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Historic Conley Search House: HRB approves consistency finding for garage/ADU rebuild
Summary
The Historic Resources Board voted to issue a determination of consistency with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for work replacing a non‑historic garage and guest house and building an accessory dwelling unit at the Conley Search House (DS25078). Board member Goodhue recused; the motion passed unanimously among the remaining members.
The Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea Historic Resources Board on Aug. 18 adopted a resolution finding proposed demolition and reconstruction of a nonhistoric garage and guest house at the Conley Search House consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards.
The action covers DS25078 (Casanova All The Way LLC), a proposal to demolish most of a nonhistoric garage (built 1957) and a guest house (built 2010) and reconstruct a garage and an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in a similar location with a modestly expanded footprint and a taller roofline. The board’s action followed staff presentation, public comment from a project designer and discussion by board members.
Staff said the main residence — identified as the Conley Search House and constructed in 1908 — is listed on the city inventory (added to the inventory in February 2002) for its association with Frederick Willis Search and for its Carmel American Foursquare architectural character. The project would not alter the character‑defining features of the primary house, staff said; the work affects the later garage and guest house. A Phase 2 report prepared for the property found the proposal consistent with Standards 1, 2, 9 and 10; Standards 3–8 were judged not applicable.
Under the proposal, the garage/ADU massing would shift slightly forward on the lot relative to existing story poles, and the garage height would increase from 10 feet to 15 feet with a new dormer to create an upstairs office associated with the ADU. Staff noted the project follows a rectilinear plan consistent with the house’s massing and, in staff’s view, would not detract from the historic house’s integrity.
A project designer who identified themself in public comment said the plans were explanatory and thanked staff for the presentation. Board members discussed the proximity of story poles to an on‑site redwood and asked staff to require corrected story‑pole placement at the planning commission review. Board members who spoke supported the combination of a clearly differentiated new accessory structure and restoration of the main house’s historic features.
The board approved the staff resolution as presented. The vote recorded: Board Member Dyer — yes; Board Member Goodhue — recused/absent for this item; Board Member Gualtieri — yes; Board Member Voorhis — yes; Chair Kromen — yes. The file record shows the project’s total proposed floor area, including the ADU and garage, would be about 2,593 square feet — roughly 350 square feet under the stated maximum allowable floor area of 2,961 square feet.
The board’s finding is a recommendation consistent with the Historic Resources Board’s role; the project will continue on to planning‑level review and any required permits.
