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Corte Madera Planning Commission approves addition at 537 Tamopias Drive, requires frosted window
Summary
The Corte Madera Planning Commission approved a design‑review permit for a second‑story addition at 537 Tamopias Drive, adding an 827 sq ft second story and 345 sq ft first‑story addition, and required 8 inches of frosting on a new east‑facing primary bedroom window after a nearby neighbor withdrew opposition.
The Corte Madera Planning Commission on Thursday approved a design‑review application for a second‑story addition at 537 Tamopias Drive, with a condition requiring eight inches of frosting on the lower portion of the east‑facing primary bedroom window.
Planning staff (Tracy) told commissioners the applicant revised the plan after the commission’s May 26 meeting, lowering the roof pitch from 5:12 to 4:12, dropping the top plate from 8 feet to 7 feet 6 inches, and raising the sill height of the east primary bedroom window to 5 feet 4 inches above the finished floor to reduce privacy and view impacts. Staff said story poles and additional flagged strings were installed to illustrate the changes and recommended approval, with a draft resolution containing findings and conditions.
Corey, one of the property owners, told the commission the applicants had worked with neighbors and were willing to add frosting to the window. "We're totally fine to do this," he said, describing a permanent frosted vinyl treatment the owners propose to install.
A neighbor identifying themselves by address as a resident of 208 Saucelo Street addressed the commission during the public‑comment period and withdrew their earlier opposition. "I'm glad it all worked out and we wholeheartedly pull our objection to it all," the resident said, adding a request that the lower 8 inches of the east window be frosted.
Commissioners praised applicant outreach and the design changes as responsive to neighbor concerns. The commission also discussed a required tree removal noted in the staff report; Tracy said the fire department requires removal of a cedar tree and nearby cypress because of clearance requirements.
After the motion to approve was made and seconded, the commission adopted the resolution by roll call vote. The approval is subject to standard conditions in the draft resolution and the added condition requiring frosting on the east‑facing window. Tracy reminded the public that any decision of the planning commission may be appealed to the Town Council within 10 calendar days; an appeal form and a $1,500 filing fee apply.
Next steps for the project include compliance with the planning conditions and the usual building‑permit review before construction.
