Board asks for architectural detail and clarifications before returning 1527 Santa Rosa to full review

The Single Family Design Board continued review of a proposed two‑story home at 1527 Santa Rosa Avenue after the applicant presented site plans, elevations and a landscape concept. Staff and the applicant noted the project’s FAR is near the guideline (applicant reported 89% on submission) and that neighborhood preservation findings will be required at project design review.

Architect Chris Cottrell presented a compact two‑story massing intended to preserve rear yard space on a narrow portion of Santa Rosa, explained the decision to keep primary living spaces on the ground floor, and showed elevations that include a higher‑volume great room with an 11‑foot plate and 9‑foot plates elsewhere. Landscape architect Katie Klein described a Mediterranean plant palette, new trees and a pergola adjacent to the proposed pool, and said preliminary water‑use calculations meet requirements.

Board members had no public commenters for this item but asked for further refinement. Questions centered on roof and eave details, window and door proportions, chimney massing and the consistency of exterior wall and fascia details. Several members recommended that the applicant clarify the “contemporary Spanish” language with concrete roof and rafter details (exposed or boxed eaves), and to return with a physical or digital material and color board for final review.

The board moved for an indefinite continuance to the full board with the request that the applicant return with refined architectural details — including roof/ eave/rafter treatment, fascia and wall‑thickness consistency, chimney proportion studies and options for garage door treatments. The motion passed unanimously. The applicant will return after addressing the board’s design guidance.