HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Min 2007-09-19
City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Agenda for September 19, 2007
7:30 p.m.
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
II. ROLL CALL
III. AGENDA APPROVAL
By Motion of the Planning Commission, this is the time to:
(a) Notify the public of any changes to the Agenda;
(b) Re-arrange the order of the Agenda; and/or
(c) Provide an opportunity for any member of the Planning Commission, staff, or
public to request an item be removed from the Consent Calendar for separate
action.
IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
At this time, members of the public may address the Planning Commission
regarding any items within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Planning
Commission, provided that the Planning Commission may undertake no action or
discussion unless otherwise authorized by law.
V. CONSENT CALENDAR
Items on the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and are enacted by
one motion unless prior to enactment, a member of the Planning Commission,
staff, or the public requests a specific item be removed from the Consent Calendar
for separate action.
1. August 2007 Building Activity Report
2. Approve Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of September 5,2007.
3. RECEIVE AND FILE: Articles Re: "How Should California Grow."
4. RECEIVE AND FILE: "Public Engagement Tools-Land Use One-Pagers."
5. Update regarding the "Regional Transportation Plan" and the "Regional
Comprehensive Plan," being prepared by the Southern California Association
of Governments.
1
City of Seal Beach Planning Commission. Agenda of September 19, 2007
6. Minor Plan Review 07-23
915 Heron Circle
Applicant/Owner: Dennis & Grace Kim
Request: To construct a built-in barbecue within the required rear
yard setback area.
Recommendation: Approval, subject to conditions, and adoption of
Resolution 07-51.
7. Minor Plan Review 07-24
983 Heron Circle
Applicant/Owner: Alfonso & Blanca Madrid
Request: To construct a built-in barbeque and bar; pre-fabricated
fireplace; and masonry fire pit within the required rear
yard setback area.
Recommendation: Approval, subject to conditions, and adoption of
Resolution 07-53.
8. Minor Plan Review 07-25
944 Blue Heron
Applicant/Owner: Ricardo Abaniel
Request: To construct a built-in barbeque and bar structure within
the required rear yard setback area.
Recommendation: Approval, subject to conditions, and adoption of
Resolution 07-56.
VI. SCHEDULED MATTERS
9. Schedule Study Session on October 10, 2007 - Zoning Code Revisions -
Chapter 2.05, Residential Districts
VII. PUBLIC HEARING
10. Conditional Use Permit 07-11
12430 Seal Beach Boulevard (Santa Fe Importers)
Applicant/Owner:
Vincent Passanisi / Levine Investments, LLP
2
City of Seal Beach Planning Commission. Agenda of September 19, 2007
Request: To permit the on-premise and off-premise sale of beer
and wine (Type 41 license) at an existing delicatessen
within the Old Ranch Town Center.
Recommendation: Approval, subject to conditions, and adoption of
Resolution 07-55.
VIII. STUDY SESSION
11. Study Session: Preliminary Draft - Municipal Code, Title 11, Zoning All
Portions Except Chapter 2.05 Residential Districts
IX. STAFF CONCERNS
X. COMMISSION CONCERNS
XI. ADJOURNMENT
To October 3,2007, at 7:30 P.M.
3
Oct 03
Oct 17
Nov 07
Nov 21
Dec 05
Dec 19
City of Seal Beach Planning Commission · Agenda of September 19, 2007
2007 Agenda Forecast
CUP 07-4 Indefinite Extension
CUP 07-11
Study Session:
- 1000 Pacific Coast Hwy.
- 1101 Pacific Coast Hwy. (Vons)
Preliminary Draft - Zoning Code
Study Session: Preliminary Draft - Zoning Code
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CITY OF SEAL BEACH
PLANNING COMMISSION
Minutes of September 19, 2007
Chairperson Deaton called the regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning
Commission to order at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 19, 2007. The meeting
was held in the City Council Chambers and began with the Salute to the Flag.1
ROLL CALL
Present: Chairperson Deaton, Commissioners Bello, DeLay, and Roberts.
Also
Present: Department of Development Services
Lee Whittenberg, Director of Development Services
Jerry Olivera, Senior Planner
Alexander Abbe, Assistant City Attorney
Steve Flower, Assistant City Attorney
Absent: Commissioner Massa-Lavitt
Mr. Whittenberg noted for the record that Commissioner Massa-Lavitt had previously
indicated that she would not be present at tonight's meeting. He requested a motion to
excuse her absence.
MOTION by Roberts; SECOND by Bello to excuse Commissioner Massa-Lavitt from the
Planning Commission meeting of September 19, 2007.
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
4-0-1
Deaton, Bello, DeLay, and Roberts
None
Massa-Lavitt
AGENDA APPROVAL
MOTION by Bello; SECOND by Roberts to approve the Agenda as presented.
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
4-0-1
Deaton, Bello, Delay, and Roberts
None
Massa-Lavitt
1 These Minutes were transcribed from audiotape of the meeting.
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of September 19, 2007
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Chairperson Deaton opened oral communications.
Linda Kruger stated that her home is located on 8th Street behind the Jack-In-the Box
restaurant and she understands the trash dumpster is to be relocated. She said she will
wait to see if her other concerns are addressed when the restaurant re-opens. Mr.
Whittenberg noted that Staff will prepare an information report for presentation to City
Council and the Planning Commission.
There being no one else wishing to speak, Chairperson Deaton closed oral
communications.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. August 2007 Building Activity Report
2. Approve Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of September 5, 2007.
3. RECEIVE AND FILE: Articles Re: "How Should California Grow."
4. RECEIVE AND FILE: "Public Engagement Tools-Land Use One-Pagers."
5. Update regarding the "Regional Transportation Plan" and the "Regional
Comprehensive Plan," being prepared by the Southern California Association of
Governments.
6. Minor Plan Review 07-23
915 Heron Circle
Applicant/Owner: Dennis & Grace Kim
Request: To construct a built-in barbecue within the required rear yard
setback area.
Recommendation: Approval, subject to conditions, and adoption of Resolution
07-51.
7. Minor Plan Review 07-24
983 Heron Circle
Applicant/Owner:
Alfonso & Blanca Madrid
Request:
To construct a built-in barbeque and bar; pre-fabricated
fireplace; and masonry fire pit within the required rear yard
setback area.
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of September 19,2007
Recommendation: Approval, subject to conditions, and adoption of Resolution
07-53.
8. Minor Plan Review 07-25
944 Blue Heron
Applicant/Owner: Ricardo Abaniel
Request: To construct a built-in barbeque and bar structure within the
required rear yard setback area.
Recommendation: Approval, subject to conditions, and adoption of Resolution
07-56.
MOTION by Bello; SECOND by Roberts to approve the Consent Calendar as
presented.
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
4-0-1
Deaton, Bello, DeLay, and Roberts
None
Massa-Lavitt
Mr. Abbe advised that the adoption of Resolution Nos. 07-51, 07-53, and 07-56 begins
a 10-day calendar appeal period to the City Council. The Commission action tonight is
final and the appeal period begins tomorrow morning.
SCHEDULED MATTERS
9. Schedule Study Session on October 10, 2007 - Zoning Code Revisions - Chapter
2.05, Residential Districts.
Staff Report
Mr. Whittenberg stated that at the last meeting the Commission had indicated that it
intended to schedule a Study Session to begin at 7:30 p.m. on October 10, 2007, if
SBTV-3 Staff would be able to videotape the meeting. He confirmed that SBTV-3 will
be available and Staff will publish notice of the meeting in the Sun Newspaper. Mr.
Whittenberg then indicated that Staff intends to review FAR's, daylight plane, and all
residential sections.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
10. Conditional Use Permit 07-11
12430 Seal Beach Boulevard (Santa Fe Importers)
Applicant/Owner:
Vincent Passanisi I Levine Investments, LLP
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of September 19, 2007
1 Request: To permit the on-premise and off-premise sale of beer and
2 wine (Type 41 license) at an existing delicatessen within the
3 Old Ranch Town Center.
4
5 Recommendation: Approval, subject to conditions, and adoption of Resolution
6 07-55.
7
8 Staff Report
9
10 Mr. Olivera delivered the staff report. (Staff Report is on file for inspection in the Planning
11 Department.) He provided some background information on this item noting that this
12 business is located in the Old Ranch Town Center. He said that granting of this license
13 would cause Census Tract 1100.12 to be placed in a state of over concentration of
14 alcohol licenses by one license, noting that this has been an issue in Seal Beach in the
15 past, particularly in areas with high crime reporting districts. Mr. Olivera then indicated
16 that Alcohol Beverage Control Act Regulation 61.3 states that if an area has both high
17 crime and an over concentration of ABC licenses, ABC can automatically deny an
18 application for a liquor license. He continued by stating that several years ago the
19 City's Chief of Police had requested that ABC place the City of Seal Beach under
20 Regulation 61.3 to provide ABC a basis upon which to deny a license request; however,
21 the City may approve a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in an over concentrated area.
22 Staff believes that because of the location and nature of the business the granting of an
23 additional license within this census tract would not present any problems. He stated
24 that Staff had contacted Lt. Tim Olson of the Seal Beach Police Department regarding
25 this request, and he did not express any objection to granting this license. He reported
26 that Staff has received no comments regarding this application and recommends
27 approval, subject to conditions.
28
29 Commissioner Questions
30
31 Commissioner Roberts asked if Census Tract 1100.12 includes any establishments on
32 the west side of Seal Beach Boulevard. Mr. Olivera stated that this tract encompasses
33 the Old Ranch Town Center, Old Ranch Country Club, Ayres Hotel, and the Seal Beach
34 Tennis Center.
35
36 Chairperson Deaton noted that the Country Club and tennis center have different liquor
37 uses that are more for private rather than public use. She asked how frequently alcohol
38 is served at the Ayres Hotel. Mr. Olivera stated that the license for the Ayres Hotel
39 allows for special functions where alcohol service is permitted. He noted that Target
40 and Ralph's are licensed only for the off-premise sale of alcohol.
41
42 Public Hearinq
43
44 Chairperson Deaton opened the public hearing.
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Meeting Minutes of September 19,2007
1 Vincent Passanisi, one of the owners of Santa Fe Importers, stated that they have a
2 location in Long Beach, founded by his grandfather in 1947, where service includes hot
3 and cold sandwiches, pasta, and pizza, as well as Italian groceries and beer and wine.
4 He noted that the liquor sales are a very small portion of their overall sales, but they like
5 to offer this option to their customers. Chairperson Deaton asked if wine or beer are
6 served with meals or is this strictly take-out. Mr. Passanisi stated that most of the sales
7 are for off-premise consumption, but they do offer beer and single serving containers of
8 wine for on-premise consumption. Commissioner Bello asked if alcohol is allowed at
9 the outdoor tables. Mr. Passanisi stated that alcohol is not allowed in this area.
10 Commissioner Roberts asked if imported beer will be sold for take-out. Mr. Passanisi
11 stated that at this new location they will probably offer some specialty wines for take-out
12 as well as the single serving containers of wine for on-site consumption. Commissioner
13 Roberts asked if 6-packs or individual beers can be purchased for take-out. Mr.
14 Passanisi stated that customers could purchase 6-packs to go.
15
16 Eldon Alexander noted that Baskin-Robbins had formerly shared this space and the
17 outdoor seating with Togo's sandwich shop. He asked if the deli would be sharing
18 space, and if so the Commission should carefully consider granting this license.
19
20 Blanca Madrid stated that she has frequented the Long Beach location and does not
21 believe that there will be a problem in allowing alcohol sales at Santa Fe Importers.
22
23 Mr. Passanisi stated that he will not be sharing space with Baskin-Robbins or any other
24 business.
25
26 There being no one else wishing to speak, Chairperson Deaton closed the public
27 hearing.
28
29 Commissioner Comments
30
31 Commissioner DeLay stated that he has purchased products from Santa Fe Importers
32 for over 50 years and found them to be of very high quality. He asked if Santa Fe
33 Importers manufactures most of its pasta. Mr. Passanisi stated that this was correct.
34
35 Commissioner Roberts stated that as over concentration of ABC licenses relates to this
36 application, he is not as concerned as he would be with a Main Street business. He
37 noted that of the 9 licenses in this census tract, 3 are restaurants, 1 is a hotel, 2 are for
38 the tennis center and country club, and the other 3 are for Target, Ralph's and CVS. He
39 stated he would vote to approve.
40
41 MOTION by Roberts; SECOND by DeLay to approve Conditional Use Permit 07-11,
42 subjectto conditions, and adopt Resolution 07-55 as presented.
43
44 MOTION CARRIED: 4 - 0 - 1
45 AYES: Deaton, Bello, DeLay, and Roberts
46 NOES: None
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of September 19, 2007
ABSENT:
Massa-Lavitt
Mr. Abbe advised that the adoption of Resolution No. 07-55 begins a 10-day calendar
appeal period to the City Council. The Commission action tonight is final and the
appeal period begins tomorrow morning.
STUDY SESSION
11. Study Session: Preliminary Draft - Municipal Code, Title 11, Zoning All Portions
Except Chapter 2.05 Residential Districts
Mr. Whittenberg referred to the document entitled "Overview of Previous Study
Sessions Non-Residential Parts" and provided a brief review of previous Study
Sessions on nonresidential standards noting that the May 9, 2007, discussion related to
the proposed use of the Administrative Use Permit (AUP) process and Conditional Use
Permit (CUP) process. (Copy of the overview is on file for inspection in the Planning
Department.) He explained that the AUP is proposed for those less controversial
projects that may be of minor concern to neighboring residential areas. He indicated
that the AUP process would include a 300-ft. notice, with the decision of Staff subject to
appeal to the Planning Commission (PC). He continued by explaining that the CUP
process would involve a forma! public hearing with public notices to all property owners
and building occupants within a 500-ft. radius. He read from a partial list of proposed
items to be subject to either the AUP or CUP process. Chairperson Deaton asked if a
Council member or Planning Commissioner should wish to file an appeal, would they be
required to pay the appeal fee. Mr. Whittenberg stated that currently they are not
subject to appeal fees.
The Director of Development Services then reviewed the topics discussed during the
June 6, 2007, Study Session, as listed on pages 4-6 of the Overview of Previous Study
Sessions, and followed with the topics discussed during the June 20, 2007, Study
Session, as listed on pages 7-8 of the Overview document.
Mr. Whittenberg then referenced specific parts of the Preliminary Draft Zoning
Ordinance, which includes standards that can apply in different zones, depending upon
the use, with Commissioner and public comments following.
Section 4.05.010 Accessory Business Uses cmd Activities
D. Allowable Incidental Business Activities
Mr. Whittenberg explained that these types of activities are currently subject to the
approval of a Special Event Permit (SEP), and Staff is suggesting that these types of
activities be allowed by right without having to go through the SEP process, as many of
these activities do not have the potential to cause any particular problems.
Commissioner Roberts asked if Staff proposed that live music be allowed on a nightly
basis, as long as it is unamplified. Mr. Whittenberg stated that these uses would be
allowed by right for a single performer if they occur less than weekly; for weekly
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of September 19, 2007
1 occurrence on a regular basis an AUP would be required; and performances occurring
2 more than once a week on a regular basis would require a CUP, as well as for live,
3 amplified music. He then reviewed the Prohibited Uses and Incidental Related
4 Activities.
5
6 Public Comment
7
8 Eldon Alexander stated that Bogart's Coffee House has conducted these types of
9 proposed allowable uses for several years with no reported problems.
10
11 Commissioner Comments
12
13 Commissioner Bello asked why live, unamplified music is allowed, but a magician would
14 not be allowed. She commented that Finbar's has a magician that performs for
15 customers at their tables and is very entertaining. Mr. Whittenberg stated that Staff was
16 referring to magicians that would have a live stage show with a lot of props.
17 Chairperson Deaton noted that perhaps this type of magician might use amplified rather
18 than unamplified music. Mr. Whittenberg stated that Staff would look into this issue and
19 return with more information. Chairperson Deaton added that a comedian would need a
20 microphone and a magician doing a stage show would also need amplification, as
21 opposed to a magician performing at individual dining tables. Mr. Abbe interjected that
22 audience response is also involved when a comedian is performing or as a magician
23 completes each magical feat, as opposed to a live, unamplified guitar performer.
24 Commissioner Roberts questioned whether only amplified music should be subject to
25 the permit process, as previously the public has shown an interest in unamplified music.
26 Mr. Whittenberg explained that currently any type of amplified music is already subject
27 to CUP approval. Chairperson Deaton clarified that the definition of "incidental" is twice
28 a week. Mr. Whittenberg stated that he would have to research this. Commissioner
29 Roberts stated that he has no problem with allowing unamplified music. Chairperson
30 Deaton asked what the process would be for monthly events should there be complaints
31 from surrounding residents. Mr. Abbe noted that these performances would still be
32 subject to the Noise Ordinance. Mr. Whittenberg added that the City has traditionally
33 had no complaints on these types of activities, even though many are currently ongoing
34 at various locations.
35
36 Section 4.05.035 Automobile Service Station
37 Pages 15-20
38
39 Mr. Whittenberg briefly reviewed the standards noting that Section B, Item 2 limits the
40 number of services stations allowed at an intersection. He indicated that Staff is
41 proposing the inclusion of additional design standards. Commissioner Roberts inquired
42 about the sale of beer and wine at service station convenience stores. Mr. Whittenberg
43 stated that this use would be subject to approval of a CUP.
44
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Meeting Minutes of September 19,2007
1 Public Comment
2
3 No comments.
4
5 Section 4.05.040 AutomobilelVehicle Sales and Services
6 Pages 21-22
7
8 Mr. Whittenberg noted that as indicated in Section E, should this type of business wish
9 to operate a tow service, they would have to receive approval of a CUP.
10
11 Public Comment
12
13 No comments.
14
15 Section 4.05.050 Drive-In and Drive- Through Facilities
16 Pages 25-27
17
18 Mr. Whittenberg stated that reVISions have been made based upon previous
19 discussions, with Staff incorporating additional design standards for vehicular access
20 and queue lane locations, and also including provisions for the requirement of a CUP.
21 Commissioner Roberts clarified that any drive-in!drive-through use would be subject to
22 a CUP. Mr. Whittenberg stated that this was correct.
23
24 Public Comment
25
26 Linda Kruger stated she lives behind Jack-In-the-Box and has concerns with drive-
27 through restaurants being open until late at night. Chairperson Deaton emphasized that
28 this use will continue to be subject to approval of a CUP; however, the current Jack-in-
29 the-Box restaurant was in existence prior to the requirement of a CUP for this use. Mr.
30 Whittenberg explained that the drive-through for Jack-In-the-Box was approved in 1968
31 under a Variance prior to the City requirement for a CUP, and Staff cannot require a
32 CUP at this location until a change in the business operation would require this.
33 Commissioner Roberts asked if the new Zoning Code (lC) would include any standards
34 related to the location of trash dumpsters for food establishments relative to surrounding
35 residences, and if not, which agency would handle this. Mr. Whittenberg indicated that
36 the City has not yet incorporated this standard, but he is certain that this can be done.
37 He cautioned that for many of the food establishments in town, the only space for trash
38 dumpsters is in the rear alley, which is usually immediately adjacent to residences
39 across the alley. Commissioner Roberts stated that he would like to see standards for
40 review of the location of trash dumpsters at food establishments. Mr. Abbe asked if
41 Commissioner Roberts was referring to all restaurants or only to drive-in! drive-through
42 types. Commissioner Roberts stated that all restaurants would have to be considered.
43
44 Eldon Alexander stated that there is no mention of the standards for the number of cars
45 entering a business before being allowed to have a drive-through lane. Mr. Whittenberg
46 referred to Sec C, Item 2.
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1 Commissioner DeLay confirmed that currently the ZC requires that trash dumpsters be
2 surrounded by a wall. Mr. Whittenberg confirmed that new food establishments must
3 provide a 6-foot high wall around trash dumpsters. He noted that the City cannot
4 impose this requirement on eateries that were operating prior to the imposition of this
5 standard. Commissioner DeLay added that the issue of trash receptacles has always
6 been a problem, particularly in Old Town where trash dumpsters are located in the
7 alleys. He indicated that perhaps the PC could come up with regulations to ensure that
8 restaurants do a better job of keeping these areas clean. Mr. Abbe stated that Staff
9 could look into the public health and public nuisance implications.
10
11 Jan Morrison stated that her back yard abuts the alley between 8th Street and Main
12 Street, and the dumpsters in the alley between Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and
13 Electric Avenue do not have any type of wall around them. She indicated that the trash
14 dumpster for Athens West does have a wall around it, but is not closed. She asked if
15 there were anything that could be done to require restaurant owner to do a better job of
16 cleaning up these areas.
17
18 Section 4.05.055 Extended Hour Businesses
19 Pages 27-29
20
21 Mr. Whittenberg indicated t.hat the PC had given Staff direction that any use of this type
22 should be subject to the CUP process. He noted that the hours being considered would
23 be for any business operating between 11 :00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
24
25 Section 4.05.060 Home Occupations
26 Pages 30-33
27
28 The Director of Development Services stated that home occupations are allowed
29 subject to acquisition of a City business license. He noted that the requirements are
30 minimal, but Staff has attempted to clarify the standards so that business operators will
31 understand how to prevent their home business from becoming a detriment to the
32 neighborhood. He stated that business owners would be required to sign documents
33 indicating that they are aware of the conditions for operation and are willing to abide by
34 them. Commissioner Roberts stated that he had no problem with academic tutoring, but
35 expressed his concern with instruction of amplified musical instruments, particularly to
36 more than one student at a time. Chairperson Deaton added that academic tutoring is
37 not a problem, but group teaching can presents parking problems. Mr. Abbe stated that
38 he would have to research this to ensure that no first amendment implications are
39 involved.
40
41 Eldon Alexander commented that most parents will drop off their children for their
42 tutoring or music lessons, and return for them when the lesson is completed, rather than
43 parking on the street. He noted that with music lessons, the older students usually have
44 individual one-on-one lessons.
45
46 Mr. Whittenberg then noted the prohibited home occupation uses as listed on Page 33.
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1 Section 4.05.090 Outdoor Dining, Display, and Sales Standards
2 Pages 40-45
3
4 With regard to these standards, Mr. Whittenberg indicated that outdoor dining, display,
5 and sales areas are either prohibited or require a CUP. Staff has recommended that in
6 certain situations they could be done through the AUP process, and the PC has
7 provided direction as to which would be subject to an AUP or a CUP. He noted that
8 temporary outdoor storage of sales stock could be subject to an AUP; however, a
9 permanent outdoor sales area would be subject to a CUP. With regard to outdoor
10 dining, the PC has directed that 12 seats or less would be subject to an AUP, and 13
11 seats or more would require a CUP.
12
13 Section 4.05.100 Residential Accessory Uses, Structures, alld Vehicle Parking
14 Pages 47-55
15
16 Staff is recommending a number of modifications to what the current Code allows. He
17 briefly reviewed these standards for design and materials for attached accessory
18 structures, and the requirements for detached structures. He noted that allowable size
19 for detached structures, as shown on Table 4.05.10.0.4 on Page 49, and indicated that
20 those that are within 10 feet from any property line would require a Minor Plan Review
21 (MPR).
22
23 With regard to Item 2. b., iii, on Page 48, Eldon Alexander noted that children's play
24 equipment will usually measure higher than 5 feet. Mr. Whittenberg stated that as he
25 recalls a 5-foot height would be allowed by right, and anything higher would be subject
26 to an AUP, but he will verify this. Commissioner Roberts suggested allowing up to a 7-
27 or 8-foot height by right. Chairperson Deaton commented that when this equipment is
28 too high it creates privacy issues for neighboring homes. She recommended
29 maintaining a 5-foot height by right. Mr. Whittenberg commented that a 7 -foot height by
30 right could be allowed, as Staff is proposing that wall heights citywide be increased to 7
31 feet.
32
33 Mr. Whittenberg continued by noting that the standard for making garages greater than
34 600 square feet subject to a CUP is to be retained, and detached guest rooms or pool
35 rooms will also be subject to a CUP. He then reviewed the standards for
36 noncommercial tennis or other recreational courts.
37
38 Eldon Alexander asked why garage space greater than 600 square feet would be
39 subject to a CUP. Mr. Whittenberg stated that this is an existing provision of the ZC due
40 to concerns with 3-4 car garages that faced the street being constructed, primarily in
41 homes on The Hill. He noted that this serves as a design review function.
42
43 Sectioll 4.05.110 Residential Uses - Multi-Unit Project Standards
44 Pages 56-58
45
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1 Mr. Whittenberg then reviewed the open space standards on the size allowed based
2 upon number of units. Chairperson Deaton requested a definition of "private open
3 space," which Mr. Whittenberg defined as a private balcony or patio area that would
4 only be accessible to the living unit itself. He indicated that in researching this item the
5 smallest area of private open space was 80 sq. ft., with the largest measuring 300 sq. ft.
6 Chairperson Deaton asked if the proposed 200 sq. ft. allowance were cumulative. Mr.
7 Whittenberg stated that it would not be cumulative. He then asked if the PC had
8 reached a consensus on this issue. Commissioner Roberts stated that 200 sq. ft. would
9 be too much, and suggested 120 sq. ft. Chairperson Deaton noted that the lot widths in
10 Old Town are quite narrow. Mr. Whittenberg responded that these standards would
11 apply only to multi-family structures that would have to be constructed on lots wider than
12 25 feet. He explained that the only places where multi-unit projects would be found
13 would be in Old Town, the Rossmoor Townhomes, the Old Ranch Townhomes,
14 Oakwood Apartments, Riverbeach, and the Seal Beach Trailer Park. Chairperson
15 Deaton stated that Old Town would probably be the only location where new building
16 might occur. Mr. Whittenberg indicated that the goal is to try to provide enough private
17 open space to allow for a table and a barbeque for use by residents. Chairperson
18 Deaton agreed that the space needs to be large enough to be usable.
19
20 Eldon Alexander agreed that a private space area that accommodates a barbeque and
21 a table with chairs would be best.
22
23 Mr. Whittenberg stated that Staff could visit various sites to determine what size patios
24 and balcony spaces are prevalent in town, and noted that a minimum width of 8-feet
25 would be preferable. Chairperson Deaton recommended that for design purposes the
26 allowed length should be flexible. Mr. Whittenberg suggested that a minimum
27 dimension should be set for either the length or width, with the opposite dimension
28 comprising what is necessary to meet the allowed square footage requirement. The PC
29 was in agreement.
30
31 Mr. Whittenberg then noted that with regard to "Substitution of Private Open Space for
32 Common Open Space, " Staff is considering slightly reducing allowable private open space
33 if there is a larger than allowed common recreation area on the property. He then
34 briefly reviewed the proposed design standards for multi-family units.
35
36 Section 4.05.135 Vacation Rentals
37 Pages 66-67
38
39 The Director of Development Services stated that currently the ZC has no provisions for
40 vacation rentals, but the City does issue business licenses for this use. He indicated
41 that Staff recommends that these rentals be subject to a CUP with a maximum of two
42 (2) vacation rental units allowed and a limitation on visitor occupancy of 29 consecutive
43 days. He explained that this would limit problems caused by tenants occupying a unit
44 for several months for the purpose of partying or several families sharing the rental
45 expense and occupying one rental, creating parking issues and more potential for
46 disturbances to surrounding residents. Chairperson Deaton noted that these units are
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1 usually rented for two weeks at a time, creating the potential for greater revenues for the
2 landlords.
3
4 Sectioll 4.05.140 Warehouse Retail and Large-Scale Commercial Projects
5 Pages 67-69
6
7 Mr. Whittenberg then briefly reviewed the standards for large scale retail or commercial
8 projects measuring 60,000 sq. feet or larger, noting that there aren't many in town, and
9 the potential for a future project of this type would be rare. Chairperson Deaton asked
10 why the square footage was so large. Mr. Whittenberg stated that his research
11 reflected zoning codes allowing 50-100,000 square foot ranges, but if the PC wished to
12 go to a smaller number, Staff could provide a series of ranges for consideration. He
13 noted that in the commercial mixed-use section of the ZC there are design provisions
14 regarding building articulation and the amount of glass at the front of the building, etc.
15 Commissioner Roberts commented on the lack of architectural interest on many of the
16 retail/commercial buildings along Seal Beach Boulevard (SBB) with many of them
17 designed with the building back side facing the street. He suggested a standard that
18 would require businesses to face the street, particularly when located along a major
19 arterial road. Mr. Whittenberg noted that Staff can create standards to help address
20 this.
21
22 Mr. Whittenberg asked if the PC wished to continue with the next section of the
23 Preliminary Draft Zoning Code Revisions, which he indicated would involve
24 approximately another hour of discussion. Chairperson Deaton polled the Commission.
25 The PC determined to end the meeting and continue the discussion to the next
26 scheduled meeting of October 3, 2007. Chairperson Deaton commented that she felt
27 lot of time had been spent reviewing items for which Staff needed no direction. Mr.
28 Whittenberg indicated that because it had been several months since the last
29 discussion, he wished to ensure that the Commission was in agreement. He also noted
30 that Commissioners Massa-Lavitt and DeLay were not yet seated on the PC when the
31 previous discussion had taken place.
32
33 Mr. Whittenberg reported that notification of the October 10, 2007, study session on
34 residential standards will be published in the Sun Newspaper.
35
36 STAFF CONCERNS
37
38 Mr. Whittenberg reported that California Pizza Kitchen, Chico's, Coldwater Creek,
39 Peet's Coffee and Tea, and The Rossmoor Cleaners are now open at the Shops at
40 Rossmoor, and Mel's Diner is scheduled to open at the end of October.
41
42 COMMISSION CONCERNS
43
44 Chairperson Deaton requested a status on the old Standard Oil Service Station site.
45 Mr. Whittenberg stated that Staff reviewed preliminary plans approximately 6-8 weeks
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ago and provided comments, but have not heard anything from the property owner.
Chairperson Deaton requested a copy of the comments.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Deaton adjourned the meeting at 9:45 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
~^^-~-
Carmen Alvarez, Executive Secretary
Planning Department
APPROVAL
The Commission on October "17, 2007, approved the Minutes of the Planning
Commission Meeting of Wednesday, September 19, 2007. ~A.'
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