Planning Commission recommends IDU eligibility for Sierra Estates Plat E after applicant petition

The Saratoga Springs Planning Commission on Jan. 9 voted to forward a positive recommendation to the City Council to amend the map to make Sierra Estates Plat E eligible for internal accessory dwelling units (IADUs) under Title 19, Chapter 19.20 of the city’s land development code.

Applicant Chuck Hale told the commission he plans to convert existing space in his home to create a rentable unit, reducing the home’s net bedrooms and adding housing supply. Hale said he worked with city staff to meet requirements and that neighbors were largely supportive: "I don't think it's fair. It's our goal to do something to help the community," he said, describing rising rents and the intent to provide an affordable option.

City staff explained that the proposed change affects the Plat E portion of Sierra Estates, northeast of Mountain View and 400 North. Because one street in the subdivision has fewer than 10 lots, the applicant was required to gather signatures from property owners within a 500-foot radius. Staff reported there were 97 total properties within the required area and the applicant obtained 74 signatures, or roughly 76.3%, exceeding the 66% minimum petition threshold stated in the staff analysis.

Staff further reported that, at the time of the application, only the applicant intended to create an IADU in the subdivision. Commissioners asked about traffic and parking; several said the proposed conversion would likely add only one or two residents and would not substantially affect intersection traffic volumes. After public comment in support and discussion among commissioners, a commissioner moved to recommend approval with the findings and conditions in the staff report, a second was recorded, and the motion passed. The commission's action is a recommendation to the City Council; the amendment will move through the council review and adoption process.

The item’s staff report noted compliance with the city’s parking and floor-area limits for IADUs; the proposed conversion would dedicate about 19% of the home's floor area to the accessory unit, under the 40% maximum. The applicant provided an address for the record as 668 West Ritter, Saratoga Springs.

The planning commission's recommendation does not itself change the zoning map; that change will take effect only if the City Council approves the amendment.

Votes at the hearing were recorded by voice and the commission announced the motion passed with no recorded opposition.