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Commission approves variance and remodel at 352 Old Downeyville Highway after neighbor support
Summary
The commission approved a variance to reduce the front‑yard setback and an architectural review for a whole‑house remodel at 352 Old Downeyville Highway, noting site constraints and letters of neighbor support read into the record.
The Planning Commission approved a variance and architectural review for substantial renovation at 352 Old Downeyville Highway, which included a request to extend the front deck four feet into the front‑yard setback.
Staff said the house — a pre‑World War II structure with prior alterations and long vacant periods — faces topographical constraints and an existing historic rock retaining wall that limit expansion at the rear; the requested four‑foot deck extension would leave a resulting front‑yard setback of roughly 12.5 feet. Staff recommended approval based on those site constraints and neighborhood precedent.
Letters of support from neighbors were read into the record during the meeting; a public commenter called the renovation a welcome improvement to an eyesore property adjacent to the Tribute Trail. Commissioners praised the proposed restoration of a unified architectural style and supported the variance application. The commission voted to find the project CEQA‑exempt and approved the variance and architectural review, with conditions and findings in the staff report.
