HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Min 2005-03-23
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CITY OF SEAL BEACH
PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA for March 23, 2005
7:30 p.m.
District 1 - Ellery Deaton
District 2 - Jim Sharp
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
o 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.
o 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.
o Planning Commission meetings are broadcast live on Seal Beach TV3. They are
rebroadcast on Sunday afternoons, Channel 3 at 4:00 p.m.
o 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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o 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 March 23, 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 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 MATTERS: 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 proceedinas are recorded.
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Agenda for March 23, 2005
7:30 p.m.
I.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
II.
ROLL CALL
III. AGENDA APPROVAL
By Motion of the Planning Commission, this is the time to:
(a) Notify the public of any changes to the Agenda;
(b) Re-arrange the order of the Agenda; and/or
(c) Provide an opportunity for any member of the Planning Commission, staff, or
public to request an item be removed from the Consent Calendar for separate
action.
IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
At this time, members of the public may address the Planning Commission
regarding any items within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Planning
Commission, provided that the Planning Commission may undertake no action or
discussion unless otherwise authorized by law.
V.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Items on the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and are enacted by
one motion unless prior to enactment, a member of the Planning Commission,
staff, or the public requests a specific item be removed from the Consent
Calendar for separate action.
1. Approve Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of February 23, 2005.
2. Approve Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2005.
3. February 2005 Building and Safety Department Statistical Report.
4. Mosquito Abatement Information.
VI. SCHEDULED MATTERS
5. Adoption of Resolution 05-9 denying Conditional Use Permit 05-1 for 10
Marina Drive (J. Dee's Landing).
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission. Agenda of March 23, 2005
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
6. Conditional Use Permit 02-5 (Indefinite Extension)
12430-B Seal Beach Blvd. (Togo's/Baskin Robbins)
Continued from March 9, 2005
ApplicanUOwner: Kevin Schrock for Van Morgan Eateries/Levine
Investments, LP
Request: To approve an Indefinite Extension of Conditional Use
Permit 02-5 for an existing restaurant, permitting an
outdoor seating area.
Recommendation: Approval subject to conditions and adoption of
Resolution 05-12.
7. Variance 05-2
B-2 Surfside
Continued from March 9, 2005
ApplicanUOwner:
Request:
Marshalllninns/Andy and Laura Karich
To construct a new single-family residence with a
proposed side setback of 6 inches, where the Seal
Beach Zoninq Code requires a side setback of 3 feet; a
proposed front setback of 6 inches, where the Code
requires a front setback of 2 feet 6 inches; and a
proposed rear setback of 6 inches on the first floor
where the Code requires 3 feet. A storage building
currently exists on the lot.
Recommendation: Approval and adoption of Resolution 05-6.
VIII. STUDY SESSION
8. Service Station Convenience Market Development Standards
IX. STAFF CONCERNS
X. COMMISSION CONCERNS
XI. ADJOURNMENT
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Apr6
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission · Agenda of March 23, 2005
2005 Aaenda Forecast
San Gabriel River Corridor Master Plan Draft EIR
Zone Text Amendment 05-1 - Service Station Convenience Markets
Zone Text Amendment 05-2 - Courtyard Walls in Front Yards
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CITY OF SEAL BEACH
PLANNING COMMISSION
Minutes of March 23, 2005
Chairperson Ladner called the regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission
to order at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23, 2005. The meeting was held in the City
Council Chambers and began with the Salute to the Flag.1
ROLL CALL
Present: Chairperson Ladner, Commissioners Deaton, Roberts, Shanks, and Sharp.
Also
Present: Department of Development Services
Lee Whittenberg, Director of Development Services
Christy Teague, AICP, Senior Planner
Carrie Lee, Assistant City Attorney
Absent: None.
AGENDA APPROVAL
Mr. Whittenberg recommended that because Chairperson Ladner was absent from the
meeting of March 9, 2005, Item No.2, Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of March
9 be removed from the Consent Calendar, as Chairperson Ladner would abstain from
voting on this item.
MOTION by Shanks; SECOND by Deaton to approve the Agenda as amended.
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
5-0
Ladner, Deaton, Roberts, Shanks, and Sharp
None
None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Chairperson Ladner opened oral communications.
Joan Stegman, of 118 Thirteenth Street, stated that she joined the Seal Beach
Historical Society in 1971 and the first thing the Society did was to go through town
1 These Minutes were transcribed from audiotape of the meeting.
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taking pictures of all the historical buildings in Seal Beach. She noted that these
photographs were used in a recent Red Car exhibit, which reflected that approximately
three quarters of the homes photographed are no longer in existence. Ms. Stegman
stated that in particular, she is concerned with preservation of the property at the
intersection of 1 ih Street and Central Avenue, which was formerly the Willard Hotel and
had been owned by her grandparents. She indicated that this structure is scheduled for
demolition, which is a shame. She encouraged more preservation of historic buildings
in town and recounted how she had purchased the Red Car with a $350 grant and now
its value is accessed at $100,000. She stated that when these historic properties go up
for sale, developers are buying them up and demolishing the structures in order to
construct 2 or 3 huge homes on these lots. She emphasized that saving even 1 or 2 of
these historic homes would help preserve some of the history of Seal Beach. She
asked if the Seal Beach Inn is also to be demolished. Commissioner Deaton stated that
she is aware that this property is currently up for sale.
There being no one else wishing to speak, Chairperson Ladner closed oral
communications.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Approve Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of February 23, 2005.
3. February 2005 Building and Safety Department Statistical Report.
4. Mosquito Abatement Information.
MOTION by Shanks; SECOND by Roberts to approve the Consent Calendar as
amended.
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
5-0
Ladner, Deaton, Roberts, Shanks, and Sharp
None
None
2. Approve Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2005.
MOTION by Shanks; SECOND by Roberts to approve the Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of March 9, 2005 as presented.
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
4-0-1
Deaton, Roberts, Shanks, and Sharp
None
None
Ladner
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of March 23, 2005
SCHEDULED MATTERS
5. Adoption of Resolution 05-9 denying Conditional Use Permit 05-1 for 10 Marina
Drive (J. Dee's Landing).
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
stated that at the public hearing for this item on March 9, 2005, the Planning
Commission (PC) heard testimony of significant neighborhood opposition to this
proposed restaurant at 10 Marina Drive. Concerns were expressed regarding noise,
adequate parking, late evening hours of operation, traffic, and alcohol related issues,
and the PC had directed Staff to return with a Resolution denying Conditional Use
Permit 05-1. The applicant had subsequently requested withdrawal of his application,
but because the PC had already voted on this item, Resolution 05-9 for denial of CUP
05-1 is presented tonight.
MOTION by Deaton; SECOND by Shanks to adopt Resolution 05-9 denying Conditional
Use Permit 05-1 as presented.
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
4-0-1
Deaton, Roberts, Shanks, and Sharp
None
None
Ladner
Mr. Whittenberg advised that the adoption of Resolution No. 05-9 begins a 10-day
calendar appeal period to the City Council. The Commissioner action tonight is final
and the appeal period begins tomorrow morning.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
6. Conditional Use Permit 02-5 (Indefinite Extension)
12430-B Seal Beach Blvd. (Togo's/Baskin Robbins)
Continued from March 9, 2005
Applicant/Owner: Kevin Schrock for Van Morgan Eateries/Levine Investments,
LP
Request: To approve an Indefinite Extension of Conditional Use Permit
02-5 for an existing restaurant, permitting an outdoor seating
area.
Recommendation: Approval, subject to conditions, and adoption of Resolution
05-12.
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of March 23, 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 the proposal is for 19 seats with the tables located along the east side of the
storefront facing the parking lot and the drive aisle. She stated that the original
conditions of approval required maintaining a 5-foot pedestrian path between the
proposed exterior seats and tables and any adjacent structure columns, drive aisle, or
parking lot. She noted that this condition was imposed prior to completion and
occupancy of the store, but the completed construction provides wider than required
space along the sidewalk adjacent to the parking area, including the proximity to the
handicapped accessible parking and ramp. She said that placement of the tables and
chairs adjacent to the structural column allows for more access at the store entry. She
indicated that the proposed Resolution 05-12 includes a revised Condition No.2, which
reads:
"Maintain a minimum of 5 foot clear pedestrian path between the proposed
exterior seats and tables and any adjacent drive aisle or parking lot."
She then stated that Staff is recommending approval subject to conditions.
Public Hearinq
Chairperson Ladner opened the public hearing.
Mr. Kevin Schrock stated that he is present to respond to any questions from the
Planning Commission. Commissioner Shanks asked if the tables are to be 36-inch
diameter with one 46-inch diameter table. Mr. Schrock stated that he had purchased
the tables when he opened the store several years ago and he is not certain of the
diameters, but he could provide this information to the PC. Ms. Teague interjected that
there is one 4-person table, and the remaining tables are 3-person tables, so there is
one that is larger. Commissioner Shanks asked if the 4-person table is to remain. Ms.
Teague stated that it was to remain. Mr. Schrock stated that he believes the tables he
purchased were all the same size, and Commissioner Shanks may be referring to a
table for a neighboring business. He said he maintains 3 persons per table, but
sometimes customers may move extra chairs from other businesses' outdoor seating.
He noted that half the time the, people using the tables are not even customers of
Togo's, but are customers from the adjoining businesses and he usually ends up
cleaning up after them. Mr. Roberts stated that what the PC is attempting to do is to
maintain the clearance between the curb and the table seating. Mr. Schrock stated that
the tables are not anchored and the customers do move them. He indicated that the
location has a very large common area and he believes the landlord should have
provided the seating for this area. He noted that no part of his store or the outdoor
seating is near the curb or the drive aisle.
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of March 23, 2005
There being no one else wishing to speak, Chairperson Ladner closed the public
hearing.
MOTION by Sharp; SECOND by Roberts to approve the Indefinite Extension of
Conditional Use Permit 02-5 and adopt Resolution 05-12 as amended.
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
5-0
Ladner, Deaton, Roberts, Shanks, and Sharp
None
None
Ms. Lee advised that the adoption of Resolution No. 05-12 begins a 10-day calendar
appeal period to the City Council. The Commissioner action tonight is final and the
appeal period begins tomorrow morning.
7. Variance 05-2
B-2 Surfside
Continued from March 9,2005
Applicant/Owner:
Request:
Marshalllninns/Andy and Laura Karich
To construct a new single-family residence with a proposed
side setback of 6 inches, where the Seal Beach Zonina Code
requires a side setback of 3 feet; a proposed front setback of 6
inches, where the Code requires a front setback of 2 feet 6
inches; and a proposed rear setback of 6 inches on the first
floor where the Code requires 3 feet. A storage building
currently exists on the lot.
Recommendation: Approval, subject to conditions, and adoption of Resolution
05-6.
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 both Marshall Ininns, the architect, and Dave Evans are present tonight to
respond to questions from the Commission. She stated that based upon the discussion
at the March 9 public hearing, Staff believes that this property is unique because B-1
and B-2 are surrounded on four sides by streets, and the properties are also situated
between two access gates, which is unique to Surfside Colony and within the City of
Seal Beach. She indicated that this proposal was particularly encouraged by Surfside
Colony in order to achieve a more creative design at the high profile location of B-2
Surfside. She said that the proposed 6-inch setback is designed to discourage
construction of a fence or block wall along the side property line and to allow for a more
open appearance at the adjacent Surfside Colony entrance. She stated that Surfside
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of March 23, 2005
Colony will plant 2-3 feet of low landscaping along B-1 and B-2 Surfside, and this will
effectively create a setback area on the Surfside property. Since the property is
surrounded by streets adjacent to the proposed side and rear setback encroachment
areas, the encroachments will not adversely affect neighboring residents. She noted
that given the direction of the PC and public testimony, Staff is recommending approval
of Variance 05-2 and adoption of Resolution 05-6. She then noted that at this time Mr.
Ininns wished to provide color renderings of the project to the PC for review.
Mr. Whittenberg noted for the record that because Chairperson Ladner was not present
at the March 9, 2005 meeting, he would have to abstain from voting on this matter and
could not participate in the discussion this evening.
Commissioner Questions
Commissioner Shanks asked if Staff had received comments from the Orange County
Fire Authority. Ms. Teague reported that Staff had met at the site with a representative
of the O. C. Fire Authority and it was determined that there is adequate vehicle access
available at B-1 and B-2 Surfside, and that the proposed construction would not affect
the ability of the Fire Authority to serve the Surfside area.
Mr. Whittenberg noted for the record that discussion that took place during this meeting
with the OCFA could be found within the Staff Report.
Public Hearinq
Mr. Marshall Ininns stated that he has provided to the PC for review color elevations
and the site plan. He explained that this project has been done in conjunction with the
Surfside Homeowners Association and currently there is a storage building and fence
around this property with open storage in the center. He stated that Surfside is currently
going through a lot line adjustment, parcel map, and California Coastal Commission
(CCC) approval in developing an enclosed maintenance building and providing
enclosed storage so that residents of the water tower will not have to look down on the
items stored in the new maintenance yard. He indicated that in the process of doing
this three new lots were created, with B-1 and B-2 being developed, and the third lot
being left vacant although it will also be zoned residential. He proceeded to point out
the improvements to the properties and to the Surfside entrance, noting that that the
gates will be swinging gates, which are much quieter than the existing rolling gate, and
the "teeth" currently in the ground at the exit gate are to be removed to allow for
emergency ingress and egress by fire department vehicles. Mr. Ininns then presented
the proposed design for the residential structures emphasizing that ultimately it would
greatly improve the entrance into the Colony and would work very well with the plan for
Surfside. He recommended approval of Variance 05-2.
Commissioner Roberts inquired whether pedestrian traffic would be using the swinging
gates to enter Surfside. Mr. Ininns stated that a pedestrian gate is to be made
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of March 23, 2005
available, but would probably not be used much due to a high-pressure valve system
located near the gated entrance.
Commissioner Deaton stated that she had visited the site and was quite impressed with
the proposed project. She said that Mr. Ininns has done an excellent job.
Mr. Dave Evans, representative for the Surfside Homeowners Association, spoke in
favor of the project and noted that they have reviewed Mr. Ininns' letter, which was
forwarded to the Commissioners, and are in agreement with everything he has written.
He stated that Surfside Colony is excited about proceeding with this project.
There being no one else wishing to speak, Chairperson Ladner closed the public
hearing.
Commissioner Roberts referred to Section 6, Item (e) of Resolution 05-6 and asked Ms.
Teague if the wording could be revised to eliminate the word "not." Mr. Whittenberg
recommended that the text be revised to read " . . . which the strict application of the
Code would deprive such property of privileges enjoyed by other property in the same
vicinity and zone." The Commission was in agreement.
Commissioner Sharp stated that granting a Variance is a very unusual action for the
Planning Commission; however, given the fact that the Surfside Homeowners
Association supports this project, he would be in favor of approval.
Commissioner Deaton noted that at the March 9, 2005 meeting the PC had considered
either approving the Variance or creating a "D" Row of homes, and after visiting the site,
she believes it is better to go with the Variance.
MOTION by Deaton; SECOND by Shanks to approve the Variance 05-2 and adopt
Resolution 05-6 as amended.
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
4-0-1
Deaton, Roberts, Shanks, and Sharp
None
None
Ladner
Ms. Lee advised that the adoption of Resolution No. 05-6 begins a 10-day calendar
appeal period to the City Council. The Commissioner action tonight is final and the
appeal period begins tomorrow morning.
STUDY SESSION
8. Service Station Convenience Market Development Standards.
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of March 23, 2005
Staff Report
Ms. Teague delivered the staff report. (Staff Report is on file for inspection in the
Planning Department.) She provided background information on this item and noted
that at the last study session the PC had expressed concern over alcohol sales in
service station convenience markets and that on Page 1 of the Staff Report text is
provided for 5 limitations to help address these concerns. She reviewed the limitations
and noted that in looking at alcohol sales in convenience markets each case will be
evaluated individually with regard to over concentration of ABC licenses and how the
business fits within the community. She indicated that Staff did not include provisions
for alcohol sale proximity to another business. Ms. Teague stated that Staff anticipates
returning at the next PC meeting with the Zone Text Amendment (ZTA) to include
convenience markets in conjunction with service stations.
Chairperson Ladner asked if limitations for proximity to another business selling alcohol
were to be included. Ms. Teague stated that this was not included as it is expected that
this will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. She noted that when reviewing zoning
matters based on what is currently there, given the fact that businesses change all of
the time, and alcohol sales might not be included in the use, Staff did not want to
preclude this without the PC having a chance to review this.
Commissioner Shanks asked if these limitations are to be included in the new Code
language. Ms. Teague stated that they would be included.
Mr. Whittenberg stated that Staff is proposing to make the language clear so that
applicants will understand the basic criteria the PC will expect to review.
Commissioner Shanks asked what criteria California Alcohol & Beverage Control (ABC)
uses to determine the concentration of licenses. He asked if the Main Street area
extends up to the Westminster Avenue/Seal Beach Boulevard area. Mr. Whittenberg
explained that the over concentration criteria is developed by census tracts, which are
federal census areas used for population purposes. He said that basically Old Town is
one census tract with the others being The Hill, the Boeing Property up to Westminster
Avenue, Leisure World as two separate tracts, College Park East (CPE), and College
Park West (CPW), which is part of the census tract for Los Alamitos and Rossmoor.
Commissioner Roberts noted that in Section M of the Proposed Code section there was
no restriction for alcohol sales within 100 feet of a residential area. He asked if the City
Council policy and the ABC requirements would govern this limitation? Mr. Whittenberg
stated that the 100 feet in the policy issue would remain, as City Council policy is based
upon an ABC regulation, which states that ABC will evaluate and may not approve if
alcohol sales fall within 100 feet, but it does not state that ABC will not approve this.
Commissioner Deaton asked about Limitation No.2, noting the City Attorney had
counseled that alcohol sales cannot be prohibited. She asked if the City could restrict
the kind of alcohol that can be sold. Ms. Teague stated that the City Attorney is
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of March 23, 2005
comfortable with this and had suggested limiting sales to beer and wine for convenience
markets. Commissioner Deaton then asked related to Limitation No.3, how many
service stations are located outside a C-2 General Commercial Zone? Ms. Teague
reported that there are none, as service stations are only permitted in the C-2 Zone.
Commissioner Deaton then stated that she is not certain what Limitation No. 4 means.
She asked what the word "limitations" refers to. Mr. Whittenberg responded that this
means convenience markets are not permitted within 1,000 feet of these sensitive uses.
Commissioner Deaton asked that the text be revised to make this clearer. Ms. Teague
stated that in the proposed text for the ordinance the text reads, "The business shall not
be located within 1000 feet of a park, religious institution, or school. . ."
Mr. Whittenberg stated that if the Commissioners are comfortable with what has been
presented, Staff would proceed to process a formal Zone Text Amendment (ZTA) to
bring back at a public hearing for consideration and recommendation to City Council.
The Commissioner was in agreement with the information presented. Commissioner
Roberts emphasized that residential areas must be carefully considered when reviewing
applications for service station convenience markets selling alcohol.
STAFF CONCERNS .
Mr. Whittenberg noted that regarding the potential sale of The Seal Beach Inn, as
mentioned during Oral Communications, Staff has been approached by individuals
indicating that the property is available for sale and who had inquired about changing
the use of the property to single-family residential. He said that Staff did explain to
these individuals that the historical significance of this property would very quickly rise
to the forefront as a major issue related to this property.
COMMISSION CONCERNS
Commissioner Sharp inquired about work on the Carl's Jr. Restaurant. Mr. Whittenberg
stated that the developer is waiting for the ground to dry out enough to allow for pouring
of the foundation. He noted that the Seal Beach area has had the wettest winter since
1877. Commissioner Sharp asked if there were further information on the proposed
hotel for the Boeing property. Mr. Whittenberg stated that there is nothing new to
report. Commissioner Sharp then thanked Staff for getting all of the necessary
approvals completed to begin work on the new Leisure World buildings.
Commissioner Deaton stated that she would like Staff to put together a list of the
historic homes that remain in Seal Beach, so that the PC could begin to send
recommendations to City Council for preservation of historic structures. She noted that
the Seal Beach Inn is a nationally recognized bed and breakfast and is a historic
structure, which the City should not risk losing to another set of row houses. She
indicated that the Krenwinkle home was moved and has been preserved as a beautiful
new bed and breakfast. She also mentioned the historic home at the corner of Ocean
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of March 23, 2005
Avenue and Second Street and emphasized the need to take action to help save this
structure.
Commissioner Sharp said that he has a problem in asking an overworked Staff to do
this, and would rather delegate this to the Historical Society. Commissioner Deaton
stated that she had spoken with Laura Aliotto, who indicated that she had already given
the list to Staff. Mr. Whittenberg interjected that the City had begun this process when
there was concern for potential demolition of the Krenwinkle and the Proctor houses.
He stated that Staff had prepared a report for City Council to help walk through what the
process would be for designating structures on a local historical listing. He said that at
that time Staff had included a list of a number of structures in town identified primarily by
the Women's Club Walking Tour of Historic Seal Beach. He noted that a Staff Report
already exists that is 2-3 years old and provides a general outline of the process, but
some of structures that originally appeared on the list are no longer in existence. He
said that Staff could include this report on the next agenda.
Commissioner Shanks noted that the leadership for The Seal Beach Historical Society
is in transition and he would prefer that Staff acquire information on the guidelines of
historic preservation from the State of California. Mr. Whittenberg stated that most of
this background work was done as part of the analysis completed 3 years ago.
Commissioner Deaton asked what the outcome of this process had been. Mr.
Whittenberg reported that City Council had adopted a policy statement that established
a locally designated list of historic structures, and had also added the Krenwinkle House
and the Proctor House to the list. He noted that when the proposal was presented to
demolish and rebuild the Proctor House generally in conformance with the previous
structure, this was not an issue for this list. Commissioner Deaton asked what the
process would be to have more homes placed on this list. Mr. Whittenberg stated that
this would be determined by City Council. Commissioner Deaton asked how this
process would begin. Mr. Whittenberg stated that the PC would receive an overview
report from Staff at its next meeting and it could then undertake discussion to see if the
Commission wishes to make recommendations to Council to proceed with this issue.
Commissioner Deaton noted that one of the concerns she hears over and over from
residents is that Seal Beach is losing its history. Commissioner Deaton then stated that
the PC still needs to address the issue of "mansionization," and should review this issue
as soon as possible.
Commissioner Shanks stated that he was not aware that on the rear half of a 37.5 or
50-foot lot you could build up to a height of 35 feet. He said that he was under the
impression that the limit in Old Town was 25 feet, except for those homes that were
grandfathered in. Mr. Whittenberg stated that the provision that allows this has been a
longstanding part of the Code since long before he began working with the City, over 15
years ago. Commissioner Shanks noted that eliminating this might be one way of
slowing down mansionization, and the PC should push to limit the height in Old Town to
25 feet for all size lots. Commissioner Shanks then asked if there had been any further
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problems with flooding during the recent rain. Mr. Whittenberg stated that nothing had
been reported.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Ladner adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Carmen Alvarez, Executive Secreta
Planning Department
APPROVAL
The Commission on April 6, 2005 appro~d the Minutes of the Planning Commission
Meeting of Wednesday, March 23, 2005. ~.
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