HomeMy WebLinkAboutAV 95-08; Moffatt Residence; Administrative Variance (AV)1
December 27,1995
Jeny J. Moffatt
4444 Adams Street
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Dear Mr. Moffatt:
The Planning Director has completed a review of your application for an Administrative
Variance, 95-08 at 4444 Adam8 Street. After careful consideration of the circumstances surrounding this request, the Planning Director has determined that the four findings
required for granting an Administrative Variance CAN be made and, therefore,
APPROVES this request based on the following findings and conditions.
Findlnas:
1. There ARE exceptional or extraordinary circumstances or conditions applicable
to the property or to the intended use that do not apply generally to the other
property or class of use in the same vicinity and zone. The front portion of the lot
is constrained by steep slopes supporting a steep driveway. To operate properly,
the driveway's gate must be located (1) at the most level portion of the driveway
and (2) far enough in from the street to provide space for autos waiting for the
gate to open. As a result, the most appropriate and conceivable location for the
gate is limited to a location which is also within the front yard set back (see Exhibit
"A" for portion of fence and gate within front yard set back). Alternative designs
were analyzed, such as lessening the driveway's grade outside the front yard set
back or lowering the fence and gate height in the set back. But the driveway
cannot be altered since any alternative design would either violate the hillside guidelines or exceed the maximum driveway grades permitted by standard. Also,
limiting the gate to 42 inches high would be impractical for security purposes and
incompatible with the rest of the property's fence, which is five feet high.
2. The requested variance IS necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a
substantial property right possessed by other property in the same vicinity and
zone but which is denied to the property in question because other properties
have yards which enable placement of a fence and gate outside the front yard
setback. Those lots which are constrained similar to the subject property would undoubtedly obtain the same rights upon application for a variance.
2075 Las Palmas Drive - Carlsbad, California 92009-1 576 - (61 9) 438-1 161 @
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AV 95" MOFFATT RESIDENCE
December 27,1995
Paae 2
3. The granting of this variance WOULD NOT be materially detrimental to the public
welfare or injurious to the property or improvements in the vicinity and zone in
which the property is located. Constructed of stucco columns and elegantly
patterned wrought iron, the fence and gate would be an attractive amenity to the
neighborhood. The location and design of the fence and gate would not impede
safe visibility for motorists or pedestrians in the vicinity, and the distance between
the waiting line at the gate and the front property line is deep enough to station
a vehicle such that it does not encroach into the public right-of-way.
4. The granting of this variance WILL NOT adversely affect the comprehensive
General Plan because the variance affects only one single family lot under unique
circumstances.
This decision may be appealed by you or any member of the public to the Planning
Commission within ten days of receipt of this letter. Appeals must be submitted in
writing to the Planning Commission at 2075 Las Palmas Drive in Carlsbad, along with a
payment of $120.00. The filing of such appeal within such time limit shall stay the
effective date of the order of the Planning Director until such time as a final decision on
the appeal is reached. If you have any questions regarding this matter, please feel free
to contact David Rick at (619) 438-1 161, extension 4328.
MICHAEL J. HOVUMILLER
Planning Director
MJH: DR: kr
c: Gary Wayne
Adrienne Landers
Bob Wojcik
Bobbie Hoder Ken Quon
Code Enforcement
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