Planning Commission approves Oakdale Avenue additions to longtime Chapman Park home

The Corte Madera Planning Commission on April 8 approved a design review application to add 589 square feet on the lower floor and 259 square feet on the second floor of the two‑story house at 515 Oakdale Avenue in the Chapman Park neighborhood.

Staff planner Claire Smith recommended approval after reviewing setbacks, height, views, and a shadow analysis, and concluded the project meets design review findings. "Staff prepared a full analysis of impacts to views, sunlight, and privacy in the attached resolution and feels overall that we can make the required finding number 3," Smith told the commission.

The nut of the proposal is modest: preserve the residence’s existing maximum height of 19 feet 10 inches (well below the 30‑foot limit), convert about 73 square feet of garage/workshop to living space, expand living area mostly at the rear, and enclose a new entry stairway on the west side. The project maintains a single compliant on‑site car parking space; Claire Smith noted state law now prevents the town from requiring additional on‑site parking.

Architect Tyler Shelton, introduced himself and said the objective was to "preserve that look, to preserve that aesthetic, and make some modest additions at the back and at the side," adding, "I don't think that this is going to be very impactful." Homeowners Chris and Joanne Sanders told the commission they have lived in the house 22 years and described the work as an investment to make the 1952 house more energy efficient and livable.

Staff said the parcel is 4,800 square feet, the existing house is about 1,681 square feet and 70 percent of the added floor area is at the lower floor. The application keeps the existing nonconforming second‑story deck that encroaches into a west side setback but does not intensify it. The new second‑story deck along the 5‑foot side yard would be about 180 square feet and will require standard railing upgrades.

Commission discussion focused on construction staging, parking during construction and minor design preferences. Commissioner Valerie (last name not provided in the record) and others questioned whether a construction parking/encroachment plan would be required; staff replied the zoning code does not regulate construction parking and that Public Works typically reviews encroachment permits and construction parking plans at the building‑permit stage. Commissioner Margaret encouraged the owners to consider safer front steps and handrails; she also expressed concern about on‑street parking impacts during construction and the placement of debris containers.

A motion to approve the design review application (PL24‑0079) passed on a roll call vote with Commissioners Vandell, Besheuer, Kenny, Vice Chair Rizzo and Chair Chase voting yes. Chair Chase and staff reminded the applicants that a 10‑day appeal period applies and that appeal forms and a $300 fee are available from town hall and online.

The resolution and staff analysis containing all design review findings are in the project packet; staff said they are available upon request and the applicants will proceed to the building‑permit stage where code compliance (including updated energy and construction standards) will be verified.