Board approves design review, driveway-width waiver for William Lyon subdivision amid neighbor objections to two-story change

The Sunrise Manor Council Advisory Board voted June 12 to approve a design review and a waiver of development standards that increases driveway widths and incorporates two‑story floor plans for a previously approved single‑family subdivision developed by William Lyon Homes.

Mark Mulhall, speaking for the applicant, said the 14.3‑acre site north of Owens Avenue will have 20 lots (about 1.4 dwelling units per acre) and that the applicant sought a waiver to increase driveway width to 42 feet where 28 feet is typically allowed. “We’re seeking a waiver of development standards to increase the driveway width to 42 feet, where 28 feet is typically allowed,” Mulhall said. He told the board the change accommodates three‑ and four‑car garage options and that the RS‑20 zone allows a maximum building height of 35 feet; the applicant said the proposed two‑story homes would reach about 30 feet.

Mulhall said the redesign replaces previously approved single‑story designs with two‑story homes to increase livable area (from the earlier range of about 2,100–3,500 square feet to roughly 4,000–4,600 square feet) and to make the project financially feasible without a zoning change. He said the revised plans increase rear setbacks in some product options to as much as 66 feet, and that pad‑height differentials between the project and nearby properties are approximately 22–27 feet.

Several residents opposed the two‑story change during public comment. Mike Kelly, a resident who said the site backs up to his property, told the board the proposed two‑story buildings would sit “15 feet above” his second level and expressed opposition to taller homes behind his house. Paul Thomas called attention to an earlier agreement he said had contemplated single‑story homes and said he did not agree with the change.

Mulhall said the design‑review and waiver applications were noticed under the usual radius and that the change was being considered in a public hearing. Board members questioned why the project had been reworked and discussed economic reasons; Mulhall said the two‑story designs allowed the project to move forward and that a base sales price target would be provided after follow up.

A board member moved to approve the design review and the driveway‑width waiver. The transcript records members voting in favor; one member registered opposition during the roll call, but the motion carried. The board chair told the applicant the matter will proceed to the Board of County Commissioners for the next phase of review.

Neighbors and some board members said they wished more residents had participated in the hearing; several speakers said the mailed notice did not make the two‑story change clear. The transcript does not include a written condition set or a final vote tally by name; for the official vote record and any conditions attached to approval, consult the Sunrise Manor advisory board minutes and the Board of County Commissioners agenda materials.