The Design Review Board approved a remodel and accessory-dwelling conversion at 390 Ruby Street on Nov. 6, 2025, finding the project consistent with neighborhood character and design-review criteria but adding three conditions negotiated with neighbors and staff.

Staff presented the project as a two-story cottage restoration with an ADU (conversion of an attached garage plus an addition). The project required a coastal development permit because the ADU is in the coastal zone; staff recommended approval and a CEQA exemption under the categorical guidelines. Multiple neighbors spoke at the hearing, raising concerns about view impacts, privacy and parking; neighbors asked the board to evaluate the proposal under the current ADU ordinance and requested a site visit, which staff and the applicant had already conducted.

The applicant, project architect Tim Nicholl, agreed to reuse existing shiplap siding wherever possible rather than replacing it with board-and-batten; to relocate the air-conditioning condenser to the Catalina Street side yard with sound attenuation and an enclosure (final location to be subject to staff approval); and to remove a pedestrian trellis over the driveway entry after neighbor concern. With those conditions, the board adopted the resolution approving design review 25-1577, the coastal development permit and related permits; the board recorded the roll-call vote and noted the 14-day appeal period.