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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC2024-016 - APPROVING A COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT TO DEMOLISH AN EXISTING SINGLE-UNIT DWELLING AND CONSTRUCT A NEW SINGLE-UNIT DWELLING, AND ADJUST THE OFF-STREET PARKING AND HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS CONSISTENT WITH USE PERMIT NO. UP3618 FOR THE PROPERTY LORESOLUTION NO. PC2024-016 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA APPROVING A COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT TO DEMOLISH AN EXISTING SINGLE- UNIT DWELLING AND CONSTRUCT A NEW SINGLE-UNIT DWELLING, AND ADJUST THE OFF-STREET PARKING AND HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS CONSISTENT WITH USE PERMIT NO. UP3618 FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 11 BAY ISLAND (PA2024-0017) THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH HEREBY FINDS AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. STATEMENT OF FACTS. 1. An application was filed by Daniel Ramirez of MFKessler (“Applicant”), on behalf of Bay Island Club (“Owner”), with respect to property located at 11 Bay Island, and legally described as allotment 11 of Bay Island shown on the official map of Bay Island (“Property”), requesting approval of a coastal development permit, adjustment to off-street parking, and a height allowance. 2. On November 24, 1997, the City Council approved Use Permit No. UP3618 to implement a Planned Residential Development Overlay District, which modified the Multi-Family Residential (MFR) zoning and development regulations for Bay Island including authorizing off-site parking. The purpose of Use Permit No. UP3618 is to ensure that future development maintains the single-unit detached character of Bay Island. 3. The Applicant requests a coastal development permit (“CDP”) to demolish an existing single-unit dwelling and construct a new 4,917-square-foot, three-story single-unit dwelling. The CDP also includes adjusting the off-street parking requirements with a parking management plan and increasing the allowed building height to 28 feet for flat portions of the roof and 33 feet for sloped portions of the roof in accordance with Use Permit No. UP3618. The design includes hardscape, drainage facilities, and landscaping. All improvements are located within the confines of private property (“Project”). 4. The Property is designated Multiple Residential Detached (RM-D) by the General Plan Land Use Element and is located within the Multiple Residential (RM) Zoning District. 5. The Property is located within the coastal zone. The Coastal Land Use Plan category is Multiple Unit Residential – 10.0 – 19.9 DU/AC (RM-C) and is located within the Multiple Residential (RM) Coastal Zone District. 6. A public hearing was held on August 8, 2024, in the Council Chambers at 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach. A notice of the time, place, and purpose of the hearing was given in accordance with California Government Code Section 54950 et seq. (“Ralph M. Brown Act”) and Chapters 20.62 and 21.62 (Public Hearings) of the Newport Beach Docusign Envelope ID: 575E0F61-AC15-4F0C-98EC-3F10360B1D11 Planning Commission Resolution No. PC2024-016 Page 2 of 11 10-18-21 Municipal Code (“NBMC”). Evidence, both written and oral, was presented to, and considered by, the Planning Commission at this public hearing. SECTION 2. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT DETERMINATION. 1. The Project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) under Section 15303 under Class 3 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) of the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3 (“CEQA Guidelines”) because it has no potential to have a significant effect on the environment. 2. Class 3 exempts the demolition and construction of up to three single-family dwellings in urbanized areas. The Project consists of the demolition of one single-unit dwelling and the construction of a new single-unit dwelling located within the Multiple Residential (RM) Coastal Zoning District. 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. 4. The Property is not a historic resource under California Public Resources Code Section 21001(b), 20183.3, and 21084.1. The Property has neither been determined to be eligible as a historic resource or designated as a historic resource under the National Register, California Register and/or local ordinance. Moreover, the Property has not been nominated in a survey as a historic resource. Further, the Property does not meet the definition of a Landmark Structure in Sections 20.70 (Definitions) and 21.70 (Definitions) of the NBMC. Therefore, the Property is not a historic resource, and the Class 3 exemption applies. SECTION 3. REQUIRED FINDINGS. In accordance with Section 21.52.015(F) (Coastal Development Permits – Findings and Decision) of the NBMC, the following findings and facts in support of the coastal development permit are set forth as follows: Finding: A. Conforms to all applicable sections of the certified Local Coastal Program. Facts in Support of Finding: 1. The proposed design, bulk, and scale of the Project is consistent with the existing single- unit dwelling neighborhood pattern of development and expected future development of Docusign Envelope ID: 575E0F61-AC15-4F0C-98EC-3F10360B1D11 Planning Commission Resolution No. PC2024-016 Page 3 of 11 10-18-21 Bay Island in that it is consistent with the development standards authorized by Use Permit No. UP3618. 2. The Project complies with applicable residential development standards including, but not limited to, floor area limitation, setbacks, height, and open space. a. The maximum cumulative floor area limitation for all residential development on Bay Island is approximately 143,916 square feet and the proposed cumulative floor area is approximately 130,095 square feet. b. The Project complies with the required setbacks as set forth in Section 21.18.030 (Residential Coastal Zoning Districts General Development Standards) of the NBMC, which are 20 feet along all exterior property lines. c. The Project complies with the required height limitations as set forth in Section 21.18.030 (Residential Coastal Zoning Districts General Development Standards) of the NBMC. The maximum height in RM Coastal Zoning District is 28 feet for flat roofs and 33 feet for sloped roofs. The Project’s highest flat elements of the roof are no more than 28 feet from the established grade and the highest ridge is no more than 33 feet from the established grade, which meets the maximum height requirements of Section 21.18.030. d. The minimum required common open space on Bay Island is 1,725 square feet and the proposed common open space is approximately 106,710 square feet. e. The minimum required private open space for the Project is 246 square feet and the proposed private open space is approximately 537 square feet. 3. The Project includes over 4,000 square feet of livable area and requires three garage parking spaces pursuant to Section 21.40.040 (Off-Street Parking Spaces Required) of the NBMC. However, the Project complies with Section 21.40.110 (Adjustments to Off- Street Parking Requirements) of the NBMC in that a parking management plan is being provided as follows: a. Bay Island is accessed by a gated pedestrian bridge and the only vehicles permitted on the island are golf carts. The Project includes a dedicated 178- square-foot garage for on-site golf cart parking. b. Off-site parking is provided in a parking structure located at 501 West Bay Avenue pursuant to Use Permit No. UP3618, previously approved by the Planning Commission in 1997. The parking structure includes 49 parking spaces designated for the 23 existing single-unit dwellings on Bay Island, equating two or more off-site spaces per residence. Docusign Envelope ID: 575E0F61-AC15-4F0C-98EC-3F10360B1D11 Planning Commission Resolution No. PC2024-016 Page 4 of 11 10-18-21 4. Bay Island is predominantly developed with two- and three-story, single-unit dwellings. The proposed design, bulk, and scale of the Project will be consistent with the existing neighborhood pattern of development and expected future development. 5. Under Section 21.30.030(C)(3)(i)(iv) – (Natural Landform and Shoreline Protection) of the NBMC, the Owner will be required to agree 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). This requirement is included as a condition of approval that will need to be satisfied before the final building permit inspection. 6. 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) – (Waterfront – Development Standards). This requirement is included as a condition of approval that will need to be satisfied before the issuance of building permits. 7. The Project fronts the Newport Bay with a sandy beach separating the Property and the water. A project-specific Coastal Hazard and Sea Level Rise Analysis Report was prepared by GeoSoils, Inc. dated March 6, 2024. The current maximum bay water elevation is 7.7 feet NAVD 88 (North American Vertical Datum of 1988). The report analyzes future sea level rise scenarios assuming a 2-foot increase in the maximum water level over the next 75 years (i.e. the life of the structure). Therefore, the sea level is estimated to reach approximately 9.7 feet (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 existing community bulkhead was reinforced and capped to 9 feet NAVD 88 in 2014 and can be increased in height in the future. The report concluded that shoreline movement, waves and wave runup, and flooding will not significantly impact this Property over the life of the Project with future sea level rise. The need for a new shoreline protective device is not anticipated over the economic life of the Project to protect it from shoreline movement, waves and wave runup, or flooding. A condition of approval is included to require waterproofing of principal structures up to a height of 10.9 feet (NAVD 88) with adaptability up to 14.4 NAVD 88. The report concludes that no site- specific protective devices will be necessary to protect the proposed development from any existing or anticipated future coastal hazards for the next 75 years or more. 8. Under Section 21.35.050 of the NBMC, due to the proximity of the development to the shoreline and the development containing more than 75 percent of impervious surface area, a Water Quality and Hydrology Plan (WQHP) is required. A WQMP has been prepared for the project by MFKessler dated February 2024. The WQHP includes a polluted runoff and hydrologic site characterization, a sizing standard for BMPs, the use of a Low Impact Development (LID) approach to retain the design storm runoff volume on-site, and documentation of the expected effectiveness of the proposed BMPs. Docusign Envelope ID: 575E0F61-AC15-4F0C-98EC-3F10360B1D11 Planning Commission Resolution No. PC2024-016 Page 5 of 11 10-18-21 9. The finished floor elevation of the proposed single-unit dwelling is 10.00 feet (NAVD 88), which complies with the minimum 9.0-foot (NAVD 88) elevation standard. 10. The Property is 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 before 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 before building permit issuance. 11. Proposed landscaping complies with Section 21.30.075 (Landscaping) of the NBMC. A condition of approval is included that requires drought-tolerant species. Before the issuance of building permits, the final landscape plans will be reviewed to verify invasive species are not planted. 12. The Project is not located adjacent to a coastal view road, public viewpoint, or public accessway, as identified in the Coastal Land Use Plan. The Project is located within the viewshed of public beaches at the nearby street ends on the Balboa Peninsula. The Project is also located within the viewshed of distant public viewing areas. However, the Project will replace an existing single-unit dwelling with a new single-unit dwelling that complies with all applicable Local Coastal Program development standards and maintains a building envelope consistent with the existing neighborhood pattern of development. Further, the Project maintains a maximum height of 33 feet where the Local Coastal Program development standards allow a maximum height up to 33 feet. 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 Project is located between the nearest public road and the sea or shoreline in the private community of Bay Island. Section 21.30A.040 (Determination of Public Access/Recreation Impacts) of the NBMC 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. The Project involves the demolition of a single-unit dwelling and the construction of a new single-unit dwelling. The Project also includes off-site parking in a parking garage with golf cart access through Island Avenue and across the gated pedestrian bridge to Bay Island. Therefore, there is no change in land use and the proposed increases in floor area, height and bulk will not result in any significant adverse impacts to public recreation, access or views or otherwise diminish Docusign Envelope ID: 575E0F61-AC15-4F0C-98EC-3F10360B1D11 Planning Commission Resolution No. PC2024-016 Page 6 of 11 10-18-21 the public’s use of the ocean, harbor, bay, channels, estuaries, salt marshes, sloughs, beaches, coastal parks, trails, or coastal bluffs. 2. Vertical and lateral access to the bay front is available adjacent to the Bay Island community at the street ends along the Balboa Peninsula and across the pedestrian bridge to Bay Island (approximately 160 feet from the Property). Lateral access to the bay front is also available along the sandy beachfront of the abandoned Edgewater Avenue adjacent to the Bay Island Bridge, and the passive sitting area adjacent to the Bay Island Bridge. Parking Requirements In accordance with Section 1.5.4 (Parking) of Use Permit No. UP3618, the following finding, and facts in support of the parking requirements are set forth as follows: Finding: C. Two (2) off-street parking spaces, including one (1) covered, shall be maintained for each dwelling unit, including any caretaker’s residences. Facts in Support of Finding: 1. Although Section 21.40.100 (Off-Site Parking) of the NBMC requires certain findings for off-site parking, Use Permit No. UP3618, which was adopted prior to Section 21.40.100, authorizes off-site parking provided that an adequate number of off-site parking spaces are provided for the Project. No additional findings pursuant to Title 21 (Local Coastal Program Implementation Plan) are necessary to authorize the off-site parking that was previously authorized. 2. Use Permit No. UP3618 requires two off-street parking spaces per dwelling unit. 3. Off-site parking is provided in a parking structure located at 501 West Bay Avenue pursuant to Use Permit No. UP3618. The parking structure includes 49 parking spaces designated for the 23 existing single-unit dwellings on Bay Island which provides two or more off-site spaces per residence. Height Increase In accordance with Section 1.5.5 (Building Height) of Use Permit No. UP3618, the following finding and facts in support of finding for a height increase are set forth as follows: Finding: D. The proposed building height is compatible and consistent with the height and scale of adjacent and surrounding dwellings. Docusign Envelope ID: 575E0F61-AC15-4F0C-98EC-3F10360B1D11 Planning Commission Resolution No. PC2024-016 Page 7 of 11 10-18-21 Facts in Support of Finding: 1. Use Permit No. UP3618 allows the height of residential dwellings to be increased from 24 feet up to 28 feet, using the measurement of height defined in Title 20 (Planning and Zoning) of the NBMC, if found to be compatible with the height and scale of adjacent and surrounding dwellings. The NBMC measure of height for residential buildings allows an additional 5 feet in height for sloping roofs with a minimum 3:12 pitch. Therefore, a 24-foot height limit allows up to 29 feet for sloping roofs and a 28-foot height limit allows up to 33 feet for sloping roofs. 2. The proposed single-unit dwelling features a sloping roof with a minimum 3:12 pitch up to a maximum height of 33 feet, consistent with the provisions of Use Permit No. UP3618 and Section 21.18.030 (Residential Coastal Zoning Districts General Development Standards) of the NBMC. 3. The majority of the dwelling units on Bay Island were constructed prior to 1972, when the Zoning District was R-3 and allowed for a height of 35 feet. The majority of the existing residences on Bay Island are similar in height to the proposed dwelling. Therefore, the proposed building height is compatible and consistent with the height and scale of adjacent and surrounding dwellings. 4. The Bay Island Homeowners’ Association has indicated, through a letter stating approval of conceptual plans, that the increase in height is consistent with the Bay Island scale of development. SECTION 4. DECISION. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: 1. The Planning Commission of the City of Newport Beach hereby finds this Project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under 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 Planning Commission of the City of Newport Beach hereby approves the Coastal Development Permit (PA2024-0017) subject to the conditions outlined in Exhibit “A,” which is attached hereto and incorporated herein 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. 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 NBMC and Title 14 California Code of Docusign Envelope ID: 575E0F61-AC15-4F0C-98EC-3F10360B1D11 Planning Commission Resolution No. PC2024-016 Page 8 of 11 10-18-21 Regulations, Sections 13111 through 13120, and Section 30603 of the California Public Resources Code. PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED THIS 8TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2024. AYES: Ellmore, Langford, Rosene, and Salene NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Barto, Harris, and Lowrey BY:_________________________ Curtis Ellmore, Chair BY:_________________________ Seimone Jurjis, Ex-Officio Secretary Attachment(s): Exhibit A – Conditions of Approval Docusign Envelope ID: 575E0F61-AC15-4F0C-98EC-3F10360B1D11 Planning Commission Resolution No. PC2024-016 Page 9 of 11 10-18-21 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. Prior to issuance of a building permit, the Applicant shall prepare a construction management plan to minimize impacts to adjacent residences on Island Avenue and Edgewater Avenue to be reviewed and approved by the Community Development and Public Works Directors. 3. A minimum of two parking spaces, including one covered, shall be maintained for the dwelling unit at the parking structure located at 501 West Bay Avenue (Lots 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 of Block 3, of East Newport Tract). 4. A minimum of one enclosed parking space shall be maintained onsite for golf cart parking. 5. All principal structures shall be waterproofed to a minimum height of 10.9 feet NAVD 88 and designed for future waterproofing up to a height of 14.4 NAVD 88. 6. Prior to issuance of final building permits, 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 including the repair and maintenance, enhancement, reinforcement, or any other activity affecting the bulkhead, that results in any encroachment seaward of the authorized footprint of the bulkhead or other shoreline protective device. The agreement shall be binding against the property owners and successors and assigns. 7. Prior to issuance of building permits, the property 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 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 development. This letter shall be scanned into the plan set before building permit issuance. Docusign Envelope ID: 575E0F61-AC15-4F0C-98EC-3F10360B1D11 Planning Commission Resolution No. PC2024-016 Page 10 of 11 10-18-21 8. The project is subject to all applicable City ordinances, policies, and standards, unless specifically waived or modified by the conditions of approval. 9. 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. 10. This Coastal Development Permit filed as PA2024-0017 shall expire unless exercised within 24 months from the date of approval as specified in Section 21.54.060 (Time Limits and Extensions) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code, unless an extension is otherwise granted. 11. This Coastal Development Permit may be modified or revoked by the 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. 12. 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 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 under 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, one or two short follow-up surveys will be necessary to check on the nest and determine when the nest is no longer active. 13. 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. 14. Prior to the issuance of 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. Docusign Envelope ID: 575E0F61-AC15-4F0C-98EC-3F10360B1D11 Planning Commission Resolution No. PC2024-016 Page 11 of 11 10-18-21 15. 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. 16. 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. 17. 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. Noise-generating construction activities are not allowed on Saturdays, Sundays or Holidays. 18. 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. 19. 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 Shea Residence including, but not limited to, Coastal Development Permit (PA2024-0017). 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. Docusign Envelope ID: 575E0F61-AC15-4F0C-98EC-3F10360B1D11