Crescent City Council unanimously grants variance for four‑unit development at 511 8th Street

The Crescent City Council voted unanimously to approve variance permit VAR 25-01 for a four‑unit residential development at 511 8th Street and adopted Resolution 2026-02 after a public hearing and deliberation.

City Attorney Rice opened the hearing by explaining the council was sitting in a quasi‑judicial capacity and must base any variance approval on substantial evidence that meets the municipality's five required findings. Contract city planner Ethan Lawton told the council the proposal is for a residential‑only, four‑unit building in an MF‑15‑30 general‑plan designation. Lawton said the proposed building would be two stories with a 24‑foot height (below the 35‑foot limit) and a lot coverage of about 50%, and he recommended the council find the project consistent with the general plan and applicable zoning with the requested variances.

Lawton described three requested variances: an exterior side‑yard setback reduction from 10 feet to 8 feet 4 inches (side facing H Street); a rear‑yard setback reduction from 10 feet to 5…