Construction Delays
Dear Yorba Linda Planning Commission,
This e-mail is our request to see if our project at parcel 349-311-24 or 5672 Oak Meadow Dr could fall within the scope of an exception to the building code #18.10.100B. This code section deals with 2nd story additions. We feel that our project is to such a small scale it merely completes the 2nd story with which we purchased the house.
If you look at “exterior.jpg” attached, you’ll see our house. We have a flat-roofed garage that extends from the front of our house. This roof has constantly leaked and caused us problems the two years we’ve owned this home. We decided in March to replace the roof making it a patio. We also removed the window to create a French door entrance to the patio. When my roofer went to get the permits we were told that we needed designs and approvals from the planning commission. When I spoke to Patricia Haley today she insisted that she has no leeway and must insist, per your authority, that we strictly adhere to the building requirements. While I understand that there are rules, I also understand that sometimes there are allowances. If I had known that I needed all these designs and planning approvals I would have obtained those months ago.
Now we are stuck with a half torn up project, exposing our house to potential termite and rain damage (”roof.jpg”) and the dust is upsetting my 5-month-old-son’s asthma.
I also included a picture of the view from the balcony to show you that (”view.jpg”) this isn’t your typical case of a 2nd story addition. We already have a second floor. We are just looking to fence in the roof and reinforce the roof to create a patio. We are not blocking anyone’s view or taking away any more privacy then what was already taken. We could have used the roof as a patio the way it was, but our goal was to correct the damage in a way that would enhance property value.
Please take a look at our pictures and see that the scope of what we are trying to accomplish is not the spirit for which code section 18.10.100B was intended. We are adding no new structures; we are just enclosing an existing one for a better looking property.
We are trying to meet the June 30th deadline should you refuse, but again, we would sincerely appreciate any leniency that could be afforded us due to our lack of understanding of the requirements (not represented by either contractor we hired) and our concern for our young son’s health. Please respond at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Jason & Brynda De Arte
Homeowners
cell: NNN-NNN-NNNN
fax: NNN-NNN-NNNN
5672 Oak Meadow
Yorba Linda, CA 92886