Planning commission approves special structures permit for detached garage and utility enclosure at 175 Isabella Ave

The Atherton Planning Commission on Jan. 28 approved a special structures permit to allow a detached garage and utility enclosure to be located approximately 14 feet 9 inches behind the front building line at 175 Isabella Avenue.

Assistant Planner Jerry Martin presented the staff report and recommended approval, noting the proposal complies with most code requirements except the garage placement. "Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve the special structures permit to allow a detached garage and utility enclosure located approximately 14 feet and 9 inches behind the front line of the main residence where 30 feet is required," Martin said.

Martin described the property as a 1.15-acre flag lot in the R1A zoning district that is currently vacant following a demolition in 2023. The proposed project includes a new two-story residence with a basement, a detached garage and a detached accessory dwelling unit; the utility enclosure would house a generator and air-conditioning equipment that staff said will comply with noise rules and be screened.

Steve Simpson, architect for the project, told commissioners that the flag-lot characteristics and deep setback made the proposal reasonable for relief from the standard front-building-line requirement and that adjacent parcels under the same ownership reviewed and support the project.

A commissioner moved to approve the special structures permit as presented; the motion was seconded and the commission voted in favor.

Approval is conditioned on standard findings that the structure will not negatively affect neighboring privacy or view, will meet height and screening standards, and will comply with noise and building-code requirements. Building and planning review will continue with the approved design, subject to the conditions attached to the permit.