The South Pasadena Cultural Heritage Commission voted Dec. 18 to approve a certificate of appropriateness for a proposed 1,338‑square‑foot addition to a circa‑1910 Craftsman home in the Stratford Tract area.

Staff described the project as a two‑story enlargement that would add a second floor to a 1,402‑square‑foot single‑story house, producing a four‑bedroom, three‑bath home with two balconies and a laundry closet. Staff said the second‑story massing is set back about 30 feet from the existing front façade and that the design uses matching roof materials, eave depths and divided‑light windows to maintain compatibility with the original structure. Staff recommended the commission find the project exempt from CEQA and approve it with conditions listed in the staff report.

The applicant, identified in the record as Kyle Emoto (also transcribed later as Kylie Moto), answered questions about interior ceiling heights and confirmed a discrepancy in the drawings; the applicant agreed to correct the plans to reflect 9‑foot (and in some spaces 8½–8'6") interior ceiling heights as discussed. Several commissioners requested retaining a small front roof element to preserve the house’s original articulation; the applicant indicated that change was feasible. After discussion a commissioner moved to approve the project with the requested changes; the motion passed on a roll call vote with all present voting in favor. Chair Lopez reminded attendees that the decision is final unless appealed within 15 days and that construction may not begin during the appeal period.

Key project data presented at the hearing: existing house 1,402 sq. ft.; proposed addition: 360 sq. ft. on the first floor plus 978 sq. ft. on the second floor (total 1,338 sq. ft.); lot size approximately 7,871 sq. ft.; proposed post‑work configuration: 4 bedrooms, 3 baths. Staff materials noted the property lies in the Stratford Tract District, which has been determined eligible for historic designation but has not been officially designated as a district.

The commission closed the item after the vote; appeals information is available from the city clerk’s office.