Planning commission approves short-term rental at 351 Clemente Avenue

The Avalon Planning Commission voted to approve a transient rental license and coastal development permit for 351 Clemente Avenue after a staff presentation and brief public testimony. Staff described the building as a two-story, three-unit multifamily property totaling roughly 1,800 square feet and said the density-bonus studio (Unit 351) is about 345 square feet with a maximum transient occupancy of four people. The project, staff said, is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under Section 15301 for existing facilities.

Staff told commissioners it had not identified any issue items related to the proposed transient rental and recommended approval of the application. In response to commissioners’ questions, staff explained that the density-bonus unit’s affordability restrictions had lapsed, making the unit eligible for short-term rental whereas ADUs remain ineligible for transient renting. Owner Gable Richards introduced himself during the public hearing and offered to answer property-specific questions: "I'm the owner of the property, and I'd like to introduce myself." The commission moved to approve the application and, after roll-call, recorded affirmative votes with one commissioner recused for proximity.