Lafayette council approves hillside home at 1133 Sierra Vista after appeal; neighbors cite easement, privacy and drainage concerns

The Lafayette City Council on Sept. 22 approved a Hillside Development Permit (combined Phase 1/Phase 2) and related variance allowing construction of a single-family residence at 1133 Sierra Vista Way despite an appeal by several neighbors.

The council’s action follows a Planning Commission approval and after more than two decades of review, earlier approvals and lapsing extensions. Planning Director Greg Wolf told the council the latest application proposes a roughly 2,300-square-foot residence, removal of about 14 declining trees and the excavation of about 750 cubic yards of soil. He said the city’s arborist found no evidence the trees were intentionally harmed. The project was found exempt from CEQA in staff materials.

Why it matters: Neighbors who appealed warned the lot is encumbered by recorded access and utility easements shown on the subdivision map and argued granting a permit that places habitable structures over easement area effectively diminishes the easement rights of uphill property owners. Appellants’ attorney Casey Corbett told the council the appropriate forum to adjudicate those easement questions is a…