In response to concerns about increasing neighborhood density, the San Carlos Planning Commission recommended last week that the city revert to pre-2011 development standards, which were much more stringent on minimum lot sizes. This change would increase the minimum lot sizes from 5,000 S/F to 10,000 S/F, and lot width from 40 to 65 feet. It also puts restrictions on flag lots, which are parcels of land at the end of a long driveway with no road frontage. The Planning Commission voted 5-0 in favor of this recommendation.
Zoning changes made in 2011 allowed construction of larger homes, and for homeowners of lots 10,000 S/F of more to split their lots in order to increase the city's supply of housing. They allowed for homes to cover 50% of the total lot square footage, rather than the 40% permitted under pre-2011 zoning laws. In addition to allowing for the construction of larger homes, the increased lot coverage makes constructing accessory dwelling units possible for more homeowners.
The city had already placed a moratorium on the 2011 zoning changes back in June. This was in response to resident complaints that homes were being built too large on lots that were too small, and that lots splits were leading to too much neighborhood density.
San Carlos, like most cities on the peninsula, has seen a recent surge in housing demand due to nearby job growth. This has attracted the attention of developers and builders who see that there is money to be made in San Carlos. But increasing density is hardly ever a popular idea in small close-knit communities like San Carlos, so it's not much of a surprise to see residents push back against more relaxed zoning laws.
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