The Atherton Planning Commission voted July 23 to grant a special structures permit allowing a detached garage at 7 Betty Lane to sit approximately 6 feet behind the main residence’s front wall where the code’s setback for that configuration would otherwise require 30 feet.

Town planner Brittany Bennix recommended the permit, explaining that the proposal meets the ordinance findings related to privacy, compliance with other development standards, and consistency with the general plan. The site is a 1.24‑acre flag lot; the prior garage on the site had been legally nonconforming. The applicant said that keeping an existing stand of trees and locating the driveway as proposed would preserve screening and provide privacy for the adjacent property at 9 Betty Lane.

Chris Coomer of CKA Architects, representing the applicant, said the proposal keeps the driveway and existing tree stand to preserve privacy and creates a front yard by locating the house behind the driveway. Coomer said the detached garage would remain subordinated to the main residence in placement and design.

The commission adopted the staff‑recommended findings and approved the special structures permit, subject to the conditions listed on the certificate of approval. Staff noted there was enforcement activity at a different nearby property (9 Betty) but not at 7 Betty at the time of the hearing.

Why it matters: The permit lets a new residence and detached garage be located on a flag lot in a way staff found respectful of privacy and screening, and it clarifies that the special structures permit process is the correct procedural path for this type of request on flag lots.

Details: The lot is 1.24 acres; the permit was approved after staff concluded the proposed garage meets privacy and setback findings and is more conforming than the prior nonconforming garage it replaces. The project includes an attached ADU and a detached ADU in addition to the detached garage; permit conditions will be enforced during plan check and construction.