Commission recommends denying variance but backing site permit for second‑story addition at Santa Villas Gavelas Road

The Planning Commission recommended that the city council approve the site development permit for a one‑ and two‑story addition at 97951 Santa Villas Gavelas Road but recommended denial of a requested variance for a reduced second‑story setback.

Staff told the commission the project proposes a single‑story addition of approximately 829 square feet and a second‑story addition of approximately 1,289 square feet and described a requested reduced second‑story setback (about 22 square feet under the requested connection area). Staff said "staff does not believe that there's a unique condition of the lot to justify the variance," and recommended the commission forward the site development permit to council but not the variance.

The project architect, Marcy McDonough, identified herself and described the design constraint: "I'm Marcy McDonough. I'm the architect." She said the existing home has a nonconforming second story over the garage and that the only way to deliver a coherent second floor would be to connect to that unit—otherwise the house would require two separate stair runs and disjointed spaces. The applicant acknowledged they had met with neighbors and that landscaping and existing trees will be considered in final plans.

Commissioners debated whether approving the variance would set an undesirable precedent; one commissioner said concern about setting precedent and noted the variance criteria are strict. After discussion a motion recommended approval of the site development permit provided the second‑story complies with setback requirements and recommended denial of the variance; the matter is scheduled for city council final action on Aug. 19.