Auburn Planning Commission considers variance for unpermitted garage on Wright Road

On March 20, 2025, the Placer County Zoning Administrator and Parcel Review Committee convened to discuss a variance request concerning a residential property located at 13550 Wright Road in the Auburn area. The meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges and considerations surrounding zoning regulations and property development in the region.

The primary focus of the meeting was a request from property owners Douglas and Kimberly Gray, represented by applicant Daryl Henry, to permit an existing unpermitted 500-square-foot detached garage to remain closer to the front property line than typically allowed. The garage is currently situated 33.25 feet from the front property line, while the standard requirement is 50 feet. The property is zoned for residential agriculture, which typically mandates a minimum lot area of 100,000 square feet.

The committee noted that the site, which encompasses 4.4 acres, is already developed with a single-family residence built in the late 1960s. The variance request is categorized as exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), specifically referencing guidelines for minor alterations and small structures.

Support for the variance was expressed through a letter from local residents Richard and Grace Earl, received prior to the meeting. Both the Environmental Health and Engineering and Surveying departments indicated no objections to the proposal, supporting the staff's recommendation for approval without additional comments or conditions.

The meeting underscored the importance of balancing property rights with zoning regulations, particularly in areas experiencing growth and development pressures. As the committee deliberates on the variance, the outcome could set a precedent for similar requests in the future, reflecting the community's evolving needs and the regulatory framework governing land use in Placer County.

The committee's decision on this variance request will be closely watched, as it may influence future zoning discussions and property development strategies in the region.