HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Min 2003-09-17
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CITY OF SEAL BEACH
PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA for September 17, 2003
7:30 p.m.
District 1 - Ellery Deaton
District 2 - Jim Sharp
District 3 - Gordon Shanks
District 4 - Henry Eager
District 5 - Phil Ladner
Deoartment of Develooment Services
Lee Whittenberg, Director
Alexander Abbe, Assistant City Attorney
Mac Cummins, Associate Planner
Carmen Alvarez, Executive Secretary
CI
City Hall office hours are 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and
Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed noon to 1 :00 p.m.
CI
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 (562) 431-2527.
CI
Planning Commission meetings are broadcast live on Seal Beach TV3. They are
rebroadcast on Sunday evenings, Channel 3 at 4:00 p.m.
CI
Videotapes of Planning Commission meetings may be purchased from Seal Beach
TV3 at a cost of $20 per tape. Telephone: (562) 596-1404.
CI
Copies of staff reports and/or written materials on each agenda item are on file in
the Department of Development Services and City libraries for public inspection.
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission · Agenda of September 17, 2003
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA INFORMATION SHEET
The following is a brief explanation of the Planning Commission agenda
structure:
AGENDA APPROVAL: The Planning Commission may wish to change the order of the
items on the agenda.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: Anyone wishing to address the Planning Commission, only
on items not on tonight's agenda, may do so during this time period. No action can be
taken by the Planning Commission on these communications on this date, unless
agendized.
PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: Public Hearings allow citizens the opportunity to speak in
favor of or against agendized items. More detailed information is found in the actual
agenda attached. If you have documents to distribute, you should have enough copies
for all Planning Commissioners, City staff and the public. Please give one to the
secretary for the City files. The documents become part of the public record and will not
be returned.
CONSENT CALENDAR: Consent Calendar items are considered routine items that
normally do not require separate consideration. The Planning Commission may make
one motion for approval of all the items listed on the Consent Calendar.
SCHEDULED MA TIERS: These items are considered by the Planning Commission
separately and require separate motions. These transactions are considered
administrative and public testimony is not heard.
STAFF CONCERNS: Updates and reports from the Director of Development Services
(Planning and Building Departments) are presented for information to the Planning
Commission and the public.
COMMISSION CONCERNS: Items of concern are presented by the Planning
Commissioners and discussed with staff.
All Droceedinas are recorded.
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Agenda for September 17, 2003
7:30 p.m.
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 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 authonzed 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 Meeting Minutes of September 3, 2003
VI SCHEDULED MATTERS
VII PUBLIC HEARINGS
2 Height Variation 03-5
C-1 Surf side
Applicant/Owner
Request.
Anton & Debra Mannkovich
To construct a non-habitable Covered Roof Access Structure (CRAS) In
excess of the 35-foot height limit. Specifically, the proposed structure
would exceed the height limit by approximately 5 feet.
Recommendation.
Approval subject to conditions and adoption of Resolution 03-36
3 Conditional Use Permit 03-4
12300 Seal Beach Boulevard (Target Store)
Applicant/Owner
Request
Target Corporation
To allow sale of beer and wine for off-premises consumption
Recommendation Approval subject to conditions and adoption of Resolution 03-33
4. Conditional Use Permit 03-5
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission · Agenda of September 17, 2003
4 Conditional Use Permit 03-5
12489 Seal Beach Boulevard (Mane Callender's Restaurant)
Applicant/Owner'
Request
Recommendation'
Bob Barger/J Bnan Gibbons
Interior remodel with a proposed 684 square foot addition to the eXisting
restaurant, a proposed 880 square foot open outdoor patio dining area, a
proposed 290 square foot covered patio dining area, a proposed 296
square foot service yard area, a proposed 332 square foot front
porch/entry area, and to change the eXisting on-sale beer and wine
license to an on-sale general license
To be continued to October 8, 2003
5 Negative Declaration 03-1
City of Seal Beach General Plan & Local Coastal Program
CitYWide (General Plan) Coastal Zone (Local Coastal Program)
Applicant/Owner,
Request'
Recommendation
VIII STAFF CONCERNS
IX COMMISSION CONCERNS
X, ADJOURNMENT
City of Seal Beach
Adopt resolutions recommending that City Council adopt The Draft
Negative Declaration , The General Plan Amendment, and the proposed
Local Coastal Program
Approval by adoption of Resolution Nos 03-34,03-40, and 03-41
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission · Agenda of September 17, 2003
OctS
2003 Aaenda Forecast
Conditional Use Permit 02-11 Indefinite Extension (Seaside Gnll)
Conditional Use Permit 03-5 (Mane Callender's Restaurant)
Conditional Use Permit 03-6 (Ruby's Restaurant)
Oct 22
Nov5
Nov 19
Dee 3
Dee 17
TO BE SCHEDULED:
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Study Session
Staff Report'
Study Session,
Study Session'
Permitted Uses and Development Standards In Commercial Zones (5/6/98)
Undergroundlng of Utilities
ADA Handicapped-Accessible Restrooms
Parking Issues In Old Town
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CITY OF SEAL BEACH
PLANNING COMMISSION
Minutes of September 17, 2003
Chairperson Sharp called the regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission
to order at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 17, 2003 The meeting was held in the
City Council Chambers and began with the Salute to the Flag 1
ROLL CALL
Present. Chairperson Sharp, Commissioners Deaton, Eagar, Ladner, and Shanks
Also
Present Department of Development Services
Lee Whittenberg, Director of Development Services
Mac Cummins, Associate Planner
Alexander Abbe, Assistant City Attorney
Absent: None.
AGENDA APPROVAL
So ordered by Chairperson Sharp.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Chairperson Sharp opened oral communications
There being no one wishing to speak, Chairperson Sharp closed oral communications.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Approve Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of September 3, 2003.
MOTION by Shanks; SECOND by Ladner to approve the Consent Calendar as
presented.
MOTION CARRIED: 5 - 0
AYES: Sharp, Deaton, Eagar, Ladner, and Shanks
1 These Minutes were transcribed from audiotape of the meeting
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City of Seal Beach Plannmg Commission
Meetmg Mmutes of September 17, 2003
NOES:
ABSENT:
None
None
SCHEDULED MATTERS
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Height Vanatlon 03-5
C-1 Surf side
Applicant/Owner:
Request:
Anton & Debra Marinkovich
To construct a non-habitable Covered Roof Access Structure
(CRAS) in excess of the 35-foot height limit. Specifically, the
proposed structure would exceed the height limit by
approximately 5 feet.
Recommendation:
Approval subject to conditions and adoption of Resolution
03-36.
Staff Report
Mr. Cummins delivered the staff report (Staff Report is on file for inspection in the
Plannmg Department.) He provided some background information on this Item and
noted that under the provIsions of the MUnicipal Code certain non-habitable
architectural features are allowed to extend up to 7 feet above the height limit subject to
a public hearing before the Planning Commission (PC). He explamed that these
"doghouses" allow access to roof decks above the top floor of homes and the item
before the PC tonight would exceed the height limit by approximately 5 feet. He
Indicated that the PC must make certain findings relating to the architectural style of the
proposed structure, the materials used for construction, whether or not the structure IS
appropriate for the Integnty and character of the neighborhood, and whether that
variation would significantly alter the primary view of any resident within 300 feet. He
said that the proposed structure will have a straight run stairwell and after reviewing this
application Staff has determmed that the architectural style is consistent with the
existmg structures. He stated that Staff recommends approval of Height Vanatlon (HV)
03-5.
Commissioner Questions
Commissioner Deaton asked if any communications In opposition to this application
were received. Mr. Cummins reported that no communications In favor or in opposition
to this project were received
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City of Seal Beach Plannmg Commission
Meetmg Mmutes of September 17,2003
Commissioner Shanks asked if the Surfside Homeowners Association (SHA) must
approve this application. Mr. Cummins stated that applications of this type must be
approved by the SHA before submission to the Department of Development Services.
Public Hearlna
Chairperson Sharp opened the public hearing.
Mr. Anton Marinkovich stated that he was present to respond to any questions from the
Commissioners. He recommended approval of HV 03-5.
There being no one else wishing to speak, Chairperson Sharp closed the public
hearing
Commissioner Comments
None
MOTION by Deaton; SECOND by Ladner to approve Height Variation 03-5 and
adoption of Resolution 03-36 as presented.
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
5-0
Sharp, Deaton, Eagar, Ladner, and Shanks
None
None
Mr. Abbe advised that the adoption of Resolution No 03-36 begins a 10-day calendar
appeal period to the City Council The Commissioner action tonight IS final and the
appeal period begins tomorrow morning
2 Conditional Use Permit 03-4
12300 Seal Beach Boulevard (Target Store)
Applicant/Owner
Request:
Target Corporation
To allow sale of beer and wine for off-premises consumption.
Recommendation.
Approval subject to conditions and adoption of Resolution
03-33.
Staff Report
Mr. Cummms delivered the staff report (Staff Report is on file for Inspection m the
Planning Department.) He provided some background information on thiS item and
noted that the property IS located within the Bixby Old Ranch Town Center
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City of Seal Beach Plannmg Commission
Meetmg Mmutes of September 17, 2003
He described the surrounding land uses as follows.
NORTH:
75 single-family detached residences In the Centex Old Town Center
Development within a Residential Low Density (RLD) Zone
Bixby Old Ranch Golf Course In a Public Land Use/Recreation (PLU/R)
Zone.
SOUTH:
EAST:
Bixby Old Ranch Golf Course in a Public Land Use/Recreation (PLU/R)
Zone.
WEST'
Rossmoor Shopping Center in a Commercial (C-2) Zone
Mr. Cummins stated that the Planning Commission (PC) has reviewed and approved
similar applications within this shopping center, most notably Sav-On Drugs. He said
that the primary concern with these types of applications relates to the over
concentration of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) licenses within a census tract. He
stated that this is determined based upon a ratio of total licenses to total population
within the County and this IS then applied to individual census tracts. He referred to
Page 3 of the Staff Report, which provides the current ratio of 3 off-sale licenses
allowed within this census tract, with 1 having been issued, which would not create an
over concentration of off-sale licenses. He stated that Staff recommends approval
subject to conditions.
Commissioner Questions
Commissioner Shanks asked how large an area IS used to define a census tract. Mr.
Cummins reported that this census tract runs east of Seal Beach Boulevard and north of
the 1-405 Freeway, encompassing almost all of College Park East and the new Centex
Homes.
Public Hearina
Chairperson Sharp opened the public hearing.
Ms Beth Aboulafia stated that she and Mr. Dan Eggers, District Manager for Target,
were present tOnight to respond to any questions from the Commission. She reported
that for about one year approximately 35 Target stores in Northern California have been
licensed to sell wine. She said that the program has been well received by the public,
and Target is now expanding this program to its Southern California stores, a handful of
which are already licensed to sell wine, with approximately another 20 stores at various
stages in the applications process. She stated that although Target is applying for a
Type 20 license, which allows the sale of beer and wine for off-premises consumption,
Target currently plans to sell wine only. She noted that at some pOint In the future, the
sale of beer may be included, but currently that IS not planned Ms Aboulafia
emphasized that there is no over concentration of ABC licenses, this IS not a high crime
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City of Seal Beach Plannmg Commission
Meetmg Mmutes of September 17, 2003
area, and the sale of alcoholic beverages IS consistent with the general
commercial/retail uses In the shopping center She recommended approval of
Conditional Use Permit 03-4
Mr. Dan Eggers conveyed comments regarding three of the Conditions of Approval as
follows:
~ Condition No. 6 - No video games or similar amusement shall be permitted on the
premises.
Mr. Eggers stated that Target does not offer coin operated video games, but does
provide customer sampling of six small video games that may be purchased over
the counter. He requested continued operation of these sample video games and
assured Staff that there would be no loitering or drinking of beer on the premises or
near these games
~ Condition No. 17 - The sale of alcoholic beverage for consumption on the premises
shall be prohibited and there shall be appropriate posting of signs both inside and
outside the licensed premises.
Mr Eggers stated that although Sav-On Drugs sells beer, wine, and hard liquor for
off-site consumption, no signs are posted prohIbIting on-site consumption. He said
that because Sav-On Drugs is located within the same shopping center, Target
wishes to request that they not be required to post signage as they work very hard
at keeping the inside and outside of the stores clean, neat, and free of any signage
that may detract from Target brands. He noted that Target provides intenor and
extenor security at all ItS locations
~ Condition No 8 - The applicant will prominently display these conditions of
approval In a location Within the business's customer area that IS acceptable to the
Director of Development Services.
Mr. Eggers stated that posting the 22 conditions within the Target environment
would require a large sign that would not fit in With the sign brand at the service
desk He asked that Target be given the opportunity to post a 7 x 11-inch sign,
produced by the company, statIng that the condItIons of approval for the sale of
alcoholic beverages for off-site consumption are available by request at the Service
Desk.
Mr. Eggers then stated that he would be happy to respond to questions from the
Commission.
Commissioner Ladner referred to Condition No 6 and asked if these were hand-held
Video games. Mr. Eggers stated that 2 are hand-held, and 4 are play station type
games for purchase and placement In the home.
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CIty of Seal Beach Plannmg CommIssIon
Meetmg Mmutes of September 17, 2003
Commissioner Eagar asked how far the wine display would be from the video game
display. Mr. Eggers stated that the two displays are approximately 100 feet apart. Ms.
Aboulafia Interjected that the wine display would be located in the grocery and beverage
section of the store. Commissioner Eagar asked if all cashiers are over the age of 21.
Mr. Eggers stated that they are not all over 21 years of age, but Target does have an
extensive training program and the store registers Will automatically prompt cashiers to
request a photo 1.0. when alcohol purchases are made.
Ms. Aboulafla stated that Target fully understands that there must be no consumption
of alcohol permitted on the premises or the surrounding area and will be very conscIous
of thiS, even though there are no signs posted She noted that this has not been a
problem in the past She indicated that should this become a problem, the ABC
regulations do provide for the requirement of signs outSide the store mdicatlng that there
is no lOitering or consumption of alcoholic beverages allowed
There being no one else wishing to speak, Chairperson Sharp closed the public
heanng
Commissioner Comments
Commissioner Deaton asked the Director of Development Services whether Sav-On
Drugs is required to post signs Mr Whittenberg deferred this question to Mr. Cummins
who reported that the two conditions related to signage are standard conditions
Imposed by the City for a number of years. He said that he could not speak tonight to
whether or not Sav-On Drugs does or does not have signs posted, but thiS would have
been a condition of approval on their Conditional Use Permit. He said that if the signs
are not posted, they should be. Commissioner Deaton said she would not be in favor of
approving this CUP without haVing the signs posted outside, particularly If Target does
not wish to have the signs posted inside the store
CommIssIoner Shanks recommended adding the follOWing text to Condition NO.6:
"No coin operated video games or similar amusements shall be permitted
on the premises. 11
Mr. Abbe recommended expanding on the text by addIng:
"No coin-operated video games or similar coin-operated amusements
shall be permItted on the premises. 11
Commissioner Shanks then noted that the required signage was Important and he could
not visualize that there would not be some way of posting these signs Within the store.
MOTION by Ladner; SECOND by Shanks to approve Conditional Use Permit 03-4 and
adopt Resolution 03-33 as amended.
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MOTION CARRIED;
AYES;
NOES;
ABSENT:
City of Seal Beach Plannmg Commission
Meetmg Mmutes of September 17, 2003
5-0
Sharp, Deaton, Eagar, Ladner, and Shanks
None
None
Mr Abbe advised that the adoption of Resolution No. 03-33 begins a 10-day calendar
appeal period to the City Council. The Commissioner action tonight IS fmal and the
appeal period begins tomorrow morning.
3. Conditional Use Permit 03-5
12489 Seal Beach Boulevard (Marie Callender's Restaurant)
Applicant/Owner:
Request:
Recommendation:
Public Hearina
Bob Barger/J. Brian Gibbons
Intenor remodel with a proposed 684 square foot addition to
the existing restaurant, a proposed 880 square foot open
outdoor patio dining area, a proposed 290 square foot
covered patio dining area, a proposed 296 square foot
service yard area, a proposed 332 square foot front
porch/entry area, and to change the existing on-sale beer
and wine license to an on-sale general license.
To be continued to October 8, 2003
Chairperson Sharp opened the public hearing
Mr. Abbe recommended that if any member of the public present tonight desires to
speak on this item that they be given the opportunity to do so tomght.
MOTION by Shanks; SECOND by Deaton to continue Conditional Use Permit 03-5 to
the Planning Commission meeting of October 8, 2003
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
5-0
Sharp, Deaton, Eagar, Ladner, and Shanks
None
None
4. Negative Declaration 03-1
City of Seal Beach General Plan & Local Coastal Program
Citywide (General Plan) Coastal Zone (Local Coastal Program)
Applicant/Owner:
City of Seal Beach
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City of Seal Beach Plannmg Commission
Meetmg Mmutes of September 17, 2003
Request: Adopt resolutions recommending that City Council adopt:
The Draft Negative Declaration, The General Plan
Amendment, and the proposed Local Coastal Program.
Recommendation: Approval by adoption of Resolution Nos 03-34, 03-40, and
03-41 .
Staff Report
Mr. Cummins delivered the staff report. (Staff Report is on file for inspection in the
Planning Department.) He provided some background information on this item and
noted that the City is currently in the process of updating its General Plan (GP) and
adopting a Local Coastal Program (LCP) He said that when the City adopts these
types of documents the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which is the State
environmental legislation, takes effect and requires environmental review, which is why
a Negative Declaration was completed. He stated that the Planning Commission (PC)
would serve as a recommending body to the City Council (CC) on these three
documents As such, the PC will adopt resolutions either recommending approval or
approval with some changes or denial of the documents. Mr Cummins recommended
that the PC first consider the GP, followed by the NegatIve Declaration (ND). He
introduced Ms. Andl Culbertson of Culbertson Adams & Associates (CAA), the City-
selected firm for consulting on this project and noted that Ms. Culbertson would provide
a brief review of the various elements In the GP followed by review the ND. For the
LCP, Staff recommends that the Commission not take any public testimony tonight and
any diSCUSSion be held until the October 22, 2003 PC meeting pending further revisions
on the document.
General Plan (GP):
Mr. Cummins described the GP as the principal governing document for the City as it
relates to development and future development. He stated that the current GP is very
lengthy and difficult for the general public to comprehend. He said that each of the
Elements within the GP was individually adopted over time, and the complete GP has
never been adopted comprehensively as one document, making comprehension of the
GP difficult. He emphasized that the prinCipal goal IS to prOVide a document that can
eaSily be understood as it relates to all aspects of development WIthin the City. He
indicated that a 15-member Ad Hoc Committee made up of local reSidents had
reviewed each of the draft GP elements and provided recommendations for revisions.
He noted that the graphics for the GP are available in digital format.
Ms. Andl Culbertson, CEO of CAA, stated that prior to 1973 the State of California did
not have a mandatory reqUirement for a GP for Cities. She said that Originally GPs
consisted of 9 elements, and now there are 7 as follows:
1 Land Use Element - Establishes population density and bUilding Intensity
standards for the City along with objectives and policies.
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CIty of Seal Beach Plannmg CommIssIon
Meetmg Mmutes of September 17, 2003
2. Circulation Element - Deals with all means of getting around within the City Is
required to be consistent with the Land Use Element.
3. Open Space Element
4. Conservation Element
5 Noise Element
6. Safety Element
7. Housing Element (not before the Planning Commission tonight)
Ms Culbertson emphasized that it IS important to bring forward all of the decIsions the
City has made and ensure that they are internally consistent with the other elements.
She stated that no changes were made in the Land Use Element, but the Circulation
Element went through an extensive traffic study to ascertain updates on circulation
Within the City and to make appropriate recommendations for reconciling the Land Use
Element and the Circulation Element. She said that State law allows combining of
elements such as the Conservation and Open Space Elements, and this was done in
the City's GP. She stated that the Safety Element is very important, as its primary focus
is keeping the citizens of the City free from hazards. Ms. Culbertson then explained that
the Noise Element covers all noise includIng airport environment land use plan noise for
aircraft nearest the City and an update to the NOise Ordinance objectives. She
indicated that two optional elements have been included: The Growth Management
Element, which is required in order to receive funding under Measure M and congestion
management, and the Cultural Resources Element, which grew out of the City's interest
in archaeological/paleontological/historical resources. She noted that the elements
were not changed in any material way that would increase or decrease the building
intensity Within the City, but simply makes the City's goals and objectives more clear.
Mr. Whittenberg called for recognition of the efforts of CAA, City Staff, and the Ad Hoc
Committee for the work completed on this document. He indicated that Staff had
attempted to incorporate the comments and concerns of the Committee while stili
maintaining the flavor of the City's goals. He stated that Staff beheves that what is
before the Commission is an accurate reflection of the City's goal's and policies, but any
recommendations will certainly be taken Into conSideration.
Commissioner Questions
Commissioner Ladner asked if flight patterns of aircraft from the Long Beach Airport
were included in the NOise Element Ms. Culbertson responded that the requirement in
the NOise Element is to take into account the over flights that are nearest to the City.
She said that the overflights from the Long Beach Airport were considered, however,
they do no exceed the noise criteria that would normally be governed by a state-
mandated NOise Element. CommiSSioner Ladner asked what the noise criterion IS. Ms
Culbertson stated that It would range from 60, 65, 75, and 80 CNEL.
Commissioner Shanks asked if consideration had been given to the Department of
Water and Power and the Edison power plants when they "blow their stacks" and the
nOise levels emanating from these locations, In particular in relation to Leisure World?
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City of Seal Beach Plannmg Commission
Meetmg Mmutes of September 17, 2003
Ms Culbertson said that this was not addressed, as tYPically In a Noise Element you
are not dealing with single event noise. She stated she would look into this
Commissioner Shanks stated that the noise from the stacks occurs only when they are
being cleaned.
Commissioner Ladner asked if this noise was to continue even after the stacks are
updated? Ms. Culbertson said she would find out. She stated that usually In Noise
Elements, the focus IS on new development and how to mitigate or avoid the nOise
altogether. She said that with existing developments the City would have no regulatory
authority over that activity. Mr. Whittenberg Interjected that the power plants are located
within the City of Long Beach and the City of Seal Beach would not have any control
over this situation He indicated that at the Haynes facility, once the stacks are
updated, this procedure for cleaning the stacks would no longer be necessary
Negative Declaration (NO):
Mr. Cummins stated that the ND is a State mandated disclosure of any environmental
impacts associated with what CEQA defines as a significant impact. He said that as
Staff has reviewed the adoption of the new GP as it is changing from the old GP, they
have identified no Impacts that would be deemed significant under CEQA. He indicated
that Staff is not recommending any mitigation.
Mr. Whittenberg noted that included within the Staff Report are the responses to
comments received from vanous agencies regarding the ND
Commissioner Questions
Commissioner Sharp inqUired about the LCP document. Mr. Cummins stated that Staff
recommends waiting until the final completed document is presented.
Public Hearina
Chairperson Sharp opened the public hearing.
There being no one Wishing to speak, Chairperson Sharp closed the public hearing
Mr. Abbe advised that rather than closing the public hearing that It be recessed to allow
for the continued review of the LCP document.
Commissioner Comments
Commissioner Ladner again inquired about the nOise from the Long Beach Airport Ms.
Culbertson referred to Page N-19 of the GP where it is noted that a 65 CNEL contour,
which is the dividing line between acceptable and unacceptable noise levels for
residential areas, lies three miles outside the City boundary. She said that from a Noise
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City of Seal Beach Plannmg Commission
Meetmg Mmutes of September 17, 2003
Element perspective, not an operations perspective, this would place areas outside the
65 CNEL Zone In a normally acceptable category from a nOise standpoint She stated
that this does not mean that the State Intends to regulate this or that you won't find the
nOise annoying, even though It might fall below the normally accepted thresholds for
regulation. Mr. Whittenberg interjected that there has been some recent discussion by
City Council regarding expenences where It appears that sometimes aircraft are not
following the normal flight paths Into Long Beach Airport. He said that he believes the
City has sent a letter to Long Beach Airport complaining about this issue. He said he
would follow up and provide information to Commissioner Ladner.
Commissioner Deaton asked if there are decibel requirements even if the planes are In
their flight path. Mr Whittenberg stated that the critenon for a GP is a 65 CNEL level,
which is a 24-hour time rated standard, so a high single event nOIse level at one point in
time doesn't apply to the GP issues. Commissioner Deaton asked what the standard
was outside the GP. Mr. Whittenberg stated that aircraft generated noise is controlled
and monitored by the federal government.
Commissioner Shanks stated that this has been an ongoing problem throughout the
years. He said that when a complaint is filed, the frequency decreases, but then
gradually begins to recur With more frequency until the next complaint IS received.
Commissioner Deaton recommended that residents call the Long Beach Airport
whenever aircraft that appear to be outside the normal flight pattern creates excessive
noise.
Chairperson Sharp recessed the public heanng until the October 22,2003 meeting.
STAFF CONCERNS
Mr Whittenberg reported that he would not be present at the meeting of October 8,
2003, as he would be on vacation.
COMMISSION CONCERNS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Sharp adjourned the meeting at 8.20 p.m.
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Respectfully Submitted,
~^-^"~~
Carmen Alvarez, Executive Secretary
Planning Department
APPROVAL
City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of September 17, 2003
The Commission on October 8, 2003 approved ft\e Minutes of the Planning Commission
Meeting of Wednesday, September 17, 2003 ~.
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