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Staff hearing officer approves ADU and interior‑setback modification at 528 Casitas Road
Summary
A 378‑square‑foot ADU replacing a demolished nonconforming garage was approved with an interior‑setback modification and a CEQA exemption; staff cited consistency with prior nonconforming footprint and minimal neighbor impacts.
Staff Hearing Officer Tess Harris on Oct. 15 approved an interior‑setback modification permitting a new 378‑square‑foot accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 528 Casitas Road and affirmed an associated CEQA exemption.
Case planner Jillian Fennessey presented the application and told the hearing the 8,487‑square‑foot lot previously contained a detached 237‑square‑foot one‑car garage that was demolished for structural reasons. The proposal replaces the demolished garage with a 378‑square‑foot ADU; because the proposed ADU increases height relative to the prior garage (proposed 11 feet 9 inches vs. approx. 9 feet), the new structure must comply with the four‑foot interior ADU setback or obtain a modification. Fennessey said the ADU would encroach approximately 2 feet 9 inches into the required ADU setback along the easterly property line but would align with the prior garage footprint and would not introduce windows or doors facing the neighbor, thereby minimizing impacts. Staff recommended approval and an exemption under CEQA Guidelines §15303 (new construction of small structures).
Architect Robert Pester, representing the owner Todd Stadmiller, said the ADU footprint was kept compact to minimize grading and that moving the ADU to meet the setback would have required more excavation on the lot because of site elevation changes. Pester said the proposed height increase makes the ADU more livable while remaining consistent with neighborhood bulk and scale.
Harris found the project consistent with zoning and design findings, approved the interior‑setback modification and the CEQA exemption, and noted the decision is appealable to the Planning Commission within 10 calendar days.
Details: lot 8,487 square feet; proposed ADU: 378 sq. ft.; demolished garage: 237 sq. ft.; proposed ADU height: 11 ft. 9 in.; encroachment into ADU setback: ~2 ft. 9 in.; CEQA finding: §15303 exemption adopted. The decision is subject to the standard appeal period and subsequent building permit review.
