HUNTINGTON BEACH : City Backs 2-Story Harbor Home Limit

The Huntington Harbour Property Owners Assn. has won a major battle in its fight to prevent any more three-story homes from being built in that waterfront community.

After two lengthy, emotional public hearings on Monday night, the City Council voted 5 to 1 to prohibit two residents from adding third stories to their homes. Both remodelings were vehemently opposed by the property owner group, which argued that third stories block the view of other residents and do not fit into the general decor of Huntington Harbour.

At issue were plans by John and Debbie Briscoe, who live on Ardsley Circle on Humboldt Island, and by Dr. James J. Schell, who lives on Baruna Lane on Davenport Island.

The city staff and Planning Commission had recommended approval of the remodelings.

The staff report said both Schell and the Briscoes had fully complied with city law in their plans and applications. But representatives of the property owners group argued that the two plans violated codes, covenants and restrictions that are part of deeds to homes in Huntington Harbour. Those restrictions are not enforced by city government, but the majority of City Council members on Monday night said the property codes indicate the wishes of most harbor residents.

Schell and the Briscoes reminded the council that the Planning Commission had unanimously approved their remodeling proposals. Schell urged the council not to be swayed by an “unscientific” poll of Huntington Harbour residents that was made by the property owners association.

The property owners group told the council that its mail poll of residents found overwhelming opposition in Huntington Harbour to the building of any more three-story homes.