Goetz homes may avoid redesign

June Casagrande

Residents whose homes were designed to be taller than they should

have been because architect Andrew Goetz submitted wrong survey

information will likely get the chance to keep their homes as is.

The City Council approved Wednesday the first reading of an

ordinance to give “special circumstances variances” for at least six

homes under construction in the city that are taller than building

limits would normally permit.

“All of us homeowners are devastated,” said Susan Hart, whose

Goetz-designed home is well under construction. “The expense is

enormous.”

The council supported City Atty. Bob Burnham’s recommendation to

issue the variances wherever practical

But the building owners could be forced to alter the buildings if

they apply for any building permits for their homes in the future.

“We’re going to look at every property individually,” Mayor Steve

Bromberg assured homeowners.

Goetz, an architect who has done extensive work in the city, was

arrested Oct. 15 on suspicion of forgery after city officials alleged

that he had falsified survey information on building documents filed

at City Hall.

Since that time, city staff members have identified at least 32

homes for which they believe Goetz may have provided false

information. Twelve of those homes are already built and could be

subject to review later. Of the 13 Goetz-designed homes under

construction, six are in late stages of construction and will be

reviewed by city officials as soon as possible.

The matter is scheduled for a second reading on Nov. 25, at which

time it could become official.

* JUNE CASAGRANDE covers Newport Beach and John Wayne Airport. She

may be reached at (949) 574-4232 or by e-mail at

june.casagrande@latimes.com.