HomeMy WebLinkAboutZA2024-018 - APPROVING CDP FOR THE DEMOLITION OF AN EXISTING NONCONFORMING DUPLEX AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW 3-STORY, 2,403-SQUARE-FOOT, SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENCE W/ A 182-SQUARE-FOOT JADU AND A 387-SQUARE-FOOT ATT 2-CAR GARAGE 4901 SEASHORE DR (PA2023-0169RESOLUTION NO. ZA2024-018
A RESOLUTION OF THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH, APPROVING A COASTAL
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT FOR THE DEMOLITION OF AN
EXISTING NONCONFORMING DUPLEX AND THE
CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW THREE-STORY, 2,403-SQUARE-
FOOT, SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENCE WITH A 182-SQUARE-FOOT
JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (JADU) AND A 387-
SQUARE-FOOT ATTACHED TWO-CAR GARAGE LOCATED AT
4901 SEASHORE DRIVE (PA2023-0169)
THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH HEREBY FINDS AS
FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. STATEMENT OF FACTS.
1. An application was filed by Eric Trabert and Associates (Applicant) on behalf of Lisa
McGinnis (Owner), with respect to property located at 4109 Seashore Drive, and legally
described as Lot 1 of Block 49 of the Ocean Front Tract (Property), requesting approval of
a coastal development permit (CDP).
2. The Applicant proposes to demolish an existing 2,473-square-foot nonconforming duplex
and to construct a new three-story, 2,403-square-foot, single-unit residence with a 182-
square-foot junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU) and a 387-square-foot attached two-car
garage. The design also includes appurtenances such as walls, hardscape, and
landscaping (Project).
3. The Property is located within the Single-Unit Residential (R-1) Zoning District and the
Single Unit Residential Detached (RS-D) General Plan Land Use Element category. The
R-1 Zoning District permits single-unit residences. The existing duplex is considered
nonconforming due to density as it was constructed in 1982 when the property was
previously zoned as Two-Unit Residential (R-2).
4. The Property is located within the coastal zone. The property is within the Single-Unit
Residential (R-1) Coastal Zoning District and within the Single Unit Residential Detached
(RSD-D 20.0 – 29.9 DU/AC) Coastal Land Use Plan category.
5. A public hearing was held on March 28, 2024, 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 categorically exempt pursuant to Title 14 of the California Code of
Regulations Section 15303, Division 6, Chapter 3, Guidelines for Implementation of the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Class 3 (New Construction or
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Conversion of Small Structures), because it has no potential to have a significant effect
on the environment.
2. Class 3 exempts the demolition of up to 3 single-unit residences and additions of up to
10,000 square feet to existing structures. The Project is to demolish an existing duplex
and construct a new single-unit residence with a JADU in the R-1 Coastal Zoning District
within a developed neighborhood. Therefore, the Class 3 exemption is applicable.
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.
In accordance with Section 21.52.015(F) (Findings and Decision) of the NBMC, the following
findings and facts in support of such findings are set forth:
Finding:
A. Conforms to all applicable sections of the certified Local Coastal Program.
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. The Project complies with applicable residential development standards including, but
not limited to, floor area limitation, setbacks, height, and parking.
a. The maximum floor area limitation is 3,043 square feet and the proposed floor
area is 2,973 square feet.
b. The proposed development complies with the required setbacks, which are 5 feet
from West Ocean Front, 0 feet from Seashore Drive, and 3 feet along each side
property line. The second and third story balconies facing West Ocean Front
encroach up to 36 inches into the required setback as allowed by NBMC Section
21.30.110(D)(5).
c. The highest guardrail/parapet measured 24 feet from the established grade and
the highest ridge measures 29 feet from the established grade. The Project
complies with all height requirements.
d. The Project provides a two-car garage, complying with the minimum garage
requirement for a single-unit residence. The proposed JADU does not require
additional parking.
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e. The Project includes one JADU, where one JADU is allowed as part of new
construction within a proposed single-unit residence. The maximum floor area for
a JADU is 500 square feet and the proposed JADU is 161 square feet.
f. The Project proposed a minimum top slab elevation of 13.76 feet based on the
North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88) which complies with the
minimum 9.0-foot NAVD 88 top of slab elevation requirement for interior living
areas of new structures.
2. The Project proposes to demolish the existing nonconforming duplex on-site to construct
a single-unit residence and JADU. As a result, the Project complies with the Housing
Crisis Act of 2019 and Senate Bill 8 (Skinner) because it does not result in the loss of
residential density. The State Department of Housing and Community Development
(HCD) has verified with the City in an email dated March 23, 2022, that an ADU is
considered a housing unit under Government Code Section 66300 provisions to replace
existing units. The Owner has certified that the units are not "protected" units under
Section 66330 Subdivision (d)(2). The Project is consistent with the General Plan, Local
Coastal Program, and Zoning designations that allow the single-unit and accessory
dwelling unit land uses. Under Coastal Land Use Plan Table 2.1.1-1, the Single-Unit
Residential Detached (RSD-D) category is intended to provide for single-unit residential
development. Implementation Program (IP) Table 21.18-1 shows “Single-Unit Dwellings
– Detached” and “Junior Accessory Dwelling Units” as allowed uses in the R-1 Coastal
Zoning District. Therefore, the Project of a single-unit residence and junior accessory
dwelling unit to replace the existing duplex is consistent with the R-1 zoning and land
use designations and does not result in a loss of residential density.
3. The neighborhood is predominantly developed with two- and three-story single- and two-
unit residences. The proposed three-story residence’s design, bulk, and scale of the
development is consistent with the existing neighborhood pattern of development and
expected future development.
4. A Coastal Hazards Report and Sea Level Rise Analysis was prepared by GeoSoils, Inc.,
dated August 23, 2023. The Property abuts the Pacific Ocean beach and thus may be
subject to coastal hazards such as flooding, runup, and erosion. The report concludes
that the Project is reasonably safe from shoreline erosion due to the lack of waves or wakes
that can erode sand from the beach. The report also concludes that the Project will be
reasonably safe from future sea level rise assuming an increase up to 10.9 feet based on
the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88) (the likely range for sea level rise
over the 75-year design life of the structure based on low-risk aversion estimates for sea
level rise provided by the State of California, Sea Level Rise Guidance: 2018 Update). The
finished floor elevation of the first floor of the proposed structure is 13.76 NAVD 88, which
complies with the minimum 9.0-foot NAVD 88 elevation standard for new structures and
exceeds the minimum requirements for sea level rise (10.9 feet NAVD 88). Based on the
data provided, the study concludes that coastal hazards will not impact the Property
over the next 75 years and there is no anticipated need for a shore protection device
over the life of the proposed development.
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5. Pursuant to NBMC Section 21.30.030(C)(3)(i) (Natural Landform and Shoreline Protection)
of the NBMC, the Owner will be required to enter into an agreement with the City waiving
any potential right to protection to address situations in the future in which the development
is threatened with damage or destruction by coastal hazards (e.g., waves, erosion, and
sea level rise). The Owner will also be required to acknowledge any hazards present at
the site and unconditionally waive any claim to damage or liability against the decision
authority, consistent with NBMC Section 21.30.015(D)(3)(c) (General Site Planning and
Development Standards). These requirements are included as Condition of Approval No.
7 and 8 that will need to be satisfied prior to final building inspection, and prior to the
issuance of building permits, respectively.
6. 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 the CBC prior to building permit issuance.
7. The Property is not located adjacent to a coastal view road or public accessway, as
identified in the Coastal Land Use Plan. The Project is located approximately 1,000 feet
southwest of Sunset Ridge Park, which is identified as a Public View Point by the Coastal
Land Use Plan. Additionally, the Project may be located within the viewshed of other distant
public viewing areas. Site evaluation revealed that the proposed three-story design is
consistent with the existing neighborhood pattern of development and will not affect the
existing views afforded from the surrounding streets. The Project will replace an existing
duplex with a new single-unit residence and JADU that complies with all applicable Local
Coastal Program (LCP) development standards and maintains a building envelope
consistent with the existing neighborhood pattern of development. Therefore, the Project
does not have the potential to degrade the visual quality of the Coastal Zone or result in
significant adverse impacts to public views.
Finding:
B. 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 Property is located between the nearest public road and the sea. Implementation Plan
Section 21.30A.040 (Determination of Public Access/Recreation Impacts) requires that the
provision of public access bear a reasonable relationship between the requirement and the
Project’s impact and be proportional to the impact. In this case, the Project replaces an
existing duplex with a new single-unit residence and JADU. Therefore, the Project does
not involve a change in land use, density or intensity that will result in increased demand
on public access and recreation opportunities. Furthermore, the Project is designed and
sited so as not to block or impede existing public access opportunities.
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2. Fact in Support of Finding A.2 is hereby incorporated by reference.
3. The Property is located adjacent to a public beach and is approximately 275 feet from the
mean high tide line. The Project is designed and sited to not block or impede existing public
access opportunities, and all development occurs within the confines of private property.
Existing coastal access conditions will not be affected by the Project. The Property is
located between 49th and 50th Street, which are identified by the Coastal Land Use Plan
as public beach access locations. The Project does not interfere with the existing nearby
access to the beach. Lateral access to the bay is available at the street ends of 49th and
50th Street. Vertical access is not available near the project site.
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
15303 under Class 3 (Conversion or Construction 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 and that the exceptions to the
Class 3 Exemption do not apply.
2. The Zoning Administrator of the City of Newport Beach hereby approves Coastal
Development Permit No. PA2023-0169, 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 21 Local
Coastal Implementation Plan, of the Newport Beach Municipal Code (NBMC). Final
action taken by the City may be appealed to the Coastal Commission in compliance with
Section 21.64.035 (Appeal to the Coastal Commission) 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 28TH DAY OF MARCH, 2024.
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EXHIBIT “A”
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
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. Revisions to the approved plans may require an amendment to this Coastal
Development Permit or the processing of a new Coastal Development Permit.
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 proposed landscaping shall be maintained within private property and shall not grow
into or over the public right-of-way.
5. 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 Coastal
Development Permit.
6. This Coastal Development 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.
7. Coastal Development Permit No. PA2023-0169 shall expire and become void unless
exercised within 24 months from the date of approval as specified in Section 21.54.060
(Time Limits and Extensions) of the NBMC, unless an extension is otherwise granted.
8. Prior to final building permit inspection, an agreement in a form approved by the City
Attorney between the property owner and the City shall be executed and recorded
waiving rights to the construction of future shoreline protection devices to address the
threat of damage or destruction from waves, erosion, storm conditions, landslides,
seismic activity, bluff retreat, sea level rise, or other natural hazards that may affect the
property, or development of the property, today or in the future. The agreement shall be
binding against the property owners and successors and assigns.
9. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the Owner shall submit a notarized signed
letter acknowledging all hazards present at the site, assuming the risk of injury or
damage from such hazards, unconditionally waiving any claims of damage against the
City from such hazards, and to indemnify 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,
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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
development.
10. No demolition or construction materials, equipment debris, or waste, shall be placed or
stored in a location that would enter sensitive habitat, receiving waters, or a storm drain
or result in impacts to environmentally sensitive habitat areas, streams, the beach,
wetlands or their buffers.
11. This Coastal Development Permit does not authorize any development seaward of the
private property.
12. This approval does not authorize any new or existing improvements (including
landscaping) on State tidelands, public beaches, or the public right-of-way.
13. Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Good Housekeeping Practices (GHPs) shall
be implemented before and throughout the duration of construction activity as
designated in the Construction Erosion Control Plan.
14. The discharge of any hazardous materials into storm sewer systems or receiving waters
shall be prohibited. Machinery and equipment shall be maintained and washed in
confined areas specifically designed to control runoff. A designated fueling and vehicle
maintenance area with appropriate berms and protection to prevent spillage shall be
provided as far away from storm drain systems or receiving waters as possible.
15. Debris from demolition shall be removed from work areas each day and removed from
the Property within 24 hours of the completion of the Project. Stock-piles and
construction materials shall be covered, enclosed on all sites, not stored in contact with
the soil, and located as far away as possible from drain inlets and any waterway.
16. Trash and debris shall be disposed in proper trash and recycling receptacles at the end
of each construction day. Solid waste, including excess concrete, shall be disposed in
adequate disposal facilities at a legal disposal site or recycled at a recycling facility.
17. Prior to the issuance of building permits, the Applicant shall submit a final landscape
and irrigation plan. These plans shall incorporate drought tolerant plantings, non-
invasive plant species and water efficient irrigation design. The plans shall be approved
by the Planning Division.
18. All landscape materials and irrigation systems shall be maintained in accordance with
the approved landscape plan. 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.
19. The Applicant is responsible for compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). In
compliance with the MBTA, grading, brush removal, building demolition, tree trimming, and
similar construction activities shall occur between August 16 and January 31, outside of
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the peak nesting period. If such activities must occur inside the peak nesting season from
February 1 to August 15, compliance with the following is required to prevent the taking of
Native Birds pursuant to MBTA:
A. The construction area shall be inspected for active nests. If birds are observed flying
from a nest or sitting on a nest, it can be assumed that the nest is active. Construction
activity within 300 feet of an active nest shall be delayed until the nest is no longer
active. Continue to observe the nest until the chicks have left the nest and activity is no
longer observed. When the nest is no longer active, construction activity can continue
in the nest area.
B. It is a violation of state and federal law to kill or harm a native bird. To ensure
compliance, consider hiring a biologist to assist with the survey for nesting birds, and
to determine when it is safe to commence construction activities. If an active nest is
found, 1 or 2 short follow-up surveys will be necessary to check on the nest and
determine when the nest is no longer active.
20. Prior to issuance of building permits, a waterproofing curb or similar design feature shall
be constructed around the proposed residence as an adaptive flood protection device
up to a maximum of 10.9 feet (NAVD88). Flood shields (sandbags and other methods)
can be deployed across the openings to protect and prevent flooding to the structure.
21. Construction activities shall comply with Section 10.28.040 (Construction Activity –
Noise Regulations) 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. Noise-generating construction activities are
not allowed on Saturdays, Sundays, or Holidays.
22. Prior to the issuance of building permits, the Applicant shall pay any unpaid
administrative costs associated with the processing of this application to the Planning
Division.
23. 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.
24. 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 McGinnis Residence including, but not limited to, Coastal Development
Permit No. PA2023-0169. 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,
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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
25. Prior to the issuance of building permits, the Applicant shall submit a final drainage and
grading plan. The plan shall be subject to the review and approval by the Building
Division.
26. Prior to issuance of the building permits, a copy of the Resolution, including conditions
of approval Exhibit “A” shall be incorporated into the Building Division and field sets of
plans.
27. Prior to the issuance of building permits, the Applicant shall submit a final construction
erosion control plan. The plan shall be subject to the review and approval by the Building
Division.
28. Prior to issuance of building permits, the Applicant shall submit a soils report which
include recommendations for construction on liquefiable soils. Additionally, the building
foundation shall comply with the minimum requirements of the City of Newport Beach
Building Code Policy CBC 1803.5.11-12.