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May 21, 2019
VIA ELECTRONIC DELIVERY:
planningcommissioners@newportbeachca.gov
Peter Zak, Chair, Planning Commission
City of Newport Beach
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Subject: Variance Request – Reed Residence – Agenda Item #4
Dear Chair Zak,
I support the homeowner’s request for a variance. I have reviewed the plans and the City’s Staff Report,
and there is no doubt that the property has unique topographic challenges. Such challenges do not exist
at the vast majority of lots on Kings Road and, more generally, within the entire City of Newport Beach.
It appears from the exhibits provided in the report that a variance is warranted in this specific case,
especially in light of the fact that that the city has previously approved variances for this property and
the property adjacent to it.
For the homeowner to avoid an over-height determination due to the gully, he would have to build the
house with a 19-foot setback from the eastern property line – such action would deprive them of
property rights enjoyed by the surrounding neighborhood. With an approved variance, the homeowner
would not be gaining any additional privileges, but instead will likely be building less square footage
than he otherwise would have if he were able to fully maximize the use of the eastern side of the
property, or if he were to step the property further down the slope towards Coast Highway.
The requested height increase is beyond reasonable given the slope of the gully. The variance will NOT
provide any additional square footage for the homeowner, nor will it give the homeowner any
additional building height, which provides benefit to residents on both sides of Kings Road. The
proposed residence is of quality design, with articulation to relieve massing along Kings Road, and will
be several feet lower than the 29-foot height limit.
Newport Beach does not protect private views. To do so in this case would be contrary to the City’s own
General Plan and Zoning regulations and would set bad precedent moving forward. I urge the Planning
Commission to approve the requested height variance.
Sincerely,
Evan Moore
Fullerton Ave
CC Members of the Planning Commission
Jaime Murillo