Planning Commission OKs variances and design review for 113 South Mountain Avenue

The Monrovia Planning Commission on Nov. 12 approved multiple zoning exceptions to allow a new two‑story single‑family house at 113 South Mountain Avenue.

Associate Planner Vincent Gillespie summarized staff’s recommendation for approval after noting the site’s unusual constraints: the 58‑by‑43 foot lot is about 2,500 square feet and is the smallest parcel on the block, which led the applicant to request relief from several development standards. The approvals included two variances to exceed the maximum floor‑area ratio (requested 57% vs. the 40% maximum) and to reduce the front setback to 9 feet from the 25‑foot standard, plus three minor exceptions (including a 3‑foot side setback and a 16‑foot rear setback) and a Level 6 neighborhood compatibility design review.

Gillespie told commissioners the property was partially demolished after a pine tree fell in May 2024 and that the proposed house was sited to preserve a useful backyard and to reduce privacy impacts through careful window placement and articulation. The Development Review Committee reviewed the project and raised concerns about driveway depth, utility and emergency access, and fencing encroachments; staff said those concerns were addressed by revised plans and by conditions including a required survey for future fencing and a covenant prohibiting parking in the driveway.

During deliberations, commissioners asked how the covenant would be enforced and whether future owners would be bound; staff said the covenant runs with the land so it will appear on title. Commissioners also confirmed the driveway depth is about 10 feet and that the property owner agreed to the proposed conditions. No members of the public spoke on the item.

A motion to approve the variances, minor exceptions and design review with conditions in the staff report passed on a roll‑call vote. Staff read the standard 10‑day appeal instructions following the vote.