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Commission approves variance to add two modular affordable units at Georgia Street site
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a variance allowing two modular units to be added to an existing affordable housing site near Lahontan Drive and Georgia Street, finding the project exempt from CEQA; the project is intended to serve households at or below 30% AMI.
The Big Bear City Planning Commission on April 16 approved a variance application to allow two modular affordable-housing units adjacent to an existing six-unit property at Georgia Street and Lahontan Drive.
Staff presented a variance request (Variance 2023-014) submitted by Commissioner Michael Beveridge on behalf of Mountain Homeless Coalition and Georgia Street Cabins LLC. Staff said the project proposes two modular units to join the existing six-unit affordable complex, for a total of eight units restricted to extremely low-income households (at or below 30% of area median income). The applicant requested variances from development-code standards including covered parking, minimum dwelling unit size (proposing approximately 640 sq ft units), and a 12-inch eave design standard. Staff said the project otherwise complies with development code standards and the general plan and identified the application as eligible for concessions under the city's affordable-housing variance provisions (cited in staff presentation as section 17 0 3 1 80).
The applicant's representative, Wendell Wilson, described prior investments in the site, said two modular units were purchased with state Homekey funding, and explained the units and utility work have been prepared awaiting the variance and building permits. Representatives from the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino spoke in support, describing the authority's role as lead applicant on the grant and as a property-management and technical partner.
Public comment included both support and opposition; one speaker raised concerns over unit size, parking and neighborhood impacts. Commissioners discussed design details, snow removal, property management and wraparound services. The commission voted to adopt the resolution approving the variance and finding the project categorically exempt from CEQA (staff cited CEQA section 15303 for duplex/two-unit projects). The motion passed 3-0 and was recorded as Resolution No. 2025-04. The approval allows the applicant to proceed with building permits and modular placement subject to conditions.
