Single‑family board supports small viewing deck at 1703 La Cornia Drive with conditions

The Single Family Design Board on March 24 provided concept‑level support for a proposed 14‑foot‑8‑inch by 8‑foot‑6‑inch viewing deck at 1703 La Cornia Drive and recommended the applicant pursue a staff hearing officer review for an open yard modification.

The board’s action followed a presentation by Liz Hughes, who identified herself as presenting on behalf of the project architect Tom Wachsner. Hughes said the property is a single‑story residence on a pie‑shaped lot and that the existing open yard already did not meet the minimum required open‑yard area; the deck would encroach into a small triangular area that falls inside the 15‑foot open‑yard guideline. Hughes described the proposed deck as “a quiet little viewing platform” meant for one or two chairs to capture distant ocean views, not for large gatherings.

The item drew one in‑person public comment. Rose Jaffe, a neighbor who said she lives below the house at 823 Roberto Avenue, told the board she agreed the owners should have a view but said, “the size of it is too large,” and suggested a narrower platform would better protect adjacent privacy.

Board members asked about materials, existing fencing and trees, and whether removing the existing patio cover (currently a zoning violation) would change the open yard calculation. Hughes said the patio cover would be removed and that the deck footprint is smaller than the patio it replaces, which would modestly increase usable open yard area though not enough to eliminate the need for a modification.

Board comments and motion Board members generally supported the modest scale of the platform but asked for more screening or a revised railing on the west side to reduce direct views into neighboring yards and recommended a less bright finish than the white shown in renderings. Vice Chair Sherry and Board member Mosley emphasized that additional landscaping along the west property line or a privacy element on the railing could mitigate privacy concerns. Board member Richards suggested a darker, warmer finish to minimize how the deck reads from adjacent properties.

The board moved to continue the project to the staff hearing officer and later to the consent calendar with these comments: support the requested open yard modification given the deck’s small footprint and its contribution to usable backyard area; provide a material palette that minimizes visual prominence; and either provide landscape privacy along the west property line or adjust the west railing to direct views toward the distance rather than into neighbor yards. The motion passed on a roll call vote with Chair Sharon Lewis, Vice Chair Sherry, Board member Grafaiti, Board member Mosley and Board member Richards recorded as voting yes.

Next steps Staff noted the application had not been assigned a case planner and that the hearing officer’s review will determine the open yard modification. The board’s comments were captured for consideration when the applicant returns for the staff hearing officer process and subsequent consent calendar review.