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Belmont planning commission approves second-story addition at 1131 Notre Dame Avenue
Summary
The Belmont Planning Commission voted 5-0 to approve a single-family design review for a second-story addition at 1131 Notre Dame Avenue; staff noted an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is subject to ministerial state review and was not part of the commission decision.
The Belmont Planning Commission on Thursday approved a single-family design review to allow an upper-story addition at 1131 Notre Dame Avenue, voting 5-0 to adopt staff findings and clear the proposal for building permit review.
Planner Ruiz summarized the project and zoning review, saying the proposal would add a new upper story and a small lower-floor bump-out and that “staff recommends for approval.” Ruiz also told the commission that a proposed accessory dwelling unit shown on the plans would be reviewed separately under state ministerial rules and was not before the commission.
The staff presentation included site statistics the commission relied on in its findings: the lot is 6,070 square feet, the site slope is listed as 5.21 percent, and staff calculated a floor area ratio of 0.533 with a maximum allowable gross floor area of 3,235 square feet at the site. Planner Ruiz described setbacks and a zoning exception that allows continuation of a nonconforming wall so long as minimum side-yard dimensions are preserved.
An applicant representative spoke briefly during the hearing to explain the family-oriented design and goals for a larger back yard. Neighbor Mike Garrud, who said he lives at 1121 Notre Dame and is immediately south of the project, addressed the commission during public comment and said, “We approve this project. Happy to see it move forward.”
Commissioners commended the design and privacy-sensitive window placement and said they could make the required findings under the single-family design review rules. A motion to approve the application (identified on the record as application number 2020-525) was moved and seconded and passed on a roll-call vote: Commissioner Adam Kavich, Commissioner Kramer, Chair Kulich, Commissioner Twigg and Commissioner Gedala voted aye; there were no no votes or abstentions.
The commission noted the addition is appealable to the City Council within 10 calendar days. The accessory dwelling unit element of the project will be handled through ministerial review as required by state law and is not part of the commission action.
The project now proceeds to the building-permit stage, where applicants and staff will complete ministerial and technical checks required for construction and for the ADU.
