HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Min 2005-08-17
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CITY OF SEAL BEACH
PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA for August 17, 2005
7:30 p.m.
District 1 - Ellery Deaton
District 2 - Phil O'Malley
District 3 - Gordon Shanks
District 4 - Gary Roberts
District 5 - Phil Ladner
Department of Development Services
Lee Whittenberg, Director
Alexander Abbe, Assistant City Attorney
Christy Teague, AICP, Senior Planner
Carmen Alvarez, Executive Secretary
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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.
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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 at (562) 431-2527.
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Planning Commission meetings are broadcast live on Seal Beach TV3. They are
rebroadcast on Sunday afternoons, Channel 3 at 4:00 p.m.
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Videotapes of Planning Commission meetings may be purchased from Seal Beach
TV3 at a cost of $20 per tape. Telephone: (562) 596-1404.
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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 August 17, 2005
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 tomght'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 IJroceedinas are recorded.
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Agenda for August 17, 2005
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
V.
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.
PRESENTATION
1. Groundwater Replenishment System, Orange County Water District and
Orange County Sanitation District.
VI. 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
2. July 2005 Building Activity Report
3. Approve Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of July 20, 2005.
4. Minor Plan Review 05-7
50 Riversea Road
Applicant/Owner:
Request:
Robert & Sheri Diaz / L1NC Housing LLC
Architectural review of a 2-story cabana. Applicant
proposes to remodel and add 182.5 square feet to the
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Cay of Seal Beach Planning Commission · Agenda of August 17, 2005
Recommendation:
first floor and to add a new second floor of 770 square
feet to an existing trailer. The overall height will be 25
feet, and the proposed structure will provide a total of
1,602.5 square feet of living space.
Approval and adoption of Resolution 05-35.
5. Minor Plan Review 05-8
1020 Crestview Avenue
Applicant/Owner:
Request:
Recommendation:
VII. SCHEDULED MATTERS
VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
IX. STUDY SESSION
Paul Kaugh / Robert & Bridget Gordon
The construct a 36-inch high BBQ island within the
5-foot side setback, a fireplace structure with a 10-foot
high chimney in the 10-foot rear setback, both with
surrounding planter box structures, and a 36-inch high
pot shelf within the 10-foot rear setback adjacent to the
rear and east side property lines.
Approval and adoption of Resolution 05-39.
6. Study Session: Proposed General Plan Land Use Amendment, Zone
Change, and Development Requests - Residential Use of Accurate Metals
Property.
X. STAFF CONCERNS
XI. COMMISSION CONCERNS
XII. ADJOURNMENT
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Sep 7
Sep 21
Oct 5
Oct 19
Nov9
Nov 23
Dec 7
Dec 21
City of Seal Beach Planmng Commission. Agenda of August 17, 2005
2005 Aaenda Forecast
Conditional Use Permit 03-3 (Indefinite Extension) 133 Main St. (Angelo's Deli)
Conditional Use Permit 05-8 302 Main St. (Champion Chiropractic)
Height Variation 05-3 12850 Seal Beach Blvd. (Nextel)
Minor Plan Review 05-9 510 Ocean Avenue
Minor Plan Review 05-10 74 Riversea Road
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CITY OF SEAL BEACH
PLANNING COMMISSION
Minutes of August 17, 2005
Chairperson Shanks called the regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning
Commission to order at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 17, 2005. The meeting was
held in the City Council Chambers and began with the Salute to the Flag.1
ROLL CALL
Present:
Chairperson Shanks, Commissioners Deaton, Ladner, O'Malley, and
Roberts.
Also
Present:
Department of Development Services
Lee Whittenberg, Director of Development Services
Christy Teague, Senior Planner
Absent:
Alexander Abbe, Assistant City Attorney
Mr. Whittenberg introduced Craig Fox from Richards, Watson and Gershon who will be
sitting in tonight in place of Alexander Abbe who is on vacation.
Ms. Teague introduced Mundo Murguia, the summer intern for the Planning
Department. She stated that Mundo is a graduate student at Cal Poly Pomona and may
continue to work in the Planning Department into the fall.
AGENDA APPROVAL
Mr. Whittenberg requested that Item Nos. 4 and 5 be removed from the Consent
Calendar to allow for discussion. He also noted the project applicant for Item NO.6 has
requested that this matter be continued to September 7, 2005, as he had to travel out of
state due to a family member's illness. Ms. Teague interjected that because the
September 7, 2005 agenda is already a lengthy one, Item No.6 should be continued to
September 21,2005.
MOTION by Deaton; SECOND by Ladner to approve the Agenda as amended and
continue Item NO.6 to September 21,2005.
1 These Minutes were transcribed from audiotape of the meeting.
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MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
5-0
Shanks, Deaton, Ladner, O'Malley, and Roberts
None
None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Chairperson Shanks opened oral communications.
There being no one wishing to speak, Chairperson Shanks closed oral communications.
PRESENTATION
1. Groundwater Replenishment System, Orange County Water District and Orange
County Sanitation District.
The Director of Development Services introduced the representatives from the Orange
County Water District (OCWD). Mr. Ron Wildermuth from the OCWD provided a
PowerPoint presentation on the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS).
(Presentation is on file for inspection in the Planning Department.) He stated that this
is a new project and noted that he would speak in terms of an acre-foot of water, which
is equal to the amount of water needed to cover an acre of land to a depth of one foot
(326,000 gallons of water). This amount would provide water for two small families for
one year. He spoke of a looming global water crisis and reported that 2-4 million people
die every year and 80 countries cannot feed themselves due to a lack of water. He
indicated that the GWRS can be replicated in other coastal regions, and has already
been replicated in Singapore. Mr. Wildermuth stated that when it comes to water,
Orange County (OC) is actually two separate counties. The north central part of the
county has a huge groundwater basin that is filled by water from the Santa Ana River
(SAR) and also augmented by imported water. He noted that because SAR water is
free, the cost of groundwater is approximately $200/acre foot, but South OC, south of
Irvine, is completely dependent upon imported water at $500/acre foot, making water
billings twice as high as those for north central OC. He explained that currently future
sources for imported water from Northern California are being challenged by the largest
restoration project in the nation now in progress to restore the San Francisco-San
Joaquin Bay Delta to help the ecology, which has currently taken 25 percent of Northern
California water. He continued by explaining that the other source for imported water is
the Colorado River, however; surrounding states are beginning to look at how California
is using "their surplus water," and have convinced the federal government that California
must decrease its use of this surplus water, and by 2016 California will lose part of this
surplus water. Mr. Wildermuth then stated that although the demand for water in
California has increased 39 percent, there have been no major state or federal water
projects for many years, and local and regional projects have had to take up the slack.
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of August 17, 2005
He indicated that future water needs will be addressed by an emphasis on greater water
efficiency, purchasing surplus farm water to move to Los Angeles, storing water in
groundwater basins, expanding existing reservoirs, and more purification of sewer and
ocean water. He then explained that with the projected population growth, Orange
County Sanitation District (OCSD) is faced with constructing another ocean outfall (huge
piping for disposal of wastewater into the ocean). In working with the OCSD over the
last 8 years, OCWD has proposed that it take the wastewater and purify it to better than
bottled water quality, increase the size of the seawater barrier, and recharge the
groundwater basin with the leftover wastewater. OCWD then proposed that the $170
million allocated for another ocean outfall be used to construct a water purification plant.
He noted that OCSD agreed and is sharing the cost of the plant with the OCWD. He
then explained that GWRS uses various technologies for water purification, which
include micro filtration pretreatment, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet disinfection plus
hydrogen peroxide, and followed by outlining the benefits and savings in the cost of
water, by using the GWRS.
Commissioner Questions
Commissioner Ladner asked how many families are currently serviced by OCWD. Mr.
Wildermuth noted that OCWD currently services 2.3 million people. Commissioner
Ladner asked what the projected timeline is for meeting the needs of the growing
population in California. Mr. Wildermuth stated that 75 percent of the projected
population growth would come from new births, and the OCWD will handle this with the
GWRS, which is an expandable system; however, Orange County will still need to
purchase more imported water on top of what the GWRS will produce. He stated that
the OCWD projects that by 2020 it will require an additional 100,000 acre feet of new
imported water every year on top of what the GWRS produces in order to keep up with
the projected population growth. Commissioner Ladner inquired about desalinized
water. Mr. Wildermuth stated that desalinized water would be a part of the future water
portfolio, especially in South Orange County. He noted that currently 5 ocean desalting
projects are under way, with one in Huntington Beach, one in Dana Point, and another
in San Diego. He stated that ocean desalting, although expensive, is a way to provide
reliability in areas where there are no groundwater basins.
Commissioner Roberts asked what the capital life of the purification facility would be.
Mr. Wildermuth stated that it is 25 years. Commissioner Roberts asked if it were ever
closed down for periodic maintenance or is it on a rotating maintenance plan. Mr.
Wildermuth stated that maintenance is rotating. Commissioner Roberts asked if the
technology was developed by foreign or U.S. companies. Mr. Wildermuth stated that
both have contributed to the technology. Commissioner Roberts then asked how low
the water level is now in the groundwater basin. Mr. Wildermuth stated that 700,000-
acre feet of usable water are needed in the groundwater basin and it is currently down
by approximately one-third. He noted that as a result the OCWD has reduced the
amount of water distributed to cities in an attempt to build up the water level to where it
should be.
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of August 17, 2005
Commissioner Deaton asked where the GWRS would max out. Mr. Wildermuth stated
that the OCSD receives 250 million gallons per day, and the OCWD will use only 80
million gallons initially and can go up to 140 million gallons per day. He said that
OCWD could double and quadruple the capacity if there is a need. Commissioner
Deaton asked whether there were a point where the groundwater basins would be full
again. Mr. Wildermuth stated that more groundwater is used every year because it is
less expensive than importing water, so there will always be a need for replenishment.
Member O'Malley asked what the projections are for refilling the groundwater system.
Mr. Wildermuth stated that OCWD has a 5-year plan to inject 25,000 acre-feet of water
into the basin each year until it is full.
Commissioner Shanks thanked Mr. Wildermuth for the informative presentation.
CONSENT CALENDAR
2. July 2005 Building Activity Report
3. Approve Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of July 6, 2005.
MOTION by Roberts; SECOND by Ladner to approve the Consent Calendar as
amended.
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
5.-0
Shanks, Deaton, Ladner, O'Malley, and Roberts
None
None
4. Minor Plan Review 05-7
50 Riversea Road
Applicant/Owner:
Request:
Robert & Sheri Diaz I L1NC Housing LLC
Architectural review of a 2-story cabana. Applicant proposes
to remodel and add 182.5 square feet to the first floor and to
add a new second floor of 770 square feet to an existing
trailer. The overall height will be 25 feet, and the proposed
structure will provide a total of 1,602.5 square feet of living
space.
Recommendation:
Approval and adoption of Resolution 05-35.
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of August 17, 2005
Staff Report
Ms. Teague delivered the staff report. (Staff Report is on file for inspection in the
Planning Department.) She provided some background information on this item and
noted that Staff did receive comments from an adjacent neighbor expressing concerns
about the east facing windows that would directly look into their residence. She stated
that the applicants have been working with the adjacent neighbors to alleviate their
concerns by changing the window placement as needed. She noted that Staff has
conditioned MPR 05-7 with the requirement that the roof structure be within the 20-
25-foot portion of the roof. She said that Staff is recommending approval, subject to
conditions.
Commissioner Questions
Commissioner Roberts questioned the handwritten note on the plans related to reducing
the length of the trailer to meet requirements, and asked if this has been taken into
account. Ms. Teague stated that this note is regarding a requirement of the Seal Beach
Trailer Park office and is also a requirement of the state, which requires a 3-foot setback
on the sides and the rear of the trailer.
Public Comment
Chairperson Shanks opened for public comments.
Robert Diaz stated that the windows are to be located above head height, which would
prevent any intrusion into neighboring trailers.
There being no one else wishing to speak, Chairperson Shanks closed public
comments.
MOTION by Ladner; SECOND by Roberts to approve the Minor Plan Review 05-7 and
adopt Resolution 05-35 as presented.
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
5-0
Shanks, Deaton, Ladner, O'Malley, and Roberts
None
None
Mr. Fox advised that the adoption of Resolution No. 05-35 begins a 10-day calendar
appeal period to the City Council. The Commissioner action tonight is final and the
appeal period begins tomorrow morning.
5. Minor Plan Review 05-8
1020 Crestview Avenue
Applicant/Owner:
Paul Kaugh / Robert & Bridget Gordon
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of August 17, 2005
Request: The construct a 36-inch high BBQ island within the 5-foot
side setback, a fireplace structure with a 10-foot high
chimney in the 10-foot rear setback, both with surrounding
planter box structures, and a 36-inch high pot shelf within the
10-foot rear setback adjacent to the rear and east side
property lines.
Recommendation: Approval and adoption of Resolution 05-39.
Staff Report
Ms. Teague delivered the staff report. (Staff Report is on file for inspection in the
Planning Department.) She provided some background information on this item and
noted that recently the Planning Commission has approved several similar structures
within the City. She noted that a copy of the one comment letter received in response
to the public notice has been included with the Staff Report. The letter expressed
concerns over emissions of smoke. She indicated that the builder had stated that the
longer and more narrow the fireplace shaft, the faster the air is emitted into the wind.
Staff recommends approval of MPR 05-8 and adoption of Resolution 05-39 as
presented.
Commissioner Questions
Commissioner Deaton confirmed that all surrounding residences would be 10 feet away
from the fireplace structure. Ms. Teague confirmed that the most adjacent home
structure is approximately 16 feet from the proposed fireplace location.
Commissioner O'Malley asked where the author of the letter lives in proximity to the
construction. Ms. Teague noted that there was no return address on the envelope.
Chairperson Shanks noted that the letter was fairly vague about whether the fireplace
would be used for barbeque or whether there would be a separate barbeque.
MOTION by Ladner; SECOND by O'Malley to approve the Minor Plan Review 05-8 and
adopt Resolution 05-39 as presented.
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
5-0
Shanks, Deaton, Ladner, O'Malley, and Roberts
None .
None
Mr. Fox advised that the adoption of Resolution No. 05-39 begins a 10-day calendar
appeal period to the City Council. The Commissioner action tonight is final and the
appeal period begins tomorrow morning.
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of August 17, 2005
SCHEDULED MATTERS
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
STUDY SESSION
6. Study Session: Proposed General Plan Land Use Amendment, Zone Change, and
Development Requests - Residential Use of Accurate Metals Property.
Continued to Planning Commission Meeting of September 21,2005.
STAFF CONCERNS
None.
COMMISSION CONCERNS
Commissioner Deaton inquired as to when the Planning Commission would revisit the
Main Street Specific Plan Zone Sign Standards. Mr. Whittenberg stated that this would
be included on the September 21, 2005 agenda.
Chairperson Shanks inquired about the status of the Seal Beach Inn and Gardens. Mr.
Whittenberg stated that it is still operating, and the current owners have accepted no
offer for purchase. Chairperson Shanks then inquired about the Seal Beach Center.
Mr. Whittenberg reported that the administrative phase of the project is now in plan
check for the exterior renovation of the existing shop structure. He indicated that
applications for a Conditional Use Permit have been submitted for the demolition and
construction of a new Vons and for the new Sav-On Drug Store. He stated that the
application is incomplete and cannot be processed until this information is received. He
explained that once the application is complete, a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND)
will be prepared and circulated for public review and comment, followed by the
scheduling of the public hearings before the Planning Commission. He indicated that
this process will probably take 4-5 months. Commissioner Deaton inquired about The
Daily Grind coffee drive-thru. Mr. Whittenberg stated that it would remain on the
property at a different location.
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ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Shanks adjourned the meeting at 8:22 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
~^~_C\~~:v~
Carmen Alvarez, Executive Secretary
Planning Department
APPROVAL
City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of August 17, 2005
The Commission on September 7, 2005, approved the Minutes of the Planning
Commission Meeting of Wednesday, August 17, 2005.~.
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