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Commission approves small‑lot, prefab housing plan on Middle Street after public concern about parking and traffic
Summary
Neighbors raised parking and pedestrian safety concerns at a public hearing, but the Planning Commission approved variances to allow four small modular rental homes on Middle Street, with conditions tying the exemptions to the current permit and a requirement for sidewalk and right‑of‑way improvements.
Neighbors and the developer debated a proposal for four small single‑family rental units on Middle Street (Item 98) at the May 1 Planning Commission meeting. Residents said preassembled units currently stored on the property are creating on‑site congestion and worsened pedestrian conditions for elderly and disabled neighbors. Francisco Barbera told the commission the neighborhood had “no room for that” and described noise and parking strain; Leonardo Barbera said sidewalks are not adequate and people are forced to walk in the street.
Applicant representatives said the preassembled units currently on the lot are being stored temporarily and will be moved onto foundations once construction permits are issued. The developer said the project targets low‑income renters who rely on transit, bicycles and foot travel and cited recent local examples where similar small units drew minimal long‑term private‑vehicle demand.
Planning staff described the request as an allowable small‑lot development under Chapter 42 performance standards that, when permitted, exempts such units from on‑site parking and curb cuts provided the right‑of‑way and pedestrian improvements are provided. Staff said the applicant will dedicate five feet of right‑of‑way along both street frontages and construct five‑foot sidewalks; staff also recommended conditions tying the reduced building line and lack of on‑site parking to the current site plan and permitting package.
Commissioners asked for and staff agreed to a plat note and permitting language clarifying that the variance is specific to the current permit/site plan and that any future changes to the buildings or site layout will require additional review and a new variance. Commissioner Robins recorded an opposed vote; the motion passed with the majority of commissioners approving the variance and the related plat.
Action: The commission voted to grant the requested variances and approve the development plat with conditions linking the reduced building line and parking exemptions to the current permit/site plan; the record notes one opposing vote by Commissioner Robins.
