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Commission approves front-setback and barn waiver for additions at 29 Eastfield Drive
Summary
For zoning case 26-55 the commission approved Resolution 2026-13 permitting construction within the front yard setback and waiving the stable/corral set-aside for additions including an 868 sq ft primary-suite addition, a 129 sq ft garage addition and a 374 sq ft covered porch, citing steep topography and access constraints.
The Planning Commission voted to approve Resolution 2026-13 for zoning case 26-55 (29 Eastfield Drive) after staff and public comment established that the lot’s steep slope, easements and lack of practical access make the municipal 1,000-square-foot stable/corral set-aside infeasible. Staff presented project details including roughly 15 cubic yards of nonexempt fill and an overall proposed 868-square-foot addition plus a 129-square-foot garage addition and a 374-square-foot covered porch.
"This item before you this evening, zoning case number 26-75 — is a request for a variance to waive the requirement for a stable and corral set aside area in support of a minor addition to the existing single family residence," the planner said during the presentation; later for the Eastfield property the planner described prior entitlements that expired in March 2026 and said the applicant submitted a revised design in April 2026. During public comment, architect Brett Buckman identified himself and explained the redesign reduced the need for caissons: "the previous project, we ended up with 40 or so caissons, and it just was too too much. This one pulled things back from the edge of the slope," he said.
Neighbor Judith Hainel (31 Eastfield) spoke in support of the addition but raised concerns about ceiling heights, landscaping limits within HOA or trail easements, privacy, driveway encroachment and potential noise from increased garage activity. The planner clarified that caissons stabilize foundations but do not change the finished ridge height of the house and that the municipal minimum set-aside for a stable is 1,000 square feet; staff reiterated the lot’s rear canyon, steep slopes and multiple easements prevent locating the set-aside outside restricted areas.
Commission discussion focused on precedent and fairness to other parcels; several commissioners said they would avoid setting a broad precedent but accepted that this lot is physically constrained and that the proposed additions do not create the infeasibility. Commissioner (S4) moved to approve Resolution 2026-13; the motion passed on roll call. The resolution grants the requested variances and allows the applicant to proceed under the conditions in the resolution.
