COSTA MESA : Driven to Tinker, He’ll Get His Space

The City Council has voted unanimously to allow a collector of antique cars to build an eight-car garage almost as large as his house, a proposal opposed by the Planning Commission.

Arnold S. Beckman was seeking a conditional use permit to create 1,251 square feet of garage space where he could store and work on his antique cars. (Beckman’s home is 1,284 square feet.)

Beckman told the council last week that he is preparing a 1956 Ford truck for show and needs a space where he can do the delicate cleaning it requires. He argued that he would not do any heavy construction or spray-painting and probably would not produce much noise. His Harley Davidson motorcycle, he said, is probably is noisier than any of his tools.

“I want to enjoy myself and play with the toys that I want to play with,” Beckman, a 20-year resident, said. Beckman said he has been fascinated by antique cars since high school.

Planning commissioners voted 4 to 1 to oppose the project, arguing that such a garage would be too big for a residential neighborhood.

Mayor Sandra L. Genis said that she wants more residents to be able to park their cars off public streets and that she does not think the project will disturb neighbors. Two of Beckman’s neighbors spoke in favor of his plans.