Town of Atherton
Appeal Request
94 Palmer Lane
City Council
July 16, 2025
1 Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council deny the appeal, and uphold the decision of the Planning Commission to approve requests for Front and Rear Yard Setback Variances and Tree Protection Zone Exceptions to construct a new single-family dwelling with detached garage and attached ADU.
2 Background
3 • 0.32-acre flag lot • R-1A Zoning District • At the Town Border • Lot established in 2023 through Urban (SB-9) Lot Split
• Prior lot was 0.55 acres,
established in 2022
• Neighboring properties range in
lot size from 0.12 to 0.77-acres
Lots smaller than
the subject property
Project Description
4 • New 2,961 square-foot residence
• Detached garage
• 800 square-foot ADU
• Driveway along Atherton
neighbor
Variance Request
5 Main Building Development
Standards
Standard Required Provided
Front 60 feet (min) 37 feet
4.75 inches
Side 26 feet (min) 26 feet
Rear 60 feet (min) 37 feet
4.75 inches
Height 30 feet (max) 30 feet
Floor to Area
Ratio
3,007 square feet
(max) 2,961.4 square feet
AMC 17.32.040(D)(1)
TPZ Exception Request
6 • Six Coast Live Oaks
• 16”-32”
• Good health
• Shared/Neighbor trees
• 3.7x to 7x
Appellant Issues
7 1. Privacy Intrusion
2. Excessive Visual Impact
3. Inadequate and Imbalanced Screening
4. Noise and Door Orientation
5. Anticipated Construction Disturbance
6. Self-Created Hardship and Financial Motivation
7. Incompatibility with Atherton’s Character
8. Environmental and Aesthetic Degradation
9. Excessive Lot Coverage
10. Lack of Proper Notice and Neighbor Outreach
Applicant Response
8 1. Request’s the Council Uphold the Planning
Commission Approval
2. Unique Design Constraints Due to Lot Size
3. Long-Term Collaborative Planning Effort
4. Compatibility with the Neighborhood and
Tree Protections
5. Compliant Side Setback and Siting of ADU
6. Additional Privacy Concession in Response
to Appeal
Recommended Motion
I move that the City Council deny the appeal and uphold the Planning Commission’s approval of the requests for Front and Rear Setback Variances (VAR24-003) and Tree Protection Zone Exceptions (PTPZ25-00002) to construct a new single-family dwelling with detached garage and attached ADU at 94 Palmer Lane (APN 060-163-290) and categorically exempt the project from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under AMC Section 15.32.100 and CEQA Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land).
9 Thank you
10