DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
RECORD OF DECISION
Meeting Date February 13, 2025 DRB Case No. PDR-004219-2024
Address 906 Whitehaven Terrace
Applicant Harry Akopian
Project Summary:
The applicant is requesting approval to add an 1,865 square-foot (SF) two-story addition and change the architectural style of the existing 1,938 SF single-story single-family residence with an attached 3-car garage constructed in 1973 on a 11,770 SF interior lot in the R1R-III (Restricted Residential Zone, Floor Area District III).
Design Review:
Board Member Motion Second Yes No Absent Abstain
Lockareff X X
Kaskanian X
Simonian
Welch X X
Totals 3 0
DRB Decision Approve with conditions.
Conditions:
1. Restudy the design to reduce the massing and scale of the second-story volume, ensuring it follows the topography and eliminates the cantilevered structure, while extending the volume toward the street frontage.
2. Remove the second story balcony.
3. Plant live vegetation of appropriate height along the rear and side of the property for privacy screening.
EXHIBIT 4
906 Whitehaven Terrace
PDR-004219-2024
4. Modify the design of the second-story volume to create better proportions and reduce the prominence of the entryway.
5. Simplify the roof design by reducing the variation of roof forms to achieve a more proportional look in harmony with the overall home.
Determination of Compatibility: Site Planning
The proposed site planning is appropriate, as modified by any proposed conditions, to the site and its surroundings for the following reasons:
• The condition to eliminate the cantilevered design and pushing the second-story volume towards the street will take the site’s topography into consideration by restricting the addition to follow the topography.
• Mechanical equipment and trash enclosure areas are screened behind the fence and gate on the eastern side yard of the residence.
• The new retaining walls will feature landscaping to minimize the visual impact of the retaining walls.
• The project plan proposes to extend the existing deck towards the rear which will be closer in line with the neighboring deck.
• The existing driveway will be replaced with a new decorative permeable paving in the same footprint and slope.
Determination of Compatibility: Mass and Scale
The proposed massing and scale are appropriate, as modified by any proposed conditions, to the site and its surroundings for the following reasons:
• The neighborhood consists of both one and two-story residences. The immediate west adjacent neighbor’s two-story residence is compatible with the proposed two-story addition.
• The proposed design change from the existing Ranch style to contemporary farmhouse design features variations of roof forms and breaks in the facade to minimize the visual impact from the street.
• The condition to reduce the massing and scale of the second story volume, eliminating the second story balcony, and cantilevering design will create a proportional massing that visually fits into the surrounding context.
• The condition to redesign the roof plan to reduce the variations will create a proportional roof form for the structure.
Determination of Compatibility: Design and Detailing
The proposed design and detailing are appropriate, as modified by any proposed conditions, to the site and its surroundings for the following reasons:
EXHIBIT 4
906 Whitehaven Terrace
PDR-004219-2024
• The project incorporates design details that are complementary to the contemporary farmhouse style of the single-family dwelling, such as limestone veneer, board and batten siding, and smooth stucco finish throughout the house.
• The project proposes to utilize high-quality materials that reinforces the design of the home such as the aluminum clad wood windows, multi-width slate tile roof, stainless steel chimney cap, wooden door, ornamental wooden moldings, trims, corbels, and fascia, and lantern sconces.
• The new driveway will feature cobblestone paving and concrete paving with turf and limestone paving for the walkway to enhance the curb appeal of the property. • The condition to eliminate the second story balcony and planting of live plant materials along the rear and side property will help mitigate privacy impacts to the adjacent properties. • The condition to redesign the entry will eliminate the monumental entry design.
DRB Staff Member Eric Ji, Planning Associate
Notes:
Contact the case planner for an appointment for a DRB stamp. DRB stamps will no longer be stamped over the counter without an appointment.
The Design Review Board approves the design of project only. Approval of a project by the Design Review Board does not constitute an approval of compliance with the Zoning Code and/or Building Code requirements.
If an appeal is not filed within the 15-day appeal period of the Design Review Board decision, plans may be approved for Building Division plan check. Prior to Building Division plan check submittal, Design Review Board approved plans must be stamped approved by the Design Review staff.
Any changes to the approved plans may constitute returning to the Design Review Board for approval. Prior to Building Division plan check submittal, all changes in substantial conformance with approved plans by the Design Review Board must be on file with the Planning Division.
EXHIBIT 4