Property Rezoning from R-1 to R-2 (Hayward, Castro Valley: rental, house, refrigerator)

[ocococ]

Hi,

My house is in R-1 zone in Hayward,CA. I have a legal basement (2nd story) and want to add a kitchen without stove/oven. I called City Planning that they responded adding additional kitchen would not be permitted because it is in R-1 zone, single family home. The water plumbing is ready, so there is not need to do any big work.

I have 2 questions:
1, Can I get permit for installing cabinets/sink/exhaust fan...everything like a kitchen but without stove/oven?
2, In order to add a kitchen, I want to rezone from R-1 to R-2. How hard is that to get it approved?
The risk is $4000 fee which I am not able to getting back if city declined my request.

Thanks in advance!

[Ultrarunner]

Sounds like you want to install a wet bar... should not be a problem.

The stove is where it gets sticky...

There is a provision for a legal in-law for a family member if parking and other criteria is met.

I had a rental in Hayward and it left a bad taste... sold it and bought in Castro Valley and the house in Castro Valley had exactly what you describe... a 3/4 basement with daylight to the back with a bath, fireplace, separate entrance and a cooktop... couldn't have an oven because that would have made it a second unit.

One friend got creative and bought a modular kitchen... it has sink, range and refrigerator in one 6 or 8' long unit... his was on wheels so no one could say it was permanent...

http://www.comforthouse.com/kitharcookse.html

http://www.acmekitchenettes.com/full...chenettes.html

Unlikely you will be able to change zoning... sometimes a variance is possible.

[ocococ]

Thank you for your great information. I am thinking if I should take a risk to apply for rezoning.