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Commission approves 900‑sq‑ft ADU variance at 2430 Douglas Drive for accessibility
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a variance allowing a 900‑square‑foot accessory dwelling unit footprint at 2430 Douglas Drive so the applicants can build a single‑level, accessible unit for retired parents; vote was 5‑0 (2 absent).
The Planning Commission approved a variance allowing a larger single‑floor accessory dwelling unit (ADU) footprint at 2430 Douglas Drive to accommodate accessibility needs for the applicants’ retired parents.
City staff reported the applicant seeks to exceed the municipal 600‑square‑foot single‑floor footprint cap for ADUs and requested a 900‑square‑foot footprint to provide a single‑level, fully accessible living space. "Our code actually allows for 1,200 square feet total ADU size, but the 600 square foot footprint is the single‑floor standard," Philip told the commission. Staff said the site and neighborhood character (Cottonwood Estates HOA) support the request and that the HOA had separately approved the design.
Staff concluded the property presents circumstances relevant to the variance criteria because a 600‑square‑foot single‑floor plan would not provide adequate space for accessibility adaptations; staff recommended approval. Commissioners discussed whether recurring accessibility needs might justify a future code amendment but noted variance findings must be evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis.
The commission moved to approve the variance based on the findings and recommended conditions and recorded five yes votes (Evans; Matamore; Aisler White; Commissioner Donald O'Toole; Commissioner Moody) with Sharon Pacino and Schneider absent.
Practical effect: the approval allows the applicants to build a 900‑square‑foot single‑story ADU on the property, subject to standard permitting, inspections and conditions in the staff report.
