J.1. PC21-2220 Public Hearing for consideration of an appeal of the Administrative Design Review decision denying the request to construct an accessory structure attached to the main home within the rear setback of the rear unit of an existing 2-unit residential condominium development on property located within a Low-Density Multiple-Family Residential (R-2) zone.
APPLICANT: Matthew and Cory Sufnar
PROPERTY OWNER: Same as applicant
PROPERTY ADDRESS: 2015 Speyer Lane Unit B
RECOMMENDATION:
1) Open public hearing and administer oath;
2) Request Staff presentation;
3) Request appellant's presentation;
4) Take further testimony from staff, the appellant, and the public, and deliberate;
5) Close the public hearing;
6) Adopt by title only a Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Redondo Beach, California, denying an appeal and upholding the Administrative Design Review decision denying the request for an accessory structure attached to the rear elevation of the main home within the rear setback of the rear unit of an existing 2-unit residential condominium development on property located within a Low-Density Multiple-Family Residential (R-2) zone at 2015 Speyer Lane Unit B;
OR
7) Adopt by title only a Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Redondo Beach, California, upholding an appeal of the Administrative Design Review decision and granting the request for an accessory structure attached to the rear elevation of the main home within the rear setback of the rear unit of an existing 2-unit residential condominium development on property located within a Low-Density Multiple-Family Residential (R-2) zone at 2015 Speyer Lane Unit B
This past summer my neighbor initiated a large-scale construction project in their small yard. I became concerned regarding any impacts that it may have to the community and wondered if it would create any neighborhood nuisances. The Planning Department informed me that no plans had been submitted and no permits had been issued for the project. Due to the pandemic, they could not send anyone out to see the project and asked if I would send photos and provide them updates. I was told that the City relies on citizens to report illegal construction activities. I interacted with several individuals at the City who graciously accepted my input.
For several months, at the encouragement of City personnel, I provided photographs, descriptions, and status of the project. I was aware when stop work orders were issued and asked to notify the Planning Department if unauthorized work was being performed. Throughout this time the neighbors initiated several confrontations with me. I repeatedly told them that they needed to follow the processes defined by the City of Redondo Beach, including approved plans and permits. Unfortunately, the appellant has manipulated my efforts of appropriately collaborating with the City into accusations of harassment. At no time has the City accused me of being in violation of any laws, codes, or regulations. They have always thanked me for my cooperation and support.
The decision that you are making today is not solely about the fate of an illegal roof structure, it is primarily one of policy. You will decide if the City of Redondo Beach supports homeowners who selfishly defy the law, or concerned citizens who work with the City to ensure that established processes are appropriately implemented. You will decide if defamatory behavior is appropriate in our neighborhoods, or if collaboration, respect, and consideration is what we should strive to achieve in our interactions. Finally, you will decide to either reward people who take advantage of an opportunity when the City is incapacitated, or support individuals who place themselves in an awkward situation to help the community during a challenging time.
We have lived in Redondo Beach for 41 years. We are the original owners of 2017 B Speyer Lane and have resided here for 33 years. In that time we have watched the neighborhood change from single family houses to predominately two on a lot. Over the years we have worked cooperatively with our neighbors current and past regarding fencing and tree trimming. Currently, we live directly east of the Sufnar family. We share a new vinyl fence which we cooperatively financed and had built to replace the old worn-out wooden fence. The Sufnars’ have always meticulously maintained their property and have recently improved the living area in their backyard. We feel that these improvements are very well done and enhance the property.
We are writing this letter to express our support of the backyard improvements. We concur with our neighbors, the McEveety family, that it is refreshing to see neighbors that invest in their home and community. Their improvements to the driveway and backyard area are tastefully done and adhere to the diverse architectural styles throughout the neighborhood. Their improvements and their significant financial investment contribute to the overall property values in the area.
The Sufnar’s have always been considerate neighbors. They have notified all impacted neighbors regarding their construction and the lengthened time table due to unforeseen circumstances. We feel that it is quite unfair for one homeowner to create such difficulties for the Sufnars’ when the majority of the surrounding homeowners feel that the improvements are beneficial to the overall community.
We hope that you consider all these facts and rule in favor of the Sufnars’ on this matter.
Sincerely,
Marshall & Diana Gelb
2017 B Speyer Lane Redondo Beach, CA 90278 310-944-8245
I support the backyard improvements of Cory & Matt Sufnar. My name is Laura Grabher. I am a local Redondo Beach resident (on Steinhart avenue) for 15 years and a local realtor for 19 years with the Hoffman Murphy Real Estate team. The structure they put up on their property enhances not only their home, but the neighborhood. The two-on-a-lot homes do not have much outdoor space, so to maximize a great indoor/outdoor living space considerably increases the value of the homes in the neighborhood. An interested buyer would pay considerably more for a home with the outdoor enhancements that the Corys have done to their home. The space is not only beautiful, but functional and the materials they used will last. I see many wood structures in backyards when selling homes that are full of termites and wood rot. This is not the case here. Additionally, ADUs are now allowed in Redondo Beach and have added value to our neighborhoods - this is much less than what would be considered an ADU as it is not enclosed. This structure not only increases value to the home and the neighborhood, but the lifestyle of this family. Laura Grabher DRE#01372048 laura@HoffmanMurphy.com 310-489-7270
My name is Kristina Cleland and I am born and raised in the beloved South Bay. I currently work serving the South Bay community as a mental health therapist. My friends, Cory and Matt Sufnar, have built a really nice outdoor patio including a barbecue and fireplace for entertainment and relaxation. It is evident that the structure that was built at 2015 Speyer Lane #B is compliant with the written code. Growing up in the South Bay with its beautiful weather, I know how appealing it is to spend as much time as you can outside. As a mental health therapist, evidence supports the importance of spending time outside to relieve anxiety, stress, and depression. With the pandemic and our difficulties with getting out of the house it is especially important to have a living space outside to spend your quality time. I feel really strongly that their home improvement is another great living space that should be allowed. It is unfortunate that the Sufnar’s are getting caught up in the city bureaucracy of trying to get this resolved when there are more important issues to address in our community. I hope you all can see the benefits of this outdoor space and how it is not negatively impacting any of the neighbors in the community.
I am in support of the Applicants, Matt and Cory Sufnar, for their backyard home improvements.
I (and my husband) moved from another Redondo Beach address to 2012 Belmont Lane unit A in 2001. We have found the Sufnars to be kind, thoughtful, quiet, and conscientious neighbors. Their property is always well maintained, and the recent upgrade to the backyard suits their home and our neighborhood quite beautifully, contributing to the improvement of the home values on our block. Living near the beach, it is always welcome when neighbors help eliminate the termites and fixing the termite infested structure benefits all of us who live so close to them.
As for the tree removal/replacement issue, one cannot fault parents for removing a plant that is causing extreme allergic conditions to their daughter. If the tree removal is a privacy issue for the complainant, then reasonably the complainant could take responsibility for their own privacy.
It is disappointing that one neighbor is causing such an unnecessary problem. However, the Sufnars are not the only ones who this neighbor has been reluctant to work with on home improvements.
On behalf of Susan Corey: My name is Susan Corey and I lived in the front unit at 2015 Speyer Lane Unit A from 2003– 2018 over 15 years. My husband Jules and I occupied this home and lived in the front unit of the Sufnar Family. Matt & Cory along with their children Luke & Sophie are family and instantly welcomed me to Speyer Lane with open arms. Cory & Matt have helped me through the most difficult times in my life including the death of husband and the sale of my home on Speyer Lane. In that 15 years on Speyer Lane, Cory & Matt were always very conscientious regarding the up keep of both of our homes. We both had a strong sense of pride in our homes and we both felt it was important to set an example to uphold this example to our community. Cory and I have had many conversations over the years expressing our frustration with many of the homes that were in our neighborhood including our block on Speyer Lane. Homes that have been red tagged, homes that have large RV’s parked out front, cement mixers in their yard, houses with feral cats, homes with debris and garbage visible to the street frontage etc. It is so hard for me to wrap my head around how any resident that would complain about the enhancements to the Sufnars home and backyard. The Sufnars are the most kind, respectful neighbors anyone could ever ask for. They treat everyone with respect and are heavily involved in the community and the well-being of their family and helping others. I would like to show my deepest support for their home and all their backyard renovations. The Sufnars are the type of neighbors that Redondo Beach should support and embrace. Their improvements add tremendous value not only to their home but the overall neighborhood and should be supported. Thank you.
Commissioners,
This past summer my neighbor initiated a large-scale construction project in their small yard. I became concerned regarding any impacts that it may have to the community and wondered if it would create any neighborhood nuisances. The Planning Department informed me that no plans had been submitted and no permits had been issued for the project. Due to the pandemic, they could not send anyone out to see the project and asked if I would send photos and provide them updates. I was told that the City relies on citizens to report illegal construction activities. I interacted with several individuals at the City who graciously accepted my input.
For several months, at the encouragement of City personnel, I provided photographs, descriptions, and status of the project. I was aware when stop work orders were issued and asked to notify the Planning Department if unauthorized work was being performed. Throughout this time the neighbors initiated several confrontations with me. I repeatedly told them that they needed to follow the processes defined by the City of Redondo Beach, including approved plans and permits. Unfortunately, the appellant has manipulated my efforts of appropriately collaborating with the City into accusations of harassment. At no time has the City accused me of being in violation of any laws, codes, or regulations. They have always thanked me for my cooperation and support.
The decision that you are making today is not solely about the fate of an illegal roof structure, it is primarily one of policy. You will decide if the City of Redondo Beach supports homeowners who selfishly defy the law, or concerned citizens who work with the City to ensure that established processes are appropriately implemented. You will decide if defamatory behavior is appropriate in our neighborhoods, or if collaboration, respect, and consideration is what we should strive to achieve in our interactions. Finally, you will decide to either reward people who take advantage of an opportunity when the City is incapacitated, or support individuals who place themselves in an awkward situation to help the community during a challenging time.
William Stock
We have lived in Redondo Beach for 41 years. We are the original owners of 2017 B Speyer Lane and have resided here for 33 years. In that time we have watched the neighborhood change from single family houses to predominately two on a lot. Over the years we have worked cooperatively with our neighbors current and past regarding fencing and tree trimming. Currently, we live directly east of the Sufnar family. We share a new vinyl fence which we cooperatively financed and had built to replace the old worn-out wooden fence. The Sufnars’ have always meticulously maintained their property and have recently improved the living area in their backyard. We feel that these improvements are very well done and enhance the property.
We are writing this letter to express our support of the backyard improvements. We concur with our neighbors, the McEveety family, that it is refreshing to see neighbors that invest in their home and community. Their improvements to the driveway and backyard area are tastefully done and adhere to the diverse architectural styles throughout the neighborhood. Their improvements and their significant financial investment contribute to the overall property values in the area.
The Sufnar’s have always been considerate neighbors. They have notified all impacted neighbors regarding their construction and the lengthened time table due to unforeseen circumstances. We feel that it is quite unfair for one homeowner to create such difficulties for the Sufnars’ when the majority of the surrounding homeowners feel that the improvements are beneficial to the overall community.
We hope that you consider all these facts and rule in favor of the Sufnars’ on this matter.
Sincerely,
Marshall & Diana Gelb
2017 B Speyer Lane Redondo Beach, CA 90278 310-944-8245
I support the backyard improvements of Cory & Matt Sufnar. My name is Laura Grabher. I am a local Redondo Beach resident (on Steinhart avenue) for 15 years and a local realtor for 19 years with the Hoffman Murphy Real Estate team. The structure they put up on their property enhances not only their home, but the neighborhood. The two-on-a-lot homes do not have much outdoor space, so to maximize a great indoor/outdoor living space considerably increases the value of the homes in the neighborhood. An interested buyer would pay considerably more for a home with the outdoor enhancements that the Corys have done to their home. The space is not only beautiful, but functional and the materials they used will last. I see many wood structures in backyards when selling homes that are full of termites and wood rot. This is not the case here. Additionally, ADUs are now allowed in Redondo Beach and have added value to our neighborhoods - this is much less than what would be considered an ADU as it is not enclosed. This structure not only increases value to the home and the neighborhood, but the lifestyle of this family. Laura Grabher DRE#01372048 laura@HoffmanMurphy.com 310-489-7270
My name is Kristina Cleland and I am born and raised in the beloved South Bay. I currently work serving the South Bay community as a mental health therapist. My friends, Cory and Matt Sufnar, have built a really nice outdoor patio including a barbecue and fireplace for entertainment and relaxation. It is evident that the structure that was built at 2015 Speyer Lane #B is compliant with the written code. Growing up in the South Bay with its beautiful weather, I know how appealing it is to spend as much time as you can outside. As a mental health therapist, evidence supports the importance of spending time outside to relieve anxiety, stress, and depression. With the pandemic and our difficulties with getting out of the house it is especially important to have a living space outside to spend your quality time. I feel really strongly that their home improvement is another great living space that should be allowed. It is unfortunate that the Sufnar’s are getting caught up in the city bureaucracy of trying to get this resolved when there are more important issues to address in our community. I hope you all can see the benefits of this outdoor space and how it is not negatively impacting any of the neighbors in the community.
I am in support of the Applicants, Matt and Cory Sufnar, for their backyard home improvements.
I (and my husband) moved from another Redondo Beach address to 2012 Belmont Lane unit A in 2001. We have found the Sufnars to be kind, thoughtful, quiet, and conscientious neighbors. Their property is always well maintained, and the recent upgrade to the backyard suits their home and our neighborhood quite beautifully, contributing to the improvement of the home values on our block. Living near the beach, it is always welcome when neighbors help eliminate the termites and fixing the termite infested structure benefits all of us who live so close to them.
As for the tree removal/replacement issue, one cannot fault parents for removing a plant that is causing extreme allergic conditions to their daughter. If the tree removal is a privacy issue for the complainant, then reasonably the complainant could take responsibility for their own privacy.
It is disappointing that one neighbor is causing such an unnecessary problem. However, the Sufnars are not the only ones who this neighbor has been reluctant to work with on home improvements.
Lynette Vandeveer
2012 Belmont Lane unit A
On behalf of Susan Corey: My name is Susan Corey and I lived in the front unit at 2015 Speyer Lane Unit A from 2003– 2018 over 15 years. My husband Jules and I occupied this home and lived in the front unit of the Sufnar Family. Matt & Cory along with their children Luke & Sophie are family and instantly welcomed me to Speyer Lane with open arms. Cory & Matt have helped me through the most difficult times in my life including the death of husband and the sale of my home on Speyer Lane. In that 15 years on Speyer Lane, Cory & Matt were always very conscientious regarding the up keep of both of our homes. We both had a strong sense of pride in our homes and we both felt it was important to set an example to uphold this example to our community. Cory and I have had many conversations over the years expressing our frustration with many of the homes that were in our neighborhood including our block on Speyer Lane. Homes that have been red tagged, homes that have large RV’s parked out front, cement mixers in their yard, houses with feral cats, homes with debris and garbage visible to the street frontage etc. It is so hard for me to wrap my head around how any resident that would complain about the enhancements to the Sufnars home and backyard. The Sufnars are the most kind, respectful neighbors anyone could ever ask for. They treat everyone with respect and are heavily involved in the community and the well-being of their family and helping others. I would like to show my deepest support for their home and all their backyard renovations. The Sufnars are the type of neighbors that Redondo Beach should support and embrace. Their improvements add tremendous value not only to their home but the overall neighborhood and should be supported. Thank you.