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Planning commission approves Zebra House patio expansion with modified design conditions
Summary
The commission approved a 263-square-foot patio expansion for Zebra House Cafe at 1001 S. El Camino Real, authorizing a cedar pergola, two roll-up doors and vine plantings while modifying design condition 1.3 to allow a natural wood stain and a double-joist pergola; the project was found CEQA-exempt.
The Planning Commission on July 15 approved a development permit for Zebra House Cafe (project 26-079) that will expand the existing patio by about 263 square feet, add a wood pergola roughly 40 feet along the street frontage and install two roll-up garage doors and exterior lighting.
Staff presentation: City planner Jessica Gattney told the commission the structure (1001 South El Camino Real) is in neighborhood commercial zoning within the architectural overlay. Staff said the project meets development standards except for some landscaping shortfalls; the applicant proposes to remove about 200 square feet of landscaping but to offset loss with climbing bougainvillea over the proposed pergola. Staff recommended the commission find the project categorically exempt under CEQA and adopt Resolution PC26-017 approving the development permit subject to conditions.
Applicant and public comment: Owner Sarah (Zebra House) described the design aims: a natural cedar pergola, epoxy countertops at the street-facing counter, new tempered-glass roll-up doors and plantings to soften the frontage. One public speaker (Pam Roth) urged approval. Commissioners asked about vine planting details, the proposed countertop finish and whether guardrail replacement was required.
Deliberation and decision: Commissioners discussed Condition 1.3 (pergola finish, rafter tail configuration, guardrail replacement and additional landscaping). The commission agreed to amend Condition 1.3 to require a double-joisted pergola to match existing patio cover, specify a natural wood stain for the pergola and countertop matching, remove the requirement to fully replace rear guardrails, and require a climbing vine plus three or five potted plants along the front elevation. The commission unanimously voted to adopt the CEQA exemption and approve Resolution PC26-017 with those amendments.
