Members of the newly formed North Los Altos Neighborhood Association hoped the planning commission’s decision last week not to make any changes to the zoning code would prohibit a three-story, 29-unit condominium project from moving forward. The project was up for approval Tuesday night after the Town Crier’s press deadline.

The resident group was prepared to take the matter to court, pending the Los Altos City Council’s decision, a spokesman said.

More than 400 residents petitioned against the condominium project at 5100 El Camino Real, saying the building is too large and obtrusive for the neighborhood.

Zoning code restrictions were a key element of their argument. Resident Chris Croudace said city law requires a project to have setbacks if it touches any amount of space on a residential property.

The condominium up for approval would touch a residential lot on one corner. The project did not have appropriate setbacks, Croudace said.

City officials said large setbacks are required for commercial properties along El Camino when they abut residential properties. However, the city’s defininition of “abut” is when property lines are contguous.

The city attorney asked the planning commission to change the zoning code language regarding the description of “abut” to make the intended law clearer before the project went to the council for approval.

The planning commission voted against any changes. The commission, however, recommended that the council approve the project.