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ADR praises 200 Lagunitas Road design but urges smaller setbacks and fewer terraces
Summary
The ADR complimented the landscape design for 200 Lagunitas Road—including a front-yard pool, widened gate for fire access and additional screening—but several members said they did not see a hardship to support setback variances and recommended reducing patio/terrace areas before returning.
Ross’ Advisory Design Review reviewed a landscape improvement proposal at 200 Lagunitas Road that would add a front-yard pool and spa, an outdoor kitchen and dining areas in the setback, a widened auto gate for fire access, and new screening. The ADR praised the quality of the design but questioned whether the applicant demonstrated the legal hardship necessary for setback variances.
Applicant Elaine (landscape architect) described widening the driveway gate to a minimum 16-foot opening to meet fire code, reorganizing motor-court parking to ease access, and placing the pool close to the 25-foot setback to preserve an artificial-turf lawn. She said the pool equipment will be enclosed to address noise and that permeable pavers and bioretention features will reduce the net impervious impact.
Several ADR members called the design “beautiful” and supported driveway and gate improvements, but multiple members said the large lot and available buildable area made it hard to justify setback variances for terraces and an outdoor kitchen. One ADR member suggested shrinking or eliminating some terraces—especially the outdoor kitchen area—and recommended returning with reduced setback encroachments if the applicant seeks ADR recommendation for variances.
The ADR did not make a final determination on the variances; the panel recommended that either the applicant amend plans and return or present hardship findings to the Town Council for adjudication.
