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Commission approves second‑story ADU, garage relocation at 34761 Calle Fortuna amid neighbor parking concerns
Summary
The Dana Point Planning Commission unanimously approved SDP24-0426 to add an attached 856 sq. ft. two‑bedroom ADU, a second‑story addition, and a relocated compliant two‑car garage at 34761 Calle Fortuna; a neighbor raised concerns about on‑street parking tightness.
The Dana Point Planning Commission on Feb. 24 unanimously approved site development permit SDP24-0426 to allow construction of a second-story attached ADU and related additions at 34761 Calle Fortuna, voting 5-0.
Alyssa Gonzales, the project planner, told the commission the property is a single-story 1,294-square-foot home on a 5,554-square-foot lot in the RSF-7 zone with an existing two-car garage that is nonconforming (smaller than the 20-by-20 requirement). The project proposes first- and second-story additions, demolition and relocation of the nonconforming garage to a front-facing, code‑compliant 20-by-20 garage, and an 856-square-foot attached ADU accessed by an exterior staircase. Gonzales said the proposal complies with RSF-7 and ADU development standards; staff recommended approval of SDP24-0426 subject to the findings and conditions in the draft resolution.
One resident, Martin Ponce, spoke during the public hearing, saying the street is narrow and parking is already tight. "It's just kind of odd that you can add another entire family, 2 bedroom spot, and not add any additional parking for them," Ponce said, expressing concern that the new ADU occupants would park on the street and exacerbate existing parking pressure.
Commissioners acknowledged the neighbor's parking concern and noted the limits of local flexibility because state ADU laws and city requirements constrain some aspects of parking for ADUs. Commissioner Bowen suggested that if parking becomes a serious problem, the neighborhood could pursue a parking district in the future. Commissioners also praised the design and the applicant's effort to bring the garage into compliance.
A motion to approve SDP24-0426 was made and seconded; the commission voted 5-0 in favor.
The approved project includes exterior façade modifications (new stucco and stone veneer), maintenance of the RSF‑7 height limit (staff noted a 23‑foot height in plans, within the 26‑foot limit accounting for roof pitch), and a proposed privacy wall to screen the exterior stair to the ADU. Staff reiterated that under current rules no additional parking is required for this ADU because it is part of the primary residence and the relocated garage will meet code.
