Commission OKs 300‑sq‑ft roof deck at 140 San Rafael with screening and lighting conditions

The commission approved design review for skylights, a larger glass door and a 300‑square‑foot second‑story roof deck at 140 San Rafael Avenue, attaching conditions addressing screening and exterior lighting.

Staff noted the project adds 92 square feet of glazing facing the lagoon for a total of 289 square feet and that a previous adjacent roof deck approved in 2025 was smaller (125 square feet). Architect Brian Fox emphasized the deck is set back roughly 50 feet from the lagoon and is largely shielded by the building mass and mature trees; he and the owner committed to privacy screening and to swapping two bright sconces that neighbor complain about for downward‑facing, dark‑sky fixtures.

Commissioners expressed caution about roof decks on the lagoon and sought more permanent screening than planter boxes alone. Several commissioners recommended setting the permanent railing slightly inward and placing planters outside the railing so the permanent guardrail remains functional and the plantings may be replaced over time. Commissioner Jamar moved to approve the design review with the railing set inward to align with mullions and provide planters at the outer edge, and with the north‑side sconces replaced with dark‑sky‑compliant downward fixtures; the motion carried.

The commission will expect more detailed landscape/screening plans as part of building‑permit submittal and indicated staff should confirm the final screening approach (architectural lattice or permanent screen) to protect neighbor privacy.