COSTA MESA : Shopping Center Scaffolding OKd

Permanent scaffolding that draws attention to a new shopping center will be allowed, though city planners said the 25-foot-high metal scaffolding does not blend visually with the rest of the commercial neighborhood.

Shaheen Sadeghi, owner of the LAB at 2930 Bristol St., persuaded the Planning Commission on Monday to let him continue putting up the scaffolding, which he started without building permits. The city recently denied him the permits after looking at the structure, which resembles the scaffolding used when constructing a building.

A report to the commission criticized the “unfinished” look of the scaffolding, and noted that the building is on a street that leads to the South Coast Plazaarea.

“It’s very subjective as to whether it looks good to you folks, or whether it looks good to us,” Sadeghi told the commission. He said the scaffolding will be lighted at night, and will improve the architecturally unremarkable pair of buildings he owns.

The 9-week-old LAB is a collection of 15 alternative clothing, music and other retail stores, a gallery space and a stage for performances. Sadeghi told the commission that LAB stands for “little American businesses,” and that the project has used all recycled products to renovate the warehouses that occupy the site.

“I think the project is a tremendous asset to that street,” said commissioner Linda Dixon, who voted to approve the project.

Commissioner Mark Korando was the sole dissenting vote. He said the scaffolding may overwhelm the buildings and surrounding landscape.