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Council approves second accessory dwelling unit at 931 West Montrose after applicant cites demolition costs for existing bunker
Summary
Council granted variances to allow a second accessory dwelling unit and a reduced rear setback at 931 West Montrose. The property contains an old reinforced 'bomb shelter' that the applicant said may be costly to demolish; the proposed ADU would wrap or incorporate the structure. Council approved the request.
The council granted variances on June 24 to allow a second accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and to permit a reduced rear setback for a proposed two‑story 30×24‑foot secondary ADU at 931 West Montrose.
Staff opposed approval on the grounds the CBD zoning limits accessory dwellings to one unit and that adding a second ADU would increase density incompatible with code intent; staff also flagged encroachment to the required rear setback. Applicant representatives explained the lot’s unusual configuration and described a 1960s‑era reinforced “bomb shelter” on the lot that is expensive to demolish and difficult to remove; they proposed either demoing the shelter or incorporating it into the ADU structure. The owner said the ADU would be modest (roughly 700 sq ft), would be rented on a limited basis and the owners live on site.
Neighbors spoke in support, and council members said the request aligns with downtown small‑unit patterns and affordable housing goals. Following discussion, the council approved the variances.
Ending: Staff will process the building permit and site‑plan engineering; if demolition is required, final costs will be reviewed as part of permit engineering and structural evaluation.
