Reso24-04 0022 PC Reso 77 Birch Street

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ATTY/RESO.0022/PS RESO 77 BIRCH STREET REV: 05-16-24 VR Page 2 of 5 Section 3. The Planning Commission finds that the Project is exempt from the requirements of CEQA per Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 15332 (“Class 32 Infill Exemption”) as the project is consistent with the applicable general plan designation and all applicable general plan policies as well as with applicable zoning designation and regulations; the proposed development occurs within city limits on a project site of no more than five acres substantially surrounded by urban uses; the Project site has no value as a habitat for endangered, rare or threatened species; approval of the Project would not result in any significant effects relating to traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality; and the site can be adequately served by all required utilities and public services. Section 4. Architectural Permit (AP2020-046) – The Planning Commission finds that: A. The existence of sufficient variety in the design of the structure and grounds to avoid monotony in the external appearance. The project is not monotonous in nature. The front façade presents a variety of plane changes and materials. Additionally, architectural features such as patios, balconies, and window placement provide sufficient variety in the design to avoid monotony in the external appearance. B. The size and design of the structure shall be considered for the purpose of determining that the structure is in proportion to its building site and that it has a balance and unity among its external features so as to present a harmonious appearance. The project complies with applicable development standards that address massing and lot coverage, resulting in a design which is proportional to the site. Also, the external features, including, but not limited to, design materials and colors are consistent throughout each elevation to present a harmonious appearance. C. The extent to which the structure conforms to the general character of other structures in the vicinity insofar as the character can be ascertained and is found to be architecturally desirable. The project meets this finding as it uses a contemporary design style with articulated openings and small-scale architectural elements and plane changes which are compatible with the general character of structures in the vicinity. The Project is found to be architecturally desirable as it effectively uses a variation of materials, colors and façade articulation which helps to improve the architectural character of the neighborhood. As proposed, the general character of surrounding structures will not be compromised. D. The extent to which excessive ornamentation is to be used and the extent to which temporary and second-hand materials, or materials which are imitative of other materials, are to be used. The proposed ornamentation is not excessive; materials used are not second-hand or temporary, and the use of imitative materials is modest.