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Commission approves second‑story addition at Five Ranch Lane with one abstention
Summary
The Larkspur Planning Commission approved a design‑review permit for 5 Ranch Lane to add 638 sq ft on the second floor, concluding the project stays within height limits and preserves neighborhood character; one commissioner abstained and a 10‑day appeal period was announced.
The Larkspur Planning Commission voted to approve a design‑review application for 5 Ranch Lane (APN 021‑172‑20) on Tuesday, allowing a 638‑square‑foot second‑story addition and modest exterior renovations.
Staff told commissioners the proposal would expand the existing 2,285‑square‑foot residence and attached garage, add a second‑story floor area while maintaining the current second‑story height (proposed height 25 ft 10 in, under the 30‑foot limit), and slightly expand the covered front porch. The application includes window changes and replacement of stucco with horizontal siding on side and rear elevations; staff recommended approval with conditions including a property survey, compliance with the city’s noise ordinance and the water‑efficient landscape ordinance.
Owner Gabe Dunn and designer Nora Fry said the changes are intended to make the house work for a growing family while respecting the neighborhood scale. "We love the town," Dunn said, describing outreach to nearby neighbors and efforts to preserve privacy; Fry added the design was intended to "look like it was the way that it was originally intended," with siding and window choices meant to match the block.
Commissioners generally agreed the addition is compatible with nearby houses, though a few suggested modest architectural articulation—dormers or stepped massing—to add visual interest. Commissioner Brock Wagstaff, an architect, and others said the plan is acceptable as proposed but encouraged the applicants to work with staff if they pursue minor refinements. Staff indicated small design changes could be handled at the staff level to avoid a return to the commission.
Commissioner Natasha moved to approve PLN25‑026 for Five Ranch Lane; the motion was seconded and carried with an abstention from Commissioner Wagstaff and affirmative votes from the other commissioners. The commission noted a 10‑day appeal period and reminded applicants that required conditions (landscaping, survey, equipment placement) must be satisfied.
What happens next: The approval becomes final if no appeal is filed within 10 calendar days and the applicants must follow the conditions of approval and any required follow‑up reviews by staff.
