[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6547877,"mediaKeyId","3679439-504bdbe75ea72867a6224bfe4e2f9dd2","parentId",3679439,"title","Council weighs appeal of 4 Owlswood garage design; tie votes lead to staff resolution process","audioSeconds",5946,"startMs",3320000,"endMs",9266000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3679439-504bdbe75ea72867a6224bfe4e2f9dd2&start=3320&end=9266","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3679439-504bdbe75ea72867a6224bfe4e2f9dd2/thumbnail_3320000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6547877/California/Council-weighs-appeal-of-4-Owlswood-garage-design-tie-votes-lead-to-staff-resolution-process","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6547877-c8e277205b31ac54971c88ad6989127f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770949182&Signature=glCwbASw7fwVsWr9ZyRYP3ISNB5elCJfVZEvJaPRlQsRJwyo9dRwGJpHRRwOJRW75HtDJMzyMFDFYiA3TKxxRlfwds70CeOfHwnfqn5v66yBG~zz7-a63V8M-j1C9lkJx0DgNaEcGuVt0PMGLcuCNvoK5W4RHHoP7s9CpN92F~~TIAoBnMkdGEpAxxcKMVEeugxmAsa~w3z2LiSUyo3pQWbZgNAtQV~UHUPYaqbV21Y82cT~Bk8P-K0XfE-Nxupmhe46Yd4YiBYn7kvwJq4DAnrXQBWqQWDLayzxzRg4xqnGe6ls3gOTB0LlniefNOd3OyixO03XjmhZIfATWhjMPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Tiburon Town, CA","date","2025-06-05T16:17:04Z","article","Neighbors appealed the Design Review Board’s March 20 approval of a garage and small storage expansion at 4 Owlswood Road, arguing the design would block cherished views, create safety and sight-line problems on a narrow private street, and exceed the site’s massing guidelines.

Planning staff described the application and background: the lot sits on a private, steeply sloped portion of Owlswood; the proposal replaces an existing open parking deck with an enclosed garage in the same footprint and adds roughly 140 square feet for storage. Staff noted the site already had covered lot coverage and that multiple nearby properties have received variances because of similar hillside constraints. The DRB added a condition requiring at least one window on the garage side to improve sight lines and voted 5–0 to approve the project with that condition.

Appellants’ attorney Elizabeth Bridal said the chosen roof form (a shed roof pitched up toward the rear) increases the visible mass and removes a key “monument” view — the corridor view of Bird Island and the lagoon — from primary living spaces at neighboring properties. Appellants’ architect Michael Rex provided alternative designs that would either locate the garage on the north side of the lot or use a gable or lower-profile roof on the south side; the appellants argued alternatives would preserve views and provide on-site turnaround space.

Applicant representatives, including architect Anne Frel, said the subject lot’s only practicable paved parking area is the existing deck footprint and that the proposed design is proportional, consistent with the house’s monoslope architecture, and was unanimously approved by the DRB. Applicants said the taller portion of the proposed garage reaches 11 feet only at a narrow rear segment and that the visual impact is less than portrayed by opponents; they also said alternatives would require further variances and would harm other neighbors.

Affected neighbors and the appellants discussed privacy, the extent of primary living-area views and the location of existing vegetation. At least one neighbor, Charlie Morris, opposed the appellants’ alternate north-side garage location, saying that option would remove mature privacy trees and increase direct views into his primary living areas.

Council consideration produced multiple motions. One motion to grant the appeal and deny the application received roll-call votes of two yes (Council member Fredericks and Mayor Thier) and two no (Council member Nick Barr and Council member Ryan), which did not reach a three-vote majority. Staff reminded the council that under municipal code an appeal that fails to secure a majority to overturn a commission or board is treated as denied. The council then directed staff to return with an appropriate resolution reflecting the meeting’s actions.

Why it matters: The appeal highlights common tensions in hillside communities — competing primary views, narrow private-road safety concerns, and design guidelines that require balancing massing, roof form and neighbor impacts. The decision path emphasizes the Design Review Board’s role and the limited circumstances in which the council will overturn board approvals.

Representative quotes from the meeting transcript:
“The project will result in [neighbors] losing their view of the Belvedere Lagoon.” — Elizabeth Bridal, appellant representative
“We already have compromised in the design… this was unanimously approved, 5 to 0, by the DRB.” — Applicants’ representative (Anne Frel)
“We could partially grant the appeal by making revisions or adding conditions to the design review board's approval.” — Staff description of council options

Ending: Staff will draft and return with a resolution memorializing the council’s actions and the appeal disposition; any further changes to the project would require subsequent formal approvals and likely new findings.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","June 4, 2025 Tiburon Town Council Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Neighbors appealed the Design Review Board’s approval of a garage at 4 Owlswood Road, raising view and safety concerns; after hearing presentations and public comment the council did not overturn the DRB approval by the required majority and staff will return with a resolution documenting the outcome.","taxTitle","Tiburon Town, Marin County, California","taxId",72203,"location","California","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6547882,"Tiburon council hears budget presentation; public pushes for bigger parks spending",2272,312000,2584000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3679439-504bdbe75ea72867a6224bfe4e2f9dd2&start=312&end=2584","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3679439-504bdbe75ea72867a6224bfe4e2f9dd2/thumbnail_312000.jpg","/articles/6547882/California/Tiburon-council-hears-budget-presentation-public-pushes-for-bigger-parks-spending","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6547882-b8873c4959d94993fd6ca1d9da6b0fc8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770949182&Signature=LWymOY0rAW2qC6EUGUiBzEk8ctcnVHgIl0KtaTV~VQT-zSWhlEfQHUnw~u01B02eoe1RSA8RcUbhLdMMEYiVwM8G64SnXgWTq85E8WzZ7CXC5ECB4EKo9jcuriALtgjhJAEIXdi7xIkqbH3QPxgRvGwefSTKZAqgfxytz1tBlx6L3m-p6EbUMkwW9pwtjN4gkfnF8qZlqed9RbD7UasXlmmarA7Peqf6-rvlbVGJxBDGvR3qc6AzrVmHyFHWy9YuqqnuRDNlbqoprVvTyiZ-1INnITr--r-01fFnc3DqfCBtllT228brSUhSXeRR0CCVZEwx6k0awZD3sbNlQagS~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town Manager Greg (name as provided in presentation) and public works staff presented Tiburon’s proposed fiscal year 2025–26 operating budget and capital improvement program to the Town Council on June 4, detailing a planned total appropriation of $25,974,169 and an operating budget that leaves a roughly $20,000 surplus.

The presentation outlined projected general fund revenues of about $18,000,271 and proposed operating expenditures of about $18,000,251, with property tax identified as the largest and most reliable revenue source. Staff said the draft budget includes 3.5% cost-of-living increases for represented and unrepresented employees, an extra $100,000 in the parks maintenance contract, and no new full-time equivalents. The CIP total presented was $6,475,000, of which staff said $1,600,000 was expected to be grant-funded, including the Blackies Pasture restoration project.

Residents packed public comment and urged the council to allocate more money to playgrounds, multiuse recreation, and water access. “$200,000 is literally less than the moms,” said Sarah Reed, who called the proposed $200,000 “a joke” given a two-year parks master plan and repeated community input. Several other speakers, including Chuck Hornbrook, Nicole Voss and Kim Liddell, said play areas, a kayak/SUP launch and other active-recreation features should be funded sooner rather than later.

Becky Pringle, speaking earlier during the consent portion of the meeting, asked the council to revisit waterfront access options and requested a memorandum from the town attorney about legal options for securing water access, noting opposition from Belvedere had removed one site from consideration.

Councilors and staff described the project pipeline and the steps from master plan to design to construction. Public works staffers Patrick Chrislick and David Ishu walked through the CIP project list, citing more than a dozen park and facility projects proposed for FY26 — including wayfinding, Elephant Rock structural analysis, mini-park design work, open-space vegetation management and the Blackies Pasture beach restoration — and noted the CIP budget assumes projects move forward as designed and fully expended.

Council members acknowledged residents’ frustration at perceived slow progress. Several councilors said there is a multi-step planning process — subcommittees, RFPs for designers, schematic designs, cost estimates and later budget amendments — before construction can begin. “Master plans generate an action list, but that is not enough to get things done,” one councilor said, urging patience while staff and the Parks, Open Space & Trails (POST) commission refine designs and costs.

Several council members said they were ready to increase the one-line parks placeholder beyond the $200,000 maintenance allocation in the draft budget. After discussion, councilors expressed consensus direction to staff to move $500,000 from general fund reserves into the discretionary set-aside for park development (a balance-sheet transfer that would put approximately $1.1 million into the fund once combined with existing amounts). Council members repeatedly noted additional budget amendments will still be required before any project spending — the transfer only earmarks funds, it does not authorize expenditures.

Councilors and staff confirmed that the budget will return to council for adoption at the June 18 meeting and that individual projects will return with design-level estimates and recommended resolutions before spending is authorized.

Why it matters: Residents urged immediate investment in parks, playgrounds and waterfront access after a multi-year planning process; councilors signaled both political willingness and the need for design-level costs before committing to construction. The line-item transfer is intended to accelerate the town’s ability to act once design proposals and firm cost estimates are available.

Quotes quoted verbatim from the meeting transcript:
“$200,000 is literally less than the moms.” — Sarah Reed, resident
“The budget is a snapshot in time… the staff is focused on proposing projects that focus on maintenance of existing facilities, and some improvements that were outlined in the parks master plan.” — Greg, Town Manager
“We could move 500,000 more dollars in there if we want.” — Council member (during council discussion)

Ending: Staff will return to the council June 18 with a formal budget adoption item; individual park and facility projects will return to council for separate approvals and budget amendments once design work and cost estimates are complete.","Town staff presented the proposed fiscal year 2025–26 operating and capital budgets and a $6.475 million CIP. Dozens of residents urged larger allocations for parks and recreation; councilors directed staff to increase a parks-related discretionary set-aside and signaled more funds may follow after designs are finalized.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6547868,"Council accepts state-required vacancy report; introduces ordinance to adopt CAL FIRE local-responsibility-area map",478,9402000,9880000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3679439-504bdbe75ea72867a6224bfe4e2f9dd2&start=9402&end=9880","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3679439-504bdbe75ea72867a6224bfe4e2f9dd2/thumbnail_9402000.jpg","/articles/6547868/California/Council-accepts-state-required-vacancy-report-introduces-ordinance-to-adopt-CAL-FIRE-local-responsibility-area-map","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6547868-c0eae27edc773d34087553764362d59d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770949182&Signature=Mv5l-xO2xfW5i7e1EcQwPoHQVT-39n3bP~YhPd5hpXax-5BxUMY7ceIA-YYsad6yA1FkwzoYhCEVV964xI9fD24XqpMmSe1hF7iQTUj3qUX1IYxDivugrgrwZmBjdasUoa~RV8gSlVUD9BViWLB0pimCis2J1E2Ryw1KIUCKF6oldJLLVw5dYrJvfEvXYvCJi5o01a5l1UgFXOmF2wtMoMHPqgm~d4fjaW7pySPiL9URaVyAxOmjhL7FfGHOtGoLY2jDcObnMVJHIRuSpChF-E8SaLQyTZQEZUWiGweEIV2dnGdZYIcEfUZ2sjui4RYAlhFgECOCrvQkoW5es2yX-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town staff provided the statutorily required annual presentation on staff vacancies and recruitment as directed by Assembly Bill (as referenced in the meeting) and related government-code provisions. Staff reported 1 vacancy in an unrepresented position as of June 1, 2025, representing about 2.3% of the town’s 43 approved positions — well below the 20% threshold that would trigger an extended reporting requirement. Recognized bargaining units were invited to the hearing and did not request to present.

Separately, staff introduced an ordinance to designate local fire hazard severity zones in Tiburon’s Local Responsibility Area (LRA) by adopting the map prepared by CAL FIRE and the State Fire Marshal. Staff emphasized the maps indicate hazard severity (the degree of hazard if a fire occurs) and are not a statement of predicted risk; local agencies may not reduce the state's recommended severity but may increase it. The staff report noted that Angel Island is the only incorporated portion of Tiburon mapped as high or very high severity under the state LRA map.

The council accepted the vacancy report by roll call vote and then voted to introduce the ordinance by title (waiving further readings) and scheduled adoption for a subsequent regular meeting. Public comment on these items was not extensive.

Why it matters: The vacancy report satisfies a state transparency requirement meant to expose recruitment and retention constraints. The wildfire severity map introduction begins a process that may influence planning, fire-safety measures and future permitting in areas designated by the state as high or very high hazard.

Ending: The ordinance to adopt the CAL FIRE LRA hazard map will return for adoption at a future council meeting; staff will continue to coordinate with the county fire districts and the state as needed.","The council accepted the annual staff vacancy report required by state law and introduced an ordinance to adopt CAL FIRE’s Local Responsibility Area (LRA) fire hazard severity map for the town, setting the ordinance for adoption at a future meeting.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6547872,"Council approves Main Street closure for Caviar Crawl event",126,3144000,3270000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3679439-504bdbe75ea72867a6224bfe4e2f9dd2&start=3144&end=3270","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3679439-504bdbe75ea72867a6224bfe4e2f9dd2/thumbnail_3144000.jpg","/articles/6547872/California/Council-approves-Main-Street-closure-for-Caviar-Crawl-event","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6547872-0340690b3e35d8bc7dc0d06f28c7a734/orig.mp4?Expires=1770949182&Signature=kcJmLVV5pZ7~yxKbQ7QDm2ifkO5J9pO~Lj8zwXeOOYcsODPD0izchjdLMYcI6G-fnkCqCNMDoZmHSmIFkovJYeHoZr0uVUYMonDiVSsLXTxfbxuYtZOaOgqQn0dR3vTQdRpq-6k5h8RKSdv-Sx-Eqad5qAeEz--dmyBZ0XijGUz8HgP7q~GnqgLo13BY4TBY058YR8yrJuNmTw2obDMgcLdsMyWwzvbWd2z40G05FDKcpgGcefZVI9x3TkDf6uG6PwnhzQT0sNsOLFDHKooaXvFgIw1Uh0Ad3-r-9n7Mx3pz-LGT7irNUBLCLWmph9BFQyNfpSMsbycpmg~bilmNRw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The council voted unanimously June 4 to approve a request from the Caviar Company to close Lower Main Street for a “Caviar Crawl” event on Sunday, July 13, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Petra Higbee, owner of the Caviar Company, told the council the event will bring participating downtown businesses together, sell tickets to a capped number of attendees (sold-out crowd last year was 250) and is intended to increase foot traffic and sales. Higbee said the Chamber of Commerce supported the proposal and that local businesses along Arc Row and Lower Main had already committed to participate.

Staff noted the town has previously signaled an interest in limiting Main Street closures; this event would raise the number of closures for the year but organizers withdrew a prior related closure in another case so the total remained manageable. Police recommended a street closure for safety last year, which is why the applicant sought the formal closure this year. The council approved the closure by roll call vote.

Why it matters: The decision allows a downtown summertime event intended to increase pedestrian activity and merchant sales; the permit includes coordination with police and public-safety conditions.

Quoted from the meeting transcript:
“We sold out at 250 people, and this year, we’re expecting about 300 people.” — Petra Higbee, Caviar Company

Ending: The applicant will coordinate event logistics and public-safety plans with town staff and police and proceed under the approved special-event permit.","The council approved a Main Street closure requested by the Caviar Company for a July 13 street event; the Chamber of Commerce supports the closure and the sponsor reported strong business participation and safety coordination with police.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council weighs appeal of 4 Owlswood garage design; tie votes lead to staff resolution process

Tiburon council hears budget presentation; public pushes for bigger parks spending

Council accepts state-required vacancy report; introduces ordinance to adopt CAL FIRE local-responsibility-area map

Council approves Main Street closure for Caviar Crawl event