Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the 425 Abeta Corner Windows topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board denies exception for publicly visible corner windows at 425 Abeta, approves remaining elements with conditions
Summary
The Historic District Review Board denied an exception to place two publicly visible corner windows less than 36 inches from a corner for a proposed Spanish Pueblo–style new house at 425 Abeta Street, but approved the rest of the project subject to conditions (rounded corners, lighter trim color and specified window reveals).
The Historic District Review Board on Sept. 9 denied an exception request for two publicly visible corner windows placed less than 36 inches from the corners of a proposed new Spanish Pueblo–style house at 425 Abeta Street, and approved the other elements of the application with conditions.
Staff recommended denial of the specific exception to section 14‑5.2 e(2)(b) because the corner windows as drawn would be publicly visible and the exception criteria were not met. Architect Raja Bose argued the corner windows are an intentional, historically sympathetic design move, citing local precedents of corner glazing in mid‑century structures and arguing the feature contributes to district character. Board members debated the ordinance’s intent to emulate adobe construction, noting that corner windows are expressly limited by the code and that granting the exception would effectively rewrite the standard. Member Bienvenu summarized the board’s institutional role: while the board can exercise discretion, broad allowances for corner glazing could undercut code standards and create requests across the district.
The board denied the exception by roll call; it then approved the remainder of the application with conditions intended to ensure compatibility: rounded wall corners (minimum 2½‑inch radius), a lighter bronze‑toned trim color instead of charcoal/black, window reveals of the depth proposed by the applicant (about 2–2½ inches back from the stucco plane), and staff approval of final materials. The board also required the applicant to submit revised plans consistent with the approval to staff; no further full hearing was required if staff confirmed compliance.
Why it matters: the ruling enforces specific dimensional rules intended to maintain the “Adobe” look that the ordinance requires and clarifies that corner glazing under 36 inches from a corner will be permitted only under standards that meet all exception criteria. The conditional approval allows the project to proceed while ensuring the building’s details emulate adobe construction in massing and reveals.
Next steps: the applicant will submit revised plans showing rounded corners, revised trim color and window reveal depth for staff review; staff will confirm compliance before issuing permits.
