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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1639 - RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT_MARINERS MILE SPECIFIC PLAN REGULATIONS RELATED TO LANDSCAPINGRESOLUTION NO. 1639 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH RECOMMENDING APPROVAL TO THE CITY COUNCIL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE MARINER'S MILE SPECIFIC PLAN REGULATIONS RELATED TO LANDSCAPING (PA2004 -104) WHEREAS, the Mariner's Mile Specific Plan District (SP -5) requires the use of the Ligustrum j. 'Texanum', in the required frontage planter area, and requires a minimum of 1 Washingtonia robusta per each 18 feet of street frontage in the required frontage planter area. WHEREAS, Ligustrum j. 'Texanum' is a fast growing shrub with a 6 -9 foot high mature size which leads to high maintenance requirements. Additionally, the existing requirement of 1 Washingtonia robusta palm per each 18 of street frontage is excessive and will create a more dense crowding of palms than necessary to achieve the landscape goals of the Mariner's Mile Strategic Vision and Design Framework. WHEREAS, the amendment is desired to give property owners flexibility when selecting a shrub species but limits their choices to three shrubs with physical characteristics that will ensure the visual coherence and constancy among Mariner's Mile properties described in the Strategic Vision and Design Framework. WHEREAS, the amendment is desired to assure that excessive numbers of palms are not required on lots not large enough to support 1 per each 18 feet while still meeting the goals of the Mariner's Mile Strategic Vision and Design Framework by requiring 1 palm tree per each 30 feet of frontage. WHEREAS, The Planning Commission initiated the proposed amendments on May 20, 2004. WHEREAS, Both City and private landscape professionals have been consulted regarding the two shrub species selected and the reduction in number of required palms. WHEREAS, A public hearing was held on June 17, 2004 in the City Hall Council Chambers, 3300 Newport Boulevard, Newport Beach, California. A notice of time, place and purpose of the meeting was given in accordance with the Municipal Code. Evidence, both written and oral, was presented to and considered by the Planning Commission at this meeting. WHEREAS, The Planning Commission finds as follows: 1. The proposed amendments to Section 20.42.050(M) of the Mariner's mile Specific Plan (SP -5) are consistent with the intent of the existing Specific Plan Landscape Regulations. City of Newport Beach Planning Commission Resolution No. _ Pape 2 of 2 2. The proposed amendments to Section 20.42.050(M) of the Mariner's Mile Specific Plan (SP -5) are consistent with the intent of the Mariner's Mile Strategic Vision and Design Framework. 3. The proposed amendments to the Section 20.42.050(M) of the Mariner's mile Specific Plan (SP -5) are consistent with the General Plan and will not be detrimental to the City of Newport Beach. 4. The addition of two shrub species will allow some variation and options for developers and property owners but, are similar in physical characteristics so the goal of continuity through common landscaping among all properties will be achieved. 5. The reduction in the number of required Washingtonia robusta (Mexican fan palm) from 1 per each 18 feet of street frontage to 1 per every 30 feet will still provide enough palms to achieve the palm continuum as detailed in the Mariner's Mile Strategic Vision and Design Framework. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning Commission of the City of Newport Beach hereby recommends approval of Code Amendment No. 2004- 006 for the proposed amendments to the Mariner's Mile Specific Plan landscape regulations (Code Section 20.42.050(M)) pertaining to shrub and palm landscaping requirements as proposed in Exhibit "A ". PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 17'h DAY OF JUNE 2004. AYES: Eaton, Cole, McDaniel, Selich and Tucker ABSENT: Kiser and Toerqe BY: Earl McDaniel, Chairman BY: Michae rge, Secretary