Ross council approves two design-review projects and discusses streamlining for insurer‑driven siding changes

The Ross Town Council approved two planning items and debated whether the town’s design-review and demolition-permit rules should be eased when insurers require exterior siding changes for wildfire risk.

51 Shady Lane: The council adopted Resolution 24‑15 approving design review, a nonconformity permit and a variance to demolish a 345-square-foot pool house and transfer floor area for interior and rear additions, and to relocate a pool to a rear-yard setback. Architect Barbara Chambers and landscape architect Michael Yandell told the council neighbors supported the project. The motion to adopt Resolution 24‑15 passed on a 4–0 vote after one councilmember recused for living within 500 feet of the property.

124 Winding Way: Staff presented a project to replace wood siding with stucco after the homeowner received a nonrenewal notice from their insurer. Planning staff said a demolition permit is required when more than 25% of exterior wall coverings are altered; ADR recommended approval on April 16 and suggested an earth‑tone stucco. Council members expressed concern that requiring full design review and the associated fees could slow emergency compliance when insurers demand rapid changes. Mayor Pro Tem McMillan and others suggested the council consider ordinance changes to allow in‑kind replacements or insurance-mandated conversions to proceed administratively. Planning staff replied that they can recommend changes but council action would be required to amend the ordinance.

An applicant representing the homeowner said Travelers Insurance had issued a nonrenewal and urged a streamlined process, noting the homeowner had sought and received a short extension from the insurer and that the cost and short timeline were burdensome. A demolition-permit deposit of $2,492 was discussed during the hearing; planning staff confirmed that fee was charged in this instance.

The council approved Resolution 24‑16 (124 Winding Way) by a 5–0 vote. Several council members asked staff to return with options to expedite approvals and to consider fee and process changes for insurance‑driven safety work.

The council did not amend the ordinance at this meeting but directed staff to include demolition/design‑review options in future reports and to consider outreach or a workshop to advise homeowners affected by insurers’ nonrenewal actions.