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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHO2011-006 Abatement ExtensionRESOLUTION NO. HO 2019- 006 A RESOLUTION OF A HEARING OFFICER OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APPROVING THE ABATEMENT EXTENSION PERIOD FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1441 SUPERIOR AVENUE (PA 2011 -032) WHEREAS, Chapter 20.38.100 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code (NBMC) requires nonconforming nonresidential uses in residential zoning districts to be abated and terminated upon the expiration of time periods identified by the NBMC. Following the issuance of an Abatement Order, Chapter 20.38.100 provides that a property owner may request an extension of the abatement period in order, to amortize a property owner's investment in the property and avoid an unconstitutional taking of property; and WHEREAS, an application was filed on behalf of The Rawlins Family Trust, the owner of property located at 1441 Superior Avenue, and legally described as Portion of Lot 819, First Addition to Newport Mesa Tract, requesting an extension of the abatement period specified by the NBMC Section 20.38.100. If granted, the extension will allow the continued operation of existing commercial use for ten years from the date of the Hearing Officer's approval (December 15, 2021). The property is located in the RM (2420) Zoning District, where such nonresidential uses are not permitted; and WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on December 15, 2011, in the City Hall Council Chambers, 3300 Newport Boulevard, Newport Beach, California. A notice of time, place and purpose of the meeting was given in accordance with the NBMC and other applicable laws. Evidence, both written and oral, was presented and considered at this meeting; and WHEREAS, the hearing was presided over by Hon. John C. Woolley, retired Judge (California Superior Court, Orange County), Hearing Officer for the City of Newport Beach; and WHEREAS, the findings and considerations of Section 20.38.100 (C.4(c)) of the NBMC and facts in support of the findings and considerations are as follows: 1. The length of the abatement period is not appropriate considering the owner's investment in the use; Facts in Support of Finding: The one year abatement period specified by the Municipal Code is not of sufficient duration to amortize the property owner's investment. The information submitted by the applicant indicates that an extension of 10 years for the abatement of the current uses is necessary to avoid an unconstitutional taking of the applicant's property. Subsequently, the ten year period would allow the owner to transition the current tenants out of the building to accommodate the future project. An City of Newport Beach Hearing Officer Resolution Abatement Extension — Rawlins Trust (1441 Superior Avenue) Page 2 of 3 extension period for the term of the lease is necessary to avoid economic hardship that will result if the owner is required to abate the use prior to expiration of the lease. 2. The length of time the use was operating prior to the date of nonconformity justifies the extension of the abatement period beyond the code specified one year. Facts in Support of Finding: The property became nonconforming with the General Plan in 2006, 5 years ago, when the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2006 -76 approving the "General Plan Update ". The existing structure and use conformed to the Land Use Element of the General Plan for the prior 47 years; or was nonconforming and not subject to abatement. 3. The existing structure is not suitable for conversion to an alternate use. Facts in Support of Finding: The building could be modified to accommodate other commercial or nonresidential uses. However, the current building is not suitable for conversion from the existing commercial use to a residential building without demolishing and building new, or major renovation to provide adequate living areas and residential parking. 4. No harm to the public will result if the nonresidential use remains beyond the one year abatement period. Facts in Support of Finding: The property is located in an area that is occupied by other nonresidential uses; including office, medical office (across the street) and a skilled nursing facility. It is anticipated that the continued commercial use of the subject property is compatible with the surrounding uses and will not have any negative impact or pose harm on the neighboring residential and nonresidential uses in the vicinity. 5. The cost and feasibility of relocating the use to another site cannot be accommodated within the one -year abatement period. Facts in Support of Finding The applicant indicates that the relocation of the present nonresidential uses that occupy the building would be costly since there are limited numbers of comparable vacant storefront units or buildings within the vicinity. Consequently, relocation of the nonresidential tenants would result in a loss of long term rental income, especially since a new comprehensive residential or expansion of the skilled nursing facility or assisted living facility project is not proposed in the immediate future. P: \USIiRS \111.\1Sharcd\PA's \PAs: -201 ITA2011- 032\PINAL UOCSTA2011 -032 - Rcso ol'Approval FINIAL 1441 Superior- 12 -I5 -201 Ldocx City of Newport Beach Hearing Officer Resolution Abatement Extension — Rawlins Trust (1441 Superior Avenue) Page 3 of 3 WHEREAS, this activity has been determined to be categorically exempt under the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act under Class 1 (Existing Facilities). This class of projects has been determined not to have a significant effect on the environment and is exempt from the provisions of CEQA. This activity is also covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment (Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines. It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that this activity will have a significant effect on the environment and therefore it is not subject to CEQA. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: Section 1. The Hearing Officer of the City of Newport Beach hereby approves the requested Abatement Period Extension (PA2011- 032), subject to the findings and considerations set forth above. Section 2. The Abatement Period Extension for the property located at 1441 Superior Avenue, and legally described as Portion of Lot 819, First Addition to Newport Mesa Tract, is hereby extended and will expire on December 15, 2021, at which time all nonresidential use of the property shall cease or the building be demolished, unless an additional extension of the abatement period is granted; or an appropriate change in the Zoning District and the General Plan Land Use Designation are approved and adopted; or a change to the Zoning Regulations pertaining to nonconforming uses or their abatement are approved and adopted prior to that date. Section 3. This action shall become final and effective fourteen (14) days after the adoption of this Resolution unless within such time an appeal is filed with the City Clerk in accordance with the provisions of Title 20, Planning and Zoning, of the Newport Beach Municipal Code. APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS In 2011. .`J'ohn7C. Mo�y, retired Judge ifornia Superio Court, Orange County) ring O�ficer fort e City of Newport Beach P: \Users \PLN\Shared \PA's \PAs - 2011\PA2011- 032WINAL DOMPA2011 -032 - 12eso of Approval fl, ML 1441 Superior. 12 -15 -201 Ldocx