HomeMy WebLinkAboutZA2022-059 - APPROVING MINOR USE PERMIT NO. UP2022-016 FOR A DAY SPA LOCATED AT 1340 BISON AVENUE (PA2022-140)RESOLUTION NO. ZA2022-059
A RESOLUTION OF THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING MINOR
USE PERMIT NO. UP2022-016 FOR A DAY SPA LOCATED AT
1340 BISON AVENUE (PA2022-140)
THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH HEREBY FINDS AS
FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. STATEMENT OF FACTS.
1. An application was filed by Camelia Bennani of Biologi Spa (Applicant) with respect to
property located at 1340 Bison Avenue and legally described as a portion of Parcel 1 of
Parcel Map 326-48, seeking approval of a minor use permit.
2. The Applicant requests a minor use permit to establish a day spa within a 1,970-square-
foot tenant space in an established commercial center. The business offers various
aesthetic treatments including skin care, permanent make-up, and injectables. A Minor
Use Permit is required because the use is a day spa, which is classified as a Personal
Services, Restricted land use.
3. The subject property is categorized as General Commercial (CG) by the General Plan
Land Use Element and is within the Commercial sub-area of the Bonita Canyon Planned
Community (PC50) Zoning District.
4. The subject property is not located within the coastal zone.
5. A public hearing was held on August 25, 2022, 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) 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. Class 1 exempts 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 beyond that
existing at the time of the lead agency's determination.
3. Project implementation will consist of limited tenant improvements and there would be
no intensification of use beyond the previously existing retail use.
Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2022-059
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SECTION 3. REQUIRED FINDINGS.
In accordance with Section 20.52.020 (Conditional Use Permits and Minor Use Permits) of the
NBMC, the following findings and facts in support of such findings are set forth:
Finding:
A. The use is consistent with the General Plan and any applicable specific plan;
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. The proposed use is consistent with the CG (General Commercial) land use
designation. The day spa will offer services to those who live, work, and visit the city.
The project will allow for continued tenancy of the existing vacant commercial space
and will be consistent with other previously approved service type uses located in
the commercial center. The day spa will integrate well with the existing adjacent
commercial uses as it will contribute to the range of services offered.
2. Approval of the project will allow for continued occupancy of the currently vacant
tenant space in a manner consistent with other uses located in The Bluffs commercial
center.
3. The property is not part of a specific plan area.
Finding:
B. The use is allowed within the applicable zoning district and complies with all other applicable
provisions of this Zoning Code and the Municipal Code.
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. The property is located within the Commercial Sub-Area 5 of the PC50 (Bonita
Canyon Planned Community Zoning District). The land use schedule in the Planned
Community does not specifically list service type uses such as a day spa or restricted
personal service within the land use table. Section 2.1, General Provisions, of the
Planned Community gives the “Planning Director” the authority to determine where
uncertainty exists and whether the use is substantially compatible or incompatible
with those land uses contained within the schedule.
2. In this case, the Community Development Director has determined that the proposed
use is substantially compatible with other uses in the shopping center as a
conditionally permitted use. Similar service uses such as a massage establishment
that offers skin care treatments and related retail have previously been approved per
Planning Director’s Minor Use Permit No. UP2010-009 (PA2010-049) at 1334 Bison
Avenue within The Bluffs Shopping Center.
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3. The Bonita Canyon Planned Community (PC50) Zoning District Sub-Area 5 is
designated to allow a broad variety of commercial uses including personal service
uses such as beauty salons and barber shops. Beauty salons, nail salons, and
massage services have previously been approved within this sub-area. The
proposed day spa use is similar to previously approved personal service uses.
4. A day spa is included in the Zoning Code definition of a “Personal Services,
Restricted” land use requiring a minor use permit. The services offered include
injectables (Botox, Fillers) and skin tightening services, which are considered
ancillary medical treatments. Ancillary medical treatments will be overseen by a
medical professional and do not comprise more than 20 percent of the services
offered.
5. The proposed tenant space was previously occupied by a retail use and conversion
to a “Personal Services, Restricted” does not change parking demand. Pursuant to
Table 3-10 of NBMC 20.40.040 (Off-Street Parking Requirements), personal
services and general retail or office uses are parked at the same rate of one (1)
space per 250 square feet of gross floor area. The existing surface parking area
provides sufficient parking for existing and proposed uses.
6. Project implementation will consist of tenant improvements designed to comply with
applicable Building Code requirements.
7. The operational characteristics of approval will promote compatibility with the
surrounding uses. The floor plan provides six (6) separate treatment rooms for
various treatments. The injectables and skin tightening treatments that are
considered medical use will constitute no more than 20 percent of the offered
services.
8. As conditioned, the proposed use will comply with all applicable provisions of the
NBMC.
Finding:
C. The design, location, size, and operating characteristics of the use are compatible with the
allowed uses in the vicinity.
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. The project is located in an existing tenant space within an established commercial
center. The design, size, location, and operating characteristics of the use are
compatible with the surrounding development. The proposed day spa is consistent
with the existing retail, restaurant, and personal service uses in the commercial
center.
2. Based on operational characteristics, the use is not considered a medical office land
use. Ancillary medical services including injectables and skin tightening treatments
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constitute a small portion of the business, up to 20 percent of the overall services
provided.
3. The proposed use will not require the provision of additional parking on-site, as
discussed in Fact in Support of Finding B.4.
4. The design of the tenant improvements will comply with all applicable Building and
Fire Codes.
5. As conditioned, the allowed hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., daily.
This will help to limit any potential late night or early morning land use conflicts with
allowed uses in the vicinity. The business provides specialized, individual
consultations by appointment only, and is expected to maintain compatibility with the
adjacent commercial uses in The Bluffs center.
Finding:
D. The site is physically suitable in terms of design, location, shape, size, operating
characteristics, and the provision of public and emergency vehicle (e.g., fire and medical)
access and public services and utilities.
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. All proposed tenant improvements, with exception of signage, are limited to the
inside of the existing building and will not affect pedestrian circulation, parking
spaces, or access to existing tenants. Adequate public and emergency vehicle
access are taken from Bison Avenue. Public services and utilities are provided on-
site.
2. Tenant improvement plans will be reviewed prior to the issuance of building permits
to ensure compliance with applicable Building and Fire Codes.
Finding:
E. Operation of the use at the location proposed 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 proposed use.
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. The proposed use is intended to serve residents and visitors to Newport Beach.
2. The business’ operational characteristics are compatible with surrounding land uses
in the Shopping Center, as discussed in Fact in Support of Findings B.2 and C.5.
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3. The project includes conditions of approval to ensure that potential conflicts with the
surrounding land uses and the City as a whole are minimized to the greatest extent
possible. The operator is required to take reasonable steps to discourage and correct
objectionable conditions that constitute a nuisance within the facility, adjacent
properties, or surrounding public areas, sidewalks, or parking lots, during business
hours, if directly related to the patrons of the business. Medical treatment services
will be limited to 20 percent of the overall tenant space to ensure these services are
ancillary to the primary day spa use of the business.
4. The proposal has been reviewed by the Building and Code Enforcement Divisions,
Public Works, Fire, and Police Departments, and recommended conditions of
approval have been included to limit any detriment to the City or general welfare of
persons visiting or working in the surrounding neighborhood.
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 Facilitates) 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 a Minor Use
Permit, 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, of the Newport Beach Municipal Code.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED THIS 25TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2022.
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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 and floor
plans, 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. A material violation of
any of those laws in connection with the use may be cause for revocation of this Use
Permit.
4. The hours of operation shall be limited to between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., daily.
5. Aesthetic treatment services (ancillary medical services) shall be limited to Botox
injections only within 20 percent of the tenant space. Any additional services shall be
reviewed by the Planning Division and may require the processing of an amendment to
this Minor Use Permit or a new use permit.
6. The Applicant is required to obtain all applicable permits from the City’s Building Division
and Fire Department.
7. All proposed signs shall be in conformance with the approved Comprehensive Sign
Program for the project site and provisions of NBMC Chapter 20.42 (Signs).
8. Minor Use Permit No. UP2022-016 shall expire unless exercised within 24 months from
the date of approval as specified in NBMC Section 20.54.060 (Time Limits and Exceptions)
unless an extension is otherwise granted.
9. This Use 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 are
detrimental to the public health, welfare or materially injurious to property or
improvements in the vicinity or if the property is operated or maintained to constitute a
public nuisance.
10. Any change in operational characteristics, expansion in the area, or other modification
to the approved plans, shall require an amendment to this Use Permit or the processing
of a new Use Permit.
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11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. The exterior of the business shall always be maintained free of litter and graffiti. The owner
or operator shall provide for the daily removal of trash, litter debris, and graffiti from the
premises and on all abutting sidewalks within 20 feet of the premises.
15. 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).
16. 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.
17. Storage outside of the building in the front or at the rear of the property shall be
prohibited, except for the required trash container enclosure.
18. A Special Events Permit is required for any event or promotional activity outside the
normal operating 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.
19. This approval shall expire and become void unless exercised within 24 months from the
actual date of review authority approval, except where an extension of time is approved in
compliance with the provisions of Title 20 Planning and Zoning of the NBMC.
20. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Applicant shall indemnify, defend and hold
harmless the City, its City Council, its boards and commissions, officials, officers,
employees, and agents from and against any 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 Biologi Spa including, but not limited to, Minor Use
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Permit No. UP2022-016 (PA2022-140). This indemnification shall include, but not be
limited to, damages awarded against the City, if any, costs of suit, attorney’s 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 the City's costs, attorneys' fees,
and damages that the City incurs in enforcing the indemnification provisions outlined 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.