Viewing the future
Deirdre Newman
Costa Mesa by the Sea is a reality for only a small number of
privileged homeowners in the city. Yet residents in areas that offer
ocean views are divided over whether the city should enact
regulations to protect those views.
That conflict was mirrored in the Planning Commission’s handling
of the issue Monday. Although the planners ultimately voted 4-1, with
Commissioner Bill Perkins dissenting, to approve guidelines for
ocean-view protection for second-story home additions, they did so
with trepidation.
“Talk about a can of worms,” said Commissioner Eleanor Egan.
“There are so many things that can interfere with a view. I’m not
comfortable with it. There are some things the private sector can do
better and this is one of them.”
The commission first asked staff to review the current design
guidelines to see if there is enough direction given for view
protection. These guidelines are currently being reevaluated because
of all the recent controversy over second-story additions in the
city, and the subjective review process they have to go through.
If the current guidelines do not provide enough direction,
commissioners would like view protection for second-story additions
incorporated into the guidelines for the following neighborhoods:
Marina Highlands, Marina View, Freedom Homes, California Sea Breeze
and also properties with a view of the Back Bay.
Supporters of an ocean-view protection regulation said it would go
a long way toward easing tensions that have surfaced when residents
have fought to keep their views.
“I think an ordinance would take in everyone’s needs and would be
successful and might prevent the kinds of hostility developed around
this issue,” said Sonia Abels, a Gleneagles Terrace resident.
But opponents contend the city would sink into a quagmire by
adopting any kind of regulation.
“I’m concerned about restrictions,” said Dick Woodworth, who lives
in Aviemore Terrace. “If you get into that, you’re opening Pandora’s
Box. Where do you stop?”
The controversy over ocean-view preservation began in August when
the Planning Commission considered adding a second story to the Clark
family’s home in the 1100 block of Aviemore Terrace. The commission
approved the addition, but it was appealed and the City Council
unanimously denied it.
During the proceedings, some residents in the area claimed the
addition would block their views of the ocean. The expansion was
ultimately rejected for not being harmonious and compatible with the
neighborhood.
Laguna Beach and Monterey are two coastal cities that have
guidelines for view preservation.
The commission also encouraged consideration of whether ocean-view
preservation can be achieved with some sort of height limit. The
Planning Commission will consider changes to the design guidelines
Feb. 24.
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