Commission approves K Twin Homes at 2119 Cambridge after lengthy debate on slope, height and junior ADU access

The Encinitas Planning Commission approved the design review and coastal development permit for the K Twin Homes at 2119 Cambridge (case multi-007713-2024) on a 5-0 vote after prolonged public comment and commissioner questioning over slope, height measurement and a junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU) configuration.

Kaipo (staff associate planner) presented the project as two new two-story-over-basement twin homes on underlying legal lots in the R-11 zone with one legal nonconforming 1-car garage retained on the north lot. Staff concluded the project complies with applicable development standards, including setbacks, lot coverage, floor-area ratio and height measured from the lower of existing or proposed grade, and recommended approval with the addition of condition SCA 6 requiring a compliant exterior egress door for the JADUs.

Neighbors and independent consultants contended the property’s native pre-graded slope exceeds code thresholds used to set height limits. Land surveyor Sean Englert summarized a review of historical topographic maps and photo evidence and concluded the site’s pre-retaining-wall slope is roughly 13–15 percent, which would affect permitted building height; he said the applicant’s pre-grade interpretation understates the slope. Englert told the commission: “Putting the existing grade as you see it now does not reflect the natural pre‑grading; I estimate the existing natural grade at 13 to 15%.”

Applicant representatives, including architect Scott Moss and Ross Kaye, said the prevailing topography in place for decades (including a 1957 building pad and later permitted retaining walls) is the correct basis for measurement and that the project follows city practice. Scott Moss told the commission the team measured the site and that “the prevailing topography of the site, which has existed for some period of time, is the relevant natural grade.”

Commissioners split on the policy discomfort and fairness of some state ADU allowances, but a majority concluded the staff findings could be made if the JADU egress requirement and the corrected code citation were added as conditions. The commission moved to approve the project with SCA 6 (requirement for an exterior egress door meeting building-code dimensions) and an amendment correcting the code reference; the motion passed 5-0.

Next steps: staff will process building permits, which will vet final egress door design and building-code compliance. The approved resolution includes the SCA 6 requirement and a prohibition on short-term rentals for the units.