A majority of the neighbors on my street are very concerned about a large, modern house, that pushes the envelope in every direction. We signed comments that were delivered and emailed to the City of Palo Alto Planning folks. CPA planners have been quite responsive.
Our street has mostly 50' wide lots with 6' lot lines. The proposed new addition has 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths upstairs. Desite some concessions by the devloper, the second floor overhangs the first floor creating a massive street facade. The second floor spans across the full width of the house barely fitting in the day light plane envelope. The new house dwarfs the smaller homes on each side.
I am not the side neighbor. For the long time neigbors each side, they will lose sun and privacy. The neighbors across the street will look at this severe house for decades.
The developer asserts that he could, (but will not), build a large, cheap, purple modern house. That is within his rights.
Just where should the line be drawn. Property rights or consideration for the neighborhood. Should developers have more stringent rules than owners occupied?