Commission asks for more detail and returns 737 Lexington design to action with setback and garage-height variances

The Burlingame Planning Commission voted on Feb. 24 to return the 737 Lexington Way design to an action item after asking the applicant for additional design details. The commission signaled support in principle for a front-setback variance and a special permit to allow a 10-foot first-floor plate height at an attached garage but requested further drawings showing window trim depth and roof overhangs before final approval.

Staff described the proposal as a major design review with a front-setback variance (block average requires 15 feet; applicant proposes 14 ft 1 in), a special permit for a 10-foot garage plate height where 9 feet is the maximum, and a new two-story single-family dwelling with an attached garage and accessory dwelling unit. Applicant architect Randy Grange of TRG Architects said the design is intended to retain existing foundation elements and match eave lines to preserve the design intent.

Commissioners raised detailed design concerns: provide context in renderings to show adjacent houses so the scale is clear, show window-section details or bay-window depth, and consider overhangs or trim to reduce the perceived ‘flatness’ of the front elevation. Several commissioners said the site’s unusual lot geometry (described by the applicant as roughly 70 by 70 feet) supports a front-setback variance as a site-specific hardship.

Commissioner Schmid moved to bring the project back to action with specific actionable items (window trim and depth, addition of overhangs for gable ends), and to include approval in principle of the requested front-setback variance and 10-foot garage plate-height variance; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call. The commission asked staff to summarize requested changes for the applicant’s next submittal.