HomeMy WebLinkAbout1889 - RECOMMEND APPROVAL CLUP AMENDMENT TO ALLOW AN ARCHITECTURAL TOWER AT 1600 W. BALBOA BOULEVARDRESOLUTION NO. 1889
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH RECOMMENDING APPROVAL TO
THE CITY COUNCIL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE COASTAL
LAND USE PLAN TO MODIFY POLICY NO. 4.4.2 -1 TO ALLOW
AN ARCHITECTURAL TOWER AT 1600 W. BALBOA
BOULEVARD (PA2012 -079)
THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH HEREBY FINDS AS
FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. STATEMENT OF FACTS.
1. Between 2007 and 2009, working with residents, the citizen group Protect our Parks,
the Harbor Commission and the 9- member Council /Citizens Advisory Committee, the
City developed the plan to replace the current mobile home park between 18th Street
and 15th Street along West Balboa Boulevard with a visitor - serving use.
2. The Marina Park Committee was formed to oversee the design of the project and
advise the Council regarding the community and stakeholder interests. The Marina
Park Committee conducted fourteen public meetings between 2009 and 2011.
3. In March 2009, the City Council approved the concept plan for a visitor - serving marina,
a community building, a sailing center building that included a 71 -foot high
architectural tower, a new Girl Scout meeting house, parking, a tot play area,
restrooms, and lots of open grassy space for picnicking.
4. The Marina Park Project Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (SCH # 2008051096)
was certified to the City Council in compliance with the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA), the State CEQA Guidelines, and City Council Policy K -3 on May
11, 2010.
5. The project was submitted for approval and permitting by the California Coastal
Commission and was conditionally approved on June 13, 2012. Approval was
conditioned to reduce the height of the architectural tower to 35 -feet.
6. In accordance with California Code of Regulations, Section 13515[c], notice of
availability of the proposed amendment to the Coastal Land Use Plan was mailed to:
1) members of the public requesting such notices; 2) contiguous and affected local
governments; 3) various regional, state and federal agencies, and 4) local libraries and
media.
Planning Commission Resolution No. 1889
Page 2 of 3
7. A public hearing was held on July 5, 2012, 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 Newport Beach Municipal Code.
Evidence, both written and oral, was presented to, and considered by, the Planning
Commission at this meeting.
SECTION 2. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT DETERMINATION.
The Marina Park Project Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (SCH # 2008051096)
was certified to the City Council in compliance with the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA), the State CEQA Guidelines, and City Council Policy K -3 on May
11, 2010.
2. The 73 -foot high tower element was included in the project description analyzed in the
EIR which concluded that the potential impact of the project on public views and
access would be less than significant. Therefore, the EIR concluded that the project,
including the tower element, was consistent with the goals and policies of the Coastal
Land Use Plan and the California Coastal Act.
SECTION 3. FINDINGS.
1. Amendments to the Coastal Land Use Plan are a legislative act. Neither the City nor
State Planning Law set forth any required findings for either approval or denial of such
amendments.
2. The amendment of the Coastal Land Use Plan will allow for a tower feature to be
incorporated into the previously approved Marina Park Project. The tower, which will
depict a lighthouse, is considered a critical feature of the project in that it provides an
iconic element of a public facility and will assist in wayfinding for the public from land
and water.
3. The analysis of the proposed project and architectural tower element demonstrate no
impacts to designated public view sheds or public access. The project analysis
demonstrated the project, including the 73 -foot tower element, would be in compliance
with the California Coastal Act. In that the subject amendment would only allow a
tower element on the subject site, the amendment is also consistent with the Coastal
Act.
4. The proposed amendment to the Coastal Land Use Plan shall take effect upon
approval from the California Coastal Commission. Unless modifications to the original
amendment are required as a result the Coastal Commission's approval, no further
action will be required of the City Council.
Planning Commission Resolution No. 1889
Page 3 of 3
SECTION 4. DECISION.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
The Planning Commission of the City of Newport Beach hereby recornmends City Council
approval of Coastal Land Use Plan Amendment LC2012 -002, modifying Policy No. 4.4.2 -1 to
read as follows (changes are underlined):
4.4.2 -1. Maintain the 35 -foot height limitation in the Shoreline Height Limitation Zone, as
graphically depicted on Map 4 -3, except for the following site.
Marina Park located at 1600 W. Balboa Boulevard: A single, up to 73 -foot tall
architectural tower that does not include floor area but could house screened
communications or emergency equipment. The additional height would create
an iconic landmark for the public to identify the site from land and water and a
visual focal point to enhance public views from surrounding vantages.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 5th DAY OF JULY, 2012.
AYES: Ameri, Brown, Hillgren, Kramer, Myers, Toerge, and Tucker
NOES: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: None.
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