Agenda Item 9A - Public Comment Report — Torrance City Council, March 25, 2025

9. HEARINGS
9A.Community Development – Conduct Public Hearing to Consider Appeal of Planning Commission’s Approval of a Precise Plan of Development (PRE2400012) to Allow One and TwoStory Additions to an Existing OneStory SingleFamily Residence, in Conjunction with a Waiver (WAV2400007) of the Setback Requirements, on Property Located within the Hillside Overlay in the R1 Zone at 671 Calle Miramar (APN 7514019013), Adopt RESOLUTIONS and Determine a Categorical Exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Expenditure: None.

Name
Brian Diederich
Comment 03/24/2025 02:14 PM : (Against)
I am opposed to the current configuration of the proposed 2nd story addition to the property located at 671 Calle Miramar as it relates to the Privacy, Light and Air aspect of the Hillside Overlay. I have not seen any pictures of view impairment so I cannot give opinion on the View aspect of this proposed 2nd story. However, if this potential addition does affect any of the neighbor’s views it should not be approved per the Hillside Overlay ordinance.

After viewing the silhouette and renderings of the Miramar property, the approval of this project would undoubtedly have a negative impact the privacy of the home at 285 Via Linda Vista (Roberts). The window placement on the side of the home looking into the bedrooms and backyard of the Roberts is unacceptable and must be modified/removed. The balcony is also not necessary for this project and should be removed from the project so the Roberts can retain whatever privacy they will have left per the Hillside Overlay ordinance.

This project should not be approved and must be modified by removing the ‘want’ of a balcony and either removing the windows staring into the Roberts’ bedrooms and backyard or installing high fixed windows with frosted glass as to give the property at 671 Calle Miramar the light they desire.

Thank you.

Brian Diederich
53 Year Resident of the Hollywood Riviera

Name
Wendy Jones
(Turner)
Comment 03/24/2025 02:20 PM : (Against)
Subject: Protest of Proposed SecondStory Addition at 671 Calle Miramar, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Dear Members of the City Council,
As a property owner, this issue is vitally important to me and other neighbors and I did not want to lose track of the timing and ability to communicate with all of you.

As the owner of the home located at 675 Calle Miramar, directly across the street from the proposed project, I am deeply concerned about the significant negative impacts this addition would have on my property value, quality of life, and the character of our neighborhood and ask that you consider the rights of the property owners who have lived here – me for the past 6 years and my neighbors Cameron & Mary Roberts for the past 14 years who are having their privacy greatly infringed upon if you allow a waiver of the setback requirments on a property located within the Hillside Overlay second story to be built at 671 Calle Miramar. There is no reason to allow a categorical exemption that infringes on current residents.

As opposed to other areas in the South Bay, The Hollywood Riviera is a distinctive and historic neighborhood celebrated for its open spaces, privacy, and harmonious integration of homes with the natural environment. This balance has long been a defining feature, contributing to the uniqueness and value of our community. Allowing this secondstory addition would deviate from those principles and set a concerning precedent for future developments.

Impacts on My Property

1. Loss of Sunset Views and Natural Light
The proposed secondstory addition would completely obstruct my view of the sunset and a small sliver of ocean view, a cherished feature of my home.

Additionally, the structure would block the natural light that currently fills my home, altering the ambiance and comfort of my living spaces.

2. Privacy Concerns
The design of the secondstory addition would compromise my privacy, particularly in my bedroom. I would be forced to keep my drapes closed to avoid direct lines of sight from the new addition, effectively cutting off natural ventilation and light.

3. Impact on Air Flow
My home does not have air conditioning, and I rely heavily on the ocean breeze to cool my house during the summer months. The proposed addition, with its height and orientation, would disrupt this vital airflow, making my home uncomfortably warm.

Neighborhood Concerns
The Hollywood Riviera is one of the few neighborhoods in the Santa Monica Bay area that still offers residents space, privacy, and a strong connection to the outdoors. Past decisions by the Planning Commission have upheld these values, ensuring that homes are designed to respect neighbors’ views, light, and privacy. The proposed second story addition at 671 Calle Miramar would violate these principles, detracting from the neighborhood’s character and the value of surrounding properties and significantly impact my neighbors property as well. Deference should be given to those who purchased their homes with the reasonable assumption that they would have the privacy that given our homes both their charm and value.

Alternative Suggestions
I want to emphasize that I have no objection to a singlestory addition to the property at 671 Calle Miramar. This alternative would allow the homeowners to expand their living space while preserving the views, light, air flow, and privacy that make the Hollywood Riviera such a desirable and unique place to live.

Request for Consideration
I respectfully request that the City Council carefully evaluate the proposed project’s impact on neighboring properties, including mine, consider the broader implications for our community and oppose the permit waiver for the second floor addition at 671 Calle Miramar. Please help preserve the balance between development and the neighborhood’s historic character, it is essential to maintaining the quality of life we all cherish.

I strongly ask you to vote in opposition of the second story at 671 Calle Miramar and preserve the investments that we made in our homes and that the Hillside Overlay should protect. I stand to lose significant property value with the loss of the view if the second story at 671 Calle Miramar is built as well as my privacy and airflow. I appreciated the opportunity to discuss my concerns with Council Member Sheikh who took time out of his Sunday to come view our concerns and I’m happy to talk to any other Council Members before the vote on Tuesday evening. Please feel free to contact me at 559.994.9030 or [email protected]
Sincerely,
Wendy Jones (Turner)
675 Calle Miramar
Redondo Beach, CA 90277

9. HEARINGS
9A.

Community Development – Conduct Public Hearing to Consider Appeal of Planning Commission’s Approval of a Precise Plan of Development (PRE2400012) to Allow One and TwoStory Additions to an Existing OneStory SingleFamily Residence, in Conjunction with a Waiver (WAV2400007) of the Setback Requirements, on Property Located within the Hillside Overlay in the R1 Zone at 671 Calle Miramar (APN 7514019013), Adopt

RESOLUTIONS
and Determine a Categorical Exemption from
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Expenditure: None.

Name
Wendy
Jones
(Turner)
Comment 03/24/2025 02:20 PM : (Against)
Subject: Protest of Proposed SecondStory Addition at 671 Calle Miramar, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Dear Members of the City Council,
As a property owner, this issue is vitally important to me and other neighbors and I did not want to lose track of the timing and ability to communicate with all of you.

Impacts on My Property
1 .

Loss of Sunset Views and Natural Light
The proposed secondstory addition would completely obstruct my view of the sunset and a small sliver of ocean view, a cherished feature of my home.

Additionally, the structure would block the natural light that currently fills my home, altering the ambiance and comfort of my living spaces. 2 .

Privacy Concerns
The design of the secondstory addition would compromise my privacy, particularly in my bedroom. I would be forced to keep my drapes closed to avoid direct lines of sight from the new addition, effectively cutting off natural ventilation and light.
3 .

Impact on Air Flow
My home does not have air conditioning, and I rely heavily on the ocean breeze to cool my house during the summer months. The proposed addition, with its height and orientation, would disrupt this vital airflow, making my home uncomfortably warm.

I strongly ask you to vote in opposition of the second story at 671 Calle Miramar and preserve the investments that we made in our homes and that the Hillside Overlay should protect. I stand to lose significant property value with the loss of the view if the second story at 671 Calle Miramar is built as well as my privacy and airflow. I appreciated the opportunity to discuss my concerns with Council Member Sheikh who took time out of his Sunday to come view our concerns and I’m happy to talk to any other Council Members before the vote on Tuesday evening. Please feel free to contact me at or
Sincerely,
Wendy Jones (Turner)
675 Calle Miramar
Redondo Beach, CA 90277

9. HEARINGS
9A.

RESOLUTIONS
and Determine a Categorical Exemption from
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Expenditure: None.

Name
Wendy
Jones
(Turner)
Comment 03/24/2025 02:20 PM : (Against)
Subject: Protest of Proposed SecondStory Addition at 671 Calle Miramar, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Dear Members of the City Council,
As a property owner, this issue is vitally important to me and other neighbors and I did not want to lose track of the timing and ability to communicate with all of you.

Impacts on My Property
1 .

Loss of Sunset Views and Natural Light
The proposed secondstory addition would completely obstruct my view of the sunset and a small sliver of ocean view, a cherished feature of my home.

Additionally, the structure would block the natural light that currently fills my home, altering the ambiance and comfort of my living spaces. 2 .

Calle Miramar
Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Name
Christopher &
Isabel Marino
Comment 03/24/2025 03:02 PM : (Against)
Please see attached letter.

Dear City Council:

Re: Public Comment on PRE24-00012, WAV24-00007 - 671 Calle Miramar - March 24, 2025, Agenda #9A
Unlike other overdeveloped beach communities, the Hollywood Riviera section of Torrance is uniquely private, with irregular lots, curving roads, and tree-lined parkways.

We live in this section and have walked by 671 Calle Miramar.

The proposed development, PRE24-00012, WAV24-00007 - 671 Calle Miramar (the “Plan”), is inconsistent with the Hollywood Riviera’s character and the Hillside Overlay’s development standards and should NOT be approved.

There is an existing single-story home on 671 Calle Miramar. The Plan includes a new second-story addition with multiple second-story windows and a balcony overlooking the neighbors, adversely impacting nearby properties' view, light, air, and privacy.

The Plan’s second story blocks ocean views for neighbors. It has not been designed to cause the least intrusion on the views, light, air, and privacy of other nearby properties.

In particular, the multiple second-story windows and a balcony provide an upsetting view of adjacent downslope bedrooms and backyards at the expense of neighborhood privacy.

The Plan negatively impacts the value of the adjacent homes and will encourage and increase the overdevelopment of the Hollywood Riviera section of Torrance.

In summary, the Plan should not be approved, and we ask that the City Council act to protect the character, view, light, air, and privacy of properties in the vicinity.

Sincerely,
Christopher & Isabel Marino
Calle Miramar
Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Name
Nancy Mladina
Comment 03/24/2025 03:44 PM : (Against)
Council:

Unlike other overdeveloped beach communities, the Hollywood Riviera section of Torrance is uniquely private, with irregular lots, curving roads, and treelined parkways.

We live in this section and have walked by 671 Calle Miramar.

The proposed development, PRE2400012, WAV2400007 671 Calle Miramar (the “Plan”), is inconsistent with the Hollywood Riviera’s character and the Hillside Overlay’s development standards and should NOT be approved.

There is an existing singlestory home on 671 Calle Miramar. The Plan includes a new secondstory addition with multiple secondstory windows and a balcony overlooking the neighbors, adversely impacting nearby properties' view, light, air, and privacy.

The Plan’s second story blocks ocean views for neighbors. It has not been designed to cause the least intrusion on the views, light, air, and privacy of other nearby properties.

In particular, the multiple secondstory windows and a balcony provide an upsetting view of adjacent downslope bedrooms and backyards at the expense of neighborhood privacy.

The Plan negatively impacts the value of the adjacent homes and will encourage and increase the overdevelopment of the Hollywood Riviera section of Torrance.

In summary, the Plan should not be approved, and we ask that the City Council act to protect the character, view, light, air, and privacy of properties in the vicinity.

Sincerely,
Nancy and Pete Mladina
136 Via La Circula