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Design Commission approves new two‑story home and ADU at 409 Pearl Street with fence and landscaping conditions
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Summary
The Design Review Commission approved SPR23‑063 for a new two‑story home and a 1,000 sq ft accessory dwelling at 409 Pearl Street on Feb. 23, 2026, contingent on bringing the front fence into code compliance (or removing it) and increasing the front crepe myrtle to a 36‑inch box; staff added a tree‑protection condition to preserve a large oak during ADU construction.
The San Gabriel Design Review Commission on Feb. 23, 2026, approved planning case SPR23‑063, a proposal for a new two‑story single‑family residence with a 1,000 square‑foot detached accessory dwelling unit at 409 Pearl Street, subject to conditions requiring that the front fence be brought into compliance or removed and that the city architect review fence modifications; the approval also includes a condition to protect an on‑site oak tree during construction and a requirement to install a larger front crepe myrtle (36‑inch box).
Marlon, a planning staff presenter, described the project: the existing lot measures about 8,250 square feet, the proposed home totals 2,516 square feet (1,440 ground floor, 1,076 second floor) with a 1,000 sq ft detached ADU, and the proposal was revised since a July 2025 hearing to remove stone veneer and correct window schedule inconsistencies. Staff determined the project is consistent with the R1 zoning and exempt from CEQA under the Class 3 new construction exemption.
The city architect raised one outstanding issue: the front fence was not clearly shown in the revised plans and it was unclear whether it would remain, be stuccoed to match the house, or be replaced. Staff said it would check permit records to determine whether the existing fence is a permitted nonconforming structure; if not permitted, the fence must be set back 30 inches with planting or the applicant must obtain a permit. The applicant, Long Ketchum, said they would like to keep the existing fence and would "keep the same" but acknowledged staff's request to open an entry for the proposed sidewalk from the front door.
Commissioners emphasized that if the fence is altered it should harmonize with the approved materials and that the commission could require it be removed if unpermitted. Commissioners also discussed landscaping: the arborist report provided that evening prompted staff to include a condition to protect a large oak tree during construction. Commissioner Lopez moved to approve SPR23‑063 contingent on the fence being removed or brought into compliance under city architect review and on upgrading the crepe myrtle to a 36‑inch box; the motion was seconded and carried by roll call with Commissioner Chang absent.
The approval is conditioned on details to be resolved with staff and the city architect during plan resubmittal; staff noted the project will proceed to permit once the conditions are met. No public commenters spoke on this item during the allotted public‑comment period.
