Architectural addition at 450 Westridge approved with condition on exterior reflectivity

The Portola Valley Town ASC approved the architectural plans for a home renovation at 450 Westridge on Jan. 12, 2026, after members amended the approval to require that replaced exterior elements comply with the town's light-reflectivity limits.

Staff presented the project as a single-story family residence on a 4.5-acre parcel in the RE 3.5 zoning district, within the Whiskey Hill Geologic Area and the Westridge homeowners association. The proposal converts an existing carport into an attached three-car garage (a 439-square-foot addition), raises interior plate height from 8 feet to 14 feet, and results in a building height of about 18 feet 7 5/8 inches. Staff said the existing floor area is 5,372 square feet and the proposed maximum floor area would be 6,140 square feet, with no change in impervious surface. Exterior materials were described as matching the existing home; roofing material was listed as a composite Timberline shingle and the siding color as Pavilion Beige (Sherwin-Williams). Staff recommended approval subject to the conditions in the staff report.

During questions, a commissioner flagged the proposed light-reflectivity values for siding and trim compared with the town's reflectivity policy. Staff responded that the project is matching existing finishes and noted a recent site visit; commissioners discussed whether replacing substantial portions of a roof and trim would warrant requiring the new gutters and trim to meet reflectivity limits. The transcript records measurements presented in the review: Pavilion Beige siding ~48% light reflectivity and a proposed gutter color at ~84% reflectivity; commissioners referenced policy limits discussed in the meeting (roughly 40% for walls, 50% for trim) when seeking a condition.

A member of the public raised a separate concern about a six-foot fence shown near a side street, noting that fence permits for side streets limit fences to four feet; staff said they would look into that question and follow up with the commenter.

A commissioner moved to approve the plans as submitted; during discussion the motion was amended to require that any replaced exterior elements (gutters, trim and other components replaced as part of the project) be revised to comply with the town's light-reflectivity guidelines. The amendment was seconded and the motion passed on a voice vote with no opposition recorded.

Staff will document the reflectivity condition in the approval and follow up on the public commenter's fence question. The meeting record shows the ASC approved the application with the added condition and no further public opposition at the hearing.