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Commission approves four residential design reviews and a 540-sq-ft pool house; CEQA exemptions cited
Summary
At its Jan. 14 meeting, the commission approved design review permits for four single-family properties — including a new 42-square-foot front porch, window alterations and a 540-square-foot pool house — each granted a CEQA Section 15301 categorical exemption.
The Sonoma City Design Review and Historic Preservation Commission approved four residential design-review permits on Jan. 14, covering exterior modifications to single-family homes and a new 540-square-foot pool house. Staff recommended, and the commission granted, categorical exemptions under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines section 15301 for each item.
Staff presented each project and explained that historical-resource evaluations found the affected structures were not eligible for listing as historic resources, which shaped the review approach.
583 Barocci Way: Staff said the project includes a 42-square-foot front entry porch with steps, matching composition shingles and replacement windows; a sliding door will be infilled and replaced with vent sliders to accommodate interior sink relocation. Staff recommended approval; the commission voted unanimously to approve the design review subject to findings and conditions of approval.
696 Second Street East: Located inside the historic overlay but found not eligible as a historic resource, the project proposes window replacements, conversion of a French door to a window, and minor exterior changes. Staff noted an omitted historic-district findings sheet had been supplied in paper form for the commission. Commissioners agreed changes maintain historic character and approved the permit unanimously.
522 Avenue Del Oro: The applicant requested an interior kitchen remodel (relocating the sink and consolidating two front windows into a single window) and front facade window alteration. Staff found the project consistent with design guidelines and recommended approval; commissioners voted unanimously to approve.
20 El Nido Court (pool house): The commission approved an interior remodel, conversion of a two-car garage to a one-car garage, driveway repaving, exterior alterations and a 540-square-foot pool house with a bathroom and living area. Commissioners asked whether the pool house could become an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Staff clarified that the current proposal does not include a full kitchen and therefore would not qualify as an ADU; adding a kitchen later would require a separate building-permit review and compliance with ADU requirements, including sewer and addressing requirements. The commission approved the design review and pool house application unanimously.
All four items were approved by roll call vote and will proceed under the staff-recommended findings and conditions. Staff will update final findings, file CEQA exemption notices, and issue permits once final documents and building permits (where required) are complete.
