HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/08/1994CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
PLACE: City Council Chambers
TIME: 7:30 P.M.
DATE:
MINUTES
September 8 1994
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Present
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Commissioner Gifford and Commissioner Adams were excused.
Absent
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EX- OFFICIO OFFICERS PRESENT:
Robin Clauson, Assistant City Attorney
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William R. Laycock, Current Planning Manager
W. William Ward, Senior Planner
Don Webb, City Engineer
Dee Edwards, Secretary .
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Minutes 18,1994
of August t
minutes
on
Motion was made and voted on to approve the August 18, 1994,
of 8/18/1
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Planning Commission Minutes. MOTION CARRIED.
Abstain
Absent
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Public Comments:
Public
-
Comments
Commissioner DiSano commended William Laycock, Current
Planning Manager, for the prompt attention he gave to a matter
that was requested by a neighbor of Commissioner DiSano.
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Posting of the Agenda:
Posting
of the
Mr. Laycock stated that the Planning Commission Agenda was
Agenda
posted on Friday, September Z 1994, in front of City Hall.
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Request to Withdraw:
Request
to
Mr. Laycock stated that Item No. 2, Use Permit No. 3536,
withdrawn.
property located at 3333 West Coast Highway, regarding a request
to permit the establishment of a private club, was withdrawn by
OP3536
the applicant.
Variance No. 1200 (Public Hearing)
Item No. 1
Request to permit alterations and additions to an existing single
V1200
family dwelling on property located in the R -1.5 District. The
existing structure is nonconforming with regards to gross building
Approved
area, required parking and required front side and rear yard
setbacks which were permitted in conjunction with a previous
.
variance. The proposed alterations include the enclosure of an
exterior stairway and minor interior alterations.
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LOCATION: A portion of Lot 17, Block 3, Section 5;
Balboa Island, located at 1705 Park Avenue,
on the southerly side of Park Avenue,
between Jade Avenue and Crystal Avenue,
on Little Balboa Island.
ZONE: R -1.5
APPLICANTS: Daniel J. and Jane M. Mariscal, Sherman
Oaks
OWNERS: Same as applicants
William Laycock, Current Planning Manager, addressed the five
letters that the Planning Commission received from the adjacent
residents stating their support of the request.
The public hearing was opened in connection with this item, and
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Mr. Gordon Glass, architect for the applicant, appeared before the
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Planning Commission. Mr. Glass referred to the staff report and
the drawing of the structure that was approved in 1963. He
explained that the outside door to the first floor unit and the
outside stair and door to the second floor unit indicates that the
structure was a duplex prior to the time that the applicants
purchased the property. Mr. Glass explained that the structure
would be converted to a single family dwelling by enclosing the
exterior stairway . In response to a question posed by Chairman
Glover, Mr. Glass concurred with the findings and conditions in
Exhibit 'W'.
Commissioner Pomeroy and Mr. Laycock discussed staff s position
regarding the issue of the enclosed stairway and the request that .
would allow the structure to exceed the floor area to land area
ratio by approximately 205 square feet or 22.4 %.
.
Commissioner Pomeroy, Commissioner Edwards, and Chairman
Glover discussed the comparison of the Little Balboa Island
Property Owners Association's approval of the subject request to
.
a previous application that recently came before the Planning
Commission. Mr. Glass explained that by enclosing the open
stairway it would not increase the bulk of the building; therefore,
the living space would not be increased.
Mr. Laycock stated that the City would never have allowed the
second dwelling on the subject property because the Zoning Code
requires at least one garage space for each dwelling unit, and the
subject property only has one garage space.
There being no others desiring to appear and be heard, the public
hearing was closed at this time.
Motion
Motion was made to approve Variance No. 1200 subject to the
Ayes
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findings and conditions in Exhibit 'W'. Commissioner Ridgeway
Absent
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stated that the application would benefit the neighborhood, and he
addressed the letters in support of the project. Motion voted on,
MOTION CARRIED.
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Findings:
1. That there are exceptional or extraordinary circumstances
applying to the land and building referred to in this
application, which circumstances or conditions do not apply
generally to land, buildings and /or uses in the same
District, inasmuch as the subject property is smaller than
the typical lot on Balboa Island, and is subject to greater
than normal setback requirements which restrict the
amount of buildable area of the site and precludes any
development.
2. That the granting of the variance is necessary for the
preservation and enjoyment of substantial property rights of
the applicant, inasmuch as the proposed project is generally
comparable to the size, bulk and height to other buildings
in the surrounding neighborhood and strict application of
setback requirements results in a lot with no buildable area,
which would preclude any development.
3. That the granting of the variance will not, under the
circumstances of the particular case, be materially
detrimental to the, health, safety, peace, comfort, and
general welfare of persons residing or working in the
neighborhood of the subject property and will not under the
circumstances of the particular case be materially
detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to property
improvements in the neighborhood.
4. That the granting of the modifications to the Zoning Code
to maintain the existing rear, side and front yard setback
encroachments and a new enclosed stairway to encroach to
within S feet of the front property line will not be
materially detrimental to the health, safety, peace, comfort,
and general welfare of persons residing or working in the
neighborhood of the subject property and will not under the
circumstances of the particular case be materially
detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to property
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improvements in the neighborhood, and further that such
modifications are consistent with the legislative intent of
Title 20 of this Code.
5. That the proposed development will not result in additional
rooms; therefore, the on -site parking demand will not be
increased.
6. That the design of the proposed improvements will not
conflict with any easements acquired by the public at large
for access through or use of property within the proposed
development.
7. That public improvements may he required of a developer
per Section 20.82.050 of the Municipal Code.
Conditions:
1. That the development shall be in substantial conformance
with the approved plot plan and floor plans, except as
noted below.
2. That the gross structural area of the subject project shall
not exceed 1,119± square feet (so as not to exceed a floor
area to land ratio of 1.24).
3. That the one -car garage shall be utilized for vehicular
storage at all times.
4. That all improvements be constructed as required by
Ordinance and the Public Works Department.
5. That the unused portion of drive apron be removed and
replaced with curb and sidewalk along the Park Avenue
frontage as required by City Council Policy No. L-2. That
all work shall be completed under an encroachment permit
issued by the Public Works Department.
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6. That arrangements be made with the Public Works
Department in order to guarantee satisfactory completion
of the public improvements, if it is desired to obtain a
building permit prior to completion of the public
improvements.
7. That only one dwelling unit shall be permitted on the
subject property and any second dwelling unit occupancy
shall be prohibited.
8. That Coastal Commission approval sball be obtained prior
to issuance of building permits.
9. That this variance sball expire unless exercised within 24
months of the date of approval as specified in Section
20.82.090A of the Newport Beach Municipal Code.
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Use Permit No. 3536 (Public Hearing)
No.2
Item
Request to permit the establishment of a private club with
UP3536
dancing, pre- recorded music, on -sale alcoholic beverages and
outdoor dining and drinking on property located in the
Withdrawn
"Recreation and Marine Commercial" area of the Mariner's Mile
Specific Plan. The proposal also includes a request to approve an
off -site parking agreement for a portion of the required off -street
parking spaces and the approval of a full time valet parking
service.
LOCATION: A portion of Lot 170, Block 2, Irvine's
Subdivision, located at 3333 West Coast
Highway, on the southerly side of West Coast
Highway, between Newport Boulevard and
Riverside Avenue, in Mariner's Mile (Private
Club Site); and Parcel 1, Parcel Map 74/72
(Resubdivision No. 450), located at 204 -206
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Riverside Avenue, on the southeasterly side
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of Riverside Avenue, between Avon Street
and Cliff Drive (Off -site Parking Lot).
ZONE: SP -5
APPLICANT: Edward Martinez St. Clair, Newport
Boulevard
OWNER: Haseko Inc, Los Angeles
William Laycock, Current Planning Manager, stated that the
applicant withdrew the application from the Agenda.
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A. Use Permit No 3517 (Continued Public Hearing)
Item No.3
Request to permit the establishment of a 24 hour Taco Bell drive-
through, take -out restaurant facility, with indoor and outdoor
ancillary seating, on property located in the RSC -H District. The
UP3517
TS 99
proposal also includes: a request to waive a portion of the
required off - street parking spaces; a modification to the Sign Code
Cont ' d
to 10/6/94
so as to allow two free standing pole or ground signs where the
Sign Code permits only one free standing sign per building site;
and an exception to the Sign Code so as to allow a restaurant logo
on the special purpose directional signs, whereas the Sign Code
prohibits such logos on directional signs; and the acceptance of an
environmental document.
AND
B. Traffic Study No. 99 (Continued Public Hearing)
Request to approve a traffic study in conjunction with a drive -
through, take -out restaurant facility on property located in the
RSC -H District.
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LOCATION: Lots 48 through 53 and a portion of Lot 54,
Tract No. 1210, located at 1400 West Coast
Highway, on the northerly side of West Coast
Highway, across from the Balboa Bay Club.
ZONE: RSC -H
APPLICANT: Taco Bell Corp., Irvine
OWNERS: Levon and Zarouhi Gugasian, Newport Beach
Commissioner Edwards and Robin Clauson, Assistant City
Attorney, discussed the various meetings that occurred between
the applicant and interested parties prior to the subject public
hearing. William Laycock, Current Planning Manager, stated that
the subject request was previously continued to this date inasmuch
.
as the plans were revised as recommended by staff: i.e. the drive -
thru lane is no longer in the 12 foot wide easement for the
potential widening of West Coast Highway. Mr. Laycock pointed
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out that the acoustical study that was attached to the addendum
to the staff report addresses the outdoor dining and the drive -thru
loudspeaker. Based on the acoustical study, the Planning
Commission may desire to add the following two mitigation
measures if the Planning Commission approves this application. 1.
Post a sign on the approach to the speakerboard requesting radios be
lowered so a patron may be heard at the speakerboard- 2. Install a
speakerboard sound system that produces no more than 38 dBA at
the east property line wall
The public hearing was opened in connection with this item, and
Mr. James "Buzz" Person, appeared before the Planning
Commission on behalf of the applicant. Mr. Person stated that the
proposal was first submitted to City staff in November, 1993, and
subsequent to that time the plan went through a number of
redesigns to conform to the City's needs and standards: the
retaining wall at the rear of the property was redesigned; the
drive -thru lane was removed from the 12 foot easement for the
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future dedication to the West Coast Highway widening plan; the
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size of the project was reduced from approximately 2,000 square
feet to 1,600 square feet, or approximately a 25 percent reduction
of the size of the existing restaurant on the site. He concurred
with the findings and conditions in Exhibit "A ". He said that an
attempt would be made to patrol the parking lot every 30 minutes
to keep the parking lot clean as requested in Condition No. 17,
Exhibit "A". Mr. Person stated that the applicants and
representatives met with several concerned residents this date to
discuss the proposed project. He stated that the coastal bluff
located on the subject property would become more stabilized
once the retaining wall is in place; however, if the bluff would be
cut back further than planned there could be a problem. The
applicant intends to install lighting that would make the site safe,
and at the same time minimize the interference with surrounding
properties. Taco Bell informed the residents at the
aforementioned meeting that the a second menu board would be
installed on the side of West Coast Highway so any activity
concerning late hour use of the drive -thru would be shielded from
the residents. The second menu board would be covered during
.
daytime hours. Also, the outdoor dining would be closed at
approximately 10:00 p.m. In reference to Condition No. 43,
Exhibit 'W, Mr. Person stated that if there would be problems
concerning the proposed 24 hours of operation some time in the
future that the applicant would be willing to come back to the
Planning Commission to review the operation. The take -out
restaurant would not have a significant impact on the residents on
the bluff based on the distance from the various property lines, the
amount of the ambient noise level on West Coast Highway, and
also that Taco Bell believes that it is in their best interest to
maintain their Corporate image to run a good, clean, safe, and
quiet operation.
Commissioner Edwards requested a comparison of the proposed
wall vs. the wall that exists behind Mcdonald's Restaurant. Mr.
Person replied that the proposed wall would be approximately 3
feet to 4 feet higher at the highest point than the McDonald's wall.
The subject lot is one of the narrowest lots in the vicinity and in
order to get the use of the lot and to make the project work it was
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necessary to have a few more feet to park the automobiles.
Commissioner Edwards suggested that inasmuch as McDonald's
Restaurant has proven to be a good neighbor that the proposed
hours of operation be the same as McDonald's Restaurant. Mr.
Person explained that the McDonald's hours of operation were
determined so as to comply with the Bayshores community
requests across West Coast Highway from McDonald's Restaurant,
and also the Terrace Apartments on the site of the Balboa Bay
Club are farther away from the subject property than Bayshores is
from McDonald's Restaurant. Commissioner Edwards stated that
the proposed hours of operation could set a precedent with the
other take -out restaurants in the area. Mr. Person responded that
each application should be considered on its own merits, and that
the proposed hours would not set a precedent. In response to a
question posed by Commissioner Edwards regarding the subject
site, Mr. Person discussed the use of the subject property and the
benefit that Taco Bell would have to the Mariner's Mile area- Mr.
Person stated that it is necessary to find in order to modify the
hours of operation that the noise is a detriment to the peace,
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moral, safety, and community in reference to noise.
Commissioner Pomeroy addressed the comments in the staff
report concerning the subject property and he corrected the
previous restaurant's hours of operation by stating that the Grinder
Restaurant was a 24 hour operation.
In response to questions posed by Commissioner Ridgeway, Mr.
Person, Mr. Laycock, and Don Webb, City Engineer, discussed the
elevation of the retaining wall. Mr. Laycock explained that the
retaining wall at its highest point will be 14± feet with an
additional 1 foot 6 inch on top for architectural relief in the form
of an arch. Mr. Webb stated that the ground elevation in the area
varies from 9 feet to 11 feet, and it is estimated that the proposed
wall would be 10 feet high. Mr. Person replied that the menu and
speaker box would be installed at the east end of the property
inasmuch as the City Traffic Engineer and the Public Works
Department requested a stacking lane during peak hours of 6
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automobiles at the menu board so the automobiles would not back
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up on to West Coast Highway. The menu board and the speaker
box are directed towards West Coast Highway on the south side
of the property. In response to a question posed by Commissioner
Ridgeway regarding the Terrace Apartment residents, Mr. Person
replied that the applicant did not contact the residents regarding
the speaker board.
In response to a question posed by Chairman Glover, Mr. Webb
described the location of the speaker box. Chairman Glover and
Mr. Webb compared the location of the proposed speaker box
with the location of the McDonald's Restaurant speaker box.
Mr. Skip Leonard, Real Estate Manager for the applicant,
appeared before the Planning Commission. In response to a
question posed by Commissioner Ridgeway, Mr. Leonard replied
that the applicant would agree to close the speaker box between
2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. and the pick -up window could be used for
ordering during those hours of operation.
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Mr. Gordon Bricken, 1621 East 17th Street, Santa Ana, Acoustical
Engineer, appeared before the Planning Commission. Mr. Bricken
stated that the proposed Noise Ordinance was used as a basis for
assessment of the noise impact of the project. The proposed site
would be at least 8 dBA less than the criteria in the proposed
Noise Ordinance, and, therefore, would comply with the numbers
that the City considers acceptable. Mr. Bricken stated that Taco
Bell set the levels of the speaker board to be 65 dBA at three feet,
i.e.: the speaker board would be no louder than a conversation if
sitting in an automobile. Therefore, it would be difficult to hear
the speaker board at a distance given the ambient noise levels
from West Coast Highway, and in addition, the speaker board is
mounted so the speaker sits adjacent to the board and the board
provides a shield to the rear so there is actually more attenuation
to the rear than there is to the front. At the property line the
speaker could not exceed the numbers that are proposed by the
Taco Bell speaker board which is 38 dBA.
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In response to questions posed by Commissioner Pomeroy, Mr.
Bricken replied that the noise would be difficult to be heard by the
residents on the bluff above the subject site, and the residents
would not hear the amplified speaker board. Mr. Bricken advised
the applicant that the speaker board be closed at night and the
customers order at the window.
In response to questions posed by Commissioner Edwards, Mr.
Bricken replied that his comments regarding the noise levels would
be over a 24 hour period. Mr. Bricken referred to the chart
attached to the addendum to the staff report indicating the West
Coast Highway hourly noise levels at the residential property line
at 10:00 p.m. The average noise level of West Coast Highway at
the property line would be 62 dBA and the maximum level would
be 71 dBA. The Noise Ordinance states that 50 dBA would be an
acceptable number for residential property. Mr. Bricken stated
that the speaker board would sit at a location where the sound
would not reflect off of anything but the ground, and any noise
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bounce that would occur was compensated for in the calculations.
In response to questions posed by Commissioner Ridgeway, Mr.
Bricken replied that shrubbery or landscaping would not
significantly attenuate noise.
Mr. Bill Dunlap, 400 Snug Harbor, appeared before the Planning
Commission to oppose the project. He stated his concerns
regarding the noise level that would develop because of the
customers that would come to the take -out restaurant and
congregate on the property. He asked if the wind factor was
addressed in the acoustical report inasmuch as the residents are
able to hear the speaker box at McDonald's Restaurant when the
wind is right. The ambient light level would increase in the area,
and the fumes from the automobiles would come to the residents
on the bluff. In response to the question posed by Mr. Dunlap
with respect to the wind factor, Mr. Bricken reappeared before the
Planning Commission and he indicated that the acoustical report
did not address the wind variations. In response to a question
posed by Commissioner Pomeroy, Mr. Dunlap replied that he
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objects to the entire project inasmuch as it is not an appropriate
use for West Coast Highway.
Mr. John Sturgis, 601 Cliff Drive, appeared before the Planning
Commission. In response to a question posed by Mr. Sturgis,
Chairman Glover replied that she meets with the Mariner's Mile
Business Association, and the subject project is in the Mariner's
Mile area. Mr. Sturgis addressed the purpose of the City's
restaurant outreach program concerning new restaurants coming
into the City. He referred to the letters to the Planning
Commission from the local residents concerning their opposition
to the take -out restaurant. He pointed out that his letter dated
July 21, 1994, states that the 24 hour facility would result in a
significant increase in noise and light upon the area. The 24 hour
operation would set a precedent in the area inasmuch as every fast
food restaurant in Mariner's Mile would desire to be open 24
hours a day. In response to questions posed by Commissioner
Pomeroy, Mr. Sturgis stated that he was not a resident in the area
when the Grinder Restaurant was in operation. Mr. Sturgis further
stated that the applicant informed him this date that the take -out
restaurant would have to be open 24 hours to maintain
profitability of the restaurant. Commissioner Pomeroy stated that
the applicant indicated during the public hearing that they would
be willing to come back to the Commission if problems would
occur concerning the hours of operation. Commissioner Edwards
addressed Mr. Sturgis' comments regarding the outreach program
and the decisions that the Planning Commission makes based on
the criteria that a restaurant brings to the Commission. In
response to a question posed by Chairman Glover, Mr. Sturgis
stated that the basis of his opposition to the project is that the
facility is a drive -thru restaurant.
Barbara Yeager, 1401 Kings Road, appeared before the Planning
Commission. She referred to the letters that she wrote to the
Planning Commission dated August 1, 1994, and July 21, 1994, and
she addressed the concerns that the residents have regarding the
project. She does not object to the proposed project. The
suggestions that are included in her letters are based on the
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operation of the McDonald's Restaurant, and if the size of the site
is not large enough to meet the conditions then the take -out
restaurant may not be an appropriate use for the site. Mrs. Yeager
read her letter dated August 1, 1994, and the L. A. Times article
concerning Taco Bell that was attached to her letter. Chairman
Glover pointed out that Mrs. Yeager's concerns regarding noise,
light, and hours of operation would be addressed by the Planning
Commission inasmuch as conditions are included in the use
permit. In response to questions posed by Commissioner Edwards,
Mrs. Yeager stated that she did not meet with the applicant this
date, that she had concerns regarding the sound from the drive -
thru restaurant all times of the day, and that the lighting would not
shine into her backyard..
Mr. John Yeager, 1826 Buttonshell, appeared before the Planning
Commission. He was concerned with the quality of life in the
City, and that the City maintain a healthy business environment.
He questioned if the City needs a 24 hour drive -thru restaurant on
West Coast Highway, and if it would attract new revenue into the
.
City. He stated that there are legal problems concerning the
project that are inconsistent with the General Plan, i.e.: the City
would be cutting 13 feet into the bluff because the site is not big
enough to handle the drive -thru restaurant, and the parking that
would be allowed in the 12 foot easement on West Coast Highway
and the number of parking spaces that would be taken if the
highway would be widened. The lighting should be approved by
the staff and /or the Planning Commission in addition to the
lighting engineer. He stated that the parking waiver is a variance
from the Zoning Code and there is nothing in the staff report that
supports a finding required to approve a variance, and he
indicated that modifications to the Zoning Code do not apply in
this case. He suggested that the site design be modified to give
sufficient stacking comparable to McDonald's Restaurant, and he
questioned the need for a traffic monitor.
Mr. Tom Hyams, 217 - 19th Street, appeared before the Planning
Commission. Mr. Hyams discussed the results of his research of
drive- through and take -out restaurants based on his concerns
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regarding the McDonald's Restaurants that were considered for
the Balboa Peninsula. He compared the que line, the number of
trips a day, and the number of employees to McDonald's
Restaurant. Mr. Hyams concluded that the McDonald's
Restaurant approved on 28th Street was required to eliminate the
speakers and they were required to close the operation at a
reasonable hour to be consistent with the neighborhood. He
recommended that if the Planning Commission has a desire to
make the subject establishment tolerable for the residents that now
would be the time to do it. In response to a question posed by
Commissioner Edwards regarding the que factor, Mr. Hyams
expressed his concerns that the que line at the subject drive -
through restaurant would require the automobiles to wait in the
middle of West Coast Highway to enter the que line, similar to
experiences he had at McDonald's Restaurant on West Coast
Highway.
Mr. Dave Wooten, CEO of the Balboa Bay Club, appeared before
the Planning Commission. Mr. Wooten stated that he was not
.
aware of any meetings between the applicant and the Balboa Bay
Club regarding the subject establishment. He said that inasmuch
as he was not familiar with the request that he was unable to
indicate if the Balboa Bay Club would have a problem with the
project. He expressed a concern that the speaker box would be
directly across West Coast Highway from the Terrace Apartments,
and the noise study did not indicate if there would be a noise
impact on the residents. In response to a question posed by
Commissioner Ridgeway, Mr. Wooten stated that he did not
personally receive a public notice regarding the project.
Mr. Art DeLaL.oza, 220 Kings Place, appeared before the Planning
Commission to state his opposition to the subject project. Mr.
DeLaLoza questioned if the proliferation of fast food restaurants
on West Coast Highway across from the Balboa Bay Club would
add or detract from the image of a first class city. He expressed
concerns regarding the traffic that would be generated at the
subject location, the customers that would be congregating on the
site at all hours of the night, and if the sudden level of noise that
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would change in the middle of the night would disturb the
residents and their quality of life. He addressed the legality of the
alteration to the bluff, and he suggested that a master scheme for
a wall be considered for the Mariner's Mile area. He opposed a
24 hour establishment inasmuch as it would create an atmosphere
of negative elements for the residential community. In response
to questions posed by Commissioner Edwards, Mr. DeLaLoza
questioned if the subject establishment would be a quality project
for the subject location, across from the Balboa Bay Club. If the
project would be approved it should be approved in a way that
answers all of the legitimate concerns of the neighbors.
Mr. Marcos Weinstein, 843 West 15th Street, appeared before the
Planning Commission. He addressed the negative affect that the
deterioration of the subject property has on the residents above
the site. He discussed the affordability, value, and environment of
a Taco Bell, and that adjustments would be made to the speaker
box in consideration of the residents. Mr. Weinstein stated that
he is an Assistant Manager of Taco Bells in Tustin Marketplace
.
and Orange, and that the establishments take outside orders to
eliminate noise from the automobile to the speaker box during
peak volume times. Mr. Weinstein concluded that the Taco Bell
establishment would be a long term facility on the site. In
response to questions posed by Commissioner Pomeroy, Mr.
Weinstein replied that 1,200 visits a day is average at Taco Bell,
and his establishments have a total of 11 or 12 employees. In
response to a question posed by Commissioner Edwards, Mr.
Weinstein replied that the 24 hour establishment that he manages
is located in the Tustin Marketplace. In response to questions
posed by Commissioner Ridgeway, Mr. Weinstein replied that the
employees park away from the Taco Bell establishment, and the
majority of the 8 employees that are scheduled for one shift do not
drive automobiles to the restaurant. He said that he has a
maximum of three cash registers at the Tustin Marketplace site.
There being no others desiring to appear and be heard, the public
hearing was closed at this time.
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In response to questions posed by Commissioner Pomeroy
regarding employee parking spaces, Mr. Laycock explained that no
specific number of parking spaces were required for the proposed
8 employees. Mr. Laycock stated that the number of required
parking spaces was based on the maximum number of employees
on duty plus one parking space for each 50 square feet of floor
area in the take -out restaurant, and a portion of the parking
spaces were waived by the Planning Commission when McDonald's
Restaurant was approved on West Coast Highway.
In response to a previous question posed by Mr. Sturgis regarding
Mariner's Mile Business Association, Chairman Glover stated that
Taco Bell was never discussed at the meetings she attended. She
further stated that she has no financial interest in Mariner's Mile
and on that basis there would be no conflict of interest.
In response to comments by Commissioner Pomeroy and
Commissioner Ridgeway, Mr. Person reappeared before the
Planning Commission. He stated that the applicant contacted the
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Balboa Bay Club regarding the proposal when the project was first
considered; however, there were no meetings between the two
parties.
In response to comments made during the public testimony, Mr.
Person stated that the proposed facility is a 1,600 square foot
building, approximately 25 percent of the size that currently exists
on the property, and there will be 8 employees at any one time.
The applicant would eliminate the sound board completely during
the off hours, and the parking lot would be chained off so people
could not congregate at any time during the off hours of 2:00 a.m.
to 6:00 a.m. and the restaurant would become only a drive -thru
facility during the foregoing operating hours. Mr. Person
emphasized that if there are problems the applicant will fix them,
and if they cannot fix them, the applicant will come back to the
Planning Commission at their request and the hours of operation
will be modified.
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The Commission considered continuing the subject application for
the purpose of negotiating and addressing the residents regarding
the 24 hour operation. A continuance would also provide an
opportunity for the applicant to meet with the Balboa Bay Club
for their review and input.
Commissioner Pomeroy stated that the applicants indicated that
they would eliminate all of the issues concerning the 24 hour
operation, i.e.: the noise from the speaker box and the customers
congregating on the site, and if these were unsatisfactory, remove
the 24 hour operation. He stated that the request is a permitted
use in the area, and that be did not find the 24 hour operation
offensive.
Commissioner Edwards expressed a concern regarding the
proposed 24 hour operation based on the ambient noise level of
the drive -thru operation, and he addressed the late night activities
that could occur in the restaurant's parking area.
!
Commissioner Ridgeway expressed his concern regarding the 24
hour operation. In response to questions posed by Commissioner
Ridgeway, Mr. Laycock replied that he was not aware of any 24
hour drive -thru restaurants in the City. Discussion ensued with
respect to the number of 24 hour restaurants that exist in the City.
Commissioner DiSano stated that he had a concern with respect
to persons congregating at the 24 hour drive- through facility. He
discussed the reasons why the take -out restaurant would provide
more business for the City, and that Taco Bell would provide a
legitimate business on the subject site.
Motion
Commissioner Edwards made a motion to reopen the public .
Ayes
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hearing. Motion voted on, MOTION CARRIED.
Absent
Mrs. Barbara Yeager reappeared before the Planning Commission.
She agreed to meet with Taco Bell's project manager and their
representative to discuss the residents' concerns.
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Mr. Person reappeared before the Planning Commission and he
agreed to a continuance to the October 6, 1994, Planning
Commission meeting.
There being no others desiring to appear and be heard, the public
hearing was closed at this time.
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Motion was made to continue Use Permit No. 3517 and Traffic
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Study No. 99 to the October 6, 1994, Planning Commission
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meeting.
Commissioner Edwards indicated that he would not be present at
the October 6th meeting.
Motion voted on, MOTION CARRIED.
The Planning Commission recessed at 9:55 p.m. and reconvened
at 10:00 p.m.
# # R
Amendment No. 809 (Public Hearinel
Item No.4
Request to consider amendments to Titles 19 and 20 of the
A809
Newport Beach Municipal Code, so as to amend the condominium
(Res 1369
conversion provisions for residential condominiums.
Approved
INITIATED BY: The City of Newport Beach
Commissioner Ridgeway stated that the amendment is a direct
result of the West Newport Advisory Committee making a
recommendation and requesting the City to ease the condominium
conversion ordinance in order to encourage property owners to
live in the West Newport neighborhood. He commented that the
amendment is exactly as the committee requested.
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In response to a question posed by Commissioner Pomeroy with
respect to the 10 threshold vs. the 15 threshold, Commissioner
Ridgeway replied that he had no opinion concerning the
recommendation. He said that there are sections in the
amendment that are important to the ability to convert and create
homeownership and those provisions were addressed in the
amendment.
In response to a question posed by Chairman Glover, William
Ward, Senior Planner, explained that the City's Vacancy Rate
provision could apply only to projects that contain 15 units or
more, and condominium conversion projects with less than 15 units
would not be a problem..
Mr. Ward stated that the addendum to the staff report includes
changes to the draft ordinance: Language concerning lot line
adjustment in draft Section 20.73.025 (G) should be deleted; delete
'unless otherwise approved by the Building Director" from Section
20.73.025, Paragraph (C) and "unless otherwise approved by the
.
Utilities Director" from paragraph (E). Mr. Ward recommended
that "otherwise approved" be deleted inasmuch as the language
could conflict with the waiver provisions that the Modifications
Committee has in Section 20.73.030. The language would allow
the Modifications Committee to waive standards based on
recommendations received from the individual departments.
Commissioner DiSano addressed Section 20.73.030 stating his
support that a majority vote of the Modifications Committee
present and voted would be required as opposed to a 4/5 majority
vote.
The public hearing was opened in connection with this item, and
Ms. Georgine Vaught, 306 Columbia, appeared before the
Planning Commission. Ms. Vaught requested a clarification of
Section 19.10.050 (C) Tenant Benefits and Notification: That each
of the tenants of the proposed condominium will be given notice of
an exclusive right to contract for the purpose of their respective units
upon the same terms and conditions that such units will be initially
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offered to the general public or terms more favorable to the tenant.
Mr. Ward explained that the provision is a requirement of the
Subdivision Map Act for conversion and the right of first refusal
by an existing tenant is specified in the Act and is in compliance
with the State Code. The provision would not impose a hardship
on a two unit project inasmuch as the existing tenants in each of
the units would have the opportunity to purchase the unit at fair
market value. Commissioner Pomeroy stated that the tenant could
waive the right to purchase, and if the tenant did not waive the
right to purchase before the conversion the tenant would have to
be evicted.
In response to questions posed by Chairman Glover,
Commissioner Ridgeway stated that the amendment would create
owner /occupied units in West Newport inasmuch as the area
currently has 70 percent renters; however, the provisions would
apply throughout the City. Mr. Ward further explained that a
Condominium Association and CC &R's would be required if a
condominium is established. The existing condominium conversion
•
provision allows the City to collect an additional fee for the review
of CC&R's; however, staff recommended that the provision be
eliminated inasmuch as there is no desire to get involved in the
review process. The Department of Real Estate establishes the
requirements and guidelines of what is required in the CC &R's as
well as how a condominium plan has to be prepared in order to
delineate the units of air space. Mr. Ward stated that the property
owner who establishes the condominium is responsible for
recording the condominium plan and recording the CC &R's prior
to the sale of the condominium.
In response to comments by Commissioner Edwards,
Commissioner Ridgeway stated that the West Newport Advisory
Committee has considered provisions that would create more of a
residential environment and less apartment -type facilities
throughout the City.
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motion
ayes
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Motion was made and voted on to recommend to the City Council
the approval of Amendment No. 809, as revised, and adopt
absent
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Resolution No. 1369. MOTION CARRIED.
D-1
Temporary Use of Land
Temporary
Use of
Request to consider the temporary use of land for a period of time
Land
not to exceed 90 days, which involves the installation of a 4,000±
square foot tent within the existing parking area of the Hyatt
Newporter Resort. The tent structure will be used for a variety of
public assembly uses such as weddings, receptions, conferences and
exhibitions.
LOCATION: Parcels 1 and 2, Parcel Map No. 17 -3,
located at 1107 Jamboree Road,
northwesterly of the intersection of Jamboree
Road and Back Bay Drive.
ZONE: RSC
APPLICANT: Hyatt Newporter Resort, Newport Beach
OWNER: Same, as applicant
Motion
*
Commissioner DiSano made a motion to allow the temporary
Ayes
installation of a 4,000 square foot canopy during the holiday
Absent
*
season. Motion was voted on, MOTION CARRIED.
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Amendment No. 810
°'2
Request to consider initiating an amendment to Title 20 of the
Asio
Newport Beach Municipal Code so as to revise the definition of
set for
the term "restaurant ".
public
hearing
Ms. Clauson stated that the City is currently involved in litigation
9/22/94
where it is being asserted that the definition as it exists would
make any business that sold any food or beverage a restaurant.
The proposed amendment would be to clarify that a restaurant
would have the primary purpose of providing food and beverage,
and not the incidental service of food and beverage inasmuch as
there are instances where. two- thirds of the an area are stages and
dancing area, and not for the service of food.
Commissioner Pomeroy disagreed that twenty-five percent of the
gross floor area of a restaurant can be devoted to live
entertainment and /or dancing. He stated that if over half of a
building is used for restaurant than that would be the primary
.
purpose, and he suggested language such as "majority" so the
Planning Commission would not have to inform an applicant how
much room can be part of the dance floor or for entertainment.
Discussion ensued between the Planning Commission and staff
with respect to the Specialty Food Service portion of the Code.
Ms. Clausen stated that if the Planning Commission requests that
staff address specialty foods and live entertainment then it would
have to be initiated at a future date.
Motion
Motion was made and voted on to set Amendment No. 810 for
Ayes
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public hearing for the September 22, 1994, Planning Commission
Absent
meeting. MOTION CARRIED.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS:
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Motion
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Motion was made and voted on to excuse Commissioner DiSano
Disano
Ayes
Absent
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from the September 22, 1994, Planning Commission meeting.
MOTION CARRIED.
excused
ADJOURNMENT: 10:30 p.m.
Adjourn
TOD RIDGEWAY, SECRETARY
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION
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