HomeMy WebLinkAboutPalmer 05182019From: Peggy Palmer <pvpalmer@icloud.com>
Sent: Saturday, May 18, 2019 3:23 PM
To: Planning Commissioners
Cc: Murillo, Jaime; Campbell, Jim
Subject: 1113 Kings Road - Height Variance Request / PA2019-060 / Activity
VA2019-002
Dear Honorable Planning Commissioners,
Recently the applicant for the property located at 1113 Kings Road applied for a
height variance. The variance is to allow for an increase in the height, due to the steep
topography; however, the applicant’s architectural renderings illustrate that they are
already building up to the 29 foot height level in this so called “steep
topography”. The height exception is for a patio-roof, which would equate to an
additional 3.07 feet for a total of 32 feet - seven inches, this is not a “hardship
variance”, this is a luxury variance that should be denied.
Please note the following policy according to California State Law and the Newport
Beach Municipal Code:
“The Staff Report demonstrates the absence of substantial hardship on the part of
the property owners and instead shows their desire to maximize the scale and value
of their proposed project. Thus, granting the above variance would constitute a
grant of special privileges in violation of state law and the Newport Beach
Municipal Code.”
According to Jamie Murillo, Senior Planner, the proposed 12,303 foot home,
including the four car garage, will also have a 100 foot projection from the structure to
the bluff to include a 29 foot height and a four foot set-back on each side, a height
variance should not even be considered; yet, the City Staff is recommending
approval?
Mr. Murillo also stated that the City Staff recommended several options to the
applicant, but apparently the Reed's will not deviate from this unnecessary height
variance.
At this time, I am asking that the Planning Commissioners recommend an extension
of the project, in order to allow the applicant, the community and the City to review
these different options, (as suggested by City Staff). This will achieve a community
consensus.
The owner of the property fully understood the nature of the topography when they
purchased this lot in 2018. The parcel located at 1113 currently has expansive views
of the harbor, turning basin and ocean; allowing this particular variance in addition to
the proposed 100 foot projection and the 29 foot height would be reckless disregard to
the residents of Cliff Haven.
I am requesting that the Planning Commissioners deny this
variance. This variance is not a hardship for the applicant, but it
will be a hardship inherited by the surrounding residents, if
approved.
In closing, we need to all play by the rules and be respectful of
our neighbors, now and in the future.
Thank you for your consideration,
Peggy V. Palmer
Cliff Haven Community Association
Board Member
1701 Kings Road
Newport Beach, CA 92663