Reso25-05 0090 - PC Reso 1201 Main Street Mixed Use Project

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ATTY/RESO.0090/PC RESO 1201 MAIN STREET MIXED USE PROJECT REV: 08-15-25 VR Page 4 of 32 4. Architectural Permit (AP2024-030): The Planning Commission is able make the required findings for approval of an Architectural Permit (Zoning Ordinance Section 45.4). Specifically, 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 proposed building is designed with variation in the building massing in the form of corners and recesses, step-backs, and visual breaks in the length of the structure, as well as material transitions that all serve to provide visual interest and break up the massing. The building design also utilizes the multiple frontages with different design elements such as a fourth-floor roof deck for additional architectural interest. The project also provides a mixture of exterior materials that help the design 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 building is designed with a consistent architectural style throughout each elevation including well-proportioned and consistent windows styles that creates a balanced and harmonious appearance. The balance and unity in the exterior and proportionality to the building site is enhanced by the fourth floor roof deck which breaks up the size and perceived massing of the proposed building. 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 site is located near a mix of midrise office and residential buildings, as well as some smaller office and multifamily uses. As the site is directly adjacent to the boundaries of Redwood City’s Downtown Precise Plan which allows for a variety of uses, building heights, and architectural styles, the architectural character and size is compatible with the surroundings. The building’s proposed contemporary architectural style with quality exterior materials conforms to both the existing land uses surrounding the project as well as the denser urban environment of the downtown area. 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 Project does not utilize decorative ornamentation and utilizes high quality exterior materials including glass, stucco, metal, and pre-cast brick panels. e. The extent to which natural features, including trees, shrubs, creeks, and rocks, and the natural grade of the site are to be retained. The project site is flat, developed, and does not contain significant natural features. The project provides sufficient landscaping in the form of street trees, a residential