Zoning hearing officer approves use permit to legalize three backyard sheds at 1591 Lexington Avenue

SAN MATEO, Calif. — The San Mateo County Zoning Hearing Officer on Feb. 20 approved a use permit to legalize three existing detached accessory buildings at 1591 Lexington Avenue, finding the structures would not create significant adverse impacts if built or retrofitted to meet conditions in the staff report.

Planner Sam Becker told the hearing the three buildings are about 12 by 10 feet each (roughly 120 square feet apiece, about 360 square feet total), were constructed without permits, and are proposed to be used for personal meditation, healing and art. "These are detached accessory buildings, not detached accessory dwelling units," Becker said during his presentation.

The permit, listed as PLN2023-00291 on the Feb. 20 agenda, was approved subject to the staff report’s findings and conditions, which include setback verification during the building-permit review and fire-safety upgrades required by the fire department because the property lies within the wildland-urban interface. Zoning Hearing Officer Bridal…