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Local resident raises concern over inconsistent fee guidance after variance appeal denial
Summary
A resident said he received conflicting information about whether his initial application deposit would cover the cost of an appeal and asked the commission to consider fairness in his case and to direct the city to provide clearer, consistent information to future applicants.
During the public comment period of the Sept. 24 meeting, resident Carlos Felix Soguchi told the Planning and Traffic Commission he had been denied an appeal of a variance application (denial dated Aug. 13, 2025) and that he had received conflicting information about whether his initial deposit would cover the cost of pursuing an appeal.
Soguchi said he was "verbally told" the initial deposit would cover the appeal, but later received an email stating additional expenses were required. He said the "conflict in information has left me uncertain about the city's fee structure and has created confusion about the cost of pursuing my appeal" and asked the commission to consider fairness in his case and to ensure the city provides "clear, consistent, and transparent information upfront regarding deposits, fees and appeal costs." He added he raised the issue "not to blame anybody but to highlight an opportunity for clearer communication that will benefit both the staff and the public."
The city attorney responded that the city typically does not respond during public comment, but said the city manager and city attorney would review the matter and "we'll get back to you related to both of those requests." The record shows no further action or motion by the commission on the matter at the meeting.
Soguchi provided his name and address for the record and thanked the commission for the opportunity to speak.
