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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05_Jones Residence Coastal Development Permit and Lot Meeger_PA2018-234 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH ZONING ADMINISTRATOR STAFF REPORT December 13, 2018 Agenda Item No. 5 SUBJECT: Jones Residence Lot Merger and Coastal Development Permit (PA2018-234)  Lot Merger No. LM2018-005  Coastal Development Permit No. CD2018-089 SITE LOCATION: 215 and 219 Evening Star Lane APPLICANT: Clifton S. Jones Jr. OWNER: Clifton S. Jones Jr. PLANNER: David Lee, Assistant Planner 949- 644-3225, dlee@newportbeachca.gov ZONING DISTRICT/GENERAL PLAN  Coastal Land Use Category: Single-Unit Residential Detached – (6.0-9.9 DU/AC) (RSD-B)  Coastal Zoning District: Single-Unit Residential (R-1-6000)  General Plan: Single-Unit Residential Detached (RS-D)  Zoning District: Single-Unit Residential (R-1-6000) PROJECT SUMMARY A lot merger application and request to waive the parcel map requirement for two parcels under common ownership. The lot merger would combine two legal lots into a single parcel. Due to the proposed reduction in density at the site, a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) is required pursuant to Title 21 Local Coastal Program Implementation Plan of the Municipal Code. RECOMMENDATION 1) Conduct a public hearing; 2) Find this project exempt from the California Environmenta l Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15315 under Class 15 (Minor Land Divisions) of the CEQA Guidelines, because it has no potential to have a significant effect on the environment; and 3) Adopt Draft Zoning Administrator Resolution No. _ approving Lot Merger No. LM2018-005 and Coastal Development Permit No. CD2018-089 (Attachment No. ZA 1). 1 Jones Residence (PA2018-234) Zoning Administrator, December 13, 2018 Page 2 Tmplt: 01/12/18 DISCUSSION  An application was filed by Clifton Jones with respect to property located at 215 and 219 Evening Star Lane requesting approval of a Lot Merger and Coastal Development Permit. The lot at 215 Evening Star Lane is legally described as Lot 138 of Tract No. 4224. The lot at 219 Evening Star Lane is legally described as Lot 139 of Tract No. 4224.  A covenant agreement (Official Records No. 85-212091) was recorded on June 11, 1985, restricting the owner to hold Lots 138 and 139 as a single building site due to existing residential building encroachments from Lot 139 onto Lot 138. Subsequently, a lot line adjustment (LM2004-006) was approved by the Modifications Committee on July 28, 2004, to combine Lots 138 and 139. However, the approval expired due to not being exercised within the conditioned time period. Therefore, a lot merger is now required to legally merge the lots into a single parcel per current City subdivision code requirements.  The purpose of the lot merger is to legally merge the two lots into one parcel to allow for future development across the existing interior lot lines.  All future construction will be required to comply with the Zoning Code (Title 20) and Implementation Plan (Title 21) development standards, including parking and setback requirements.  Properties along West Bay Avenue consist of lots of varying shapes and sizes. Although the proposed lot merger will create a larger lot, it will not create an excessively large lot in comparison to many of the existing lots in the area. There are existing lots in the surrounding development that are similar to the proposed lot area, including 200 Evening Star Lane (9,486 square feet), 201 Evening Star Lane (9,041 square feet), 205 Evening Star Lane (8,589 square feet), and among others.  The proposed lot width is approximately 120 feet, which will not create an excessively wide lot in comparison to other existing lots in the area. There are existing lots in the surrounding development similar to the proposed lot width, including 200 Evening Star Lane (approximately 97 feet), 201 Evening Star Lane (approximately 81 feet), and 205 Evening Star Lane (approximately 87 feet), among others. In addition, the property has historically been utilized as a single site and will not result in a visible change to the neighborhood character.  As demonstrated in the attached draft resolution, the proposed merger meets the requirements of Title 19 (Subdivisions) for Lot Mergers and Waiver of Parcel Map Requirement. 2 Jones Residence (PA2018-234) Zoning Administrator, December 13, 2018 Page 3 Tmplt: 01/12/18 Public Access and Views  The subject site fronts the Newport Bay and is located between the nearest public road and the sea or shoreline. The site does not currently provide vertical or lateral access to the waterfront, nor would it provide access under proposed conditions. Vertical access to the bay is available approximately 500 feet northeast of the site at the end of North Star Lane where there is a pubic beach area with access to the water. There is also a vertical access to the bay available approximately 500 northwest of the site on Polaris Drive where there is a sandy area with access to the water. Thus, the project will not affect the public’s ability to gain access to, use, and/or view the coast and nearby recreational facilities.  The closest public view point is located near Westcliff Park, approximately 1,100 feet from the property. The proposed residence is not located near coastal view roads, as designated in the Coastal Land Use Pl an. Due to the distance of the proposed development from the public view point, the project will not impact coastal views. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW This project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15315 under Class 15 (Minor Land Divisions) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3. The Class 15 exemption allows the division of property in urbanized areas zoned for residential, commercial, or industrial use into four (4) or fewer parcels when the division is in conformance with the General Plan and Zoning, no variances or exceptions are required, all services and access to the proposed parcels are available, the parcel was not involved in a division of a larger parcel within the previous two (2) years, and the parcel does not have an average slope greater than 20 percent. This exemption includes a minor lot merger not resulting in the creation of any new parcel that complies with the conditions specified above. PUBLIC NOTICE Notice of this application was published in the Daily Pilot, mailed to all owners and residential occupants of property within 300 feet of the boundaries of the site (excluding intervening rights-of-way and waterways), including the applicant, and posted on the subject property at least 10 days before the scheduled hearing, consistent with the provisions of the Newport Beach Municipal Code. Additionally, the item appeared on the agenda for this meeting, which was posted at City Hall and on the City website. 3 Jones Residence (PA2018-234) Zoning Administrator, December 13, 2018 Page 4 Tmplt: 01/12/18 APPEAL PERIOD: An appeal may be filed with the Director of Community Development within 14 days following the date of action. For additional information on filing an appeal, contact the Planning Division at (949) 644-3200. Prepared by: ___________________________ David S. Lee, Assistant Planner JM/dl Attachments: ZA 1 Draft Resolution ZA 2 Vicinity Map ZA 3 Project Plans 4 Attachment No. ZA 1 Draft Resolution 5 RESOLUTION NO. ZA2018-### A RESOLUTION OF THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APPROVING LOT MERGER NO. LM2018-005, A WAIVER OF THE PARCEL MAP REQUIREMENT, AND COAST AL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. CD2018-089 FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 215 AND 219 EVENING STAR LANE (PA2018-234) THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH HEREBY FINDS AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. STATEMENT OF FACTS. 1. An application was filed by Clifton Jones with respect to property located at 215 and 219 Evening Star Lane requesting approval of a Lot Merger and Coastal Development Permit. The lot at 215 Evening Star Lane is legally described as Lot 138 of Tract No. 4224. The lot at 219 Evening Star Lane is legally described as Lot 139 of Tract No. 4224. 2. A covenant agreement (Official Records No. 85-212091) was recorded on June 11, 1985, restricting the owner to hold Lots 138 and 139 as a single building site due to existing residential building encroachments from Lot 139 onto Lot 138. Subsequently, a lot line adjustment (LM2004-006) was approved by the Modifications Committee on July 28, 2004 to combine Lots 138 and 139. However, the approval expired due to not being exercised within the conditioned time period. 3. The applicant proposes a lot merger and requests to waive the parcel map requirements for properties under common ownership. The applicant also requests an associated coastal development permit for the lot merger. 4. The subject property is designated Single-Unit Residential Detached (RS-D) by the General Plan Land Use Element and is located within the Single-Unit Residential (R-1- 6000) Zoning District. 5. The subject property is located within the coastal zone. The Coastal Land Use Plan category is Single-Unit Residential Detached – 6.0 - 9.9 DU/AC (RSD-B) and it is located within the Single-Unit Residential (R-1-6000) Coastal Zone District. 6. A public hearing was held on December 13, 2018 in the Corona del Mar Conference Room (Bay E-1st Floor) at 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach. A notice of time, place and purpose of the hearing was given in accordance with the Newport Beach Municipal Code. Evidence, both written and oral, was presented to, and considered by, the Zoning Administrator at this hearing. 6 Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2018-### Page 2 of 8 07-11-17 SECTION 2. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT DETERMINATION. 1. This project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15315 under Class 15 (Minor Land Divisions) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3. 2. The Class 15 exemption allows the division of property in urbanized areas zoned for residential, commercial, or industrial use into four (4) or fewer parcels when the division is in conformance with the General Plan and Zoning; no variances or exceptions are required; all services and access to the proposed parcels are available; the parcel was not involved in a division of a larger parcel within the previous two (2) years ; and the parcel does not have an average slope greater than 20 percent. This exemption includes a minor lot merger not resulting in the creation of any new parcel that complies with the conditions specified above. SECTION 3. REQUIRED FINDINGS. In accordance with Section 19.68.030 and 19.08.030 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code, the following findings and facts in support of such findings are set forth: Finding: A. Approval of the merger will not, under the circumstances of this particular case, be detrimental to the health, safety, peace, comfort and general welfare of persons residing or working in the neighborhood of such proposed use or be detrimental or injurious to property and improvements in the neighborhood or the general welfare of the City, and further that the proposed lot merger is consistent with the legislative intent of this title. Facts in Support of Finding: 1. The proposed lot merger to combine two complete lots by removing the interior lot lines between them will not result in the creation of additional parcels. 2. The project is in an area with an average slope of less than 20 percent. 3. The lot merger is consistent with the purpose and intent of Title 19 (Subdivisions). 4. Any future development on the proposed parcel will be subject to the Zoning Code development standards, which are intended to promote orderly development, protect neighborhood character, and preserve public health, safety, and general welfare of the City. Finding: B. The lots to be merged are under common fee ownership at the time of the merger. 7 Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2018-### Page 3 of 8 07-11-17 Fact in Support of Finding: 1. The two lots to be merged are under common fee ownership. Finding: C. The lots as merged will be consistent or will be more closely compatible with the applicable zoning regulations and will be consistent with other regulations relating to the subject property including, but not limited to, the General Plan and any applicable Coastal Plan or Specific Plan. Facts in Support of Finding: 1. The merged parcels will retain the Single-Unit Residential (R-1) zoning designation, consistent with the surrounding area. The R-1 Zoning District is intended to provide areas appropriate for a detached single-family residence located on a single lot. 2. The Land Use Element of the General Plan designates the subject site as Single-Unit Residential Detached (RS-D), which applies to a range of single-family residential dwelling units. The Coastal Land Use Plan designates this site as Single-Unit Residential Detached (RSD-B), which provides for density ranges from 6.0 – 9.9 dwelling units per acre. The land use will remain the same and the merger is consistent with the land use designations of the General Plan and Coastal Land Use Plan. 3. The subject property is not located within a Specific Plan area. 4. Section 20.18.030 of the Zoning Code and Section 20.18.030 of the LCP Implementation Plan establish minimum lot area and width requirements. The proposed merger would result in a 12,000-square-foot parcel that is in conformance to the minimum 6,000-square- foot interior lot area standard of the Zoning Code. Additionally, the proposed merger would create one approximately 120-foot-wide parcel, exceeding the minimum 60-foot interior lot width standard of the Zoning Code. Finding: D. Neither the lots as merged nor adjoining parcels will be deprived of legal access as a result of the merger. Facts in Support of Finding: 1. Legal access is provided from Evening Star Lane, and will remain unchanged. The site does not currently provide access to any other properties. Thus, no adjoining parcels will be deprived of legal access as a result of the merger. 8 Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2018-### Page 4 of 8 07-11-17 Finding: E. The lots as merged will be consistent with the pattern of development nearby and will not result in a lot width, depth or orientation, or development site that is incompatible with nearby lots. In making this findings, the review authority may consider the following: a. Whether the development of the merged lots could significantly deviate from the pattern of development of adjacent and/or adjoining lots in a manner that would result in an unreasonable detriment to the use and enjoyment of other properties. b. Whether the merged lots would be consistent with the character or general orientation of adjacent and/or adjoining lots. c. Whether the merged lots would be conforming or in greater conformity with the minimum lot width and area standards for the zoning district. Facts in Support of Finding: 1. Properties along West Bay Avenue consist of lots of varying shapes and sizes. Although the proposed lot merger will create a larger lot, it will not create an excessively large lot in comparison to many of the existing lots in the area. There are existing lots in the surrounding development that are similar to the proposed lot area, including 200 Evening Star Lane (9,486 square feet), 201 Evening Star Lane (9,041 square feet), 205 Evening Star Lane (8,589 square feet), and among others. 2. The proposed lot width is approximately 120 feet, which will not create an excessively wide lot in comparison to other existing lots in the area. There are existing lots in the surrounding development similar to the proposed lot width, including 200 Evening Star Lane (approximately 97 feet), 201 Evening Star Lane (approximately 81 feet), and 205 Evening Star Lane (approximately 87 feet), among others. 3. Merging the two lots would create one parcel that continues to meets the minimum requirements of the Zoning Code and LCP Implementation Plan for lot width and area. 4. Although the current configuration contains multiple parcels, the property is used as a single parcel with one single-family residence, which was constructed in 1962. As a result, the proposed merger will not result in a visible change in charac ter to the neighborhood and will continue to allow the property to be used for single -family purposes. 5. Orientation and access to the parcel would remain from the Evening Star Lane. Thus, resulting lot configuration will not change the existing pattern of development in the area. In accordance with Section 21.52.015 (Coastal Development Permits, Findings and Decision) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code, the following findings and facts in support of such findings are set forth: 9 Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2018-### Page 5 of 8 07-11-17 Finding: F. Conforms to all applicable sections of the certified Local Coastal Program. Facts in Support of Finding: 1. The proposed lot merger is for construction purposes and meets all of the requirements of the Local Coastal Program including Section 21.30.025 Coastal Subdivisions. 2. The lot merger is for a property within a developed neighborhood. The lots are currently utilized as one building site, and do not provide public access or views of the sea or shoreline. 3. The subject site fronts the Newport Bay and is located between the nearest public road and the sea or shoreline. The site does not currently provide vertical or lateral access to the waterfront, nor would it provide access under proposed conditions. Vertical access to the bay is available approximately 500 feet northeast of the site at the end of North Star Lane where there is a pubic beach area with access to the water. There is also a vertical access to the bay available approximately 500 northwest of the site on Polaris Drive where there is a sandy area with access to the water. Thus, the project will not affect the public’s ability to gain access to, use, and/or view the coast and nearby recreational facilities. Finding: G. Conforms with the public access and public recreation policies of Chapter 3 of the Coastal Act if the project is located between the nearest public road and the sea or shoreline of any body of water located within the coastal zone . Facts in Support of Finding: 1. The lots are currently utilized as one building site, and do not provide public access or views of the sea or shoreline. 2. The closest public view point is located near Westcliff Park, approximately 1,100 feet from the property. The proposed residence is not located near coastal view roads, as designated in the Coastal Land Use Plan. Due to the distance of the proposed development from the public view point, the project will not impact coastal views. Waiver of Parcel Map In accordance with Section 19.08.30.A.3 (Waiver of Parcel Map Requirement) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code, the Zoning Administrator may approve a waiver of the parcel map requirement in cases where no more than three (3) parcels are eliminated. The following finding and facts in support of such finding are set forth: 10 Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2018-### Page 6 of 8 07-11-17 Finding: F. The proposed division of land complies with requirements as to area, improvement and design, flood water drainage control, appropriate improved public roads and property access, sanitary disposal facilities, water supply availability, environmental protection, and other applicable requirements of this title, the Zoning Code, the General Plan, and any applicable Coastal Plan or Specific Plan. Facts in Support of Finding: 1. Approval of the proposed lot merger would remove the existing interior lot lines and allow the property to be utilized as a single site. The proposed lot would comply with all design standards and improvements required for new subdivisions by Title 19, the Zoning Code, and General Plan. 2. The subject property is not subject to a Specific Plan. The property complies with the requirements of Title 21 LCP Implementation Plan. 3. The proposed lot merger combines the properties into a single parcel of land and does not result in the elimination of more than three (3) parcels. 4. The subject property is accessible from Evening Star Lane. The site is served by all of the necessary public utilities. SECTION 4. DECISION. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: 1. The Zoning Administrator of the City of Newport Beach hereby approves LM2018-005 and CD2018-089 subject to the conditions set forth in Exhibit A, which is attached hereto and incorporated by reference. 2. This action shall become final and effective 14 days following the date this Resolution was adopted unless within such time an appeal or call for review is filed with the Community Development Director in accordance with the provisions of Title 21 Local Coastal Implementation Plan, and Title 19 Subdivisions, of the Newport Beach Municipal Code. Final action taken by the City may be appealed to the Coastal Commission in compliance with Section 21.64.035 of the City’s certified LCP and Title 14 California Code of Regulations, Sections 13111 through 13120, and Section 30603 of the Coastal Act. 11 Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2018-### Page 7 of 8 07-11-17 PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED THIS 13TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2018. _____________________________________ Patrick J. Alford, Zoning Administrator 12 Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2018-### Page 8 of 8 07-11-17 EXHIBIT “A” CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL 1. The development shall be in substantial conformance with the approved site plan, floor plans and building elevations stamped and dated with the date of this approval. (Except as modified by applicable conditions of approval.) 2. The project is subject to all applicable City ordinances, policies, and standards, unless specifically waived or modified by the conditions of approval. 3. The applicant shall comply with all federal, state, and local laws. 4. The map shall be submitted to the Public Works Department for final map review and approval. All applicable fees shall be paid. 5. Prior to the issuance of building permits for construction across the existing interior lot lines, recordation of the lot merger documents with the County Recorder shall be required. 6. Revisions to the approved plans may require an amendment to this Coastal Development Permit or the processing of a new Coastal Development Permit. 7. Should the property be sold or otherwise come under different ownership, any future owners or assignees shall be notified of the conditions of this approval by either the current business owner, property owner or the leasing agent. 8. This approval shall expire and become void unless exercised within 24 months from the actual date of review authority approval, except where an extension of time is approved in compliance with the provisions of Title 19 (Subdivisions) and Title 21 (Local Coastal Program Implementation Plan). 9. To the fullest extent permitted by law, applicant shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless City, its City Council, its boards and commissions, officials, officers, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, demands, obligations, damages, actions, causes of action, suits, losses, judgments, fines, penalties, liabilities, costs and expenses (including without limitation, attorney’s fees, disbursements and court costs) of every kind and nature whatsoever which may arise from or in any manner relate (directly or indirectly) to City’s approval of Jones Residence including, but not limited to, Lot Merger No. LM2018-005 and Coastal Development Permit No. 2018-089 (PA2018-234). This indemnification shall include, but not be limited to, damages awarded against the City, if any, costs of suit, attorneys' fees, and other expenses incurred in connection with such claim, action, causes of action, suit or proceeding whether incurred by applicant, City, and/or the parties initiating or bringing such proceeding. The applicant shall indemnify the City for all of City's costs, attorneys' fees, and damages which City incurs in enforcing the indemnification provisions set forth in this condition. The applicant shall pay to the City upon demand any amount owed to the City pursuant to the indemnification requirements prescribed in this condition. 13 Attachment No. ZA 2 Vicinity Map 14 VICINITY MAP Lot Merger No. LM2018-005 Coastal Development Permit No. CD2018-089 PA2018-234 215 and 219 Evening Star Lane Subject Property 15 Attachment No. ZA 3 Project Plans 16 17 18 19