Planning Commission approves variance to retain driveway at 740 Craig Avenue

The Planning Commission voted 7–0 on Sept. 23 to approve a variance (PLN205-101) allowing a driveway at 740 Craig Avenue to remain with a reduced side-yard separation.

Project planner Daniel Fo told commissioners the property had an approved major addition in 2022 but an on-site inspection found a newly reconstructed driveway did not meet the city’s five-foot side-yard separation for new driveways. Fo said contractor excavation to expose a crawl space led to construction of a retaining wall that “effectively took up two feet along the side property line,” leaving only three feet for a distinct walkway to an accessory dwelling unit. “Without the variance the property owner would have inhibited access to the ADU,” Fo said.

Homeowner Adrian Bellow and co-owner Lulu Tang testified that excavation to ventilate the crawl space required the retaining wall and that construction vehicles damaged the driveway, prompting a repave. Bellow said he submitted a signed petition from surrounding neighbors supporting the frontage work.

Commissioners asked about emergency access and whether the fire department had reviewed the layout; staff said building-permit review and inspections address building and life-safety concerns and there is no separate fire-code driveway setback that would preclude access. Several members noted the neighborhood contains many older, zero‑lot‑line properties and that the city’s five‑foot standard can create nonconformity when housing law changes alter expectations for accessory units.

A motion to approve the variance was made, seconded and carried by roll call, with the commission recording seven votes in favor and none opposed. The staff recommendation and resolution approving the variance will be final unless appealed in writing to the city clerk within 10 calendar days.

The commission also corrected an earlier clerical error in the minutes before moving on to the next agenda item.