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Villa Esta Drive homeowner seeks waiver after unpermitted driveway; staff recommends denial
Summary
Resident Maria Cortez Bliss requested a waiver to allow a second curb cut on a ~100‑foot frontage to ease access for a 95‑year‑old household member; staff recommended denial because arguments did not meet the waiver standard and the additional driveway was reportedly added without permit.
Planning staff told the council that PZ20251464 concerns a lot with approximately 100 feet of frontage that would normally be allowed a single curb cut; the applicant seeks a waiver to add a second. Staff said their site visits and evidence did not justify a waiver under the code, and that the extra driveway was installed without the required permit, triggering a concurrent code‑enforcement case.
Homeowner Maria Cortez Bliss addressed the council and explained the driveway modification was to help care for her 95‑year‑old mother and to relieve tight on‑street parking. "I made a mistake... I just did not know that I needed to get the permit before I did it," she told the council. Another neighbor, Paula Chavarro, testified the driveway reduced on‑street congestion and improved access behind her building. Council discussion focused on whether alternative parking or no‑parking restrictions could address congestion without granting a waiver; staff reiterated their recommendation of denial.
