Planning commission approves Sung Bed & Breakfast Inn at 1002 Hacienda Drive with one‑year review and enforcement triggers

The Walnut Creek Planning Commission voted Dec. 11 to approve a conditional use permit for a bed‑and‑breakfast use at 1002 Hacienda Drive, subject to amended conditions that require a planning commission review within one year and strengthen the commission's authority to amend or revoke the permit if conditions are violated.

Assistant planner Gerardo Victoria described the application as a bed‑and‑breakfast use for a 1,500‑square‑foot single‑family residence with three guest rooms, a single booking at a time, a minimum two‑night stay and a maximum length of stay consistent with the city's bed‑and‑breakfast definition. Staff noted the site meets zoning findings (within 500 feet of an arterial/collector street), proposes five on‑site parking stalls where three are required, limits operations to breakfast only, and includes quiet hours and a noise monitor.

Neighbors urged denial, delivering numerous accounts of trespass, noise, property damage and continued active listings after notice. Several residents said they had documented calls for service and property damage they attributed to recent short‑term rentals at the address. One neighbor said local streets and block culture had been altered by an unhosted short‑term rental operating without a host present.

Applicant Jennifer Song described a different case: she and her family are renovating the house and she took online listings offline after receiving notice. Song said she needs temporary rental income while arranging multigenerational care and that she is willing to accept conditions, including a sunset or limited duration. She described screening, on‑site noise monitoring, security cameras, and a willingness to be responsive to neighbors.

After multiple rounds of public comment and commissioner discussion about enforcement, the commission amended the draft resolution to (1) change the CUP enforcement clause so the planning commission "shall have the authority" to amend or revoke the permit after notice and hearing; and (2) add a requirement that the commission hold a review hearing within one year of issuance to assess compliance and, if necessary, reconsider the CUP. Staff and the applicant agreed to the revised language: the applicant confirmed acceptance of the conditions on the record.

The motion to approve the amended CUP carried on roll call after the commission debated the balance between enforcement and setting precedent for unhosted short‑term rentals.