Commission approves small front‑setback variance and addition on Upper Happy Valley Road
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Summary
The commission unanimously approved a 412‑square‑foot front addition and a small variance to encroach 24 square feet into the front setback; staff found the addition modest, well screened and exempt from CEQA and no public comments were received.
The Lafayette Planning Commission unanimously approved a 412‑square‑foot addition and the associated variance for a home on Upper Happy Valley Road.
Staff explained the proposal would add a master bedroom, closet and bathroom plus a modest expansion to a second bedroom totaling 412 square feet and would encroach 24 square feet into the front yard setback. The parcel contains prior nonconforming side yard setbacks from a 2000 variance. Project planner Nicole Zittel said the addition preserves the existing massing and will be screened by vegetation; no protected tree removals were reported and no public comments were received.
Architect Mark Newman said the design team explored multiple alternatives but determined the proposed bump‑out provided the best balance of program and minimal visual impact; he noted the house sits relatively high above the street and the addition is barely visible from the public right‑of‑way.
Commissioners raised a broader concern about approving multiple variances over time but agreed the current proposal is modest and will not be noticeable once constructed. Commissioner DiGiorgio moved to find the project exempt from CEQA and adopt PC Resolution 2025‑14 approving the project subject to conditions; the motion passed 5‑0. Standard 14‑day appeal rights apply.
What happens next: the applicant will proceed to building permits; any future requests that cumulatively increase nonconformity may be reviewed more strictly by commissioners.