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Commission approves conversion of second‑floor offices to three residential units at 1697 Copenhagen Drive
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit and development permit to convert second‑floor office space at 1697 Copenhagen Drive into two studio units and one ADU, authorizing an in‑lieu parking fee for two required spaces; a condition requires residents to manage on‑site trash.
The Solvang Planning Commission on April 6 approved a conditional use permit and development permit allowing conversion of second‑floor office space at 1697 Copenhagen Drive into three residential units (two studio units and one accessory dwelling unit), and authorized payment of the city's in‑lieu parking fee to satisfy the two required parking spaces.
Staff said the building is in the village mixed‑use zoning district and that the project reuses the existing footprint with only minor exterior changes and no increase in building height. Because the site is fully developed and lacks on‑site parking, the applicant requested to satisfy the parking requirement via the city's in‑lieu fee; staff recommended approval and concluded the project qualifies for a Class 1 SQA exemption.
Applicant Ed St. George answered commissioner questions about trash service and said tenants will use the same arrangements as the existing businesses: "Currently, right now, everybody's using the trash over at Founders on the Corner," he said. Staff confirmed a condition will require residents to maintain their trash within the building. The project team said their expectation is that many tenants will be car‑free; if tenants own cars they will be responsible for finding parking off‑site.
Commissioners and staff also discussed how the three units will be counted in annual housing reports: entitlement counts and building permits are recorded on different schedules, and the project will be reflected in next year's production numbers once permits are filed. The commission moved, seconded and voted 4‑0 to approve the conversion and the in‑lieu parking request.
What happens next: the applicant may proceed with building permit submittals and must meet the conditions of approval, including the trash maintenance condition and the in‑lieu fee payment.
