Newport : Neighbors Seek to Save Landmark China House

The California Coastal Commission has agreed to review a request from homeowners to revoke a permit that would allow razing the landmark China House, a spokesman for the homeowners group said.

But even if the commission approves the revocation at its meeting Thursday, the homeowners hold out little hope that it will save the salmon-and-green-colored, pagoda-style house on Newport Harbor.

“If possible, we would like to have it saved,” Donald B. Bright, who represents homeowners who are unhappy over plans for future development, said Monday. “But apparently, that’s not going to occur.”

Last September, the commission approved a plan that would allow the construction of two homes and result in the demolition of the China House, a landmark for more than 50 years.

Eight neighboring homeowners have asked the commission to revoke that permit because changes approved for the new properties will block ocean-front views and potentially damage tide pools, said Bright, of Bright & Associates in Placentia.

The homeowners were not notified of a public hearing in November when the changes were approved, Bright said, adding that they just “want to make sure their own property rights are protected.”