Atherton planners approve special-structures permit to expand garage at 72 Barry Lane

The Atherton Planning Commission on an apparent 4-0 roll call approved a special-structures permit to allow a 1,058-square-foot detached garage to be expanded and sit two feet behind the front wall of the main residence at 72 Barry Lane, where the zoning code requires a 30-foot setback.

Planning staff said the request applies to a 1.13-acre interior flag lot and is narrowly limited to the detached garage; other project elements — including a second-floor bedroom addition, conversion of an existing garage to an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), and conversion of an existing guest house to a detached ADU — are handled as staff-level permits. Consulting Senior Planner Radha Hayekreev said the parcel is zoned R-1A and noted that “the special structures permit for flag lots were written for cases like these where the side becomes very tight,” and staff recommended approval.

Why it matters: The application required a discretionary finding because the detached garage would not meet the standard front setback. Staff concluded the proposal met the three findings required by the municipal code — it would not negatively affect neighbors’ privacy or views, complied with other development standards (height, side setbacks, landscape screening), and was consistent with the general plan and zoning title — and public works confirmed separation from the Atherton channel.

Key facts and vote: Staff presented a site plan showing the existing two-car garage expanded to a four-car garage. The applicant is proposing a 62-foot distance from the northern property line (presented in the staff report as a total setback figure). The commission’s vote was taken by roll call with Commissioners Tonelli, Levinson and Vice Chair Polito recorded as voting in the affirmative; Chair Lane also registered “Aye.” Commissioner Bridal was absent. The motion text on the record asked the commission to approve the special-structures permit based on staff findings and subject to the listed conditions of approval.

Discussion highlights: Commissioners questioned whether the proposal complied with channel setbacks and tree protection. Hayekreev said public works had reviewed and provided a written confirmation from the assistant engineer that the project met required separation from the channel and that the new garage would not impact on-site trees. The applicant’s representative (architect John Daisy King) told the commission the staff report and the applicant’s submittal “pretty much outlines what why we're asking for the special structures permit” and said the garage enlargement is necessary to replace a one-car garage being converted to a junior ADU while accommodating program needs.

What the approval does not do: The permit approved by the commission was limited to the detached garage setback exception; other proposed changes to the site (ADU conversions and the second-floor bedroom addition) proceed under separate staff-level reviews.

Next steps: Staff will finalize permit documents consistent with the approval and the conditions of approval on file; the record indicates the public works letter of concurrence will be appended to the project file.