Staff Hearing Officer approves ADU above covered patio at 317 West Alamar with setback and open‑yard modifications

Tess Harris, the City of Santa Barbara staff hearing officer, approved on Aug. 6 a proposal to build a 306‑square‑foot accessory dwelling unit (ADU) above a covered patio at 317 West Alamar Avenue after finding two interior setback modifications and an open‑yard modification consistent with the zoning ordinance and CEQA exemptions.

Kelly Brodersen, a planner with the Community Development Department, told the hearing that the 3,360‑square‑foot triangular lot in the Oak Park neighborhood is highly constrained and already contains a nonconforming residence and a single uncovered parking space. Brodersen said the project proposes a 306‑square‑foot ADU above a 306‑square‑foot covered patio, an as‑built 48‑square‑foot storage expansion of the roof deck, and a reduction of the driveway gate to 42 inches. She said the ADU is eligible for a reduced 4‑foot interior setback…