That second application was what the planning commission used in turning down one man's request to build a new home that exceeds the FAR, despite the proposed building having a lower floor area ratio than the existing structure.

San Benito Avenue property owner Darren Carroll sought permission to replace an existing 2,625-square-foot, two-story home with a three-story building that measures 1,849 square feet—still 481 square feet beyond what is allowed. Furthermore, Carroll proposed building a garage that exceeds the maximum allowable FAR by 244 square feet and wanted a variance to reduce the driveway length from the required 25 feet to 15 feet.

Instead, the planning commission told Carroll he had to redesign the house so that it stayed within the FAR and did not rise above two stories.

Four of the 10 audience members who spoke at the public hearing opposed the plans, mainly in regard to the FAR. Ashler Avenue resident Michael Parsons, who lives behind the project site, requested that Carroll plant screening trees between the two properties and somehow move the bulk of the building away from Ashler Avenue for greater privacy.

Prior to the hearing, Carroll had submitted information that indicated seven other properties on Olive Street, which crosses San Benito Avenue, have driveways less than 25 feet long. He also submitted a petition signed by 35 neighbors who support his plans.

One neighbor who showed up at the hearing was Jo Hood, who lives two houses away from Carroll; she said she's seen much change in the neighborhood throughout the years.

"This home will take us back to [the neighborhood's] original style," she said. "It's going to be one big plus for the neighborhood."

Some neighbors noted that parking has always been a problem and commended Carroll for including a garage in his designs. Presently, no garage exists on the property.

Derek Van Alstine, Carroll's architect, told the planning commission that his client is willing to agree to a condition that the garage must be used to house cars, following earlier discussions that not all homeowners park their cars inside a garage.

But the planning commissioners had concerns that the proposed building looked too massive. According to town staff, the proposed Mediterranean style lends itself to a sense of bulkiness. Additionally, the staff concluded that the property's location on a corner lot also heightens the sense of mass.

Jeanne Drexel, who became the new vice chairwoman of the commission later that night, did not see a compelling reason for allowing Carroll to exceed the FAR. The floor area ratio is a "tool" that at times can be used simply as a guide, but, "in this case, FAR works" and should be followed, she said.

"It's deceptive to say that this house is an improvement to the existing house. The design needs to be reworked," she said.

Many of her fellow commissioners joined in Drexel's opinion that the height and mass of the proposed designs were overwhelming. The commission voted 5-1, with Phil Micciche opposing, to send the application back to town staff for redesign.

The planning commission will look at the application again
April 9.