Monterey Architectural Review Committee Meeting - May 21, 2025

The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) met on May 21, 2025, to consider several items including window replacements, sign permits, an accessory dwelling unit proposal, and a balcony expansion. The meeting was held in the City Council chamber and via Zoom. The committee reordered the agenda to address items efficiently.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bob Jansen, a neighbor on Watson Street, expressed concerns about the proposed ADUs at 384 Larkin Street, stating they would block 90% of his view and create privacy and noise issues. He suggested a flat roof design to mitigate impacts.
• Molly Erickson, representing client Carol Erickson, argued that the ADU project at 384 Larkin Street is inconsistent with the Old Town Neighborhood Area Plan, citing the open carports, cantilevered second story, and other design elements. She urged the committee to require modifications.
• The property owner of 1099 Del Monte Avenue spoke in support of the sign permit, stating the existing sign is entirely on private property and that lowering it to eight feet with a solid base would create a safety hazard for pedestrians and cyclists exiting the driveway.

Discussion Items

487 Foam Street – Window Replacement

• The applicant proposed color repair and replacement of up to 59 exterior sliding glass balcony doors and windows, changing the color from red/orange to dark bronze. Staff recommended approval, finding the project appropriate and consistent with guidelines. The committee unanimously approved the architectural review permit (ARP 240168).

2102 North Fremont Street – Sign Permit

• The applicant requested a freestanding sign and wall signs for the El Castel Motel. Staff recommended approval with a condition to remove sign number four, as it would detract from architectural features. The committee approved the sign permit (SI240226) with the condition and standard conditions.

384 Larkin Street – Two ADUs Over Carport

• The applicant sought an architectural review permit for two second-story accessory dwelling units above a carport, requiring a height exception (proposed height 23 feet 10 inches; maximum allowed 18 feet, up to 20 feet with matching roof pitch). Staff recommended approval with conditions, including matching siding color.
• Public comments: Bob Jansen and Molly Erickson raised concerns about view impairment, privacy, and consistency with the Old Town plan. The applicant’s architect, Paul Davis, offered to lower the structure by 12 to 18 inches to improve views.
• The committee discussed lowering the roof ridge by 12 inches while maintaining the roof pitch, to mitigate visual impacts. The applicant agreed. The committee voted 4-0 to approve the permit (ARP 230048) with conditions: lower the roof ridge by a minimum of 12 inches, match siding color to the primary dwelling, and standard conditions.

1099 Del Monte Avenue – Sign Face Replacement

• The applicant requested replacement of sign faces on an existing non-conforming pole-mounted sign. Staff recommended denial because the sign does not meet current sign guidelines (height 11.8 feet, visible poles, no full-width base) and its location may be in the city right-of-way; a survey was not provided. The property owner argued safety concerns if the sign is lowered.
• The committee discussed the need for a survey to determine the sign’s location relative to the right-of-way and a traffic engineering review of safety impacts. The committee voted to continue the item to a future date pending receipt of a survey and traffic review.

104 Tide Avenue – Balcony Expansion

• The applicant requested a permit amendment for a side-yard setback variation to expand a second-story balcony that had already been constructed beyond the approved permit. The variation was minimal (0.2 feet). Staff recommended approval, noting no neighbor objections and minimal privacy impacts. The committee approved the permit amendment (PA 250033).

Key Outcomes

• 487 Foam Street: Approved (ARP 240168).
• 2102 North Fremont Street: Approved (SI240226) with condition to remove sign #4.
• 384 Larkin Street: Approved (ARP 230048) with condition to lower roof ridge by 12 inches and match siding color.
• 1099 Del Monte Avenue: Continued to a future date pending survey and traffic engineering review.
• 104 Tide Avenue: Approved (PA 250033) for setback variation.

All decisions are appealable to the Planning Commission within 10 days. Forms are available online and in the planning office.