Commission declines discretionary review, approves modest Seacliff expansion after neighbors’ objections

The Planning Commission on Thursday declined to take discretionary review and approved a modest expansion at 535 El Camino Del Mar in the Seacliff neighborhood after hearing opposing testimony from nearby homeowners and proponents arguing the change is minimal and consistent with preservation standards.

Neighbors contended the house (built 1951) is a historic resource and that the proposed second‑floor expansion would worsen a nonconforming rear‑yard condition and harm light and privacy. Attorney Steve Williams, representing five DR requesters, urged the commission to reconsider the rear‑yard measurement and to require a more thorough environmental review. "A two‑story structure completely occupying the rear yard cannot comply with the residential design guidelines," he said during his presentation.

Project sponsors, architect Gene Schneier and homeowner Jean Schneier, said the addition is sited and massed to respect the U‑shaped courtyard and that their design follows Secretary of the Interior standards. Staff told the commission that the historic resource evaluation and residential design review found the proposed work would not cause significant adverse impacts when considered in context and with the proposed conditions.

Following public testimony from neighbors and supporters, commissioners voted not to take discretionary review and approved the project as proposed, finding that the proposal met applicable guidelines and that the changes were modest and compatible with the site.