Commission approves 9-unit condominium at 1346 Elm Ave with conditions on stonework, trees and rooftop use

The Design Review Commission on Jan. 27 adopted a resolution approving a nine‑unit condominium development at 1346 Elm Avenue (planning case PPD23-011), with conditions intended to address neighborhood concerns about landscaping, tree replacement and building materials.

Staff presentation: Christine (planning staff) told commissioners the site is zoned R3 (high-density residential), the project complies with R3 development standards, and that the project was previously continued so the applicant could address comments about massing, materiality and roof features. The applicant revised the design to add a stone‑veneer base, awnings, shutters and Spanish‑style corbeling. Christine said the project was reviewed under CEQA and determined to be categorically exempt under the Class 32 infill exemption.

Why it matters: Commissioners and neighbors raised concerns about trees that had been removed from the site before submittal, the number and type of replacement trees proposed, and the prominence of stone veneer on the front and rear…