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Planning Commission approves second‑story addition at 1702 Pine Knoll Drive
Summary
The Belmont Planning Commission on June 3 approved a design review for a second‑story addition and modest front entry expansion at 1702 Pine Knoll Drive, finding the project meets the city's residential design standards. The vote was 5-0; the decision is appealable within 10 calendar days.
The Belmont Planning Commission approved a single‑family design review for 1702 Pine Knoll Drive on June 3, voting 5-0 to permit a second‑story addition and a minor front‑entry bump‑out that will increase the home's total gross floor area to about 3,414 square feet.
The commission's decision followed staff's presentation of site data and a design review recommendation, and a brief presentation by the project's lead designer and the homeowners. The project was found to comply with applicable floor area limits, setbacks and the city's residential design guidelines.
Natalie Hyland, lead designer and owner of Hyland Design Group in San Carlos, told the commission the project "fits within the design guidelines" and emphasized that the new entry and upstairs alignment were intended to create "a strong symmetry between the entry, the lower level, and then the overall front elevation." Hyland said no grading or tree removal is proposed and that exterior materials will "primarily match the existing" palette. Tiffany Savoie, one of the homeowners, said the couple moved to Belmont in 2020 and is seeking more living and home‑office space for their two young children.
Staff presented the lot size (9,678 square feet) and an average site slope (about 16.14 percent). The existing house is about 2,167 square feet and the proposed total (3,414 square feet) is below the project's maximum allowable gross floor area of 3,500 square feet and the applicable floor area ratio. Proposed setbacks exceed minimum requirements: a front setback of roughly 79 feet 6 inches, right‑side setback roughly 9 feet 9 inches, left‑side about 14 feet 3 inches and a rear setback of about 37 feet 5 inches. Staff also said the addition remains under the 28‑foot maximum height for the district.
Commissioners said the design was carefully composed and consistent with the city's guidelines. After deliberations, a commissioner moved to approve the resolution finding that the required design review findings could be made; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll‑call vote with Commissioners Adam Kavich, Majeski, Kramer, Twigg and Jadalla recorded as voting "Aye." The resolution references application number 2020-523.
The commission noted the decision is appealable to the City Council within 10 calendar days.
