§ 17.30.8. Special design review—Small and narrow lots.

A.

Intent. The size and configuration of a house on a lot which is small, narrow, or both, requires additional scrutiny and potential regulatory flexibility to ensure that sufficient open space and landscaping is provided and that building mass will be restrained, to reflect Orinda's semi-rural character and the visual context of the neighborhood.

B.

Requirement for Review. A new single-family residence or an addition of two hundred (200) square feet, or larger, on a lot which has either: (i) a net lot size of less than five thousand (5,000) square feet; or (ii) both a front width and an average width of less than fifty (50) feet shall be subject to special design review under this section. The Planning Commission must make findings of fact in support of each of the following standards:

1.

The development projects the visual character of a home which appears smaller than its actual floor area, employing vegetation and architectural features and details which subdue, rather than accentuate, the prominence of the structure.

C.

Adjustments. Given the limited size and width of such lots, and to assure that the building is compatible with the existing context, adjustments may be made as conditions of approval under this chapter. For example, and without limitation, the Planning Commission may limit a building to a single story, reduce allowable building height and floor area, and increase setback as appropriate under the circumstances. In addition, for the same reasons, the Planning Commission may grant exceptions from quantitative requirements pursuant to Chapter 17.32. For example, a reduction in setbacks or a reduction in required parking for a one- or two-bedroom home may be appropriate to achieve contextual compatibility.

(Ord. 07-07 § 12; Ord. 99-5 § 2 Exh. A (part))