HomeMy WebLinkAbout011-Project NarrativeSwitzer ADU Project Narrative
5-7-26
(509 E Lamme)
This project proposes a new structure on the east side of the property with 743 square feet of garage below an ADU living space of 844 square feet. The garage will accommodate two vehicles
inside with one additional, covered but not enclosed, parking bay below the south facing deck of the ADU. The existing carport (pictured below) will be demolished to accommodate the
new structure.
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Existing Carport, House, and Infill Area
This project is proposing new construction (housing) on an infill lot and, in our opinion, is in character with the surrounding neighborhood.
We would like to apply for two deviations for this project to make efficient use of the available infill space. The first for BMC 38.320.120.2 regarding the setback of the new structure
relative to the existing house and the second for BMC 38.320.120.A.5 regarding the footprint size of the new structure relative to the footprint of the existing house.
The first proposed deviation would allow the ADU/garage structure’s south façade to be closer to E. Lamme St. than the existing structure while staying within the required setback from
E. Lamme St. The existing structure is a small historical home residing outside current BMC R-A setback requirements. Adherence BMC 38.320.120.2 reduces the buildable infill area by
30%. This could potentially be overcome by an addition to the existing house that would bring it closer to the E. Lamme St. frontage but would compromise the existing historic residence
and would result in additional expense for the owner. A deviation from BMC 38.320.120.2 provides a reasonable compromise for efficient use of infill area.
The second proposed deviation would allow the footprint of the garage/ADU structure to be larger than the existing house footprint, while remaining within the square footage and lot
coverage requirements. The existing residence has a small footprint of 790 sq. ft. with a low lot coverage of 13%. The footprint of the proposed ADU/garage is 960, a difference of 170
sq. ft. However, the proposed ADU unit is 844 sq. ft. of livable space which is less than the code maximum allowed of 1,000 sq. ft. or 75% of the principal unit, whichever is larger.
(BMC Table 38.320.120.B-1) The potential sq. ft. of the existing residence is: (1,173 finished + 286 unfinished = 1,459 sq. ft.) which would allow 1,094 sq. ft. in the ADU at 75% of
the principal unit. The proposed living sq. ft. of the ADU is approximately 58% of the potentially livable sq. ft. of the existing unit. Due to the small footprint and low lot coverage
of the existing residence, a deviation from BMC 38.320.120.A.5 allows efficient use of the buildable infill area.
I have included in this application the list of property owners within 200 ft. of the proposed project for noticing purposes.