Planning commission approves Boreal Forest paint with green trim for 244 Commercial Street after debate over darker palette

The Nevada City Planning Commission voted to approve a color scheme for 244 Commercial Street that uses Boreal Forest on main surfaces with Essex Green trim, adopting the staff recommendation after a lengthy discussion about historic context and measurable color values.

City planner Jessica Henkins presented staff’s analysis of the application by Leslie Barbazette, summarizing historical references from the Nevada County Historical Society and the Doris Foley Historical Library, which showed many mother‑lode era facades were unpainted or painted in lighter, muted earth tones. Henkins noted measured Light Reflectance Values (LRVs) from paint manufacturer data: Essex Green LRV 5.64 and Boreal Forest LRV 12.17, and recommended the lighter/more muted Boreal Forest with Essex Green trim as more consistent with zoning and design guidelines.

Applicant Leslie Barbazette said she preferred the darker Essex Green as a brand color and showed larger swatches and renderings to the commission. “I definitely still wanted to add the Essex green back in mainly because it’s a pretty core color to my brand,” Barbazette said, and added that the darker color looks better on the block, has precedent nearby, and resists showing sun‑fading as quickly on the south‑facing façade.

Commission discussion focused on how objective measures such as LRV should inform but not wholly determine decisions that also involve historic context and economic impact. Several commissioners said LRV is a useful data point but that context can justify contrast. Commissioners also noted a prior newspaper story incorrectly stated the number of times the item had appeared before the commission; the record reflected this was the second hearing.

Chair Brown moved to approve the staff recommendation (Boreal Forest with Essex Green trim); the motion was seconded and passed on roll call: Commissioner Simmons — yes; Commissioner Nye — abstain; Commissioner Han/Hani — yes; Vice Chair Cobden — yes; Chair Brown — yes. The motion carried 4 yes, 0 no, 1 abstain.

The commission’s action approves the architectural review color decision; applicant and staff may proceed under the conditions in the staff report.