COSTA MESA PLANNING COMMISSION PREVIEW

Here’s an item the commission will consider today.

CONDO CONVERSIONOwner Barry Saywitz wants to convert a 12-unit apartment complex he owns on Victoria Street to condos for sale. The complex is one of 12 pending projects that were grandfathered in to avoid a 45-day moratorium the City Council placed last week on condo conversions.

Built in 1960, the building at 577 and 579 Victoria St. has 23 parking spaces, somewhat short of the 38 spots city code requires, though Saywitz plans to add three spaces. Commissioners and council members have said they’re concerned about older buildings that don’t meet current requirements for parking and open space or that have aging infrastructure that could fail.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Planning staff members recommend approving the Victoria Street apartments for condo conversion, but the commission may scrutinize the project more because the city is trying to tighten standard for converting to condos.

— Compiled by

Alicia Robinson