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Planning commission confirms June 24 approval for 14 Los Altos Road; appeal period extended to July 21
Summary
The Orinda Planning Commission on July 8 confirmed a June 24 approval of design review and an elevated deck permit at 14 Los Altos Road and extended the appeal deadline to July 21, 2025.
The Orinda Planning Commission on July 8 confirmed a June 24 decision that approved design review and an elevated deck permit for 14 Los Altos Road (DRA2025-01; EDP2025-01), and announced an extended appeal deadline of July 21, 2025.
Planning staff told the commission that a misunderstanding of the commission's bylaws and voting procedure had occurred at the June 24 hearing but that the original 3-to-2 vote constitutes a valid affirmative decision under the rules requiring a majority of commissioners present. The approval includes a condition that the structure's attic be identified as uninhabitable and that it not be converted to living space in the future.
During the meeting, multiple nearby residents addressed the commission during the public forum to raise procedural and notice concerns. Eileen Hanson said she and neighbors plan to file an appeal, voiced disappointment that technical comment letters were not acknowledged, and asked about the cost of filing an appeal. John Hanson and Stephanie Carton likewise said letters and technical comments submitted before the June 24 hearing were not acknowledged by staff and said neighbors were exploring an appeal by the deadline.
Chair Hubner read the commission's appeal rights and staff confirmed that, for the purpose of due process, the appeal period will be treated as commencing on July 8 and will close July 21, 2025. Staff also cited Code of Civil Procedure section 1094.6 for anyone who might seek judicial review.
No further action on 14 Los Altos Road occurred at the July 8 meeting; the confirmation left the prior decision and conditions in place and preserved the right of aggrieved parties to appeal to the City Council within the 10-calendar-day window that was announced.
What happens next: Interested parties must file a written notice of appeal specifying the grounds and pay the appropriate fee to the Planning Department during normal business hours no later than July 21, 2025. The appeal, if filed, will be heard by the City Council.
