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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Res 12-02 - 2012-03-07 RESOLUTION NUMBER 12-2 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH DENYING VARIANCE 12-1 , TO CONSTRUCT AN EXTERIOR GLASS WALL FOR AN INTERIOR STAIRCASE THAT ENCROACHES APPROXIMATELY 1'-0" INTO THE REQUIRED SIDE YARD SETBACK AREA WITHIN THE RLD-9 ZONE (SURFSIDE) AT A-95 SURFSIDE AVENUE, SEAL BEACH THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH DOES HEREBY FIND AND RESOLVE: Section 1. On December 13, 2011, Cynthia and Wayne Tomlinson ("the applicants") submitted an application to the City of Seal Beach Department of Development Services for Variance 12-1. Section 2. The requested variance is for the construction of an exterior glass wall for an interior staircase that encroaches approximately 1'-0" into the required side yard setback area. Section 3. Pursuant to Article 18, §15301(e)(1) of CEQA Guidelines, staff has determined as follows: Variance 12-1 for the construction of an exterior glass wall that encroaches into the required side yard setback area, is categorically exempt exempt from review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (Existing Structures), because the application is to permit a minor expansion of an existing dwelling. Section 4. A duly noticed public hearing was held at the Planning Commission meeting of February 15, 2012 to consider the application for Variance 12- 1. At that hearing, the Planning Commission received testimony, both written and oral, into the public record and due to the Planning Commission requesting additional information from the architect and applicant, the Commission voted to continue the public hearing to the regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting of March 7, 2012. Section 5. The record of the continued hearing of March 7, 2012, indicates the following: a. On December 13, 2011, Cynthia and Wayne Tomlinson submitted an application to the City of Seal Beach Department of Development Services for Variance 12-1. b. A duly noticed public hearing was held at the Planning Commission meeting of February 15, 2012. At that hearing the Planning Commission received testimony, both written and oral, into the public record and due to the Planning Commission requesting additional information from the architect and applicant, the Commission voted to continue the public hearing to the regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting of March 7, 2012. c. The requested variance is for the construction of an exterior glass wall for an interior staircase that encroaches approximately 1'-0" into the required side yard setback area. d. The surrounding land uses and zoning are as follows: NORTH: Single family residences in the Residential Low Density (RHD-9 — Surfside) zone. SOUTH: Beach; Pacific Ocean. EAST: Single family residences in the Residential Low Density (RLD-9 — Surfside) zone. WEST: Single family residences in the Residential Low Density (RLD-9 — Surfside) zone. e. The subject property is approximately 1,698 square feet in area and is located at A-95 Surfside Avenue within the Surfside Colony'. f. The subject property contains a single family dwelling that is approximately 3,418 square feet in area. g. There are no physical constraints upon the existing lot that would preclude redevelopment of the lot in a manner consistent with the development of surrounding lots or that would justify the granting of a Variance. Section 6. Based upon the facts contained in the record, including those stated in §5 of this resolution and pursuant to §11.2.05.015.A and §11.5.20 of the Seal Beach Municipal Code, the Planning Commission makes the following findings: a. Proposed Variance 12-1 does not conform to the General Plan or any ordinances adopted by the City Council, specifically, the Zoning Code, as the proposed encroachment into the side yard setback area is not specifically permitted by the Zoning Code; b. There are no special circumstances applicable to the property, including size, shape, topography, location or surroundings, where the strict application of the Zoning Code deprives the subject property of privileges enjoyed by other property in the vicinity and under identical zoning district classification, as all of the properties within the Surfside Colony area are mostly rectangular in shape and there are no other constraints upon the subject lot that would preclude its redevelopment in compliance with RLD-9 zoning development standards; c. The approval of the Variance would constitute a grant of special privileges, inconsistent with the limitations upon other properties in the vicinity and zone district in which the subject property is situated. It is entirely possible that the existing lot can be with a single family dwelling and comply with all of the zoning code requirements; and d. Authorization of the Variance would not substantially meet the intent and purpose of the zoning district in which the property is located, as development standards within the RLD-9 zone were established to facilitate uniform development patterns, adequate building setbacks, and place controls on residential density within the zone. Section 7. Based upon the foregoing, the Planning Commission hereby denies Variance 12-1. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the Planning Commission of the City of Seal Beach at a meeting thereof held on the 7 4t day of MAre,k , 2012, by the following vote: AYES: Commissioners Guru uA0S, EV{rsorl, Ga.l6re ��� 601ofbizi Mass"- Lav;-F+ NOES: Commissioners hone ABSENT: Commissioners Non?, ABSTAIN: Commissioners Mont Sandra Massa-Lavit Chairperson - Planning Commission Je Olivera, AICP g Secretary - Planning Commission