Brian and Sharon:

I am in receipt of your email regarding construction at 145 Laurel Avenue. Based on your email, we have reviewed the plans and would like to provide the following information on the project. The applicant has proposed to demolish an existing, nonconforming 246-square-foot accessory building and construct a 320-square-foot accessory building. Per the Zoning Ordinance, the minimum setbacks for an accessory building are three feet from the rear and side property lines, and the maximum wall height is nine feet with a maximum overall height of 14 feet. As proposed, the structure would conform to these development standards. Staff has received verification from a licensed land surveyor that the foundation for the structure has been formed according to the approved plans.

> As part of the project, a survey was conducted of the property. The
> survey shows that the placement of the existing fence is inconsistent
> with the rear and side property lines. With respect to your property
> at 344 Concord Drive, the fence encroaches approximately 1.75 to 2.25
> feet into your property. The setbacks for the accessory building will
> be built with respect to the property lines, not the fence lines.
>
> In regards to the flood zone, the existing grade is 39.5 feet, the
> finished floor elevation of the accessory structure will be built at
> 40.5 feet and the base flood elevation is 40 feet. The height of the
> structure is measured from the existing grade, not the base flood
> elevation. The structure will comply with the flood zone requirements
> and an "as built" elevation certificate by a Licensed Land Surveyor is
> required prior to occupancy and/or final inspection. The floodplain
> requirements are in place to generally protect the structure.
> However, the footprint of the new structure is not going to increase
> the elevation of the flood waters or redirect dispersion of water
> during a flood. When the flood water recedes, the project has been
> designed to drain away from your property and to flow onto 145 Laurel
> Avenue and to the street. Therefore, the new building should have
> minimal impact to your property during a flood.
>
> Hopefully, this e-mail addresses your questions. Please do not
> hesitate to contact us with additional questions or comments.
>
>

Arlinda Heineck
Community Development Director
701 Laurel Street
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 330-6715
aaheineck@menlopark.org Received on Mon Jul 21 18:20:21 2008