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Ross ADR recommends council approval for pool variance, landscape revisions at 200 Lagunitas Road
Summary
The Ross Architectural and Design Review (ADR) Group voted unanimously to recommend the Town Council approve design review and a variance allowing a pool inside the side-yard setback at 200 Lagunitas Road after the applicants revised the pool setback to 15 feet and made other landscaping changes.
The Ross Architectural and Design Review (ADR) Group voted unanimously to recommend that the Town Council approve design review and a variance to allow a swimming pool within the side-yard setback at 200 Lagunitas Road.
Roberta (planning staff) described the proposal as a landscape revitalization that includes an addition, a new pool and spa with pool equipment, artificial turf, a fire pit, patio and outdoor kitchen, retaining walls, new plantings, exterior lighting, a six-foot automatic gate flanked by two 6-foot-6-inch stone columns and a pedestrian gate. Roberta said a variance was required to construct the pool within the side-yard setback and that the applicant had revised plans following ADR feedback to propose an approximately 15-foot setback from the side property line (down from an earlier plan that used an 18-foot setback).
Sarah Niehaus, one of the owners of 200 Lagunitas, told the ADR the applicants had modified the plan after prior ADR input and were proposing a 15-foot setback “to allow for enough buffer between the driveway and the pool.” Dustin Moore of Strata (design consultant, appearing by Zoom) said the revised layout “actually gets it away from the driveway…doing multiple things” and confirmed the setback shift to 15 feet was the principal change since the last ADR meeting.
Roberta also noted the driveway would be widened to 16 feet to comply with Ross Valley Fire District regulations.
Members of the ADR expressed support for the revisions. One member said they were “supportive of the changes made and the variance for this project,” and another moved to approve; a second supported the motion. The chair reported “three unanimous votes to move forward.” The ADR’s action is a recommendation; the Town Council will take the final decision.
Clarifying details from the presentation and ADR discussion: the revised pool setback proposed by the applicant is about 15 feet from the side property line; driveway widening to 16 feet is intended to satisfy Ross Valley Fire District requirements; proposed landscape features include artificial turf, a fire pit, outdoor kitchen and new plantings; the gate configuration includes two 6-foot-6-inch stone columns and a six-foot automatic vehicle gate.
The ADR’s recommendation advances the application to the Town Council, which will review the design review and variance request at a future public meeting.
