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Planning commission approves lift-and-add at Garfield Avenue bungalow
Summary
The Albany Planning & Zoning Commission approved planning application PA25‑0351151 for 1151 Garfield Avenue, allowing the existing 1925 bungalow to be lifted about 10 feet and a new lower level and second story added within the existing footprint; the decision is subject to standard findings and a 14‑day appeal period.
The Albany Planning & Zoning Commission approved a design‑review and use‑permit request on Dec. 10 for a project that lifts a single‑story bungalow at 1151 Garfield Avenue and adds a new lower level and second story within the existing footprint.
Planner Mira Han summarized the proposal, saying the 5,000‑square‑foot lot contains an approximately 1,191‑square‑foot, three‑bedroom, one‑bath bungalow built in 1925. The project seeks to lift the house about 10 feet, construct a new ground level, add roughly 37 square feet to square off an L‑shaped corner, and replace an existing detached garage with a slightly smaller one. Han said the house currently has nonconforming setbacks (about 13 feet at the front and 3 feet 8.4 inches at the east side) and that a use permit is required to vertically extend those nonconforming setbacks; staff recommended approval subject to the findings and conditions in the staff report.
Architect Aviva Rapoport of AAA Architecture described the design as a contemporary interpretation of Mission‑style elements, with deep inset windows, a recessed wood‑sided entry, and textured stucco planes. Rapoport said lifting the building minimizes carbon impacts by reusing the existing foundation and increases permeable area on the site. “The lift provides the lowest carbon impact of any addition by maximizing reuse of the concrete foundations,” Rapoport said.
Commissioners raised questions about additional renderings, privacy and window alignment with neighboring properties, and the landscape plan. The architect said additional 3‑D views exist though not all were included in the packet. Chair and commissioners encouraged better detail on landscaping at the building‑permit stage and noted the city could consider clearer landscaping guidance in a future study session.
Commissioner (Speaker 4) moved to approve PA25‑0351151; the motion carried on a voice vote. Chair announced a 14‑day appeal period before the decision becomes final.
Next steps: the applicant may proceed toward building permits after the appeal period, subject to the conditions of approval listed in the staff report.
