Project Description
The applicant requests Variance approval to construct a new 525-square-foot deck and a new 415-square-foot covered carport below the proposed deck that would be partially located on a developed property in an unincorporated area of Mill Valley and partially located over the property line where portions of the development would be located in and along the right of way known as California Avenue. The applicant also requests Design Review approval to construct outward-facing retaining walls that would exceed a height of four feet above the surrounding grade and support the proposed deck and carport. The proposed project would not result in an increase in floor area or floor area ratio. The subject lot is defined in the Marin County Development Code as a Through Lot because the lot has frontage along two generally parallel streets, California Avenue (front) and Harvard Avenue (rear). The heights and setbacks of the proposed structures are provided below.
The proposed 525-square-foot deck would be attached to the existing residence and reach a maximum height of 16 feet, 2 inches above the surrounding grade. The proposed deck would extend five feet over the front property line and would be set back three feet from the edge of the pavement on California Avenue. Additionally, the proposed deck would have the following setbacks: eight feet, three inches from the western side property line, three feet from the eastern side property line, and 48 feet from the southern rear property line along Harvard Avenue.
The proposed 415-square-foot carport would reach a maximum height of 16 feet, 2 inches above the surrounding grade. The proposed carport would extend seven feet, six inches over the front property line, and would be set back zero feet from the edge of the pavement on California Avenue. Additionally, the proposed carport would have the following setbacks: eight feet, three inches from the western side property line, three feet from the eastern side property line, and 48 feet from the southern rear property line along Harvard Avenue.
The proposed outward-facing retaining wall would range in height from four feet, five inches to six feet, two inches above the surrounding grade. The proposed wall would extend seven feet, six inches over the front property line, and would be set back zero feet from the edge of the pavement on California Avenue. The proposed wall would also extend over the eastern side property line by approximately 24 feet along California Avenue. Additionally, the proposed wall would have the following setbacks: eight feet, three inches from the western side property line, and 48 feet from the southern rear property line along Harvard Avenue.
Variance approval is required pursuant to Section 22.54.020 of the Marin County Development Code because the project proposes structures attached to the primary structure that would not conform to the setbacks of the governing R1-B1 zoning district. Design Review is also required pursuant to Section 22.42.020.C of the Marin County Development Code because the project proposes to exceed the retaining wall standards provided in Section 22.20.052 of the Code.
Land Use Info
Zoning: R1-B1 (Residential, Single-family)
Countywide Plan Designation: SF6 (Low Density Residential)
Community Plan (if applicable): Tamalpais