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DRB approves understory house at South Coconut Lane; board continues landscape review to September
Summary
Board approved a two‑story home with an understory at South Coconut Lane, accepting the increased understory elevation under the resiliency code, and directed staff to review and return the landscape package to the DRB in September.
The Design Review Board voted July 5 to approve a new two‑story residence with an understory at South Coconut Lane (DRB 23‑092927), accepting the proposed higher understory elevation consistent with the city’s resiliency code and local precedent. The board also directed that the project’s landscape plan — which staff confirmed had been previously reviewed but was not in the board packet — be returned to the DRB for final review in September.
Planning staff said the proposal fits the surrounding context, where neighboring properties have two‑story under‑story houses and higher elevations, and supported the application. Architect Ralph Choiff explained the design uses the existing foundation and columns from an earlier, partially‑constructed permit and incorporates a pool and water feature that aim to visually integrate the understory. The applicant and landscape architect said a landscape plan had been submitted for building‑permit review, but the presentation packet to the board lacked the final graphics; the team agreed to return that landscape portion for a September hearing or staff review per the board’s direction.
Board members approved the design and asked staff to confirm the landscape details and planting plan; the board also recommended the landscaping return be noticed as a brief item on the September agenda. Both motions — design approval and the continuance of landscape review — passed unanimously.
