Mill Valley planning commission approves 316 West Blythedale with conditions to protect redwoods

The Mill Valley Planning Commission approved a design for a new single-family home with an accessory dwelling unit at 316 West Blythedale, conditioning the decision on measures intended to protect several mature redwoods on and near the lot.

Planning staff summarized the project as "a proposed new single family dwelling and accessory dwelling unit," and said the resubmittal responds to commission direction from an October study session by reducing visible massing, eliminating a proposed parking stall in the public right-of-way and changing materials to darker, earth-toned finishes. Staff recommended the commission find the project categorically exempt under CEQA guidelines section 15303 and to approve the application subject to revised conditions, including tree-protection measures.

The commission’s discussion centered on tree impacts and construction logistics. Staff flagged one heritage redwood identified as Tree 14 that the applicant proposed to remove because of its…