Commissioners deny front-yard setback variance for 1707 Camarino Drive

A five-member commission voted 4–1 to deny a variance request that would have reduced the required 25-foot front-yard setback to 8 feet 4 inches at 1707 Camarino Drive, a change the applicant said was needed to allow construction of an attached carport.

Staff planner Mr. Negrete summarized the request as "the item presented before you is for a variance of for the reduction of front setback from 25 foot to 8 foot 4 in to allow the construction of an attached carport of property located at 1707 Camadino Street," and noted the lot is zoned R-2, is approximately 7,200 square feet, and that utilities for the parcel run in a rear easement. He told commissioners that the city had sent 30 notice letters and received no written opposition or support, and that based on the ordinance his "recommendation ... is to deny the application."

Commissioners pressed on several points. One asked whether the proposed frame materials — described in the application as square tubing and pipe — would visually match the house; Mr. Negrete said the structural frame would be covered and finished with a brick facade and that the board could condition permit approval to require matching materials. Several members expressed concern that allowing an 8-foot-4 setback would break the block’s existing uniformity and could obstruct neighbors’ sight lines.

A commissioner asked whether the application had verified that a household member is disabled; staff said the office had not received medical documentation and the submitted plans did not show a ramp. During public comment, a resident questioned the measurements on the submitted plans and said an inspector had told the applicant he could "build up to those twigs without getting a permit." Staff responded that on-site comments by inspectors are not binding and that any approved encroachment would be verified at inspection.

After closing the hearing, a commissioner moved to deny the variance following staff recommendation; the motion was seconded and the commission recorded the motion as passing. The board’s tally on the motion was four votes in favor of denying the variance and one opposed; the effect is that the applicant’s request to reduce the front setback to 8 feet 4 inches was denied.

The record shows staff recommended denial under Index A, section 6C1, the ordinance governing minimum front-yard depth in the R-2 one-family dwelling district. The transcript contains two spellings of the property street name (first referenced as "Camarino" and later as "Camadino"). The commission did not take further action on accommodations for a claimed disabled household member; staff indicated verification had not been provided. The meeting moved on after members made a motion to return to the next agenda item.