Board approves two-story house and ADU at 615 Bath Street; staff hearing officer previously granted open-yard modification

The Single-Family Design Board granted project design and final approval for a two-story house with a lower-level garage/storage area and an accessory dwelling unit at 615 Bath Street.

Associate planner Pilar Plumber explained the project had previously been reviewed by the single-family design board and that a staff hearing officer approved an open-yard modification on Oct. 15 because the lot is small (just under 3,000 square feet). The proposal includes a 629-square-foot garage/storage lower level, a 704-square-foot primary residence above and a 349-square-foot ADU; the total proposed building area is about 2,122 square feet on a 2,999-square-foot lot (roughly 97 percent of the guideline FAR).

Applicant representatives described stormwater basins, permeable ribbon driveways to reduce impervious area, and revised architectural detailing such as tongue-and-groove painted soffits and window changes. Board members asked questions about foundation design near an adjacent sycamore tree; the applicants said they could consult an arborist and consider grade-beam or foundation detailing to reduce root impacts. The board found the project consistent with design guidelines and approved the application; staff noted the project was eligible for both project design and final approval and reminded the applicant of applicable implementation steps.