Board approves additions at 737 Upland Drive with conditions, grants FAR exception pending landscape increase

The Historic Preservation Board approved alterations and additions at 737 Upland Drive on June 24, authorizing a two‑story rear addition and changes to windows under strict conditions and a landscaping requirement tied to floor‑area‑ratio (FAR) exception.

Designer Manuel Gonzales said the project preserves the front facade while adding a two‑story rear addition to expand a master bedroom, add closets and a balcony; the plan replaces some sliders and nonoriginal openings with French doors and casements intended to be more compatible with the home’s Mediterranean Revival character. Staff reported the house is a contributing Mediterranean Revival structure and that a requested FAR increase of 157 square feet was identified only after the applicant’s resubmittal; staff recommended approval with conditions and suggested that the board grant an exception to the FAR if the applicant agreed to increase plantings by 25% above the minimum required by code.

The board approved the COA and the FAR exception, adopting staff conditions that require: maintaining or matching original sash window configurations (where staff recommended preservation of six‑over‑one sash on some openings), matching tile type where shown, limiting changes to the existing decorative medallion on the rear elevation, and requiring a landscape plan to provide at least 25% more plant material than the minimum for single‑family lots in order to allow the additional square footage. The applicant agreed to preserve the original front door and some existing windows. The board carried the motion unanimously.