HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/21/1980COMMISSIONERS Regular Planning Commission Meeting MINUTES
Place: City Council Chambers
Time: 7:30 P.M.
oz+ Date: February 21, 1980
I City of Newport Beach
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Present X x x
Absent * * EX- OFFICIO MEMBERS
James Hewicker, Planning Director
Robert Burnham, Assistant City Attorney
STAFF MEMBERS
William Laycock, Current Planning Administrator
Robert Lenard, Advance Planning Administrator
Fred Talarico, Environmental Coordinator
Donald Webb, Assistant City Engineer
Glenna Gipe, Secretary
* *
Minutes Written By: Glenna Gipe
* * *
. Approval of the minutes of the regular Planning
Commission meeting of February 7, 1980 was post-
poned to the regular Planning Commission meeting
of February 21, 1980.
Request to consider proposed amendments to the
Land Use, Residential Growth and Recreation and
Open Space Elements of the General Plan, and the
acceptance of an Environmental Document.
INITIATED BY: City of Newport Beach
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Commissioner McLaughlin posed a question regard-
:
ing the Castaways site, to which Robert Lenard,
!Advan-ce P.lannrng Administrator, replied that the
areal comparison that should.be mage would -be the
parcel net, less the church site,,j.less the 2 :1'
slope, l,ess.park.s and streets andIthat the real
difference now "should be the habitat areas, which
is 1.4 acres in this case. i
Ln response to a second question posed by Com-
missioner McLaughlin, Mr. Lenard replied that
the 37.8 acres should not be referred to, except
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Item #1
GENERAL
PLAN
AMENDMENT
80 -1
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for informational purposes only. He explained
that said figure was the property owner's esti-
mate at the time of General Plan Amendment 79 -1
and that since then the Irvine Company has.pre-
pared slope maps that show 2:1 slope areas and
that the City has mapped the habitat areas. He
added that this resulted in an entirely new set
of numbers. He concluded that 1.4 acres is an
approximation of what the difference would be.
In response to a question posed by Commissioner
Thomas regarding the bluff setback', Mr. Lenard
replied that the Bluff Preservation Ordinance
does not reduce the buildable acreage calculation
by 3.2 acres in this case, but would prohibit
the location of structures.
Mr. Lenard then commented that what would be
changing with the adoption of General Plan Amend-
ment 80 -1 would be that the habitat areas would
be subtracted from the calculation of buildable
• acreage.
In response to a question posed by Commissioner
Thomas, Mr. Lenard replied that there is a parcel
net of 70.4 acres and that the Sea'A Bland Park
and Orange County Flood Control property are al-
ready deleted from the site, as are the 2:1
slope areas of 7.8 acres. He added that the
blufftop setback area of 2.9 acres is an area tha
would be deleted with the passage of General Plan
Amendment 80 -1. He stated that the 18 acres of
habitat area would be deleted with the passage of
General Plan Amendment 80 -1, and that the 14
acres of noise- impacted area similarly would be
deleted. He concluded that the present parks and
streets figure is 2.9 acres, or 15 %, so that the
gross difference would be approximately 36 acres.
In response to a question posed by Commissioner
Thomas, Mr. Lenard replied that noise impact area
can be mitigated at the time of tract filing, but
that in this particular situation,;this is air- .
craft noise, which cannot be mitigated in the
same way. He added that General Plan Amendment
79 -1 already prohibits the location of structures
• in areas that are noise-impacted, so that it woul
prohibit the location of structures in those
areas. He concluded that under the existing Gen -
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eral Plan, the Irvine Company would be credited
with the 14 acres of buildable acreage.
The Public Hearing continued regarding this item
and David Dmohowski, Irvine Company, appeared
before the Planning Commission andstated that
the figures provided the staff during General
Plan Amendment 79 -1 were based on the current
definition of buildable acreage, or the net site
area minus the streets, parks and slopes greater
than 2:1 and that the difference between those
figures and Mr. Lenard's figures are due by and
large to the effects of General Plan Amendment
80 -1; that is, deleting the bl.uff setbacks, habi-
tat areas and noise - impacted areas;.
in response to a question posed by;Commiss,ioner
Balalis, Mr. Dmohowski replied that the figure
should begin with 70.4 acres parcel net and sub-
tracting the Sea Island Park Dedication, this
should bring the figure to 64.6 .ac!res, and that
• the 2.9 acres figure for parks and. streets is
too low a figure.
0
Mr. Lenard explained that shrinking the size of
the remaining allowable development down from ap-
proximately 40 acres to approximately 20 acres
and subtracting 15,% for streets and parks, 15%
is being subtracted from a much smaller area,
so that there could be as much as 10 acres dif-
ference.
In response to a question posed by Commissioner
Beek, Mr. Dmohowski replied that subtracting the
bluff setback of 2.9 acres, the habitat areas
at 18.0 acres, and the noise- impacted areas of
14.0 acres would bring the net difference between
what they estimate as buildable under the cur-
rent definition, which would change under General
Plan Amendment 80 -1.
Mr, Dmohowski stated his understanding that the
40.3 acres figure was arrived at by the parcel
net acreage, minus the 2:1 slope of 7.8 acres,
minus the estimate for the amount of streets and
parks, assuming approximately 161 dwelling units,
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which figure was roughly 15% of the 40.3 acres
figure. He added that they also 'subtracted the
Sea Island Park, but did not subtract the flood
control.
Commissioner Balalis stated his understanding
that there would be a difference of 18 acres,
which leaves a general figure of approximately
22 acres or 23 acres of net buildable.
Mr. Lenard explained the figures relating to New -
porter North, stating that the original parcel
net is 86 acres and the 2:1 slope is 9.2 acres, s
that the 86 acres minus the 9.2 acres is equal
to 76.8 acres., and 25% subtracted from this fi-
gure for park dedication and streets gives a
total of 57.6 acres. He added that the blufftop
setback areas are approximately 2 acres, the habi
tat acreage is 45 acres and the streets are only
4.5 acres. He concluded that the new difference
• for Westbay is 24.2 acres.
Commissioner Thomas stated his understanding that
the figures could be made more realistic if they
adopted the habitat areas, riparian vegetative
assemblage and the conditional riparian areas
alone. He expressed his feeling that the ripar-
ian areas are the most important areas.
.Mr. Lenard stated his understanding that Fish and
Game's position was that they felt very strongly
about the disturbed grassland areas, which are
quite a large portion of the Newporter.North and
Westbay sites. He added that the only areas
they would not consider as sensitive habitat
areas are the disturbed grasslands: on flat ter-
rain.
Mr. Dmohow ski stated that the onlyarea they woul
consider as a bona fide riparian area would be
the area known as the John Wayne Gulch of roughly
between 6 acres and 10 acres. He Added that the
area that Fish and Game has identified as a sig-
nificant riparian area north of that near the
terminus of Santa Barbara Drive is, in fact, an
• unimproved drainage channel. He concluded that
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February 21, 1980
City of Newport Beach
it is their position that this area is not a
significant environmental habitat, but is, in
fact, an unimproved drainage channel. He con-
cluded that it is their position that this.area
is not a significant environmental !habitat area,
but is, in fact, a drainage ditch that hasn't
been very well maintained in recent years.
Mr. Dmohowski again appeared before the Planning
Commission and expressed their general feeling
that there is no justification for amending the
definition of "buildable acreage ", because the
only intended purpose seems to be a further re-
duction in residential density on those undevelop
ed parcels. He stated that they had recently
completed a 2 year general plan review, which re-
su.lted in a reduction of the number of units al-
lowed on those sites of between 70100% in some
cases. He added that they do not feel that there
has been any new information offered by anyone
since the conclusion of the general plan review
which would justify a further reduction of the
number of units allowed either in terms of traf-
fic impacts, environmental concerns or any other
reasons. He concluded that regarding the loca-
tion of structures, from a planning standpoint
they do not hold any concerns with this, with
one exception; that is, the proposal to prevent
any grading or location of structures on what is
now 2:1 slope would pose a particular difficulty
in the Big Canyon area. He also concluded that
there are small patches of 2:1 slopes scattered
throughout the Big Canyon Area 10 Site.
In response to a,question posed by Commissioner
Beek, Don Webb, Assistant City Engineer, responde
that they would prefer to have the entrance into
the residential- commercial site be opposite to
Cliff Drive, so that there could be a traffic
signal installed to let people in and out.
Mr. Dmohowski stated that the JohnWayne Gulch
area is, in fact, valuable riparian habitat; how-
ever, they have made drainage improvements in an
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unimproved area where they have provided on -site
siltation control which now supports a variety
of native vegetation through artificial irriga-
tion runoff. He added that they did not feel
they should be penalized in terms of buildable
acreage for allowing that condition to exist
He stated that at the time the site plan is pre-
pared and the P -C zoning application comes before
them, there would be a possibility for negotia-
tion over the preservation of these areas in a
manner satisfactory to the City. He concluded
that regarding the concept of establishing den-
sity by way of the 65 CNEL noise contours, they
do not feel that it is an appropriate variable
in determining the appropriate density for a
given site.
Commissioner Balalis stated his understanding
that they feel that General Plan Amendment 79 -1
is sufficient and that they would like to see the
• process continue that way and then when a plan is
presented to the City either as a P -C District or
as a map, at that point in time the City would
have an opportunity to review and eliminate loca-
tion of structures within the 65 CNEL or the ri-
parian areas or the bluffs. He further stated hi
understanding that at the same time, however, the
want to maintain the total number of dwelling
units.
Mr. Dmohowski expressed their feeling that on the
Newporter North site for example, roughly 212
dwelling units could be constructed, preserving
.the riparian areas and the bluff setbacks and
that the net density resulting from that would
not be much greater than 4 dwelling units per
acre.on a site -by -site basis. He concluded that
they could not necessarily agree to a specific
allocation of dwelling units and transference.
Motion x Motion was made that the Planning pomnission adop
Ayes x x x x a.policy that structures not be looated on slopes
Absent * * greater than 2:1, upon which a Straw Vote was
taken.
M on
x
Motion was made that structures not be lo-
AVs
x
x
x
x
Gated in flood plain areas only on unde-
Absent
*
veloped sites, upon which a Straw'Vote was
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ken.
ames Hewicker, Planning Director, inquired re-
arding the slopes greater than 2:1 in terms of
he Planning Commission's policy on location of
tructures, asking whether it was the intent of
he Planning Commission that an existing slope
f greater than 2:1 could not be mkigated or
ould not be graded and therefore become build -
ble. He further inquired whetherthis pertained
o existing slopes or the situation at the site
fter it is prepared for development.
Commissioner McLaughlin responded that the City
should be allowed to repair an erosion problem.
Commissioner Thomas stated his understanding that
if in its natural state the slope is greater than
2:1, then it is unbuildable and would imply a
prohibition on regrading the slope.down to less
• than 2:1.
Commissioner Beek.expressed his feeling that the
:1 slope requirement should include only those
lopes greater than 25', to which the other com=
issioners agreed. They then incorporated the
5' or more,figure into their definition.
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r. Dmohowski stated that they had no problems
complying with the 2:1 slope requirement, except
i'n the case of Big Canyon Site 10,.at which site
they have a man -made slope of which roughly 25%
ay be 2:1 or greater. He further stated that
'n order to accommodate development of this site,
there would be a need for some gratling and some
ecompacting of the existing material in order to
tabilize the slope for development. He added
hat as part of this project, there would be a
estructuring of the existing material in order
o stabilize the slope for development. He con -
laded that also as a part of this project, there
ould be a restructuring and a repairing.of an
xisting slope structure near the entrance to Big
anyon. He also concluded that the direction of
he Planning Commission would prevent them from
de
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reparing that slope and developin6 that parcel.
e suggested that this policy apply to natural
and forms or non - manufactured slopes.
ommissioner Allen stated her understanding that
he intent of the previous Motion basically took
are of the Public Safety problem by intent.
r. Hewicker stated his understanding that the in-
ent was to permit a grading or repair of a slope
reater than 2:1 if it is less than 25' in height,
nd if it is greater than 25' in height, then it
omes under the classification of a bluff, which
annot be altered.
he Planning Commission agreed with Mr. Hewicker.
hey also agreed that this related only to un-
eveloped sites.
• C:ommissioner Thomas commented that he would like
to see the Fish and Game maps incorporated by
reference in talkin about the areas identified
in the legend as: 1 riparian vegetative assem-
blage,.2). disturbed grassland,. and!3) conditional
riparian areas, as previously described.
obert Burnham, Assistant City Attorney, replied
ihat to do this would be to designate certain
teas, which would be outside the scope of a po-
:Icy. He added that they would be making a find-
ing of fact based upon maps that are contained
ithin a staff report that may not be sufficient
vidence to support that finding.
In response to a question posed byCommissioner
- alalis, Mr. Burnham stated that the more specific
policy is made,.the less it becomes a policy,
nd the closer it comes to a designation as some
-hing that cannot be altered upon qqn an individual
asis, given different considerations for dif=
erent sites.
ommissioner Bal.al.is stated his understanding that
he definition of environmentally - Sensitive habi-
at areas can be as broad or as specific as anyone
• ishes to make it and the Planning Commission's
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Motion
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intention is to make it a little mdre specific
;han broad.
4r. Burnham advised that the further away they get
From the specific description of the project, the
less environmental documentation there will be
oath respect to General Plan Amendment 80 -1, and
;o expand the definition of habitat areas or
;hange any of the definitions as they are pre -
;ently understood, the further away they would
let from adequate environmental documentation,
)ecause the environmental documentation prepared
ias been based solely on the definiltion of the
)roject presently before them.
:ommissioner Balalis expressed hisconcern that a
iroad definition would allow that about 4 years
`rom now, additional items could be added to the
environmentally = sensitive habitat areas, and the
entire parcel could become unbuildable, to which
:ommissioner Thomas agreed with his sentiments.
lotion was made that the Planning Commission
adopt an interpretive guideline tolstaff, instruct
ing them that for determining policy on buildable
icreage, they should consider environmentally sen-
>itive habitat areas consisting oflriparian vege-
ative assemblages.
Mr. Burnham expressed his feeling that this does
not solve the problem they have; that is, what
future Planning Commissions are going to do with
respect to what parcels they are considering in
the future.
=;red Talarico, Environmental Coordinator, explain
aid that there would be no problem With p.repari.ng a
niore specific environmental document, but that
ti}be - environmental'docurientation be ore them is
ijeared more to a general project * He added
ghat regarding. - buildable acreage, hey geared
it more ,in the direction that at tf e time
the Planning Commission and /or City Council
^ieviews the P--C Deve- lopment P1an,.Tentative Map
);,r Environmental Documentation on a particular
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project, that consideration shall be given at
that time, based on the evidence presented, to
making these deletions. He concluded that at
that time they would have well - documented infor-
mation before them to make these determinations.
Commissioner Allen expressed her concern that
they communicate to the City Council that it is
not the intention of this Planning-Commission to
delete all those areas on the maps from buildable
acreage. She inquired whether they could accom-
plish this end by not using those maps and by
giving the City Council an approximation of their
intent.
Commissioner Balalis stated that hb could support
leaving the units there if they can establish the
guidelines in a more clear way.
Mr. Burnham suggested letting their thoughts be
• known to City Council as to the areas of emphasis
He added that if they attempt to make more speci-
fic a definition in the form of some interpretive
guideline to be applied by staff, they would have
a problem. He concluded that the Attorney Gener-
al states that if they pass a resolution or ordi-
nance that specifies that somethingg may happen
in the future, they still must provide environ-
mental documentation.
Commissioner Beek then withdrew his Motion.
Motion
x
Motion was made to include environmentally - sensi-
Ayes
x
x
tive habitat areas in the policy on buildable
Noes
x
x
acreage, upon which a Straw Vote was taken.
Absent
Motion
x
Motion was .made to include coastal.. bluffs in the
Ayes
x
policy on buildable acreage, upon which a Straw
.Noes
x
Vote was taken.
Absent
Motion
x
Motion .was..made to include blufft4. setback areas
Ayes
x
x
x
x
i,n the ;poli.c.y on buildable acreage; upon which a
Noes
Vote was taken.
Absent
Motion
x
n was made to include riparian areas in the
rVote
/mss
x
y on buildable acreage, upon which a Straw
S
x
x
x
was taken.
Abs ent
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Motion
x
Motion was made to reconsider the previous Motion.
Ayes
x
x
Noes
Y
Motion was made to include riparian areas in the
Absent
*
*
policy on buildable acreage, upon which a Straw
Motion
x
vote was taken.
Ayes
x
Noes
K
x
N
Mr. Lenard explained that with external mitiga-
Absent
*
tion in the case of highway associated noise, it
was possible to mitigate, but as in the case of
aircraft noise, there is nothing that can be done
to mitigate the outside noise.
Mr. Hewicker stated that the specific wording is
that noise impacted areas are area where outside
mitigated noise levels are 65 CNELor greater.
Commissioner Allen stated her understanding that
were the Motion to pass, it would be in the land-
owner's best interest to get the maximum number
of dwelling units on his property by erecting a'.
• concrete block wall as near as possible to the
highway.
Motion K Motion was made that residential noise impacted
areas exceeding 65 CNEL with external mitigation
be included.in the existing definition on build -
able acreage, not affected by aircraft- associated
noise..
Commissioner McLa,ughlin.then expressed her concer
regarding the Westbay property, which upper area
is already residential.
Mr. Lenard suggested making a provision excluding
airport associated noise.
Mr. Hewicker explained that highway noise can be
mitigated by construction of a wall or berm, but
that it is very difficult, if not !impossible, to
mitigate aircraft noise.
Commissioner McLaughlin then withdrew her Motion.
Motion Motion was made that residential noise impacted
areas exceeding 65 CNEL with external mitigation
. be included in the existing definition on build -
able acreage.
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Mr. Dmohowski suggested adding to Item No. 4,
Page 3, except for 65 CNEL noise attribu-
table to aircraft." He explained that in which
case the Irvine Company wouldn't be penalized be-
cause of the very extreme aircraft impact on the
site.
Commissioner Thomas expressed his concern that
this would mean building walls all the way around
the Upper Bay and that views would be destroyed.
Commissioner Allen stated her undehstanding that
current policy does not permit structures to be
located in areas over 65 CNEL. She further state
that she did not want to be confronted with the
problem later on of it being to the landowner's
advantage to build walls. She concluded that
she would not support the Motion.
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Commissioner Beek also spoke in opposition to the
•
Motion.
Ayes
K
Straw Vote was then taken.on the Motion.
Noes
x
x
x
Absent
*
*
Motion was made that residential noise impacted
Motion
x
areas exceeding 65 CNEL be included in the policy
Ayes
x
on buildable acreage, upon which aStraw Vote was
Noes
K
x
taken.
Absent
Motion
x
MI btion. was made that flood plain areas be deleted
Ayes
x
x
XK
f1rom the calculation of buildable acreage, upon
Noes
x
wihich'a Straw Vote was taken.
Absent
Motion
x
Miption was made that the designation of the ±.2
Ayes
x
x
A
acres northwest of the intersection of Pacific
Noes
x
Coast Highway and Dahlia Avenue be changed from
Absent
low- density residential to retail, nd service-
commercial uses .(Chevron Service S ation site),
ujpon which a Straw Vote was taken.
In response to a question posed by Commissioner
Beek, Mr. Hewicker replied that the landowner had
indicated that they would be opposed to recrea-
tional and environmental open space zoning on this
site.
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Motion
Ayes
Noes
Absent
Ll
x. Motion was made that the designation of the ap
x xx proximately 25 acres east of MacArthur Boulevard
adjacent to Harbor View Hills (Freeway Reserva-
tion -East) be changed from medium - density resi-
dential to low- density residential; with a maxi-
mum of 4 dwelling units per buildable acre, upon
which a Straw Vote was taken.
I'n response to a questio
Beek, Mr. Webb replied t
they heard the condition
site, indicated that as
not being on the Master .
consider requiring Hoag
titular use permit to co
Hospital property. He a
it in the system, the ne
with a use permit or a d
site directly below it,
connection of.the trail
with Versailles to Coast
Boulevard.
n posed byCommissioner
hat.the City Council, when
s on the Hoag Hospital
a result of this trail
Plan, that they would not
Hospital under that par -
nstruct a section on Hoag
dded that by incorporating
xt time they come through
evelopment'.of the CalTrans
it would allow for the
ahich would be provided
Highway near Newport
Commissioner Beek stated his preference that the
segment of the bicycle trail along San Miguel
Drive not cross MacArthur Boulevard.
Motion x Motion was made to adopt the pr.opo�ed amendments
to the-Master Plan of Bicycle Trails and delete
the amendment pertaining to the segment of the bi
cycle trail along San Miguel Drive!be.tween Mac-
Arthur Boulevard "and Newport Center Drive East.
is
r. Webb. commented that the cul- dejsacing of San.
iguel Drive was not a permanent cul -de -sac and
as not a change in the Master Plan, but that San
iguel is still a primary arterial:on the system.
e added that it was only to be cul -de -sated until
uch time as it was shown to be needed and that
ven if the street is cul- de- sacedo a trail coming
own to the cul -de -sac to MacArthur Boulevard
ould have a traffic signal. He concluded that
an Miguel Drive would come out tolat least Mac -
rthur Boulevard and would proridefor a circula-
ion of bicycle traffic into the center from the
arbor View Homes area. He also concluded by ex-
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Request to create three parcels of land for single Item #2
family residential development where one lot now
exists, and the acceptance of an Environmental RESUB-
Document. DIVISION
A-0. 651
LOCATION: Lot 1, Block B, First Addition to
Newport Heights, located at 2957 DENIED
Cliff Drive and 2900 Avon Street,
between Cliff Drive and Avon
Street, southeasterly of Santa Ana
Avenue in Newport Heights.
ZONE: R -1
APPLICANT: Emma M. Cox, Newport Beach
OWNER: Same as Applicant
ENGINEER: Gary Siegel & Company, Tustin
• The Public Hearing was opened regarding this item
And Gary Siegel, Engineer for the Applicant, ap-
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pressing his feeling that even though the road is
cul- de- saced, it would still be a good place for
a bicycle trail.
Ayes
K
x
Yx
Straw Vote was then taken on the Motion.
Absent
Motion
Motion was made that the Planning. Commission adopt
Ayes
x
x
x
xx
Resolution No. 1049, recommending to the City
Absent
*
*
Council the adoption-of General Plan Amendment
80 -1, and the acceptance of the Environmental Do-
cument, and make the finding that although the
proposed project.could have a significant impact
on the environment, the mitigation: measures con_
tained in the Initial Study are adequate to insu.re
that there will be no significant adverse environ-
mental impacts.
* * *
The Planning: Commission recessed at 9:45 P.M. and
•
reconvened at 9:55 P.M.
* * *
Request to create three parcels of land for single Item #2
family residential development where one lot now
exists, and the acceptance of an Environmental RESUB-
Document. DIVISION
A-0. 651
LOCATION: Lot 1, Block B, First Addition to
Newport Heights, located at 2957 DENIED
Cliff Drive and 2900 Avon Street,
between Cliff Drive and Avon
Street, southeasterly of Santa Ana
Avenue in Newport Heights.
ZONE: R -1
APPLICANT: Emma M. Cox, Newport Beach
OWNER: Same as Applicant
ENGINEER: Gary Siegel & Company, Tustin
• The Public Hearing was opened regarding this item
And Gary Siegel, Engineer for the Applicant, ap-
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eared before the Planning Commission and stated
heir concurrence with the conditions as stated
n the Staff Report.
n response to a question posed by Commissioner
eek, Don.Webb, Assistant City Engineer, replied
hat primarily Parcel 1 is not ser4ed by a public
ewer at this time and has a septic tank, and that
hey.wanted to provide access from that site down
o the new sewer that would be con$tructed.
Motion JJxJJ otion was made to make the findings as indicated
Ayes x x x x in Exhibit "A" of the Staff Report and Deny Resub-
Absent division No. 651.
ZONE: C -1
PPLICANT: Morad Zahabian c/o Richard H. Dodd
& Associates, Newport Beach
OWNERS: Harry E. and Alice tN. Whitman, Cor-
ona del Mar
• ames Hewicker, Planning Director,commented that
his item was approved by the Modifications Com-
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Request to permit alterations and 4ddi.tions to an
Item #3
existing nonconforming commercial building (Whit-
man's Garage) with no offstreet parking spaces.
MODIFI-
he existing structure also encroaches 7' intoACTION
he required 10' rear yard adjacent to an alley.
NT.___U96
The proposed development includes the conversion
f the garage space into retail area and three
CONTINUED
TO MARCH
ffstreet parking spaces. In addition, proposed
office space on the second floor encroaches 5'
6, 1980
into the required 10' rear yard.
OCATION: Lot 3, Tract No. 1045, located at
3222 East Coast Highway on the
northeasterly side of East Coast,
Highway between Larkspur Avenue and
Marguerite Avenue in Corona del
Mar.
ZONE: C -1
PPLICANT: Morad Zahabian c/o Richard H. Dodd
& Associates, Newport Beach
OWNERS: Harry E. and Alice tN. Whitman, Cor-
ona del Mar
• ames Hewicker, Planning Director,commented that
his item was approved by the Modifications Com-
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m February 21, 1980 j
3 N X Z) Cit of �� � Y Newport Beach � P
ROLL CALL III III I INDEX
mittee, subject to certain findings and conditions
as outlined in the Staff Report and was called up
for review by the City Council andreferred to the
Planning Commission. He added that if the appli-
cant were to eliminate the existing non - conforming
features of the building with respect to the loca-
tion of structure on the property and to remodel
it in such a fashion that any remodeling fully
conformed to the required setback,;there would be
no public hearing on this application at the
Present time.
In response to a question posed by'Commissioner
Beek,.Wil.liam.Laycock, Current Planning Adminis-
trator, replied that any building where one wall
remains on the site would be considered a remodel-
ed building and that in this particular case, both
side walls will be remaining on the site. He ad-
ded that there will be some remodeling of the fron
and that the plan proposes to delete 2 feet from
• the alley, but that it would be considered a re-
6deled building in accordance with the Building,
Department.
ommissioner Beek expressed his feeling that the
erm "remodeling" should be revised.
r. Hewicker commented that they have had instance
n which an applicant has gained approval to re-
odel and has determined that it is easier or
heaper to demolish the structure and start over
ban it is to repair or remodel the existing struc
ure.
ick Dodd,, Architect representing the Applicant,
ppeared before the Planning Commission and stated
is understanding that the Newport,Beach Municipal
ode allows a continued use or change of use with -
ut complying to the parking ordinance. He stated
hat they were offering a way to provide addition -
1 parking. He explained that they are proposing
o close the curb cut on Pacific C §ast Highway,
hick would cause less traffic proolems, and allow
or three additional parkino spaces. He.added
tihat the proposed balcony is V further back from
• the alley than the existing building. He conclude
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February 21, 1980
of Newport Beach
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I ROLL CALL 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 I INDEX
that they have taken an older building badly in
need of a face -lift and revised it, adding.to the
aesthetics and best interests of thie community.
In response to a question posed byCommissioner
Balalis, Mr. .Dodd replied that they are taking 2'
off each of the.two side walls and.2' off the rea
Nall, lifting the area up to create additional
parking.
arry Whitman, Owner, appeared before the Planning
ommission and stated that he is approaching re-
irement age and.would like to sell the property.
e added that traffic -wise, he had'4 employees wit
ars and only a dozen cars in the area and he ex-
ressed his feeling that there would be less con -
estion than there has ever been before.
on Franklin, Property Owner East of Whitman's
arage, appeared before the Planning Commission
• and expressed his feeling that there is a lot of
ongestion in the alley because of.the delivery
trucks.
0
rew Conner, Conner Plumbing, appeared before the
lanning Commission and expressed his concern re-
arding access to his business duriing the time of
onstruction.
ommissioner Balalis explained that it is the
ity's responsibility to insure that alleys re-
ain clear during a time of construction.
n response to a question posed by,Commissioner
11en, Mr. Conner replied that Mr.IWhitman had ma
n arranger.ent with his parents to Irent a portion
f their property for parking for his customers.
rs. Conner, Conner Plumbing, appeal red before the
fanning Commission and drew to th� attention of
he Planning Commission the way in.which the pro -
erty is situated in the corner of the alley,
hating that it is difficult to ge� in and'out
hen there are trucks in that alley.
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C MISSIONERS1 MINUTES
= February 21, 1980
City of Newport Beach
ROLL CALL INDEX
Mr. Hewicker stated his understanding of Mrs. Con -
ner's concern as one that if the three parking
spaces added to the back of this building encroach
V into the required 10' alley setback, that this
would leave only 3' for a truck maO ng a delivery
to that new.building to park off the alley, and
therefore, a strong possibility that it.would bloc
the gated entrance to thei'r'proper%y. He added
that the Modifications Committee has required that
the spaces be set back 5' from theialley.
In response to a question posed by'Commissioner
B'alalis, Mr. Hewicker replied that the two alleys
are 14' wide each.
Motion x Motion was made that the Planning Commission make
the findings as indicated in Exhibit "A" of the
Staff Report and approve Modification No. 2496,
subject to the conditions as indicated in Exhibit
"A" of the Staff Report.
• In response to a.question posed byCommissioner
I alalis, Mr. Hewicker replied that both the first
Ind second floors will be set backl5' from the
:111ey.
n response to a question posed by Commissioner
homas, Mr. Hewicker replied that if this were not
lassified as a remodel, but as a new building,
hat 12 parking spaces would be required and that
e would have to design it to meet:the current
oning regulations with respect toisetbacks and
arking, or else he would have to Seek modifica-
ion requests for setbacks and variance requests
o waive parking.
In response to a question posed by Commissioner
Allen, Mr. Laycock replied that the garage now en-
roaches to within 3' of the alley and the reason
he Modifications Committee approved a 5' setback
ias because of, the existing trash enclosure on the
a-idjoining property that encroaches'to within 3' of
the property line. He added that �he general feel
ina relative to the Conner property was that a de-
Pivery truck would not utilize thel10' area behind
tlhe garage because it would be very difficult to
• get into that .10' area because of all the other .
xistina obstructions on the adjoining property.
OM
COMMISSIONERS MINUTES
w February 21, 1980
p3 w City of Newport Beach
ROLL CALL I I J= INDEX
In response to a second question posed by Commis-
sioner Allen, Mr. Conner replied that the tenants
work together as far as trucks unloading for the
businesses in the area.
i
In response to a question posed by ':Commissioner
Balalis, Mr. Hewicker expressed his feeling that
the percentage of modification on this applica-
tion would be over 50%.
:ommissioner McLaughlin expressed her feeling that
Ir. Whitman has the right to sell his.property.
he also expressed her feeling that action should
re taken on a Specific Area Plan for Corona del
lar immediately.
Commissioner Beek stated that he would not support
the Motion, based on his feeling that this use
has been justified on the basis of;the surrounding
properties which encroach into thealley and that
• the Planning Commission must start',somewhere to
proceed to clean up Corona del Mar.
Commissioner Balalis stated his understanding that
the real question lies in whether or not an exist-
ing .building can be remodeled to this extent.
r. Hewicker stated that the applicant could move
he parking spaces 5' further in so that they do
of encroach into the alley, add his partial se-
ond floor so that it doesn't encroach into the
lley setback and not be required to provide more
han one parking space.
I'n response to a question posed by.Commissioner
Balalis, Mr..Hewicker replied that :there is no
definition of. "remodel" in the ordinance and that
he was not aware of a definition for "remodel" in
the Zoning "Code.
Mr. Laycock stated that the only definition pro -
ides that any non - conforming building may be re-
aired, altered or remodeled without complying
,with the parking requirments.
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ROLL CALL INDEX
Robert Burnham, Assistant City Attorney, advised .
that the County Assessor has a definition for 're-
model" such that they can reassess.property when
there is construction that goes onthat is in
excess of a particular percentage, %so that the new
tax rates would apply.
Motion x Substitute Motion was made that Ag nda Item No.
Ayes x x x 3„ Modification No. 2496, be conti ued to March
Absent * * 6, 1980, before which time the sta f be directed
to find a definition of the word "remodel" that is
legally defensible and that the City can use as a
'standard.
Request to permit alterations and a second floor
room addition to an existing duplex that is pro -
posed to be converted into a single family dwell-
ing. The proposed development does not provide
the required open space behind therequired set -
backs as required by Code. Modifications to the
Zoning Code are also requested, since an existing
fireplace and chimney encroach to �itiin 1'6" of
a side property line (where the Ordinance requires
that fireplaces.and chimneys must be at least 2'
from any side property line). The existing and
proposed chimney- fireplace construction had a
width of 9'9" ± on the second .floor (where the
Ordinance permits a maximum 9' width). The pro-
posed development also includes the addition of
brick siding that encroaches 4" ± into the requir-
ed 3' side yards. A third required offstreet
parking space is also proposed. Said parking
space has a width of 7'6" ± (where'the Code re-
quires a minimum width of 9').
LOCATION: Lot 4, Block 55, Ocean Front Tract,
located at 5507 Seashore Drive, on
the southwesterly side of Seashore
Drive between 55th Street and 56th
Street in West Newport.
ZONE: R -2
i 'PPLICANTS: Mr. and Mrs. RobertL. Moody, Los
Angeles
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Item #4
VARIANCE
NO. 1073
VARIANCE
WAS DE-
NIED;
M D I FICA
NS
WERE AP-
PROVED
CONDI-
TIONALLY
COMMISSIONERS)
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7 o ap
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February 21, 1980
oil
Ill ms
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I ROLL CALL I I I I I I I I I I INDEX
OWNERS: Same as Applicants
Commissioner Beek stated that he would
from deliberation of this item, due to
that he and the applicant had attended
together.
refrain
the fact
school
The Public Hearing was opened regarding this item
and Robert Moody, Applicant, appeared before the
Planning 'Commission and stated his concurrence
with the conditions.as indicated io the Staff Re-
port.
Motion Motion was made that the Planning Commission make
the findings as indicated in Exhibit "B" of the
Staff Report and approve Variance No. 1073, sub-
ject to the conditions as indicated in Exhibit
"B" of the Staff Report.
.
Commissioner Allen expressed her concern regarding
the open space encroachment, stating that there is
already a living room in the downstairs unit and
expressed her feeling that if the Application
only goes out 4', they would preserve the required
I pen space and still have two livi6q rooms.
Commissioner Balalis stated his support of someone
converting a duplex into a single - family dwelling.
Commissioner Allen commented that compared to the
houses adjacent to it, it is substantial in size.
She expressed her feeling that if their intent is
to only require the open.space option in cases
where duplexes are going to be remodeled and stay
duplexes, then the ordinance should state that
when a duplex is converted to a single- family
dwelling, the open space option is waived as a
benefit for so doing.
Commissioner Thomas expressed his feeling that the
rules regarding variances and open:space encroach-
ments should be upheld.
Motion x Substitute Motion was made that the Planning Com-
s x x mission rake-'the findings -as indic ted in Exhibit.
stain x "IC" of the Staff Report and. approv the modifica-
Absent * tions for existing chimney - fireplace and proposed
ii
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Motion
Ayes
Absent
Motion
Ayes
*ent
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February 21, 1980
itv of Newport Beach
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brick siding encroachments and narrow parking
space, subject to the conditions as indicated in
Exhibit "C" of the Staff Report.
* * *
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS: ADDI-
TIONAL.
Motion was made to set for discusspon at the BUSINESS
March 6, 1980 Study Session, R -3 zones and steep
lots in Corona del Mar and to adop Resolution RESOLU-
No. 1051 and set for public hearing on March 20, TION N0.
1980, Residential Development Standards in Corona 1051
del Mar.
RESOLU-
TION NO.
1052
Motion was made':to adopt Resolutioh No. 1052 and
set for public hearing on April 10, 1980, Resi-
dential Parking Standards.
* * *
There being no further business, the Planning
Commission adjourned at 11:20 P.M.'
Debra Allen, Secretary
Planning Commission
City of Newport Beach
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