By Krista Daly
The specter and new reality of massive homes built on small lots is awakening a fierce reaction from San Marino residents. Opponents voiced their opposition to the city council, planning commission and design review committee. Whether generalizing or speaking against a particular project, the consensus is that allowing oversized homes to be built up to the maximum mass of the property will ruin the ambiance and character of the city.
The focus is on the apparent failure of enforcement. Houses get built that vastly exceed the approved plans or the houses themselves obtain approval yet violate existing codes and restrictions.
Those who speak up during any public comment period tend to ask again and again, “How did that house get approved?”
The codes themselves apparently are not the issue. The main problem is the process in which proposed plans are reviewed.
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