city of glendale planning department design review staff report context

July 16, 2009
2-PDR2009-039-A
1500 Remah Vista Drive
The overall mass of the building will change as a result of the new second floor addition. However, the
overall scale of the building will not significantly change. The addition is modest in size and will
adequately fit the existing site and floor plan conditions. The existing front setback on the first floor will
be maintained and the height of the building will result in a relatively minor expansion of 20-'4". As
previously indicated, a partial second floor will be added. Because it is stepped back from the ground
floor at the east and west elevations, the second floor addition it is not out of context with the existing
house and the general neighborhood. Overall, the mass and scale of the project appear to relate well to
the surrounding neighborhood.
BUILDING DESIGN AND DETAILING
Architectural Style: The neighborhood is comprised of single-family homes constructed in a variety of
styles. The existing one-story. Contemporary Ranch home will maintain its architectural style even
though a second floor will be added . The applicant is propos ing to match the existing colors, materials,
and fenestration as closely as possible. Some of the materials currently on the house include rock roof,
wood fascia , strip stone, a combination of wood and aluminum windows, wood siding, and smooth
stucco. The new materials for the addition will include cement board siding (e.g., Hardi Board) painted
to match the existing wood siding, smooth steel trowelled stucco finish , ledges tone strip cultured stone
by Coronado, wood fascia painted tan to match existing, and wood windows. The proposed materials
appear to match well with existing and integrates with the design of the house. For example, the
proposed stone is utilized on the new chimney while thoughtfully accenting the fayade on the first floor
addition. The variety of materials incorporated onto the house accent various elements of the building
and is well distributed so as to not overwhelm the fayades. The property is located within a high-fire
zone. Therefore, all proposed material shall comply with Fire Prevention regulations.
As previously indicated, the existing fenestration includes a mixture of wood, aluminum , and what appear
to be steel windows presented in a variety of sizes . For example, the windows on the south side are
clear, floor to ceiling windows and slidi ng glass doors. The remaining windows are fixed , casement, and
slider. While the applicant has noted that the majority of the windows are wood, some windows do not
have a true wood appearance. Therefore, the new wood windows should match the existing wood
windows in order to preserve the existing character of the house. A condition will be added to ensure
that al l new wood windows match the existing character of the existing house.
Textures: The building will be fin ished with smooth, steel trowelled stucco, strip stone, Hardi Board and
cement siding. Other materials to be utilized will include wood windows and roof rock . The proposed
materials complement the existing Contemporary Ranch style of the home and correspond with the
immediate neighborhood. The combination of materials, textures, and architectural details provide
richness to the overall appearance of the building.
Quality of Materials: The selected materials appear to be of high quality, which add to the overall
appearance of the building and enhance the cha racter of the existing neighborhood.
Overall the project has incorporated design elements that are prevalent on the existing house and within
the immediate neighborhood. The house is well designed, preserving the existing Contemporary Ranch
architecture . The selected materials, textures, and architectural details appear to be harmonious with
the existing materials on the house and the immediate neighborhood.
RECOMMENDATIONSI DRAFT RECORD OF DECISION :
Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the proposed project with one condition. The
proposed addition appears to be consistent with the Design Guideline's intent for site planning, mass
and scale, and design. The Planning Department recommends final project approval with the following
consideration:
Consideration:
1. The new windows on the addition shall match the existing material and design of the wood
windows on the house.
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