The Woodside Planning Commission voted unanimously by those present on Dec. 17 to approve design review and a grading exception for a proposed single-family residence and detached accessory dwelling unit at 385 Moore Road.

Planning staff Jillian told the commission the 7.7-acre parcel is largely within a previously recorded building and pool envelope, includes a conservation easement along a town-designated stream corridor and is visible from state Highway 280; she said the proposal is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. "This project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act," Jillian said, and she recommended approval of the grading exception under Woodside Municipal Code section 151.22 because the project exceeds 1,500 cubic yards of grading and includes cuts and fills more than 8 feet.

Civil engineer Jim Toby of Lee and Braze Engineering described the site geotechnical conditions to the commission and framed the grading as an opportunity to stabilize a mapped landslide. "The geotech's recommendation is to remove the entire landslide and properly put it back into a more structured condition," Toby said, adding that the firm plans to install deep piers under major structures so foundations and the slope are locked in place. Toby said the applicant proposes to remove approximately 11 mature trees out of a canopy of more than 100 and that the proposed main residence is about 6,222 square feet.

Toby also explained the stormwater strategy: a below-grade retention pipe with a metered release designed to limit outflow to pre-development rates. When asked whether the retention system is sized for a particular storm event, Toby said it is "designed for a 25-year event," and he described a dissipater and maintenance access (a manhole with ladder steps) so the metering device can be inspected.

Commissioners questioned slide history, retaining-wall height and finished slopes. Toby described two tiered retaining walls of roughly 6 feet each and a finished slope of approximately 2 horizontal to 1 vertical, which he characterized as a stable final grade. On why so much grading was required, Toby said much of the earthwork is associated with landslide remediation rather than purely to site the house.

During deliberation commissioners praised the ASRB and staff review and said the design read as consistent with town character; one commissioner raised a minor concern about a small isolated retention area potentially collecting water, which staff said could be addressed during final design and maintenance planning. No public commenters opposed the project; one in-person commenter asked separately whether conceptual plans could show a setback exception for a different parcel and staff directed that commenter to the planning department for follow-up.

Votes at a glance:
- Approval of the minutes (consent): Motion made and seconded; roll call recorded affirmatives from Chair Weaver, Vice Chair Garr and Commissioner Ganerco; motion carried. (SEG 036–SEG 055)
- Development approval and grading exception for 385 Moore Road: Motion made and seconded; roll call recorded affirmatives from Chair Weaver, Vice Chair Garr and Commissioner Ganerco; motion passed (approved). (SEG 856–SEG 867)

Next steps: With the planning commission's approval of the grading exception and design review, the applicant may proceed with required building-permit applications and field geotechnical work (borings/excavation) to confirm slide limits and finalize engineered foundations and retaining structures. Staff announced the next director's report will be in January and closed the final hearing of the year.