Redondo Beach commission approves restoration and rear dwelling at 517 South Catalina Avenue

The Redondo Beach Public Amenities Commission voted unanimously to approve renovation and a rear detached two‑story dwelling at 517 South Catalina Avenue, a local landmark originally designated in 2016. Commissioners voted 4-0 to adopt a resolution approving a certificate of appropriateness and related site modifications, including restoration of original wood siding, repair or sensitive replacement of windows and trim, a 387-square-foot two‑story addition to the front house, demolition of a nonoriginal two‑car garage and construction of a new four‑car garage with a dwelling above at the rear of the lot.

Steven, senior planner in the community development department, presented the staff report and summarized the project scope and relevant design standards. He told the commission the project "maintains the original massing, the roof form gables" and recommended approval, noting staff's finding that the project is categorically exempt under CEQA for rehabilitation and preservation of historic resources and is consistent with the adopted design guidelines.

The property owners and the project architect described plans to remove nonhistoric stucco to expose and repair original wood siding where feasible, to recover salvageable historic glazing, and to locate new construction at the rear to minimize visibility from Catalina Avenue. The owners emphasized their restoration intent; one said the goal is to return the facade so "this looks like it did when it was first built."

Commissioners asked detailed questions about window preservation, egress and energy-code drivers that require some casement windows for bedrooms, and the process for carefully removing stucco to assess and repair original materials. Multiple commissioners flagged the diamond‑pattern windows that face the street as a character‑defining feature. Commissioner Galassi said the commission must ensure "all reasonable efforts into retaining that glass shall be undertaken," and the resolution includes that expectation (cited in the staff report as resolution item 21).

Commissioner Galassi moved to adopt the resolution; Commissioner McCauley seconded. Roll call votes were recorded as Commissioner Lang yes, Commissioner Galassi yes, Commissioner McCauley yes and Chair Morocco yes. The commission also directed staff to coordinate permit timing and any required follow‑up with community development staff.

The resolution references Chapter 4, Title 10 of the Redondo Beach Municipal Code and notes staff's CEQA determination (as stated in the staff report). The commission acknowledged the practical balance the project seeks between restoring original character and meeting current building and energy codes. The applicants said they will salvage and reuse original materials where possible and pursue salvaged historic glass if full preservation of the existing panes is not feasible.

Next steps: staff will proceed with building‑permit review and the applicants will work with community development on any conditions of approval and restoration details. The commission also offered to invite the owners to a future local landmark event being organized by a subcommittee.

Provenance: Topic begins with the public hearing announcement for 517 South Catalina Avenue and staff presentation and continues through the commission's motion and roll-call adoption of the resolution (public hearing opened at SEG 678; staff presentation began SEG 726; motion and vote concluded SEG 1832–SEG 1860).