Commission approves hillside‑lot exception for small garage at 130 Sierra Vista Drive

The Redlands Planning Commission on Sept. 23 approved a Hillside Lot Exception to permit a detached 217‑square‑foot garage within the 25‑foot front‑yard setback at 130 Sierra Vista Drive.

Planning staff said applicant Brídal McKernan obtained building permits for a new single‑family home at the address and is now requesting the exception to construct a small accessory garage approximately 217 square feet in size and with a minimum setback of 7 feet 3 inches from the Escondido Drive frontage. The garage location is about 135 feet south of Sierra Vista Drive, staff said.

"The hillside lot subject site has an upward slope of 45 percent adjacent to Escondido Drive and therefore meets the criteria to request the exception," Jasmine Serrato, planning staff, said. Serrato said the structure will match architectural features of the main house under construction.

Serrato also cited the staff opinion that the accessory structure is eligible for an exemption from environmental review under CEQA Guidelines section 15303(e), which applies to garages and similar small structures. Staff recommended adoption of Resolution No. 17‑21 to approve Minor Commission Review No. 53, and the applicant attended the meeting for questions.

Following a brief discussion and positive comments from commissioners, Commissioner Wells moved to adopt Resolution No. 17‑21 granting the hillside lot exception; Commissioner Elliot seconded. The motion carried by voice vote.

The staff packet described the site slope (approximately 45 percent), the proposed garage footprint (about 217 square feet) and the requested minimum setback (7 feet, 3 inches from the Escondido Drive side). The applicant already has building permits for the main residence, which is under construction, and staff said the garage will include architectural treatments similar to that home.

Clarifying details from the presentation: the property’s front yard slope was measured at roughly 45 percent adjacent to Escondido Drive; the garage will sit about 135 feet south of Sierra Vista Drive; the applicant requested a reduced front‑yard setback under Redlands Municipal Code section 18.152 0.020 (Hillside Lot Exceptions as cited in the staff report); and staff cited CEQA small‑structure exemption 15303(e).