Dana Point planners approve parking variance so Community House can add ADA restrooms
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Summary
The Dana Point Planning Commission approved a variance allowing a 415.4 sq ft ADA-focused addition at the Dana Point Community House without adding parking, and extended the initial approval term from two to three years to aid fundraising.
The Dana Point Planning Commission on Feb. 9 approved a variance to waive additional parking requirements so the Dana Point Community House can add ADA-accessible restrooms and storage.
Senior planner Danny Giameti told commissioners the 73-year-old Community House sits on three contiguous parcels totaling about 18,000 square feet in the Lantern District and currently provides 29 parking stalls. Under today’s zoning, a public assembly use would require one stall per 25 square feet, which would increase the site's shortfall if the proposed 415.4-square-foot addition were treated as new occupancy. Giameti recommended the commission find the variance appropriate so the building can be renovated and brought up to code.
Tony Nelson, speaking for the Dana Point Women’s Club, described the building’s long history in the community and urged approval. “Our plans include ADA restrooms, an update to current building codes, and relocation of our storage areas just to make it more functional,” Nelson said, and added that the club recorded no parking complaints in recent years and that the renovation would increase usable public space by less than 10 square feet. Nelson also asked whether the commission could grant an initial approval longer than the standard two years to allow time to pursue grants.
Robert Reid, representing the applicant, said the club is being proactive and seeking to exceed minimum ADA requirements. Reid cautioned about serial ADA litigators in other cases but said the renovation’s intent is to modernize and better serve residents.
A commissioner asked the city attorney whether the commission could alter the default approval term. The city attorney explained that the city’s default original approval term is two years and that the applicant is eligible for two one-year extensions (one by the community development director and a second by the planning commission), but that the commission may grant a longer original term if it chooses.
After discussion — including commissioners noting they had not observed parking problems at past events and that nearby public parking is available — Commissioner Nelson moved to approve Variance V25-0004 with a modification to Condition No. 2 to change the initial approval period from two years to three years; Commissioner Ndengren seconded. The commission voted to approve the variance and the amendment to the approval period; the item carried.
The approval allows the applicant to proceed to building and safety review, during which any additional ADA parking needs identified by staff must be addressed. The commission’s action applies only to this site; one commissioner said the approval should not be read as creating a precedent for other properties.
What happens next: the applicant may pursue necessary building permits and available one-year extensions later if more time is needed to complete fundraising and construction.
