The Planning Hearing Officer meeting held on September 24, 2025, in Glendale, Los Angeles County, focused on a proposed residential project that raised several design and compliance questions. The meeting began with an overview of the project by the architect, who emphasized the challenges of designing a home on a hillside lot, noting the importance of adhering to city regulations and ensuring structural stability.

The architect explained that prior to the design phase, they engaged an engineer to conduct solar and geological assessments to confirm the site’s suitability for construction. Throughout the design process, they sought to address community concerns, assuring that all construction would comply with local codes.

Key discussions included the design of the driveway, which was clarified to be a bridge rather than filled with dirt. The architect proposed modifications to the trash enclosure location, suggesting it be moved to avoid obstructing the front entryway. This change would involve extending the garage area to accommodate the required trash bins while maintaining compliance with city ordinances.

The meeting also addressed the split-level design of the house, which was intended to follow the natural contours of the land. The architect argued that a traditional three-story design would appear bulky and detract from the architectural interest of the home. The design aimed to minimize disruption to the existing landscape by using materials that blend with the hillside.

Concerns were raised regarding compliance with city regulations on driveway access and landscaping. The architect acknowledged the challenges posed by the public right-of-way and indicated a willingness to modify the design to meet city requirements.

Further discussions included the height of the primary bedroom and the design of a bay window in the family room. The architect clarified that the ceiling height was influenced by the need to accommodate air conditioning systems, and the bay window was designed to enhance aesthetics without extending to the floor.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the project's compliance with Floor Area Ratio (FAR) standards. The Planning Hearing Officer expressed concerns about the size of the proposed house and requested further clarification on potential adjustments to better align with city regulations.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the complexities of hillside construction in Glendale, with ongoing discussions about design modifications aimed at addressing both community concerns and regulatory compliance. The next steps will involve further evaluations of the proposed changes and their implications for the project’s approval.