Planning commission approves variance for upper-story addition at 709 Alameda de las Pulgas

The Belmont City Planning Commission on April 1 approved a single-family design review and a variance to permit a roughly 393-square-foot upper-story bedroom addition at 709 Alameda de las Pulgas and to retain the property’s existing nonconforming off-street parking. The motion passed 4-0; the action is appealable within 10 calendar days.

Planner Ruiz told the commission the lot is 10,654 square feet with a steep slope (about 33 percent) and that the existing house is about 2,651 square feet; the proposed house size after the addition would be about 3,044 square feet, under the stated site maximum of about 3,598 square feet. Ruiz summarized the design review and variance findings and said staff’s recommendation: “staff recommends approval of the single family design review and variance application, subject to conditions of approval.”

The variance request centered on retaining an existing off-street parking pad that lies largely within the public right of way instead of constructing a conforming garage and driveway on private property. Staff said meeting the city’s standard for on-site parking would require extensive grading and retaining walls because the property drops roughly 10 feet within the first 5 feet from the front property line, and that building a compliant garage would likely force major site disturbance or relocation of the dwelling.

Public Works reviewed the site and provided a letter included in the record; staff said Public Works is willing to memorialize the existing pad’s use subject to conditions, and to require that cars be parked fully forward so the existing four-foot sidewalk remains unobstructed. A neighbor emailed concerns about the pad’s relationship to the sidewalk; the commission noted the email and attempted remote comment but the caller could not be heard on the record.

Commissioners asked detailed questions about whether the pad had prior Public Works approval, the potential for signage, and the likelihood of future vehicles blocking the sidewalk. Ruiz said the pad was not originally approved but Public Works now seeks to memorialize its use and that a condition requiring a clear four-foot pedestrian path could be included.

During deliberations commissioners expressed differing views about the extent of hardship created by the slope and the significance of previous examples where nearby homes have added garages. After discussion, Commissioner Jodala moved to approve staff’s recommendation and Commissioner Kramer seconded. The vote was recorded as Jodala — yes; Kramer — yes; Chair Kulich — yes; Majeski — yes. The motion passed 4-0.

The commission’s approval includes standard conditions referenced by staff and Public Works; the action is appealable to the next reviewing body within 10 calendar days.