HomeMy WebLinkAboutZA2015-035 - ADDITION GREATER THAN 10% TO AN EXISTING SFR WITH NONCONFORMING GARAGE DIMENSIONS - 4630 Dorchester Rd RESOLUTION NO. ZA2015-035
A RESOLUTION OF THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APPROVING MODIFICATION
PERMIT NO. MD2015-003 FOR A 24-PERCENT ADDITION TO
AN EXISTING NONCONFORMING SINGLE-UNIT RESIDENCE
LOCATED AT 4630 DORCHESTER ROAD (PA2015-067)
THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH HEREBY FINDS AS
FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. STATEMENT OF FACTS.
1. An application was filed by John Dannelley, with respect to property located at 4630
Dorchester Road, and legally described as Lot 84, Tract 3519 requesting approval of a
Modification Permit.
2. The applicant proposes a modification permit to allow an approximately 24-percent
addition to an existing non-conforming single-family residence where the Zoning Code
limits additions to 10 percent of the existing gross floor area when the required parking
dimensions are not provided. The non-conforming garage currently provides 19 feet 6
inches in width by 20 feet in depth, where a minimum 20-foot by 20-foot dimension is
required. The garage dimensions were in compliance with the Zoning Code when it was
originally constructed.
3. The subject property is located within the Single-Unit Residential (R-1-6000) Zoning
District and the General Plan Land Use Element category is Single-Unit Residential
Detached (RS-D).
4. The subject property is located within the coastal zone. The Coastal Land Use Plan
category is Single-Unit Residential Detached (RSD-A).
5. A public hearing was held on June 11, 2015 in the Corona del Mar Conference Room
(Bay E-1st Floor) at 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach. A notice of time, place and
purpose of the meeting was given in accordance with the Newport Beach Municipal
Code. Evidence, both written and oral, was presented to, and considered by, the
Zoning Administrator at this meeting.
SECTION 2. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT DETERMINATION.
1. This project has been determined to be categorically exempt pursuant to Title 14 of the
California Code of Regulations (Section 15315, Article 19 of Chapter 3, Guidelines for
Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act) under Class 1 (Existing
Facilities) of the Guidelines for CEQA.
2. This exemption includes additions up to 10,000 square feet where public services and
utilities are available and the area is not considered environmentally sensitive. The
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proposed project is a 733-square-foot addition to an existing single-unit residence in a
developed neighborhood and is not within an environmentally sensitive area.
SECTION 3. REQUIRED FINDINGS.
In accordance with Section 20.52.050.E (Modification Permits — Required Findings) of the
Newport Beach Municipal Code, the following findings and facts in support of such findings
are set forth:
Finding:
A. The requested modification will be compatible with existing development in the
neighborhood.
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. The neighborhood is comprised of single-story single-unit dwellings. The Modification
Permit will allow expansion of the one-story single-unit dwelling, which is compatible
with other properties in the neighborhood.
2. The addition would increase the one-story dwelling by 733 square feet, expanding
existing bedrooms, and adding a new walk-in closet, storage area, and dining room.
The proposed alterations will comply with all applicable development standards,
including lot coverage, height, and setbacks, and will not intensify or alter the existing
nonconformity.
3. The proposed addition will result in a total floor area of 3,828 square feet (including the
420-square-foot garage) with 27.7 percent lot coverage, which is substantially less
than the maximum allowable lot coverage of 60 percent for the property. The resulting
dwelling will be similar in bulk and scale to others within the neighborhood.
4. The existing development on the property is a single-family dwelling. As such, there is
no change to the density or intensity as a result of the proposed remodel and addition.
Finding:
B. The granting of the modification is necessary due to the unique physical
characteristic(s) of the property and/or structure, and/or characteristics of the use.
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. The interior dimensions of the existing two-car garage were in compliance with the
Zoning Code at the time of construction in 1961 and additions in 1965 and 1989.
However, as a result of amendments to the Zoning Code, the two-car garage is
now substandard in size, and is therefore legal nonconforming.
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2. The garage currently maintains the required 6-foot side yard setback and relocating
the westerly wall 6 inches would result in an encroachment into the setback.
Relocating the easterly wall would result in significant structural alterations to the
existing structure only for a nominal 6-inch increase. The easterly wall of the
garage is a load-bearing wall that separates the garage from living space. Bringing
the existing two-car garage into conformance with the clear 20-foot width required
by the current Zoning Code would result in a significant increase in the scope of the
project.
3. The granting of the Modification Permit is necessary to allow a reasonable addition
to an existing dwelling that was constructed in compliance with garage standards in
effect at the time of original construction, and that are adequate in width for the
parking of two (2) vehicles.
Finding:
C. The granting of the modification is necessary due to practical difficulties associated
with the property and that the strict application of the Zoning Code results in physical
hardships that are inconsistent with the purpose and intent of the Zoning Code.
Facts in Support of Findinq:
1. The addition is extending existing rooms toward the rear of the property and toward
the pool area. Increasing the width of the garage to twenty (20) feet would result in
a practical difficulty by requiring significant structural alterations to the structure and
a significant expansion in the scope of work for only 6 inches.
2. The existing garage provides two (2) useable garage spaces only 6 inches less
than the required width, therefore fulfilling the intent of the Zoning Code by
providing adequate parking on site. Approval of the Modification Permit allows the
applicant to continue using the existing two-car garage, which has not proven
detrimental to the occupants or neighbors of the dwelling.
Finding:
D. There are no alternatives to the modification permit that could provide similar benefits
to the applicant with less potential detriment to surrounding owners and occupants, the
neighborhood, or to the general public.
Facts in Support of Finding:
1 . The alternative would require that the applicant bring the existing two-car garage into
conformance by expanding the garage width. Expanding the garage toward the interior
of the property would require significant alterations to the structure. Expanding the
width of the garage into the 6-foot side setback required by the Zoning Code is not
feasible without a variance.
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2. The other alternative is to reduce the size of the addition to not more than ten (10)
percent of the existing floor area of the structure and comply with the requirements of
the Zoning Code. Given the proposal is to add to existing rooms and to add a new
dining room, a redesign to reduce the size of the addition will significantly impact the
intent of the project and not meet the objectives of the applicant.
Finding:
E. The granting of the modification would not be detrimental to public health, safety, or
welfare, to the occupants of the property, nearby properties, the neighborhood, or the
City, or result in a change in density or intensity that would be inconsistent with the
provisions of this Zoning Code.
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. The proposed one-story addition would maintain all required setbacks and will provide
adequate protection for light, air, and privacy. The addition will not preclude access to
the dwelling and will be consistent in scale with other dwellings in the neighborhood.
2. The existing nonconforming garage has not proven to be detrimental to the occupants
of the property, nearby properties, neighborhood, or City and is adequate in width to
park two (2) vehicles.
3. The approval of this Modification Permit is conditioned such that the applicant is
required to obtain all necessary permits, including for the as-built improvements, in
accordance with the Building Code and other applicable Codes.
SECTION 4. DECISION.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1. The Zoning Administrator of the City of Newport Beach hereby approves Modification
Permit No. MD2015-003, subject to the conditions set forth in "Exhibit A," which is
attached hereto and incorporated by reference.
2. This action shall become final and effective fourteen (14) days following the date this
Resolution was adopted unless within such time an appeal is filed with the Community
Development Director in accordance with the provisions of Title 20 Planning and
Zoning, of the Newport Beach Municipal Code.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED THIS 11`" DAY OF JUNE, 2015.
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re d Wisneski, AI P, Zoning Administrator
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EXHIBIT "A"
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
PLANNING
1. The development shall be in substantial conformance with the approved site plan, floor
plans and building elevations stamped and dated with the date of this approval. (Except
as modified by applicable conditions of approval.)
2. Each parking space within the garage shall be permanently available and maintained for
parking purposes. The interior dimensions (19 feet 6 inches wide by 20 feet deep) shall
be kept clear of obstructions including cabinets, shelving, or similar that may impact the
ability to adequately park two (2) vehicles.
3. The project is subject to all applicable City ordinances, policies, and standards, unless
specifically waived or modified by the conditions of approval.
4. A copy of the Resolution, including conditions of approval (Exhibit "A") shall be
incorporated into the Building Division and field sets of plans prior to issuance of the
building permits.
5. The applicant is required to obtain all applicable permits from the City's Building Division
and Fire Department, including for the existing improvements that were constructed
without the benefit of building permits. The construction plans must comply with the most
recent, City-adopted version of the California Building Code. The construction plans must
meet all applicable State Disabilities Access requirements.
6. Should the property be sold or otherwise come under different ownership, any future
owners or assignees shall be notified of the conditions of this approval by either the
current business owner, property owner or the leasing agent.
7. This approval shall expire and become void unless exercised within twenty-four (24)
months from the actual date of review authority approval, except where an extension of
time is approved in compliance with the provisions of Title 20 (Planning and Zoning) of
the Newport Beach Municipal Code.
8. To the fullest extent permitted by law, applicant shall indemnify, defend and hold
harmless City, its City Council, its boards and commissions, officials, officers, employees,
and agents from and against any and all claims, demands, obligations, damages,
actions, causes of action, suits, losses, judgments, fines, penalties, liabilities, costs and
expenses (including without limitation, attorney's fees, disbursements and court costs) of
every kind and nature whatsoever which may arise from or in any manner relate (directly
or indirectly) to City's approval of the Dannelly Residence Modification including, but not
limited to, MD2015-003 (PA2015-067). This indemnification shall include, but not be
limited to, damages awarded against the City, if any, costs of suit, attorneys' fees, and
other expenses incurred in connection with such claim, action, causes of action, suit or
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proceeding whether incurred by applicant, City, and/or the parties initiating or bringing
such proceeding. The applicant shall indemnify the City for all of City's costs, attorneys'
fees, and damages which City incurs in enforcing the indemnification provisions set forth
in this condition. The applicant shall pay to the City upon demand any amount owed to
the City pursuant to the indemnification requirements prescribed in this condition.
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