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Planning commission continues 398 Belden Street review after sewer‑line and easement questions
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Summary
The Monterey Planning Commission voted unanimously to continue consideration of an architectural review and tree‑removal permit for 398 Belden Street to April 14 after staff said recorded easements, survey work and additional legal review are needed; a former city engineer warned of a prior sinkhole and sewer failure.
The Monterey Planning Commission voted to continue consideration of an architectural‑review permit (ARP‑25‑0129) and a tree‑removal permit (ARP‑25‑0130) for 398 Belden Street to the commission's April 14 meeting so staff can complete a survey and legal analysis of recorded easements and other infrastructure issues.
Chair Silva opened the public hearing, and planning manager Levi Hill told the commission that Public Works and legal staff had not finished vetting an older agreement and that recorded easements were not shown on the project plans. "Some of these are very old agreements from 1959," Levi Hill said, and staff recommended continuing the item to allow survey work and legal review to be incorporated into the agenda report.
Tom Reyes, who identified himself as the author of the written public comment and a former city engineer, told the commission the sewer line on the property had failed previously and that "there was a very large sinkhole about 20 feet deep." Reyes urged the commission to add a condition making clear the applicant proceeds at their own risk and noted the condition could affect the owner's ability to obtain loans or insurance.
Representing the applicant, Guadio Ortiz said Public Works previously reviewed project documents and defended the project team's plan to engage a civil engineer, a structural engineer and a geotechnical engineer to design foundations and address any site issues. "We will have a geotechnical engineer," Ortiz said, and requested the opportunity to present the full design rather than have the hearing postponed at this early stage.
Commissioners said they preferred to give staff time to gather the missing technical and legal information so the commission could make a more informed decision and to reduce the risk of an appeal. Commissioner Stoker moved to continue the item to April 14; Chair Silva seconded. A roll call vote recorded yes votes from Chair Silva, Commissioner Bluth, Commissioner Freeman, Commissioner Palmer, Commissioner Polly and Commissioner Stoker; the motion carried.
Levi Hill also confirmed that a geotechnical report will be required prior to issuance of building permits as part of the standard review process. The commission did not take further action on design, tree removals or permits and will revisit the application at the April 14 meeting when staff returns with the easement survey and legal analysis.
