The Town of Woodside Planning Commission on Jan. 14 approved a design review and two exceptions for a proposed residence and accessory structures at 125 Farm Road.

Planner Sarah presented the application, saying the project proposes a new main residence of about 7,400 square feet with an attached garage, a detached accessory dwelling unit, pool house, gym, swimming pool and sport court on an approximately 4.8‑acre parcel in the SCP‑5 zoning district. The applicant requested a maximum residential size exception (the base maximum is 6,000 square feet; the lot‑size formula allows additional area) and a grading exception for more than 1,500 cubic yards of earthwork. Staff and engineering recommended approval in the draft resolution, and the Architectural and Site Review Board reviewed and recommended the proposal in July 2025.

Architect Marcus of Arcadem/Arcanum Architecture told commissioners the grading need stems from the difference in elevation between Farm Road and the proposed building area. He said the team relocated the driveway to the site’s northern corner to reduce overall cut and fill and to locate septic work where percolation tests allow. "The goal is to have an almost net, even cut and fill on the site," Marcus said. He described a material palette of vertical wood siding, stone veneer, painted metal windows and slate tile roofs and said the house is mostly single‑story with a modest second story and a highest point of about 29.7 feet.

Commissioners asked for clarification about tree removals. The project team said a total of 54 trees were listed for removal on the initial plans, but staff clarified not all of those are classified as 'significant' under town rules. Landscape architect Johnson said many flagged trees are in poor health and that removals are concentrated along the Farm Road (northern) boundary and the western site edge. Replacement plantings discussed included ornamental olive trees expected to reach about 12–15 feet and other common‑boundary screening estimated at 7–9 feet.

During deliberations commissioners expressed general support for the site planning and design, noting that the volumes were balanced and that most truck traffic and grading work would be contained on site. The commission moved to approve the draft resolution to grant design review and the two exceptions; the motion passed by the commissioners present. Staff member Sage reminded the public that the decision is subject to a 10‑day appeal period and that information about appealing (and the associated fee) is available from the deputy town clerk.

The applicant’s next steps are to comply with any conditions of approval in the adopted resolution and to proceed with required building and grading permits; interested parties may file an appeal within the 10‑day window.

Votes at a glance: The commission voted to approve the project and the two exceptions for 125 Farm Road; the record shows affirmative votes by the commissioners present.