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Monte Sereno commission recommends multifamily overlay to council with privacy and setback tweaks
Summary
The Site and Architecture Commission voted to recommend a draft multifamily residential overlay ordinance and accompanying design‑standards resolution to city council, asking for higher second‑story window sills, privacy glazing and exploration of increased setbacks and alternative sites.
The Monte Sereno Site and Architecture Commission voted to recommend that the City Council adopt a draft ordinance establishing a multifamily residential overlay zone for two Winchester Boulevard parcels and a companion resolution updating objective design standards.
In making the recommendation on January 21, commissioners attached suggested revisions including raising the second‑story window sill height, allowing privacy glass or limiting upper‑floor openings, and asking council to review increased side and rear setbacks and alternative sites. "The staff recommendation ... is to receive and recommend the draft multifamily residential overlay zone ordinance for adoption by council," consultant Asher Cohn told the commission during the staff presentation.
The motion passed in a roll‑call vote: Commissioner Connolly — Yes; Commissioner Lipsettig — No; Commissioner Lawler — Yes; Chair Tam — Yes. Commissioners said the overlay keeps the parcels’ underlying R‑1‑8 zoning intact and is intended to meet a housing‑element requirement adopted in 2024.
Commissioners asked that the council consider alternatives to the Winchester parcels and requested that any future design guidance emphasize privacy measures and driveway placement. The commission’s staff report and the consultant cited the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and SB 10 processes as the impetus for identifying these parcels; staff said the adoption draft will be forwarded to council in early–mid 2026.
