Planning Commission recommends denial of 40-unit Victoria Place condo project after debate over parking, setbacks and deviations

The Costa Mesa Planning Commission on June 9 voted 5-2 to recommend that the City Council deny a proposal for a 40-unit residential common interest development at 220–236 Victoria Place that sought a general plan amendment, rezone, a residential incentive overlay and a tentative tract map.

The project, proposed by Bundy Finkel Architects for WMC LLC, would merge three parcels totaling about 1.77 acres and build 40 condominiums (a mix of detached units and duplexes) at a density of about 22.6 dwelling units per acre. Staff said the proposal would apply a Residential Incentive Overlay created after Measure K and permit up to 30 units per acre, but the applicant requested numerous local deviations from Costa Mesa common interest development standards.

Staff and the applicant said the project provides private yards, rooftop decks and on-site amenities including a barbecue area, children’s play area and a flexible community space. Victor Mendez, the city senior planner, told commissioners the development…