Applicant seeks setback reduction for 4572 Logan; Cannon Beach Planning Commission continues hearing to July 23

The Cannon Beach Planning Commission reviewed an application (SR 2601) requesting a front-yard setback reduction to allow an addition to a nonconforming house at 4572 Logan.

Community development staff told the commission the house was built in 1937 according to county assessor records and that the proposed addition would trigger review because the building-permit valuation exceeds the 50% threshold for nonconforming-structure alteration. Staff recommended approval but with conditions requiring the applicant to satisfy off-street parking requirements before building permit issuance.

"The community development department recommends the planning commission approve the application with the condition that the applicant satisfy off-street parking requirements before building permit, by applying for a parking variance for off-site parking," the staff representative said.

Jamie Reach, who identified himself as "Jamie Reach from AMLO Builders," represented the owner and described the proposed work and current parking arrangement. He said the addition itself is located behind the existing front element and that the small front garage element encroaches into the setback; he explained the property owner has purchased an adjacent lot across Logan Lane intended to provide parking, and that a parking variance or an easement may be needed.

Commissioners pressed for more documentation. One commissioner said a plat showing the structure as it currently sits was missing and requested a licensed survey that clearly maps the stream corridor and the oceanfront setback line. Multiple commissioners also flagged the lack of an arborist/tree report and asked for geotechnical and structural-connection details to ensure tree roots and foundation work will not cause future damage.

Staff clarified that the nearby watercourse is recorded as a stream corridor rather than an inventory wetland site and that the applicable buffer for the corridor is 10 feet, but commissioners said the buffer location is not clearly shown on the site plan and asked for a precise measurement from the top of bank to the proposed construction.

Commissioners noted the municipal-code criteria that guide setback reductions, including limits on total building coverage and protections for views, solar access, stream corridors and tree protection. Several members expressed that, with the additional technical reports and an updated survey, the commission could better determine whether the proposal meets the standards for permitting an alteration to a nonconforming structure.

A commissioner moved to continue SR 2601 to the commission meeting on July 23 so the applicant could supply: (1) a licensed survey showing the stream corridor, buffer line and oceanfront setback, (2) an arborist/tree-impact report, (3) structural/engineer connection details and (4) a parking-variance application or recorded easement. The motion was seconded and passed; the item will return to the commission once the material is submitted.

The record remains open for any additional written materials the applicant files; the commission will consider the requested submittals at the continued hearing on July 23.