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Staff hearing officer approves ADU conversion and front-setback modification at 2521 Borton Drive
Summary
The staff hearing officer approved a coastal development permit to convert an attached garage into a 432 sq ft ADU at 2521 Borton Drive and granted a front-setback modification for a modest roof-height increase within the setback; staff found the ADU exempt under CEQA Guideline §15303 and consistent with coastal policies. The decision is subject to a 10-day appeal period.
The City of Santa Barbara staff hearing officer on June 10 approved a coastal development permit to allow conversion of an attached garage into a 432-square-foot accessory dwelling unit at 2521 Borton Drive and granted a front-setback modification to permit additional roof height within the existing front setback.
Erin Stolberg, the case planner, told the hearing that the project site is zoned E-3/SD-3 and located in the non-appealable coastal zone; the demolition and reconstruction of the primary residence was held to be a coastal exclusion by the community development director and is not before the hearing officer. Stolberg explained that the front-setback modification covers roof areas that would encroach beyond what the existing roof already occupies — a small increase in height (roughly two feet in some locations) intended to create a level roof line.
Stolberg and staff recommended approval, and Tess Harris agreed, finding the ADU project consistent with CEQA Guideline §15303 (small structures) and with the California Coastal Act and the city's Local Coastal Program. Harris approved the ADU conversion and the front-setback modification and noted the approval is subject to a 10-day appeal period during which a planning commissioner could suspend the decision.
