Appealing the decision is Beaches Restaurant owner Mark Matthias, in part because that lot next door is what attracts his patrons. Beaches uses the sand-filled space for beach volleyball, barbecue and live music, Wednesday through Saturday, all summer long.

Insufficient parking was one of Matthias' arguments to the examiner, but it received only sympathy. The examiner described Vancouver's parking standards as "manifestly inadequate," and then promptly approved the project because it met the letter of the law. In his appeal to the city council, Mathias argues that in addition to insufficient parking, Columbia Shores Commerce Center is not a water-related use and, according to the city's own shoreline policies, should be located as far upland as possible.

A date has not yet been set for the city council to consider Matthias' appeal. Neither Matthias nor C.E. John could immediately be reached for comment. C.E. John owns several buildings in the area, including Beaches, McMenamins on the Columbia, the Meriwether Condominiums, the proposed office building and an existing building where C.E. John has its offices.