Development Review Hearing - 2026-03-11
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Development Review Hearing on 2026-03-11 approved four residential projects, all involving architectural review for demolitions and new construction or additions. The most significant approvals included a new 2,637 sq ft two-story modern residence at 3359 Machado Avenue (replacing a 1950s home) despite neighbor objections about the flat roof design, and a 2,829 sq ft two-story residence at 3034 Cameron Way. All projects were found exempt from CEQA.
Key Decisions (4)
Architectural Review at 3359 Machado Avenue
Approved complete demolition of existing 1,485 sq ft one-story single family residence and construction of new 2,637 sq ft two-story residence. Modern design with flat roof, wood siding and stucco exterior. Second story set back 29 feet 1 inch, height 19 feet 7 inches (under 25 ft maximum). Second story side windows required to be frosted on lower half as condition of approval. Neighbors objected to modern flat roof design and privacy concerns.
Architectural Review at 1745 Oswald Place
Approved 500 sq ft second floor and 130 sq ft first floor addition to existing one-story residence, resulting in 2,280 sq ft two-story residence. Project also includes JADU conversion (337 sq ft) and 800 sq ft attached ADU (two bedroom, two bath), though ADUs processed ministerially. Designer Sullivan noted garage was retained.
Architectural Review at 3034 Cameron Way
Approved complete demolition of existing 1,702 sq ft one-story single family residence and construction of new 2,829 sq ft two-story residence. Traditional design with 3:5 roof pitch. Second story front wall set back 40 feet 4 inches behind front property line. Second story side windows have 56 inch sill height. Second floor is 52.9% of first floor area.
Architectural Review at 3280 El Sobrante Street
Approved complete demolition of existing 2,047 sq ft one-story single family residence and construction of new 2,873 sq ft single-story residence. Contemporary mid-century modern design with low-sloped roof, breeze block feature wall, and interior atrium. Architect Megan Blaine designed to be consistent with neighborhood character of mid-century modern homes across the street.
Development Activity (4)
New Residence at 3359 Machado Avenue
Demolition of 1,485 sq ft one-story 1950s home, construction of 2,637 sq ft two-story modern residence with flat roof, 19 ft 7 in height, wood siding and stucco exterior on 6,000 sq ft lot
Addition at 1745 Oswald Place
500 sq ft second floor and 130 sq ft first floor addition resulting in 2,280 sq ft two-story residence, plus 337 sq ft JADU conversion and 800 sq ft two-bedroom two-bath ADU on 5,700 sq ft lot
New Residence at 3034 Cameron Way
Demolition of 1,702 sq ft one-story residence, construction of 2,829 sq ft two-story traditional residence with 3:5 roof pitch on 5,300 sq ft curved lot
New Residence at 3280 El Sobrante Street
Demolition of 2,047 sq ft one-story residence, construction of 2,873 sq ft single-story contemporary mid-century modern residence with interior atrium on 7,500 sq ft lot
Market Signals (3)
Housing Demand
Multiple property owners pursuing maximum allowable square footage on existing lots, with all four projects approved at or near zoning limits for floor area.
Housing Demand
ADU development continues with state law preempting local parking requirements, allowing property owners to add rental units without additional parking spaces.
Sentiment
Neighbor expressed concern that modern flat-roof architecture could decrease property values, though designer countered that modern structures typically increase neighborhood values based on 18 years of experience.