Design board grants project design and final approval for addition at 226 Oliver Road

The City of Santa Barbara Single-Family Design Board granted project design approval and final approval for proposed additions at 226 Oliver Road, finding the development consistent with the city’s scenic character and the board’s Good Neighbor guidelines.

The applicant’s team described a proposal that would increase the residence on a 5,954-square-foot parcel to a total of about 2,454 square feet of development (roughly 92 percent of the guideline floor-to-lot area ratio). The project includes a 200-square-foot first-story addition, a 432-square-foot second-story addition, conversion of part of the existing garage into a junior accessory dwelling unit and a new covered patio. Architect Chris Cottrell said the second-story design does not propose exterior lighting and that exterior materials were selected to match existing shingles and siding.

Assistant planner Jillian Fennessy told the board that the project previously received a coastal development permit and front/interior setback modifications from the planning commission and is before the board for design review because it includes a second-story addition.

Board members asked about hedge heights and sidewalk dedication; the applicant said the project includes a six-inch public-right-of-way dedication to accommodate sidewalk improvements and that the front-yard hedge will be adjusted in accordance with the dedication and visibility triangle requirements. After discussion, Chair Jennifer Lewis moved to grant project design approval and final approval with findings that the proposal is compatible with the neighborhood, protects public safety and generally complies with the Good Neighbor guidelines. The motion passed and staff reminded the applicant that the 10-calendar-day appeal period begins with the decision.