12,700-Sq-Ft House Approved Above La Jolla Shores

A plan to raze a house on a hill above La Jolla Shores and replace it with a modern and much larger residence of about 12,700 square feet was given the green light by the San Diego City Council last week.

The project at 8490 Whale Watch Way had already been approved by the Planning Commission, and the 7-1 vote by the council was to deny an appeal. Councilwoman Sherri Lightner, who represents the area, dissented.

Prospective neighbors and planning group members contend the design for the home violates guidelines for the area.

The applicant, Michael Paluso, has proposed demolition of the existing 4,100-square-foot, one-story house on a nearly half-acre parcel and replace it with the larger two-story residence.

“It's a beautiful house, but it just doesn't fit,” said Philip Merten, an architect and member of the La Jolla Community Plan Association. “It's too big a house on too small a property.”   

However, city staff said the plans complied with zoning regulations and met neighborhood guidelines.   

Councilman Carl DeMaio said the City Council has established a procedure and design requirements for construction projects.

“If the applicant follows that process in good faith, the council ought to uphold its own process,” DeMaio said.   

Council support swung to Paluso's side when his lawyer volunteered to hire someone to monitor grading work in case anything of archeological value turns up. According to city staff, Native American artifacts can be found in the La Jolla Shores area, but not quite as frequently in the nearby slopes.

–City News Service