Woodside ASRB approves formal design review for 742 West Lehi Way with condition to reduce street-facing massing

The Woodside Town Architectural and Site Review Board approved formal design review Monday for a proposed demolition and rebuild at 742 West Lehi Way, subject to a staff-reviewed condition requiring the applicant to recess and visually reduce the portion of the second-story massing above the garage and to reduce the size of the right-side balcony.

Planning staff Melanie presented the application as a formal design-review project for a property in the SR zoning district, saying, “I will be presenting the project today at 742 West Lehi Way for formal design review.” The applicant proposes demolition of an existing single-story residence and construction of a two-story main residence with an attached ADU, relocation of the driveway, and other site improvements on a lot the staff described as about 1.14 acres.

The project team said the new main residence would be roughly 4,500 square feet and about 24.3 feet at its tallest point. Materials proposed include cream Sundance stucco, beige limestone veneer, blended clay barrel tile roofing and low-E glazing; the ADU would sit above a proposed attached garage and the driveway entrance would include a swing vehicular gate with a dark-bronze metal frame and two brown stone-veneer columns. Staff said the proposal would remove four trees for the driveway and parking; none are considered significant trees.

Board members and neighbors focused discussion on the project’s street-facing massing and potential impacts on long-range views. Member Delgavio and Member Taft asked whether reducing or recessing the ADU/second-story element over the garage would lessen the perceived mass. The applicant’s architect explained options to break the massing into smaller wings, add roof modulation, and use landscaping to soften views. A public commenter, Steve Patrick, said he had reviewed plans and appreciated the applicant’s willingness to add screening and work with neighbors.

After discussion the ASRB did not continue the item. Instead the board added a measurable condition to staff’s recommendation: prior to building permit issuance the applicant must submit revised plans that recess the portion of the second story above the garage (the right-side facade viewed from the street), reduce that balcony’s size (the board suggested roughly a Juliet-scale balcony), and otherwise minimize the perceived mass from street viewpoints. Staff said the revised plans will be reviewed by planning staff as part of permitting.

The board voted to approve the project with the added condition. Chair Lindsey recorded the vote as: Chair Lindsey — yes; Member Delgavio — yes; Member Taft — yes. Vice Chair Kamara and Member Mittelman were noted absent.

The project file will be updated with the condition and staff said the applicant would receive a decision letter within a day or so and would work with staff on the required revisions before building-permit submittal.

Notes: the application includes a proposed on-site septic system (sited toward the south rear yard), a landscape plan intended to add oaks, olives and other species to screen views over time, and story poles that were adjusted during review. The applicant said solar is under consideration but not decided.