Zoning hearing officer approves legalization of small addition on substandard Glenwood City lot

Zoning hearing officer Joe LeClaire approved a nonconforming-use permit on April 17 to legalize an addition to an existing single-family residence at 2796 Westmoreland Avenue in Glenwood City (county file CLN2022-00074). The approval legalizes approximately 342 square feet of addition to a 909-square-foot, one-story residence on a 2,479-square-foot parcel, subject to the conditions in the staff report.

Olivia, the project planner, told the hearing the parcel is a corner lot with the existing house built as a legal nonconforming structure. The addition sought to be legalized includes a small closet and part of a rear bedroom and a laundry area. Planner Olivia said the addition lines up with the existing building and therefore requests exceptions to side- and rear-yard setbacks; the total lot coverage will exceed the maximum allowed by two square feet. Olivia said the encroaching carport and deck that had been noted by Public Works were removed prior to the hearing.

Applicant Carlos (online as Mr. Vargas) spoke and confirmed the removed structures are now flat and that the family has occupied the property for more than 20 years. LeClaire asked the planner about fire district review; Olivia said Menlo Park Fire District and Fair Oaks Sewer District had conditionally approved the project and that final compliance with Public Works is required.

LeClaire said he had no further questions and closed the public hearing before approving the permit pursuant to the findings and conditions in the staff report. He reminded the public that the decision may be appealed to the Planning Commission; written appeals must be filed with the Planning and Building Department by 5 p.m. on May 1, 2025, and be accompanied by a $1,962 appeal fee.