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Portola Valley ASC approves renovation at 25 Torell Court, requiring a follow‑up landscape plan
Summary
The Architectural Site Committee approved architectural review for a 5,376 sq ft renovation at 25 Torell Court with conditions and an informal follow‑up landscape plan to address tree replacement and screening after commissioners and staff discussed redwood removals and lighting.
The Portola Valley Architectural Site Committee on June 22 approved the architectural review for a renovation and rebuild at 25 Torell Court (PLN Arch052026), subject to the conditions listed in the staff report and a post‑permit, informal landscape plan to address screening and tree replacement concerns.
Town consultant planner Max Menhal summarized the proposal and said the applicants are requesting an exemption to the town’s 85% AMFA rule under code 18.48.020. The proposed house footprint would increase to about 5,376 square feet; the applicant proposes removal of several drought‑impacted coastal redwoods and a planting plan was discussed. Max told the commission that public notice was mailed within 300 feet and the conservation committee supported the proposed removals with recommendations for native replacement planting.
Architect Eric Kramer told commissioners the clients bought the property to 'age in place' and that the design seeks to ‘‘keep it a responsible size and volume’’ while using a material palette intended to blend with the ridgeline setting. Kramer said the project team requested a full AMFA waiver (bypass of the 85% limit) because the site is large but buildable area is limited.
Commissioners asked about tree replacement, dark‑sky lighting and window treatments for ridge glare; commissioners suggested working with neighbors on screening and a landscape plan. Commissioner Lance said the design ‘‘captures all the angles’’ and others praised the building’s volume and sensitivity to setting while noting the landscape change once redwoods are removed.
A motion to approve the architectural review 'as submitted and discussed,' with a follow‑up informal landscape plan handled outside a full ASC hearing if feasible, was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
Next steps: staff will finalize conditions of approval and track the applicant’s follow‑up landscape plan as part of permit implementation.
