ARB approves modern design at 51 Forrester/Parsley Street after design discussion

The Long Beach Architectural Review Board approved a building permit for the property listed in the record as 51 Forrester Street (the record also refers to the application as 51 Parsley Street) after members discussed the house’s modern, boxy appearance and whether it fit surrounding homes in the canals area.

Board members said the block includes a mix of older and newer houses and that several recently built homes have a more modern look than the vintage housing stock. Members noted the house’s flat or slightly pitched roof, boxed massing, enclosed decks and small windows; some said the design “grew on” them and others said they would prefer more transparent deck railings, for example glass rather than enclosed wood, but no change was required to secure approval.

The board clarified procedural limits for architectural review cases: if a project required zoning variances those would be resolved by the zoning board before ARB review. The board also noted there is no legal public‑notice requirement specific to ARB cases, though items are published on the city website and public hearings are open meetings.

Board Member Lucas moved to approve the application as submitted; Board Member Martinson seconded. The roll call recorded: Clancy — yes; Galto — no; Lucas — yes; Martinson — yes; Patton — yes; Spada — yes; Chairperson (recorded on the roll call) — yes. The application was approved.

During the discussion the board identified the likely builder by first and last name as Anthony Rector and observed that builder‑built houses may be sold and later altered by homeowners without further board review if changes do not require variances. Board members recommended that applicants consider materials and transparency of deck railings when trying to fit a modern house into an older block, but the ARB did not attach conditions in this case.