Commission OKs four-unit replacement at 1336 Chestnut with roof-deck planter condition

The Planning Commission on April 1 approved a conditional use authorization for 1336 Chestnut Street, allowing demolition of the existing two-story single-family residence and construction of a four-story, four-unit building.

Planning staff said the existing building was reclassified as Category C for historic status and found the project consistent with the general plan and planning code density rules. Chris May of the Planning Department noted revised findings to reflect that the building is tenant-occupied and that the proposal would add three rental units plus one owner-occupied unit.

Architect Michael Hennessy described design revisions responding to neighbors: stepped massing to reduce shadows, added planters on upper decks for privacy, relocation of a stair penthouse and changes to window framing materials. Neighbors expressed concern about adjacent balconies, privacy intrusion into bedrooms and bathrooms and sightlines from proposed roof decks.

After public comment and deliberation about open-space equity and adjacency, Commissioner Moore moved (and Commissioner Tanner seconded) a motion to approve the project with a condition that roof-deck railings be pulled in three feet and planters placed outward of the railings to provide a buffer. The motion passed unanimously 7-0.

The commission’s approval includes the planning department’s recommended conditions and the new roof-deck planter configuration intended to protect neighboring privacy.