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Commission continues demolition and single-family replacement at 788 Arkansas to April 10, asks sponsor to return with a second unit option
Summary
The Planning Commission continued action on a request to demolish an existing single-family house at 788 Arkansas Street and build a new, larger single-family home, directing the applicant to explore adding a second residential unit and to return on April 10; the continuance passed 6-1 with Commissioner Campbell dissenting.
The Planning Commission on March 6 continued a conditional-use authorization request for demolition and replacement of a single-family residence at 788 Arkansas Street to the April 10 hearing and directed the project sponsor to return with a redesign that explores adding a second unit.
Planning Department staff presented the application and recommended disapproval in the staff report on the grounds that the project would demolish an existing older single-family dwelling in a Priority Equity Geography and would not maximize density on a site that could allow two units. The Department's summary of reasons cited city policy goals for adding multiunit housing and maximizing rental and ownership opportunities.
The project sponsor's architect described the existing structure as dilapidated, with limited living area and a garage-like understory that cannot be adapted without substantial reconstruction; the sponsor said the intent is for a family home. The sponsor said they had worked with staff for more than a year and that the existing structure cannot be feasibly rehabilitated.
Commissioners described a tension between property owners' renovation goals and the city's policy emphasis on adding units. Commissioner Braun and others asked the sponsor to return with alternatives that add a unit where feasible; Vice President Moore said he supported a continuance so the sponsor could explore design options to add an accessory unit and find feasible approaches on a steep lot. Commissioner Campbell said the project complies with zoning and code and opposed continuing the item.
On a motion to continue to April 10 with direction to the project sponsor to come back with a redesigned project including an additional unit, the commission voted 6-1 (Commissioner Campbell dissenting). Planning staff said the continuance will allow the applicant to present a revised design and provide staff time to prepare an updated report.
