HomeMy WebLinkAboutZA2020-080 - APPROVING COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. CD2020-136 AND LIMITED TERM PERMIT NO. XP2020-006 FOR A TEMPORARY MODULAR UNIT TO BE USED AS AN OFFICE FOR GONDOLA TOURS LOCATED AT 200 BAYSIDE DRIVERESOLUTION NO. ZA2020-080
A RESOLUTION OF THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APPROVING COASTAL
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO.CD2020-136 AND LIMITED TERM
PERMIT NO. XP2020-006 FOR A TEMPORARY MODULAR UNIT
TO BE USED AS AN OFFICE FOR GONDOLA TOURS LOCATED
AT 200 BAYSIDE DRIVE (PA2020-273)
THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH HEREBY FINDS AS
FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. STATEMENT OF FACTS.
1. An application was filed by Gondola Adventures, Inc., with respect to property located at
200 Bayside Drive, and legally described as a portion of Parcel 3 of Parcel Map No. 93-
111 requesting approval of a Coastal Development Permit and Limited Term Permit (More
than 90 days).
2. The applicant proposes to use an existing temporary modular office for gondola boat tours.
The gondola boats will be docked within existing marina slips accessible from the property.
The office will be used for general office operations, storage, and setup area for gondola
tours. The office will include an attached restroom to serve employees and customers.
3. The subject property is designated Mixed-Use Water 2 (MU-W2) by the General Plan Land
Use Element and is located within the Back Bay Landing (PC9) Zoning District.
4. The subject property is located within the coastal zone. The Coastal Land Use Plan
category is Mixed Use Water Related (MU-W) and it is located within the Back Bay Landing
(PC9) Coastal Zone District.
5. A public hearing was held online on December 10, 2020, observing restrictions due to the
Declaration of a State Emergency and Proclamation of Local Emergency related to
COVID-19. 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.
SECTION 2. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT DETERMINATION.
1. This project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to
Section 15303 under Class 3 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) of
the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3,
because it has no potential to have a significant effect on the environment. The Class 3
exemption authorizes minor alterations to existing structures involving negligible or no
expansion of use. The proposed project is temporary and is located on a developed
parking lot. Since the project does not involve any alteration of land, it does not have the
potential to impact the surrounding environment.
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2. The exceptions to this categorical exemption under Section 15300.2 are not applicable.
The project location does not impact an environmental resource of hazardous or critical
concern, does not result in cumulative impacts, does not have a significant effect on the
environment due to unusual circumstances, does not damage scenic resources within
a state scenic highway, is not a hazardous waste site, and is not identified as a historical
resource.
SECTION 3. REQUIRED FINDINGS.
Limited Term Permit
In accordance with Section 20.52.040 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code, the following
findings and facts in support of such findings are set forth:
Finding:
A. The operation of the limited duration use at the location proposed and within the time period
specified would not be detrimental to the harmonious and orderly growth of the City, nor
endanger, jeopardize, or otherwise constitute a hazard to the public convenience, health,
interest, safety, or general welfare of persons residing or working in the neighborhood of
the requested limited duration use;
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. The limited term permit will allow operation in a temporary modular office. The office will
be used for general office operations, storage, and setup area for gondola cruises. The
office will also include a restroom for employees and customers.
2. The subject property contains a variety of marine-related uses, including marina parking,
outside storage for recreational vehicles and trailered boats, kayak and paddle board
rentals with launch area, a floating fish market, and additional marine-related material
storage. The temporary modular office will be used as an office to support the gondola
boat tours, which is a coastal-dependent use that is compatible with the other uses within
the subject property.
3. The modular office is located within the Back Bay Landing Planned Community
Development Plan (PC9) zoning and coastal zoning districts. The purpose of PC9 is to
provide a vision for the land uses, set the development standards and design guidelines
for the future review and approval of an integrated, mixed-use waterfront development.
The proposed modular office is located within the future bayfront promenade identified in
PC9 for the future mixed-use development; however, the modular office is temporary in
use and is not part of the future development. As conditioned, if the future development is
implemented prior to the expiration of the Limited Term Permit, the modular office shall be
removed. The modular office does not interfere with nearby uses.
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Finding:
B. The subject lot is adequate in size and shape to accommodate the limited duration use
without material detriment to the use and enjoyment of other properties located adjacent
to and in the vicinity of the lot;
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. The modular building is located within Planning Area 1 (Mixed-Use Area) of PC-9, which
is approximately 5 acres in size. There is adequate area to accommodate the proposed
modular office and existing uses without impacting vehicle circulation. The modular office
is located in the rear of the lot, adjacent to the bay and marina access walkway.
2. The placement of the temporary modular office has been conditioned to ensure that it will
not negatively impact on-site circulation.
3. The lot is bounded by the Back Bay to the north and west, the Bayside Village mobile home
park to the east, and East Coast Highway to the south. The temporary modular office will
not affect any of the surrounding uses.
4. The temporary modular office is located on private property.
Finding:
C. The subject lot is adequately served by streets or highways having sufficient width and
improvements to accommodate the kind and quantity of traffic that the limited duration use
would or could reasonably be expected to generate;
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. The subject lot has a direct driveway approach taken from Bayside Drive. The temporary
modular office is located in the rear of the site will not impede access to the existing parking
lot. There are no traffic issues anticipated.
Finding:
D. Adequate temporary parking to accommodate vehicular traffic to be generated by the
limited duration use would be available either on-site or at alternate locations acceptable
to the Zoning Administrator; and
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. The gondola boats will be docked utilizing existing marina slips. Customer and employee
parking are provided for within the existing parking lot. Although the operation of the boat
tours is expected to increase parking demands at the site, the site provides approximately
141 marked and unmarked parking spaces that are underutilized. The proposed location
of the modular office will result in the temporary loss of 7 parking spaces, reducing the total
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on-site parking supply to approximately 134 spaces. According to the on-site project
manager for the future Back Bay Landing project, approximately 20 vehicles are parked in
the main parking area during the daytime on weekdays. Weekend parking increases to
approximately 30 vehicles. There are no significant parking increases at the marina during
summer months, except during the Fourth of July special event fireworks display at the
nearby Newport Dunes. This underutilization of the parking areas has been verified by staff
visits on numerous occasions and review of historical aerial photographs of the site.
Therefore, the proposed gondola operation and modular office are not anticipated to
negatively impact parking availability of the site.
Finding:
E. The limited duration use is consistent with all applicable provisions of the General Plan,
any applicable specific plan, the Municipal Code, and other City regulations.
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. The temporary modular office is conditioned to comply with all applicable provisions of the
General Plan, Municipal Code, and other City regulations.
2. The site is not located within a specific plan area.
Coastal Development Permit
In accordance with Section 21.52.015 (Findings and Decision) of the Newport Beach Municipal
Code, the following findings and facts in support of such findings are set forth:
Finding:
F. Conforms to all applicable sections of the certified Local Coastal Program.
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. The temporary modular office is 720 square feet and includes a restroom.
2. The Mixed-Use Water Related Coastal Land Use is intended to provide for commercial
development on or near the bay in a manner that will encourage the continuation of
coastal-dependent, coastal-related uses and visitor-serving uses. The proposed boat
tour use is a coastal-dependent use that requires close proximity to the bay.
3. The subject property contains a variety of uses including marina parking, outdoor storage
for recreational vehicles and trailered boats, kayak and paddle board rentals with launch
area, a floating fish market, and additional marine-related material storage. The proposed
boat tour use and temporary modular office is compatible with other marine-related uses.
The development to the east is a mobile home park. The bulk and scale of the temporary
modular office is compatible with the surrounding development.
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4. As conditioned, all outdoor lighting fixtures shall be designed, shielded, aimed, located,
and maintained to shield adjacent properties, and not flood light toward the shoreline,
coastal waters and coastal bluffs and to not produce glare onto adjacent properties,
roadways, the shoreline, coastal waters or coastal bluffs. Parking lot light fixtures and light
fixtures on buildings shall be full cut-off fixtures.
5. The property is located in an area known for the potential of seismic activity and
liquefaction. All projects are required to comply with the California Building Code (CBC)
and Building Division standards and policies. Geotechnical investigations specifically
addressing liquefaction are required to be reviewed and approved prior to the issuance of
building permits. Permit issuance is also contingent on the inclusion of design mitigation
identified in the investigations. Construction plans are reviewed for compliance with
approved investigations and CBC prior to building permit issuance.
6. Landscaping is not proposed as a part of this project.
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 project site is located between the nearest public road and the sea or shoreline; the
project will not affect the public’s ability to gain access to, use, and/or view the coast and
nearby recreational facilities.
2. An initial evaluation was conducted by staff to determine if the proposed modular office
has the potential to impact the public view of the bay. A visual impact analysis was
conducted from multiple public view vantage points facing the bay. Views of the bay are
visible from East Coast Highway along the western portion of the subject property. The
subject property is lower in topography than East Coast Highway, and the proposed
modular office is a single-story structure approximately 10 feet in height. The portion of
East Coast Highway abutting the eastern portion of the subject lot, as well as Bayside
Drive, do not provide existing views of the bay.
3. Based on the visual impact analysis, the modular office will not impact public access or
public views of the bay, as it is located a northern corner of the lot that is outside of the
viewshed of the bay as seen from East Coast Highway.
4. The proposed boat tour use will provide additional recreation options to residents and
visitors and encourage access to and usage of the bay.
5. The modular office is located within a future pedestrian easement, which is a feature of a
future project on the subject property. The modular building has been conditioned to be
removed upon recordation of the pedestrian easement. Also, as conditioned, if the future
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development is implemented prior to the expiration of the Limited Term Permit, the modular
office shall be removed.
SECTION 4. DECISION.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1. The Zoning Administrator of the City of Newport Beach hereby approves CD2020-136 and
XP2020-006, 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, 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.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED THIS 10TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2020.
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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. Material violation of
any of those laws in connection with the use may be cause for revocation of this Use
Permit.
4. Coastal Development Permit No. CD2020-136 and Limited Term Permit No. XP2020-006
shall expire unless exercised within 24 months from the date of approval as specified in
Section 20.91.050 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code, unless an extension is otherwise
granted.
5. Coastal Development Permit No. CD2020-136 and Limited Term Permit No. XP2020-006
shall not be effective until after January 11, 2021.
6. The applicant shall obtain permits from the Fire Department for a fire suppression system
within 60 days of the approval of the coastal development permit and limited term permit.
7. This Coastal Development Permit and Limited Term Permit may be modified or revoked
by the Zoning Administrator if determined that the proposed uses or conditions under
which it is being operated or maintained is detrimental to the public health, welfare or
materially injurious to property or improvements in the vicinity or if the property is
operated or maintained so as to constitute a public nuisance.
8. Any change in operational characteristics, expansion in area, or other modification to
the approved plans, shall require an amendment to this Coastal Development Permit
and Limited Term Permit or the processing of a new Coastal Development Permit and
Limited Term Permit.
9. A copy of the Resolution, including conditions of approval Exhibit “A” shall be
incorporated into the Building Division and field sets of plans prior to issuance of the
building permits.
10. Prior to issuance of building permits, the applicant shall submit to the Planning Division
an additional copy of the approved architectural plans for inclusion in the Coastal
Development Permit and Limited Term Permit file. The plans shall be identical to those
approved by all City departments for building permit issuance. The approved copy shall
include architectural sheets only and shall be reduced in size to 11 inches by 17 inches.
The plans shall accurately depict the elements approved by this Coastal Development
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Permit and Limited Term Permit and shall highlight the approved elements such that
they are readily discernible from other elements of the plans.
11. This Limited Term Permit shall expire twelve (12) months from the issued date of building
occupancy, unless an extension of up to one (1) additional period of 12 months is granted
by the Zoning Administrator in compliance with Section 20.54.060 (Time Limits and
Extensions) of the Zoning Code. A letter requesting the extension shall be submitted to the
Planning Division no later than thirty (30) days prior to the expiration date of this permit.
12. Upon recordation of a future pedestrian easement in compliance with PC-9, the
temporary trailer shall be removed.
13. The hours of operation for the modular office and the gondola boat tours shall be limited
to 10:00 a.m. through 10:00 p.m., daily, except that the gondola boat tours shall be
permitted to operate to later hours with the prior approval of the Planning Division for up
to six (6) special occasions per calendar year. Examples of special occasions include
New Years, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, etc.
14. A Marine Activities Permit (MAP) shall be obtained prior to the operation of boat tours.
15. In the event that the future Back Bay Landing mixed-use development is implemented
prior to the expiration of this Limited Term Permit, the modular building shall be removed.
16. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, approval shall be obtained from the Building
Division for the use of a pump out and holding station instead of connecting to a sewer
system.
17. The site shall not be excessively illuminated based on the luminance recommendations
of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, or, if in the opinion of the
Director of Community Development, the illumination creates an unacceptable negative
impact on surrounding land uses or environmental resources. The Director may order
the dimming of light sources or other remediation upon finding that the site is excessively
illuminated.
18. All outdoor lighting fixtures shall be designed, shielded, aimed, located, and maintained
to shield adjacent properties, and not flood light toward the shoreline, coastal waters
and coastal bluffs and to not produce glare onto adjacent properties, roadways, the
shoreline, coastal waters or coastal bluffs. Parking lot light fixtures and light fixtures on
buildings shall be full cut-off fixtures.
19. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall pay any unpaid
administrative costs associated with the processing of this application to the Planning
Division.
20. All noise generated by the proposed use shall comply with the provisions of Chapter
10.26 and other applicable noise control requirements of the Newport Beach Municipal
Code. The maximum noise shall be limited to no more than depicted below for the
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specified time periods unless the ambient noise level is higher:
Between the hours of 7:00AM
and 10:00PM
Between the hours of
10:00PM and 7:00AM
Location Interior Exterior Interior Exterior
Residential Property 45dBA 55dBA 40dBA 50dBA
Residential Property located within
100 feet of a commercial property 45dBA 60dBA 45dBA 50dBA
Mixed Use Property 45dBA 60dBA 45dBA 50dBA
Commercial Property N/A 65dBA N/A 60dBA
21. 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.
22. Construction activities shall comply with Section 10.28.040 of the Newport Beach
Municipal Code, which restricts hours of noise-generating construction activities that
produce noise to between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
and 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. Noise-generating construction activities are
not allowed on Sundays or Holidays.
23. No outside paging system shall be utilized in conjunction with this establishment.
24. All trash shall be stored within the building or within dumpsters stored in the on-site trash
enclosures or otherwise screened from view of neighboring properties, except when
placed for pick-up by refuse collection agencies.
25. The applicant is required to obtain all applicable permits from the City’s Building Division
and Fire Department. The construction plans must comply with the most recent, City-
adopted version of the California Building Code. The construction plans must meet all
applicable State Disabilities Access requirements. Approval from the Orange County
Health Department is required prior to the issuance of a building permit.
26. Trash receptacles for patrons shall be conveniently located both inside and outside of
the establishment, however, not located on or within any public property or right-of-way.
27. The exterior of the business shall be maintained free of litter and graffiti at all times. The
owner or operator shall provide for daily removal of trash, litter debris and graffiti from the
premises and on all abutting sidewalks within 20 feet of the premises.
28. The applicant shall ensure that the trash dumpsters and/or receptacles are maintained
to control odors. This may include the provision of either fully self-contained dumpsters
or periodic steam cleaning of the dumpsters, if deemed necessary by the Planning
Division. Cleaning and maintenance of trash dumpsters shall be done in compliance
with the provisions of Title 14, including all future amendments (including Water Quality
related requirements).
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29.The applicant shall ensure that the pump-out restroom is regularly serviced and
maintained to control odors.
30.Deliveries and refuse collection for the facility shall be prohibited between the hours of
10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and Saturdays and between the hours of 10:00
p.m. and 9:00 a.m. on Sundays and Federal holidays, unless otherwise approved by the
Director of Community Development, and may require an amendment to this Use
Permit.
31.Storage outside of the building in the front or at the rear of the property shall be
prohibited, with the exception of the required trash container enclosure.
32.A Special Events Permit is required for any event or promotional activity outside the
normal operational characteristics of the approved use, as conditioned, or that would
attract large crowds, involve the sale of alcoholic beverages, include any form of on-site
media broadcast, or any other activities as specified in the Newport Beach Municipal
Code to require such permits.
33.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 Gondola Adventures including, but not limited to, Coastal
Development Permit No. CD2020-136 and Limited Term Permit No. XP2020-006
(PA2020-273). 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.