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Santa Barbara board asks designer to slim ADU overhang, study plate heights at 819 N. Aliso St.
Summary
The Single Family Design Board continued concept review of a proposed 1,000-square-foot accessory dwelling unit at 819 North Aliso Street and asked the applicant to return to the full board with refined roof/rafter details, reduced front overhang and a tree‑replacement plan.
The Single Family Design Board continued concept review of a proposed accessory dwelling unit at 819 North Aliso Street after members requested changes to the roof overhang, framing details and landscape screening.
The project team presented a 1,000-square-foot, one‑story ADU and a 50-square‑foot front‑yard storage shed on a 5,000‑square‑foot lot with an existing, to‑remain 660‑square‑foot single‑family residence. Architect Alex Windham described the design as a two‑material house with plaster and charred cedar siding and said the ADU would be sited in the large front yard. The board heard staff advise that the project is still in the application completeness cycle and not final for appeal.
Board members said the overall scale and concept were acceptable but asked the applicant to study a set of refinements before returning for full review. The board recommended shortening the proposed front overhang to about three feet to reduce perceived bulk at the sidewalk; studying the 11‑foot plate height shown on one elevation so interior proportions and exterior scale are consistent; and providing detailed rafter/edge details that better match mid‑century vernacular in the neighborhood. Members also favored native, water‑wise front yard planting and requested a plan to replace a large on‑site cypress if it is removed.
Windham explained materials and neighborhood precedents and confirmed the existing house would be painted to better coordinate with the ADU. He also said the team proposes native manzanita planting and a rain garden to increase site permeability.
Action: The board voted to return the project to the full board (continuance to a future full hearing) with the board comments above and with direction to provide revised elevations, rafter details, a landscape/tree‑replacement plan and documentation of plate heights. Roll call: Board member Mosley — yes; Board member Richards — yes; Board member Grafati — yes; Vice Chair Sherry — yes; Chair Andrew Lewis — yes. Motion passed.
What’s next: The applicant will revise plans to reflect the board’s comments and return to the full board for project design review. The board asked staff to note that no final, appealable approvals were issued at this concept review.
