Tiburon design board approves setbacks variances for accessibility remodel at 12 Mercury Avenue

The Tiburon Design Review Board on March 5 approved two variances and found the remodel at 12 Mercury Avenue categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act, clearing the way for interior accessibility upgrades and exterior changes to the single‑story house.

Architect Tyler Shelton presented the project, saying the plan ‘‘updates and improves the appearance of the front of the building, the streetscape and modernize[s] it’’ and includes ‘‘high efficiency systems’’ and ‘‘a substantial solar system.’’ Shelton described converting part of an existing single‑car garage into conditioned space, adding an accessible bedroom suite and a new enclosed entry courtyard.

Polly Hudson, one of the owners, told the board the work is motivated by household needs: ‘‘We’re hoping that these adjustments allow us to stay put because we love the neighborhood,’’ she said, noting her husband Christopher Berg has lived with Parkinson’s disease for 22 years and the changes would support aging in place.

Board discussion focused on two setback questions. Several members said they could make the required findings for the front‑yard setback but expressed concern about extending a side‑yard nonconformity adjacent to a neighboring property, noting the corridor there is ‘‘really tight’’ at about 5 feet 10 inches. Board member Suzanne Kim moved to adopt the draft resolution granting the two variances and finding the project categorically exempt from CEQA; the motion passed 3–1, with Board member Holscher recorded as opposed.

The board imposed no additional conditions beyond those in the staff draft resolution and did not receive outside public comment at the hearing. The applicants have five minutes of additional time to address concerns or proceed with permit submittals as required by town procedures.

The board moved on to other agenda items after the vote; the meeting adjourned later that evening.