HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987 - ZONING CODE AMENDMENDMENT TO MODIFY SECTION 20.36.050 (GENERAL LANDSACPE STANDARDS) TO RELAX TURF GRASS MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS DURING A LEVEL 3 LOCAL WATER SUPPLY SHORTAGE OR LOCAL EMERGENCY DUE TO DROUGHT RESOLUTION NO. 1987
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING CODE
AMENDMENT NO. CA2015-007 MODIFYING ZONING CODE
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS DURING A
LEVEL THREE OR LEVEL FOUR WATER SUPPLY SHORTAGE.
THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH HEREBY FINDS AS
FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. STATEMENT OF FACTS.
1. On June 9,2015,the City Council initiated an amendment of the Zoning Code that would
amend the regulations for Section 20.36.050 (General Landscape Standards) of the
Zoning Code to reflect the City's water conservation efforts and relax maintenance
requirementsfor lawn,landscape,and vegetation areas during drought conditions.
2. A public hearing was held on July 9, 2015, in the Council Chambers 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 Planning Commission at this meeting.
SECTION 2. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITYACT DETERMINATION.
1. This project has been determined to be categorically exempt pursuant to Title 14 of the
California Code of Regulations (Section 15307, Article 19 of Chapter 3, Guidelines for
Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act) under Class 7 (Actions by
Regulatory Agencies for Protection of Natural Resources).
2. Class 7 consists of actions taken by regulatory agencies as authorized by state law or
local ordinance to assure the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, or protection of
the environment where the regulatory process involves procedures for the protection
of the environment. The Zoning Code Amendment would modify general landscape
standards and relax watering requirements for the maintenance of lawn, landscaping,
and vegetation areas during drought conditions when a water shortage has been
identified.
SECTION 3. FINDINGS.
1. Considering the current drought, City Council declared a Level Three water supply
shortage. Due to potable water use limitations, it is expected that it may be difficult or
undesirable for lawn areas to be kept in a healthy or growing condition during the
current drought for months (or years)to come.
2. Similar landscape maintenance exceptions are anticipated for lawn, landscape, and
other vegetated areas in the event that a Level Four Water Supply Shortage is
declared in the future.
Planning Commission Resolution No. 1987
Page 2 of 3
3. The recommended Code Amendment exempts some lawn, landscape, and vegetation
area maintenance requirements in the event the Governor has declared a state of
emergency or a local government has declared a local emergency (Level 3 or Level 4
water supply shortage) due to drought.
SECTION 4. DECISION.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1. The Planning Commission of the City of Newport Beach hereby recommends City
Council approval of Code Amendment No. CA2015-007 (PA2015-108) amending
Section 20.36.050 (General Landscape Standards) of the Zoning Code as set forth in
Exhibit"A."
2. This action shall become final and effective 14 days following the date this Resolution
was adopted unless within such time an appeal is filed with the City Clerk in
accordance with the provisions of Title 20 Planning and Zoning, of the Newport Beach
Municipal Code.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED THIS 9TH DAY OF JULY, 2015.
AYES: Kramer, Myers, Brown, Hillgren, Koetting, and Lawler
NOES: None
ABSTAI N: None
ABSENT: None
BY:
Kotr, ice Ch it
BY: (�4 ��---
Jay yer , Se eta
03-03-2015