Board gives preliminary approval to Smith residence addition on Calle Ocho with landscaping and detail follow‑ups

The Carpinteria Architectural Review Board on July 31 gave preliminary approval to a proposed addition and remodel at the Smith residence, 5560 Calle Ocho, while asking the applicant to return with final coordination on landscaping, drainage and some architectural details.

Planning staff described a project that retains a single‑story profile while adding two bedrooms and a reoriented garage entry, replacing a tile roof with gray composition shingles and installing vertical hardy board siding with stone cladding at the front. The proposal calls for removal of three on‑site trees (a 10‑inch acacia and two 8‑inch plum trees) and replacement landscaping that includes fruit trees, succulents and permeable pavers in select areas. Staff found the project compliant with setbacks and design policies and noted it remains under the maximum building coverage allowed.

The applicant, architect Dylan Chapelle, told the board the remodel is intended to keep a single‑story character for the neighborhood while making the home functional for an extended family. Board members raised questions about specific details including gutter and downspout placement at a recessed entry, pool equipment location relative to neighbors and precise paver specifications. Vice Chair O'Connor and other members asked that pool equipment placement and drainage be coordinated before final review.

A motion for preliminary approval passed; commissioners said additional details about plant selection, pavers, pool equipment and final architectural elements should be addressed when the project returns for final review.

Votes at a glance Motion: Preliminary approval with conditions to return for final review addressing landscaping, drainage, pool equipment coordination and architectural detailing. Outcome: Preliminary approval (board voice vote).