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Millbrae Planning Commission approves 1,467‑sq. ft. addition at 1284 Encina Drive
Summary
The City of Millbrae Planning Commission on Dec. 15 approved a design review permit and exception requests to allow a 1,467‑square‑foot rear addition at 1284 Encina Drive; staff recommended approval after neighbor outreach and a reduced roof pitch intended to preserve a bay view.
The City of Millbrae Planning Commission on Dec. 15 approved a design review permit and exception requests to allow a 1,467‑square‑foot rear addition to a two‑story home at 1284 Encina Drive.
Associate Planner Jennifer Lim presented the project and told the commission the proposal would substantially remodel the interior of the existing 3,364‑square‑foot split‑level house and add the 1,467‑square‑foot rear addition. Staff said the work meets the criteria for ‘‘substantial improvement’’ under the building code (listed in staff materials as 9.10.05), which requires compliance with all planning standards for new construction. Lim told commissioners staff supports the design review permit and the exception requests for existing nonconforming front and upper‑floor right‑side setbacks, citing Millbrae Municipal Code sections 10.05.2500 and 10.05.2530 as the applicable findings.
Staff and the applicant described outreach to adjacent neighbors: seven consultation forms returned in support, one returned in opposition according to staff materials, and the owner of 268 Sebastian Drive raised concerns about the height of the addition and potential loss of views. The applicant installed story poles and provided superimposed 3‑D renderings; the designer, Eiki Tanaka of Studio 02 Architects, said the roof slope was reduced (to about 2½:12) and the roof was split to lower the ridge and preserve the bay view.
Commissioners asked about the updated renderings and front‑yard retaining walls; the applicant said retaining wall materials will be an "earthy tone" rather than the concrete appearance shown in some images. No members of the public offered live comment on this item during the meeting.
After discussion — during which commissioners praised the applicant for addressing neighbor concerns and expressed a preference to reduce the apparent concrete massing at the front yard — the commission approved the staff recommendation. The motion to approve the design review permit and the exception requests passed 4–0. Staff said the action is final pending a 10‑day appeal period and payment of a required appeal fee and provided City Clerk contact information and the City of Millbrae website for appeal instructions.
The commission moved on to the next scheduled design review hearing after the vote.
