14 ATTACHMENTS - Laserfiche WebLink

Mr. Jeffrey do whatever he wanted, compromising the value and privacy of the Johnstons' home. She stated that she did not understand how the process had gotten so out-of-hand and requested the Commission to uphold the restrictions on Mr. Jeffrey's property and have him take responsibility for his actions, and give back the Johnstons the privacy to which they are entitled. Nelson Lam stated that he has lived adjacent to the Johnstons and directly behind the Jeffreys for about 5 years. He noted that one of the reasons he bought his home was because of its privacy and seclusion in the backyard, without realizing that there were homes behind him because of the extensive vegetation. He indicated that there are now at least two homes that have a direct line of sight to his backyard from their second floor. He stated that he renovated his home by extending out the master bedroom on the east side where two large windows and French doors are situated. He noted that he has lost privacy with the removal of the vegetation and that he did not want to wait five to seven years to get it back. He indicated that he was surprised that the work was allowed and that he and his neighbors now suffer the consequences of the City's mistake. Lisa Johnson noted her confusion about when the retaining wall was permitted in error to be installed. She stated that when she and her husband returned from vacation on July 6, 2008, and saw the wall, she went to the City offices at 9:00 a.m. on July 7, 2008 and spoke to Ms. Amos, who seemed just as surprised that the wall had been built. She added that Ms. Amos indicated that she would let Ms. Decker know and that someone would go out to the site to issue a citation and fine the job because it was not to be done. Ms. Johnston stated that she was also baffled at the July 10, 2008 Zoning Administrator hearing when Mr. Jeffrey and Ms. Decker were conversing that the wall that was built was fine and looks great, when she (Ms. Johnston] was under the impression that the wall was the reason for the hearing. She added that while Mr. Jeffrey stated that he tried to compromise at the meetings, her memory of the meetings is that he sat there and said nothing and that there was no compromise. She then asked what type of tree had been planted in the corner of his lot. Steve Jeffrey reiterated that his intent from day one was to work with everyone and get through it because he did not want to be where they are today. He noted that he had no idea, owning three other houses in different cities, that he would ever be in this situation. He reiterated that he did not know the CC&R's even existed. He added that he has been to several meetings and has been working with the Planning Division to get this resolved, but it appears there is no resolution. He stated that he felt he has made a lot of progress with the Planning staff and that he has come a long way from where they were before. Commissioner Olson asked Mr. Jeffrey the species of tree in the corner yard, and Mr. Jeffrey replied that it is Prunus Caroliniana or a Cherry Laurel tree, which grows about three feet a year. EXCERPTS: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, September 10, 2008 Page 15 of 25