Adams Family Trust et al. Design Review (P5279)

The applicant requests Design Review approval to construct improvements to the southern and northern elevations of a primary residential structure (i.e., a single-family residence) on a developed lot located in an unincorporated area of Novato. The improvements proposed for the southern elevation include a 1,161-square-foot multistory addition, an 801-square-foot single-story porch, and a 49-square-foot spa situated on the porch. The improvements proposed for the northern elevation consist of a 91-square-foot multistory addition and 148-square-foot single-story porch. The 2,250 square feet of proposed development would result in a floor area ratio (FAR) of 32 percent on the 10,672-square-foot lot.

The proposed 1,161-square-foot multistory addition on the southern elevation would reach a maximum height of 30 feet, ½ inch above grade, and would maintain the following minimum setbacks from its exterior walls: 65 feet, 10 inches from the northern front property line; 6 feet from the eastern side property line; 6 feet from the western side property line; and 116 feet, 4 inches from the southern rear property line.

The proposed 801-square-foot porch on the southern elevation would reach a maximum height of 13 feet, 9 inches above grade, and would maintain the following minimum setbacks from its exterior: 88 feet, 11 inches from the northern front property line; 6 feet from the eastern side property line; 6 feet from the western side property line; and 96 feet, 4 inches from the southern rear property line.

The proposed 49-square-foot spa, located on the porch along the southern elevation, would reach a maximum height of 7 feet, 5 inches above grade and would maintain the following minimum setbacks from its exterior: 99 feet from the northern front property line; 36 feet from the eastern side property line; 8 feet, 6 inches from the western side property line; and 96 feet, 4 inches from the southern rear property line. 

The 91-square-foot multistory addition on the northern elevation would reach a maximum height of 22 feet, 5 inches above grade, and would maintain the following minimum setbacks from its exterior: 42 feet, 7 inches from the northern front property line; 26 feet, 10 inches from the eastern side property line; 19 feet, 3 inches to the western property line; and 151 feet, 9 inches from the southern rear property line.

The proposed 149-square-foot porch on the northern elevation would reach a maximum height of 17 feet, 3 inches above grade, and would maintain the following minimum setbacks from its exterior: 23 feet, 11 inches from the northern front property line; 29 feet, 8 inches from the eastern side property line; 8 feet from the western side property line; and 166 feet, 3 inches from the southern rear property line. 

The proposed development would also include various site improvements, such as modifications to the exterior of the residence, including the replacement of exterior materials and finishes, changes to fenestration, and selective demolition of attached architectural features and exterior walls.

Design Review approval is required pursuant to Marin County Code Section 22.42.025(A) because the project involves the construction of new improvements to a primary residential structure that are not otherwise exempt from requirement to obtain Design Review approval.

Zoning: RSP-1.6-BFC (Residential, Single-Family Planned District (with a residential density of 0.625 acres per unit), combined with the Bayfront Conservation Combining District)
Countywide Plan Designation: SF4 (Rural/Residential)
Community Plan (if applicable): Not Applicable