City approves Bishop’s School library variance

By Dave Schwab

Staff Writer

A city hearing officer on Wednesday approved a request by The Bishop’s School in La Jolla for a variance allowing the private school’s proposed new Library & Learning Center to be raised 2 feet and 1 inch above the 30-foot height limit.

School officials and the architect said the change was needed to raise the building out of a flood plain.

Chris Neils, an attorney representing Bishop’s, said the hearing officer’s approval of the project can be challenged. The next phase of the project would be to do construction drawings, which should be completed sometime next year, he added.

David Little, a La Jolla Community Planning Association (LJCPA) member, said it’s possible the advisory group will appeal the hearing officer’s ruling since the group voted against the project. If the group doesn’t, he said he would consider filing an appeal as an individual.

Little objects to exceeding the 30-foot height limit approved years ago by Prop. D as way to preserve the views along coastal areas.