Glendale DRB approves new 2,170 sq ft house with 496 sq ft junior ADU at 644 Alexander St.; parking exception granted under state law

The Glendale Design Review Board on Aug. 14 approved design review for a new two‑story single‑family home with a junior accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 644 Alexander Street, authorizing a parking exception under California Assembly Bill 2097.

The project, presented by case planner Alan Lambert, proposes demolition of a 536‑square‑foot 1921 single‑family residence and a detached garage to build a 2,170‑square‑foot primary dwelling with a 496‑square‑foot junior ADU on a 5,800‑square‑foot lot in the R3050 (moderate density) zone in South Glendale. Lambert said staff recommends approval, subject to conditions including use of permeable pavers for the front walkway/driveway, limited exterior lighting, and coordination with urban forestry on tree protection.

Why it matters: The board’s approval allows the applicant to proceed toward building permits. The project uses a ministerial state parking exemption rather than local parking rules, a point that drew public comment because of on‑street parking constraints in the neighborhood.

Lambert told the board the application qualifies for a Class 3 CEQA exemption for small new construction and detailed site planning, massing, and design findings showing the building “fits well within the neighborhood,” respects setbacks, and includes tree‑protection measures. He said urban forestry flagged an existing tree within about 20 feet of the rear of the property and that staff is coordinating an arborist protection plan with the applicant.

Brad McDonald, the applicant’s representative for Jupiter Point Development, said the proposal will demolish the existing 536‑square‑foot house and a 316‑square‑foot garage and construct a contemporary house and an internal junior ADU. McDonald said the applicant will replace the existing asphalt driveway with permeable pavers to reduce runoff, use drought‑tolerant landscaping, and coordinate an arborist report with urban forestry.

Resident commenter Jessica Mallon said she was concerned about “proposed 0 parking,” telling the board the street is already difficult to park on and that future occupants could add multiple vehicles. Lambert and McDonald responded that the project applied for and met the statutory criteria for an AB 2097 exception (the transcript references the state assembly bill), which eliminates the local requirement for two enclosed off‑street parking spaces when the project meets the state’s transit proximity and ministerial criteria.

Board members supported the design and staff conditions. Several members praised the material choices and the project’s attention to tree protection and drought‑tolerant landscaping. A motion to approve the design review with staff’s recommended conditions passed in a roll‑call vote: 3–0 (yes: Board member Lockraff; Board member Halagian; Chair Kaskanian). The board’s approval includes the conditions Lambert outlined about exterior fixture placement, permeable pavers, and continued coordination with urban forestry.

The project record notes the AB 2097 finding was made prior to the hearing and that the parking exception is ministerial under state law, which supersedes local parking requirements.

Votes at a glance: The board approved the 644 Alexander Street design review, motion carried 3–0.