The Design Review Commission of San Gabriel convened on October 28, 2024, to discuss a significant residential development proposal. The meeting focused on a request to demolish an existing single-story home and construct a new two-story residence on a 7,500 square foot lot located on the west side of Euclid Avenue, between Grand Avenue and Fairview Avenue.

The property, currently developed with a 1,026 square foot single-family home, was previously reviewed by the Commission in September 2019. At that time, the proposal was continued due to inconsistencies in the plans and insufficient design details. Since then, the applicant has engaged a new designer, resulting in a substantial redesign of the project.

The proposed new home will measure 2,465 square feet, featuring a ground floor of 1,450 square feet and a second floor of 1,012 square feet. The design adheres to the municipal code's development standards for the R-1 zoning, including compliance with building height, setbacks, lot coverage, and floor area ratio requirements. City staff and the city architect have reviewed the architectural design for consistency with the guidelines for single-family residences.

The exterior of the new home will incorporate a mix of materials, including sand-colored stucco, vertical siding in a cowboy trail color, and limestone veneer trim. Additional features include brown vinyl windows, a dark charcoal concrete roof, and a landscaped front yard with a new lawn, garden, and various shrubs, including rosemary and dwarf pink lantana. The existing carrot wood tree will be preserved, while three of the four existing trees in the rear yard will remain, with the elm tree being removed to accommodate the new garage.

A neighborhood analysis was conducted, identifying 14 two-story homes within a 300-foot radius of the project site, confirming the project's compatibility with the surrounding area. The proposal aligns with the general plan's low-density residential designation and meets community design goals aimed at enhancing neighborhood aesthetics.

The project was also reviewed for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act and was deemed exempt under guidelines for new construction. Notices regarding the project were distributed to nearby properties and posted at key community locations prior to the meeting.

The Design Review Commission's discussions reflect a commitment to maintaining the character of San Gabriel's neighborhoods while accommodating new residential developments. Further steps will follow as the project progresses through the approval process.