Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the ADU Exception topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board continues appeal of 100 Cornelia ADU exception over parking, height and screening concerns
Summary
The ADRB continued consideration of a discretionary ADU exception for a 1,600‑square‑foot detached unit at 100 Cornelia Drive, directing the applicant to address parking, matching materials, and a screening plan.
The Architecture & Design Review Board continued the appeal of an ADU Exception for 100 Cornelia Drive at its May 4 meeting, asking the applicants to return with more information on parking, exterior materials and screening.
Assistant Director of Building and Planning Liz Ruess and Senior Consultant Planner Mandy Kang reviewed the standards for an ADU Exception under Hillsborough Municipal Code §17.52.050 and noted the application does not meet ministerial ADU standards because of size, setbacks, height and exterior materials. Appellant representative Eric Cox raised concerns about the proposed 5‑foot crawl space and sight‑line and privacy impacts; the applicant’s architect, William Colford, replied that "the crawl space was due to the topography slope not an exception and that every foot sunk into the ground would result in 5 feet of concrete pilons," adding that deeper foundations would be prohibitively costly. Neighbors also asked for story poles and stronger screening measures.
Board members pressed staff and the applicants on parking — staff confirmed a site survey was submitted but noted state law limits the Town’s ability to require replacement parking for ADUs — and on whether the main house could be painted or modified to better match the ADU. The Board voted to continue the item to allow the applicant to address the conditions of parking, matching the main residence and a screening plan that would satisfy Finding #3 of the ADU Exception criteria.
