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Commission approves driveway and apron for new home at 1 Stormhill Lane
Summary
Planning staff described two proposed driveways (primary residential apron ~65 feet from Johns Canyon intersection and a secondary 9‑foot gravel access to a stable with up to 25% slope); the commission approved the proposed driveway and apron after discussion about slopes and future discretionary review of stable access.
Planning manager Whitney Berry presented the project for a new single‑family residence at 1 Stormhill Lane, describing a primary residential driveway approximately 65 feet northeast of the Johns Canyon intersection and a secondary 9‑foot gravel access intended to serve stables and a corral.
“The primary driveway meets the city's requirements for the first 20 feet of that driveway and apron to be no more than 7% slope and the remainder no more than 20% slope,” Whitney Berry said, outlining grading limits and the project’s compliance with city driveway standards. Berry also explained that the overall site plan includes a three‑car attached garage, a basement, a swimming pool, stables, retaining walls under 2.5 feet, and a detached accessory dwelling unit.
Berry told the commission the project was determined to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act as a single‑family residence, and the city traffic engineer reviewed the proposed driveway locations and found adequate sight distance for safe vehicular ingress and egress. Commissioners questioned whether a 9‑foot minimum gravel access would be adequate for horse trailers and hay deliveries and whether the steep slope (up to 25%) could present operational challenges. Staff said future stable construction and driveway finishing would undergo discretionary review by planning staff and likely the planning commission.
A motion to approve the driveway and apron as proposed was made, seconded, and carried; commissioners present voiced assent. Staff noted any future work on the secondary stable access would be subject to additional discretionary review.
