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Board continues Pacific Avenue variance after residents raise privacy, excavation concerns
Summary
The board continued the appeal over a rear-yard variance for 1948 Pacific Ave to Oct. 19 after neighbors voiced privacy, height and excavation worries; the project sponsors said the expansion is modest and offered further mitigation talks.
The Board of Appeals on Sept. 21 continued an appeal over a rear-yard variance at 1948 Pacific Avenue to Oct. 19 after lengthy testimony from neighbors concerned about privacy, excavation and construction impacts.
Appellant Marilyn Wiley recounted years of dispute over prior rear decks and expressed alarm about recent excavation and a rebuilt deck she said encroached on her privacy and damaged the adjacent retaining wall and drainage. Nearby residents cited repeated clogging of drains, yard debris and adverse impacts from the ongoing construction.
Project counsel John Kevlin and homeowner Fiona Pancha said the proposed renovation seeks to modernize a historic Victorian and add modest living space and a modest deck accessible from the kitchen for family use. They said they had incorporated planning department recommendations and offered to work with neighbors on additional screening or walls to address privacy concerns.
Planning Department staff and DBI inspectors confirmed a complex permit history but said the project had been reviewed, approved by the Planning Commission in prior discretionary review, and that foundation and structural details would be addressed at the building-permit stage. Several commissioners urged more time for neighbors and the project team to rebuild trust and negotiate mitigations.
The board voted 4-0 to continue the matter to Oct. 19. The continuation is intended to give both sides an opportunity to reach amicable accommodations before the board issues a final decision.
What’s next: The case returns Oct. 19; if no agreement is reached, the board will resume deliberations on findings for the variance.
