Zoning Administrator approves Nelson Project landmark alteration permit

The Zoning Administrator approved a minor landmark alteration permit for the Nelson Project (PLN 250470), authorizing replacement of exterior siding and 22 windows on a home in the Burbank Gardens Preservation District.

Planning and Economic Development Department staff described the proposal as like‑for‑like: "The replacement windows will be installed on a like for like basis with no changes to existing window openings," staff said during the presentation. The report identified James Hardie fiber cement lap siding and fiberglass‑frame windows as the proposed materials and said the work would retain the existing building form and fenestration pattern.

Staff told the Zoning Administrator the site is within the Burbank Gardens Preservation District near Julia Park and that the project was reviewed for environmental compliance. Staff said the project "has been found categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA guideline sections 15331 and 15301" in the record. No public comments had been received before the meeting, and no one spoke during the in‑person public comment period.

After the presentation, the Zoning Administrator said they "can make the required findings as outlined in the draft resolution of approval prepared by staff" and moved to approve the project. The approval was announced in the meeting; staff had recommended the Zoning Administrator adopt a resolution to approve the permit. The Zoning Administrator noted the decision is final unless an appeal is filed with the Planning and Economic Development Department within 10 calendar days (for this item the transcript lists an appeal deadline of Tuesday, 09/08/2026).

The staff presentation contained an internal inconsistency on the street address: staff referred to the site as 634 Wheeler Street during the oral report but the draft approval language referenced 634 Ruyler Street. The record provided in the meeting transcript did not resolve that discrepancy; the official file for PLN 250470 should be consulted to confirm the precise address on the approved resolution.