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ASRB commends design changes at 729 Southdale; forwards project to planning commission for formal review
Summary
The board reviewed changes to a previously heard conceptual design for a new residence, accessory dwelling unit and site improvements at 729 Southdale Way, commended the darker color palette and massing reductions, and voted to forward the application to staff and the Planning Commission for formal design review and entitlements.
The Woodside Architectural Site Review Board on May 19 continued conceptual review of a project at 729 Southdale Way that proposes a new main residence with attached garage, a detached accessory dwelling unit and associated grading and site improvements. The board found the applicant’s revisions addressed prior concerns and voted to forward the project to staff and the Planning Commission for formal review.
Staff summarized changes the applicant made since the September 2024 hearing: the main house was moved farther from the street, the second level above the garage was stepped back to reduce massing, exterior materials and colors were darkened to earth tones, and the driveway and retaining walls were redesigned to provide fire truck access from both directions. "The applicant has moved the house placement away from the street and also reduced the mass by setting back the second level of the building above the garage," staff said.
The nut graf: the board commended the applicant for responding to earlier ASRB guidance — particularly the color palette, reduced massing and driveway redesign for fire access — and requested simplification of exterior stone and continued attention to grading and septic capacity at formal review.
The applicant, Raymond Lee, and his engineering team described work to meet fire‑department turning requirements and to address steep site constraints. Project engineer Jim (surname not specified in transcript) said the fire‑truck access was engineered to meet minimum turning requirements and that septic and geotechnical work were coordinated to ensure hillside stability. He said the building footprint was moved about six feet farther back from the street.
Board members praised the darker colors and the stepped‑back upper level for reducing the building mass. The board suggested simplifying exterior stone selections and encouraged the applicant to explore converting an office/half bath to a junior ADU only if septic capacity allows.
Staff noted the project will require a grading exception if cut/fill exceed 1,500 cubic yards or if cuts over eight feet occur outside building envelopes. The applicant estimated retaining walls and grading are substantial but hoped to remain under about 1,500 cubic yards; staff said a grading exception and Planning Commission review would be required if thresholds are exceeded.
After discussion, the board voted to forward the project to staff and the Planning Commission for formal design review and any necessary entitlements. The board chair said a decision letter would be sent to the applicant and participants in the following days.
