Pacifica planning commission approves variance for second-story addition at 140 Gordon Way

The Pacifica Planning Commission voted 3–1 on Dec. 15 to grant a site-development permit, a variance to the upper-story front setback and the floor-area ratio (FAR), and a parking exception for a second-story addition at 140 Gordon Way.

Samantha, the city planner presenting the staff report, told the commission the project concerns a substandard lot of roughly 2,900–2,967 square feet and proposes a second-story addition of about 1,060 square feet over the existing footprint. Staff recommended approval based on findings for substandard lots and neighborhood compatibility and said the addition would step back from the street and keep the building height under the 25-foot limit described in the zoning standards.

Homeowner Kishore Kolipara, appearing by Zoom, said the family has lived in the house for five years and needs more functional space for two parents who work from home and two young children. "Our family has grown, and we need a bit more functional space to continue living here long term," Kolipara said, and described the lot as "narrow, substandard" with an angled front line that makes strict application of the FAR and setback rules impractical. He said the design preserves the home's mid-century character, does not expand the footprint, and maintains existing landscaping.

Asked about bedroom count, staff and the applicant confirmed the project will increase the number of bedrooms by zoning count from two to four because rooms meeting the zoning definition of a bedroom are being added even though one may be used as an office. Commissioner Redfield emphasized that point and sought clarity during deliberations.

Commissioners also pressed the applicant on structural and safety issues. Kolipara said a geotechnical analysis recommended push piers at the south corner and some underpinning along the south wall; he said further excavation and engineering would be required to determine the final scope. He also said the family would consult the fire department and the fire marshal, and that they were prepared to upgrade sprinklers or replace fencing if recommended.

Several commissioners said they were generally supportive of thoughtful additions on nonstandard lots that maintain neighborhood scale. One commissioner opposed the project, saying, "I'm quite uncomfortable with the 4 bedroom house with a single... covered parking space," and urged consideration of tearing down and rebuilding a design that could provide two covered parking spaces. The chair said the commission has previously approved similar remodels on undersized lots and moved approval with conditions as set out in the staff packet.

The motion as read into the record sought an exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act for the site permit, approval of the site-development permit, variances for front setback and FAR, and a parking exception, and to adopt the resolution and conditions in the staff exhibit. Commissioner Redfield seconded the motion. The chair announced the motion passed by a majority vote (3 yes, 1 no).

The commission's approval incorporated the maps, findings and testimony in the staff packet. Staff advised the applicants that the decision may be appealed to the City Council in writing within 10 calendar days or challenged in court per the timelines noted for environmental determinations.

The commission adjourned at 7:45 p.m.; the commission will not meet on Jan. 5 and is scheduled to resume on Jan. 20.