Design board allows Apogee condominium to add fenced west yard, approves plaza and facade upgrades with conditions

The Design Review Board voted March 12 to permit fencing and landscaping at the Apogee condominium’s west yard and to approve a package of plaza and facade upgrades, overriding two staff conditions that had recommended retaining the existing open‑lawn configuration.

Michael Larkin, speaking for the association, said security concerns motivated the request: "Homeless people routinely try to camp out there at night... the residents don't feel safe actually even going to that side yard right now," he said, and explained the proposed fence would be placed roughly 25 feet from the sidewalk and be decorative and permeable.

Staff explained its recommendation to retain the open view corridor was based on the property’s original approval, which had intended a view sequence toward the bay. Staff noted that mature trees planted in the park had reduced that view over time, but asked the board to weigh the historic configuration against current security concerns.

Residents and building representatives addressed the board in favor of the changes, saying the proposed improvements would enhance safety and improve a windswept plaza that rarely functioned well. Several board members supported the East Plaza upgrades and plantings; one board motion reduced the proposed fence height from 5 feet to 4 feet, per staff advice, and directed staff review of landscaping and lighting.

The board motion revised the condition so that the fence and gate would be permitted not to exceed 4 feet and be subject to staff review; it also allowed proposed landscaping on the north side west of the driveway. The motion passed unanimously.

Next steps: staff to review the final fence and landscape details prior to permit issuance.