COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES AGENCY

DATE:

October 20, 2003

SET TIME:

9:30 a.m.

BOARD MEETING DATE:

November 4, 2003

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Marcia Raines, Director of Environmental Services

SUBJECT:

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Consideration of an appeal of the Planning Commission's decision to deny Design Review approval for an addition to an existing single-family home at 360 - 7th Street in the unincorporated Montara area of San Mateo County. This project is not appealable to the California Coastal Commission.

RECOMMENDATION

Deny the appeal and uphold the decision of the Planning Commission to deny the project. County File Number PLN 2002-00149.

PROPOSAL

The applicant proposes to construct a 1,934 sq. ft. addition to an existing 2,693 sq. ft. single-family residence on a 9,000 sq. ft. parcel.

PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION

The Planning Commission voted unanimously to deny the project based on non-compliance with the Design Review standards for the Coastside District. The Planning Commission denied the project based on the bulk, location, and height of the addition, which did not blend with or retain the site's natural topography.

SUMMARY OF APPEAL

The appellant appealed the project to the Board of Supervisors, citing: (1) flaws in due process regarding the Midcoast Community Council's decision and Design Review Chairperson's conflict of interest; (2) disagreement with the Design Review Committee's requirements for redesign; and (3) disagreement with the Planning Commission's findings for denial. The appellant states that the new addition conforms to the floor area and daylight plane requirements, and allows sufficient light and air for his neighbors while minimizing its effect on surrounding views by complying with more than the required setbacks.

In response to the Planning Commission's denial of the project (5-0), the applicant submitted revised plans for an alternative design on June 17, 2003, indicating a reduction in floor area, removal of the attic, and exterior design changes. If the Board of Supervisors, based on these latest revisions, believes the project complies with applicable Design Review standards, it may choose to grant the appeal and approve the project.