HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Packet_09-18-23CITY OF SEAL BEACH
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA
18 September 2023 — 7:00 PM
City Council Chambers
211 Eighth Street
Seal Beach, CA 90740
District 1 — Calvin Mingione
District 2 — Dominic Massetti
District 3 — Richard Coles – Vice Chair
District 4 — Patty Campbell – Chair
District 5 — Margo Wheeler
Department of Community Development
Alexa Smittle, Community Development Director
Shaun Temple, Planning Manager
Marco Cuevas, Jr., Associate Planner
Amy Greyson, Senior Assistant City Attorney
•City Hall office hours are 8:00 a. m. to 5:00 p. m. Monday through Friday. Closed noon to
1:00 p.m.
•The City of Seal Beach complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you need
assistance to attend this meeting please telephone the City Clerk' s Office at least 48
hours in advance of the meeting at (562) 431-2527.
•Planning Commission meetings are broadcast live on Seal Beach TV3 and on the City's
website (www.sealbeachca.gov). Check the SBTV3 schedule for rebroadcast of meeting
— meetings are available on-demand on the website.
•DVDs of Planning Commission meetings may be purchased from Seal Beach TV3 at a
cost of $15 per DVD. Telephone: (562) 596 -1404.
•Copies of staff reports and/or written materials on each agenda item are available for
public inspection in City libraries or on the City website
at: https://www.sealbeachca.gov/Government/Agendas-Notices-Meeting-
Videos/Council-Commission-Meetings
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
By Motion of the Planning Commission this is the time to notify the public of any
changes to the agenda, re- arrange the order of the agenda, and provide an opportunity
for any member of the Planning Commission or staff to request an item be removed
from the Consent Calendar for separate action.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
At this time members of the public may address the Planning Commission regarding
any items within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Commission. Pursuant to the
Brown Act, the Commission cannot discuss or take action on any items not on the
agenda unless authorized by law. Those members of the public wishing to speak are
asked to come forward to the microphone and state their name for the record. All
speakers will be limited to a period of 5 minutes.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A.Approval of the September 5, 2023 Planning Commission Minutes
CONTINUED ITEMS
SCHEDULED MATTERS
NEW BUSINESS
PUBLIC HEARINGS
B.Minor Use Permit 23-6
12410-A Seal Beach Boulevard
Applicant: Ranch Town Center LLC/Hal Hamilton
Request: For a Minor Use Permit (MUP 23-6) to allow the operation of a 2,400
square foot animal hospital located in the General Commercial (GC) zoning area.
Recommendation:
After conducting the Public Hearing, staff recommends that the Planning
Commission adopt Resolution No. 23-13, APPROVING Minor Use Permit 23-6 with
Conditions and finding the project EXEMPT from the California Environmental
Quality Act
COMMISSION CONCERNS
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn the Planning Commission to Monday, October 2, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.
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PLANNING COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
DATE:September 18, 2023
TO:Planning Commission
THRU:Gloria D. Harper, City Clerk
FROM:Alexa Smittle, Community Development Director
SUBJECT:Approval of the September 5, 2023 Planning Commission
Minutes
RECOMMENDATION:Approve the minutes of the Planning Commission meeting
held on September 5, 2023
Prepared by: Approved by:
Gloria D. Harper Alexa Smittle
Gloria D. Harper Alexa Smittle
City Clerk Community Development Director
Attachments:
1. September 5, 2023 Planning Commission Minutes
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City of Seal Beach – Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission
September 5, 2023
Chair Campbell called the Planning Commission meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Vice Chair Coles led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners: Mingione, Wheeler, Coles, Campbell, Massetti
Absent: None
Staff Present: Nick Ghirelli, City Attorney
Alexa Smittle, Community Development Director
Shaun Temple, Planning Manager
Marco Cuevas, Jr., Associate Planner
Dana Engstrom, Deputy City Clerk
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
By Motion of the Planning Commission this is the time to notify the public of any changes
to the agenda, re- arrange the order of the agenda, and provide an opportunity for any
member of the Planning Commission or staff to request an item be removed from the
Consent Calendar for separate action.
Community Development Director Smittle requested to re-arrange the order of the
Agenda as follows: Public Hearing Item C to be heard prior to Continued Item(s) B.
Motion by Vice Chair Coles, second by Commissioner Massetti to approve the agenda as
amended.
AYES: Campbell, Coles, Mingione, Wheeler, Massetti
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion Carried.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
Chair Campbell opened public communications. Speakers: None. Chair Campbell closed
public communications.
Deputy City Clerk Engstrom announced that two (2) emailed comments were received after
posting the agenda and noted that the comments were distributed to the Commissioners
and made available to the public on the City’s website.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Approval of the July 17, 2023, Planning Commission Minutes
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Motion by Commissioner Wheeler, second by Vice Chair Coles to approve the consent
calendar.
AYES: Campbell, Coles, Mingione, Wheeler, Massetti
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion Carried.
PUBLIC HEARING
C. Conditional Use Permit 23-3
13900-A Seal Beach Boulevard
Applicant: Gayle Smith/Twinsteps Architects
Request: For a Conditional Use Permit (CUP 23-3) to allow the operation of an 8,100 square
foot medical/dermatology clinic located in the Service Commercial (SC) zoning area.
Recommendation: After conducting the Public Hearing, staff recommends that the Planning
Commission adopt Resolution No. 23-12, APPROVING Conditional Use Permit 23-3 with
Conditions and finding the project EXEMPT from the California Environmental Quality Act.
Commissioner Mingione requested to recuse himself for this agenda item based having met
with the Applicant as a Consultant.
Associate Planner Marco Cuevas, Jr., provided a comprehensive staff report.
Commissioner’s questions were addressed.
Chair Campbell opened the public hearing. Speakers: None. Chair Campbell closed the
public hearing.
Motion by Vice Chair Coles, second by Commissioner Massetti that the Planning
Commission adopt Resolution No. 23-12, APPROVING Conditional Use Permit 23-3 with
Conditions and find the project exempt from CEQA.
AYES: Wheeler, Coles, Campbell, Massetti
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Mingione
Motion Carried
City Attorney Ghirelli noted that approval will be memorialized on the Resolution contained
in the Agenda Packet.
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CONTINUED ITEM(S)
B. Conditional Use Permit 19-7
1300 E. Pacific Coast Highway, 328 13th Street, 324 13th Street
Applicant: Travis Companies, Inc. for property owner G&M Oil Company, Inc.
Request: For a Conditional Use Permit (CUP 19-7) to allow the reconstruction of an
Automobile Service Station and addition of a new Convenience Store in the General
Commercial (GC) Zone, including the incorporation of the southern abutting property into
the Project Site, which is in the Residential High Density (RHD-20) Zone; and, for
recommendation that the City Council approve a General Plan Amendment (GPA-1) to
change the land use category of the property at 328 13th Street from Residential High-
Density to General Commercial; and, for recommendation that the City Council approve a
Zone Change (ZC 19-1) of the property at 328 13th Street from RHD-20 to GC, and to
change the zone of 324 13th Street from RHD-20 to RHD-33; and, for approval of a Variance
(VAR 22-1) from standards of Section 11.4.05.035.B of the Municipal Code (Standards for
Specific Uses – Automobile Service Station.)
Recommendation: After conducting the public hearing and receiving public testimony, staff
recommends that the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 23-08, APPROVING
Conditional Use Permit 19-7 and Variance 22-1 with Conditions, and RECOMMENDING to
the City Council the adoption of the Negative Declaration and approval of Zone Change 19-1
and General Plan Amendment 19-1.
Planning Manager Temple provided a comprehensive staff report. Commissioner’s
questions were addressed. Applicant: Travis Companies, Inc., President/CEO Karl Huy for
property owner G&M Oil Company, introduced Kimley-Horn Traffic Engineer Tim Chang,
who addressed the Commissioner’s questions.
Applicant: Travis Companies, Inc., President/CEO Karl Huy for property owner G&M Oil
Company, addressed the Commissioners. Carl Conner and Jasmine Doby with Atlas
Environmental.
Chair Campbell opened the public hearing. Speakers: Beth Barinek, Josh Haney, Matthew
Terry, Guy La Ferrara, Theresa Miller, Joyce Ross Parque, Chris DeSanto, Karen Mays,
Margaret Curtis, Jeff, Tammy Ramsay, Terry Mavis, Cindy Cole. Applicant: Travis
Companies, Inc., President/CEO Karl Huy for property owner G&M Oil Company, addressed
the Commissioners. Chair Campbell closed the public hearing.
A dialogue ensued between the Commissioners, Kimley-Horn Traffic Engineer Tim Chang,
and Community Development Director Smittle.
Motion by Commissioner Wheeler, second by Commissioner Massetti that the Planning
Commission recommend approval of the General Plan Amendment 19-1 to change the land
use category of the property at 328 13th Street from Residential High-Density to General
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Commercial; and Zone Change (ZC 19-1) of the property at 328 13th Street from RHD-20
to GC, and to change the zone of 324 13th Street from RHD-20 to RHD-33 pursuant to the
findings and the adoption of the Negative Declaration.
AYES: Wheeler, Massetti, Mingione
NOES: Campbell, Coles
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion Carried
City Attorney Ghirelli noted that the General Plan Amendment and the Zone Change is not
appealable and will go to the City Council at a date to be determined.
Motion by Commissioner Wheeler, second by Commissioner Massetti the Planning
Commission approval of a Variance (VAR 22-1) and Conditional Use Permit (CUP 19-7)
pursuant to the Negative Declaration, the findings as presented and conditions expanded
to include that the 13th street driveway shall be closed at all times except to allow timely
access of fuel trucks unless written evidence from another public agency is provided
demonstrating to the satisfaction of the Community Development Director that the 13th
street driveway must be open.
AYES: Wheeler, Massetti, Mingione, Campbell, Coles
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion Carried
City Attorney Ghirelli noted that there is a 10-day appeal period that starts September 6,
2023.
SCHEDULED MATTERS - None
NEW BUSINESS - None
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Community Development Director Smittle announced that the revised draft of the Housing
Element is available on the City’s website. She encouraged everyone to review and provide
comments to her via email at asmittle@sealbeachca.gov.
COMMISSION CONCERNS
Commissioner Wheeler mentioned that the American Planning Association Conference is
coming up and noted that she hopes staff will be in attendance.
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ADJOURNMENT
Chair Campbell adjourned the Planning Commission meeting at 9:33 p.m. to Monday,
September 18, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.
___________________________
Dana Engstrom, Deputy City Clerk
Approved: _______________________
Patricia Campbell, Chair
Attest: ____________________________
Dana Engstrom, Deputy City Clerk
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PLANNING COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
DATE:September 18, 2023
TO:Planning Commission
THRU:Alexa Smittle, Director of Community Development
FROM:Shaun Temple, AICP, Planning Manager
SUBJECT:Request for a Minor Use Permit (MUP 23-6) to allow the operation of
a 2,400 square foot animal hospital located in the General
Commercial (GC) zoning area.
LOCATION:12410-A Seal Beach Boulevard
APPLICANT:Ranch Town Center LLC/Hal Hamilton
RECOMMENDATION:After conducting the Public Hearing, staff recommends that the
Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 23-13, APPROVING
Minor Use Permit 23-6 with Conditions and finding the project
EXEMPT from the California Environmental Quality Act.
GENERAL PLAN
DESIGNATION:
COMMERCIAL - GENERAL
ZONE:GC (GENERAL COMMERCIAL)
SITE DESCRIPTION:ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NUMBER: 130-861-17
LOT AREA: 1.801 Acres
BUILDING/SUITE FLOOR AREA: 2,400 SQ. FT.
SURROUNDING PROPERTIES:
NORTH: GENERAL COMMERCIAL (GC)
RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM DENSITY (RMD-18)
SOUTH: GENERAL COMMERCIAL (GC)
EAST: RECREATION/GOLF (RG)
WEST: GENERAL COMMERCIAL (GC)
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ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
This project is determined to be a Class 1 (Existing Facility) Categorical Exemption pursuant to
Section 15301 of the Guidelines for the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources
Code Section 21000 et seq.) for the operation of an animal hospital use in an existing commercial
building where only minor modifications are required for the renovation and branding of the
business.
LEGAL NOTIFICATION
The legal notice of this hearing was published in the Seal Beach Sun Newspaper on September
7, 2023, and mailed to property owners and occupants within a 300’ radius of the subject property
on September 7, 2023, with affidavits of publishing and mailing on file.
ANALYSIS
Hal Hamilton (“the applicant”) filed an application for Minor Use Permit MUP 23-6 requesting
approval for the operation of an animal hospital within an existing 2,400 square foot suite of a
commercial building. The subject site is located in the Old Ranch Town Center on Seal Beach
Boulevard north of Lampson Avenue within the General Commercial (GC) zone. The use is
proposed in Suite A of Building C/D, between the two anchor stores of Target and Ralphs. The
existing vacant suite was previously occupied by a retail shoe store. The applicant will perform
interior tenant improvements to create offices and examination rooms, in addition to its branding.
The animal hospital will not operate as a kennel, overnight stays by animals are limited to those
in surgical recovery or medical treatment that requires monitoring.
According to the Seal Beach Municipal Code, Table 11.2.10.010 Use Regulations – Commercial
and Mixed-Use Districts, the animal sales and services use, which includes medical services, are
allowed with approval of a minor use permit. The proposed hours of operation are from 8:00 A.M.
to 10:00 P.M., daily.
With respect to parking regulations, all development uses are required to meet the minimum
parking standards as established by the City of Seal Beach Municipal Code. Table
11.4.20.015.A.1 of the Municipal Code requires animal sales and services uses to provide one
parking space for every 300 square feet of gross floor area. The suite measures 2,400 square
feet and requires 8 parking spaces. As mentioned previously, the building was formerly used as
a retail store and required the same parking ratio of one space per 300 square feet of gross floor
area. Based on this parking ratio, no additional parking is required to be provided with the
proposed change in use. With all existing uses and proposed uses the entire shopping center is
required to have 1,383 parking spaces and contains 1,658 parking spaces, which will provide
sufficient parking for all uses.
The proposed use is consistent with the General Plan because the addition of the animal hospital
encourages growth in the commercial area. The General Plan Land Use Element encourages
revitalization and reuse within the project area in a logical, systematic manner, compatible with
existing commercial uses. The proposed addition of an animal hospital provides additional
services that are consistent with the existing land uses. As conditioned, the proposed use will
allow for expanded services of an existing facility, which has proven to be compatible with the
surrounding uses, while providing sufficient parking for all uses.
CONCLUSION
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After conducting the public hearing and receiving testimony, staff recommends that the Planning
Commission adopt attached Resolution No. 23-13 approving MUP 23-6 to allow the operation of
a 2,400 square foot animal hospital located in the General Commercial (GC) zoning area at
12410-A Seal Beach Boulevard.
Prepared by:
Shaun Temple Alexa Smittle
Shaun Temple, AICP Alexa Smittle
Planning Manager Director of Community Development
Attachments:
1. Resolution No. 23-13
2. Vicinity Map
3. Plan Set
4. Site Photographs
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RESOLUTION NO. 23-13
A RESOLUTION OF THE SEAL BEACH PLANNING
COMMISSION APPROVING MINOR USE PERMIT
23-6 TO ALLOW THE OPERATION OF A 2,400
SQUARE FOOT ANIMAL HOSPTIAL LOCATED AT
12410-A SEAL BEACH BOULEVARD IN THE
GENERAL COMMERCIAL (GC) ZONE AREA.
THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH DOES HEREBY
FIND AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Hal Hamilton submitted an application to the City of Seal Beach
Department of Community Development for Minor Use Permit (MUP) 23-13 for the
permitting of the operation of a 2,400 square feet animal hospital at an existing
commercial shopping center at 12410-A Seal Beach Boulevard (the “subject property”),
which is located in General Commercial (GC) Zone.
Section 2. This project is determined to be a Class 1 (Existing Facility)
Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301 of the Guidelines for the California
Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.) for the
permitting of the operation of an animal hospital use within an existing commercial
building where only minor modifications are required for the renovation and branding of
the business.
Section 3. A duly noticed public hearing was held before the Planning
Commission on September 18, 2023, to consider the application for MUP 23-6. At the
public hearing, the Planning Commission received and considered all evidence
presented, both written and oral, regarding the subject application. The record of the
public hearing indicates the following:
A. The subject site is within an existing commercial center located on
the east side of Seal Beach Boulevard and north of the intersection at Lampson Avenue.
The parcel is developed with one single-story commercial building that is part of a multi-
parcel commercial center known as the Old Ranch Town Center. The subject property
has a 2,400 square foot vacant tenant space. The subject property is located in the
General Commercial (GC) zone and is adjacent to commercial and residential uses to the
north, commercial uses to the south and west, and the Old Ranch Country Club to the
east.
B. The proposed use requires the approval of a Minor Use Permit to
allow the operation of an animal hospital use within General Commercial (GC) zone.
Section 4. Based upon the facts contained in the record, including those stated
in the preceding Section of this Resolution and pursuant to Chapter 11.5.20.020 of the
Seal Beach Municipal Code, the Planning Commission makes the following findings:
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A. The proposed use is consistent with the General Plan because the
addition of the animal hospital encourages growth in the commercial area. The General
Plan Land Use Element encourages revitalization and reuse within the project area in a
logical, systematic manner, compatible with existing commercial uses. The proposed
addition of a pet hospital provides additional services that are consistent with the existing
land uses. As conditioned, the proposed use will allow for expanded services of an
existing facility, which has proven to be compatible with the surrounding uses, while
providing sufficient parking for all uses.
B. The proposed use is allowed within the General Commercial (GC)
zone subject to approval of a Minor Use Permit and complies with all other applicable
provisions the Municipal Code. The General Plan Land Use Map designates the subject
property as Commercial – General and the Zoning Map designates the area as General
Commercial (GC).
C. The site is physically adequate for the type, density, and intensity of
the use being proposed. The site contains adequate parking and circulation for the pet
hospital and interior alterations.
D. The location, size, design, and operating characteristics of the
proposed use would be compatible with the surrounding uses and will not adversely affect
those uses or properties in the surrounding areas. The proposed animal hospital use
compliments the existing commercial uses and complies with the height, setback and
parking requirements of the General Commercial zoning area and will not disrupt the
existing character of the shopping center. The hours of operation shall be 8:00 A.M. to
10:00 P.M., daily.
E. The establishment, maintenance, and operation of the proposed
exterior alterations and use would not be detrimental to the health, safety, or welfare of
persons residing or working in the vicinity. The proposed interior alterations will require
a minimal period of construction to construct the interior offices and examination rooms
and sufficient conditions have been imposed to ensure that the use will comply with the
Performance Standards set forth in Section 11.4.10.020 of the Zoning Code and will not
create adverse impacts upon adjacent uses. The property will be consistent with the
surrounding uses in the area.
Section 5. Based upon the foregoing, the Planning Commission hereby
approves MUP 23-6 for the operation of a pet hospital at an existing commercial suite
within an existing commercial shopping center, located at 12410-A Seal Beach
Boulevard, subject to the following conditions.
1. Minor Use Permit 23-6 is approved for the operation of an animal hospital at an
existing commercial suite within an existing commercial shopping center, at 12410-
A Seal Beach Boulevard.
2. The facility must meet all regulations as required by Sections 2030 and 2030.1 of
Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations (Minimum Standards—Fixed
Veterinary Premises & Small Animal Fixed Premises Minimum Standards).
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3. The hours of operation shall be, 8 A.M. to 10:00 P.M., daily.
4. The animal hospital shall provide the name, address, and contact information of
the nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary center to all clients and potential clients.
This information must be clearly posted and oriented toward the exterior of the
facility during all hours that the facility is closed.
5. The facility is not permitted to operate as a kennel. No animals are permitted to
remain overnight on the premises unless such animals are surgical patients in
need of recovery or undergoing treatment that requires monitoring.
6. Deliveries to the premises are prohibited between 10:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M.
7. There shall be no disposal of glass bottles or other trash outside the establishment
between the hours of 10:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M.; and all trash shall be disposed of
in closed waste disposal bins.
8. The interior of the tenant space must be provided with soundproofing in the dog
and cat ward areas.
9. A doggy dispenser receptacle must be provided on the exterior of the tenant space
near the entrance. The design and style of the dispenser must be consistent with
the commercial center’s architectural style and approved by the Planning Division.
10. Exterior wall signs shall be submitted to the Community Development Department
for approval.
11. The Planning Commission reserves the right to revoke or modify this CUP in the
event of any violation of the approved conditions or any violation of any provision
of the Code of the City of Seal Beach.
12. The applicant will prominently display these Conditions of Approval in a location
within the businesses’ customer area that is acceptable to the Community
Development Director.
13. This CUP shall not become effective for any purpose unless/until a City
“Acceptance of Conditions” form has been signed and notarized by the applicant
before being returned to the Planning Department; and until the ten (10) calendar
day appeal period has elapsed.
14. The applicant is required to obtain all required Building and Safety permits prior to
tenant improvements, construction or demolition.
15. Approval of this request shall not waive compliance with all sections of the
Municipal Code, or all other applicable City Ordinances in effect at the time of
building permit issuance.
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16. This CUP shall become null and void unless exercised within one year of the date
of final approval, or such extension of time as may be granted by the Planning
Commission pursuant to a written request for extension submitted to the
Community Development Department at least ninety days prior to such expiration
date.
17. The applicant must indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City, its agents, and
employees (collectively “the City” hereinafter in this paragraph) 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 Conditional Use Permit,
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, 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 Seal Beach Planning Commission at a
meeting thereof held on September 18, 2023, by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners
NOES: Commissioners
ABSENT: Commissioners
ABSTAIN: Commissioners
_____________________________________
Patty Campbell
Chairperson
ATTEST:
__________________________
Alexa Smittle
Planning Commission Secretary
VICINITY MAP:
AERIAL MAP: