Freeny

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

We draw these facts from the allegations in the complaint, which we accept as true except where contradicted by the exhibits attached to the complaint. (Tucker v. Pacific Bell Mobile Servs. (2012) 208 Cal.App.4th 201, 210.)

I. Administrative Review

Plaintiffs Robert and Linda Freeny (plaintiffs) own two adjacent parcels of land in mid-town City of San Buenaventura (City). For three years, they worked with their own architect and consulted with the City's staff to design a living facility for senior citizens. The City's planning commission (Planning Commission) eventually approved a 44-unit, 42,172-square foot facility (the Project), and concomitantly granted a conditional use permit, a design review, an administrative variance, and a lot-line adjustment. A group of 35 persons living near the proposed facility appealed the Planning Commission's decision to the City Council. Following a remand to the Planning Commission for further fact-finding, the City Council took up the matter at a public hearing. On a five-to-two-vote, the City Council approved the neighbors' appeal and overturned the Planning Commission's approval. In so…