The South Pasadena Planning Commission will convene on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. to address a proposed hillside residential project and review major updates to the city’s General Plan, Housing Element, and Zoning Code. The meeting will be held at the Amedee O. “Dick” Richards Jr. Council Chambers (1424 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA) with the option for virtual attendance via Zoom.
Hanscom Avenue Project Seeks Variances for Hillside Home
On the agenda is the continued public hearing for Project No. PLR24-0009, a proposal to build a 1,664 square-foot single-family home with an attached 400 square-foot garage and an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) at 1931 Hanscom Drive. The steep hillside location in Southwest Monterey Hills presents multiple challenges, prompting the applicant, Zhiwei Liao, to request three significant variances:
- Reduced Building Wall Step-back: From the required 10 feet to approximately 5–9 feet
- Reduced Natural State Remediation: From 88.25% to 64.6%
- Reduced Ridgeline Height Clearance: From 50 feet to 19 feet
The project also involves the removal of seven trees, including one California Pepper and six California Black Walnuts. As part of the mitigation plan, the applicant proposes planting five 24-inch box-size Canyon Live Oaks. The tree removals and replanting plan are pending approval from the Public Works Department.
The development has been deemed categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Section 15303, Class 3, which covers new construction of small structures.
Citywide Housing Element and Zoning Amendments Continue
In addition to the Hanscom Avenue project, the Planning Commission will resume discussions on proposed updates to the General Plan Land Use Element, Housing Element, Downtown Specific Plan, and Zoning Code (SPMC Chapter 36). These updates aim to address state-mandated housing targets and involve key changes to:
- Height and density standards
- Zoning overlay boundaries
- Development standards for key areas, including the National Register Historic District
One proposal under review recommends reducing allowable density in the historic district from 70 to 50 dwelling units per acre (du/ac) and decreasing the maximum building height from 60 to 50 feet.
Staff and consultants have also suggested evaluating additional zoning scenarios to provide a housing capacity buffer, which could reduce the need for future rezonings.
A special community meeting will be held on June 16, 2025, to gather public feedback on the Planning Commission’s draft recommendations.
Public Participation Encouraged
The City invites residents and stakeholders to attend the June 10 meeting in person or via Zoom. Written public comments may be submitted to [email protected] by 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.
For more information or to access the meeting agenda, visit the official City of South Pasadena website.
