Ross ADR backs homeowner�request to replace wood siding with stucco, urges darker, earth-tone finish
April 17, 2024 | Ross, Marin County, California
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The Ross Architectural Design Review (ADR) recommended on April 16 that the town council approve an application to replace original T1-11 wood siding at 124 Winding Way with medium-gray textured stucco to satisfy a homeowner insurance requirement.
The applicant representative, identified in the record as Odo, told the ADR the homeowner 's insurer had signaled it would not renew the homeowner policy unless the siding were replaced with a more fire-resistant material; Odo said the applicant needs the replacement so the homeowner can obtain a renewal. "They will not renew her homeowner policy unless we take this siding off and put it with a more fire resistant retardant," Odo said.
Why it matters: under current town rules, a demolition permit and ADR review are triggered when more than 25% of a residence exterior wall coverings are altered. Staff said that process can create a multi-week delay between application and final council action.
ADR members supported the project on insurance and safety grounds but uniformly urged a darker, earth-tone color and a smoother finish to avoid an unexpectedly bright or textured appearance on the hillside. Joey Buckingham said he "would just urge you to go a darker color" to better match Ross contexts. Mark Krouchnet and Laura Dewar also recommended selecting a color that fits the neighborhood; the panel indicated staff could confirm a darker color administratively so the homeowner could meet the insurer's timeline without returning to ADR.
On technical finish, Odo explained that a true steel-trowel (flat) application produces a smoother appearance but increases cost because it typically requires additional coat passes; finer finishes also can show more hairline cracks over time. ADR members balanced those trade-offs against budget and durability concerns and asked the applicant to pursue a medium-to-fine texture and a darker, natural color.
Next steps: ADR will forward a recommendation to the town council. Staff noted that if a replacement is determined to be "in kind" or substantially matching the existing appearance, the code amendment under consideration at the meeting could allow staff to approve such replacements administratively rather than requiring ADR and council review.
Meeting note: No public commenters spoke on this item during the ADR meeting.
The applicant representative, identified in the record as Odo, told the ADR the homeowner 's insurer had signaled it would not renew the homeowner policy unless the siding were replaced with a more fire-resistant material; Odo said the applicant needs the replacement so the homeowner can obtain a renewal. "They will not renew her homeowner policy unless we take this siding off and put it with a more fire resistant retardant," Odo said.
Why it matters: under current town rules, a demolition permit and ADR review are triggered when more than 25% of a residence exterior wall coverings are altered. Staff said that process can create a multi-week delay between application and final council action.
ADR members supported the project on insurance and safety grounds but uniformly urged a darker, earth-tone color and a smoother finish to avoid an unexpectedly bright or textured appearance on the hillside. Joey Buckingham said he "would just urge you to go a darker color" to better match Ross contexts. Mark Krouchnet and Laura Dewar also recommended selecting a color that fits the neighborhood; the panel indicated staff could confirm a darker color administratively so the homeowner could meet the insurer's timeline without returning to ADR.
On technical finish, Odo explained that a true steel-trowel (flat) application produces a smoother appearance but increases cost because it typically requires additional coat passes; finer finishes also can show more hairline cracks over time. ADR members balanced those trade-offs against budget and durability concerns and asked the applicant to pursue a medium-to-fine texture and a darker, natural color.
Next steps: ADR will forward a recommendation to the town council. Staff noted that if a replacement is determined to be "in kind" or substantially matching the existing appearance, the code amendment under consideration at the meeting could allow staff to approve such replacements administratively rather than requiring ADR and council review.
Meeting note: No public commenters spoke on this item during the ADR meeting.
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