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Planning commission approves barn with ADU and equestrian exceptions at 300 Family Farm Road
Summary
The commission unanimously approved a proposed horse barn with an internal ADU at 300 Family Farm Road, granting exceptions for a second driveway and paved-area limits for equestrian uses after finding the project fits the property and advisory-committee input.
The Woodside Planning Commission unanimously approved an application on Nov. 6 for a horse barn containing an internal accessory dwelling unit at 300 Family Farm Road, granting two exceptions for a second driveway and for maximum paved area related to equestrian uses.
Staff presented the proposal and noted the project was reviewed by the Architectural Site Review Board and the Livestock & Equine Heritage Committee, both of which recommended approval. The property is approximately 6.5 acres in the SCP-5 zoning district; the proposed barn and associated paddocks and turnout areas will be located on a relatively flat portion of the parcel, staff said.
Architect Carter Warr, representing the applicant, told commissioners that while some areas count as 'paved' under the municipal code definition, none of the surfaces will be surfaced with pavement and that design revisions incorporated advisory-committee recommendations. He added the proposed second driveway includes a circular fire-truck turnaround, meeting fire access expectations for a drivable surface.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the driveway, paved-area definitions and fire access. Several commissioners said the proposal met the code's four tests for driveway and paved-area exceptions and supported approval, noting the project helps preserve the town's equestrian character while minimizing environmental impacts compared with alternatives that would lengthen or extend driveways through sensitive areas.
The commission moved, seconded and approved the application and the two exceptions by unanimous vote. Staff will finalize the resolution and conditions of approval for administrative processing.
