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Design Review Board approves Hawthorne Drive deck variance to improve yard access
Summary
The board approved a 0.8 percent lot‑coverage variance to allow a modest deck relocation and lowering at 675 Hawthorne Drive to improve safe access from the kitchen on a steep lot.
Tiburon’s Design Review Board approved a modest lot‑coverage variance on June 5 to allow a raised deck alteration at 675 Hawthorne Drive that the applicant said will improve access and usability of a steeply sloped backyard.
Landscape designer Alex (Integrated Design Studio) presented the project on behalf of homeowners John Malloy and described the lot as steep (average grade about 25 percent) with high retaining walls that make access from the kitchen difficult. The applicant proposed shifting and lowering the existing deck by about 18 inches, adding steps and improving sightlines while keeping the deck materials and guardrail compatible with the existing house. The applicant said the requested lot coverage would be 30.8 percent where 30 percent is the published maximum and characterized the requested 0.8 percent increase as necessary to provide usable, safe egress to the yard.
The applicant noted neighbor support and said proposed planting — including English laurels along the east property line — would preserve privacy. No public opposition was raised in the hearing. Board members who visited the site described the topography as steep and supported the variance findings, noting the change improves safety and yard usability.
A board member moved to adopt the draft resolution and find the project categorically exempt from CEQA; the motion passed with all voting in favor.
