Neighbors object to rooftop deck; commission accepts McWhirter concept with glazing and skylight conditions

Planning commissioners accepted concept review for DS25019 — a proposed new single‑family home with rooftop deck and rear ADU on Carmelo — but imposed conditions aimed at human scale and neighbor privacy.

Staff noted that the proposed design met zoning requirements but called attention to several fenestration and human‑scale concerns: proposed doors and windows on the street facing elevation exceed typical human‑scale recommendations (doors cited as up to 8‑9 feet tall and skylights larger than commonly permitted). Staff also recommended conditions for rooftop deck screening to mitigate potential privacy impacts on an adjacent historic home (the Taylor residence).

Architect Eric Miller said the rooftop deck was moved to the rear and backed by a pitosporum planter and a movable metal screen; he said the planter and temporary screen would provide immediate privacy while the planted hedge matured. The Taylor family, who live next door in a house on the historic registry, objected, saying the rooftop deck would allow direct views into multiple windows, including private spaces, and that a rooftop deck was inconsistent with nearby properties.

Commissioners questioned the size of the skylight and the large folding doors shown on the great room; several commissioners asked staff to add conditions reducing west‑facing glazing and limiting skylight size and to conduct a site visit to assess the deck’s privacy impacts. The commission adopted the concept resolution with those staff‑directed modifications and a condition to return with revised plans (reduced glazing/door sizes and detail on deck screening/plantings) prior to final review.

Next steps: The applicant will revise plans to reduce street‑facing glazing and skylight size, add deck screening details and coordinate a site visit so commissioners can assess privacy impacts prior to final consideration.