Council upholds Planning Commission: variance denied for unpermitted backyard studio; staff lists compliance options

The City Council voted 7–0 on March 25 to deny an appeal and uphold the Planning Commission’s denial of a variance seeking to legalize a 112‑square‑foot detached accessory structure located close to property lines on a single‑family lot in the Washington Park area.

Staff described the structure as a conditioned, detached home office with electrical and air conditioning that was constructed without permits. The accessory building has a 2‑foot‑5‑inch side setback and a 2‑foot‑2‑inch rear setback while code requires 4‑foot side and 10‑foot rear setbacks for structures taller than 8 feet. The structure’s roof slopes to a peak of 9 feet‑11 inches and therefore exceeds the 8‑foot height that would otherwise exempt small detached accessory structures from setback requirements.

Senior planner staff explained the variance…