During the recent Lafayette City Council meeting, significant discussions centered around a hillside development project that has been in the pipeline for nearly two decades. Planning Director Greg Wolf provided an extensive overview of the project, which is located north of Highway 24 at the intersection of Sierra Vista and Sessions Road.

The project has undergone multiple phases since its initial application in 2007, with various adjustments made in response to community feedback. Originally proposed as a 4,200 square foot residence, the project was scaled down to approximately 2,600 square feet but was ultimately denied. In 2018, a revised phase 1 application was approved by the Planning Commission, which was later appealed to the City Council and granted approval. The subsequent phase 2 application, submitted in 2020, received approval without any appeals.

However, the entitlements for both phases expired, prompting the property owner to reapply in 2022 for a combined phase 1 and 2 application for a 2,300 square foot residence. This latest application was approved by the Planning Commission but has since been appealed by local residents, including Jeff and Pam Swartz.

The ongoing discussions highlight the complexities of hillside development in Lafayette, reflecting the community's concerns about environmental impact and neighborhood compatibility. As the council navigates this appeal, residents are encouraged to stay engaged and informed about the project's implications for the local landscape and community dynamics. The council's next steps will be crucial in determining the future of this long-standing development proposal.