Commission approves coastal permit and setback variance for new home at 2441 Crestview Drive

The Newport Beach Planning Commission voted to approve a coastal development permit and variance for demolition of an existing single‑unit dwelling and construction of a new three‑story single‑family residence with an attached accessory dwelling unit at 2441 Crestview Drive.

Laura Rodriguez, the project planner, said the property is inside the private Bayshores gated community and abuts a 39‑unit apartment complex and Balboa Bay Club. The request included a variance to allow a 5‑foot encroachment into a 10‑foot front setback along a narrow 20‑foot alley. Staff concluded the project is consistent with Titles 20 and 21 of the zoning code except for the requested setback encroachment and recommended approval with a Class 3 CEQA exemption and Resolution PC2026‑014.

Rodriguez said the encroachment aligns the property with neighboring houses that previously received modification permits to allow a 5‑foot intrusion into the setback and that the variance would not increase floor area or affect traffic maneuverability in the alley. Bruce Manzer of Manzer and Associates, the applicant representative, thanked staff and had no additional comments.

A commissioner moved to approve the application (PA2025‑0179); another commissioner seconded and the vote was unanimous. The approval includes the coastal development permit and the setback variance; the commission recorded no public speakers on this item during the hearing. The project will proceed to any required building and coastal reviews and the applicant must comply with the usual permit and construction requirements.

Staff recommended that the project be found exempt from CEQA under the Class 3 exemption and adopt Resolution PC2026‑014 to approve the permit and variance.