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Fairfax planning commission approves small addition and deck expansion at 36 Tamalpais Road
Summary
The Planning Commission unanimously approved a 107-square-foot addition and a deck expansion at 36 Tamalpais Road, granting a conditional use permit and a combined side yard setback variance with conditions including sewer lateral permitting by Ross Valley Sanitary District.
The Fairfax Planning Commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit and a combined side yard setback variance for a small addition and rear deck expansion at 36 Tamalpais Road on July 17.
The project would add about 107 square feet to a century-old, 858-square-foot, one-bedroom house to create a new art studio and hallway with a laundry closet; the new total conditioned floor area would be approximately 965 square feet. The rear deck would increase from roughly 128 square feet to about 212 square feet; the addition would reach a maximum height of about 20 feet. Staff said exterior finishes would match the existing house and that the site is an irregular 4,500-square-foot lot with an average slope of about 32 percent.
Staff recommended approval after finding the small addition is consistent with neighborhood development patterns, explaining the narrow lot and historic lot layout create the need for a limited encroachment into the combined side-yard setback. The only outside-agency condition noted in the staff report was a requirement for sewer-lateral permitting, testing and certification from Ross Valley Sanitary District. Neighbors who live adjacent to the property spoke in favor of the project, saying the changes are modest and that the proposed design would allow a working artist to remain in the community.
Commission discussion focused on clarifying a few technical points in the resolution and adding a condition to ensure future exterior lighting (if any) will be dark-sky compliant. Commissioner Newton moved the motion to approve the resolution (numbered in the record as 2025-16) with the corrections discussed; Commissioner Jansen seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote with no dissent.
The commission noted a 10-day appeal period applies to the decision, and staff advised about the Ross Valley Sanitary District sewer-lateral requirement and the usual next steps for building permits.
Why it matters: The decision lets a long-standing Fairfax homeowner remodel a modestly sized, historic house to improve livability while balancing neighborhood setback rules and infrastructure requirements.
A 10-day appeal period applies; building permits and any required Ross Valley Sanitary District approvals remain subsequent implementation steps.
