HomeMy WebLinkAbout1901 - APPROVE. SD AND MD_1111 DOLPHIN TERRACERESOLUTION NO. 1901
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APPROVING SITE DEVELOPMENT
REVIEW NO. SD2012 -005 AND MODIFICATION PERMIT NO.
MD2012 -017 FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1111 DOLPHIN
TERRACE (PA2012 -140)
THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH HEREBY FINDS AS
FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. STATEMENT OF FACTS.
1. An application was filed by Amen and Traci Wardy, with respect to property located at
1111 Dolphin Terrace, and legally described as Lot 10 of Tract No. 5130 requesting
approval of a site development review and a modification permit.
2. The applicants request approval of a site development review to allow an increased
development area within the Bluff Overlay District for the construction of a series of
retaining walls to support a pool /spa, lawn area, and terraced planters within
Development Area C.
3. The subject property is located within the R -1 -B (Single -Unit Residential -Bluff Overlay)
Zoning District and the General Plan Land Use Element category is RS -D (Single -Unit
Residential Detached).
4. The subject property is located within the coastal zone. The Coastal Land Use Plan
category is RSD -A (Single -Unit Residential Detached).
5. A public hearing was held on January 3, 2013, 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.
1. This project has been determined to be categorically exempt under the
requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act under Class 3 (New
Construction or Conversion of Small Structures).
2. The Class 3 exemption includes the construction of one single - family residence
and accessory structures, including garages, carports, patios, swimming pools,
and fences. The proposed development involves the construction of a new
single -unit residence, retaining walls, pool /spa, and planters. Therefore, the
proposed project qualifies for an exemption under Class 3.
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SECTION 3. REQUIRED FINDINGS.
In accordance with Section 20.28.040.1 of the Zoning Code, the Planning Commission must
make the following findings for approval of an increased development area through the
approval of a site development review:
Finding:
A. The increased bluff development area will ensure a slope stability factor of safety
greater than or equal to 1.5 at the end of the economic life of the development for the
static condition of the bluff or a factor of safety greater than or equal to 1.1 for the
seismic condition of the bluff or canyon, whichever is farther landward;
Facts in Support of Finding:
A -1. The applicant's geotechnical consultant has provided a geotechnical analysis
demonstrating that the existing descending slope has a slope stability factor of safety
greater than or equal to 1.5 at the end of the economic life of the development for the
static condition of the bluff.
A -2 The proposed improvements in the rear yard will be supported by deep pile
foundations supported into competent bedrock that will provide stability to the
structures and also increase the factor of safety of the descending slope.
Finding:
B. The increased bluff development area will provide adequate protection from the
erosion factors for the economic life of the development;
Facts in Support of Finding:
B -1. The project is conditioned to ensure that adequate protection of the house and
surrounding accessory structures for the economic life of the development.
Finding:
C. The increased bluff development area will be compatible and consistent with
surrounding development; and
Facts in Support of Findinq:
C -1. The proposed retaining walls, pool /spa, and planters are consistent with the
surrounding development in the Irvine Terrace community, which is characterized by
varying degrees of development along the bluff area adjacent to Bayside Drive.
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C -2 The proposed Area B /Area C boundary is consistent with the predominant line of
existing accessory structure development on the adjacent properties.
Finding:
D. The increased bluff development area will not have an impact on public views,
sensitive habitat areas, and is not otherwise detrimental to the general public health
and welfare.
Facts in Support of Finding:
D -1. There are no public viewing areas in the vicinity to the project site, so the project will
not have an impact to public viewsheds.
D -2. The project will provide extensive landscaping on the slope to assist in screening the
proposed retaining walls and pool /spa from view by travelers on Bayside Drive.
D -3. There are no sensitive habitat areas on the site or in the immediate vicinity.
In accordance with Section 20.52.080.F of the Zoning Code, the Planning Commission must
also make the following findings for approval of a site development review:
Finding:
E. The proposed development is allowed within the subject zoning district;
Facts in Support of Finding:
E -1. The site is designated RS -D (Single -Unit Residential Detached) by the General Plan
Land Use Element. This designation allows for a range of detached single -unit residential
dwelling units; each located on a single legal lot, and does not include condominiums or
cooperative housing.
E -2. The single -unit residence and improvements to be constructed are compatible with the
other single -unit residential land uses within the surrounding neighborhood.
E -3. The subject property is not part of a specific plan area.
Finding:
F. The proposed development is in compliance with all of the applicable criteria identified
in Subparagraph C.2.c:
a. Compliance with this Section, the General Plan, this Zoning Code, any
applicable specific plan, and other applicable criteria and policies related to the
use or structure;
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b. The efficient arrangement of structures on the site and the harmonious
relationship of the structures to one another and to other adjacent development;
and whether the relationship is based on standards of good design;
c. The compatibility in terms of bulk, scale, and aesthetic treatment of structures
on the site and adjacent developments and public areas;
d. The adequacy, efficiency, and safety of pedestrian and vehicular access,
including drive aisles, driveways, and parking and loading spaces;
e. The adequacy and efficiency of landscaping and open space areas and the use
of water efficient plant and irrigation materials; and
f. The protection of significant views from public right(s) -of -way and compliance
with Section 20.30. 100 (Public View Protections); and
Facts in Support of Finding:
F -1. The proposed structures are accessory to a single -unit residence and therefore
consistent with its General Plan land use designation and the zoning district,
F -2 The project site is not located within a specific plan area.
F -3. The proposed planter retaining walls are terraced at varying heights, which serves to
break -up their mass. Extensive landscaping on the slope is provided to assist in
screening the proposed planter retaining walls and pool /spa from view from Bayside
Drive; these project design features will not increase the bulk or scale of development
on the slope and provide an aesthetic treatment that is compatible with the
surrounding development.
F -4. The proposed structures do not include any improvements to the public right -of -way or
off - street parking facilities; therefore, the project does not involve any issues relating to
the adequacy, efficiency, and safety of pedestrian and vehicular access, or parking
and loading spaces.
F -5. The project will provide extensive landscaping on the slope to assist in screening the
proposed retaining walls and pool /spa from view from Bayside Drive. The project has
been conditioned to provide water efficient plant and irrigation materials.
F -6. The project has been conditioned to provide water efficient plant and irrigation
materials.
F -7. There are no public viewing areas in the vicinity of the project site, so the project will
not have an impact to public viewsheds and Bayside Drive is not identified as a coastal
view road.
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Finding:
G. The proposed development is not detrimental to the harmonious and orderly growth of
the City, or 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 proposed development.
Facts in Support of Finding:
G -1. The proposed structures are designed and conditioned to be harmonious with the
surrounding development to not present a hazard to the public convenience, health,
interest, safety, or general welfare of persons residing or working in the Irvine Terrace
community.
In accordance with Section 20.52.050.E of the Zoning Code, the Planning Commission must
also make the following findings to approve a modification permit:
Finding:
H. The requested modification will be compatible with existing development in the
neighborhood;
Facts in Support of Finding:
H -1. The proposed retaining wall is proposed to be located outside of the side setback area
in -line with the exterior walls of the residence, so it will not present an abrupt drop -off
in elevation with the adjacent property.
H -2. The project will provide extensive landscaping on the slope to assist in screening the
proposed retaining wall from view by travelers on Bayside Drive.
H -3. The proposed retaining wall will run perpendicular, not parallel, to Bayside Drive,
which will not present a massive wall surface when viewed from the roadway.
Finding:
The granting of the modification is necessary due to the unique physical
characteristic(s) of the property and /or structure, and /or characteristics of the use;
Facts in Support of Finding:
1 -1. The project site has topographic characteristics that are unique to other bluff
properties in Irvine Terrace. Prior to alteration by the Irvine Terrace development, the
bluff face on the project site contained a ravine, which still causes the contours of the
slope to curve inland towards Dolphin Terrace.
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Finding:
J. The granting of the modification is necessary due to practical difficulties associated
with the property and that the strict application of the Zoning Code results in physical
hardships that are inconsistent with the purpose and intent of the Zoning Code;
Facts in Support of Finding:
J -1. The topographic characteristics of the project site present a practical difficultly that
requires more extensive grading and retaining structures in order to attain parity with
the adjacent development.
Finding:
K. There are no alternatives to the modification permit that could provide similar benefits
to the applicant with less potential detriment to surrounding owners and occupants, the
neighborhood, or to the general public;
Facts in Support of Finding:
K -1. The project site is topographically - constrained relative to the two abutting properties;
alternatives to the increased height of the retaining wall would further constrain
development on the project site.
Finding:
L. The granting of the modification would not be detrimental to public health, safety, or
welfare, to the occupants of the property, nearby properties, the neighborhood, or the
City, or result in a change in density or intensity that would be inconsistent with the
provisions of this Zoning Code.
Facts in Support of Finding:
L -1. The proposed retaining wall is proposed to be located outside of the side setback area
and will be topped with a 42- inch -high glass guardrail to avoid negative impacts to the
abutting property.
L -2 The proposed retaining wall will not result in change in density or intensity of
development on the project site; the single -unit residence will have a building height
and floor area that is consistent with the provisions of the Zoning Code.
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SECTION 4. DECISION.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1. The Planning Commission of the City of Newport Beach hereby approves Site
Development Review No. SD2012 -005 and Modification Permit No. MD2012 -017,
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 fourteen 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.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 3`d DAY OF JANUARY, 2013.
AYES: Ameri, Brown, Myers, and Toerge
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Hillgren, Kramer, and Tucker
6
J
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EXHIBIT "A"
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
(Project- specific conditions are in italics)
Planning
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. Site Development Review No. SD2012 -005 and Modification Permit No. 2012 -017 shall
expire unless exercised within 24 months from the date of approval as specified in
Section 20.54.060 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code, unless an extension is
otherwise granted.
3. The project is subject to all applicable City ordinances, policies, and standards, unless
specifically waived or modified by the conditions of approval.
4. 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 Site
Development Review.
5. This Site Development Review and Modification Permit may be modified or revoked by
the City Council or Planning Commission should they determine 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.
6. Any change in operational characteristics, expansion in area, or other modification to
the approved plans, shall require an amendment to this Site Development Review and
Modification Permit or the processing of a new site development review and
modification permit.
7. Should the property be sold or otherwise come under different ownership, any future
owner(s) or assignee(s) shall be notified of the conditions of this approval by either the
current property owner or the leasing agent.
8. 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.
9. A copy of this approval letter 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 Site
Development Review /Modification Permit file. The plans shall be identical to those
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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 Site
Development Review /Modification Permit and shall highlight the approved elements
such that they are readily discernible from other elements of the plans.
11. Prior to the issuance of a building permits, the applicant shall submit a landscape and
irrigation plan prepared by a licensed landscape architect. These plans shall
incorporate drought tolerant plantings and water efficient irrigation practices, and the
plans shall be approved by the Planning Division.
12. All landscaped areas shall be maintained in a healthy and growing condition and shall
receive regular pruning, fertilizing, mowing and trimming. All landscaped areas shall be
kept free of weeds and debris. All irrigation systems shall be kept operable, including
adjustments, replacements, repairs, and cleaning as part of regular maintenance.
13. 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 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. Noise -
generating construction activities are not allowed on Sundays or Holidays.
14. The pool /spa shall incorporate leak prevention and detection measures
15. 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 the Wardy Residence including, but not limited to, the
Site Development Review No. SD2012 -005 and Modification Permit No. (PA2012-
017). 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.
Buildinq Division Conditions
16. A geotechnical report shall be required with the submittal of construction drawings for
plan check. The project shall comply with any mitigation measures contained in said
report and the requirements of the Newport Beach Building Division.
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17. Drainage and grading plans shall be required with the submittal of construction drawings
for plan check.
18. Drainage shall be conducted to a public storm drain. Filtration shall be required prior to
discharging water into public storm drains.
19. Pool and all site walls shall be founded on caissons and grade beams and shall include
seismic load contributions.
20. Shoring shall be required for cuts having depth greater than 1:1 distance to property line.
21. Pool drainage shall be clearly noted to discharge into approved public waste or storm
drains. Back flow devices shall be required for all fixtures below manholes.
Public Works Conditions
22. The existing 5- foot -wide sewer easement along the southwesterly property line shall be
vacated prior to the start of construction.
23. No work shall be permitted within the existing 6- foot -wide easement along the
northwesterly property line.