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Council approves three‑story mixed‑use project at 829 Seacoast Drive
Summary
After a public hearing and staff presentation, the Imperial Beach City Council unanimously approved a three‑story mixed‑use condominium project at 829 Seacoast Drive with six residential units, roughly 1,047 sq ft of commercial space, and 14 parking spaces; approval included design‑review conditions and a landscape maintenance agreement.
The City Council unanimously approved a developer’s proposal to replace a long‑vacant lot on the west end of Imperial Beach with a three‑story mixed‑use building at 829 Seacoast Drive.
Associate Planner Ryan Pua presented the project (Use‑24‑25‑0034) on June 17, describing a three‑story structure with approximately 1,047 square feet of commercial floor area, six residential dwelling units and 14 parking spaces. The project includes step‑backs on Seacoast Drive and East property lines to reduce massing, a proposed 15‑foot commercial ceiling height, and a proposed materials and color palette. The design‑review board reviewed the project on Feb. 19, 2026 and recommended 18 changes; staff said 14 recommendations were incorporated while four were not feasible due to finances or code constraints.
Developer Ira Glasske (Far West Industries) told the council the project is being processed as a condominium map so residential and commercial spaces can be individually owned; he emphasized intent to seek owner‑operators for the commercial space to support local investment. The developer also described parking allocation: 12 spaces inside the building (including two required accessible spaces) and two exterior spaces, with six assigned parking stalls and remainder allocated by the homeowner association on a shared basis.
Council members discussed landscaping choices and right‑of‑way trees, asking that the developer and staff select species that minimize sidewalk damage and maintenance needs; staff noted the developer will be required to enter a maintenance agreement for public‑right‑of‑way landscaping and sidewalk upkeep.
Following a public hearing with no speakers on this item, Mayor Pro Tem Fisher moved to approve the staff recommendation; the motion passed unanimously. The city will record conditions of approval and the applicant will process the final map and building permits per city conditions.
What happens next: the applicant will finalize map processing, enter the required maintenance agreement for public‑right‑of‑way landscaping and secure building permits. Council and staff encouraged the applicant to seek local commercial tenants and to consider alternate street trees as the project refines landscaping plans.
