Staff hearing officer permits two tandem parking spaces at 529 De La Vena Street

Tess Harris approved a modification Nov. 12 to allow two uncovered tandem parking spaces to encroach into the interior setback at 529 De La Vena Street.

Kelly Brodersen of Community Development explained the property’s nonconforming parking history and said staff considered AB 2097 (effective Jan. 1, 2023), which can exempt properties within a half‑mile of transit from municipal parking requirements. Brodersen said the driveway is 9 feet 4 inches wide and the required uncovered parking width is 8 feet 6 inches, and that staff recommended allowing the two on‑site spaces to prevent increased on‑street parking demand. Brodersen said Public Works and design reviewers were supportive of a parking design waiver to allow tandem spaces.

“Effective 01/01/2023, Assembly Bill 2097 was approved, exempting residential properties from parking requirements if they're in 1/2 mile of a defined public transit,” Brodersen said. She added that staff believes maintaining on‑site parking will avoid further constraints on street parking and preserve the site’s nonconforming open yard.

Applicant architect Tom Ochsner told the hearing the work was split into two permits and that an interior remodel permit has already been issued; the current hearing concerns the parking and minor window zoning exceptions. Harris concluded the modification is consistent with zoning purposes, will not negatively affect neighbors, and approved the project. The decision is subject to a 10‑day appeal period to the Planning Commission.