Owner of 1536 Columbus gets exterior amendment approved with front awnings retained

The Burlingame Planning Commission approved a major design-review amendment at 1536 Columbus Avenue on Feb. 24, allowing the owner to replace most exterior stone veneer with board-and-batten siding and remove rear window awnings while retaining the front awnings. The decision passed by roll call with two commissioners recused from the item.

The change was presented to the commission as an amendment to a previously approved first- and second-floor addition. Staff said the application requires findings and included 12 recommended conditions of approval. The applicant, who identified himself as Jackson, told the commission he requested the changes to lower construction costs after learning he may be laid off from his job in the tech industry.

Commissioners asked for clarification on several exterior details. Several members said they were comfortable with removing the stone veneer but wanted to keep the front awnings to maintain visual balance; they asked staff or the architect to provide a clearer rendering of the front-door style. The owner agreed to allow staff to review the front door and to provide door details to the planner.

Commissioner Camarado moved to approve the amendment as described, with the stone veneer removed from the front elevation, rear awnings removed, the two front awnings retained, and staff to confirm the front-door design. Commissioner Faf seconded the motion; roll-call vote was recorded and the motion passed. Two commissioners had recused themselves from the hearing because of proximity to the project address.

Under the commission’s rules, the action is appealable to the City Council within 10 days; appeals must be in writing and accompanied by the required filing fee. If not appealed, the commission’s action will become final according to the posted appeal deadline.