HUNTINGTON BEACH : Building Standards Set for ‘In-Fill Lots’

The City Council this week passed an emergency ordinance that sets development standards for new homes built on certain lots so the homes conform with the neighborhood.

The council also voted to lift a moratorium that had temporarily banned building on so-called “in-fill lots,” which are zoned for single-family housing and next to one or more homes.

The citywide moratorium, enacted last month by the council, stopped officials from issuing building permits for single-family homes on in-fill lots until standards were adopted.

The ban came after Huntington Seacliff residents, who live near Golden West Street and Palm Avenue, told the council that planned new homes were taller and that their privacy would be violated.

But the new ordinance is intended to ensure that homes built on in-fill lots are compatible with existing single-family neighborhoods, said Melanie Fallon, director of community development.

The ordinance sets privacy design standards and setbacks. Its also requires builders to contact existing residents about construction plans.

Fallon said the new ordinance “will ensure that privacy to the existing homes will be maintained.”

Planning Director Howard Zelefsky said a more comprehensive ordinance relating to in-fill lot development will be brought before the council in about six months.

Zelefsky said the ordinance applies to homes that are already planned.

Tom Zanic, who is developing homes in the Huntington Seacliff area, said he is relieved that the moratorium was lifted. But he said 16 homes to be built in that neighborhood are not subject to the provisions of the new ordinance.

“We believe and our legal counsel believes we are not subject to the new ordinance because we had our application in and paid fees prior to the moratorium,” he said.

Zanic added that the concerns of residents will be considered in the building of the remaining homes.