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Tiburon design board approves demolition and new house at 15 Acela Drive with coverage variance
Summary
The Design Review Board approved plans to demolish the existing home at 15 Acela Drive and build a new single-family house and garage, granting a lot-coverage variance after finding the steep slope and design merit justified an exception.
The Tiburon Design Review Board on the evening granted approval for the demolition of the existing structure at 15 Acela Drive and the construction of a new 3,995-square-foot home with a 650-square-foot garage, and voted to approve a variance for lot coverage.
The applicants, homeowners David Ehsan and Perizat (Perri) Ehsan, and project architect Mohammed Sadria described the proposal as a one-level living design with terraces stepped down the slope. Architect Mohammed Sadria said the design “locates public areas and the master suite on the upper level” and that the project lowers the finished roof line below the existing ridgeline by excavating the site approximately 2 feet, which he said reduces perceived height from uphill neighbors.
Board members said the hillside context and the project’s approach to stepping the building down the slope met the ordinance’s design intent. Board member Suzanne (first name not specified) said she could make the four findings required for a lot-coverage variance, noting the slope and the fact the nonconformity was not a self-created hardship. Several board members added that eliminating existing nonconformities (the proposal removes a side-yard setback nonconformity) and proposing earth-tone materials that blend into the site weighed in favor of approval.
During the hearing the applicants described neighborhood outreach: they said they had met with adjacent neighbors, provided letters of support from some neighbors, and agreed to dust-control, construction fencing and other protections. The applicants also told the board they had been working with Pacific Gas & Electric on an undergrounding plan for two on-site utility poles and reported the effort was well underway.
After board discussion the Design Review Board adopted the prepared resolution approving the project and making the required variance findings. The board recorded a voice vote in which all members present voted in favor.
The project will return to staff for final permit checks and conditions. The board’s approval included the standard CEQA exemption finding for this kind of residential remodel and replacement.
Residents who asked questions during the hearing raised landscaping and tree-removal concerns; the applicants said the trees proposed for removal were primarily pines identified by the town and fire department as hazards and that replacement planting and other mitigation will be addressed in permit conditions.
