HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDP 01-06; St. Amour Residence; Hillside Development Permit (HDP) (3)ARCHITECT
March 2 1,200 1
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City of Carlsbad Planning Department
Attn: MikeGrim
1635 Faraday Avenue
Carlsbad, Ca 92008
Re: St. Amour Residence
Lot 264 Aviara Drive
Carlsbad, California
Dear Mike:
This letter is in follow up to our meeting last Thursday, March 15, 2001, concerning the
site restraints placed on the above project.
The St. Amour's purchased Lot 264 after reviewing the planning requirements permitting
them the access to develop into the hillside. When we were assured by the City that this
was permissible, I proceeded with the design of the new residence, taking great care as to
make our impact into the hillside a good, quality solution.
At that time I met with a city planner and reviewed with her all of the particulars. I was
assured that the concept fell within all City requirements. At that time, I proceeded in
developing the design package required by the Aviara Design Group. The approval
period took a protracted period of time because the board wanted to guarantee that this
difficult site was being developed correctly not only for the association, but for the home
owner's interests as well.
After we received approval from the board, I proceeded with the development of the
construction drawings. During this time period, the City adopted the Hillside Ordinance.
We were not aware of this ordinance change and that this site would be impacted.
We had to return to the Aviara Board for the final review and approval of the
construction drawings to ensure we did not deviate from the design approval. After being
approved by the board, we submitted for plan check. Even after this first plan check
review, the City made no notations that the newly enacted ordinance was an issue.
In summary, the St. Amour’s purchased Lot 264 at top market value, knowing that all
regulations in place permitted them to construct a new residence comparable to all the
homes in the development. With this new enacted ordinance, Lot 264 is severely
impacted. The St. Amour’s stand to lose a large sum of their investment due to costs of
paying for a lot at comparable cost to all other lots in the area, and with this new
ordinance will lose 40-50% of buildable lot pad. To compound the problem, the St.
Amour’s have sold their home in Rancho Santa Fe with anticipation of starting
construction.
We wish to ask at this time that the City of Carlsbad reconsider implementing the
Hillside Ordinance on this project due to the history and the severe impact it has on this
parcel.
Please contact me if you have any questions regarding this issue. We will be awaiting
your response to our request.
Donald Grover
Architect
Cc: Mr. and Mrs. Frank St. Amour
Michael Holzmiller