Ross McKenna Trust Design Review (P6427)

The applicant requests Design Review approval to authorize the construction of a 117-square-foot residential addition to an existing primary residential structure (i.e., a single-family residence), as well as the installation of various residential site improvements, on a developed lot in the unincorporated community of Kentfield. The proposed site improvements include an 816-square-foot swimming pool and equipment area located west of the residence, as well as a 600-square-foot parking pad and a vehicular gate and fence with a combined total length of 98 feet located east of the residence. The 1533-square-feet of proposed development would result in a total proposed floor area of 3,681 square feet and total proposed floor area ratio (FAR) of 7 percent on the 53,070 square foot (1.2 acre) lot, pursuant to the definitions of Floor Area and Floor Area Ratio in Marin County Section 22.13.030 (Definitions of Specialized Terms and Phrases). The maximum height and minimum setbacks of the proposed addition and site improvements are detailed below, together with other relevant contextual information.

The proposed 117-square-foot residential addition would expand portions of the first and second levels of the existing residence, including both the non-habitable (garage) area and the habitable (living) area. The addition would reach a maximum height of 20 feet, 11 inches above grade and would maintain minimum setbacks of 140 feet from the eastern front property line, 15 feet from the northern side property line, 102 feet from the southern side property line, and 141 feet from the western rear property line.

The proposed 816-square-foot swimming pool and equipment area, located west of the residence, would reach a maximum height of three feet above grade. The pool and equipment area would also maintain minimum setbacks of 197 feet from the eastern front property line, 20 feet from the northern side property line, 82 feet from the southern side property line, and 56 feet from the western rear property line.

The proposed vehicular gate and fence, located east of the residence, would reach a maximum height of eight feet above grade. The gate and fence would not maintain minimum setbacks from the eastern front property line and southern side property line. However, these improvements would maintain setbacks of more than 130 feet from the northern side property line and western rear property line.

The proposed parking pad, located east of the residence, would be located at grade. The pad would maintain minimum setbacks of 30 feet from the eastern front property line, 41 feet from the northern side property line, 134 feet from the southern side property line, and 246 feet from the western rear property line.

In addition to the proposed residential addition and site improvements described above, the proposed development would include various modifications to the existing site and residence, including the removal of existing accessory structures, such as a swimming pool, pool equipment area, and trellis; the selective removal or modification of existing architectural features of the residence, including walls, windows, and doors; grading activities consisting of approximately 500 cubic yards of cut, 200 cubic yards of fill, and 300 cubic yards of exported material; and the construction of various site improvements, including retaining walls, stairs, walkways, pathways, patios, decks, and drainage improvements.

Design Review approval is required pursuant to Marin County Code Section 22.42.020(A) (Applicability, Planned Zoning District) because the proposed project is in a planned zoning district and involves development that is neither exempt from nor eligible for a waiver of the requirement to obtain Design Review approval.

Zoning: RSP-1 (Residential Single-Family Planned District with a residential density of one unit per acre)

Countywide Plan Designation: SF3 (Single-Family 3, a Low Residential Density Land Use Designation)

Community Plan (if applicable): Kent Woodlands Land Use Policy Report (1996)