HomeMy WebLinkAboutGrade Determination Letter_19y011_26
To: Ben Zdeba From: Tyler Wilson, AIA
City of Newport Beach CC: Jeff Van Voorhis, AIA
Building Division Brandon Architects, Inc.
100 Civic Center Drive 151 Kalmus Dr.
Newport Beach, CA 92658 Suite G-1
T: 949.644.3200 Costa Mesa, CA 92626
T: 714.754.4040
Date: 11.26.2019
RE: 20462 SW Birch St. – Grade Determination
Dear Mr. Zdeba,
Thank you for taking the time to review and respond to our previous submittal.
A substantial portion of the lot was modified to create a pad at roughly 46.50’. In doing this, substantial
grading occurred along the east and south property lines to keep the existing garage and backyard at the
same or lower elevations relative to the main building pad. The cuts are primarily along the east and
southern property lines of Parcel 1.
To account for these alterations, we have developed a “Natural Grade” contour exhibit that reestablishes
grade prior to any modification on Parcel 1. Contour lines at the eastern boundary of Parcel 1 and 2 are
extended along their natural trajectory rather than abruptly jogging where the grading cuts occurred. The
contour lines reconnect at their respective elevations along Mesa Drive. They follow a gentle curve
imitating the adjacent context, naturally stepping down toward the corner of Birch Street and Mesa Drive.
Establishing a grade plane with these contours provides a better representation of the natural site
characteristics than the existing contours allow for. The maximum height established by these contours
will only be 1.3’ higher than the maximum height calculated from the existing contours which we feel is
within reason.
Thank you for your time and please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions.
Best Regards,
Tyler Wilson, AIA