Solvang planning commission upholds director's façade and landscaping conditions for 1704 Mission Drive

The Solvang Planning Commission on Sept. 2 upheld the community development director's determination requiring façade, color, site-plan and landscaping changes for a partially constructed hotel-and-cottages project at 1704 Mission Drive (APN 139-240-033; planning application 25035).

The decision affirms staff and Design Review Committee (DRC) guidance that several built elements on site must be modified before final occupancy. The planning commission voted to adopt Resolution 2505, which preserves the director's recommended changes including specific limits on half-timber ornamentation, color adjustments and additional planting, with one commissioner noting an 'aye with reservations'.

The appeal before the commission was filed by the project's developer, who asked the commission to allow the as-built facades and earlier design choices to stand. The project received its original development-plan approval from the commission in December 2023, a building and grading permit in December 2024, and construction began later that month; construction subsequently paused and restarted in 2025. Staff told the commission the project is roughly three-quarters complete.

Rafael, community development staff, summarized the record and options for the…