Grass Valley panel approves two new windows at 148 Mill Street to enable second‑story unit

The Grass Valley Development Review Committee on Tuesday approved a minor development review to add two north‑elevation windows at 148 Mill Street as part of a future second‑story residential unit.

Vanessa Franken, an associate planner in the city's planning division, told the committee the building is designated a Priority 3 structure and that the two windows would match the existing bronze/anodized aluminum windows on the rear elevation. "Staff has determined this to be exempt per CEQA section 1 5 3 0 1, existing facilities with minor construction involved," Franken said, and recommended the committee approve the project subject to the conditions in the staff report.

Committee members asked about the building's age and window details. Amy Wolfson, the city planner presiding, said the two‑story portion of the building dates to about 1981–82 and confirmed the existing windows have simulated divided lites with dark or solar screens. One committee member said the added windows will "break up the space nicely" and noted the spacing appears consistent with the proposed interior divisions.

Wolfson moved that the committee determine the project exempt under CEQA Guideline §15301, adopt the findings of fact in the staff report, and approve the minor development review to allow a new residential unit and the two north‑elevation windows. The motion was seconded and the committee voted in favor; members voiced "aye" and the motion carried.

The approval is subject to the conditions attached to the staff report. The staff report and supporting materials for the application are available on the City of Grass Valley website, and the city continues to accept public comment via the voicemail and email addresses noted at the meeting.