Riverside Planning Commission approves front-yard garage waiver for 1 Hermitstent Avenue

The City of Riverside Planning Commission on Wednesday, Oct. 15, approved a design waiver that allows construction of a garage in the front yard at 1 Hermitstent Avenue, granting the applicant’s request by unanimous vote.

Staff said the corner lot’s configuration and the proposed garage’s alignment with a neighboring house reduce the potential for adverse impacts and recommended approval with conditions. The commission voted to approve the waiver under PC Case 25-0006, requiring the garage to match the house’s architectural standards and that final elevations be submitted before staff issues a zoning permit.

At a public hearing, a staff member identified as Naya Hope described the property as a corner lot with no rear or side yard available and said the proposed garage would align with the house next door. Hope said, “Where they're placing the garage would be in alignment with the house next door,” and added the placement “wouldn't block any line of sight.” She told commissioners staff found one similar structure elsewhere in the neighborhood and concluded the proposal “does support the comprehensive plan goals” and recommended approval with conditions.

Commission discussion was brief. No members of the public filed speaker forms to testify at the hearing, and the applicant did not speak. A motion to approve the waiver "based on the report, City of Riverside comprehensive plan and evidence of testimony here today" was moved and seconded. The commission recorded the following roll-call votes: Commissioner Rogers — yes; Commissioner Vasquez — yes; Missus Denny — yes; Commissioner Owens — yes. The motion carried.

Conditions listed in the staff report and attached to the approval require the garage to use the same architectural style and exterior materials as the principal residence, to match roof pitch and siding, and to submit final elevations to city staff before issuance of a zoning permit. Staff also noted the municipal code generally prohibits garages in front yards, which is why the waiver was required.

The planning commission closed the public hearing after staff presentation and moved directly to deliberation and a vote. Follow-up steps advised by the chair included coordination with staff member Miss Holt for next steps on permits and compliance with the listed conditions.

The commission did not take additional formal actions on related ordinances or policy changes during the meeting; the approval applies only to the specific waiver requested under PC Case 25-0006.