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ADR advises lowering proposed garage height at 8 Morrison Road and warns FAR variance likely to be difficult
Summary
In a conceptual review the ADR told applicants for 8 Morrison Road the carport enclosure is generally acceptable but should be designed lower to better match the low‑slung house; members cautioned that an FAR variance to enclose a covered walkway would likely face resistance from town council and could set precedent.
The Ross Advisory Design Review Group provided conceptual guidance on July 21 for a proposal at 8 Morrison Road to enclose an existing carport and create a short enclosed hallway between the garage and house. The presenter described a scheme that raises the existing low carport ceiling to create a usable garage and connects the space to the home; the proposal requires a variance to the floor‑area‑ratio (FAR) because enclosing the walkway increases FAR.
Staff noted prior limited exceptions in town (examples on Allen and Bolinas) but told members they should identify specific findings if they wanted to recommend an FAR variance without creating a broad precedent. ADR members expressed concern that the proposed new garage height would dominate the home's low profile and suggested alternatives such as matching the main roof slope, offsetting the garage roof vertically to appear integral, or exploring a lower roof form. The presenter said the taller scheme eased waterproofing and construction but indicated willingness to explore lower options.
Members also debated whether the lot’s irregular shape and hillside rules create a unique hardship for variance findings and discussed driveway slope and emergency access; the homeowner later joined online and confirmed engineers are examining driveway revisions. The chair polled members: the group agreed the carport could be enclosed but recommended the design lower the new garage height, and they advised the applicant that an FAR variance to enclose the hallway would likely be difficult to win at town council.
