Fitting Into a Neighborhood
I occasionally get asked about whether or not the City has rules requiring that new homes, or significant remodels, have to fit into a neighborhood. The short answer is yes…but they probably don’t cover what many people mean when they talk about a home fitting in to a neighborhood. There
Hillside Overlay Districts
Recently, over on a NextDoor thread discussing the expected development of what is commonly called the Black Mountain properties, someone cited a four story home on Crestview Drive as an example of how the Council ignores its own building codes. I was curious about the house in question (268 Crestview
Calling All Community Volunteers!
Ever thought that San Carlos would benefit from a non-profit organization dedicated to improving our quality of life? Like the San Carlos Education Foundation, but focused on civic, rather than educational, opportunities? Have you been looking for a way to work with others wanting to do the same thing? Well,
Deciding on Behalf of the Community
Recently the Council changed the way the Residential Design Review Committee is structured (this is the commission which reviews and approves home remodeling and construction projects). The change involves hiring individuals with design expertise (e.g., architects) to sit on the RDRC. One of the arguments staff gave for the change
SHAC: An Interim Perspective
Last year, based on community input, the Council established a Single-family Housing Advisory Commission. The commission’s charter was to review our current zoning rules governing single family homes, and see what, if anything, ought to be revised, in light of the increasingly-significant level of home remodeling and reconstruction in San
Bakeries and the Human Condition
Occasionally, I get really interesting emails from people about what appear to be simple topics but are actually related to much broader issues of governance. That was the case with one I got from 4th grader Lucia of Arroyo Upper Elementary. Her email — which was very comprehensive, and well