Moraga Planning Commission continues hearing on 1401 Reimer Drive variance after lengthy debate

MORAGA, Calif. — The Moraga Town Planning Commission on May 20 continued the public hearing on an application for a variance and administrative design review for a 124‑square‑foot addition at 1401 Reimer Drive to the July 1, 2025 meeting, after extensive testimony, technical questions and a split commission on whether staff’s recommended findings could be made.

Staff recommended denial. Planning staff described the proposed 124‑square‑foot addition as encroaching into the town’s 10‑foot side yard setback by between 10 inches and 3 feet 1 inch along about 20 feet 6 inches of length, and into the 15‑foot rear yard setback by between 6 inches and 1 foot 6 inches for roughly 6 feet. The staff report concluded the required variance findings under Government Code Section 65906 could not be made and recommended denial without prejudice.

The applicant, homeowner Julie Lecky, told the commission the addition is intended to enlarge the primary bathroom and closet to allow the couple to age in place and to provide transitional accommodations for her father. “We think the shape of our lot and the placement of our house in the lot constitutes, a hardship, warrant warranting the approval of the…