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Commission approves gate at 7 Muir Avenue with condition to center entrance
Summary
After questioning about off-centering and sight-line triangles, the Planning Commission approved a sliding 15-foot gate at 7 Muir Avenue with conditions that include centering the gate and staff review of curb-cut adjustments; the approval was unanimous under a CEQA Class 3 exemption.
The Piedmont Planning Commission approved a fence and wall design review permit for a sliding gate at 7 Muir Avenue on Feb. 10, conditioning the approval to address the panel’s concerns about visual symmetry and curb-cut treatment.
Applicant Sharafal Choudhary said the design was revised since a prior hearing to reduce height and remove spikes and that neighbors had been contacted. Designer Varvara Glutova told commissioners the gate was offset to comply with corner-lot sight-line requirements: "So the main reason why we have to move those gates, we need to comply with the zone for the corner lot, which allows visibility for upcoming cars and touring cars," she said, explaining the need to keep a 30-foot triangular sight-line area clear. Owner Zahira Ahmed urged the commission not to remove the property's circular driveway and fountain, saying that would harm the house's character: "...removing such a beautiful feature of that house...I don't think that would be a wise idea to just put a wall in front of it and use the side the driveway for our main entrance."
Commissioners repeatedly encouraged the design team to explore options to center the gate or modulate the left side of the entrance to improve symmetry; staff noted there are constraints on the right side related to existing utilities and sight-line code, and that an encroachment permit process could be used to adjust the curb cut if the applicant pursues it. Commissioner Batra moved approval with three conditions, including a requirement to center the gate relative to the front entrance where feasible; Commissioner Zucker seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The commission found the project categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines §15303 (Class 3(e)).
