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.