HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/23/2013 - Zoning AdministratorNEWPORT BEACH ZONING ADMINISTRATOR MINUTES 12/23/2013
NEWPORT BEACH ZONING ADMINISTRATOR MINUTES
100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach
Corona del Mar Conference Room (Bay E -1st Floor)
Monday, December 23, 2013
REGULAR HEARING
3:30 p.m.
A. CALL TO ORDER — The meeting was called to order at 3:30 p.m.
Staff Present: Brenda Wisneski, Zoning Administrator
Makana Nova, Assistant Planner
Gregg Ramirez, Senior Planner
B. MINUTES of December 12, 2013
Action: Approved
C. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
ITEM NO. 1 Macy's Sign Modification Permit No. MD2013 -020 (PA2013 -207)
101 Newport Center Drive CD 5
Makana Nova, Assistant Planner, provided a brief update of the signage proposed for Macy's within Fashion
Island Shopping Center, stating that the item had been continued from the December 12, 2013 Zoning
Administrator hearing and that the applicant had reduced the size of the proposed signage on the east
elevation by 9 inches. She noted that the proposed signs are halo backlit channel letters mounted to solid
wood backing to provide an even mounting surface for the new signs.
The Zoning Administrator indicated that after reviewing the staff report and revised sign plans she was
satisfied with the revised plans provided by the applicant for the east elevation. She indicated that the
updated exterior elevations and visual simulations were especially helpful in understanding the aesthetic
implications of the requested signage and why the background mounting surface was necessary.
Ms. Nova clarified that the letter sign on the east elevation had been lowered as a result of the reduced size
of the sign. She also recommended the deletion of Condition No. 2 as suggested by Mr. Mosher in his written
comments.
The Zoning Administrator then opened the public hearing.
Applicant Shawna Schaffner of CAA Planning, representing The Irvine Company, indicated that she felt the
staff report was thorough, that they were sensitive to the prior comments provided by the Zoning
Administrator and that the current submittal is better than the prior submission.
One member of the public, Jim Mosher, reiterated his opinion that relocating the big sign over the entrance
would be more efficient than the requested modification, that the existing sign is not difficult to see, and that
the requested size (four times the size of the existing sign) is excessive.
There were no other public comments.
The Zoning Administrator noted the need for both signs on each fagade and identified that the existing sign
over the entrance is exceptionally small. The Zoning Administrator approved Modification Permit No.
MD2013 -020 (PA2013 -207) with the deletion of Condition No. 2 of the draft conditions of approval.
Action: Approved
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NEWPORT BEACH ZONING ADMINISTRATOR MINUTES 12/23/2013
ITEM NO.2 Bari Studio Minor Use Permit No. UP2013 -026 (PA2013 -230)
2125 San Joaquin Hills Road CD 5
Gregg Ramirez, Senior Planner, provided a brief project description stating that the requested minor use
permit was to allow a 3,176- square -foot health and fitness facility in a vacant tenant space within a multi -
tenant building located in Block 500 Newport Center.
Ramirez further stated all of the required findings could be made and recommended approval to the Zoning
Administrator. He also requested the Zoning Administrator consider extending the closing hour of 8:00 pm to
10:00 pm, daily, to allow for flexibility in case the operator would like to provide classes later in the evening or
if a change in the business model or ownership occurred. He further stated that there were no residential
uses nearby and was not aware of other businesses open till 10:00 pm, except for possibly 24 Hours Fitness.
Further he stated that the Manager of Bari Studio was available for questions.
The Zoning Administrator questioned staff about public comments received and stated she agreed with the
suggested clarification to Condition of Approval No. 11 and saw no other issues. She also commended staff
with their research of ADA issues and providing the flexibility with parking.
The Zoning Administrator opened the public hearing. One member of the public, Jim Mosher, questioned the
location of 24 Hour Fitness and thought the business was closed; he noted that the hours of operation should
be the same as a similar business located in the building known as Power Fitness; he questioned if three
staff members were enough to accommodate 24 patrons; and questioned the City's chain of authority with
the parking requirement decision.
The manager of Bari Studio clarified that three staff members were plenty for 24 patrons. She indicated
Power Fitness is more of a private training facility and their studio focuses more on health and wellness and
that they agreed with the suggested hours.
There were no other public comments.
To be consistent with the surrounding area the Zoning Administrator recommended Condition of Approval
No. 9 be amended to 9:00 pm, daily, and noted that a correction to Condition of Approval No. 11 be made per
comments received from Mr. Jim Mosher. The Zoning Administrator then took action and approved Minor
Use Permit No. UP2013 -026
Action: Approved
D. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON - AGENDA ITEMS
A member of the public, Mr. Jim Mosher, stated that he went to the City Clerk's office per the direction of
the Zoning Administrator, to inquire about the audio from previous meetings that had disappeared from
the City's website and confirmed that the links were intentionally removed and that the public will never be
able to access the Zoning Administrator audio from the City's website. He stated that he feels it is a very
bad public policy; that the recordings are useful documentation and that they are prepared at tax payer
expense. Furthermore, he explained that they should not be destroyed as they cost nothing to keep.
E. ADJOURNMENT
The hearing was adjourned at 3:43 p.m.
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NEWPORT BEACH ZONING ADMINISTRATOR MINUTES 12/23/2013
The agenda for the Zoning Administrator Hearing was posted on December 19, 2013, at 4:35 p.m.
in the Chambers binder and on the digital display board located inside the vestibule of the Council
Chambers at 100 Civic Center Drive and on the City's website on December 19, 2013 at 5:30 p.m.
P, Zoning Administrator
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