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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3-18-25 Final MinutesDESIGN REVIEW BOARD MINUTES CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO DATE: March 18, 2025 TIME: 4:00 PM MEMBERS PRESENT: David W. Nelson – Vice-Chairperson Michael Nilmeyer Chris Mateo James Wilcenski MEMBERS ABSENT: Sean Winchester - Chairperson STAFF PRESENT: Billy Gross, Principal Planner Christy Usher, Senior Planner Stephanie Skangos, Senior Planner Patricia Cotla, Planning Technician 1. Adminstrative Business – None 2. OWNER The City of South San Francisco APPLICANT Devcon Construction ADDRESS 201 West Orange Avenue PROJECT NUMBER P24-0102: DR24-0030 PROJECT NAME Exterior Modification/Improvements (Project Planner: Adena Friedman) DESCRIPTION Design Review for exterior modifications and improvements to an existing community facility (Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula) at 201 West Orange Avenue in the Parks and Recreation (PR) District in accordance with Title 20 of the South Francisco Municipal Code. The Board had the following comments: 1. The Board liked the building design concept with the proposed material board and color palette. 2. The Board recommends adding additional screening for the roof top mechanical equipment, as the equipment will be visible from the street and viewable to the adjacent residents. 3. Check with the Building Division if EV Charging Stations will be required for the site. 4. The Board recommended adding street trees along the Orange Avenue frontage, Chinese Elm is a suggested species. 5. The proposed landscaping plan will work for the site. Consider not planting yarrow, as this species is a high allergan plant. Recommend Approval with Comments and proceed to a future Planning Commission meeting. 3. OWNER Delfino Alvarado ET AL APPLICANT Andrea Costanzo ADDRESS 328 Railroad Avenue PROJECT NUMBER P24-0099: DR24-0028 PROJECT NAME New 4-Unit Building (Project Planner: Stephanie Skangos) DESCRIPTION Design Review to construct four new dwelling units within one residential building at 328 Railroad Avenue in the Downtown Residential High (DRH) Zoning District in accordance with Title 20 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code, and determination that the project is categorically exempt from CEQA. The Board had the following comments: 1. The Board liked the proposed design concept, articulation, and color palette for the building, mentioning that it will add character to the existing neighborhood along the lane. 2. The Board is concerned with how future residents will access the proposed usable open space area located off Commercial Avenue, as the site plan is lacking an accessible walkway path to the area. Consider adding some flag stones or geometric pavers along one of the side yards to create a walkable pathway, but being mindful that the overall project site needs to meet minimum landscaping requirements. 3. The Board has concerns that the proposed usable open space area will become a parking area for residents because of the existing second curb cut leading to this paved area. To eliminate this possibility, the existing second curb cut should be removed and a standard vertical curb installed and add additional landscaping incorporated in this area. 4. Consider incorporating additional landscaping within the usable open space area by creating planting pockets adjacent to the existing structure. 5. Consider replacing or repainting the existing metal gate leading to the usable open space area, as the gate appears worn due to the weather elements. 6. On the landscape plan and proposed plant palette, consider replacing “Yankee Point Ceanothus” with “Anchor Bay”. 7. The patio area between the two structures will likely need to be replaced during construction of the second building. Consider utilizing pavers or color- treated concrete with an interesting texture. Recommend Approval with Comments and can proceed to a future Planning Commission Meeting 4. OWNER John Wu APPLICANT Bill Guan ADDRESS TBD on 4th Lane behind 818 Grand Avenue PROJECT NUMBER P24-0118: DR24-0029 PROJECT NAME New Two-Story dwelling unit (Project Planner: Christy Usher) DESCRIPTION Design Review to construct a new two-story dwelling unit with an attached ADU* along 4th Lane behind an existing SFD at 818 Grand Avenue in the Downtown Low Residential (DRL) Zoning District in accordance with Title 20 of South San Francisco Municipal Code and determination that the project is categorically exempt from CEQA. *ADUs and SB9 housing units are not subject to discretionary review, pursuant CA State law The Board had the following comments: 1. The Board liked the proposed design concept, a nice development off the lane. 2. On the front elevation, consider adding some window trim or shutters to enhance the front windows. 3. Consider adding “Anchor Bay” to your landscape palette as this species does very well in SSF and will grow between 3-4 ft in height. 4. The project shall be built per the DRB recommendations and approved plans. Any modifications from the plans must be formally submitted and approved by staff prior to construction. Unapproved modifications may result in failed building and planning inspections. Recommend Approval with Comments 5. OWNER Shawa Waseem APPLICANT Dina Shurrab ADDRESS 104 Pecks Lane PROJECT NUMBER P25-0009: DR25-0001 PROJECT NAME 1st and 2nd Story Additions to existing SFD (Project Planner: Christy Usher) DESCRIPTION Design Review to construct 1st and 2nd story additions to an existing single-family dwelling located at 104 Pecks Lane in the Low Residential Density (RL-8) Zoning District in accordance with Title 20 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code and determination that the project is Recommend Approval with Comments categorically exempt from CEQA. An SB 9 Unit* is also proposed. *ADUs and SB9 housing units are not subject to discretionary review, pursuant CA State law The Board had the following comments: 1. The Board felt that the project is too massive for the site and understands that the owners are allowed a high density with allowances provided by State Law such as Senate Bill SB 9 and ADU requirements and regulations. 2. There is little to no articulation to the design, consider reducing the square footage. 3. No more than 50 percent of the entire front yard or the required street side yard may be covered with a paved impervious. The existing site plan did not reflect existing conditions which do not comply with this regulation. The project must be in compliance with this requirement prior to granting final occupancy inspection and the building plan set shall include an accurate existing site plan and a compliant proposed site plan. 4. Redesign the front yard with a landscape plan to include some canopy street trees. Consider Fruitless Olive Trees, as Hollywood Juniper will do very well in this area, however this tree doesn’t have the presence or the canopy to make up for the large amount of additional paving asked by the project and additionally won’t make up for the additional building mass in this area. 5. On the west elevation, consider adding a belly band or other architectural detail to break up the long blank wall. 6. On the east elevation, consider adding a window(s) on the proposed stairwell to add natural lighting and visual interest to the elevation(s). 7. The project shall be built per the DRB recommendations and approved plans. Any modifications from the plans must be formally submitted and approved by staff prior to construction. Unapproved modifications may result in failed building and planning inspections. .