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Commission disallows proposed vertical addition in Westwood Park RCD, approves horizontal work and urges neighborhood design talks
Summary
After hours of testimony from neighbors and the Westwood Park Association, the Planning Commission took discretionary review, disapproved the proposed vertical addition at 111 Colon Avenue as presented, approved limited horizontal work and directed architects for both sides to meet to explore acceptable horizontal alternatives.
The Planning Commission voted on May 15 to take discretionary review of a renovation proposal at 111 Colon Avenue in the Westwood Park residential character district (RCD) and to disapprove the vertical component of the project as proposed.
The applicant sought to add a modest second‑floor master bedroom to a 1,100 square‑foot house. The Westwood Park Association and many nearby residents urged the commission to deny any vertical addition, saying the RCD’s legislative intent favors horizontal expansions and that vertical work would set a damaging precedent. Westwood Park Association representative Anita Harris told commissioners the RCD was adopted to avoid vertical additions and preserve the neighborhood’s consistent low profile.
The project architect and some neighbors disputed that the proposed work would cause material light or privacy impacts; the sponsor also argued excavation or rear-yard alternatives were impractical given basement height and access constraints. Staff recommended approval, finding the modest vertical addition compatible with residential design guidelines.
After extensive public testimony and commissioner questions—including a site visit—the commission adopted a compromise motion: take discretionary review, disapprove the vertical addition as presented, approve the horizontal components (garage/other rear work), and encourage the applicant’s architect and Westwood Park Association design reviewers to meet to produce an alternative horizontal solution. Commissioners voted in favor of the motion. Staff noted that any further horizontal expansion that required a rear-yard variance would be considered in the usual manner; the commission reaffirmed the high standard used for RCD decisions and expressed caution about precedents.
The decision preserves the RCD’s neighborhood character while allowing limited remodeling and encouraging negotiated solutions.
