Planning commission approves site plans for 4006 and 4008 4th Street, aims to preserve central tree

North Beach Planning Commission members voted March 27 to approve site plans and architectural designs for two infill homes at 4006 and 4008 4th Street, moving the projects forward after setbacks were reduced by the board of appeals.

The Chair opened the meeting noting the two items on the agenda. Planning staff summarized the recent history: both properties were reviewed by the commission in January, referred to the board of appeals, and the appeals body granted variances reducing side setbacks from 8 feet to 5 feet for each lot. "The staff report basically covered it," the Staff member said, adding that copies of the architectural designs were attached to the application.

Commissioners and staff also discussed site constraints and mitigation steps. The Staff member said the applicant "is still working through" soil samples to confirm each lot can sustain two properties, but added that "the county does not seem to think there is going to be any issues with that whatsoever" and that any soil or grading problems would be handled at the county inspection stage. The commission recorded the overall proposed building height as 31 feet.

Several commissioners focused on trees and site layout. One committee member noted the driveways were moved to opposite sides of the two lots to protect the large tree in the middle; the member said another tree at the rear property line would be trimmed back. The project representative confirmed that two large trees on-site "do have to come out for those 2 houses," but that the applicant is "attempting to save that large cherry tree on the property line in between the 2 new constructed homes" and will "do our best at least to put back" replacement plantings shown on the landscape plan.

A committee member moved to approve the site plan for 4006 4th Street "as presented," a motion that was seconded and approved with ayes recorded. Later the commission approved the site plan and architectural submittal for 4008 4th Street after a separate motion and second; the transcript records ayes in both roll calls.

The commission briefly addressed other business: staff said the comprehensive plan consultant is back in town, staff will meet with him on Thursday, and dates for a work session will be circulated by email to finalize scheduling. A member then moved to adjourn; the commission voted to adjourn and the Chair closed the meeting.

The approved motions advance the two site plans to the next administrative steps (permits and county inspections); staff indicated outstanding items such as soil testing would be resolved through the county review process rather than by the commission.