Compact housing development brings unique look to SLO County neighborhood
A new development will fit eight new housing units into a space currently used for parking in Arroyo Grande — and its unconventional shape is sure to draw eyes.
Four two-bedroom units and four studios are planned in two buildings near the southwest corner of Nelson and Short streets, fitting in behind a trio of existing buildings at the street corner.
With a boxy, all-white exterior and wood accents, the two two-story buildings stand out somewhat compared to Arroyo Grande’s older homes, which cover less of the lot and skew more toward single-family units with a mix of late 20th century looks.
While the new homes may look different from residences in the area, their design was chosen to mirror the look of the existing mixed-use building at 134 Nelson St., which shares its white color and boxy design.
The project gained the Planning Commission’s unanimous approval on Feb. 17 after hearing a mix of public comments from those in favor of the project who praised its neighborhood fit and those opposed who expressed concerns about its potential impact on parking.
Commissioner Kevin Buchanan said he was glad to hear the community’s comments both for and against the project before voting in favor of homes.
“I think this is a great infill project,” Buchanan said. “It meets the need for small-scale living spaces in the Village.”
Small parcel in line for eight homes
To fit all eight dwellings onto a small project site — which is actually a pair of 0.078-acre lots directly adjacent to each other — the developer had to go with a small, compact design.
Choosing a smaller design for the studio units meant each studio counts as 0.5 density units, allowing the applicant to pack the maximum number of units onto the site, according to the staff report.
As is, the parcels in question make up the parking lot for the gym and offices at 134 Nelson St., which would see their parking relocated to the streets.
The buildings will feature a 405-square-foot studio and a 1,176-square-foot two-bedroom unit on the first floor and a 500-square-foot studio and 830-square-foot two-bedroom unit on the second floor, according to the staff report.
The total building area for each parcel is 2,911 square feet, and each building also includes a 222-square-foot patio on the first floor and two private decks on the second floor, measuring 460 square feet and 185 square feet, respectively, according to the staff report.
Curiously, the larger two-bedrooms are categorized as accessory dwelling units according to the staff report.
Each studio will have one enclosed parking space, with two narrow, tandem garage spaces per structure, according to the release. Because it is within half a mile of a bus stop, no additional parking is required for the ADUs under state law.
Tara Warwick, the owner of The Peach Pit & The Warehouse by Tarafied Fitness — the project’s immediate neighbor at 134 Nelson St. — said she’s supportive of the project even with its parking impact.
She said most of her clients are single parents, traveling nurses and people who need this type of smaller, compact rental housing.
“If you want my full disclosure, this project isn’t going to support my business, but I support it, and I’m going to tell you why,” Warwick said. “The bigger picture is for the community of Arroyo Grande, and that’s what I stand behind, and I say that with my whole heart.”
