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Calabasas commission hears public comments and directs staff to recommend approval for enlarged Park Marisol balcony
Summary
After a public hearing on a variance to demolish a 164‑sq‑ft balcony and construct a new 278‑sq‑ft balcony and spiral staircase at 4603 Park Marisol, the commission directed staff to prepare a recommendation of approval; neighbors and commissioners asked about glazing reflectivity, exterior finishes and construction staging.
The Calabasas Planning Commission on June 4 heard a public hearing on a zoning clearance and variance request (ZCL‑2025‑233; VAR‑2026‑001) to remove an existing rear balcony and spiral stairs at 4603 Park Marisol and construct an enlarged 278‑square‑foot balcony and exterior spiral staircase.
Planning staff (Jacqueline) told commissioners the residence is a 1970 end unit built under Los Angeles County standards and is legal nonconforming for setbacks and site coverage. The proposed project would demolish a 164‑square‑foot balcony and add a new 278‑square‑foot balcony and new openings; the applicant requests variances from side and rear setback and site‑coverage requirements. Staff read the five variance findings required by municipal code section 17.62.0.02 and recommended the commission direct staff to prepare findings for approval or denial. Staff also stated the project is exempt from CEQA under sections 15061 and 15301 of the CEQA guidelines.
During public comment, Sergio Espinosa (who identified himself as from Camarillo) said the proposal is modest — a 3‑foot extension to match neighboring homes — and that the applicant would use stucco and tempered/double‑pane glass to simplify and improve the appearance. Homeowner Susan Collins, who identified herself as the property owner, thanked the commission for its consideration and said the changes were intended to open views to the lake.
Several commissioners asked technical questions. One commissioner expressed concern about large areas of glass and heliotropic (reflectivity) effects on neighbors; staff and the director said the city’s lighting ordinance and standard conditions address exterior lighting and that there is no specific code addressing glazing reflectivity. The director noted building plans indicate glazing (not plastic) and that building inspectors enforce permit compliance. Commissioners also raised construction staging questions including porta‑potty placement; staff said porta‑potties should be on private property and that building and public works staff monitor construction waste diversion through permits.
After discussion, a commissioner moved and another seconded that staff prepare a recommendation of approval for the variance; the commission voted in favor. Staff will return with a draft resolution and final conditions at a future meeting.
