Commission approves new Spanish‑Colonial style home with conditions and design guidance

The Planning Commission on June 18 approved a development permit (DP 24‑500) for a new two‑story single‑family residence and ancillary junior accessory dwelling unit at 323 Encino Lane, finding the project categorically exempt from CEQA.

Staff and the commission described the house as Spanish Colonial Revival in style: approximately 3,265 square feet of living area with a 713‑square‑foot roof deck and a 353‑square‑foot junior ADU on a currently vacant lot in the Residential Medium zone with an architectural overlay. The project includes a required ADA‑compliant sidewalk and landscaping, terracotta roof tile, stucco finish and black aluminum‑clad trim as shown in the revised plans presented to the commission.

Design Review Subcommittee had earlier requested changes to the applicant’s original submittal. The applicant revised plans to replace a proposed black tile roof with terracotta tile, add traditional exposed rafter tails, adjust tower proportions, increase the first‑floor plate height and modify chimney details. The commission discussed a remaining detail — the form of the entry tower corners — and provided staff guidance rather than a change as a formal condition: commissioners recommended either retaining clipped corners (as earlier preferred by DRC) or otherwise using a detail consistent with Spanish Colonial Revival rather than an unusually broad rounded radius.

Commissioners and staff also discussed the proposed decorative tile. The applicant agreed to place decorative tile where it is clearly visible from the public right of way (planter face and stair risers) rather than where it would be less public; staff and the applicant agreed to finalize tile placement and extent with planning staff. The commission directed that exterior lighting fixtures for the front entry be downward‑shielded to limit glare and that the contemporary globe/moon‑style fixtures proposed for the gate should be revised to meet the city’s lighting standards.

Other clarifications and conditions noted at the hearing: the roof‑deck and stair door recess details should match the surrounding window recesses per drawing detail; guardrails/handrails must meet building‑code height and safety requirements (handrails/guards where decking or steps exceed code thresholds); and the project must comply with the city’s Spanish Colonial Revival design guidelines and conditions in the staff report. The applicant confirmed agreement with the staff recommendations.

A motion to approve the development permit, acknowledging the findings in the staff report and incorporating the design discussion, passed unanimously.