Planning Commission approves second‑floor addition at 11219 Lucas Street over neighbor'privacy concerns

The Cerritos Planning Commission voted 4‑0 to approve Precise Plan 2025‑10, a proposal to construct a first‑floor addition, a 70‑square‑foot covered porch and a new second floor at the single‑family residence at 11219 Lucas Street. The commission adopted a resolution approving the precise plan after a staff presentation and a public comment from an adjacent property owner.

Associate Planner Wyman Wong described the project and site context, noting the property is zoned RS‑5000 and surrounded by single‑family homes. Wong told the commission that the proposal "is currently exempt from CEQA" under the city's interpretation of the Class 1 exemption for additions to existing single‑family residences. Staff reported the project would result in approximately 40 percent building coverage, under the RS‑5000 allowance of up to 45 percent, and that project‑specific conditions require nonconforming rear‑yard elements be brought into compliance.

Wong also identified a privacy mitigation condition in the staff report: "all second‑floor bathroom windows have obscured glass and shall have either a minimum sill height of 5 feet or be fixed up to 5 feet as measured from the adjacent finished floor." Staff said the submitted plans met that requirement. Wong presented elevations and materials, noting the home would feature beige stucco, black trim and a charcoal slate roof.

A neighbor, Ong Sean, who identified himself as the owner of 11230 Park Street immediately north of the subject property, spoke during public comment. Ong asked for copies of the architectural plans under the California Public Records Act and said he was "concerned about the impact this project will have on my properties, the sunlight, privacy, and the neighborhood character." He requested digital copies of the north elevation and the window schedule.

Commissioners asked staff about CEQA thresholds, unpermitted structures in the rear yard and whether the city has any ordinance addressing sunlight. Staff reiterated the project qualified for the categorical exemption cited in the staff report, that the proposed coverage complies with zoning, and that the conditions of approval require correction of noncompliant site features. Commissioner Chauhan said the lot'layout and setbacks mean the project must build upward rather than outward.

Commissioner Gaveri made the motion to approve the resolution; the motion was seconded and carried on an electronic vote, 4‑0. The record reflects the commission adopted the conditions of approval contained in the staff report and found the project consistent with applicable development standards.

The commission'approved resolution and project conditions will be part of the project's permit record; staff did not identify any further required city approvals for the precise plan beyond compliance with the stated conditions.

Speakers quoted in this article are identified in the meeting record and in the speakers list below.