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ADR praises Lagunitas landscape design but asks for reduced setback patios or clearer hardship for variance
Summary
At 200 Lagunitas Road the ADR praised the landscape and driveway gate improvements but repeatedly said the applicant had not demonstrated a hardship to justify variances for front-yard patios and an outdoor kitchen; the ADR asked the applicant to revise plans to reduce side/front‑yard patio encroachments or present findings to the town council.
Ross’ Architectural Design Review panel reviewed landscape plans for 200 Lagunitas Road that include a front‑yard pool and spa, outdoor kitchen and dining patios, new driveway gate and widened motor court, and stormwater mitigation measures.
Presenter Elaine of Homestrata Landscape Architecture described the plan, noting the pool ‘‘is touching the 25-foot setback outside setback line’’ and that the team had proposed permeable pavers and a bioretention area to address runoff. Elaine said the pool equipment would be enclosed to reduce noise and that the motor‑court opening was widened to 16 feet to meet fire-code requirements.
ADR members complimented the overall design and driveway improvements—one member said, "I think the design is beautiful"—but repeatedly said the packet did not establish the legal hardship that would support the variance for patios and an outdoor kitchen in setback areas. Staff and members noted the project reduces some impervious surface (the submittal referenced a 664-square-foot reduction) and includes bioretention, but members urged the applicant to shrink or eliminate some setback patios or return with additional evidence should they pursue a council variance.
What happens next: ADR recommended that the applicant either revise the landscape plans to reduce setback patios and return for recommendation or, if pursuing the variance, submit clear findings for the town council to consider. The ADR adjourned following that action.
