Planning commission approves Emerald Lake Hills addition despite lot coverage and parking variances

The San Mateo County Planning Commission on May 28 approved a nonconforming use permit and design review permit (PLN2024‑00143) for additions to a single‑family home at 2835 Brewster Avenue in the Emerald Lake Hills neighborhood.

The project, presented by county planner Sonal Agarwal, would add 582 square feet on the first floor and a 262‑square‑foot single‑car garage to an existing 3,242‑square‑foot house on a parcel listed in the staff report as 8,391 square feet (APN 058‑253‑290). The application requests exceptions to floor‑area and lot‑coverage rules and to the county parking standard.

The commission’s decision matters because the proposal exceeds multiple numeric limits in the zoning district and requires a formal nonconforming use permit to proceed. Planner Sonal Agarwal told the commission the project would result in 32.7 percent lot coverage where 25 percent is allowed and 39.9 percent floor area where 30 percent is…