Portola Valley commission approves Portola Valley Ranch pool renovations with tree‑protection and lighting conditions

Portola Valley — The Architectural and Site Control Commission on March 9 approved a permit for renovations to the two pools and a new pool support building at One Indian Crossing in the Portola Valley Ranch planned unit development, the commission decided, subject to conditions to protect tree roots and cut site lighting.

Paul Kitehenzy, a consultant planner working with the town, presented the project and told commissioners the work includes renovations to the lap and leisure pools, replacement of a small outbuilding with a slightly larger pool support building, accessibility upgrades and site fencing. He said the project triggers a site development review because it involves 158 cubic yards of soil movement and noted the project was reviewed by the conservation committee, which “indicated no remaining concerns.”

Kitehenzy described the lighting proposed for egress and safety and the number of fixtures across the site: “The proposed lighting is for the purposes of safety and for egress lighting,” he said. The staff packet lists 133 path lights, 20 trellis lights, 12 step lights and six lights mounted on the support building; staff said all exterior materials and light reflectivity values comply with the town design guidelines.

Commissioners asked about potential intrusion of construction into the root zone of a large nearby tree and whether the number and placement of path and building lights could be reduced. Commissioner Carter said he supported the project but asked for “additional care taken for the tree’s root zone” and requested a lighting plan that “considers a significant reduction in light in recognition of the town’s dark‑sky background.”

A motion to approve the architectural review and site development permit passed after the commission added two conditions: that the applicant take extra measures to protect the tree root zone identified during the hearing, and that a designated ASC member review and sign off on a reduced‑lighting plan before construction proceeds. The approval was by voice vote; an opposition was recorded on the public voice roll but the motion carried.

The applicant — represented at the meeting by Matt Irvin of the Portola Valley Ranch association and subject‑matter consultants on architecture and landscape architecture — thanked the commission. Staff said the permit will include the normal conditions of approval and that the project has been noticed to property owners within 300 feet; no public comments were submitted to staff before the hearing.

The commission did not set a construction completion date during the meeting; staff said the applicant would coordinate subsequent administrative steps, including identifying the designated ASC member who will review the lighting plan.