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Ross ADR recommends landscape plan and side-yard variance for 200 Lagunitas Road
Summary
The Ross Architectural Design Review (ADR) Group voted unanimously to recommend that the Town Council approve a landscape revitalization and a variance permitting a pool within the side-yard setback at 200 Lagunitas Road, with a 15-foot buffer proposed between the pool and driveway.
The Ross Architectural Design Review (ADR) Group voted unanimously to recommend that the Town Council approve the landscaping and a variance for 200 Lagunitas Road, allowing a pool to be constructed within the side-yard setback with a proposed 15-foot setback from the side property line.
Roberta (Town staff) told the ADR that the proposal would revitalize side-yard landscaping, add an addition, install a new pool and spa and associated equipment, artificial turf, a fire pit, an outdoor kitchen, retaining walls, plantings, exterior lighting, a 6-foot automatic gate with two 6-foot-6-inch stone columns and a pedestrian gate. She said a variance is required because the pool would be located within the side-yard setback and that the driveway would be widened to 16 feet to meet Ross Valley Fire District regulations.
Sarah Niehaus, one of the property owners, and Dustin Moore of Strata (designer) described revisions made after the ADR’s December hearing. Niehaus said the team removed some patio areas and, in response to prior comments, proposed pushing the pool farther from the property line: “we're bringing that 15 foot setback proposal just to allow for enough buffer between the driveway and the pool.” Dustin Moore said the change also moved the pool away from the driveway and added gravel paving as a softer connector.
No members of the public offered comment. ADR discussion was brief and supportive: one member said she was “supportive of the changes made and the variance for this project,” another member said “I agree. I can submit it, or I can approve it as submitted,” and a third concurred, noting the revision responded to ADR input. The panel chair noted the result as a unanimous 3–0 recommendation to move forward to Town Council.
The ADR’s recommendation is advisory; any final approval, conditions or permit issuance will be decided by the Town Council. The staff presentation flagged the driveway widening required by the Ross Valley Fire District as a compliance item and identified the variance need for the pool’s location.
The ADR record shows the group approved the minutes from the prior meeting and then considered this item; the chair recused himself from this project because he is working on it. The recommendation will be included in the materials forwarded to Town Council for their review and action.
