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Planning commission approves variance, design review for 53 Cambridge Way with conditions
Summary
The Piedmont Planning Commission unanimously approved a variance and design review for a front-yard garage and small living-room addition at 53 Cambridge Way, adding 23 conditions including a required landscape plan, a street tree where the curb cut is removed, and revisions to the front stair and railing.
Architect Aaron Lim told the commission the project at 53 Cambridge Way proposes “a horizontal addition in the front yard, requesting a variance, within the front yard setback,” adding a garage and a modest living-room extension without increasing building height.
Commissioners said the proposal reflects existing conditions along Cambridge Way and would help relieve on-street parking. Commissioner Rowland said, “So I think that a variance would be called for just to be able to operate in the same manner as other houses are already, operating, architecturally.” Commissioners nevertheless requested design adjustments: widen the front stair, realign the main entrance with the stair, and revise railing verticals to better relate to the facade. Staff told the commission it would modify condition 19 to require a front-yard landscape plan and a street tree in the public right-of-way where the curb cut is removed.
Commissioner DeJodia moved to approve the application, noting staff’s recommendation that the project be treated as categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act; Commissioner Zucker seconded. The motion passed unanimously after commissioners reviewed findings about neighborhood context, topography, and design consistency. The approval includes the 19 standard conditions in the staff report plus three additional items described at the hearing, for a total of 23 conditions.
The architect agreed to provide missing dimensions and to work with staff on railing details, tree placement and the trash-enclosure/landscape plan required for final approval. The commission noted an appeal period of 10 days: any appeal of tonight’s action must be filed with the city clerk by 5 p.m. on Jan. 23, 2025.
