Planning commission approves expanded deck and new balcony at 332 Cascade Drive; adds dark‑sky lighting review

The Fairfax Town Planning Commission on Sept. 18 approved application 25‑23 to replace an existing roughly 142‑square‑foot deck with a new approximately 182‑square‑foot deck and to construct an approximately 30‑square‑foot second‑floor balcony at 332 Cascade Drive, with an added requirement that any new exterior lighting be reviewed and approved by the planning department to ensure dark‑sky compliance.

Planning staff described the proposal as conforming with the town’s general plan policies and objective zoning standards, and noted the project requires a conditional use permit because the property is on a substandard lot. Staff reported there were no project‑specific comments from town departments or outside agencies and recommended approval by resolution.

Architect Drew Updegrave, representing the applicant, told the commission he hoped the application would be “very straightforward” and was available to answer questions. During deliberations Commissioner Swift asked staff to modify the standard condition on exterior fixtures to require planning department approval of lighting locations and specifications; Swift said that approach had been used previously. The final motion approving Resolution 2025‑23 incorporated that change (modify item 11 to require planning review to confirm dark‑sky compliance).

The commission voted to adopt Resolution 2025‑23 approving application 25‑23 with the added lighting review; the motion passed unanimously by voice vote. The commission noted there is a 10‑day appeals period and that information about the appeals process is available from town staff.