Albany planning panel approves 1006 Ventura Avenue two‑story addition, 5–0

The Albany Planning & Zoning Commission on Nov. 12 voted 5–0 to approve planning application PA 25‑037, allowing a two‑story, 754 square‑foot rear addition at 1006 Ventura Avenue that will transform the house into a three‑bedroom, two‑bath, 1,821 square‑foot home.

Associate Planner Mira Hahn told commissioners the project requires a use permit because the addition would extend an existing nonconforming north side setback of 2 feet 4 inches where 3 feet 6 inches is required. The proposal includes a 261‑square‑foot rooftop deck with a fire‑rated parapet wall and preserves the existing front façade, she said. Staff recommended approval subject to standard findings and conditions.

“I’m here to present item 5‑1, use permit and design review application PA 25‑037 at 1006 Ventura Avenue,” Hahn said during the presentation, outlining site dimensions, elevations, and privacy measures.

Architect and applicant Gabriel Guerrero of Cary Designs Architecture said the project team met with planning staff and neighbors, prepared shadow studies to assess impacts, and agreed to mitigation including planting a bamboo hedge, adjusting a fence location and retaining an arborist to protect a large palm tree. “Prior to the meeting, we met with the neighbors and provided them with printed plans for review,” Guerrero said.

Commissioners praised the design and the applicants’ neighborhood outreach. Commissioner Pilch moved approval and the motion carried unanimously. Chair McLeod noted a 14‑day appeal period and directed that project materials remain posted while that period is open.

The commission’s approval permits the addition to extend an existing nonconforming wall; the decision does not change the front façade or raise the roof ridge. If an appeal is filed, the matter will return for further review within the appeal timeframe.