Staff Hearing Officer approves project at 344 La Marina; neighbor raised privacy and utility-line concerns

The City of Santa Barbara Staff Hearing Officer approved a proposed accessory dwelling‑unit–related project at 344 La Marina on Jan. 22, 2025, subject to the conditions and findings in the staff report.

The approval came after staff announced that the application falls under Santa Barbara Municipal Code section 2844110 and would be reviewed without a public hearing; the Staff Hearing Officer noted that written public comments may be considered but that the decision cannot be issued until at least 10 calendar days after public notice. The officer said the project is in the non‑appealable jurisdiction of the coastal zone.

The decision followed receipt of one letter from a neighbor, Helen Good, who expressed concern about loss of privacy and the proximity of the new work to her home and said utility lines running above the common fence were a concern. The Staff Hearing Officer said staff will contact Public Works and Building & Safety to determine whether utility lines must be undergrounded and whether any easements affect structure placement. “At this point, this project is approved,” the Staff Hearing Officer said.

Staff cited the findings in the staff report, including the coastal development permit findings, and recommended conditions of approval. The officer concluded the item by reiterating the project’s coastal status and that the approval is not appealable because it is within the non‑appealable coastal jurisdiction.

The record shows no verbal public comment during the meeting on this item; the only public input noted was the single written letter from Helen Good.