Neighbors press board on tree protection and drainage as 1510 La Vista is approved with conditions

The Glendale Design Review Board approved the proposed three‑story home at 1510 La Vista Terrace on July 23 but added conditions after lengthy public comment focused on impacts to Oak Tree #23, hillside stability and neighborhood safety. Staff described the lot as irregular and steep (average slope ~32.8%, building footprint at ~41.35%), with 14 protected oaks across the three lots and Oak Tree #23 close to the proposed deck and pool.

Neighbors who live directly below the site urged the board to require updated geotechnical and arborist reports and to consider the pool and associated grading together with the house. "This project proposes substantial changes to a steep environmentally sensitive hillside through grading, excavation, retaining walls, a large pool and pool deck, and construction near protected coast live oaks," said Eileen Osepian, a downhill neighbor, asking that the board require an updated tree report and integrated review.

Project architect Alan Maliki and project arborist Paul Lewis described mitigation measures: hand excavation within the first 4 feet, air‑spading to locate major roots, supervised pile placement and the possibility of adjusting pile spacing or adding piles to avoid significant roots. "We don't expect the tree to fail," said Paul Lewis, explaining that air‑spading and on‑site adjustment of pile locations are standard practices to prevent root damage.

Board members expressed concern for privacy and lighting and made approval conditional on several clarifications: non‑reflective garage materials, limited and shielded exterior lighting, a revised color palette favoring earth tones, drainage details and a requirement that the applicant comply with updated arborist recommendations — including relocating grade beams or increasing cantilever distance from the trunk if necessary. The board's final action recorded a 4‑0 approval with those added conditions.