HomeMy WebLinkAbout7.0 - Newport Villas Memo - PA2014-213 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
November 5, 2015 Meeting
Director's Report
SUBJECT: Newport Center Villas - (PA2014-213)
150 Newport Center Drive
• General Plan Amendment No. GP2014-003
• Code Amendment No. CA2014-008
• Planned Community Development Plan No. PC2014-004
• Site Development Review No. SD2014-006
• Tentative Tract Map No. NT2015-003, County Tentative Tract Map
No. 17915
• Development Agreement No. DA2014-002
• Mitigated Negative Declaration No. ND2015-003
APPLICANT: Tod Ridgeway representing Newport Center Anacapa Associates, LLC
OWNER: Newport Center Anacapa Associates, LLC
PLANNER: Makana Nova, Associate Planner
(949) 644-3249, mnova@newportbeachca.gov
PROJECT SUMMARY
The following report provides an update on the status of the Newport Center Villas'
project, specifically, the project's environmental review. The project was originally
reviewed under a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND), however, following the
Planning Commission's study session the applicant has requested the preparation of an
Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Thus, this project has been removed from the
Planning Commission's calendar to allow for the preparation of an EIR.
The proposed project consists of the demolition of an existing 8,500-square-foot car-wash,
convenience market, and gas station to accommodate the development of a 7-story 49-
unit residential condominium building with three levels of subterranean parking.
Development of the proposed project requires the following approvals from the City of
Newport Beach:
• General Plan Amendment - to change the land use category from CO-R
(Regional Commercial Office) to RM (Multi-Unit Residential) and establish an
anomaly (Table LU2) designation for 49 dwelling units.
• Zoning Code Amendment - to change the Zoning District designation from OR
(Office Regional Commercial) to PC (Planned Community District) over the entire
site.
• Planned Community Development Plan - to establish a planned community
development plan (PC) over the entire project site that includes development and
design standards for 49 residential condominium units. In order to establish a
Newport Center Villas
Planning Commission, November 5, 2015
Page 2
planned community development plan, a waiver of the minimum site area of 10
acres of developed land is necessary. The applicant also requests an increase in
the height limit to 75 feet 6 inches with mechanical appurtenances up to 83 feet 6
inches.
• Site Development Review - to allow the construction of 49 multi-family dwelling
units.
• Tentative Tract Map-to establish a 49-unit residential condominium tract on a 1.3
acre site.
• Development Agreement - review of a proposed development agreement that
would provide public benefits should the project be approved.
• Environmental Impact Report (EIR) -An EIR will be prepared to address the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and any potential effects on the
environment from the project.
PROJECT UPDATE
October 8, 2015, Planning Commission StudV Session
At the October 8, 2015, Planning Commission Study Session, the applicant gave a
presentation that included the project design, amenities, and visual simulations.
Planning staff also presented project data including the necessary discretionary
applications and environmental review for the project. The project was scheduled for the
Planning Commission Public Hearing on October 22, 2015.
Written public comments pertaining to the draft Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND)
were included as part of the staff report packet for the study session and several
members of the public presented comments at the study session. After reviewing the
information, the Planning Commissioners requested that an Environmental Impact
Report (EIR) be prepared to more thoroughly address potential environmental impacts
under CEQA.
Environmental Review
Planning staff's initial analysis of the project for compliance with the CEQA concluded
that the project would not have a significant impact on the environment and a MND was
prepared. The draft document included mitigation measures to reduce environmental
impacts to a level that is less than significant in the following areas: biological
resources, cultural resources, geology & soils, hazards & hazardous materials, and
noise. The MND was completed and circulated for a mandatory 20-day public-review
period that began on September 11, 2015, and concluded on October 1, 2015. The
public comment period was later extended through October 7, 2015, at the request of
several members of the public.
Newport Center Villas
Planning Commission, November 5, 2015
Page 3
Following direction received at the Planning Commission Study Session, the applicant
agreed with the need for an EIR. In conjunction with this request, the October 22, 2015,
Planning Commission meeting was cancelled and the item will be rescheduled at a later
date.
The CEQA consultant for the project is preparing an amendment to their contract to
prepare an EIR. Although CEQA costs are paid by the applicant, the CEQA consultant
is under contract with the City and the increase in project scope requires City Council
review. The tentative timeline set forth for the preparation of the EIR suggests that the
draft EIR may be ready for the 45-day public review and comment period in February. In
accordance with this tentative schedule, the proposed project would proceed to the
Planning Commission for a public hearing in April or May 2016.
Prepared by: Submitted by:
Mak a N a r n a Wisnes i, ICP, Deputy Director
Associate Planner
Rpt.docx:0410714