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Zoning administrator approves Kelly variance to build 1,960 sq ft shop at reduced rear setback in Newcastle
Summary
The Placer County Zoning Administrator approved a variance reducing the required rear setback to 22 feet so Jessica Kelly may construct a 1,960-square-foot shop on her 2.6-acre Newcastle parcel; prior hearings, neighbor comments and a condition barring commercial use were part of the record, and a 10‑day appeal period applies.
The Placer County Zoning Administrator on Sept. 18 approved a variance allowing property owner Jessica Kelly to construct a 1,960-square-foot shop at 2319 Newcastle Road with a 22-foot setback along one property line where 30 feet is normally required.
Planning staff summarized the project's history: the applicant initially sought smaller setbacks at a prior hearing, received neighbor objections about size, and revised the proposal in response. The applicant also submitted a building permit application to convert an existing garage into an accessory dwelling unit, which changed applicable accessory-structure square‑footage requirements. Staff concluded the parcel’s development pattern and site constraints justified a variance and recommended approval with conditions, including a prohibition on commercial activity.
Jessica Kelly told the hearing she had modified the site plan after discussing concerns with neighbors and the fire department and confirmed she had seen and accepted the conditions of approval. Environmental Health and Engineering and Surveying staff offered no objections beyond the listed conditions.
Why it matters: The approved variance changes the property’s setback requirement and clears a long-running neighborhood dispute; neighbors who submitted prior comments had raised concerns about noise, light and neighborhood character. Because the item drew public comment, the zoning administrator did not waive the appeal period; an appeal would be subject to the standard filing fee.
Details: The property is 2.6 acres in a residential-agricultural zone; constraints cited by staff included existing developed areas, a retaining wall and drainage swale. The zoning administrator said the requested 22-foot setback is the minimum necessary to allow vehicle access into the proposed structure. The decision is subject to the conditions in the staff report and a 10-day appeal period; the filing fee for an appeal was stated as $774.
Next steps: The applicant may pursue building permits consistent with the approved variance and conditions after the appeal period expires.
