Zoning administrator approves 91‑square‑foot second‑story office addition at 260 West Marquita Unit A

The San Clemente zoning administrator on Oct. 9 approved a development permit to convert existing attic/storage into a 91‑square‑foot second‑story office at 260 West Marquita Unit A, a unit in a triplex within the residential medium and coastal zone overlay.

Jessica Gatney, staff planner for the Planning Division, presented public hearing project 25‑341 and development permit 25‑367. Gatney said the unit is within 300 feet of a historic resource at 267 West Marquita, which triggered the public hearing requirement, but staff determined the proposed addition would not impact public views of the historic resource. The proposal adds 91 square feet (with an indicated 114 square foot office after expansion of about 23 square feet into an existing balcony area) and raises a portion of the roof line about six feet; the overall building footprint and height remain unchanged.

Architect Rob Williams of Studio 6 Architects, representing the owners Ron and Darlene Porter, had no additional comments beyond the staff presentation.

Zoning Administrator Adam Matamian said he visited the site from the public right of way and agreed with staff that the addition would not adversely affect the historic property or nearby neighbors. Matamian found the project compliant with zoning and design guidelines and determined it categorically exempt from CEQA under applicable classes. He adopted Resolution ZA 25‑023 approving Development Permit 25‑367 subject to the attached conditions of approval.

Matamian congratulated the applicants and noted the standard 10‑day appeal period applies to the decision.