The Millbrae Planning Commission voted 4-0 on Dec. 1 to approve a design review permit that will allow the demolition of an existing one‑story house and construction of a new one‑story single‑family residence measuring 4,550 square feet of new gross floor area at 321 Marcela Way in the Mills Estates neighborhood.

Jennifer Lim, Associate Planner for the City of Millbrae, presented the proposal and recommended approval. Lim said the site is an interior lot of about 9,100 square feet and that staff sent eight adjacent owner consultation forms; six were returned in support and two were not returned. Lim listed the four findings the commission must make for design review approval — compatibility with neighborhood character, compliance with development regulations, no significant visual impact to neighboring principal rooms, and no detriment to orderly, harmonious and safe development — and told the commission staff believed those findings could be met.

The project as presented would replace an existing approximately 1,950 square‑foot one‑story house and detached garage with a new one‑story ranch‑style home featuring contemporary elements, five bedrooms, four bathrooms, high ceilings in several rooms and an attached two‑car garage. Lim said the design includes clerestory windows above the garage and a combination of horizontal siding and stucco with a dark shingle roof and black‑trim windows.

The property owner and project architect, identified in the hearing as Mr. Wong, spoke about his personal ties to Millbrae and his reasons for the expansion. "We don't plan to move, so that's why we wanted the extra extra space," Mr. Wong said, explaining the house is intended to accommodate his family and aging parents.

Commissioners asked about visual details and drainage. A commissioner noted a discrepancy between the 3‑D rendering and the elevation at the front entry; Mr. Wong said the 3‑D image showed doors ajar and confirmed the intended configuration of the entry (two sidelights with obscure glass). When asked about what appeared to be a flat area over the garage, Mr. Wong clarified there will not be a flat roof: "there will be a very slight slope to it," and gutters will carry water off the roof.

After a brief commission discussion — including a policy question from a commissioner about whether projects that meet forthcoming objective design standards could be approved ministerially — a commissioner moved to approve the design review permit and another seconded. The motion passed 4-0. Chair Davis noted the Planning Commission's action is final pending a 10‑day appeal period and payment of any required appeal fee, and provided the City Clerk's contact line for questions about appeals.

Votes at a glance:
- Approval of Oct. 20 minutes: motion passed (3-0-1), Commissioner Quigg abstained.
- Design review permit, 321 Marcela Way (demolition and new 4,550 sq ft one‑story residence): approved 4-0.

What happens next: The approval takes effect after the 10‑day appeal period unless an appeal is filed and any required appeal fee paid. Staff and the applicant indicated they are available to respond to follow‑up questions from the public or commissioners.

Context and community notes: Staff said six of eight adjacent owner consultation forms were returned in support. The commission discussed but did not decide policy thresholds for ministerial approvals under upcoming objective design standards. The decision may be appealed to the City Council within the 10‑day window.