Planning commission clears exterior color change for 61 Bolinas Road, asks for one additional color

The Planning Commission unanimously approved a design-review permit for an exterior color change at 61 Bolinas Road on July 17, with a direction that the applicant and planning staff add a tasteful third color accent on the facade (for example, the door or window trim) and finalize that choice administratively.

Staff described a ministerial review for the proposed black-and-white palette but suggested the facade might be improved by introducing a third color for door or window trim; the file recommended that the planning director approve the exact accent color. The applicant, Lou Tremaine, manager of the general store tenant, and business owner Lynette Shaw attended and said the black-and-white palette ties to interior branding and to a sign design the applicant has commissioned. Commissioners and public commenters encouraged adding a third color or restoring historic base tile at the building's foundation. Several commissioners said they favored preserving downtown visual variety and asked staff and the applicant to collaborate on a third color that complements the streetscape.

Commissioner motion language directed staff to approve the exterior color change (resolve as resolution 2025-19) and to administratively confirm a third accent color in collaboration with the applicant. The motion passed unanimously. Staff advised that signage permitting and any work requiring building permits would follow current sign- and building-permit rules.

Why it matters: The decision governs a highly visible downtown storefront's appearance; the commission used the design-review role to preserve visual variety on the main commercial corridor while approving the applicant's palette with a small modification.

A 10-day appeal period applies to the decision.