All too often, in cities throughout the Greater Pasadena area, I enter homes which have been disfigured by well-intentioned owners. In efforts to gain space, remodel and save money, these owners cut corners, use sub-standard materials and destroy the original flow and charm of beautiful period architecture. Worse yet, is the home that has been completely torn down, only to be replaced by a huge mansion, which is completely out of keeping with the neighborhood and completely fills the lot. Instances of “Remodels Gone Bad” are more common than you think, and are always such a frustration to home buyers with discriminating taste. It is hard to swallow the idea of purchasing a remodeled home, only to have to tear out all of their shoddy work and replace it with appropriate design and materials. My clients will often exclaim, “Why didn’t they just leave it alone?!”

The City of San Marino is well-known for their rigorous standards and attention to detail when it comes to upgrading city homes, which can be a source of frustration and aggravation to some homeowners. As a resident, I have more than once fussed and ranted about city rules, but I do have to admit that I am truly thankful for all that the city does and believe that it is one of the reasons that San Marino property values remain so high. There is no mystery to the way the city makes its decisions. There is a well documented set of design guidelines (located online atwww.ci.san-marino.ca.us/pdf_forms/pnbforms/RDG.pdf), which outlines the criteria used to make approval decisions.

As an arm of the City of San Marino Planning Department, the five member “Design Review Committee” volunteer their time to review and approve construction plans which impact the exterior appearance of city homes. The City Planning Department handles the bulk of construction permits, but the Design Review Committee is called in to action when homeowners want to change the appearance of the house from the front, add significantly to the home’s square footage, add a second story, construct a fence adjacent to the street, add significant hardscape to the front yard or change their roof materials (just to name a few).

The committee, led by Chairman Tom Kibler, meets twice a month to discuss a pre-approved agenda of business and to answer questions during an open forum portion of the program. Prior to the meeting, each committee member independently reviews architectural plans and visits the site of each subject property, in order to be fully versed in the details of the project and the impact upon the home and neighborhood. The main function of the review is to make sure that the architectural integrity of the home and neighborhood is retained and that the changes proposed do not negatively affect neighbors. During the meeting, the homeowner or their representative is allotted time to present the details of their project. Members of the community are allowed to speak for or against the project, and then each committee member presents their viewpoint on the project. Approval of the project requires a majority approval, and the homeowner may be asked to make some changes and come back again with modified plans. Tom Kibler stresses that the committee makes every effort to work with homeowners and has no ambition to squash people’s right to improve their properties. Their function is to sift all construction projects through a set of city standards in an effort to preserve our beautiful homes and streets.

According to Kibler, the most important tip for success is to engage a reputable Architect, who will prepare and present a complete and accurate set of plans. Without this information, your project is doomed to be delayed with the Design Review Committee. Prior to even engaging an Architect, though, you should go through the City of San Marino Residential Design Guidelines, so that you know what the city will allow and don’t have unrealistic expectations for your project. In addition, look at the neighborhood around you and ensure that your plans do not put your home out of keeping with its surroundings. Plans for adding a second story, for example, will only be approved if there are other two-story homes surrounding the subject property and the addition does not significantly impact the privacy of neighbors. Finally, make sure that you choose materials, even if they are more expensive, which are in keeping with the original design. Windows, doors and roof materials are all under scrutiny and must adhere to city standards.

As a San Marino homeowner and a lover of great architecture and design, I take my hat off to the Design Review Committee. Keep up the good work!