Mendocino review board approves 270‑sq‑ft exterior addition for veterinary clinic, 4‑1

The Mendocino Historical Review Board voted 4–1 to approve an application (case MHRB2025-0010) by Novak for a 270‑square‑foot exterior addition, a new deck and exterior stairs to provide access to upstairs storage at a veterinary clinic in Fort Bragg.

Planning staff told the board the project does not increase building height or change front/rear setbacks and that the proposed materials — wood siding and wood windows on the south elevation — are consistent with historic‑district guidelines. "The proposal includes a 270‑square‑foot interior building addition" and "to allow them to have the exterior changes, they're coming to you today," staff said during the public hearing.

The project requires an amendment to an existing use permit that allowed the property’s conversion from residential to veterinary/commercial use in 2008. Planning staff said the amendment is needed because the expansion and some of the proposed uses are not explicitly described in the current use permit. Staff also noted outstanding technical approvals — including water and waste disposal considerations — that applicants are still securing.

Public commenters and some board members raised concerns about preserving the town’s historic character. One commenter who described the building as "one of the older buildings in town" urged caution because the structure dates to 1883 and changes to such buildings are "irrevocable." The applicant’s representative described financial setbacks during the COVID period and said the modest addition would provide safer, more accessible storage for clinic operations.

After a brief board exchange weighing the town’s historic scale against the need for veterinary services — "we need more veterinary space in town," one board member said — a board member moved to accept staff’s recommendation to approve the proposal "as proposed." The motion was seconded and passed by roll call, 4–1. Planning staff announced the vote result and thanked the applicants and the public for their participation.

The approval is for the review‑board recommendation; the applicants must return with the full submittal and obtain the required use‑permit amendment and any other permits or technical clearances before construction begins. The board noted that the visible streetscape from Harvard Street would not be altered by the work as proposed, a factor cited by members who supported the approval.