Zoning administrator approves Evers residence design and water allocation after neighborhood objections

The Zoning Administrator approved design approval and a water allocation for the proposed Evers residence at 202 Estrella De Oro (PLN260127) on Aug. 27, 2026, after staff presented geotechnical and visual analyses supporting the siting.

Planner Fiona Jensen said the project proposes a 4,127 square‑foot single‑family dwelling sited to avoid the steepest slopes and requesting 0.25 acre‑feet per year from the county’s first‑come/first‑served water allocation category; staff found the footprint complies with General Plan Policy OS‑3.5’s limitations on steep‑slope development and recommended categorical CEQA exemptions and approval with standard conditions.

Designer Darren Davis and the property owner described Spanish‑style materials and site design choices and said the second story was set back to reduce visual bulk. Neighbors including Michael Sharp, Kristan Long and Cheryl Sharp argued the two‑story massing would dominate the skyline for homes across the street and asked the ZA to require changes. Supporters and family members spoke in favor of the design and said landscaping would soften the appearance.

Novo reviewed the site constraints and the story‑pole photos and concluded that, while the lot is constrained and the new house will be prominent to properties below, the design includes mitigations (setbacks, second‑story recess) and met applicable standards. He approved the design and the requested water allocation with non‑substantive edits to findings and conditions; staff will finalize planting timing and other conditions in the resolution.