Planning commission approves steel windows for San Antonio Avenue house

The Carmel-by-the-Sea Planning Commission on an unanimous vote approved design-study referral DS25169, allowing replacement of existing wood windows and most doors at a San Antonio Avenue residence and requiring steel windows on all street-visible elevations. The commission's action formalized the applicant's proposal to use thinner-profile metal windows to address severe weather exposure and long-term maintenance needs.

Staff presented the application and noted that the project, as submitted, proposed aluminum windows by the manufacturer Arcadia; staff had referred the item to the commission under Design Guideline 9.11 because the property's current appearance and the proposed materials raise questions of consistency with the building's architecture. The applicant instead asked the commission to allow steel windows on the street-facing elevations and aluminum only on the rear elevations.

Architect Gretchen Fletcher told commissioners the existing wood windows "leak like a sieve" and said steel casement frames would provide the narrowest visible profile and an authentic appearance for the arched openings while meeting modern thermal needs. Owner Randall Dowler, who also identified himself as an architect, said the home's exposure increased after nearby eucalyptuses were removed and described the work as a maintenance-driven replacement: "Once those trees went down, the exposed [windows]... they were never intended to be exposed as they are." He added the replacements are needed for durability and comfort.

Several commissioners said the coastal exposure and the home's altered style made steel a reasonable choice. Commissioner Allen said, "I typically like to support the staff recommendation... I do feel like the steel is appropriate." Commissioner Locke argued for material uniformity, saying he would "like to see... steel windows be carried throughout both the front and the back of the building." Chair Sherry LePage summarized the legal framing the commission must apply, noting that any deviation from the guideline requires findings on architectural appropriateness and material consistency.

After discussion the commission moved to approve DS25169 with findings supporting steel windows for the visible elevations and allowing aluminum for minimally visible rear openings; the resolution required consistency across visible elevations. The motion passed on a roll call vote with all commissioners present voting yes.

The commission's decision replaces the previously proposed aluminum Arcadia windows on the façade with steel in the approved design. Other elements of the proposal — including no change to opening sizes, some reconfiguration of sash types, and retention of the existing front door — remain as described in the applicant materials. Staff confirmed that final product samples, finish colors and any minor staff-level adjustments would be reviewed under the regular building-permit and design-review implementation process.

The commission's action resolves a referral based on Design Guideline 9.11 (window styles and materials) and establishes a recorded administrative finding that steel windows are appropriate for this altered historic-context house at the San Antonio address. The applicant may proceed to building-permit review consistent with the commission's conditioned approval.

Votes and next steps: the commission approved DS25169 with a condition requiring steel windows on all street-visible elevations; staff will document findings and process final building-permit review.