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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Min 2004-06-16 \ . . . CITY OF SEAL BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA for June 16, 2004 7:30 p.m. District 1 - Ellery Deaton Dlstnct 2 - Jim Sharp District 3 - Gordon Shanks District 4 - Henry Eagar District 5 - Phil Ladner Department of Development Services Lee Whittenberg, Director Alexander Abbe, Assistant City Attorney Mac Cummins, AICP, Associate Planner Carmen Alvarez, Executive Secretary [J 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. [J 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. [J Planning Commission meetings are broadcast live on Seal Beach TV3. They are rebroadcast on Sunday evenings, Channel 3 at 4:00 p.m. [J Videotapes of Planning Commission meetings may be purchased from Seal Beach TV3 at a cost of $20 per tape Telephone: (562) 596-1404. [J Copies of staff reports and/or wntten materials on each agenda item are on file in the Department of Development Services and City libraries for public Inspection Page 1 of 5 .- . . . City of Seal Beach Planning Commission · Agenda of June 16, 2004 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 I Commissioners and discussed with staff. All Droceedinas are recorded. Page 2 of 5 . . . City of Seal Beach Planning Commission Agenda for June 16, 2004 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 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. Approve Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of May 19, 2004. 2. RECEIVE AND FILE: "Significant California Land Use Legislation and Court Decisions in Calendar Year 2003," prepared for the Planning Director of Orange County by Richards, Watson, and Gershon, February 12, 2004. 3. RECEIVE AND FILE: Information Reports Re: Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). 4. Minor Plan ReView 04-5 1611 Island View Applicant/Owner: Gloria A. Souders Page 3 of 5 City of Seal Beach Plannmg CommissIon · Agenda of June 16, 2004 . Request. Construct an approximate 481 square foot addition to an existing legal nonconforming residential structure. Structure is nonconforming in the side yard setback area. Applicant proposes to add square footage to the rear yard area Recommendation: Approval subject to conditions and adoption of Resolution 04-29 5. Minor Plan Review 04-6 955 Catalina Avenue Applicant/Owner: Request: Don & Ruby Reeves Construct an approximate 398 square foot addition to an existing legal nonconforming residential structure. Structure is nonconforming due to front yard setback. Applicant proposes to add square footage in the side yard area only, and all new construction will meet current development standards. Recommendation: Approval subject to conditions and adoption of Resolution 04-32. . VI SCHEDULED MATTERS VII PUBLIC HEARINGS 6. Conditional Use Permit 04-4 148 Main Street (Z-Pizza) Applicant/Owner: Request: Recommendation: VIII STAFF CONCERNS IX COMMISSION CONCERNS X ADJOURNMENT . Alan Grant I Main Street Square LP To install a walk-up/take-out only (10 seats or less) restaurant on Main Street. Specifically, the applicant has requested the ability to sell pizza, sandwiches, salads, and associated products. Approval subject to conditions and adoption of Resolution 04-31 Page 4 of 5 . Jun 23 Jul07 Jul21 Aug 04 Aug 18 Sep 08 Sep 22 Oct 06 Oct 20 Noy 03 Noy 17 . Dee 08 Dee 22 City of Seal Beach Planning Commission · Agenda of June 16, 2004 2004 Aaenda Forecast Meeting Canceled CUP 01-14 Indefinite Extension -12420 Seal Beach Blvd (Daphne's) TO BE SCHEDULED: [J Study Session: Permitted Uses & Development Standards in Commercial Zones (5/6/98 ) Undergrounding of Utilities ADA Handicapped-Accessible Restrooms Parking Issues in Old Town [J [J [J Staff Report: Study Session: Study Session: . Page 5 of 5 . 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 , 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 . CITY OF SEAL BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION Minutes of June 16, 2004 Chairperson Sharp called the regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission to order at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 16, 2004. 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 Mac Cummins, Associate Planner Alexander Abbe, Assistant City Attorney Absent: Lee Whittenberg, Director of Development Services AGENDA APPROVAL Commissioner Shanks requested that Item No. 4 be removed from the Consent Calendar for further discussion. MOTION by Shanks; SECOND by Ladner to approve the Agenda as amended. MOTION CARRIED: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: 5-0 Sharp, Deaton, Eagar, Ladner, and Shanks None None ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Chairperson Sharp opened oral communications. There being no one wishing to speak, Chairperson Sharp closed oral communications. 1 These Minutes were transcribed from audiotape of the meeting Page 1 of 8 . 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 i 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 i CONSENT CALENDAR 1 Approve Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of May 19, 2004. 2. RECEIVE AND FILE: "Significant California Land Use Legislation and Court Decisions in Calendar Year 2003," prepared for the Planning Director of Orange County by Richards, Watson, and Gershon, February 12, 2004. 3. RECEIVE AND FILE: Information Reports Re: Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). 5. Minor Plan Review 04-6 955 Catalina Avenue Applicant/Owner. Request: Don & Ruby Reeves Construct an approxImate 398 square foot addition to an eXisting legal nonconforming residential structure. Structure is nonconforming due to front yard setback. Applicant proposes to add square footage in the side yard area only, and all new construction will meet current development standards. Recommendation: Approval subject to conditions and adoption of Resolution 04-32 Mr. Cummins noted that Staff had received one letter in opposition to Minor Plan Review 04-6. MOTION by Shanks; SECOND by Deaton to approve the Consent Calendar as amended. MOTION CARRIED: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: 5-0 Sharp, Deaton, Eagar, Ladner, and Shanks None None Mr. Abbe advised that the adoption of Resolution No. 04-32 begins a 10-day calendar appeal period to the City Council. The Commissioner action tonight is final and the appeal period begins tomorrow morning. 4. Minor Plan Review 04-5 1611 Island View Applicant/Owner: Gloria A. Souders Page 2 of 8 . 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 , 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 . City of Seal Beach Planmng Commission Meetmg Mmutes of June 16, 2004 Request: Construct an approximate 481 square foot addition to an existing legal nonconforming residential structure. Structure is nonconforming in the side yard setback area. Applicant proposes to add square footage to the rear yard area. Recommendation: Approval subject to conditions and adoption of Resolution 04-29 Commissioner Shanks stated that he has no real concerns with Minor Plan Review 04-5, but he would like clarification on the tandem parking in the proposed garage. He asked if this would comply with the covered garage standards for homes on The Hill. Mr. Cummins stated that a tandem garage would meet the requirement for parking. He noted that Staff agrees that this is a unique situation and was unaware that It existed. He said that several years ago a permit was issued to convert the garage to a living room, and this was when the tandem garage was constructed. He indicated that Staff would accept the applicant making the garage larger to be a standard 2-car garage or making the carport the proper depth, and these options are presented under the Conditions of Approval. Commissioner Shanks asked if there were other homes on The Hill with tandem garages. Mr. Cummins stated that he was not aware of any others. MOTION by Shanks; SECOND by Ladner to approve Minor Plan Review 04-5 and adopt Resolution 04-29 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. 04-29 begins a 10-day calendar appeal period to the City Council. The Commissioner action tonight is final and the appeal period begins tomorrow morning. SCHEDULED MATTERS None. PUBLIC HEARINGS 4. Conditional Use Permit 04-4 148 Main Street (Z-Pizza) Applicant/Owner: Request: Alan Grant I Main Street Square LP To install a walk-up/take-out only (10 seats or less) restaurant on Main Street. Specifically, the applicant has Page 3 of 8 . 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 i 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 . CIty of Seal Beach Plannmg CommIssIon Meetmg Minutes of June 16, 2004 requested the ability to sell pizza, sandwiches, salads, and associated products. Recommendation: Approval subject to conditions and adoption of Resolution 04-31. Staff Reoort 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 stated that within the Main Street Specific Plan (MSSP) Zone walk-up/take-out restaurants are allowed subject to a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) provided that they do not have more than 10 seats and that the parking requirement of 1 space per 500 square feet is met. He explained that the building that formerly housed John's Food King Market is an older structure whose owner also owns the parking lot across the street and the Hennessey's Tavern building. He said that parking in this lot has always been considered to be on-site in a two-thirds/one-third arrangement with the original owner (Dorothy Nescher). He indicated that Staff has determined that the parking requirement for a 1 :500 square foot ratio has been met for any land use in this new structure that would demand a similar amount of parking. He noted that Commissioner Deaton had some questions on this finding, so Staff has provided a memorandum with background information on the parking for these structures. He reiterated that Staff finds that the parking requirement has been met and is recommending approval of Conditional Use Permit 04-4, subject to conditions. He added that within the past two years the Planning Commission (PC) has approved several similar applications along Main Street. Mr. Cummins then noted that a separate memorandum with proposed additional conditions is also provided to the Commission. He said that primarily the City Engineer proposes that because this is to be a walk-up/take-out business, another trash receptacle should be placed in front of the building, and that a bike rack be provided to prevent clutter from customer bicycles. Commissioner Questions None. Public Hearina Chairperson Sharp opened the public hearing. Mr. Jeff Ramsey, representative of Main Street Square LP, the property owner, spoke in support of approval of CUP 04-4 as submitted. He stated that they look forward to providing valuable business services to the City of Seal Beach. Chairperson Sharp asked if Mr. Ramsey had received a copy of the additional proposed Conditions of Approval. Mr. Ramsey stated that both he and the applicant had reviewed the proposed resolution and conditions of approval and found them to be acceptable. Page 4 of 8 . 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 i 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 i City of Seal Beach Planning Commission Meetmg Mmutes of June 16, 2004 Mr. Alan Grant, owner of Z-Pizza, stated that he has seen the proposed Conditions of Approval and he looks forward to opening Z-Pizza and being an important part of the community. Mr. Woody Woodruff stated that Angelo's Deli recently opened and is a high-end deli that brings in many customers from out of town who want to shop on Main Street. He noted that the owners of Angelo's went through a lot to establish their business here because their building measures over 1,000 square feet. He said that Angelo's has 9 parking spaces, which is two-thirds of what Main Street Square has, but Angelo's has no seating inside the deli. He said that Main Street Square was originally to be comprised of 6 stores, but this had changed to 7 stores. He pondered that perhaps they had discovered that for any business under 1,000 square feet they would not have to prOVide real parking. He said that parking is being intensified no matter what, and this "strip mall" is not gOing to be good for Main Street. He stated that Main Street IS unique and business owners do not want Main Street compared to a strip mall. He indicated that unique businesses are needed and so far those that have gone into the Main Street Square retail spaces are not particularly unique, as two doors away from the proposed location for Z-Pizza is another walk-up/take-out pizza store. He said he did not know if there was anything the PC could do to change or delay this, but he does not believe that this is the way to maintain the charm of Old Town. Mr. Woodruff then noted that there have been several complaints of strong odors from roasting coffee beans at the new Javatlnl coffee house. He recommended denial of CUP 04-4. Mr. Cummins noted for the record that Staff had received a letter from Mr. Maury Nipp expressing his opposition to CUP 04-4. There being no one else wishing to speak, Chairperson Sharp closed the public hearing. Commissioner Comments Commissioner Deaton stated that the perception of many business owners on Main Street is that the Main Street Square (MSS) retail building was constructed so as to ensure that the retail units "meet the letter of the law" in order to avoid the requirement of a CUP or having to participate in the in-lieu parking program. She said that other Main Street business owners are asking why they are subject to these requirements yet the tenants of the MSS building do not have to contend with this. She indicated that as long as MSS is meeting the law, she has no problem with this. She said that the last time she checked, Javatini had 22 seats inside, but because they applied as a business with 10 seats or less they did not have to come before the PC. Commissioner Deaton then stated that John's Market had designated a dedicated loading zone on the side of the building and because MSS is no longer using this space as a loading zone, it has become 3 parking spaces for MSS, prompting other business owners to note that they too have extra parking in front of their businesses, but are not given credit for these spaces. She said she has no problem with another pizza place on Main Street, but there is a perception problem on the part of other business owners. She stated perhaps Page 5 of 8 . 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 i 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 , City of Seal Beach Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of June 16, 2004 the City should evaluate whether it wants to allow property owners to cut up business properties into tiny parcels that are designed to meet the zoning standards simply to avoid having to go through the CUP process or to provide the required parking. She indicated that she would like the City to look into making parking on Main Street more equitable or provide stronger enforcement. Chairperson Sharp stated that this is the first time he has ever had someone complain about something being too small, as opposed to complaints about a business being too large. MOTION by Deaton; SECOND by Shanks to approve Conditional Use Permit 04-4 and adopt Resolution 04-31 as presented. MOTION CARRIED: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: 5-0 Sharp, Deaton, Eagar, Ladner, and Shanks None None Mr. Cummins clarified that Angelo's Deli did apply for and receive approval of a CUP pnor to opening on Main Street. He said it was approximately 18 months from the time of approval until the opening of the deli. He then added that certain land uses within the City require specific parking ratios and these are purely policy decisions of the City Council as is the determination of which land uses require CUPs. He said that Staff would be happy to conduct a study session to look at possible recommendations to City Council regarding this issue. Commissioner Deaton stated that stronger enforcement is needed to prevent businesses like Javatini having more seats than originally approved with its CUP. Mr. Cummins stated that a letter was mailed today to both the business owner and property owner regarding this issue. Mr. Abbe advised that the adoption of Resolution No. 04-31 begins a 10-day calendar appeal period to the City Council. The Commissioner action tonight is final and the appeal period begins tomorrow morning. STAFF CONCERNS Mr. Cummins stated that the June 23, 2004 has already been canceled, and the July 7, 2004 meeting is also proposed for cancellation due to the July 4th holiday. Chairperson Sharp spoke for the Commission in favor of canceling the July 7,2004 meeting. COMMISSION CONCERNS Commissioner Deaton asked about the procedure for dealing with the inequity in parking issues on Main Street. Mr. Cummins stated that enforcement of CUPs and Municipal Code violations in commercial areas is an issue that comes up from time to Page 6 of 8 . 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 i 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 i CIty of Seal Beach Planning CommissIon Meetmg Mmutes of June 16, 2004 time and the City does have a Code Enforcement Officer who is out in the field every day; however, code enforcement is handled primarily on a complaint basis and there is usually enough work to keep the Code Enforcement Officer busy at all times. He indicated that because this is done on a complaint basis, there might be the perception that code enforcement issues are not being addressed, or that specific individuals are being "singled out." Commissioner Deaton noted Cinnamon Productions is a double-size shop and she inquired about the number of seats allowed. Mr. Cummins stated that Cinnamon Productions predates the Main Street Specific Plan (MSSP) and despite its size it was grand fathered in when the MSSP was adopted. Commissioner Deaton stated that Cinnamon Productions and Bogart's each have 10 seats or less, and there other shops that are also in compliance with the 10 or less seat requirement. Mr. Cummins reported that City Council (CC) has requested a number of study session items be returned to the Planning Commission for further review, and perhaps in the fall Staff could conduct a study session on parking requirements in the MSSP Zone. He stated that inherently in any parking code there are policy determinations of encouraging certain uses and discouraging others, and this is ultimately a Council decision. He indicated that at the time of adoption of the MSSP CC had down zoned hardware and grocery stores with the clear intent of trying to keep Bay Hardware and John's Food King on Main Street. Commissioner Deaton emphasized that presently she is more concerned with the perception of equity in handling parking issues on Main Street. Commissioner Shanks referred to the memorandum regarding the renovation of the Vons Pavilions Center (Regency Center), and noted that there is no mention of the proposed plan for the smaller shops in the strip building along the northerly side of the center. Mr. Cummins stated that Staff has received only the preliminary site plan, which shows the elimination of the gas station and car wash, with the strip of shops that runs along Bolsa Avenue to remain in its current location with some minor expansions, and a large restaurant pad fronting Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). He said the existing Vons Pavilions is to be expanded into the existing Sav-On Drug building and the new Sav-On Drug is to be constructed on the northwest end of the center. He noted that the applicant has not yet provided information on the existing shop tenants that are to remain in the smaller strip building. ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Sharp adjourned the meeting at 9: 15 p.m. to the scheduled meeting of July 21,2004. Respectfully Submitted, Carmen Alvarez, Executive retary Planning Department Page 7 of 8 . 3 4 . . APPROVAL City of Seal Beach Planning Commission Meeting Mmutes of June 16, 2004 The Commission on July 21, 2004 approved the Minutes of the Planning Commission Meeting of Wednesday, June 16, 2004. Q....e-. Page 8 of 8