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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZA2022-009 - APPROVING LIMITED TERM PERMIT NO. XP2021-036 AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. CD2021-071 TO ALLOW AN EXPANDED TEMPORARY OUTDOOR DINING AREA LOCATED AT 2800 NEWPORT BOULEVARD (PA2021-273)RESOLUTION NO. ZA2022-009 A RESOLUTION OF THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA APPROVING LIMITED TERM PERMIT NO. XP2021-036 AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. CD2021-071 TO ALLOW AN EXPANDED TEMPORARY OUTDOOR DINING AREA LOCATED AT 2800 NEWPORT BOULEVARD (PA2021-273) THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH HEREBY FINDS AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. STATEMENT OF FACTS. 1. An application was filed by Avila’s El Ranchito, with respect to property located at 2800 Newport Boulevard, legally described as Parcel 1 of Block 225, requesting approval of a limited term permit and a coastal development permit. 2. The applicant proposes a 1,000-square-foot maximum expanded outdoor dining area for up to a one (1)-year term that was previously authorized for a 4,200-square-foot patio through Emergency Temporary Use Permit No. UP2020-008 and Emergency Coastal Development Permit No. CD2020-025 (PA2020-077) for Avila’s El Ranchito. 3. The subject property is designated Visitor Serving Commercial (CV) by the General Plan Land Use Element and is located within the Commercial Visitor-Serving (CV) Zoning District. 4. The subject property is located within the coastal zone. The Coastal Land Use Plan category is Visitor Serving Commercial (CV-A) – (0.0 to 0.75 FAR) and it is located within the Commercial Visitor Serving (CV) Coastal Zoning District. 5. A public hearing was held on February 10, 2022, online via Zoom. A notice of time, place and purpose of the hearing was given in accordance with the Newport Beach Municipal Code (NBMC). 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 15301 under Class 1 (Existing Facilities) and 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. 2. The Class 1 exemption includes the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of use. The Class 3 exemption includes a store, motel, office, restaurant, or similar structure not Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2022-009 Page 2 of 11 09-30-21 involving the use of significant amounts of hazardous substances, not exceeding 2,500 square feet in floor area or 10,000 square feet in floor area in urbanized areas zoned for such use. The proposed scope of work is a maximum 1,000-square-foot expanded outdoor dining patio at an existing restaurant for a one (1)-year limited term and qualifies under the parameters of the Class 1 and Class 3 exemptions. 3. 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.G (Limited Term Permits) 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 an extended and expanded outdoor dining patio for up to a one (1)-year term while the City reconsiders its parking requirements related to food service uses. The existing food service use is authorized through Use Permit No. 1757 and includes 1,418 square feet of net public area. 2. The expanded outdoor dining area has not posed a hazard to the general welfare of persons residing in the area since it was placed during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 through an Emergency Temporary Use Permit No. UP2020-008 (PA2020-077), which authorized two (2) patios totaling 4,200 square feet. The operation of the expanded outdoor dining area is limited to up to a one (1)-year, and has been reviewed and conditioned to preclude any detriment to the general welfare of the area. 3. Outdoor dining areas are common within the Balboa Peninsula area, and have been used at the subject property during similar hours in the past, and the use has not proven detrimental. An 867-square-foot outdoor dining patio was recently approved for Chihuahua Brewing Company (PA2021-187), which is located in the nearby shopping center, The Landing. Additionally, an 875-square-foot patio was approved for Malarky’s Irish Pub Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2022-009 Page 3 of 11 09-30-21 (PA2021-205). The proposed hours of operation do not extend beyond those currently permitted by the existing use permit. The proposed temporary outdoor dining area would close by 9:00 p.m., daily. 4. The proposed operation is conditioned to be accessible to all persons, including those with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 5. The permitted use shall adhere to applicable State of California and Orange County Health Care Agency guidelines for the safe operation of the use. It is the responsibility of the permittee to implement and follow industry-specific guidance of the State of California and the Orange County Health Care Agency guidelines. 6. The permitted use must be operated in compliance with applicable State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) requirements. 7. The overall plan includes appropriate delineation of outdoor use spaces with temporary physical barriers or markers. 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 proposed patio is located on a site that is comprised of two (2) separate lots under common ownership. The combined two (2) lots are a total of 0.24 acres in size and include the subject restaurant as well as an on-site surface parking lot. The reduction of five (5) on-site parking spaces is for a temporary basis, and the patio has been reviewed by Public Works and Building departments to ensure that it will not negatively impact on-site circulation. A total of 10 parking spaces will remain on site for customer parking. Additionally, 16 parking spaces are voluntarily provided off-site at 2812 and 2814 Balboa Boulevard, which are under common ownership as the subject property. 2. The project site is located on the northeast corner of Newport Boulevard and 28th Street. Surrounding uses include mixed-use properties in all directions. Lido House Hotel is located approximately 1,000 feet north of the project site. Additionally, The Landing shopping center is approximately 650 feet northwest of the project site. The temporary patio does not negatively affect surrounding uses as it serves an existing restaurant adjacent to a large shopping center. 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; Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2022-009 Page 4 of 11 09-30-21 Fact in Support of Finding: 1. The subject lot has access taken from the alley opposite of Newport Boulevard. The temporary outdoor patio is located adjacent to the restaurant and 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 Fact in Support of Finding: 1. The subject property has been occupied by a food service use with outdoor dining since prior to 1975. The existing parking lot has historically accommodated the restaurant. The existing parking lot is expected to accommodate the temporary use. There have been no parking-related complaints or issues raised related to the outdoor dining area installed under the previous emergency permit. 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 General Plan land use designation for this site is CV (Visitor Serving Commercial). The CV designation is intended to provide for accommodations, goods, and services intended to primarily serve visitors to the City of Newport Beach. Permitted uses include those permitted in the CV Zoning designation, which includes eating and drinking establishments through obtaining of a use permit. The expanded outdoor dining use is accessory to the existing food service use, will be utilized for a limited duration on-site, and will not impede use of the site consistent with the CV designation. 2. The site is located in the Commercial Visitor-Serving (CV) Zoning District. The CV designation is intended to provide for areas appropriate for accommodations, goods, and services intended to serve primarily visitors to the City. The expanded outdoor dining use is accessory to the existing food service use, will be utilized for a limited duration on-site, and will not impede use of the site consistent with the CV designation. The CV zoning district allows temporary uses as specified within the Zoning Code and the proposed limited duration use is consistent with this designation. 3. The Limited Term Permit for expanded outdoor dining would complement and be consistent with the other commercial uses permitted within the CV Zoning District in that it provides amenities that support visitors to the area and provides a social gathering place for those who live and work in the neighborhood, consistent with General Plan Land Use Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2022-009 Page 5 of 11 09-30-21 Element Goal LU 2, below. Additional benefits from the proposed amendment include providing opportunities for the continuation of local businesses that generate sales tax and provide opportunities for employment, which is consistent with General Plan Land Use Element Policy LU 2.4 (Economic Development), also copied below: Goal LU 2 A living, active, and diverse environment that complements all lifestyles and enhances neighborhoods, without compromising the valued resources that make Newport Beach unique. It contains a diversity of uses that support the needs of residents, sustain and enhance the economy, provide job opportunities, serve visitors that enjoy the City’s diverse recreational amenities, and protect its important environmental setting, resources, and quality of life. Policy LU 2.4 Economic Development Accommodate uses that maintain or enhance Newport Beach’s fiscal health and account for market demands, while maintaining and improving the quality of life for current and future residents. (Imp 1.1, 24.1) 4. Council Policy D-9 recognizes the need to balance economic development objectives with protection of the environment and the health and safety of the community. The policy recognizes the need to provide effective and efficient structures for implementing economic programs, utilizing staffing to provide healthy, thriving businesses, and maintain a healthy economy while preserving the unique commercial villages in Newport Beach. The proposed limited term permit would support a local business and economic prosperity while maintaining the unique character of the Balboa Peninsula. 5. The site is not located within a specific plan area. Coastal Development Permit In accordance with Section 21.52.015 (Coastal Development Permits, Findings and Decision) of the NBMC, 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 project site is not located adjacent to a coastal view road or public access way. The temporary patio is located on a site with an existing restaurant, complies with all applicable Local Coastal Program (LCP) development standards, and maintains an area consistent with the existing pattern of development on the Balboa Peninsula. Additionally, the project does not contain any unique features that could degrade the visual quality of the coastal zone. Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2022-009 Page 6 of 11 09-30-21 2. The Property is located in the coastal zone and the proposed improvements require a coastal development permit in accordance with Newport Beach Municipal Code (NBMC) Section 21.52.035(C)(2) (Projects Exempt from Coastal Development Permit Requirements). The improvements constitute an increase of ten (10) percent or more of the internal floor area of an existing structure or a lesser improvement that has previously been undertaken pursuant to California Public Resources Code Section 30610(a). The expanded outdoor dining area and barrier within the public walkway are minor detached structures. The location of these improvements does not pose a conflict to coastal resources, coastal access, or other adverse environmental effects. 3. Improvements are complementary to the area; the subject restaurant and other restaurants on the Balboa Peninsula have similar outdoor dining improvements. 4. The dining area barrier is not installed within any existing walkway. The barrier delineates the area dedicated for outdoor dining use and alcohol service from the public walkway. There are no existing City utilities within the expanded outdoor dining area. 5. Development authorized by this permit is not located in any environmentally sensitive habitat area (ESHA) and public access to the coast will not be blocked. Coastal access is increased by allowing commercial establishments to re-open allowing public to visit coastal areas and provides an added amenity for visitors. The proposed operation does not contain ESHA, wetlands, or sandy beach area; 6. Development authorized is not located in an area in which the California Coastal Commission retains direct permit review authority. 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. Fact in Support of Finding: 1. The subject property is not located between the nearest public road and the sea or shoreline of any body of water located within the coastal zone. The property is located approximately 1,000 feet from a public beach and approximately 200 feet from the harbor and is not located near a public viewpoint designated by the Coastal Land Use Plan. Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2022-009 Page 7 of 11 09-30-21 SECTION 4. DECISION. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: 1. The Zoning Administrator of the City of Newport Beach hereby finds this project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15301 under Class 1 (Existing Facilities) and 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. 2. The Zoning Administrator of the City of Newport Beach hereby approves Limited Term Permit No. XP2021-036 and Coastal Development Permit No. CD2021-071 subject to the conditions set forth in Exhibit A, which is attached hereto and incorporated by reference. 3. 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 20 (Planning and Zoning) 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 FEBRUARY, 2022. Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2022-009 Page 8 of 11 09-30-21 EXHIBIT “A” CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL (Project-specific conditions are in italics) Planning Division 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 approval of this Limited Term Permit and Coastal Development Permit shall be effective for one (1) year starting from the effective date, unless an extension is granted by the Zoning Administrator in compliance with Municipal Code Sections 20.52.040.J (Extension of Limited Term Permit) and 21.54.060 (Time Limits and Extensions). The applicant shall be required to cease all permitted operations and remove any temporary improvements made to the outdoor spaces as part of this approval at the end of the effective period. 3. The expanded dining area shall not exceed 1,000 square feet. 4. The existing allowed hours of operation of the establishment shall not be extended. The hours of operation of the expanded area as part of this approval shall not extend beyond 9 p.m., daily. 5. There shall be no use of amplified sound and/or live entertainment in the expanded dining area. 6. The applicant shall install and maintain a physical barrier between any area used and adjacent to common pedestrian walkways in accordance with the requirements of the State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. 7. The Applicant shall obtain and maintain authorization from the State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) for all areas where the sale, service or consumption of alcohol is under the control of the applicant. The establishment shall abide by all applicable regulations of the State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. 8. The sale of alcohol “to go” to patrons that dine within the expanded outdoor patios shall be prohibited. 9. The establishment shall abide by all applicable Orange County Health Care Agency requirements. 10. The permittee shall provide adequate trash receptacles within the permitted patio shall and the operator shall provide for periodic and appropriate removal of trash, litter debris and graffiti from the premises and on all abutting sidewalks within 20 feet of the premises. Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2022-009 Page 9 of 11 09-30-21 11. The Community Development Director or designee may inspect the modified area at any time during normal business hours. 12. The project is subject to all applicable City ordinances, policies, and standards, unless specifically waived or modified by the conditions of approval. 13. 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 approval. 14. This Limited Term Permit and Coastal Development Permit 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. 15. Any change in operational characteristics, expansion in area, or other modification to the approved plans, shall require an amendment to this Limited Term Permit and Coastal Development Permit. 16. 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 this Limited Term Permit No. XP2021- 036 and Coastal Development Permit No. CD2021-071 (PA2021-273) for Avila’s El Ranchito. 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. Building Division 17. Any areas used for temporary commercial or institutional use shall be accessible to disabled persons. a. A minimum 4-foot-wide accessible path to all functional area shall be provided. b. Access to restrooms shall be provided at all times. c. Accessible parking stalls shall not be used for seating areas when onsite parking is provided. d. At least one (1) accessible seating area shall be provided. Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2022-009 Page 10 of 11 09-30-21 e. Detectable warnings are required when pedestrian paths cross or are adjacent to a vehicular way where no physical barrier are provided to separate the two (2). 18. All exiting paths shall be a minimum 36 inches free and clear. All public walks and sidewalks shall be a minimum 48 inches free and clear. 19. Canopies shall have a combined total area of 400 square feet or less. Public Works Department 20. Substantial barriers (automobiles, K-rail, water-filled barrier, or other material acceptable to Public Works) shall be provided between the seating area and drive aisle and adjacent parking spaces. Substantial barriers shall not encroach into the required dimensions of the drive aisle and parking spaces. 21. There shall be a minimum of 5 feet of space around all overhead facilities, such as poles and 15 feet of space around all underground facilities, such as poles and 15 feet of space around all underground facilities, such as vault lids, manholes, vent pipes, pad- mounted transformers, etc. 22. Seating or structures below overhead conductors and/or under the ‘drip line’ shall be prohibited. 23. Public eating/dining at tables shall not be situated on top of energized vault lids, energized underground structures, or next to vent pipes, etc. 24. Expanded outdoor dining areas shall adhere to the SCE Clearance Decal examples. Fire Department 25. Fire lane(s) shall be identified on the plan. 26. Parking, displays, seating or other obstacles that interfere with emergency vehicles and personnel shall not be permitted in fire lanes. Vehicles are permitted to stop in fire lanes awaiting service or delivery provided that the driver remains inside the vehicle and the vehicle is ready to move immediately upon orders from emergency personnel. 27. Vehicles are permitted to stop in fire lanes awaiting service or delivery provided that the driver remains inside the vehicle and the vehicle is ready to move immediately upon orders from emergency personnel. 28. All Fire Department devices (fire hydrants, fire department connections, water valves, etc.) shall have a 3-foot clearance in all directions. 29. Fire Department devices shall not be covered, blocked or otherwise hidden from plain view. Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2022-009 Page 11 of 11 09-30-21 30. All building exits shall remain free and clear of any obstacles that would impede exiting from a building or suite and accessing the nearest public right-of-way.