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Board approves Garcia Street casita, sets 2.5‑inch bullnose condition
Summary
After debate about prior precedent, the HDRB approved a 657‑sq‑ft casita at 645 Garcia Street but required a 2.5‑inch minimum stucco corner radius (bullnose) to harmonize with nearby approved work.
The Historic Districts Review Board approved a 657‑square‑foot guest casita at 645 Garcia Street but imposed a condition requiring a minimum 2.5‑inch radius on stucco corner bullnoses to better harmonize the accessory structure with adjacent lots.
Staff presented the Lot 3 proposal at Windmill Hill, describing the modest, single‑bedroom casita as largely not publicly visible behind a curved rock wall and existing landscaping. The applicant described the structure as compatible with the approved main house on the lot and emphasized there were no publicly visible facades from the street.
Discussion focused on the appropriate radius for rounded stucco corners — a detail board members said affects the visual character of nearby structures. Board members referenced earlier approvals for neighboring lots that had varied bullnose dimensions (1" in one earlier decision, staff field measurements indicating 3"–6" in the area). Member Bienvenu argued the ordinance and prior staff direction constrained the board; other members pressed for harmonization across the three lots being developed concurrently.
After competing motions and deliberation, the board approved the casita conditioned on a minimum 2.5‑inch bullnose radius to reconcile past practice and neighborhood harmony. The motion passed by roll call.
