A proposed 4,955-square-foot home on East California Boulevard faces a neighborhood challenge Thursday, Aug. 27, when Pasadena's Board of Zoning Appeals hears an appeal of the permit that approved it.
The two-story residence planned for 3140 East California Blvd. would be 1,325 square feet larger than what the city's neighborhood compatibility standard allows for the lot, according to the BZA's meeting agenda. That standard caps new homes at 3,630 square feet for the site, based on the median size of existing homes within a 500-foot radius. The project also includes a 467-square-foot attached garage.
Put another way, the proposed home would be roughly 37% bigger than what the neighborhood analysis says fits.
A city hearing officer approved Single-Family Compatibility Permit #7377 on June 3. Neighbors appealed that decision to the BZA. The agenda does not name the appellants or detail their specific objections.
How the compatibility standard works
Pasadena's zoning code limits new single-family homes to no more than 35% above the median floor area of surrounding houses within 500 feet, using Los Angeles County Assessor data. Homes that exceed the cap can still be built if the city grants a Single-Family Compatibility Permit.
Staff recommends approval
City planning staff recommends the five-member BZA uphold the hearing officer's June 3 approval with conditions. Staff also recommends finding the project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under a Class 3 exemption for new small structures.
The stakes are straightforward. If the board sides with staff, the oversized home moves forward. If it sides with the neighbors, the permit is denied.
Case manager Alison Maldonado-Walker is the assigned planner. The property sits in the RS-2 zoning district in Council District 4, represented by Councilmember Gene Masuda.
The BZA panel for the hearing includes Chair Jennifer Higginbotham (District 7), Raphael Henderson (District 1), Julianna Delgado (District 2), Carol Hunt Hernandez (At Large, District 5) and Michael Albrecht (District 6). Zoning administrator Beilin Yu will staff the meeting.
The Pasadena Ledger contacted the Planning Department and Councilmember Masuda's office for comment; neither responded by publication time.
How to weigh in
The special meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, in the Grand Conference Room S038 (basement level) at City Hall, 100 N. Garfield Ave. The BZA's regular Aug. 20 meeting was canceled, making this a rescheduled special session.
Residents can contact the Planning & Community Development Department at (626) 744-7479 or [email protected]. Language translation services are available with 72 hours' advance notice.
