-667f706f38dc2f6cf259f723939d38f6&start=610&end=1960","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3105092-667f706f38dc2f6cf259f723939d38f6/thumbnail_610000.jpg","/articles/6579054/Albany-City/Alameda-County/California/Albany-planning-commission-approves-twostory-addition-at-625-Evelyn-despite-neighbors-privacy-objections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6579054-17fb2ea92a3920cc55d21410eae35282/orig.mp4?Expires=1771061188&Signature=bgwyy1Dm2NrATkcEHyKVusBN-L0-MPA8H-L1WUUFCj5tBZOA2c3aoPuZUuXeqRdjQes~vu~U8ByZFERn3X2ODoy4IR-ZCDipyGFW2e7B~ALceW~-g5dkxSFv5UeER8rGMYgdhEYs4uWIR~q0BnCKbdcGBwuCPv9d3ijwZQWVKq-Jyct1hrkC1nMvpLLnZIw~H1ZTJ~wsw~nJI3MNumEOlCmEXur7hQedbVwPY06CqJ4dUcyVDDYFoOcaxcA0dDhkA-9FaTPyU2IREprZEjMFncAJHkV3ZoBObSzYDaii6tMGSbv0ibmw9AFi~TN1tlzHSsYpRzi9DYuy1z0S6MN~zg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning and Zoning Commission on April 23 approved a use permit and design review application (PA25‑008) for a two‑story addition at 625 Evelyn Avenue after public comment raised privacy and light concerns.

The commission approved the project by unanimous vote, with commissioners present saying the addition is consistent with nearby homes and that staff findings supported approval. Staff had recommended the commission review and approve the proposed project subject to the findings and standard conditions of approval.

The project proposes a two‑story expansion that would add a 295‑square‑foot lower‑level addition (including a one‑car garage) and a second‑story addition with a bay projection and a roughly 28‑square‑foot balcony over the garage. Staff described the finished house as a four‑bedroom, two‑and‑a‑half‑bath, 2,082‑square‑foot single‑family dwelling with a maximum height of 26 feet, 2 inches. The addition would horizontally extend existing nonconforming front yard conditions — staff said the existing nonconforming setbacks are about 14 feet and five feet for the porch and stairs where the Albany Municipal Code requires 15 feet and nine feet respectively.

Associate Planner Mira Han presented the staff analysis and told the commission, “Staff recommends that the Planning and Zoning Commission review and approve the proposed project subject to the findings and standard conditions of approval.” Han also described window placement and distances to property lines: lower‑level south windows are about 8 feet 11 inches from the property line and face an existing 6‑foot fence, while other windows are substantially farther from neighboring property lines.

Two neighbors spoke during public comment. Monica Cummings, a 30‑year resident immediately behind the property, said the addition “will have a significant negative impact on my property” and argued the proposal would “more than double its square footage and height,” reduce sunlight to her drought‑tolerant garden, and create direct sight lines from new upper‑floor windows into her home and yard. Bill Shea, a neighbor who said he recently closed on a home east of the site, also objected, citing loss of privacy for his young children and concerns about construction noise.

Commissioners discussed the application as a nonconformity extension to the front yard setback and weighed the neighbors’ privacy concerns against the context of other two‑story additions on the block. Commissioner Waddie, who said he grew up nearby, noted nearby parcels already have similar two‑story additions and observed that some of the upper windows are small or serve closets. Several commissioners urged applicants and neighbors to confer informally to reduce friction.

After discussion, a commissioner made a motion to approve item 3‑2 (PA25‑008, 625 Evelyn Avenue) “as proposed.” The motion was seconded and carried on a roll‑call vote with all commissioners present voting to approve. The commission chair noted a 14‑day appeal period and reminded the applicant to keep story poles up through the appeal period.

The approval authorizes the use permit and design review findings recorded in the staff report and is conditioned on the standard conditions of approval in that report. The commission’s action does not itself override any building permit, code compliance, or other review that follows; construction remains subject to applicable permits and inspections.

The commission closed the item and proceeded with the remainder of the agenda.","The Planning and Zoning Commission on April 23 approved a use permit and design review application (PA25‑008) for a two‑story addition at 625 Evelyn Avenue after public comment raised privacy and light concerns.",{"_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},6579045,"City staff brief planning commissioners on updated advisory handbook, Brown Act and meeting procedures",732,2237000,2969000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3105092-667f706f38dc2f6cf259f723939d38f6&start=2237&end=2969","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3105092-667f706f38dc2f6cf259f723939d38f6/thumbnail_2237000.jpg","/articles/6579045/Albany-City/Alameda-County/California/City-staff-brief-planning-commissioners-on-updated-advisory-handbook-Brown-Act-and-meeting-procedures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6579045-a47ef2b851f59694e37247f7aa6c1897/orig.mp4?Expires=1771061188&Signature=GjmmG92aWIGhfG3uEZrEZ002kom4cdCihu775dE8YmOA280SQJEeZDxGMYJCJQv37m1sXmLE2tDAeYPBFP4EyJODiXt69jgQx5NzGgeI9j3raTtzEldrOzWZcMrAAlYg5Xtmr27iBuhc4zcraKkSogbP-LWyykQ4khi7YfxWpeIb8tkGt45u4iSahHHwKAPBbosl9Qfup7a5bEPHD8tO7s6iS59RrlO5zuj0xkK33CctbQ26kz-Rwf8y7cq1BFfJbcVXqPxxPDsDaMXE2jkKh7rpUUxmlfFrA2Ryz6~8mKGWwB-KDrkxh1JFBwAv8jkYLCVgU9vjTmYaLYPTia98Hg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff used the April 23 meeting to present an updated advisory‑body handbook and to review legal and procedural requirements for advisory bodies, including the Brown Act, public‑records guidance, conflict‑of‑interest rules, teleconferencing rules and basic meeting safety.

Community Development Director Jeff Bond and the city clerk reviewed the handbook changes and said the city will deliver the material in a series of trainings to individual advisory groups. Bond said the approach is intended to increase engagement and allow staff and commissioners a chance for more tailored discussion: “We’ve kinda taken going on a roadshow with, going through the essentially the same training … individually to perhaps give a little bit more opportunity for give and take and and maybe customize it a little bit for the unique characteristics of various commissions and committees.”

Staff emphasized several key points: nearly all written communications about city business are public records and subject to disclosure; commissioners should be cautious about social‑media posts and private serial communications that could create a Brown Act violation; and training and financial‑disclosure rules such as AB 1234 apply when commissioners are reimbursed for travel or conferences. A staff presenter summarized the public‑records point: “Just about anything you put in writing, regardless of how you communicate in writing, that’s a public record.”

The presentation also covered teleconferencing rules (noting AB 2449 and the need to disclose reasons for remote attendance in some cases), requirements for recess and agenda posting if a quorum cannot be reached, and the distinction between ad hoc subcommittees (no posted agenda required if under a quorum and temporary) and standing committees (posted agendas required). Staff noted a two‑meeting‑per‑year limit for the special teleconference accommodation under AB 2449 and described practical steps: roll‑call voting for teleconference participants, keeping cameras on, and disclosing the presence of any adult in the remote participant’s room.

Staff addressed safety and meeting‑management topics, including how to summon emergency services (call 911) and the location of an automatic external defibrillator (AED) in the building lobby. Staff also reminded commissioners that appointments to advisory bodies generally run in two‑year cycles and that commissioners should keep contact information current because application materials are public records.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about standing committees, meeting scheduling and what constitutes a conflict of interest; staff said the city attorney is available for advice on edge cases and recommended contacting the FPPC for complex financial‑conflict questions.

The city posted the updated advisory‑body handbook and a recorded video presentation by the city attorney on the city website; staff directed commissioners to contact their staff liaisons or the city clerk for follow‑up questions.","City staff presented an updated advisory‑body handbook and Brown Act refresher to the Planning and Zoning Commission on April 23, covering public‑records rules, conflicts of interest, meeting procedures, teleconferencing rules (AB 2449), AB 1234 training, and safety protocols. Commissioners were given","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission approves rear addition and future ADU conversion at 1020 Key Road with variance for reduced rear setback

Albany planning commission approves two‑story addition at 625 Evelyn despite neighbors' privacy objections

City staff brief planning commissioners on updated advisory handbook, Brown Act and meeting procedures