AgdaPkt 2008-02-11 Clsd and Reg - Laserfiche WebLink

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8A ATTACHMENT 1 Page 5 Appeal to allow a standinq seam metal roof at 3705 Brandy Rock Way Supporting Findings 1. Comoatibilitv: The proposed standing seam metal roof does not meet the design standards of Article 45.8 of the Zoning Ordinance because it does not conform to the general character of the structures in the project vicinity. The proposed SSMR would clash with its surroundings. The subject property is located in a street/neighborhood containing homes that are architecturally consistent. Brandy Rock Way is one representative of Redwood City's uranch-style" home development period with traditional architectural elements such as a finely scaled, highly textured and horizontally-laid roofing material with overhangs that are supported by wooden ratters. The street facing edge of these traditional roofs are typically ornamented with wide wooden fascia boards which are proportional to the dwelling's wooden window and door trims. The only visible metal elements used on traditional roofs are the rain gutters, rain water leaders and vent penetrations. In contrast, the proposed SSMR would use large scaled vertically laid industrial-looking and smooth. painted metal roofing materials that exclude the wooden rafters, fascia or under-eave decking found in traditional architecture. The quantity, variety and angles of the roof pitches proposed for this second story dwelling addition are expected to expose a significant amount of roof surfaces to the street view. Relative to the overall fa9ade of the house, this roof surface represents approximately 50% of the building elevation (Attachment F) If a low profile standing seam metal roof is used instead of traditional roofing material (tile, composition or shake "modules"), this highly visible and relatively large-scaled uniformly painted low- texture roofing material would become a dominant character-defining element affecting the overall streetscape and thus, would not conform to the general character and aesthetic of the dwellings within the vicinity, as required by Article 45.8 b). 2. Precedence: If approved, the proposed roofing material would set a precedent for future single family dwelling Architectural Permit applications in Redwood City, in conflict with past City-wide policies aimed at the visual preservation of neighborhood context. For well over 25 years, Redwood City has followed a consistent policy of disallowing the use of SSMR's for single-family dwellings. Approval of a low-profile SSMR's for this property would be precedent-causing since there are numerous homes and streets in Redwood City with a similar architectural character. The outright approval of this roofing material would therefore have the potential to alter the visual character of Redwood City's residential areas. 3. Alternatives: The City is generally supportive of "green" concepts, including the use of energy efficient and recycled materials. Sustainability and even LEED certification (energy efficiency rating) for this building is not predicated on the use of a SSMR and the dwelling could qualify as "green" for numerous other reasons. Comparable "green