Zoning Administrator approves demolition and new 3,352‑sq‑ft home at 1881 Alford Avenue

Zoning Administrator Stephanie Williams approved a proposal to demolish an existing one‑story house and construct a new two‑story, 3,352‑square‑foot home with an attached garage and an attached junior dwelling unit at 1881 Alford Avenue at the April 15, 2026 meeting.

A presenter described the lot as approximately 9,750 square feet (the transcript includes a brief numeric correction) and said the project would preserve one protected Chinese elm while proposing removal of two protected trees—a sweet gum and a black pine—because of their condition or conflicts with the proposed design. The landscape plan presented to the administrator includes eight 36‑inch‑box trees and approximately 60 screening shrubs to meet the water‑efficient landscape ordinance and neighborhood compatibility goals. The presenter said the project meets R1‑10 development standards and is categorically exempt from CEQA under section 15303 (new construction of small structures). “The proposal includes demolition of the existing 1 story home and construction of a new 3,352 square foot 2 story home with an attached garage,” the presenter said.

Staff also reported that the applicant conducted neighborhood outreach, that one comment was received and addressed, and that staff recommended approval. Williams said she had reviewed the staff report and plans and approved the project subject to the recommended findings and conditions. The approval at the zoning administrator level does not replace required building permits or ministerial reviews at the permit stage.