Historic and Design Review Commission Meeting - August 5, 2026

The Historic and Design Review Commission (HDRC) met on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 3:02 PM, adjourning at 4:23 PM. The commission considered several certificates of appropriateness for properties in historic districts, including items on a consent agenda and four individual cases. Upcoming events include the Historic House Roadshow on August 12, 2026, from 4-6 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Items 4 and 6 were postponed at the applicant's request and not heard.
• The consent agenda (items 1-7, 9, 12, and others) was approved unanimously with staff stipulations, minus items 8, 10, and 11, which were pulled by commissioners for discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jane Henry (President, Mission San Jose Neighborhood Association) spoke against item 10 (1315 East Pyrene Avenue), opposing the proposed front-facing attached two-car garage. She noted that no other house in the neighborhood has a front-facing garage and cited the mission historic district design manual. She urged the commission to follow prior decisions requiring garages at the rear.
• Bianca Maldonado (President, Monticello Park Neighborhood Association) spoke on item 11 (503 Mary Louise Drive). She acknowledged the owner's investment but requested modifications: a hip roof instead of gable, horizontal wood cladding, window proportions consistent with the main house, reconsideration of breeze block wall, and clarification on walkway and railing treatment. She requested these be incorporated into the conceptual recommendation.

Discussion Items

• Item 8 – 230 Devine Street: Architect Ronnie Carrasco answered questions about window replacements. Commissioner Sabino raised concerns about replacing an original aluminum window with a new wood window instead of reinstating the original window opening. Staff explained that replacing in kind was appropriate. The commission approved with staff stipulations.
• Item 10 – 1315 East Pyrene Avenue: Owner Jose Chadro presented the project. Staff noted this was the fourth or fifth hearing; the applicant had reduced massing, pushed the left massing forward, and added a three-foot garage setback. The neighborhood association opposed the front-facing garage. Staff recommended final approval with stipulations (setback, landscaping, window specs). The commission approved unanimously.
• Item 11 – 503 Mary Louise Drive: Owner Tim Clark addressed neighborhood concerns. Staff noted the gable roof and breeze block were appropriate. Commission discussed the roof form (hip vs. gable) and window design. Vice Chair Fetzer supported the gable roof as appropriate for an ADU. The commission approved with staff stipulations, with a suggestion to revise the horizontal windows.
• Item 13 – 731 North Palmetto: Applicant Octavio Viramontes presented a revised design for the Burnett Street structure, reducing massing and roof height. Staff noted improvements but stated the massing still did not match historic secondary structures. The commission approved with a stipulation for a clipped gable roof, based on a motion by Commissioner Velasquez.
• Item 14 – 523 Adams Street: Applicant Nate Manfred outlined plans to address staff stipulations for a rear addition, including roof form revision, window proportions, and simplified detailing. The commission granted conceptual approval with staff stipulations, encouraging further development of roof forms and detailing.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda (minus items 8,10,11): Approved unanimously (roll call: all ayes).
• Item 8 (230 Devine): Approved with staff stipulations, unanimous.
• Item 10 (1315 East Pyrene): Approved with staff stipulations, unanimous.
• Item 11 (503 Mary Louise): Approved with staff stipulations, unanimous.
• Item 13 (731 North Palmetto): Approved with updated design and stipulation for clipped gable roof, unanimous.
• Item 14 (523 Adams): Approved conceptually with staff stipulations, unanimous.
• All approvals are advisory to the City Council; certificates of appropriateness will be emailed within 10 days. No work may begin without appropriate permits.