A Problem Looking for a Solution

To Eichler homeowners and architectural enthusiasts:

A lot of concern has been expressed lately regarding the addition to the home at 1120 N. Corrida Pl. and the mishandling of the permit process by the city of Orange. By way of background, earlier this month construction began on the aforementioned home, a structural addition that caught the eye of many in the Fairhills Eichler tract. Emails, phone calls and letters quickly flooded many departments at the City protesting the addition, questioning the process that allowed it to be approved in the first place and demanding that work be stopped and something be done. Apparently the plans were approved in error "over the counter" and not by normal approval procedure. Leslie Roseberry, Planning Manager with the City, has compiled a list of those that have emailed her and has been keeping us informed as to the developments in the City's attempts to work with the homeowners to make acceptable adjustments to the structure (correcting their mistake). Here is a copy of the two latest updates from Leslie dated January 21st and January 28th respectively:

Dear Eichler Residents:

Staff met with the property owners this afternoon. We are looking at trying to develop some compromises so that the addition may work better in the neighborhood. We are pleased that the owners will be looking at some design solutions to address the height of the addition.

The owners did express concern regarding the intense interest in this issue and the impact of cars driving by to observe, and take pictures of, the house on a daily basis. Since we are on our way to developing a solution, I would encourage you to let this process play out and continue to be good neighbors to one another. I will keep you posted of developments as they occur and I thank you for your continuing patience.

Please contact me if you have additional questions.

Leslie Roseberry
Planning Manager
714-744-7220

And

I just wanted to send a quick note to let you know that the property owner has submitted some draft revisions that staff is reviewing and commenting on. We do not have a solution yet (drainage continues to be an issue), but I wanted you to know we are moving forward.

Thank you.

Leslie Roseberry
Planning Manager
714-744-7220

I would like to think that all is well and that there will be no further problem of the City being vigilant when it comes to approving plans in the Eichler tracts, but I am not that naive. I know that Leslie is a very nice person, but she is not the one who has the power to make decisions that will satisfy most of us.

I am looking for some of you to post copies of your emails expressing your concerns so that other interested parties can read them. This problem is not likely to go away without the involvement of many Eichler owners. I would also like someone to address the question of the need for an oversight committee, say, the adoption of a set of architectural design guidelines for the Eichler homes. Is this the way to go? Also, if you would like to post images it would be helpful when discussing particular design questions.

I thank you for your involvement! Together we can help maintain the integrity of the Eichler neighborhoods for years to come.

Stephanie Raffel