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Planning commission approves architectural review and limited tree removals for 398 Thelden Street
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Summary
The commission adopted a resolution (5–0) approving the architectural review permit and tree removal permit for a new two‑story single‑family home at 398 Thelden Street with conditions including forestry permits for corner trees, timing of removals tied to building permits, tree‑protection measures and preconstruction nesting‑bird surveys.
On April 14, 2026, the City of Monterey Planning Commission approved an architectural review permit (ARP 250129) and a tree removal permit (ART 250130) for a new two‑story single‑family dwelling at 398 Thelden Street in the New Monterey neighborhood, adopting staff conditions and findings by a 5–0 vote.
Senior Associate Planner Chris Schmidt presented the continued item and recommended approval with conditions. Schmidt described the 50×117 corner lot, the proposed nearly 2,600‑square‑foot two‑story home with driveway on the Belden frontage, decking oriented toward views, and exterior materials selected for coastal durability. The application proposes removal of three trees associated with the development and retention of three mature coast live oaks; staff and the project arborist found two corner trees (a cypress and a pine) to be in poor health and recommended that those removals be authorized only after the forestry division issues a permit.
Schmidt told the commission that city code allows tree removal where a healthy tree prevents reasonable development of a permitted use and that staff found the project compatible with the neighborhood’s siting, massing and design guidelines. Staff’s recommended conditions include: (1) no authorized removals until a building permit is issued (which requires a water meter/allocation), (2) required forestry permits and additional tree‑protection measures for corner trees, (3) preconstruction surveys and compliance with laws protecting nesting birds and wildlife, and (4) foundation and construction measures to protect retained roots.
Applicant representative Claudio Ortiz described the design process and said the plan seeks to preserve scale and canopy; he told the commission the proposal would retain about 70% of the site’s canopy and situate the second story away from the street so the home reads as a single story from Belden. In response to commissioner questions about underground pipelines and easements, the project arborist noted available earth cover over utilities and said the storm drain and relined sewer are not expected to be compromised; Schmidt emphasized geotechnical review would be required at the building‑permit stage.
A motion to adopt the resolution and the staff conditions carried on a 5–0 roll‑call vote. The decision is appealable to the City Council within 10 days; appeal instructions and forms are available online or at the planning office.
