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Design review board approves 22‑unit affordable housing at 845 Gravenstein Highway North
Summary
After revisions including removal of a clock tower and reduced landscape scale, the board approved Saint Vincent de Paul’s 22‑unit affordable housing project with 20 parking spaces and about 30 bicycle spaces. The board noted a seven‑day appeal period and urged adherence to water‑efficient and fire‑resistant landscaping standards.
The Sebastopol Design Review Board voted to approve Saint Vincent de Paul’s revised proposal for 22 affordable housing units at 845 Gravenstein Highway North. Staff described the latest plan as a continuation from May, noting the applicant removed a clock tower feature, simplified the planting palette and retained existing on‑site oak trees; the project includes 20 on‑site parking stalls and roughly 30 bicycle parking spaces.
Board members and the applicant said the design team simplified the front elevation and materials. Lisa, the applicant’s presenter, told the board the exterior will use cement siding (no stucco), a leaner plant palette, and an enclosed mail/meter area; she confirmed the city council has provided funding and the project will move into construction documents if the appeal period passes. John, the associate planner, described the updated plan set and confirmed the protected oaks’ locations will be respected.
Neighbors offered mixed testimony. Diana Green said she lives near the site and described ongoing trash and RV encampment problems and urged the board not to increase nearby housing without addressing safety and site conditions. Another resident who lives in a nearby Burbank‑run affordable complex said past investments had not reduced substance‑use and safety problems and asked the applicant to build durable, fire‑resistant siding.
Board members praised the applicant for responding to previous requests, questioned planting choices (some members suggested choosing less fire‑prone species), and flagged potential shading of rooftop solar by street trees. Multiple board members noted state and building‑permit reviews will enforce water‑efficient and fire‑resistant landscaping standards for new construction larger than 2,500 square feet.
A motion to approve the project “as presented” and subject to the packet’s recommended findings passed by voice vote (4 ayes, 2 absences). Staff reminded the public there is a seven‑day appeal period beginning the day of the decision; appeals must be filed with the planning department by 5 p.m. on the seventh day.
If the appeal period passes without challenge, staff said the next steps are processing construction documents and coordinating building‑permit review, including the water‑efficiency and fire‑resistant plant checks required by state and local rules.
