HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Min 1997-09-17
/' ,- ".
. \4
. ~
.
CITY OF SEAL BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA for September 17, 1997
7:30 P.M. * City Council Chambers
211 Eighth Street, Seal Beach, CA 90740-
Next Resolution: 97-35
I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
II. ROLL CALL
III. AGENDA APPRO V AL
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 is 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. Approve Planning Commission Minutes of September 3, 1997 Meeting.
2. Receive and File: Staff Report, dated September 8, 1997, re Proposed
Lightning Protection Pole, Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station.
3. Receive and File: Staff Report, dated September 8, 1997, re Proposed
Demolition of Buildings 11, 13, 14 and 229, Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station.
.
The City of Seal Beach complies with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990. If you need assistance to attend
this meeting, please telephone the City Clerk's Office at (562) 431-2527 at least 48 hours In advance of the meeting,
thank you. '
.
e
e
. ..
"
City of Seal Beach Planning Commission Agenda" September 17, 1997
VI.
SCHEDULED MATTERS
VIT. PUBLIC HEARINGS
4. Conditional Use Permit 97-8
Address: 308 and 310 Ocean Avenue
Applicant: Brent Sears, Architect
Property Owner: Dwight Steffensen
Request: To perform a major addition/remodel to a non-conforming
single family dwelling at 308 and 310 Ocean Avenue, Seal
Beach. The property is non-conforming due to an
inadequate rear yard setback and inadequate side yard
setback on the northwesterly side of the structure. The
proposal includes the addition of 4,654 square feet, which
would entail the attachment of adjacent single family
residences at 308 and 310 Ocean.
Recommendation: Staff recommends approval through the adoption of
Resolution No. 97-_, subject to Conditions of
Approval.
5. Variance 97-3
Address:
Applicant:
Property Owner:
Request:
12341 Seal Beach Boulevard
Kevin McConnell
Century National Properties
To vary from the maximum signage area requirements for
fascia mounted signs at the front and rear of a commercial
building at 12341 Seal Beach Boulevard. (Formerly the
Boston Store).
Staff recommends approval through the adoption of
Resolution No. 97-_, subject to Conditions of Approval.
Recommendation:
VIII. STAFF CONCERNS
6. Planning Commission Determination of Zoning - Tattoo Parlor
IX. COMMISSION CONCERNS
x. ADJOURNMENT
2
The City of Seal Beach complies with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 If you need assistance to attend
this meebng, telephone the City Clerk's Office at (562) 431-2527 at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting; thank
you.
-.. ,'"
City of Seal Beach Planning Commission Agenda. September 17, 1997
.
1997 AGENDA FORECAST
Not
Scheduled
CUP 97-7
3900 Lampson A venue
Marriott Senior Living Services facility
OCT 08
Commissioner Yost will be absent.
Tentative: ZC 97-1 941 PCH
PR 97-3 708 Central
Shorehouse Restaurant/Billiard parlor
Klisanin/Enc1ose carport & site improves.
OCT 22
Presentation by Urban Design Studio of Irvine, CA
"Livable Communities" (40 minutes)
NOY 05
CUP 94-4
770 PCH
Burger King indefinite extension.
NOY 19
e DEC 03
DEC 17
.
3
The City of Seal Beach complies with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990. If you need assistance to attend
this meeting, telephone the City Clerk's Office at (562) 431-2527 at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting; thank
you.
.
,
,
-. .
City of Seal Beach Planning Commission Agenda * September 17, 1997
AGENDA FORECAST - 1998
JAN 06
JAN 20
FEB 03
FEB 17
MAR 03
MAR 17
APR 08
APR 22
MA Y 06
MA Y 20
JUN 10
JUN24
JUL 08
JUL 22
AUG 05
AUG 19
SEP 09
SEP 23
OCT 06
OCT 20
NOV 04
NOV 18
DEC 09
DEC 23
V AR 93-1
212 Main
Final $7300 payment/in-lieu parking fees
"\
October 8
4
The City of Seal Beach complies with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990. If you need assistance to attend
this meeting, telephone the City Clerk's Office at (562) 431-2527 at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting; thank
you.
J':ii
.
-
--
...
City of Seal Beach
Planning Commission
Minutes of September 17,1997
Chairman Brown called the regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting of
September 17, 1997 to order at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. The
meeting began with the Salute to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Also Present:
Absent:
Chairman Brown
Commissioners Yost, Law, Larson
Department of Development Services
Lee Whittenberg, Director
Craig Steele, Assistant City Attorney
Barry Curtis, Associate Planner
Commissioner Hood
Joan Fillmann, Executive Secretary1
MOTION by Yost; SECOND by Larson to excuse Commissioner Hood's absence
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
ABSENT:
AGENDA APPROVAL
4-0-1
Larson, Yost, Law, Brown
Hood
MOTION by Law; SECOND by Yost to approve the Agenda as presented.
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
ABSENT:
4-0-1
Law, Yost, Brown, Larson
Hood
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Carla Watson * Seal Beach
Ms. Watson spoke on behalf of Founder's Day and introduced several people
who invited everyone to join in the various events.
1 These Minutes were transcribed from an audiotape of the meeting.
City of Seal Beach Planning Commission * Minutes of September 17. 1997
.
CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION by Larson; SECOND by Yost to approve the Consent Calendar:
1. Approve Planning Commission Minutes of September 3, 1997;
2. Receive and File: Staff Report dated September 8, 1997, re
Proposed Lightning Protection Pole, Seal Beach Naval Weapons
Station;
3. Receive and File: Staff Report, dated September 8, 1997, re
Proposed Demolition of Buildings 11, 13, 14 and 229, Seal Beach
Naval Weapons Station.
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
ABSENT:
4-0-1
Larson, Yost, Brown, Law
Hood
SCHEDULED MATTERS
There were no Scheduled Matters
-
PUBLIC HEARINGS
4. Conditional Use Permit 97-8
308 and 310 Ocean Avenue
Staff Report
Mr. Curtis presented the staff report. [Staff report on file in the Planning
Department for inspection]. Brent Sears, Architect, represented the property
owner, Dwight Steffensen.
The applicant requested approval for a major addition/remodel to a non-
conforming single family dwelling at 308 and 310 Ocean Avenue. The property is
nonconforming due to inadequate setbacks at the northwest side yard and the
rear yard. The proposal includes the addition of 4,654 square feet, which would
entail the attachment of adjacent single family residences at 308 and 310 Ocean.
Mr. Curtis explained some Ocean Avenue homes are governed by CC&Rs
enforced by an architectural review committee. Staff recommended approval of
this project subject to six Conditions of Approval outlined in the staff report. One
condition related to holding the City harmless in the event the City needs access
to the sewer easement. He noted the Ocean Avenue architectural review
committee might have other concerns.
-
2
City of Seal Beach Planning Commission * Minutes of September 17,1997
e
The neighbor to the east of this project came to the Planning Department to
review the plans. The project is acceptable from her viewpoint and she hoped
the Commission would recommend approval.
Commission Questions to Staff
The Planning Commission questioned staff about the sewer easement and any
liability the City would have.
The Commission asked if the building would be over the sewer line? Mr. Curtis
answered that a portion of the existing structure is over the sewer line; this is
scheduled to remain. If an improvement needed to be done to the sewer line, the
property owner would have to demolish a portion of the first floor or go under it to
reach the sewer line; it would depend on the nature of the work.
The Commission asked how old the sewer line is? Mr. Curtis said he was not
sure but it had been there a long time.
The Commission asked how many other homes encroach on the setback?
Mr. Curtis said a number of homes encroach. He further explained that a ten-
foot deck or balcony is allowed to extend into the setback over the easement.
Many years ago some of these balconies were enclosed and subsequently
turned into rooms.
e
The Commission asked if staff had any statistics on the likelihood of the sewer
line requiring access by the City? Staff said no.
The Commission questioned staff regarding its concerns on the inadequate
setbacks.
The Commission said that by combining two houses the applicant is creating the
non-conforming side yard setback. The Commission asked if the setback on the
east side will be 6' and if that structure be totally demolished and rebuilt? Staff
said yes.
The Commission asked if the new house would be built into the setback?
Mr. Curtis said all the new construction would meet current setbacks with no
more building over the sewer line than there is now.
The Commission asked what is the reason for increasing the setback as the lot
width increases? Staff said it's a function of the mass of a structure --- as the
structure gets wider it's visually more attractive to have a greater setback
between structures.
e
The Commission asked if there were any other properties along Ocean Avenue
that are this wide and don't have the required setbacks? Staff said there are
approximately three or four other structures on Ocean Avenue this wide but the
3
City of Seal Beach Planning Commission * Minutes of September 17,1997
.
setbacks were not known. Typically the older structures have less than today's
required setbacks because only a 3' setback was required historically, no matter
how big the property was.
The Commission asked if the trend has been to combine lots or divide lots?
Mr. Curtis replied the trend has been neither - this is the first combination of an
Ocean Avenue lot in his memory.
The Commission inquired if staff mailed the required Notices to neighbors and
what responses had been received? Staff said the Notices were mailed. The
one neighbor (as previously described) came to the Planning Department. One
letter was received from Michelle Brendel asking staff to advise her when this
matter came before the architectural review committee. Staff could not be aware
of when that date would be because that's not a City committee. The City
Manager's Office responded to Ms. Brendel. Ms. Brendel had no specific
comments on this project.
e
The Commission asked if these plans had been submitted to the architectural
committee? Staff said the Gold Coast architectural committee would review the
plans after the Planning Commission has reviewed them. The committee
indicated their practice is to allow grandfathered structures to remain. However,
when an addition such as this is proposed, the committee reviews it to determine
if a view is blocked.
Public Hearina
Brent Sears * Architect
Mr. Sears said this project is a unique proposition. His clients would have liked
to attend this meeting but were in Philadelphia on business. He indicated he had
talked to his clients about the Conditions of Approval, specifically the deed
restriction on the sewer easement and they agreed to the Conditions.
The requirement that the lots be combined caused the nonconforming setback on
the west side; it's now at 3'. The whole house is at 3'. The new easterly portion
does comply with the 6' setback. The house is 9' away from its easterly
neighbor. Breaking the project down, they are adding 231 square feet to 308
Ocean, the existing house. All the remaining construction is on the new lot. He
did contact the Gold Coast's architectural review committee and met with Warren
Schulten and Jim Dunn. They wanted to get together tonight by themselves and
they will call him tomorrow.
Chairman Brown asked exactly what was planned for 308 Ocean?
e
4
City of Seal Beach Planning Commission * Minutes of September 17,1997
e
Mr. Sears explained they plan to:
· Move a wall to increase the size of a bathroom;
· Change out some windows because some of the rooms changed -
the old kitchen in that building is being removed and turned into a
library;
· Change out a wrought iron rail in the easement;
· Second level: change windows to doors so they can open out onto the
deck;
· First level: there's a patio under deck and they want to change that
window into doors so you can exit;
· Add 231 square feet over the garage, to constitute one bedroom and
one bathroom.
The total square footage of the new house is 8,567 square feet plus the garage.
The figure in the staff report does not include the garages.
Chairman Brown said that to achieve the 6' setback on the west side you'd have
to demolish to entire structure. Has that given an advantage in the size of the
structure you can build? An extra 3' x 96' of house on two stories. Another
person on a 60' lot would have a maximum of 48' wide; you're building a 51' wide
house.
e
Mr. Sears said theoretically that might be an advantage over a new property.
However, the plans show a 8' x 42' center courtyard which is open to the sky. Mr.
Curtis said the lot coverage is 33.4% of the lot, which includes the setbacks.
There were no persons wishing to speak for or against this project. There were
no rebuttal remarks and the Public Hearing was closed.
Commissioner Comments
Commissioner Law said she had no problems with this project as long as
Condition #4 remains, as it says they have complete responsibility for removing
the building if the sewer has to be repaired.
Commissioner Yost said he shared the same concern as Commissioner Law and
wanted to be sure the City didn't bear a financial liability. He was concerned
about the setback being slightly less on the existing side of the house but given
the overall plan he didn't have any major objections.
Commissioner Larson said this is a substantial addition to the City.
Chairman Brown said he has no problems with the existing structure being over
the existing sewer line because if a pre-existing nonconforming use. If the sewer
It
5
City of Seal Beach Planning Commission * Minutes of September 17, 1997
e
line needs replacing he doubted the structure would be demolished. Somebody
would most likely pay to re-route the sewer line.
Mr. Steele said the recorded convenant would cover the issue of City liability as
the condition says removal and/or replacement.
Chairman Brown noted there is no time limit on the recording of that condition
and suggested it be recorded prior to construction.
Mr. Steele said he would add the wording prior to the issuance of building
permits the applicant shall record to the condition. In the hold harmless
agreement he will add in a form satisfactory to the City Attorney on the title to the
property.
e
Chairman Brown said his problem with this application is the City is allowing the
applicant to create a non-conforming structure. It gives them a financial
advantage as they are allowed to build a larger house but he can't see making
somebody tear down an entire house to gain 3'. The one mitigating factor here,
which would allow him to vote for this application, is the fact it has the large
central courtyard. It shows the lot has not been maximized. The amount of open
space equals the amount of space gained on the one setback. "Otherwise I
would really not like this in terms of allowing somebody ... to create a non-
conforming structure". He asked if the Planning Commission could do this
without a Variance? The Commission may grant a CUP to add to a non-
conforming structure but it's also allowing them to build something that's non-
conforming.
Mr. Whittenberg advised the Commission is dealing with a non-conforming
structure since the structure is nonconforming already. Additionally, the issue of
whether the non-conformity relates to the structure across the rear or the side
yard still equates to the Commission's dealing with a nonconforming structure. If
the Commission were to require the removal of the back extension, over the
sewer line, to where there are no non-conformities on the existing structure, then
you might need to think about a Variance.
Mr. Steele said once a structure is non-conforming it's non-conforming. If it was
an illegal, non-conforming structure it would be a totally different story.
Chairman Brown asked if somebody takes an equivalent house on Ocean
Avenue, one that is totally conforming and does not have the structure built out
over the sewer, would they be able to do what this applicant is proposing?
Mr. Whittenberg said that person would be able to ask for approval to do it but
they'd have to apply through a Variance process.
e
6
City of Seal Beach Planning Commission * Minutes of September 17,1997
e
Commissioner Yost asked staff if a grading permit would be issued per the
Condition regarding the merger?
Mr. Curtis said yes.
Chairman Brown said "I'm going to vote for this but I really have some strong
reservations about it. ... The swinging factor is that it has the open courtyard
there which makes up for the space".
MOTION by Yost; SECOND by Law to approve Resolution No. 97-35 with the
added condition language as stated by the Assistant City Attorney, approving
Conditional Use Permit 97-8, subject to six (6) Conditions of Approval.
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
ABSENT:
4-0-1
Yost, Law, Brown, Larson
Hood
Mr. Steele advised the Commission's action is final tonight and the ten-calendar
day appeal period begins tomorrow morning.
e
5. Variance 97-3
12341 Seal Beach Boulevard
Staff Report
Mr. Curtis presented the staff report. [Staff report on file in the Planning
Department for inspection]. The applicant requested to vary from the maximum
signage area requirements for fascia mounted signs at the front, side and rear of
a commercial building at 12341 Seal Beach Boulevard. This was formerly the
Boston Store. The Center has obtained a new tenant, Stats, a craft store with a
patio center and floral supply area. The applicants want three new signs to
replace the three Boston Store signs.
Commission Questions to Staff
The Commission was concerned an approval would create a precedent for larger
signs on every new business. Staff said that is a good point, especially since the
Commission is considering a Variance. Staff felt there were unique, extenuating
circumstances for this Variance application given the large setback of this
structure, not seen with most new business, the large blank facades on three
sides of this building and the fact that it's an anchor tenant.
e
The Commission asked if the sign ordinance had been reviewed and if the law
applied to everyone in the City? Also, would this Variance cure a hardship
situation? Noting a hardship is different than better business dictating a bigger
sign. Secondly, on the west side of the building the Commission felt the sign
7
City of Seal Beach Planning Commission * Minutes of September 17, 1997
e
may not have to be as large as requested because people would be locating the
building at the back. Staff said most of the Center's parking is at the back.
Given the size of the parking lot and the size of the building, staff felt a smaller
sign could look out of proportion. But staff felt this was the least compelling of
the three sides they were seeking the Variance for.
The Commission asked if these would be illuminated signs? Staff said yes.
Commissioner Law said she didn't feel the prior signage was too big.
The Commission asked how many businesses along that stretch have a 300'
setback from the street? Staff said most of the businesses in Rossmoor Center
do. However, most of the other businesses have signage at Seal Beach
Boulevard. This is the only store, with perhaps Roger Dunn golf, that doesn't
have sign age at the street.
e
The Commission asked how the finding could be made that this is not a special
privilege? Staff's opinion was that because this store would not have signage at
Seal Beach Boulevard plus it's large setback this created a hardship on them. It
was different than other properties in the same vicinity and zone. The majority of
other centers in the City don't have that type of setback or they have street
signage. Staff would not encourage additional street signage along Seal Beach
Boulevard for the Rossmoor Center because it's over-signed for that area.
The Commission asked what is to stop the other businesses in that area from
requesting larger signs along the lines of the 300 square feet? Staff said this is
an anchor tenant, along with Lucky's and Thrifty's. Besides the actual size of the
building, this is one of two buildings that do not have street signage.
The Commission asked what would prevent this store from asking for additional
street signage? Staff said that would have to be done through the Center's
planned sign program. Staff feels the Center is already over-signed for the street
area. There are seven or eight huge pylon signs with six or seven businesses on
each one at the street area.
Public Hearina
e
Kevin McConnell · 4717 Keene Hill Avenue. Lakewood. CA
Mr. McConnell said he represented the Stats-Fishbeck's exterior graphics. He
has been doing work for them for about eight years - in Pasadena, Redondo
Beach, Capistrano Beach, Downey and Whittier. In each of those locations they
do have street signage - pylon or monument. When they looked for a new
location they looked in Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach and Seal Beach.
Their primary concern was that they'd have a huge setback and no signage. The
letter's "STATS FLORAL SUPPLY & PATIO CENTER" could be compressed into
the allowable square footage. But with the setback it would be a blur to read.
8
City of Seal Beach Planning Commission * Minutes of September 17, 1997
e
They did several months of sight-line surveys, including mockups with paper
letters. They determined they needed to keep the ST A TS letters at least as large
as what Boston Stores has. The "Floral Supply and Patio Center" will be less
than half the height. That would not be very legible until you enter the center.
From a distance, one would only be able to read the STATS letters. They will
have two different entities there -- Fishbeck's is a patio supply business and
Stats is a floral and crafts business.
Commissioner Larson saying that once a shopper reads a sign they don't read it
again. Therefore, he didn't think all the signs needed to be the same size. He
had problems with the west side.
Mr. McConnell said Stats does a lot of advertising and Seal Beach Boulevard
traffic moves quickly. As proposed, the signs will not be out of proportion with
the building and will be similar to those for the Boston Store. And as part of their
agreement, should they be granted this application, is that they forego street
signage.
e
Steven Stathatos * Stats
Mr. Stathatos said his father started Stats forty years ago. The size of the signs
as proposed are necessary - for the same reasons the Boston Store required its
signs to be that size as well. Rather than granting an exception, it seemed to him
this would be continuing a situation that has been in existence for years, albeit a
different form. They draw from a wide area and new customers need to be able
to see the signage.
There were no persons wishing to speak for or against this application and the
Public Hearing was closed.
Commission Discussion
Commissioner Law said she was in favor of this proposal.
Commissioner Yost said because they are not allowed street signage he was
thinking of voting in favor of the proposal. He would like to attract quality
businesses to the City and give them every advantage possible. He was
concerned the Commission was granting them a special privilege and was
concerned that other businesses might apply for the same.
Commissioner Larson said he was convinced their reasons are good reasons.
For one, comparing their application to the existing letters on the Boston Store,
the proposal is a nice looking sign, it's proportionate and doesn't look overly
signed. Based on that, and the fact that this is distinguishable for other
businesses by being 300' back, they're not allowed to have any pylon signage or
further signage other than what has been approved.
e
9
City of Seal Beach Planning Commission * Minutes of September 17. 1997
It
Chairman Brown said sometimes he wondered why so much time is spent on
signage. But recently he was driving through a neighboring City and noted just
how bad one particular shopping center looked because of the signage. He has
no issues with this application as these letters basically replace the Boston
Store's signage.
MOTION by Law; SECOND by Larson to approve Resolution No. 97-36, thus
approving Variance 97-3, subject to Conditions of Approval as noted in the staff
report.
MOTON CARRIED: 4 - 0 - 1
AYES: Law, Larson, Brown, Yost
ABSENT: Hood
Mr. Steele indicated the Planning Commission's action is final tonight and the
ten-calendar day appeal period begins to run tomorrow morning.
~F CONCERN~
6. Planning Commission Determination of Zoning - Tattoo Parlor
e
Staff explained the City has been approached with a request to establish a tattoo
parlor. The municipal code establishes a business license fee for tattooing but
doesn't specifically allow tattooing in any zoning designation.
Staff discussed City zoning and the various commercial designations which might
be appropriate for a tattoo parlor. The applicant desired to establish the business
at 316 Marina Drive, which is not zoned commercial. That site is zoned
residential high density and has a non-conforming commercial building on it.
Based on these facts, this site would not likely permit a tattoo parlor regardless of
the Commission's decision this evening. Staff did not think it would be
appropriate to have tattooing on Main Street. Further review showed pockets of
C-1 zoning surrounded by residential uses. Therefore staff did not feel C-1
would be appropriate. Staff believes C-2 would be the only appropriate zone. It
would include most of Pacific Coast Highway, the Rossmoor Center and the
Primrose Center along Westminster Boulevard. The Pavilions Center would be
excluded from the C-2 zoning unless a pending request to change their zoning to
C-2 is approved. Placing a tattoo parlor in the C-2 zone should be appropriate
given potential nuisance concerns. Staff felt a Conditional Use Permit should be
required to establish this type use.
e
10
City of Seal Beach Planning Commission * Minutes of September 17,1997
e
Included with this request was a letter from the future applicants explaining their
proposed business and goals.
Chairman Brown noted this is not a Public Hearing and called for Commissioner
comments and questions.
Commissioner Larson said he would like to know what other cities do regarding
tattoo parlors - what their regulations are. His experience has been that tattoo
parlors are not in the best parts of town. He realized tattooing now is popular.
He assumed other cities would restrict tattoo parlors from being too close to bars.
Mr. Curtis said the Commission could direct staff to return at the next meeting
with a survey of neighboring and other cities.
Commissioner Law had no comments.
Virainia Gardener * 8711 Laurel Avenue. Whittier. CA
Gilbert Torres * 7033 San Luis Street. Paramount. CA
e
Ms. Gardner questioned staff's interpretation of the municipal code, saying while
the code doesn't specifically allow a tattoo parlor it conversely does not disallow
a tattoo parlor.
Ms. Gardener said 316 Marina Drive has ample off-street parking. And she felt
they had addressed any concerns by limiting their hours of operation and
prohibiting loitering. Their hours of operation would be 11 :00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. At
9:30 p.m. the doors would be locked to new clients. They would not allow
smoking, drinking or loitering. She said she didn't understand page 2, paragraph
2 of the memorandum where it said the facility is a non-conforming commercial
building. In speaking with Jim Klisanin from Remax realty, he said there was a
car rental facility located at 316 Marina Drive. It seemed to her that use would
have quite a bit of traffic.
Mr. Curtis explained the zoning has remained the same for 316 Marina Drive but
the uses have becOme less intense. As the more intensive uses go away, they
can't come back. The property is nonconforming because the underlying zoning
now is residential; a more intense use would not be allowed to come in. In the
mid-1980's the Ugly Duckling car rental shop was on this site. Subsequent to
that, the site's uses have become less intense - a real estate office, a retail
business. A use requiring a CUP would also be an intensification.
e
Mr. Steele addressed the applicant's question on a use not being disallowed in
the code. He said the law of zoning is that to be permitted in a certain zone, a
use has to be specifically listed as a permitted use. The zoning code gets more
restrictive. Rather than saying "everything is allowed except these uses" we say
11
City of Seal Beach Planning Commission * Minutes of September 17. 1997
e
"here are the main uses that are specifically permitted in the zone". If you're not
on the list, you have to look for a zone where that use is permitted.
Chairman Brown asked if a Public Hearing was needed for this determination or
simply a Planning Commission resolution? Mr. Steele said just the resolution.
Ms. Gardener explained they had looked at Pacific Coast Highway locations in
Seal Beach and they found the lease terms 50% higher per month versus the
316 Marina Drive.
Commissioner Law said she is totally against a tattoo parlor anywhere in Seal
Beach. She would not be willing to change zoning or give an affirmative vote.
Commissioner Yost said the zoning on Marina Drive speaks for itself. It
diminished in intensity on that particular property and he would like to see it stay
residentially zoned.
Mr. Steele said staff is looking for direction on what to do with this application.
e
Commissioner Yost said his recommendation to staff would be to review what
other cities have in terms of regulations for tattoo parlors. Check items like
sterilization, hours of operation, monitoring equipment on the premises, disposal
of sharps et cetera. It's similar in many ways to a physician's office; there are a
whole host of issues involved.
Mr. Curtis said this application has been discussed with the Orange County
Health Department. Contractually, we would have to enter into an additional
contract with them to have them to regulate tattoo parlors.
Commissioner Larson said he didn't think he eQuid vote to completely outlaw a
business that's otherwise allowed in other cities. His concern is where should it
be allowed? He would not want to make that decision until he had more
information from staff.
Chairman Brown talked about the residential properties surrounding this
proposed use, asking whether a use is appropriate or not. Another thing to
consider is the issue of precedence. Once a Conditional Use Permit is granted
the use runs with the land.
Mr. Steele said this issue came up when the Planning Commission worked on
the adult business ordinance. In his mind this involves some type of First
Amendment type activity. We would probably be prohibited from absolutely
banning this type of use in the City. The question is how do we zone and locate
it to minimize its impact on sensitive uses.
e
12
City of Seal Beach Planning Commission * Minutes of September 17,1997
e
The Commission asked staff to come back at the next meeting with a review of
other cities as discussed.
COft1M'SSION CONGEFU~~
Commissioner Yost encouraged everyone to attend the City's Founders Day
activities and to support "Save Our Pool".
Chairman Brown commented on wave activity on the east side of the pier. He
hoped the sand replenishment project was still on track.
Mr. Whittenberg said we are scheduled for Coastal Commission hearings about
October 10th. If approved, sand should be moved within thirty days.
ADJOURNMEN!
Chairman Brown adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m. The next meeting is
October 8th.
Respectfully Submitted,
e
~~)-
Joan Fillmann
Executive Secretary
Planning Department
-
e
13