Planning commission approves addition at 536 Pomona Ave with window and street-tree conditions

The Planning Commission approved a use-permit and design-review application for 536 Pomona Ave (PA25-053), accepting staff's finding that the proposed two-story addition and porch meet the R1 development standards and are categorically exempt from SQUA. "No public comment was received," staff noted, and the project was recommended for approval subject to findings and conditions.

The applicant (represented online) proposed a 243-square-foot two-story addition at the front northeast side of the house, a 53-square-foot porch and a roughly 303-square-foot addition at the rear; the addition does not increase the house height above the existing condition. Staff told commissioners the project meets the residential design guidelines and that use-permit findings could be made.

Commission discussion focused on design refinements: several commissioners praised the relocated entry and overall improvements, and asked that a narrow bathroom window on the south elevation be revised to better match other windows. One commissioner also suggested adding Spanish tile or a parapet to enliven a flat roofline; colleagues noted the south elevation is largely screened by street trees.

A motion to approve the project carried with the condition that the south-facing bathroom window be changed to a double-hung to match the other windows and with a requirement to coordinate potential street-tree plantings with the city forester/public-works review. Roll-call recorded: Commissioner McCloud: yes; Commissioner Mowman: yes; Commissioner Pilch: abstain; Chair Pearson: yes. The approval is effective after a two-week appeal period during which story poles remain in place.

The commission noted the project was minimal in impact and compatible with the neighborhood; staff will notify the commission if any appeals are filed.