Planning staff explained petition 339‑25: the owner seeks a special permit to construct a 483‑square‑foot detached garage and enclose a small portion of an existing porch, increasing the floor‑area ratio from 0.38 to 0.43. Planner Katie Wewell said the proposal preserves neighborhood scale, meets setback standards for detached garages and that similar accessory buildings exist on adjacent lots.

Homeowner Frank Dimella described a narrow existing driveway pinched against the house and a desire to protect a large adjacent tree; he said the proposed garage is minimized to reduce impacts and that materials and massing will match the current house. Several councilors praised the applicant for the design and concern for vegetation; Councilor Mark Laredo moved to close the public hearing and to approve the plan. The committee voted by roll call (8–0) in favor of the special permit with standard plan‑reference, building permit and occupancy conditions.

The petitioner was reminded to coordinate final building permits and inspections with Planning and Building Department staff.