The Lafayette Planning Commission voted 4–1 to approve a lot-line adjustment and a related variance for properties at 19 and 20 Spring Hill Lane, adopting Resolution 2025-20 and finding the project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Steph, the staff presenter, told commissioners the request was discussed at the Nov. 3 meeting and staff had prepared a draft resolution approving the variance and lot-line adjustment subject to standard conditions. Steph said the lot-line revision would bring the smaller parcel up to the minimum LR-5 lot area and would remedy the setback issue the commission was asked to address.

Neighbors who live next to the property urged the commission to delay approval. Debbie Lindes said the application is an attempt “actively abetted by city staff to retroactively whitewash illegal construction” adjacent to her family’s home and urged the commission to investigate an April 2024 complaint and subsequent litigation. Michael Hoffman told commissioners the lot-line adjustment is being offered to avoid addressing a condition of prior approval and argued that only the commission may grant a variance.

The applicant, represented at the hearing, said the Map Act entitles the owner to perform a lot-line adjustment and that the proposal brings the parcel into compliance with LR-5 zoning and setback criteria.

Commission discussion focused on whether the proposed subdivision and revised parcel configurations met the findings required by municipal code section 62408 (staff referenced the code sections in the report and during discussion). Some commissioners emphasized that the commission’s role was to evaluate the findings in front of them and that disputes over intent or prior staff actions could be pursued in court. Others said the lot-line change is a pragmatic remedy to cure substandard aspects of the existing development.

Commissioner Radnich moved to adopt the staff recommendation and the resolution approving the variance and lot-line adjustment; the motion was seconded and passed in a roll-call vote: Mason Aye; DiGiorgio No; Radnich Aye; Deming Aye; Chair LaBonge Aye. The commission announced a 14-day appeal period.

What happens next: the approval is effective unless appealed within 14 days. Any future development on the parcels will be subject to the standard conditions and permit requirements noted in the resolution.