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Council Watch
Holdup on remodeling hearing will give local builders more time
Delay could mean months before the new design-review law is considered
By Jessica Lyons
Homeowners scrambling to add one and a half stories to their quaint Willow Glen bungalows can slow down a little.
The Planning Commission's public hearing on the proposed review ordinance for new homes and rebuilds--originally slated for Tuesday, May 26--has been bumped back to June 9. City planners will now have two more weeks to recommend any changes or additions to the proposal which will then be passed on as a formal recommendation to the commission. The setback will also affect the timing of a decision by City Council on the ordinance. The Council probably won't act on the proposal until August at the earliest, after the Council's recess in July, say city officials. At press time, a date for Council action had not been set.
Presently, homeowners wishing to build on to their houses have free rein over any additions. Under the proposed ordinance, a site development permit would be required for the construction of all new single-family homes. Planners would also review plans for remodels or additions that change the ratio of floor-area to lot size, add a second story, increase the square-footage above a given percentage, or remove an exterior wall or roof rafters.
If the Council approves the proposed ordinance, it will go into effect 45 days later. So there are still 114 shopping days left for homeowners in the market to build pink elephants.
The proposed design review was also the topic of discussion at the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association's annual spring general meeting on May 19.
According to an informal poll by incoming WGNA President J. Michael Gonzales, 63 attendants said they agree that a "neighborhood characteristic list" should be developed for Willow Glen and provided to remodelers, builders and designers as a guide for building houses that integrate with Willow Glen. Eight said they disagree, and nine had no opinion on the issue.
Information on the proposed law is available online at www.ci.san-jose.ca.us/planning/sjplan/.
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Willow Glen, California Since 1992
