On June 6th, this Planning Commission  unanimously upheld our neighborhood’s appeal of a proposal to demolish most of a single-family residence at 1269 Ferrelo Rd. in the lower Riviera and replace it with a modern contemporary flat- topped structure that adds a third story and increases the overall size by 50%.   

Over a period spanning over three years, over thirty neighbors had petitioned, through multiple hearings by the Single Family Design Board and the City Council, to reduce the height and bulk of the proposed project, however, proir to this Commission's hearing, the project was one step away from final approval.

This commission determined that the height of the house should be reduced to be consistent with the City Council's previous determination.The Commission also stated that another Council requirement was to increase the distance between the proposed decks and the neighboring property lines to 15 feet. The most recent plans show an increase in size of 1269 of 150%!!!! The same plans do not respond to the Planning Commissions directive to address concerns regarding glazing and privacy.  This commission directed the applicate to conform to the City Council Resolution. 

This Commission rejected the creative methodology used by the applicant to calculate the floor to area ratio ("FAR"), which would have allowed the applicant to seek a much larger structure than allowed.  The whole process prompted Commissioner Barnwell to comment "there is an element of unease of how this [project] has evolved”.

The proposed project would sit between two historic houses by revered Santa Barbara builder/architects:  one by Alex D'Alfonso and the other by the Moody Sisters, which is a "Structure of Merit".  The proposed project's total floor area, almost 5,000 square feet, would be two to three times larger than nearly every nearby home on Ferrelo Road.  Illustrations of perspective views provided by the neighbors show that the additional third- floor level would block the public views from the street, like no other house in the neighborhood, and impose on neighbors' privacy.  

 My wife and I were surprised and chagrined when we learned that the project was recently sent back to the Single Family Design Board for final approval. Thus, we, with our neighbors elected to once again appeal this project: after reviewing the most recent plans submitted by the applicant. The current plans show no change in the bulk and scale of the project. If completed, the proposed structures bulk and scale will continue to dwarf the neighboring homes, impinge on the privacy of the immediate neighbors and block our sunlight. Once again the architect is attempting to skirt regulations and guidelines, this time with a magically appearing and non-existent equipment room in the basement area shown on the existing plans. This deception allows the applicant to increase the size of the structure by at least another additional seven hundred square feet.

This neighborhood contains several "Structures of Merit" and D'Alfonso homes.  If this out-of-scale project is approved, it will set a precedent for future building, not only in this neighborhood, but for all of Santa Barbara neighborhoods. Without preserving our architectural treasures, and our neighborhoods that contain exquisite homes that were built in the 1920's, 1930's,1940's and beyond, we will lose the quaintness of Santa Barbara.  Our unique architectural spirit would be lost forever.  ♾️ For more information go to: https://santabarbaraca.gov/sites/default/files/filesync/Advisory_Groups/Planning_Commission/Current/04_Public_Comment/2025_01_16_January_16_2025_General_Public_Comment_Record.pdf