Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Planning Permits topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission grants one-year extension for six-unit Hilltop Drive condominium project
Summary
The Lemon Grove Planning Commission voted 5–0 to extend the expiration of the approved tentative map (TM0000064) and planned development permit (PDP1700003) for a six-unit condominium project at 8200 Hilltop Drive, moving the expiration date from 01/21/2026 to 01/21/2027.
The Lemon Grove Planning Commission on April 27 approved a one-year extension for a six-unit condominium project at 8200 Hilltop Drive. The resolution extends the approved tentative map (TM0000064) and planned development permit (PDP1700003), moving the permits’ expiration from January 21, 2026, to January 21, 2027.
Community Development Manager Michael Fellowes summarized the project history and staff’s recommendation, noting the property’s sloping topography and the applicant’s outstanding steps to record the final map. "The application meets the municipal-code findings: the form and intensity of the project have not been substantially altered, and the conditions supporting the original approval remain," Fellows said in presenting staff’s recommendation.
The applicant’s representative, Rizal Hafezi, appealed to the commission for the extension, describing engineering delays and personal financial hardship. "We paid $55,000 to an engineer… we lost $140,000 to pay off the loan — this is draining us," Hafezi said, asking the commission to grant the extra year so the project can be completed.
A member of the public, Chelsea Gaston, praised the project’s sustainability features — daylighting, rooftop gardens and rainwater harvesting — but asked staff and the applicant to avoid Mexican feather grass in the landscaping plan.
After asking staff clarifying questions, commissioners moved and seconded the staff recommendation; the motion was made by Commissioner Clark Manson and seconded by Commissioner Beers. The clerk recorded a roll-call vote of 5–0 in favor of the extension.
The extension preserves the applicant’s ability to finish design and permit requirements under the city’s subdivision and planned development timelines without reopening the original project approvals. The commission’s action was procedural: it extends permit life, not project design or permit conditions.
The commission returned to other business after the vote; staff and applicant representatives were available for follow-up contacts and inspections as the applicant works to complete final map recording.
