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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3 - MUP 12-1 (B-86 Surfside Avenue)February 1, 2012 STAFF REPORT To: Honorable Chairwoman and Planning Commission From: Department of Development Services Subject: Minor Use Permit 12 -1 B -86 Surfside Avenue GENERAL DESCRIPTION Applicants: Owner: Location: RENEE A. DEPESO /ARTHUR PATINO RENEE A. DEPESO B -86 SURFSIDE AVENUE Classification of Property: RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY (RLD -9 - SURFSIDE) Request: Environmental Review: Code Sections: Recommendation: TO CONSTRUCT A NON - HABITABLE ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE IN EXCESS OF THE 35 -FOOT HEIGHT LIMIT. SPECIFICALLY, THE APPLICANT PROPOSES TO CONSTRUCT AN APPROXIMATELY 10' -3" BY 10' -3" COVERED ROOF ACCESS STRUCTURE (CRAS) AND AN APPROXIMATELY 9' -10" BY 11' -3" SOLID ROOF PATIO COVER TO EXCEED THE HEIGHT LIMIT BY APPROXIMATELY 1' -9 "; 7 FEET IS THE MAXIMUM HEIGHT ALLOWED BEYOND THE HEIGHT LIMIT. ONLY A PORTION OF THE CRAS AND PATIO COVER WILL EXCEED THE HEIGHT LIMIT. PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) SECTION 15301(E)(1) — EXISTING FACILITIES, THIS PROJECT IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM CEQA REVIEW. SECTIONS 11.2.05.015A AND 11.5.20 OF THE SEAL BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE. APPROVE MINOR USE PERMIT 12 -1, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS, THROUGH THE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 12 -1. Z: \Minor Use Permits \Minor Use Permits - 2012 \MUP 12 -1 B -86 Surfside Avenue \MUP 12 -1 B -86 Surfside Avenue PC Staff Report.doc FACTS ❑ On January 12, 2012, Mr. Arthur Patino ( "the applicant ") submitted an application to the Department of Development Services for Minor Use Permit (MUP) 12 -1. ❑ The proposed project would allow for the construction of a non - habitable architectural feature in excess of the 35 -foot height limit. Specifically, the applicant proposes to construct an approximately 10' -3" by 10' -3" Covered Roof Access Structure (CRAS) and an approximately 9' -10" by 11' -3" solid roof patio cover to exceed the height limit by approximately 1' -9 "; 7 feet is the maximum height allowed beyond the height limit. Only a portion of the CRAS and patio cover will exceed the height limit, the remaining areas are within the 35' -0" height limit. ❑ The subject property is mostly rectangular in shape with a lot area of approximately 1,232 square feet. The property is approximately 29' -0" wide by 41' -8 "' deep. ❑ The surrounding land uses and zoning are as follows: ❑ As of January 25, 2012, staff has received one letter in opposition to the proposed project, in response to the hearing notices that were mailed and published for the proposed MUP 12 -1. BACKGROUND NORTH, SOUTH, Single family dwellings located in the EAST & WEST Residential Low Density zone (RLD -9 - Surfside). On January 12, 2012, the applicant submitted an application for MUP 12 -1. The proposed project would allow for the construction of a non - habitable architectural feature in excess of the 35 -foot height limit. Specifically, the applicant proposes to construct an approximately 10' -3" by 10' -3" Covered Roof Access Structure (CRAS) and an approximately 9' -10" by 11' -3" solid roof patio cover to exceed the height limit by approximately 1' -9 "; 7 feet is the maximum height allowed beyond the height limit. The proposed CRAS complies with the provisions of §11.2.05.015.A.6 of the Seal Beach Municipal Code. MUP 12 -1 B -86 Surfside Avenue PC Staff Report.doc 2 Planning Commission Staff Report Minor Use Permit 12 -1 B -86 Surfside Avenue February 1, 2012 This request for MUP 12 -1 is in conjunction with the construction of a new single family dwelling within the Surfside Colony. While the original plans that were submitted and approved by the Planning department included a roof deck with a CRAS, the original structure was entirely within the 35' -0" height allowance. Once the building was under construction, the property owner made changes in the field to the roof pitch, layout, and design which resulted in the revised structure exceeding the height limitation and necessitating the Minor Use Permit. DISCUSSION I In general the Zoning Code states that no building or structure shall exceed the height limit for the district and zone in which it is located. However, Section 11.2.05.015.A.6 provides for non - habitable architectural features, such as spires, towers, cupolas, belfries, monuments, parapets (not required by the Uniform Building Code), domes, and covered access to open roof decks to exceed the height limit established pursuant to Section 11.2.05.015.A.3 (Surfside) up to a maximum of 7 feet, if granted pursuant to a Minor Use Permit approval. The height limit for structures within the Surfside Colony is 35 feet. The maximum height elevation of the proposed CRAS and patio cover is approximately 1' -9 "" beyond the 35 foot height limit, for a total building height of 36' -9 "" at the peak of the ridge for the CRAS and patio cover and gradually slopes downward on both sides away from the peak, to below the 35' -0" height limit at just beyond the midpoint of the slope. The proposed height is within the 7 -foot allowance provided for a non - habitable architectural feature under Section 11.2.05.015.A.3. In addition to the overall height requirement previously discussed, the Planning Commission, in reviewing an application for a Height Variation, shall consider criteria set forth in Section 11.2.05.015.A.6.c and make findings pursuant to said review. Said criteria stated in Section 11.2.05.015.A.6.c as follows: "c ...In making the findings required for the approval of a Minor Use Permit pursuant to Chapter 11.5.20: Development Permits, the following additional issues shall also be considered. (1) Whether such variation is appropriate for the architectural style of the building. (a) Whether all roofing materials of a covered stairwell to an open roof deck are in substantial conformity with the roofing materials of the remainder of the structure. MUP 12 -1 B -86 Surfside Avenue PC Staff Report.doc 3 Planning Commission Staff Report Minor Use Permit 12 -1 B -86 Surfside Avenue February 1, 2012 (b) Whether a covered stairwell to an open roof deck is located along peripheral exterior walls of the structure. (c) Whether a covered stairwell to an open roof deck is limited to the minimum area, both horizontally and vertically, necessary to cover the stairwell. (ii) Whether such variation is appropriate for the character and integrity of the neighborhood. (iii) Whether such variation significantly impairs the primary view from any property located within 300 feet. (iv) Detailed and complete plans for the proposed work." Architectural Style: Roofing, Location and Size MUP 12 -1 B -86 Surfside Avenue PC Staff Report.doc 4 Planning Commission Staff Report Minor Use Permit 12 -1 8 -86 Surfside Avenue February 1, 2012 The Code permits what the applicant is proposing, through the Minor Use Permit process, subject to the finding that the proposal is consistent with the integrity of the neighborhood. If the Planning Commission were to find that this proposal was not significantly in keeping with the character of the neighborhood, this application could be denied. In considering an application for such a Minor Use Permit, the Planning Commission may take into consideration the architectural style of the non - habitable architectural feature as it applies to the style of the overall structure. The materials used in this construction will be in substantial conformity with the materials used in the construction of the rest of the house. The proposed CRAS will have architectural treatments and roofing materials that are compatible with the home under construction and while one wall of the CRAS is located at the side wall of the dwelling, this is the lowest point of the CRAS and is actually below the 35' -0" height limit at this point. Additionally, the structure itself slopes upward toward the interior of the structure to soften the appearance and to minimize the impact to Tight and views from the nearest adjacent structure. The proposed CRAS has a plan view footprint of approximately 100 square feet and the solid roof patio cover has a roof structure area of approximately 120 square feet. The portion of the CRAS that exceeds the 35' -0" height is located approximately 3' -0" from the west side eave line and approximately 4' -6" from the east side eave line. Based on the design and location of the CRAS, as well as the location of the existing dwelling along the "B" Row within the Surfside Colony, Staff does not believe that the CRAS would significantly impair the primary view of any property located within 300 feet of the subject property, due the lower sloping roof line (3:12 roof pitch) and the fact that the ridge line only exceeds the height limit by 1' -9 ". The profile of the CRAS has been designed with consideration to reducing the visual impact to the neighborhood. It should be noted that the properties on either side of the subject property on the "B" row are considerably lower than subject property, meaning that, regardless of the CRAS, there is an existing impairment of the sight lines due to the prevalence of numerous three story structures in the vicinity, and the nearest three story structure on the "C" row has an existing CRAS located within the sight line of the subject property. Planning Commission Staff Report Minor Use Permit 12 -1 B -86 Surfside Avenue February 1, 2012 Staff believes that the CRAS and patio cover, as proposed, meets the intent of the Code and while the CRAS slightly exceeds the minimum square footage necessary to enclose the stairway, the additional area does not provide for any additional useful space and actually helps to provide a better overall architectural aesthetic. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the Planning Commission, after considering all relative testimony presented during the public hearing, approve Minor Use Permit 12 -1, subject to conditions. Staff's recommendation is based on the following: ❑ Minor Use Permit 12 -1, as conditioned, is consistent with the provisions of the Land Use Element of the City's General Plan, which provides a "Low Density Residential" designation for the subject property and permits single family residential uses. The use, as conditioned, is also consistent with the remaining elements of the City's General Plan as the policies of those elements are consistent with, and reflected in, the Land Use Element. Accordingly, the proposed use, as conditioned, is consistent with the General Plan. ❑ The proposed non - habitable architectural features, as conditioned, are architecturally in keeping with the remainder of the structure, with the roof pitch, roofing materials and siding architecturally compatible with that of the remainder of the structure. ❑ The proposed non - habitable architectural features, as conditioned, are appropriate for the character and integrity of the surrounding neighborhood and permissible by code through the issuance of a Minor Use Permit. ❑ No useable living space is provided within the structure. MUP 12 -1 B -86 Surfside Avenue PC Staff Report.doc 5 Planning Commission Staff Report Minor Use Permit 12 -1 B -86 Surfside Avenue February 1, 2012 ❑ The proposed non - habitable architectural feature, as conditioned, does not significantly impair the primary view of any property located within 300 feet of the subject property. Staff recommends the following conditions of approval for Minor Use Permit 12 -1: 1. Minor Use Permit 12 -1 is approved for the construction of a non - habitable architectural feature for an approximately 100 square foot Covered Roof Access Structure and approximately 120 square foot solid roof patio cover (area of roof structure) that is approximately 1' -9" in excess of the 35 -foot height limit at the ridge line at B -86 Surfside Avenue, Seal Beach. 2. All construction shall be in substantial compliance with the plans approved through Minor Use Permit 12 -1. All new construction shall comply with all applicable sections of the City's Zoning Code. 3. There shall be no livable space permitted within the Covered Roof Access Structure or the solid roof patio cover. 4. Roof pitches and exterior finishes of the Covered Roof Access Structure and solid roof patio cover shall be architecturally compatible with the remainder of the structure. 5. Building permits shall be obtained for all new construction requiring such permits. 6. This Minor Use Permit shall not become effective for any purpose unless an "Acceptance of Conditions" form has been signed by the applicant in the presence of the Director of Development Services, or notarized and returned to the Planning Department; and until the ten (10) day appeal period has elapsed. 7 The applicant shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless City, its officers, agents and employees (collectively "the City" hereinafter) from any and all claims and losses whatsoever occurring or resulting to any and all persons, firms, or corporations furnishing or supplying work, services, materials, or supplies in connection with the performance of the use permitted hereby or the exercise of the rights granted herein, and any and all claims, lawsuits or actions arising from the granting of or the exercise of the rights permitted by this Height Variation, and from any and all claims and losses occurring or resulting to any person, firm, corporation or property for damage, injury or death arising out of or connected with the performance of the use permitted hereby. Applicant's obligation to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the City as stated herein shall include, but not be limited to, paying all fees and costs incurred by legal counsel of the City's choice in representing the City in connection with any such claims, losses, MUP 12 -1 B -86 Surfside Avenue PC Staff Report.doc 6 lawsuits or actions, expert witness fees, and any award of damages, judgments, verdicts, court costs or attorneys' fees in any such lawsuit or action. Olivera, AICP or Planner epartment of Development Services Attachments: (2) Attachment 1: Resolution No. 12 -1, A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Seal Beach Approving Minor Use Permit 12 -1, for the Construction of a Covered Roof Access Structure and solid roof patio cover at B -86 Surfside Avenue, Seal Beach. Attachment 2: Project Plans MUP 12 -1 B -86 Surfside Avenue PC Staff Report.doc 7 Planning Commission Staff Report Minor Use Permit 12 -1 8 -86 Surfside Avenue February 1, 2012 ATTACHMENT 1 Planning Commission Staff Report Minor Use Permit 12 -1 8 -86 Surfside Avenue February 1, 2012 RESOLUTION NO. 12 -1, A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH APPROVING MINOR USE PERMIT 12 -1, FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NON - HABITABLE ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE FOR A COVERED ROOF ACCESS STRUCTURE AND A SOLID ROOF PATIO COVER AT B -86 SURFSIDE AVENUE, SEAL BEACH MUP 12 -1 B -86 Surfside Avenue PC Staff Report.doc 8 RESOLUTION NO. 12 -1 Planning Commission Staff Report Minor Use Permit 12 -1 8 -86 Surfside Avenue February 1, 2012 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH APPROVING MINOR USE PERMIT 12 -1, FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NON - HABITABLE ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE FOR A COVERED ROOF ACCESS STRUCTURE AT C -6 SURFSIDE AVENUE, SEAL BEACH. THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH DOES HEREBY RESOLVE: Section 1. On January 12, 2012, Mr. Arthur Patino ( "the applicant ") submitted an application for Minor Use Permit 12 -1. The proposed project would allow for the construction of a non - habitable architectural feature in excess of the 35 -foot height limit. Specifically, the applicant proposes to construct an approximately 10' -3" by 10' -3" Covered Roof Access Structure (CRAS) and an approximately 9' -10" by 11' -3" solid roof patio cover to exceed the height limit by approximately 1' -9 "; 7 feet is the maximum height allowed beyond the height limit through a Minor Use Permit, and only a portion of the CRAS and patio cover will exceed the height limit. Section 2. Pursuant to 14 Calif. Code of Regs. § 15025(a) and § II.A of the City's Local CEQA Guidelines, staff has determined as follows: The application for Minor Use Permit 12 -1 is categorically exempt from review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to 14 Calif. Code of Regs. § 15301(e)(1) (Existing Structures), because the application is for the construction of a non - habitable architectural feature in conjunction with an existing dwelling. Section 3. A duly noticed public hearing was held before the Planning Commission on February 1, 2012 to consider Minor Use Permit 12 -1. At the public hearing, the Planning Commission received into the record all evidence and testimony provided on this matter. Section 4. The record of the hearing indicates the following: MUP 12 -1 B -86 Surfside Avenue PC Staff Report.doc 9 (a) On January 12, 2012, the applicant submitted an application for Minor Use Permit 12 -1. (b) The applicant is requesting to construct an approximately 10' -3" by 10' -3" CRAS and an approximately 9' -10" by 11' -3" solid roof patio cover to exceed the height limit by approximately 1' -9" at B -86 Surfside Avenue; 7 feet is the maximum height allowed beyond the height limit through a Minor Use Permit. (c) The subject property is rectangular in shape with a lot area of approximately 1,232 square feet. The property is approximately 29' -0" wide by 41' -8" deep. (d) The surrounding land uses and zoning are as follows: Planning Commission Staff Report Minor Use Permit 12 -1 B -86 Surfside Avenue February 1, 2012 NORTH, SOUTH, Single family dwellings located in the EAST, & WEST Residential Low Density zone (RHD -9 - Surfside). (f) The proposed CRAS and solid roof patio cover will have roof lines, roofing material, and siding that is architecturally compatible with the single family dwelling under construction. (g) The proposed GRAS has a plan view footprint of approximately 100 square feet and the solid roof patio cover has a roof area of approximately 120 square feet. The portion of the CRAS that exceeds the 35' -0" height is located approximately 3' -0" from the west side eave line and approximately 4' -6" from the east side eave line. Section 5. Based upon the evidence in the record, including the facts stated in Section 4 of this resolution and pursuant to Section 11.2.05.015.A.3 of the City's Code, the Planning Commission hereby finds as follows: (a) Minor Use Permit 12 -1, as conditioned, is consistent with the provisions of the Land Use Element of the City's General Plan, which provides a "Low Density Residential" designation for the subject property and permits single family residential uses. The use is also consistent with the remaining elements of the City's General Plan as the policies of those elements are consistent with, and reflected in, the Land Use Element. Accordingly, the proposed use is consistent with the General Plan. (b) The proposed non - habitable architectural features, as conditioned, are architecturally in keeping with the existing structure, with the roof pitch, roofing materials and siding architecturally compatible with that of the remainder of the structure. (c) The proposed non - habitable architectural features, as conditioned, are appropriate for the character and integrity of the surrounding neighborhood. MUP 12 -1 B -86 Surfside Avenue PC Staff Report.doc 10 Planning Commission Staff Report Minor Use Permit 12 -1 8 -86 Surfside Avenue February 1, 2012 (d) No habitable living space is provided within the structures. (e) The proposed non - habitable architectural features, as conditioned, do not significantly impair the primary view of any property located within 300 feet of the subject property. Section 6. Based on the foregoing, the Planning Commission hereby approves Minor Use Permit 12 -1, subject to the following conditions: 1. Minor Use Permit 12 -1 is approved for the construction of a non - habitable architectural feature for an approximately 100 square foot Covered Roof Access Structure and approximately 120 square foot solid roof patio cover (area of roof structure) that is approximately 1' -9" in excess of the 35 -foot height limit at the ridge line at B -86 Surfside Avenue, Seal Beach. 2. All construction shall be in substantial compliance with the plans approved through Minor Use Permit 12 -1. All new construction shall comply with all applicable sections of the City's Zoning Code. 3. There shall be no livable space permitted within the Covered Roof Access Structure or the solid roof patio cover. 4. Roof pitches and exterior finishes of the Covered Roof Access Structure and solid roof patio cover shall be architecturally compatible with the remainder of the structure. 5. Building permits shall be obtained for all new construction requiring such permits. 8. This Minor Use Permit shall not become effective for any purpose unless an "Acceptance of Conditions" form has been signed by the applicant in the presence of the Director of Development Services, or notarized and returned to the Planning Department; and until the ten (10) day appeal period has elapsed. 9. The applicant shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless City, its officers, agents and employees (collectively "the City" hereinafter) from any and all claims and losses whatsoever occurring or resulting to any and all persons, firms, or corporations furnishing or supplying work, services, materials, or supplies in connection with the performance of the use permitted hereby or the exercise of the rights granted herein, and any and all claims, lawsuits or actions arising from the granting of or the exercise of the rights permitted by this Height Variation, and from any and all claims and losses occurring or resulting to any person, firm, corporation or property for damage, injury or death arising out of or connected with the performance of the use permitted hereby. Applicant's obligation to MUP 12 -1 B -86 Surfside Avenue PC Staff Report.doc 11 indemnify, defend and hold harmless the City as stated herein shall include, but not be limited to, paying all fees and costs incurred by legal counsel of the City's choice in representing the City in connection with any such claims, losses, lawsuits or actions, expert witness fees, and any award of damages, judgments, verdicts, court costs or attorneys' fees in any such lawsuit or action. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the Planning Commission of the City of Seal Beach at a meeting thereof held on the day of , 2012 by the following vote: AYES: Commissioners NOES: Commissioners ABSENT: Commissioners ABSTAIN: Commissioners Mark Persico, AICP Secretary - Planning Commission MUP 12 -1 B -86 Surfside Avenue PC Staff Report.doc 12 Planning Commission Staff Report Minor Use Permit 12 -1 B -86 Surfside Avenue February 1, 2012 Sandra Massa - Lavitt, Chairwoman Planning Commission MUP 12 -1 B -86 Surfside Avenue PC Staff Report.doc ATTACHMENT 2 PROJECT PLANS 13 Planning Commission Staff Report Minor Use Permit 12 -1 B -86 Surfside Avenue February 1, 2012