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Neighbor appeal’s approval of five-story building in Grover Beach

September 18, 2025

By KAREN VELIE

A neighbor on Monday appealed the Grover Beach Planning Commission’s approval of a proposed five-story mixed-use building located next to two homes. Homeowners on both sides of the building object to the height, density and a lack of setback requirements.

The project, Bella Vista Villas, includes 20 condos and a 900 square foot commercial gym. By adding two affordable units, the developer was able to use a state density bonus program that allows 46.25% more units on the parcel than usually permitted.

In addition, a proposed commercial gym allows the project to be considered “coastal visitor serving,” meaning there are no setbacks requirements. The project takes up 97% of the parcel.


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It’s private property, they have a RIGHT to use it as they see fit (in this case bring more businesses and needed housing to the central coast).


This proceduralism and endless lawyer pestering is a disease that runs deep in our state and the leading reason for its stagnation. Strangling every new project in the web of regulations is a road to serfdom.


-16

The RIGHT is subject to a use permit. The neighbors and the rest of the community also have rights. We live in a free society, and the courts and appeals are in place to protect the rights of the people. Housing doesn’t have to be 55′ high. The beauty of the democratic process is that it creates better solutions and better projects. Perhaps instead of criticizing, those in favor can listen and help find solutions that are better suited to all concerned.


10

It doesn’t seem to me these folks have standing to file a lawsuit against this construction because they’ll need to provide evidence the plan harms them in some way. They can’t just say it has “adverse effects” without detailed examples. Of course, reactionaries will always seek to tie up the courts in these cases and delay the inevitable.


-18

Well, saying it’s “a hazard to the public health, safety, and welfare locally and nationally”, is what got you denied. That’s laughable and destroys any credibility the appeal had to begin with.


-4

Maybe best to hear the legal arguments before judging?


5

Bella Vista is a international vacation rental corporation. While these may be advertise these as “homes”, they will be nothing more than a very high priced hotel for temporary housing. “Affordable” units were used to increase density, and the “gym” used to bypass multiple building and use codes.


Now that the Rib Line and the casino are pretty much gone, who wants to bet THAT corner of 4th and Grand will soon be another stack of condo’s?


16

Well, saying it’s “a hazard to the public health, safety, and welfare locally and nationally”, is what got you denied. That’s laughable and and destroys any credibility the appeal had to begin with.


-5

The appeal will be denied, Gary Grossman has made all the right “campaign donations” so he gets whatever he wants.


30

In this case, the developer is not Grossman, but for sure, the city council won’t approve the appeal, no matter how valid, because that’s how they roll.


38