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Ross ADR says conceptually yes to 2 Madera remodel but flags setback, jadu details
Summary
The Town of Ross Advisory Design Review committee gave conceptual support to a proposed remodel at 2 Madera — converting an office to a JADU, adding about 191 sq ft upstairs and extending the deck — but flagged setback and dormer/window concerns and asked the applicant to refine FAR requests and confirm JADU-kitchen rules.
The Town of Ross Advisory Design Review committee reviewed a conceptual remodel at 2 Madera on Nov. 18, 2025, and expressed general support subject to changes addressing setback and privacy concerns.
Alex (staff) introduced the proposal, which would convert a main-floor office to a JADU and add a second-level addition while extending and raising the north deck. The applicant said the upstairs addition would add "191 square feet upstairs." The project would also replace an existing trellis with a more substantial wall and windows and extend the deck to make it rectangular.
Committee members focused on setback and nonconformity issues. Several members noted parts of the proposed deck and utility area lie within the front-yard setback. One member said the drawing shows a jog in the existing deck and pointed out that "the shaded part actually is at 8 1.5" and that a portion of the deck addition is in the front-yard setback. The applicant acknowledged those portions and said the area below the deck would remain largely unenclosed and used as open storage rather than habitable interior space.
Members also questioned whether the proposed JADU could legally share kitchen facilities with the main house. The applicant stated the JADU would "share the kitchen with the house," and staff said they would confirm the property’s compliance with ACD/code regarding JADU kitchen and bathroom rules.
On massing and architectural detail the committee favored raising and squaring off the deck to improve the house’s symmetry, but repeatedly urged caution about increasing nonconformity. Multiple members said they would not support dormers and side or rear-facing windows that look directly into a neighbor’s yard; one member recommended limiting new windows to the front façade only.
Outcome and next steps: The ADR gave conceptual approval on much of the scheme but advised the applicant to eliminate or reduce the 85-square-foot FAR ask where feasible, avoid dormers and side/rear windows that intrude on neighbors’ privacy, and confirm JADU program details with planning staff. Staff told the applicant the item would return for another review in "a month or two."
