Planning Commission approves Del Monte Forest residence after reduced tree removals and design review

Planning staff presented a combined development permit for a two‑story residence with an attached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in the Del Monte Forest area; the application required development on slopes in excess of 30% and after review the applicant reduced the number of protected trees to be removed from 69 to 48 and proposed 1:1 replanting of removed trees.

Architect Sam Pinnock said the design used permeable stone pavers and site adjustments to avoid mature trees and reduce grading. "When laying up the structures and driveways, we did our best to avoid impacts to the larger mature trees and the more densely forested areas," Pinnock told the commission. The Planning Commission, noting the design changes and conditions for replanting and fire‑department turnaround measures, voted to approve the combined development permit with standard conditions.