Under the old ordinance, construction of secondary units was not permitted on properties smaller than 12,000 square feet. This was modified last year when the city revised its requirements.

The planning commission on June 28 unanimously approved the Staffords' request to construct a secondary unit over their 492-square-foot two-car garage and workshop.

However, the 632-square-foot secondary unit exceeded the standard floor-to-area ratio, requiring the approval of the planning commission. The commissioners, after reviewing the plans, were comfortable with the design's scale, because the addition would not be visible from Hunt Way or W. Campbell Avenue.

One resident, Andrew LeFebvre, questioned why the addition was being constructed now, since the home had been recently remodeled. LeFebvre said the 3,933-square-foot home was already the largest in the neighborhood and wasn't consistent with other residences. The other properties "dwarf" in comparison to this home, he said.

Commissioner Liz Gibbons asked city planners for clarification on that issue.

Campbell planner Tim Haley said that at the time of the remodel, the updated zoning ordinance had not been finalized so a secondary unit on a 10,000-square-foot lot would not have been permitted.

The city modified the zoning ordinance last year to address the statewide housing element requirements that mandate more available housing within communities.