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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGroup Homes-Residnetial Zones (PA2004-102)CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT Agenda Item No. 2 June 17, 2004 TO: CHAIR AND MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION FROM: Robert Burnham, City Attorney 644 -3131, rburnhamAcity .newport- beach.ca.us SUBJECT: Zoning Amendment/Recovery Facilities ISSUE: Should the Planning Commission approve amendments to the Zoning Code (Exhibit A) that preserve the character of residential neighborhoods in a manner consistent with State and Federal statutory/decisional law related to the regulation of recovery facilities? RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve, and file a report with the City Council of its findings and recommendations, proposed amendments to the Zoning Code that ensure preservation of the unique character of our residential neighborhoods to the maximum extent permitted by State and Federal statutory and decisional law. BACKGROUND: On February 24- 2004, the City Council initiated amendments to the Zoning Code relating to the regulation of group living arrangements in residential districts." On May 20, 2004, the Planning Commission conducted a noticed public hearing relative to proposed amendments to various provisions of the Zoning Code. Group living arrangements can be divided into several categories. Because the Ordinance specifically recognizes those types of group living arrangements protected by the FHAA, both the Ordinance and this memo use the phrase 'Residential Care Facility" to apply to all group living arrangements involving handicapped persons such as individuals with eating disorders, and persons who because of their age, medical condition or other reason qualify as handicapped under the Act. One subset of this group is "recovery facilities" which refers to dwelling units housing persons who are abstinent in recovery. Based on research conducted to date, special counsel and staff believe the following is an accurate summary of the statutory and decisional law that is most relevant to the regulation of recovery facilities: However, this ordinance applies to all group living arrangements involving handicapped persons such as individuals with eating disorders and persons who because of their age or medical condition qualify as handicapped under the Act. Based on research conducted to date, special counsel and staff believe the. following is an accurate summary of the statutory and decisional law that is most relevant to the regulation of recovery facilities: 1. Under State law State - licensed drug or alcohol treatment facilities serving six or fewer occupants are considered single family residential uses. State law also preempts local ordinances imposing special building, fire safety, fee or permit requirements on State - licensed drug or alcohol treatment facilities serving six or fewer occupants. According to State law, the number of occupants does not include the State licensee, members of the licensee's family, or persons employed at the facility. 2. The Fair Housing Act Amendments of 1988 (FHAA) prevents the City's from adopting or enforcing zoning ordinances that impact recovery facilities for handicapped individuals differently than non - handicapped residential uses in the same zone unless the City: (a) can prove the ordinance is necessary to further a legitimate governmental interest; and (b) reasonably accommodates handicapped individuals /uses by waiving enforcement unless we can prove that a waiver would impose an undue burden on the City and undermine the basic purpose of the ordinance. Moreover, under the FHAA persons in recovery but abstinent are "handicapped." 3. The FHAA and related case law _prohibits the City from, among other things, establishing a "one person per bedroom room° requirement for recovery facilities, imposing distance requirements between recovery facilities, and or preventing "for - profit" entities from establishing or operating recovery facilities. 4. State law prevents the City from establishing occupancy standards that differ form the Uniform Housing Code. 5. The provisions of State law relative to the treatment of State - licensed recovery facilities serving six or fewer occupants and the provisions of the FHAA that prohibit discrimination combine to prevent the City from treating unlicensed recovery facilities differently than State- licensed recovery facilities. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF MAY 20.2004 At the Planning Commission meeting on May 2&, staff and special counsel presented the proposed Zoning Code amendments that were drafted in an effort to preserve the unique character of our diverse residential neighborhood in a manner consistent with State and Federal statutory and decisional law. The amendments presented on May 20, 2004 can be summarized as follows: 1. Certain definitions, such as "single family dwelling" and "family", are modified and the term "single housekeeping unit" is added in response to case law. 2. Certain "Residential Use Classifications" are modified to more closely conform to law and the term "Residential Care, General" is added. (20.05.030) a 3. To address the provisions of the FHAA, a "Reasonable Accommodation" process is added to provide a mechanism for persons to request, and for the City to evaluate and approve when appropriate, a "Reasonable Accommodation." This process involves an application for a Reasonable Accommodation with certain findings required to approve accommodation. (Section 20.91.020.) 4. The matrix of permitted land uses in Residential Districts is modified to permit "Residential Care, Limited" (recovery facilities with six or fewer occupants per dwelling unit) in all Districts. The matrix is also been modified to require a "Reasonable Accommodation" for "Residential Care, General" (recovery facilities with seven or more occupants per dwelling unit) uses in all residential zones with the exception of the R -A and R -1 zones, and to prohibit Residential Care, General" in R -1 and R -A zones. (20.10.020) During the public hearing on May 20"', members of the Planning Commission and the public commented on, and asked staff and special counsel to evaluate, a number of issues. The issues include (a) why special counsel and staff are proposing amendments that allow recovery facilities with seven or more occupants per dwelling unit in the R1.5 and R -2 zones with a reasonable accommodation; (b) the extent of the City's ability to consider parcel size as a factor in the zones in which recovery facilities are located and /or the reasonable accommodation determination; (c) the factors — including impact on the neighborhood - the City could or should consider in granting a reasonable accommodation; (d) the extent of the City's ability to adopt and apply special parking standards to recovery facilities; (e) whether the Planning Director or the Planning Commission should make the initial determination on a reasonable accommodation; (e) the City's ability, if any, to establish limits on the number of recovery facilities in a particular neighborhood or geographic area; and (f) the manner in which neighboring communities are dealing with recovery facilities. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF JUNE 17, 2004 Staff and special counsel have conducted some additional research, we have met with interested parties and are proposing some additional amendments to the Zoning Code and the ordinance presented on May 20, 2004. The first major change in the proposed ordinance is the addition of a definition of "campus" to mean three or more buildings being used together for a common purpose where one of the buildings provides a service for the users of all buildings..." We have added this definition because, in another proposed modification, the creation of a "campus" is grounds for denying a Federal Exception Permit (the term that replaces "Reasonable Accommodation "). The second major change establishes the Planning Commission — rather than the Planning Director - as the initial decision maker on an application for a Federal Exception Permit. Finally, we are proposing to change "Reasonable Accommodation" to "Federal Exception Permit" and to expand the factors that the Planning Commission could consider in deciding whether to grant or deny the Federal Exception Permit. The proposed ordinance, which reflects only the changes to the ordinance presented on May 20, 2004, is attached as Exhibit A. 3 Staff and special counsel have proposed disallowing group living facilities in all residential zones of the City, with the exception of Residential Care Facilities which include recovery facilities. Staff and special counsel propose allowing these uses in the R -1.5 and R -2 zones (in the case of facilities with 7 or more persons only if they first obtain a Federal Exemption Permit) because of the historic land use patterns in those areas. According to the Planning Department, the R -1.5 and R -2 zones have a relatively high percentage of renters and numerous dwelling units that are offered as vacation rentals during the summer and to college students during the winter. The R- 1.5 and R -2 zones are characterized by relatively small lots. This type of land use and occupancy pattern — as well as related neighborhood character - is difficult, but not impossible, to distinguish from the occupancy patterns of recovery facilities and we don't believe that parcel size is a valid basis for differentiation of uses. Staff and special counsel are of the opinion that allowing recovery facilities serving 7 or more occupants in the R 1 -5 and R -2 zones subject to the approval of a Federal Exception Permit is consistent with the goal of establishing a regulatory scheme that complies with statutory and decisional law and protects the residential character of the neighborhood. Staff and special counsel are also skeptical of the City's ability to establish special development standards — such as increased parking requirements - for recovery facilities that are not equally applicable to other residential uses. We are aware of no factual basis that would support the contention that recovery facilities — other than situations involving a "Campus" - have a greater impact on parking than other residential uses. However, there is evidence that suggests that the creation of a "campus" of recovery facilities in an area can increase the volume of traffic and the number of large commercial vehicles entering and leaving the area — so we have incorporated those considerations into the Federal Exception Permit process. We have previously offered the opinion, based on legal research, that the City does not have the authority to regulate the number of recovery facilities in a given area or require that recovery facilities be separated by a specific distance. Finally, special counsel has prepared a matrix of the recovery facility regulations adopted by neighboring jurisdictions (Exhibit B). The proposed amendments are exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15305 (Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations) of the CEQA Guidelines. Subm' Robert Burnham, City Attorney q DRAFT ORDINANCE NO. _ AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA AMENDING SECTIONS 20.03.030, 20.05.030, 20.05.040, 20.10.010 20.10.020 and Chapter 20.91 OF THE NEWPORT BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO ALL CATEGORIES OF GROUP LIVING WHEREAS, the City has adopted regulations on different types of group living arrangements at various times throughout the City's history; and WHEREAS, the existing regulations on group living are confusing and in need of refinement; and WHEREAS, in light of the Fair Housing Act Amendments, 42 U.S.C. § 3601, et seq. (the "Act "), the City desires to codify its process for providing Federal Exception Permits when appropriate under the Act; NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Newport Beach hereby ordains as follows: SECTION 1. The following definitions contained in Section 20.03.030 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code are hereby amended to read as follows: "Campus" means three or more buildings being used together for a common purpose where one of the buildings provides a service for the users of all the buildings such as when one building serves as the office for administration of the several buildings or where one building serves as a kitchen or food service area for the users of the several buildings. "Dwelling, multifamily" means a building containing three or more dwelling units, each of which is for occupancy by one family. "Dwelling, single - family" means a building containing one dwelling unit for occupancy by one family. "Dwelling, two family" means a building containing two dwelling units, each of which is for occupancy by a one family. "Family" means one or more persons living as a Single Housekeeping Unit. The term "Family" shall include residential care, limited facilities for six or fewer mentally disabled, mentally 2611066951 -0059 512369.01 a06/14/04 57 disordered or otherwise handicapped persons, but no other living group not living together as a single housekeeping unit. "Single Housekeeping Unit" means the functional equivalent of a traditional family, whose members are a non - transient, interactive group of persons jointly occupying a single dwelling unit, including the joint use of common areas and sharing household activities and responsibilities such as meals, chores, and expenses. SECTION 2. The following definitions contained in Section 20.05.030 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code are hereby amended to read in their entirety as follows: 2611066751 -0059 512369.01 a06/14/04 "Day -Care, Limited" means non - residential, non - medical care and supervision of twelve (12) or fewer persons on a less than twenty -four hour basis. This classification includes, but is not limited to nursery schools, preschools, and day -care centers for children (large and small family day -care homes) and adults. "Group residential" means shared living quarters without separate kitchen or bathroom facilities for each room or unit. This classification includes boarding houses, dormitories, fraternities, sororities, and private residential clubs, but excludes Residential Care - Limited, Residential Care- General, and residential hotels (see Single -Room Occupancy (SRO) Residential Hotels, Section 20.05.050(EE)(4)). "Residential Care- Limited" means shared living quarters without separate kitchen or bathroom facilities for each room or unit for six or fewer persons with physical or mental impairments which substantially limit one or more of such person's major life activities. This classification also includes, but is not limited to group homes, sober living environments, recovery facilities, and establishments providing non - medical care for persons in need of personal services, supervision, protection, or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living. "Residential Care, General" means shared living quarters without separate kitchen or bathroom facilities for each room or unit for seven or more persons with physical or mental impairments which substantially limit one or more of such person's major life activities. This classification includes but is not limited to group homes, sober living environments, recovery facilities and establishments providing non - medical care for persons in need of personal services, supervision, protection or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living. IM W "Single - Family Residential" means buildings containing one dwelling unit located on a single lot for occupancy by one family. This classification includes mobile home and factory built housing. "Two- Family Residential" means buildings containing two dwelling units located on a single lot, each unit limited to occupancy by a single family. This classification includes mobile home and factory built housing. SECTION 3. The definition of "Residential Care, General" contained in Section 20.05.040 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows: "Residential Care, General" means shared living quarters without separate kitchen or bathroom facilities for each room or unit for seven or more persons with physical or mental impairments which substantially limit one or more of such person's major life activities. This classification includes but is not limited to group homes, sober living environments, recovery facilities and establishments providing non - medical care for persons in need of personal services, supervision, protection or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living. SECTION 4. Subsection Hof Section 20.10.010 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows: 261/066751 -0059 512369.01 a06114/04 H. Provide public services and facilities to accommodate planned population and densities. The specific residential districts and their purposes are as follows: Residential- Agricultural (R -A) District. Provides areas for single - family residential and light farming uses. Single- Family Residential (R -1) District. This is the City's most restrictive residential zoning district, established to provide for a stable, social neighborhood for single - family residential land uses by limiting occupancy to one family. Restricted Two Family Residential (R -1.5) District. Provides areas for single - family and two family residential land uses with the total gross floor area of all buildings limited to a maximum floor area ratio of 1.5 times the buildable area. Two Family Residential (R -2) District. Provides areas for single - family and two family residential land uses. -3- 1 Multifamily Residential (MFR) District. Provides areas for single - family, two - family, and multiple family residential land uses. SECTION 5. Section 20.10.020 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows: 20.10.020 Residential Districts: Land Use Regulations. The following schedule establishes the land uses defined in Chapter 20.05 as permitted or conditionally permitted in residential districts, and includes special requirements, if any, applicable to specific uses. The letter "P" designates use classifications permitted in residential districts. The letter "L" designates use classifications subject to certain limitations prescribed under the "Additional Use Regulations" which follows. The letters "UP" designate use classifications permitted on approval of a use permit, as provided in Chapter 20.91. The letters "PD/U" designate use classifications permitted on approval of a use permit issued by the Planning Director, as provided in Chapter 20.91. The letters "P/UP" designate use classifications which are permitted when located on the site of another permitted use, but which require a use permit when located on the site of a conditional use. The letters RA designates use classifications for which a Federal Exception Permit must first be obtained pursuant to Chapter 20.91. Letters in parentheses in the "Additional Regulations" column refer to "Additional Use Regulations" following the schedule. Where letters in parentheses are opposite a use classification heading, referenced regulations shall apply to all use classifications under the heading. Residential Districts: Land Use Regulations �P = Permitted 'UP = Use permit PD/U = Use permit issued by the Planning Director (j L = Limited (see Additional Use Regulations) FEP = Federal Exception Permit Not Permitted R -A R -I R -1.5 R -2 MFR Additional ���� Regulations 11 RESIDENTIAL ��� ^��� (A), (B), (C) Day -Care Limited _� j ---- _ _.- ...__.._� Group Residential�{�� Residential Care, Limited !� =���IP , P __�_ =L _1 lipgle-family esidennal Care, General ��� FEP FEP FEP Residential ����� . - -� (D), (E) (M) _. -. -. Multifamily Residential P Two - Family Residential - _-=- '�! — J�t` J (D) -�— j 261/066751 -0059 512369.01 a06116l04 -4- I PUBLIC AND SEMI- PUBLIC IE_- =E=-E=E=L---J(EA), (B), =(C)' [��emeteries EL- =1 gi1 = L-1 [Clubs and Lodges --- =Ef:—L �j [L 2 —1E L =2[1� -2 lConvalescent Facilities F --- - ------- Day -Care, General UP 7 [(jo�verninent�Offices Hospitals _ ff = P�= Park and Facilities UP UP UP UP UP Public Safety Facilities Religious Assembly P IT ISchools, Public IF . ------ - --- ... . ..... ... . .......... -- ---- --- - --------- - - -------- Utilities, Major Utilities, Minor ===K=im = ----JE=E=[---=E-=E:=L- COMMERCIAL .USES,----- (C) -- - -------- Horticulture, lVehicle/Equipment Sales and I Commercial Parkin gFacility '' =L-jJK 3= is#?rAccommod Accommodations i (V- --- --- ------ i . .... . --- - -- ----- ----- .L-Bed and Breakfast Inns -SRO Residential Hotels E -= 1--7= P -= E= RY= AGRICULTUR AT, AND - -I. EXTR4CTIVE –USES —I (A), (B), (C) Animal husbandry 11PD/ 'F',tF-- IF- IF- Production uz and Proc PRY USES Structures and Uses IRARY USES ilCircuses and Carnivals i ip lip lip lip 11 p Jl(K) ii 2611066751-0059 512369.01 a06114104 -5- I Commercial Filming, Limit�LL P IF P (K) Personal Property Sales �� P ; ®���F' � (L) +� Heliports, Temporary Real Estate Offices Temporary _3 EL Estate _ -.P.. ._.... .. ._ . .. ............ ....__..... -.._.- Residential Districts: Additional Land Use Regulations L -1: Twenty (20) acres minimum. L-2: Limited to yacht clubs, use permit required. L -3: Public or no fee private lots for automobiles may be permitted in any residential district adjacent to any commercial or industrial district subject to the securing of a use permit in each case. L-4: See Chapter 20.81, Oil Wells. L -5: Subject to the approval of the Planning Director. (A): See Section 20.60.025, Relocatable Buildings. (B): See Section 20.60.015, Temporary Structures and Uses. (C): See Section 20.60.050, Outdoor Lighting. (D): With the exception of uses in the R -1 Zone, any dwelling unit otherwise permitted by this Code may be used for short term lodging purposes as defined in Chapter 5.95 of the Municipal Code subject to the securing of I . A business license pursuant to Chapter 5.04 of the Municipal Code. 2. A transient occupancy registration certificate pursuant to Section 3.16.060 of the Municipal Code. 3. A short term lodging permit pursuant to Chapter 5.95 of the Municipal Code. (E): See Chapter 20.85, Accessory Dwelling Units. (F): See Section 20.60.110, Bed and Breakfast Inns. (G): Keeping of Animals in the R -A District. The following regulations shall apply to the keeping of animals in the R -A District: 1. Large Animals. The keeping of large animals (as defined in Section 20.03.030) shall be subject to the following regulations: a. Horses. One horse may be kept for each ten thousand (10,000) square feet of lot area, up to a maximum of three horses; provided, the horse or horses are kept for recreational purposes only. The keeping of four or more horses for recreational uses shall require a use permit issued by the Planning Director. The keeping of horses for commercial purposes shall require a use permit issued by the Planning Commission. b. Other Large Animals. Other large animals, including goats, sheep, pigs and cows, may be kept on lots of fifteen thousand (15,000) square feet or more and the number shall not exceed two adult animals of any one species. C. Total Number Permitted. The total number of large animals shall not exceed six. Offspring are exempt until such time as they are weaned. 2. Domestic and Exotic Animals. The number of domestic and exotic animals (as defined in Section 20.03.030) shall not exceed six. Offspring are exempt up to the age of three months. The keeping of four or more dogs over the age of three months shall require a kennel license pursuant to Section 7.04.090 of the Municipal Code. The keeping of wild animals shall require a permit pursuant to Chapter 7.08 of the Municipal Code. 3. Small Animals. The number of small animals, other than domestic and exotic animals (as defined in Section 20.03.030), shall not exceed six. Offspring are exempt up to the age of three months. 4. Control. 2611066751 -0059 512369.01 a06/14/04 -6- /b a. Domestic Animals. No such animals, except for cats, shall be permitted to run at large, but shall be confined, at all times within a suitable enclosure or otherwise under the control of the owner of the property. b. Other Animals. No animal, other than domestic animals, shall be permitted to run at large, but shall be confined, at all times within a suitable enclosure. (H): See Chapter 20.8 1, Oil Wells. (1): See Section 20.60.100, Home Occupations in Residential Districts. (7): See Section 20.60.055, Heliports and Helistops. (K): Special event permit required, see Chapter 5.10 of the Municipal Code. (L): See Section 20.60.120, Personal Property Sales in Residential Districts. (M): See Section 20.60.125, Design Standards for Mobile Homes on Individual Lots. SECTION 6. Section 20.91.015 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows: 20.91.015 Use Permit, Variance, or Federal Exception Permit Requisite to Other Permits. No building permit or certificate of occupancy shall be issued in any case where a use permit, variance, or Federal Exception Permit is required by the terms of this code unless and until such use permit, variance or Federal Exception Permit has been granted by the Planning Director or the Planning Commission or by the affirmative vote of the City Council on appeal or review and then only in accordance with the terms and conditions of the use permit, variance or Federal Exception Permit granted. SECTION 7. Section 20.91.020 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows: 20.91.020 Application for Use Permit, Variance, or Federal Exception Permit. An application for a use permit, variance, or Federal Exception Permit shall be filed in a manner consistent with the requirements contained in Chapter 20.90, Application Filing and Fees. SECTION 8. Section 20.91.025 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows: 20.91.025 Duties of the Planning Director and the Planning Commission. A. Authority. The Planning Commission shall approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove applications for use permits, variances and Federal Exception Permits, unless the authority for 261/066751 -0059 $12369.01 306114!04 -7- an administrative decision on a use permit is specifically assigned to the Planning Director in the individual chapters of this code. 1 Exception. The City Council shall have final decision- making authority on the applications for use permits, variances and Federal Exception Permits filed concurrently with amendments to the general plan, zoning code, or a planned community development plan or with a development agreement. B. Rendering of Decision. After the conclusion of the hearing on any application for a use permit, variance or Federal Exception Permit, the Planning Commission shall render a decision within thirty -five (35) days. Where the authority for an administrative decision on a use permit is assigned to the Planning Director, the Planning Director shall render a decision within fourteen (14) days of the acceptance of a completed application. C. Report to the Planning Commission. Upon rendering a decision on a use permit, the Planning Director shall report to the Planning Commission at the next regular meeting or within fourteen (14) days of the decision, whichever is appropriate. D. Notice of Decision. Upon the rendering of a decision on a use permit by the Planning Director, a notice of the decision shall be mailed to the applicant and all owners of property within three hundred (300) feet of the boundaries of the site. SECTION 9. Section 20.91.030 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code is hereby amended to read in its entirety as follows: 20.91.030 Notice and.Public Hearing. A. Public Hearings. The Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing on an application for a use permit, variance, or Federal Exception Permit . Public hearings are not required for applications where the authority for an administrative decision on a use permit is assigned to the Planning Director. B. Timing of Hearings. A public hearing shall be held on all use permit, variance, and Federal Exception Permit applications, except as otherwise provided in this chapter, within sixty (60) days after the acceptance of a completed application. The Planning Commission shall have the ability to review an application for a Federal Exception Permit regardless of whether this code specifically provides for such a Federal Exception Permit when otherwise required by state or federal law. 261/066751 -0059 512369.01 a06114104 In 1'�_ 261/066751 -0059 512369.01 a06F14/04 C. Required Notice. Notice of a public hearing or an administrative decision shall be given as follows: 1. Mailed or Delivered Notice. a. Residential Districts. At least ten days prior to the hearing or an administrative decision, notice shall be mailed to the applicant and all owners of property within three hundred (300) feet of the boundaries of the site, as shown on the last equalized assessment roll or, alternatively, from such other records as contain more recent addresses. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to obtain and provide to the City the names and addresses of owners as required by this section. b. Nonresidential Districts. At least ten days prior to the hearing or an administrative decision, notice shall be mailed to the applicant and all owners of property within three hundred (300) feet, excluding intervening rights -of -way and waterways, of the boundaries of the site, as shown on the last equalized assessment roll or, alternatively, from such other records as contain more recent addresses. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to obtain and provide to the City the names and addresses of owners as required by this section. 2. Posted Notice. Notice shall be posted in not less than two conspicuous places on or close to the property at least ten days prior to the hearing or the administrative decision. 3. Published Notice. Notice shall be published in at least one newspaper of general circulation within the City, at least ten days prior to the hearing. D. Contents of Notice. The notice of public hearing or of the decision of the Planning Director shall contain: 1. A description of the location of the project site and the purpose of the application; 2. A statement of the time, place, and purpose of the public hearing or of the purpose of the administrative decision; 3. A reference to application materials on file for detailed information; 4. A statement that any interested person or authorized agent may appear and be heard at the planning hearing and an explanation of their rights of appeal in the case of an administrative decision. W f3 E. Continuance. Upon the date set for a public hearing before the Planning Commission, the Planning Commission may continue the hearing to another date without giving further notice thereof if the date of the continued hearing is announced in open meeting. SECTION 10, Section 20.91.035 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code is hereby amended by adding a new subsection C relating to Federal Exception Permits. 20.91.035 Required Findings. 2611066751.0059 512369.01 a06/14/04 The Planning Commission or the Planning Director, as the case may be, shall approve or conditionally approve an application for a use permit, variance, or Federal Exception Permit if, on the basis of the application, plans, materials, and testimony submitted, the Planning Commission or the Planning Director finds: A. For Use Permits. 1. That the proposed location of the use is in accord with the objectives of this code and the purposes of the district in which the site is located; 2. That the proposed location of the use permit and the proposed conditions under which it would be operated or maintained will be consistent with the general plan and the purpose of the district in which the site is located; will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, peace, morals, comfort, or welfare of persons residing or working in or adjacent to the neighborhood of such use; and will not be detrimental to the properties or improvements in the vicinity or to the general welfare of the city, 3. That the proposed use will comply with the provisions of this code, including any specific condition required for the proposed use in the district in which it would be located. B. For Variances. 1. That because of special circumstances applicable to the property, including size, shape, topography, location or surroundings, the strict application of this code deprives such property of privileges enjoyed by other property in the vicinity and under identical zoning classification; 2. The granting of the application is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of substantial property rights of the applicant; -10- ; 3. The granting of the application is consistent with the purposes of this code and will not constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the limitations on other properties in the vicinity and in the same zoning district; 4. The granting of such application will not, under the circumstances of the particular case, materially affect adversely the health or safety of persons residing or working in the neighborhood of the property of the applicant and will not under the circumstances of the particular case be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to property or improvements in the neighborhood. C. For Federal Exception Permitsz. 1. The Federal Exception Permit sought is handicapped - related. 2. The applicant has demonstrated that the living group residing in the Dwelling functions as a Single Housekeeping Unit as evidenced by factors including, but not limited to a lack of transiencey among its members. For the purposes of Federal Exception Permits in other than the R -1 Zone, a lack of transiencey shall mean the household does not change more than 50% of its members in any given calendar year, 3. The Federal Exception Permit neither requires a fundamental alteration in the nature of a program affected by the Federal Exception Permit nor imposes an undue financial or administrative burden on the City which creates an undue hardship on the City. To the extent authorized by law, the factors the Planning Commission, or the City Council on review or appeal may consider the following in deciding whether to grant a Federal Exception Permit include, but are not necessarily limited to: (i) whether vehicular traffic congestion in the neighborhood would be increased to an extent that would be contrary to, or violate, any relevant provision of the Newport Beach Municipal Code if the Federal Exception Permit was approved; 2 A "Federal Exception Permit" is the name of the permit and application process necessary to obtain a `reasonable accommodation" as that term is used in the Federal Fair Housing Act Exception Permit shall be approved unless the evidence in the administrative record establishes one of the findings for denial. 2611066751-0059 512369.01 a06114/04 -11- f5 (ii) whether the nature of vehicular traffic, such as the frequency or duration of trips by commercial vehicles, would be altered to a such an extent that it would be contrary to, or violate, any relevant provision of the Newport Beach Municipal Code if the Federal Exception Permit was approved; or (iii) whether development or use standards established in the Newport Beach Municipal Code and that are applicable to other residential uses in the neighborhood would be violated; or (iv) whether a Campus would be established in a residential zone if the Federal Exception Permit were granted; SECTION 11. Section 20.91.040 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code is hereby amended by adding a new subsection C relating to Federal Exception Permits. 20.91.040 Conditions of Approval. The Planning Commission or the Planning Director, as the case may be, may impose such conditions in connection with the granting of a use permit, variance, or Federal Exception Permit as they deem necessary to secure the purposes of this code and may require . guarantees and evidence that such conditions are being or will be complied with. Such conditions may include requirements for off - street parking facilities as determined in each case. SECTION 12. Section 20.91.045 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code is hereby amended by adding a new subsection C relating to Federal Exception Permits. 20.91.045 Effective Date. Use permits, variances, and Federal Exception Permits shall not become effective for fourteen (14) days after being granted, and in the event an appeal is filed or if the Planning Commission or the City Council shall exercise its right to review any such decision under the provisions of Chapter 20.95, the permit shall not become effective unless and until a decision granting the use permit, variance or Federal Exception Permit is made by the Planning Commission or the City Council. SECTION 13. Section 20.91.050 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code is hereby amended by adding a new subsection C. relating to Federal Exception Permits. 20.91.050 Expiration, Time Extension, Violation, Discontinuance, and Revocation. 2 6 006 67 5 1-00 5 9 512369.01 a06114/04 A. Expiration. Any use permit, variance, or Federal Exception Permit granted in accordance with the terms of this code shall expire '12' jt�' within twenty -four (24) months from the effective date of approval or at an alternative time specified as a condition of approval unless: 1. A grading permit has been issued and grading has been substantially completed; or 2. A building permit has been issued and construction has commenced; or A certificate of occupancy has been issued; or 4. The use is established; or A time extension has been granted. In cases where a coastal permit is required, the time period shall not begin until the effective date of approval of the coastal permit. B. Time Extension. The Planning Director may grant a time extension for a use permit, variance, or Federal Exception Permit for a period or periods not to exceed three years. An application for a time extension shall be made in writing to the Planning Director no less than thirty (30) days or more than ninety (90) days prior to the expiration date. C. Violation of Terms. Any use permit, variance, or Federal Exception Permit granted in accordance with the terms of this code may be revoked if any of the conditions or terms of such use permit, variance or Federal Exception Permit are violated, or if any law or ordinance is violated in connection therewith. D. Discontinuance. A use permit, variance, or Federal Exception Permit shall lapse if the exercise of rights granted by it is discontinued for one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days. E. Revocation. Procedures for revocation shall be as prescribed by Chapter 20.96, Enforcement. SECTION 14. Section 20.91.055 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code is hereby amended relating to Federal Exception Permits. 20.91.055 Amendments and New Applications. 2611066751-0059 512369.010644/04 A. Amendments. A request for changes in conditions of approval of a use permit, variance, or Federal Exception Permit or a change to plans that would affect a condition of approval, shall be treated as a new application. The Planning Director may waive the UZ t 2611066751-M59 512369.01 a06/14/04 requirement for a new application if the changes are minor, do not involve substantial alterations or additions to the plan or the conditions of approval, and are consistent with the intent of the original approval. B. New Applications. If an application for a use permit, variance, or Federal Exception Permit is disapproved, no new application for the same, or substantially the same, use permit, variance or Federal Exception Permit shall be filed within one year of the date of denial of the initial application unless the denial is made without prejudice. MAI �D