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Commission approves small bathroom addition at 325 Moraga Avenue, citing unusual sewer easement
Summary
The Planning Commission unanimously approved a variance and design review for a small rear bathroom at 325 Moraga Avenue after staff and the architect said a 5-foot east–west sewer easement and lot shape prevent conforming expansion; approval includes 11 conditions and a CEQA Class 1(e) exemption.
The Piedmont Planning Commission on Feb. 10 unanimously approved a variance and design-review permit for a small rear bathroom addition at 325 Moraga Avenue, finding that an unusual sewer easement and the lot's constrained shape create an exceptional circumstance.
Project architect Robert Kelly told commissioners that the property is constrained by "an east–west sewer easement" that "severely limits any ability to add on to this home," and that the addition would encroach about 0.9 feet into the side-yard setback to gain roughly six square feet of interior space. "It's an unusual it's very, very unusual to have a sewer easement going through the middle of your, your yard and property," Kelly said, explaining why the lot cannot be used in the same manner as neighboring properties.
Homeowner Catherine Patton said the house is one of the smaller homes in the neighborhood and described the addition as necessary for household needs: "...we're there's some taller members in our family...space matters." Commissioners said the project was compatible with the neighborhood, noting neighbor support in submitted materials.
Commissioner DeJodia moved approval of the project, making findings that the property presents "unusual physical circumstances" and that the variance meets the municipal variance criteria; Commissioner Batra seconded. The commission voted unanimously. Staff recommended and the commission accepted a CEQA categorical exemption under CEQA Guidelines §15301 (Class 1(e)) and attached 11 standard and project-specific conditions of approval.
The commission noted that applicants should expect the standard 10-day appeal period for acted items; any appeal must be filed with the city clerk by 5 p.m. on Feb. 20, 2025.
