Commission grants after‑the‑fact variance for block wall at 241 N. San Marino Ave

The San Gabriel Planning Commission on Monday approved a request for a variance to allow a 15‑inch block wall to remain abutting front property lines at 241 North San Marino Avenue.

The applicant filed an after‑the‑fact variance because the wall was constructed without the 30‑inch landscaping setback that municipal code requires for certain block wall installations. Staff said the lot is an unusually shaped triangular corner lot with approximately a 15‑inch grade difference between yard and sidewalk in portions of the site. Staff also noted several nearby properties have similar conditions.

As a condition of approval staff recommended a stucco finish on the new wall to improve visual quality; the planning commission left that as a condition in the resolution. The applicant explained the wall was installed in the same line as a previous hedge and fence, said it helps retain soil and reduce runoff onto the public sidewalk, and told commissioners the owner plans to install a new oak tree in the front yard as part of landscape improvements.

A neighbor spoke in support, citing safety and the site’s extensive tree roots that complicate moving the wall. Commissioners discussed right‑of‑way issues and confirmed the wall is on private property; staff agreed to coordinate with Public Works on any right‑of‑way questions.

The commission voted 4‑0 to approve the variance with the conditions in the staff report.

Votes at a glance: Variance VAR25‑001 (241 North San Marino Avenue) — approved 4‑0.