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'°r• PLANNING COMMISSION STEM
1V 1, NUMBER
'. STAFF REPORT 3
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TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Interim Community Development Director
DATE: February 20, 2018
SUBJECT: ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT 18-1 REGARDING
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS IN THE
SURFSIDE COLONY AREA ZONED RLD-9
LOCATION: Surfside Colony Residential Low Density — 9 (RLD-9)
Zone
RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission hold a public hearing
regarding Zone Text Amendment 18-1 and after
considering all evidence and testimony presented adopt
the draft resolution recommending approval of Zone Text
Amendment 18-1 to the City Council
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
This ordinance (Zone Text Amendment 18-1) is exempt from review under the California
Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et
seq.,"CEQA") and CEQA regulations (14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, at
seq.) because the amendment establishes rules and procedures to add text to further
clarify the setbacks permitted in the Surfside Colony RLD-9 (Residential Low Density -9)
zoned district; consists only of minor revisions and clarifications to existing regulations
and specification of procedures related thereto; and consists of actions taken to assure
the maintenance, protection and enhancement of the environment. The amendment
therefore, does not have the potential to cause significant effects on the environment.
Consequently, it is categorically exempt from further CEQA review under 14 Cal. Code
Regs. §§ 15301, 15305, and 15308, actions in compliance with the requirements of
CEQA.
Zone Teti Amendment 18-1
February 20, 2018
LEGAL NOTIFICATION:
Legal notice of the Public Hearing was published in the Sun Newspaper on February 8,
2018. An affidavit of publication is on file.
ANALYSIS:
On November 13, 2017, the City Council directed staff to work with the Surfside Colony
Homeowner's Association to address the need for realignment between the Seal Beach
Municipal Code and Surfside Colony in relation to development standards applicable to
the area. The Council recognized that discrepancies had arisen between the City's
development standards and the development patterns found in Surfside Colony. As a
result of these discrepancies some properties have been designated as nonconforming
which restricts improvements that can be made to the properties. Through working with
the Surfside Colony Board of Directors, staff was able to determine some amendments
that could be made to Title 11 that would remove the nonconforming designation from
some properties and allow others to develop in a manner that reflects the existing
characteristics of the area.
A common nonconformity in Surfside Colony is the front yard setback for A Row and B
Row. The front yard setback for each row is measured from Surfside Avenue. Many
properties in both rows were built with a garage on the ground floor which maintains the
required setback while the upper floors extend out and cantilever to the front property
line. These properties were issued building permits when they were originally
constructed but the current standards in Title 11 no longer allow structures to cantilever
to the property line. Restoring the ability to cantilever will allow property owners with
existing cantilevers to improve their properties within restrictions because they will no
longer be nonconforming. Additionally, other property owners will be able to improve
their properties in a manner that is consistent with the surrounding neighborhood.
Similarly, some properties on A Row have lots with lower elevations along the sand.
The code currently allows raised walkways on A Row at a height not to exceed 2 feet 6
inches. Surfside Colony has identified that several properties within the area have
raised walkways that exceed the height maximum in Title 11. The proposed amendment
would allow raised walkways for properties on A Row to reach a height of not more than
9 feet above grade.
The Surfside Colony Board of Directors also requested amendments to the
development standards applying to decks and roof screens in the Surfside Colony
leased area adjacent to A Row. Residents in A Row are permitted to lease 10 feet of the
area adjacent to their rear property line from Surfside Colony. Title 11 permits
encroachments such as decks and sunscreens in this area. In reviewing the Municipal
Code and Surfside Colony development standards for realignment, this was an area
that the Colony identified as needing some review. Title 11 currently allows decks to
project into the leased area on the ground floor or second floor but not on the upper
floors. The Board of Directors is requesting approval of the proposed amendments
which would allow decks on the upper floors and more flexibility in the design of
Page 2 of 3
Zone Text Amendment 18-1
February 20, 2018
windscreens and sunscreens. The proposed amendments would continue to allow glass
railing on these exterior decks and would reflect the characteristics of the neighborhood
which encourages use of outdoor spaces such as decks and roof decks.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission hold a public hearing and after
considering all evidence and testimony presented adopt the attached resolution
recommending approval of Zone Text Amendment 18-1 to the City Council.
Prepared by:
2 (ysta Landav�
nterim Comgf nity Development Director
Attachments:
1. Resolution No. 18-3 with Draft Ordinance
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