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Sunnyvale zoning administrator approves variance for 105-sq.-ft. garage projecting into front setback
Summary
Zoning Administrator George Schroeder approved a variance allowing a 105-square-foot garage to project into the front setback at 10 feet 2 inches, finding the triangular, curved-lot conditions support the exception. The decision can be appealed to the Planning Commission within 15 calendar days.
Sunnyvale Zoning Administrator George Schroeder approved a variance April 30 that will allow a 105-square-foot garage to encroach into the front setback by proposing a 10-foot 2-inch setback where the zoning standard requires 20 feet.
Schroeder said he reviewed the project and could "make the required findings for the variance," citing the lot's unusual shape and existing nonconforming conditions. He adopted Alternative 1: approve the variance with the findings listed in Attachment 3 and conditions in Attachment 4. The decision can be appealed to the Planning Commission within 15 calendar days.
The project, filed as PLNG20240304, involves a single-family-home garage on a triangular lot with a curved front yard. Momo Ishijima, the project planner, told the hearing there were no changes to the staff report and that she had not been contacted by members of the public about the project. Applicant Lakshmi Subramanian said she had discussed her cases with staff and had no additional comments; owner Alvin Ching did not provide comments during the hearing.
Schroeder explained why he found the variance appropriate: the lot's triangular shape and curved front yard are "unique in this neighborhood," existing nonconforming setbacks are already present, and the proposal would "help to improve some existing setbacks along the rear, as well as allow for new conforming garage with conforming dimensions, both interior and outside the garage." He also noted that "only a portion of the garage projects into the front setback." No public commenters appeared on the teleconference.
No motion or vote by a multi-member body was recorded; the zoning administrator issued a final administrative decision at the hearing. The record references Attachment 3 (recommended findings) and Attachment 4 (recommended conditions) as the basis for approval. The notice given at the hearing states the decision is appealable to the Planning Commission within 15 calendar days.
Details recorded in staff comments and the hearing record: the requested encroachment is 105 square feet, the proposed front setback is 10 feet 2 inches, and the zoning standard cited at the hearing requires a 20-foot front setback. The file number on the agenda was read as "PLNG 20 24 0 3 0 4" (recorded here as PLNG20240304).
