In a break from apartments, the Santa Barbara Planning Commission approved a six-unit condominium project on the upper Eastside.

The commission voted 5-1, with Jay Higgins in opposition, to grant four modifications and approve the project, despite some concerns from nearby residents.

The project, at 533 E. Micheltorena St., calls for a 45-foot-tall, six-unit condominium building, on what’s currently a surface-level parking lot.

The Spanish Colonial Revival-designed project proposes a total of 47 parking spaces, between a reconfigured surface parking lot and a new parking garage with parking lifts, and will serve two other condo units next to the site that have already been built.

“I am really excited to see this come forward,” Planning Commissioner Devon Wardlow said.

The proposal, brought forward by planning firm Dudek on behalf of Santa Barbara Condo 204 LLC and Santa Barbara Condo 101 LLC, is an infill development on an awkward, sloping corner lot.

Neighbors in the area said it’s already impacted by cars that park illegally, and that the roads are narrow and sometimes unsafe.

“I think this project is too big for the site,” nearby resident Maria Zate said. “It’s asking for too many modifications. My biggest concern is the increase in vehicle traffic.”

She said she has to regularly navigate the numerous driveways in and out on the street.

Zate also questioned whether market-rate condos were they type of housing that Santa Barbara needs.

“For the size of the project, gaining six market-rate condominiums for sale is not bringing much value to the city of Santa Barbara,” Zate said. “It’s not bringing us the housing stock we so desperately need.”

Heather Hudson owns a second-story condo in the area.

“I purchased the condo eight years ago for the view as the main selling point,” Hudson said.

She said the recent story poles hurt views.

“It’s taking away the ocean,” Hudson said. “I don’t oppose the building; it’s the height.”

Sheila Lodge, a planning commissioner, empathized with the neighbors but still supported the project.

“For those whose views are going to be interrupted, that’s just the hazard of having vacant property next to you,” Lodge said. “You never know what is going to happen. Property owners have the right to reasonable development on their land.”

The city staff and members of the Planning Commission said the pedestrian circulation will be improved as part of the project. The site is unique, and they noted that despite modification open space, interior space and front setbacks, the project was a good one.

It was the second time the commission had seen the project. The developer made changes and reduced the size in the past year.

Only Planning Commissioner Jay Higgins opposed the project.

“There’s a project that is approvable here, but given the view impact I am having a little bit of a hard time with the size, bulk and scale,” Higgins said.