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Commission grants 2‑year extension for earlier CDP after hearing about health and fire‑related delays
Summary
After hearing testimony about health crises, the death of an architect, and processing delays tied to local fires, the Planning Commission granted a two‑year extension for CDP 19‑078; the vote was 4‑1 in favor. Staff had described policy constraints but left discretion to the commission to find extraordinary circumstances.
The Planning Commission granted a two‑year time extension for Coastal Development Permit 19‑078 after considering an applicant’s assertion of extraordinary circumstances, including owner and team medical emergencies and fire‑related impacts.
Staff reviewed the CDP’s approvals and prior extensions, noting that the original approval dated to Dec. 6, 2021, and that the CDP would have expired in 2024 absent extensions. The owner requested a further two‑year extension; staff noted the Local Coastal Program and council policies generally limit aggregate extensions to five years unless the applicant demonstrates extraordinary circumstances beyond the applicant’s control and due diligence has been exercised.
Applicant Richard Holmes and supporters described a string of extraordinary events: medical surgeries, lengthy recoveries, loss of professional records in the Palisades fire, and the death of the project architect, A. Thomas Torres. The applicant said building and safety had issued site‑work permits in December and sought the extension as an insurance measure in case those permits lapsed.
Commissioners debated policy interpretations. One commissioner recommended a one‑year extension under routine policy; others cited the community’s wildfire impacts and medical hardships. The commission voted; Vice Chair Mazza voted No and the motion to grant two years passed 4‑1.
Staff will prepare the resolution memorializing the extension and the file will proceed under the newly adopted timeline.
