Reso PC21-12 0099 PC Reso for 1417 Middlefield Rd

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ATTY/RESO.0099/PC RESO FOR 1417 MIDDLEFIELD RD REV: 11-12-2021 JB Page 3 of 16 The Planning Commission concurs with the findings of the HRE. Upon reviewing the plans, the Planning Commission finds that the proposed addition at the rear of the building would reference and be compatible with the existing massing and architecture of that wing of the structure, matching the roof slope, scale, and horizontal wood siding of the existing structure. Per the Secretary’s Standards, the new construction is differentiated from the existing historic portion of the structure by the inclusion of modern fiberglass windows without ornamentation to distinguish from the historic wooden windows with decorative floral pattern boards on other portions of the structure. In addition, the proposed project would remove several features of the structure and property, including the lean-to sheds, stairs and deck on the east façade, and accessory structures including a garage and free-standing shed northwest of the principal structure. The Planning Commission agrees with the findings of the HRE that these features do not contribute to the historic character of the structure; as such, their removal does not adversely affect the historic integrity of the resource. B. In the case of any property located within a historic district, the proposed construction, removal, rehabilitation alteration, remodeling, excavation or exterior alteration conforms to the prescriptive standards as adopted by the Commission, and does not adversely affect the character of the district; or As described in the HRE, the Stambaugh-Heller Historic District is characterized by the largest concentration of 19th-century homes in Redwood City, with homes built of redwood and in the popular architectural styles of their time, including Queen Anne, Italianate, Farmhouse, and Greek Revival. Beyond the architectural features and ornamentation described above that characterizes the Italianate Style, the structure’s setback from Middlefield Road and raised foundation reflect the historic patterns of homebuilding within the district. The proposed project does not alter the use of the structure as a residence, and as described above, the proposed construction and alterations do not adversely affect the character defining features that contribute to both the historic integrity of the house and the district itself. Secondly, the location of the addition at the rear of the house also ensures that the Middlefield Road elevation, which is the most prominent elevation from public viewpoints, remains largely unchanged, ensuring that the impact upon visitors to the historic district is minimized. Thus, staff finds that the project as proposed does not adversely affect the character of the district. C. In the case of construction of a new improvement, building, or structure upon a historic site, the exterior of such improvements will not adversely affect and will be compatible with the external appearance of existing designated improvements, buildings, and structures on said site. The property is not a historic site, and this criteria is not applicable. 4. Architectural Permit Findings. The Planning Commission is able make the required findings for approval of an Architectural Permit (Zoning Ordinance Section 45.4) and approves the permit subject to the Conditions of Approval attached hereto as Exhibit A. Specifically, the Planning Commission finds that: