Council overturns planning commission denial and approves remodel at 689 Mermaid Ave, waives appeal fee

The Pacific Grove City Council voted to approve permits for a remodel at 689 Mermaid Avenue, reversing a technical denial from the planning commission and directing staff to refund the appeals fee.

Staff presented the project and explained that the property is on the Historic Resources Inventory; a Phase II historic assessment concluded the proposed alterations met Secretary of the Interior standards and would have less-than-significant historic impacts under CEQA if the Historic Preservation Permit (HPP) were granted. The project includes small first- and second-floor additions, a code-compliant stair replacement and a new second-floor bathroom to improve safety and livability.

Applicant representatives described design choices intended to preserve the Mermaid Avenue streetscape and minimize massing effects to neighbors. Architect Paul Simpson said the stair and bathroom additions were necessary to make the residence habitable by modern standards while following the HPP allowances. Neighbors who would be most affected told the council they supported the design and appreciated the care taken to preserve views and neighborhood character.

Councilmember motioned to follow staff recommendation, approve the permits subject to findings and conditions and instruct Community Development staff to refund the appeals fee; the motion passed on a 5–0 roll-call vote with the mayor absent.

The council’s action allows the applicant to move forward with building permits subject to the conditions listed in staff recommendations.