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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/18/2014 - Planning Commision CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Council Chambers — 100 Civic Center Drive Thursday, September 18, 2014 REGULAR MEETING 6: 30 p. m . I . CALL TO ORDER - The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p. m . II . PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Chair Tucker III . ROLL CALL PRESENT: Brown , Koetting, Myers and Tucker ABSENT/EXCUSED : Hillgren , Kramer and Lawler Staff Present: Brenda Wisneski , Deputy Community Development Director; Leonie Mulvihill , Assistant City Attorney; Tony Brine , City Traffic Engineer; Fern Nueno, Associate Planner; Brittany Ramirez, Administrative Technician IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS Chair Tucker invited those interested in addressing the Planning Commission on items not on the agenda, to do so at this time . Seeing no one, Chair Tucker closed Public Comments . V. REQUEST FOR CONTINUANCES - None VI . CONSENT ITEMS ITEM NO. 1 MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 4, 2014 Recommended Action : Approve and file Chair Tucker noted that changes to the minutes of September 4, 2014, were submitted by Commissioner Hillgren and Mr. Jim Mosher. Chair Tucker opened public comments . Seeing no one wishing to provide comment, Chair Tucker closed public comments . Motion made by Chair Tucker and seconded by Commissioner Brown and carried (4 — 0) to approve the Planning Commission meeting minutes of September 4, 2014, as corrected . AYES : Brown , Koetting, Myers and Tucker NOES : None ABSTENTIONS : None ABSENT: Hillgren , Kramer and Lawler VII . STUDY SESSION ITEM ITEM NO, 2 BALBOA VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT PLANS — PA2014-141 Site Location : Balboa Village between Adams Street and A Street In response to Chair Tucker's inquiry, Deputy Community Development Director Brenda Wisneski noted that this matter relates to the Balboa Village Design Guidelines . It was noted that since this is a study session item , no action will be taken by the Planning Commission at this time. Ms . Wisneski introduced the item , provided background and commented on the issues to be discussed including the Balboa Village Design Guidelines, Streetscape Improvement Plan and Wayfinding Sign Program . She addressed community outreach, adoption of the Balboa Village Master Plan by Council in 2012, formation of the Page 1 of 6 NEWPORT BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 09/18/14 Balboa Village Advisory Committee (BVAC) and its duties, improvements in the public area, facade improvement program , the Planning Commission's role at this time and reported that the item is scheduled to return to the Planning Commission on October 2, 2014, for formal adoption . She added that the Planning Commission will use the design guidelines and parking management plan when considering future development applications . She addressed next steps and the schedule and deferred to staff and the City's consultant for reports . Discussion followed regarding consideration of the Master Plan by the Planning Commission and items on which the Planning Commission should now focus. Ms . Wisneski reported that the Public Hearing later tonight is on the formation of the parking overlay district as it is in the Zoning Code and will include changes to the parking standards , the ability to create shared-parking arrangements, and elimination of the in-lieu fee program . Assistant City Attorney Leonie Mulvihill addressed parking district standards which are separate and apart and have to do with parking-meter fees . That will not be before the Planning Commission and will be a separate action for Council In response to an inquiry from Commissioner Brown , Ms. Wisneski reported that the types of projects appearing before the Planning Commission will not change . She addressed the purpose of the BVAC and reported that they are not involved in any type of application or permit review. Associate Planner Fern Nueno presented details of the wayfinding and streetscape design , and addressed the purpose of the wayfinding program , existing wayfinding sign locations, proposed wayfinding sign locations , and pedestrian and gateway signs, and presented examples of each . She commented on the logo included on the signs and approval of same by BVAC. Additionally, she noted that there are two (2) gateway signs proposed as well as pedestrian-oriented signs, and reported that the ability to install future banners to advertise special events is included . She addressed a "no outlet" sign that will also be included in the program . Discussion followed regarding the "no outlet" sign and the possibility of adding text on the back side of the gateway signs . Associate Planner Nueno provided details of streetscape and public realm improvements noting that the primary focus is on the main corridors and that improvements include landscaping , trees, furniture, trash receptacles, and4 bicycle racks among others . Additionally, there will be hardscape improvements including decorative walkways, art, and lighting . She commented on the color scheme and materials . Commissioner Koetting commented on the benches and installing guides to guard against them being used by skateboarders . Ms . Nueno presented examples of potential trees and addressed the tree palette and species, hardscape improvements along intersections and medians, and decorative tile work. Discussion followed regarding the tree species, consideration of tree roots, leaves , droppings , and canopies . Ms. Wisneski introduced and deferred to Scott Martin , Architect with RRM Design Group, who was responsible for developing the design guidelines . Scott Martin commented on the company, on the aggressive timeline and community interaction throughout the process . He addressed the purpose of design guidelines and why they are important, ensuring community character and quality, bringing cohesiveness to the community, setting building and development parameters, providing pride of ownership, and setting clear expectations . He added that design guidelines help to empower staff, shift responsibility to the applicant, help create a more timely review process, and serve as a training tool . He referenced the existing design guidelines and the Urban Land Institute ( ULI ) study recommendations and commented on the changes made to streamline the document and make it more user-friendly, and addressed organization , architectural character, and specific examples of facade improvements for updating existing buildings . Mr. Martin highlighted the focus of each chapter of the document, architectural styles, the fagade improvement program , materials, keeping the "good" in the existing guidelines, and opportunity for changes . Page 2 of 6 NEWPORT BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 09/18/14 Discussion followed regarding the definition of "mixed use, " incentives for property owners relative to mixed use and residential land uses, the need for additional residential to support commercial land uses and inspire revitalization, the fagade improvement program tiers, consideration of massing and character, and potential compatibility and encouraging mixed-use development. Ms . Nueno reported that many of the properties in the Village are designated as mixed-use and that the facade improvement program was recommended as an economic development strategy in the Master Plan . It is a two- tiered system including minor and major improvements where incentives are offered . She added that Council will be reviewing it within the next month . Chair Tucker noted that the residential element of new mixed use would require parking while no parking would be required for many new commercial uses if the Council adopts the Commissions recommendations . He noted that some of the lesser quality retail uses will probably transition to other types of uses (i .e . , restaurants) . Relative to the design guidelines, Chair Tucker noted that improving the look of the area will take a long time because many buildings were not well designed and have not been well maintained . Chair Tucker suggested specifying stucco must be hand troweled so that stucco buildings will not become as dirty and also suggested specifying higher-grade materials be required . He addressed awnings, canopies and signage and suggested adding a requirement for dirty, faded , broken or torn elements to be maintained , repaired and replaced , as needed . Additionally, regarding the facade improvement program , he suggested providing bigger incentives or bestowing other benefits to expedite the improvement of the visual appeal of the area . Chair Tucker opened public comments . W . R. Dildine provided testimony regarding his recent experience in seeking a permit and commented on the requirements for doing so. He reported that the cost of the required modifications will be greater than the original work he applied for. He commented positively on the development of the design guidelines but expressed concerns regarding the residential mixed use. Seeing no others wishing to address the Planning Commission , Chair Tucker closed public comments. VIII . CONTINUED BUSINESS ITEM NO. 3 BALBOA VILLAGE PARKING MANAGEMENT — PA2014-016 Site Location : Balboa Village between Adams Street and A Street Chair Tucker introduced the item and noted that the Planning Commission has no jurisdiction regarding permit parking and hoped the testimony would address other aspects of the parking management plan . Deputy Community Development Director Wisneski commented on the challenges relative to parking requirements for intensification of uses and redevelopment. She addressed goals of the Balboa Village Master Plan in terms of parking , including developing a parking management overlay district allowing placing a boundary around the Village and separating it from otherwise applicable parking standards . She equated the overlay as the zoning and the Master Plan as the strategies within it. Ms . Wisneski provided details of each component of the parking management plan and addressed uses that would still need to comply with parking standards, the total number of existing parking spaces in the Village and their availability throughout the year, opportunities for parking throughout the year, development potential in the Village, and staffs finding that the existing parking supply has the ability to support increased demand in the future . She commented on the need to monitor the program over time, on existing private parking, off-street parking , and creating a shared-parking environment. She addressed ways to encourage shared-parking programs , making private parking lots available for public use, and ways to deal with property maintenance and liability issues . Shared-parking agreements would be done on a strictly voluntary basis . Discussion followed regarding challenges with getting property owners to agree to shared parking and generating workable incentives for property owners to agree to shared parking . Ms . Wisneski addressed elimination of the in-lieu parking program , businesses in the Village still participating in the program , and the proposed employee parking program . Page 3of6 NEWPORT BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 09/18/14 It was suggested that the City not try to set the incentives without first going to the property owners and employees to determine the incentives that are important to them . Ms. Wisneski agreed and noted that the program would evolve over time and is part of the comprehensive effort involved in the parking management plan . Associate Planner Nueno addressed the components of the shared-parking program and provided examples of each . Discussion followed regarding parking enforcement, the demand for public parking where there are no time restrictions and/or meters , and the possibility of metering the private lots . Chair Tucker highlighted areas in Exhibit A to clarify when parking is required . Discussion followed regarding acceptable distances for walking and the possibility of overlapping hours of operation for shared use of parking . Chair Tucker opened the Public Hearing . Deanna Schnabel commented on the elimination of parking requirements relative to ExplorOcean . Chair Tucker noted there are certain types of uses that will need to continue to provide parking and ExplorOcean appeared to be one of them . Ms. Wisneski confirmed that specific uses, such as ExplorOcean , that have a greater demand for parking will still need to meet parking requirements and have been identified as non-exempt from the provision . Brief discussion followed regarding parking for the Balboa Village Theater and its classification as a landmark theatre building . Deanna Schnabel stated there is nothing in the elimination of parking standards that directs the public to paid parking lots and expressed concerns with people parking in residential areas . She asked that the Planning Commission make the elimination of parking standards for certain commercial uses contingent upon the residential parking permit program being implemented . Chair Tucker noted that Council will be considering the entire package, including consideration of permit parking and commented on what the Planning Commission can recommend . W. R. Dildine noted that several businesses in the Village have indicated that if a shared-parking program was mandated , they would oppose it. He commented on challenges in implementing the program . Harold Gray commented on existing parking problems and noted that his employees ride-their-bicycles-to-work---- because ork —because they cannot find parking . He added that this has hampered their ability to find qualified employees and draw from outside the area . He commented on motorhomes taking up parking spaces and suggested tightening up parking regulations in certain areas for additional parking spaces . He suggested the need to look at the "grass-roots" portion of the parking and resolving some of the motorhome problems in order to free up parking spaces. Jim Mosher expressed concerns regarding the elimination of parking requirements for commercial businesses and commented that this was the first parking overlay district that the City has created . He stated he finds references to the zoning code within the document to be confusing as it is an electronic document and suggested that all of the relevant documents should be in the same place . He suggested other changes in the document for increased clarification and consistency. Nanette Dell , representing business owners , noted that her clients are opposed to the shared use of their parking lot. She noted that they have consulted with their attorneys and are prepared to challenge the matter in court. She addressed decreased property values and opined that the implementation of a shared-parking program would be a taking of private property for a public purpose . Page 4 of 6 NEWPORT BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 09/18/14 In response to Chair Tucker's inquiry, Ms . Wisneski reported that the shared-parking program is neither mandated nor required , but would be strictly voluntary. Chair Tucker note to Ms . Dell that she was mistaken about the nature of the shared-parking program and that it was only being included in the program so that it would be allowed if owners voluntarily wanted to take advantage of a shared parking arrangement. There being no others wishing to address the Planning Commission , Chair Tucker closed the Public Hearing . Discussion followed regarding the need to address the issue of motorhomes taking up an excessive number of parking spaces . Assistant City Attorney Mulvihill noted that the current code allows for parking of recreational vehicles and explained the specific section of the code . She noted that they pay by space , that there are current regulations that must be complied with and addressed enforcement. Ensuing discussion pertained to previous recreational vehicle (RV) parking programs relative to overnight camping allowances . Ms. Mulvihill noted there is no overnight camping allowed and that the lot opens at 6:00 a . m . Staff will ask Code Enforcement to monitor the situation . Motion made by Chair Tucker and seconded by Commissioner Brown and carried (4 — 0) to adopt the Resolution recommending City Council adoption of Code Amendment No . CA2014-001 creating the Balboa Village Parking Management Overlay District, including changes as discussed to Exhibit A of the Resolution . AYES : Brown , Koetting, Myers and Tucker NOES: None ABSTENTIONS : None ABSENT: Hillgren , Kramer and Lawler IX. STAFF AND COMMISSIONER ITEMS ITEM NO. 4 MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION - None ITEM NO, 5 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR'S REPORT 1 . Update on the General Plan/Local Coastal Program Implementation Committee Ms . Wisneski noted nothing to report and stated that the next meeting of the Committee will be in October. 2 . Update on City Council Items Ms . Wisneski provided an update on recent City Council items that have been considered and addressed Council actions and directions . Additionally, she listed upcoming Council items to be considered . ITEM NO. 6 ANNOUNCEMENTS ON MATTERS THAT THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS WOULD LIKE PLACED ON A FUTURE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION , ACTION , OR REPORT - None ITEM NO, 7 REQUESTS FOR EXCUSED ABSENCES Commissioner Koetting requested an excused absence on October 23, 2014 . X. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Planning Commission , the meeting was adjourned at 8 :28 p. m . Page 5 of 6 NEWPORT BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 09/18/14 The agenda for the Planning Commission meeting was posted on Friday, September 12, 2014, at 3:00 p.m. in the Chambers binder, 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 Friday, September 12, 2014, at 2:55 p.m. Larry Tucker, Chair ✓1.� — "--� �* J y M er , S creta y Page 6 of 6