Busalacchi Design Review (P5989)

The applicant requests Design Review approval to construct improvements to an existing primary dwelling unit (i.e., a single-family residence) and to a proposed accessory dwelling unit (ADU) located within the unincorporated community of Kentfield. The improvements proposed for the existing single-family residence consist of the construction of a new 3,225-square-foot roof, a 507-square-foot upper-level addition with an attached 744-square-foot deck, and a 947-square-foot lower-level addition with an attached 183-square-foot deck. The improvements proposed for the ADU consist of a 244-square-foot upper-level deck and a 125-square-foot lower-level deck. The ADU, exclusive of the proposed decks, appears to comply with the ministerial standards for a Category 1 Accessory Dwelling Unit pursuant to Marin County Code Section 22.32.120(A)(1) (Category 1 – Statewide Exemption) and therefore would be neither subject to nor eligible for discretionary review. The 5,675 square feet of proposed development would appear to result in a floor area ratio of 15 percent on the 23,404-square-foot (0.54-acre) lot, pursuant to the definitions of “floor area” and “floor area ratio” in Marin County Code Section 22.130.030 (Definitions of Specialized Terms and Phrases).

The proposed roof would appear to a reach a maximum height of 29 feet, 10 inches above grade and would appear to maintain the following setbacks: 11 feet, 7 inches from the western (front) property line; 22 feet, 11 inches from the northern (side) property line; 35 feet, 1 inch from the southern (side) property line; and a distance in excess of 100 feet from eastern (rear) property line.

The proposed upper-level addition and attached deck would appear to a reach a maximum height of 29 feet, 10 inches above grade and would appear to maintain the following setbacks: 46 feet, 9 inches from the western (front) property line; 28 feet, 1 inch from the northern (side) property line; and 38 feet, 4 inches from the southern (side) property line; and a distance in excess of 100 feet from eastern (rear) property line.

The proposed lower-level addition and attached deck would appear to a reach a maximum height of 19 feet, 7 inches above grade and would appear to maintain the following setbacks: 50 feet, 7 inches from the western (front) property line; 28 feet, 1 inch from the northern (side) property line; and 38 feet, 4 inches from the southern (side) property line; and a distance in excess of 100 feet from eastern (rear) property line.

The proposed upper-level deck attached to the ADU would appear to a reach a maximum height of 14 feet, 7 inches above grade and would appear to maintain the following setbacks: 88 feet, 7 inches from the western (front) property line; 95 feet, 2 inches from the northern (side) property line; and 6 feet, 10 inches from the southern (side) property line; and a distance in excess of 100 feet from eastern (rear) property line.

The proposed lower-level deck attached to the ADU would appear to a reach a maximum height of 8 feet, 9 inches above grade and would appear to maintain the following setbacks: 100 feet, 4 inches from the western (front) property line; 90 feet, 10 inches from the northern (side) property line; and 6 feet, 9 inches from the southern (side) property line; and a distance in excess of 100 feet from eastern (rear) property line.

Various site improvements would also be entailed in the proposed development, such as grading activities consisting of approximately 331 cubic yards of cut, 60 cubic yards of fill, and 271 cubic yards of off-haul; the removal of several existing improvements primarily located within the front yard of the property, including a fence, pool, and shed; the construction of several new improvements within the same area, including a fence, pool, patios, and walkways; and the removal of vegetation within the side yard adjacent to the property commonly referred to as 135 Crown Road, including five oak trees that may require Tree Removal Permit approval upon submittal of additional information (e.g., species, condition, and diameter at breast height (DBH)).

Design Review approval is required pursuant to Marin County Code Section 22.42.020(A) because the project involves development that can neither be exempt nor waived from the requirement to obtain Design Review approval.

Land Use Info

Zoning: RSP-1 (Residential, Single-Family Planned, with a residential density of 1 unit per acre)
Countywide Plan Designation: SF3 (Single-Family, with a residential density of 1 unit per 1 to 5 acres)
Community Plan (if applicable): Kent Woodlands Land Use Policy Report (1996) and Kentfield/Greenbrae Community Plan (1987)