Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutZoning Code Amendment InitiationCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT Agenda Item No. 5 March 8, 2007 TO: PLANNING COMMISSION FROM: Planning Department Patrick J. Alford, Senior Planner (949) 644 -3235 palford(&city. newport- beach.ca. us SUBJECT: Zoning Code Amendment Initiation ISSUE: Should the Planning Commission adopt a resolution of intent to amend Title 20 (Zoning Code) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code to revise property development regulations relating to permitted encroachments into required yards, setbacks and height limits of the B Overlay District, and requirements for the screening of mechanical equipment? RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution No. 2007- initiating the amendment to Title 20 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code. DISCUSSION: As part of Planning Department efforts to streamline the plan review process consistent with direction from Council, staff has been directed to initiate a number of amendments to the Zoning Code. These amendments are intended to address issues of immediate concern. Therefore, they are being addressed at this time rather than as a part of the comprehensive review of the Zoning Code required by the General Plan Implementation Program. Modification Permits One set of amendments involve updating regulations to allow additional setback encroachments for trellises, open patio covers, covered porches, and other minor accessory structures. These revisions will reflect common modification requests that are routinely approved by the Zoning Administrator and are intended to reduce the number of modification permit applications. Zoning Code Amendment Initiation March 8, 2007 Page 2 A number of modification applications involve properties in the B Overlay Districts. The B and B -5 Overlay Districts modify base district regulations in areas annexed by the City. The overlays were intended to avoid the creation of nonconforming structures. However, many of the structures did not conform to the County's regulations at the time of annexation. Required setbacks should be adjusted to reflect the existing development pattern. A potential conflict with Chapter 20.65 (Height Limits) should also be corrected. Together, these amendments are expected to significantly reduce the number of modification permit applications. OtherAmendments Staff has also been directed to investigate two other potential code amendments. The first would limit second -story projections into rear setbacks on properties abutting alleys in Newport Shores. The other would add regulations requiring for the screening of rooftop mechanical equipment. Environmental Review: None required for the initiation of amendments. Public Notice: None required for the initiation of amendments. Prepared by: Gu /Patr k J. Alford Senior Planner Exhibits: 1. Draft resolution. Submitted by: 7 avid d2epo Planning Director EXHIBIT 1 Draft Resolution 5 RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH INITIATING AN AMENDMENT TO TITLE 20 OF THE NEWPORT BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE WHEREAS, Title 20 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code authorizes the Planning Commission to adopt a resolution initiating amendments to the Zoning Code of the City of Newport Beach; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission desires to amend the Zoning Code to revise property development regulations relating to permitted.encroachments into required yards, setbacks and height limits of the B Overlay District, and requirements for the screening of mechanical equipment. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning Commission of the City of Newport Beach hereby initiates an amendment Title 20 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code to revise property development regulations relating to permitted encroachments into required yards, setbacks and height limits of the B Overlay District, and requirements for the screening of mechanical equipment. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 8TH DAY OF MARCH 2007. AYES: NOES: F-W Jeffrey Cole, Chairman BY: Robert Hawkins, Secretary 5