Local Homeowners Object to the Construction of a Two-Story Commercial Building on Bonita Road
- Susan Heavilin
- Mar 3
- 3 min read
Homeowners living in the abutting areas—to the newly proposed two-story commercial building with an "open air venue" on top of the second story—are strongly opposed to the structure.
They have sent the following letter to the Sweetwater Community Planning Group board members and many will speak in opposition to the construction at this evening's Board meeting.
Based on the plans currently under review, I am requesting the Sweetwater Community Planning Group not approve the project as submitted. My objections are as follows:
Excessive Building Height
The proposed structure has a height of 34’10”, which significantly exceeds what is appropriate directly adjacent to a single-family home. It impacts sight-lines, privacy, and overall semi-rural residential neighborhood character.
Insufficient Setback from My Property
According to the plans, the distance from the proposed building to my fence is only approximately 23 feet, which is not an adequate buffer for a two-story commercial structure.
Such proximity intensifies privacy loss, noise impacts, and shadowing on our property.
Privacy Intrusion
The exterior staircase directly overlooks my private yard and living areas. This creates a major privacy violation. As per San Diego County Zoning Ordinance §§4810- §§4820 and the County Design Review Guidelines, development adjacent to single-family homes must protect residential privacy by preventing direct sight-lines, minimizing visual intrusion, and providing adequate setbacks and screening. The proposed 34’10” structure, only approximately 23 feet from our fence, with an east fencing external staircase and upper-story windows, directly violates these privacy-protection standards.
Noise and Light Impacts
The second-floor walkway, stair landing, and evening commercial use will increase noise, nighttime lighting, and activity directly beside my home.
Community Plan Incompatibility
The Sweetwater Community Plan discourages tall commercial mass next to established single-family homes. The proposed scale and placement conflict with the existing semi-rural residential character of the planning area.
Long-Term Property Value Impact
The massing, height, and proximity of this building will diminish the value of my home, which has been a long-standing residence for over 40 years.
Increase of traffic and noise pose potential negative effect on adjacent property value.
Requested Action
I respectfully request that the Planning Group:
1. Deny the project in its current form, OR
2. Require substantial modifications including:
o Full impact assessment
o Increased setback from residential property
o Relocation of the exterior staircase
o Height reduction
o Noise-mitigating design changes
o Privacy screens and landscaping buffers
o Shielded lighting
o Neighbor notification and review of any design changes
Given the substantial impact this project will have on my property and the surrounding residential neighborhood, I respectfully request the opportunity to speak at the public meeting when this project is agendized. Please ensure I am included on the list of speakers for this item. Due to past changes in meeting dates, I respectfully request to be notified by email of all meeting dates, agenda postings, and any updates related to this project. Please add my email to the notification list for this item.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and dedication to protecting the residents and character of Bonita.
In addition, the following flyer has been making its way around Bonita-Sunnyside concerning tonight's SCPG meeting:
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