Title
PLN110257 - BERLIN ANDREW T TR
Administrative hearing to consider a Minor and Trivial Amendment to a previously approved Combined Development Permit (PLN110257) that allowed the demolition of an existing 1,960 square foot one-story single family dwelling and 255 square foot guest unit and the construction of a 9,255 square foot two-story single family dwelling, new retaining walls and associated grading within 750 feet of an archaeological resource and within 50 feet of a coastal bluff and a Lot Line Adjustment to merge two parcels into one parcel. This Minor and Trivial Amendment would allow replacing 53.5 feet of the existing wood fence and the main entrance gate with a stone wall and dark bronze entrance gate.
Project Location: 35986 HWY 1, Big Sur Coast Land Use Plan.
Proposed CEQA action: Find the project Categorically Exempt per Section 15302 of the CEQA Guidelines, and there are no exceptions pursuant to Section 15300.2.
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
It is recommended that the Chief of Planning not take action on the proposed project.
PROJECT INFORMATION
Agent: Laura Lawrence, Law Office of Aengus L. Jeffers
Property Owner: Andrew Berlin Trust
APN: 243-231-027-000
Zoning: Rural Density Residential, 40 acres per unit, Design Control, 14-foot height limit, Coastal Zone, or “RDR/40-D (14’)(CZ)”
Plan Area: Big Sur Coast Land Use Plan
Flagged and Staked: No
SUMMARY
The proposed project is a Minor and Trivial Amendment to a previously approved Combined Development Permit (PLN110257) that allowed the demolition of an existing 1,960 square foot one-story single family dwelling and 255 square foot guest unit and the construction of a 9,255 square foot two-story single family dwelling, new retaining walls and associated grading within 750 feet of an archaeological resource and within 50 feet of a coastal bluff and a Lot Line Adjustment to merge two parcels into one parcel. This Minor and Trivial Amendment would allow replacing 53.5 feet of the existing wood fence and the main entrance gate with a stone wall and dark bronze entrance gate.
On November 20, 2025, a member of the public raised concern with the proposed design, potential impacts on nearby public vistas, and requested that the project be referred to the Zoning Administrator in accordance with Title 20 section 20.76.060. Accordingly, staff recommends the Chief of Planning not take action on this item as it will be heard by the Zoning Administrator at a future date.
Prepared by: Fionna Jensen, Principal Planner x6407
Reviewed and Approved by: Jackie Nickerson, Principal Planner
cc: Front Counter Copy; California Coastal Commission; CalFire; HCD-Environmental Services; HCD-Engineering Services; Environmental Health Bureau; Fionna Jensen, Planner; Berline Andrew T Tr, Property Owners; Laura Lawrence, Agent; The Open Monterey Project; LandWatch (Executive Director); Lozeau Drury LLP; Christina McGinnis, Keep Big Sur Wild; Planning File PLN110257-AMD1