September 14, 2026 – 7:00 PM
The Novato Planning Commission held a public hearing on the 200 San Marin Residences, a proposed eight-unit single-family attached townhome development at 200 San Marin Drive. The Commission considered resolutions recommending approval to the City Council for a General Plan amendment, zoning map amendment (via Senate Bill 10), master plan, precise development plan (PDP), design review, and tentative map with two exceptions. The meeting also included a staff report, applicant presentation, public testimony, commission deliberation, and a report on the Fireman's Fund project.
The Commission voted 4-0 to recommend approval of the design review to the City Council with a modification that the siding colors and treatments be of a darker earth-toned nature (as opposed to the white proposed). This followed discussion about the Mediterranean architectural style's compatibility with the surrounding San Marin neighborhood.
Commissioners debated the three-story (37'8") height and massing of the buildings relative to adjacent one-story commercial and single-family homes. The Mediterranean style, which includes barrel tile roofs and stucco, was considered a departure from the prevalent ranch-style architecture in the San Marin neighborhood. Some Commissioners expressed concern about visual prominence, while others felt the design added value and that a different architectural style could be considered. Staff noted that the Design Review Commission had previously vetted and approved the Mediterranean style after considering alternatives. The Commission ultimately decided to recommend approval of the design review with a color modification rather than requiring a full architectural redesign, aiming to avoid significant project delays.
The Commission voted to recommend City Council approval of the following:
Commissioner Kevin Haroff (newly appointed) voted with the majority. Commissioner Tiernan noted that all votes are recommendations to the City Council, which retains ultimate decision-making authority. The Council is expected to consider the project in late October 2026.
Fireman's Fund Project Update: Staff reported that demolition continues (concrete/asphalt removal, grading for drainage). Two active applications are in process: a vesting tentative map for subdivision and a design review application covering about 200 units across two areas. The design review will be subject to objective standards and will likely come before the Planning Commission due to the project's size. Construction is expected to start in 2028.
Commission Changes: Commissioner Derby resigned due to a move out of the area. A recruitment is underway for an open seat on the Planning Commission.
Upcoming Training: A Marin County housing law training session for commissioners is scheduled for September 30, 2026; RSVP deadline is September 18, 2026.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:30 PM.
Good evening. I'd like to call the meeting of the Planning Commission of September 14th to order. First off, we'll pledge the flag if I could get people to rise, so we'll delete it. Thank you. With that, I'll I'll do a roll call. Commissioner Harboff? Here. Commissioner Roach. Sure. Commissioner Havill. Here. And Commissioner Tiernan is here. Have we heard from Grinkey or Stuckenbroker? We have not heard from Commissioner Griggy or Commissioner Stuckenbroker at this point. We do have a quorum. Yeah. Okay. So the first item before I think I have called it to order. So approval of the final agenda. Can I get a motion? So moved. I'll take that a second. Okay. We'll vote on. So Commissioner Havill. Aye. Commissioner Roach. Commissioner Hauber. Yes. And then Commissioner Tiernan's an I as well. So we have on our agenda public comment. And that would be for anything other than 200 San Marin Drive if somebody wants to approach the Planning Commission. Okay. If not, we'll move on. So we do have one thing on our consent calendar. I was not an attendant at that meeting, so I will be abstaining from it. But uh I will entertain a motion to approve those minutes or the amendment if need. So move. Yeah. Second. Okay. Okay. All right. Any discussion? Are we okay? Yeah. It's fine. Okay. We'll vote on the motion. Commissioner Havill.