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Camilla neighbors tell council Chick‑fil‑A plan raises privacy, tree‑root and noise concerns
Summary
Camilla neighborhood residents urged the council and planning staff to require grading adjustments, ensure 7‑foot walls provide privacy after a 2.5‑foot elevation differential, and reconsider planting Chinese elm trees and delivery/noise controls for a proposed Chick‑fil‑A at Rose and Alta Vista.
Residents of the Camilla neighborhood told the Placentia City Council on Feb. 18 that a proposed Chick‑fil‑A at Rose and Alta Vista, as currently configured, would create privacy, safety and quality‑of‑life impacts for adjacent homes.
David Tsai, speaking for neighbors, said the sequence of development left homes built earlier than the commercial parcel and created a roughly 2.5‑foot elevation differential that makes a previously planned 7‑foot wall effectively shorter in places. "The existing 7 foot wall is ineffective in some places, and the wall is as low as 5 feet," Tsai said, and he urged grading adjustments so the land is at equal elevation and the 7‑foot walls function as intended.
Tsai also raised tree‑selection concerns, noting the plan called for Chinese elm trees to be planted about 4 feet from the wall; he cited University of California guidance that those trees have aggressive, shallow roots and recommended 15–20 feet of separation to protect walls and foundations. He warned that climbable branches could make the fence easier to scale and asked the city and Chick‑fil‑A to reconsider species selection and placement.
Neighbors also questioned operating hours, overnight deliveries and noise from a national chain replacing the small retail center residents expected, saying late‑night deliveries and drive‑through activity could reduce quality of life and home values. Another resident (Dean Salamoni) said his purchase materials from the developer indicated small local retail, not a national chain, and he asked whether limits on hours or delivery times could be considered as conditions.
City response and next steps: Council members acknowledged the concerns. Council member Yamaguchi said staff has been meeting with residents and that a FAQ document had been circulated; staff agreed to continue follow‑ups with affected residents and to review grading, wall height, and landscaping plans. No permits or final approvals were recorded in the Feb. 18 meeting; residents were told staff would provide more information and follow up with the community.
