Not yet decided. The Planning Commission denied two backyard accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, at 205 Pecan Avenue over parking, and the City Council is asked to hear an appeal of that denial on October 20.
What the city is deciding
The council is asked to review the Planning Commission’s denial of a coastal development permit. The permit is required because the property is in the coastal zone. Staff’s analysis finds that the proposed ADUs meet state law.
Where and who it affects
The permit covers 205 Pecan Avenue, at the northwest corner of Lake Street and Pecan Avenue. The property has an existing triplex and three parking spaces. The proposal would add two detached, two story ADUs of about 420 and 480 square feet.
What it could mean for your property
The Planning Commission denied the permit 4 to 2 on September 8 after concerns about parking. Council Member Andrew Gruel then appealed. Its finding says the triplex currently needs seven spaces under city rules but has three. It also says the added units would affect nearby businesses competing for parking.
Staff’s analysis reaches a different conclusion under state ADU law. The proposed units would not remove or extend into the three existing parking spaces. No added parking is required because the property is within one half mile walking distance of public transit.
The plans show a five foot interior setback and a 10 foot street side setback. State rules require these ADUs to meet four foot rear and side setbacks, plus building, health and safety requirements. Staff also says the city cannot impose its 10 foot building separation rule because it does not have a separate ADU ordinance approved by the state housing department.
No condominium conversion is proposed. Huntington Beach has not adopted an ordinance allowing an ADU to be sold separately as a condominium.
Questions to ask before you buy or build
- How many existing parking spaces serve the property?
- How close is the property to public transit, and does that change parking requirements?
- Is any separate condominium sale of an ADU proposed?
What happens next
On October 20, the council is asked to approve the permit, deny it by declining to make the required findings, or continue the matter and direct staff. Approval would also require finding the project exempt from environmental review under Class 3. The documents do not give the October 20 result.