HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Res 24-03 - 2024-02-20 RESOLUTION NO. 24-03
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH APPROVING MINOR USE
PERMIT (MUP) 23-8 TO PERMIT A COVERED ROOF
ACCESS STRUCTURE TO EXCEED THE MAXIMUM ROOF
HEIGHT BY 3 FEET AT A PROPOSED SINGLE-FAMILY
RESIDENCE AT 93 B SURFSIDE AVENUE.
THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH DOES HEREBY
RESOLVE:
Section 1 . Gulian Design Architects, on behalf of property owners David and
Dolores Svigals, ("the applicant") submitted an application to the Community
Development Department for MUP 23-08. The proposed project would allow for the
construction of a covered roof access structure which is a non-habitable architectural
feature in excess of the 35-foot maximum height in the Surfside Colony in the Residential
Low Density (RLD-9) zoning area.
Section 2. This project is determined to be a Class 3 (New Construction of Small
Structures) Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15303 of the Guidelines for the
California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.) for
the construction of covered roof access structure that exceeds the maximum building
height by 3 feet as part of the construction of a new single-family residence.
Section 3. A duly noticed public hearing was held before the Planning
Commission on February 20, 2024, to consider MUP 23-08. At the public hearing, the
Planning Commission received into the record all evidence and testimony provided on
this matter. The record of the hearing indicates the following:
A. The applicant submitted an application to the Community
Development Department for Concept Review 23-34 for the demolition of an existing one-
story single-family residence and for the construction of a three-story single-family
residence at 93 B Surfside Avenue. This is an administrative review that is pending the
approval of MUP 23-08 for variation to the height standard in Surfside by a non-habitable
architectural feature.
B. The applicant submitted a concurrent application to the Community
Development Department for MUP 23-08 to authorize the roof access structure to exceed
the required height standard by 3 feet.
C. The applicant is requesting to construct an approximately 10 feet by
7 feet 6 inches Covered Roof Access structure that will exceed the height limit by 3 feet
at 93 B Surfside Avenue. Under the Seal Beach Municipal Code; 7 feet is the maximum
height variation permitted beyond the height limit through a Minor Use Permit.
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Resolution No.24-03
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D. The subject property is rectangular in shape with a lot area of
approximately 1,025 square feet. The property is approximately 25 feet wide by 43 feet
deep. The site is surrounded by residential uses.
E. The proposed covered roof access structure will have roof lines,
roofing material, siding and exterior paint that are architecturally compatible with the
proposed dwelling.
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 of the Seal
Beach Municipal Code, the Planning Commission makes the following findings:
A. The proposed structural alterations are consistent with the General
Plan. The General Plan specifies that redevelopment in the Surfside Colony is to be
compatible with the physical characteristics of its site, surrounding land uses, and
available infrastructure. The proposed roof access structure will not change the character
of the residence and will be consistent with other properties that have existing access
structures projecting more than 3 feet above the maximum height.
B. The proposed use is allowed within the Residential Low Density-9
(RLD-9) zoning district with Minor Use Permit approval and complies with all other
applicable provisions of the Municipal Code. The subject site is located within the Surfside
colony, an area where the Seal Beach Municipal Code Section 11 .2.05.015.A.6 allows a
maximum projection of 7 feet beyond the height maximum for non-habitable architectural
features subject to approval of a Minor Use Permit. The proposed covered roof access
structure will exceed the 35 feet maximum height projections by 3 feet while staying 4
feet below the 42-foot MUP allowed maximum.
C. The proposed use, as conditioned below, will be located on a site
that is physically adequate for the type, density. and intensity of use being proposed,
including provision of services, and the absence of physical constraints. The subject site
is proposed to be developed with a three-story, single-family residence with a roof deck.
The proposed covered roof access structure will not add habitable space and will remain
consistent with development standards set for the Surfside RLD-9 zone.
D. The location, size, design. and operating characteristics of the
proposed use, as conditioned below, will be compatible with and will not adversely affect
uses and properties in the surrounding neighborhood. Roof decks and covered roof
access structures are common non-habitable architectural features associated in this
RLD-9 zoning district. The property is proposed to be used as a single-family residence
which is consistent with the surrounding area.
E. The establishment, maintenance, and operation of the proposed use
will not be detrimental to the health, safety, or welfare of persons residing or working in
the vicinity. The proposed covered roof access structure will not increase bedrooms,
habitable or storage space to the residence. The subject site is proposed to operate as a
residential property, which is consistent with the uses in the surrounding neighborhood.
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F. The proposed non-habitable architectural feature is appropriate for
the architectural style of the building. The proposed structure, including the roof pitch, roof
materials and siding, are architecturally compatible with that of the remainder of the
structure. The applicant will use the same finishes and materials for the covered roof
access structure as proposed for the new house. The covered roof access structure to
the open roof deck is located along the peripheral exterior wall of the building structure.
The proposed structure will appear to be an integral part of the proposed residence.
G. The proposed structure is consistent with the character and integrity
of the neighborhood. Similar structures exist within the Surfside. The covered access
structure would exceed the maximum height limit by only 3 feet, while other such
structures in Surfside project up to 7 feet above the height limit.
H. The structure will not significantly impair the primary view of
surrounding properties located within 300 feet because it only covers a limited portion of
the roof top and is located on the B Row, which is the middle row of houses in Surfside.
Primary views from the properties in A Row face toward the ocean, opposite of B Row.
Primary views for C Row properties faces to the north, also opposite of B Row.
Detailed and complete plans for the proposed covered roof access
structure and house were submitted and reviewed by staff, and are an attachment to the
hearing package.
Section 5. Based on the foregoing, the Planning Commission hereby approves
Minor Use Permit 23-08 to allow for the construction of a covered roof access structure
which is a non-habitable architectural feature in excess of the 35-foot maximum height in
the Residential Low Density (RLD-9) zoning district of the Surfside Colony, subject to the
following conditions:
1. Minor Use Permit 23-08 is approved for the construction of a non-habitable
architectural feature for a Covered Roof Access Structure that is 3 feet above the 35-
foot height limit at 93 B Surfside Avenue, Seal Beach.
2. All construction shall be in substantial compliance with the plans approved through
Minor Use Permit 23-08. All new construction shall comply with all applicable sections
of the City's Zoning Code.
3. There shall be no habitable space permitted within the covered roof access structure.
4. Roof pitches and exterior finishes of the Covered Roof Access Structure shall be
compatible with the proposed roof pitches and exterior finishes.
5. Building permits shall be obtained for all new construction requiring such permits.
6. The applicant shall obtain California Coastal Commission approval prior to building
permit issuance.
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6. This Minor Use Permit shall not become effective for any purpose unless an
"Acceptance of Conditions" form has been signed, notarized, and returned to the
Community Development 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 Minor 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 Planning Commission of the City of Seal
Beach at a meeting thereof held on the 20th day of February 2024, by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners WHEELER, WONG, CAMPBELL, MINGIONE, COLES
NOES: Commissioners
ABSENT: Commissioners
ABSTAIN: Commissioners
Richard Coles
Chairperson
ATTES •
Alexa Smittle
Planning Commission Secretary
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