HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Min 2006-04-05
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CITY OF SEAL BEACH
PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA for April 5, 2006
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 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. 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.
[J
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.
[J 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 Apnl 5, 2006
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 of Apnl 5, 2006
City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Agenda for April 5, 2006
7:30.p.m.
I.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
II.
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 March 22, 2006.
VI SCHEDULED MATTERS
2. Adopt Resolution 06-14 Approving Planned Sign Program 06-1 - Seal Beach
Center, 901-1101 Pacific Coast Highway.
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
3. Mitigated Negative Declaration 06-1
General Plan Amendment 06-1
Zone Change 06-1
Tentative Parcel Map 2005-257
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission · Agenda of April 5, 2006
400 Marina Drive Project
Applicant/Owner:
Schwendener Corporation
Request:
Mitigated Negative Declaration 06-1 - Recommend
adoption by the City Council
General Plan Amendment 06-1 - Recommend
amending the Land Use and Housing Elements of the
General Plan to designate the subject 13,667 square
foot, 0.31-acre property from Commercial General to
Residential High Density (RHO);
Zone Change 06-1 - Recommend changing the zoning
designation on the subject property from General
Commercial (C-2) to Residential High Density (RHO),
District 1 to be consistent with the General Plan
revision;
Tentative Parcel Map 2005-257 - Recommend
approval of Parcel Map to legally establish the
requested 4 parcels on the approximately 0.31 acres,
with a minimum parcel size of 2,937.5 square feet; and
Recommendation:
Approval, subject to conditions, and adoption of
Resolution Nos. 06-17, 06-3, 06-4, and 06-2,
respectively.
VIII. STUDY SESSION
4. Historic Preservation Program
Recommendation: Planning Commission to conduct a study session for
further consideration of the issue of developing a
"Historic Preservation Program" within the City of Seal
Beach.
IX STAFF CONCERNS
X COMMISSION CONCERNS
XI. ADJOURNMENT
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City of Seal Beach Planmng Commission · Agenda of Apfll 5, 2006
2006 Aaenda Forecast
Tentative Parcel Map 2005-311
Study Session -
Mansionization
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901-1101 Pacific Coast Hwy.
(Seal Beach Center)
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CITY OF SEAL BEACH
PLANNING COMMISSION
Minutes of April 5, 2006
Chairperson Shanks called the regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning
Commission to order at 7 30 P m on Wednesday, April 5, 2006 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
Chnsty Teague, Senior Planner
Alexander Abbe, Assistant City Attorney
Absent. None
AGENDA APPROVAL
MOTION by Ladner; SECOND by O'Malley to approve the Agenda as presented.
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
CONSENT CALENDAR
1 Approve Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of March 22, 2006
1 These MInutes were transcrrbed from audIotape of the meeting
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CIty of Seal Beach Planning CommIssIon
Meeting Minutes of Apnl 5, 2006
MOTION by Roberts, SECONI? by Ladner to approve the Consent Calendar as
presented
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
5-0
Shanks, Deaton, Ladner, O'Malley, and Roberts
None
None
SCHEDULED MATTERS
2 Adopt Resolution 06-14 Approving Planned Sign Program 06-1 - Seal Beach
Center, 901-1101 PaCific Coast Highway
Staff Report
Ms. Teague reported that Planned Sign Program (PSP) 06-1 was previously approved
at the Planning Commission (PC) meeting of March 22, 2006, with two added
conditions. She noted that the public hearing was already conducted at that meeting
and Staff is now presenting the revised resolution With the added conditions as directed
by the PC
Commissioner Deaton asked If Seal Beach Police Department had an opportUnity to
comment on the time for turning off the lights Ms Teague stated that Chief Kirkpatrick
had no concerns With the times for turning out the lights for signs
CommiSSioner O'Malley noted that he had driven by the center at night and found that
all of the signs along the rear of the multi-tenant building are unlighted signs, and only
security lights are on at the rear of the shopping center Commissioner Deaton stated
that these are illuminated signs and can be lit Mr Whittenberg stated that they are
Illuminated signs and he believes that including the condition that the signs be turned off
by 9 00 P m should be Included as a condition of approval.
MOTION by Deaton, SECOND by O'Malley to adopt Resolution 06-14 as presented
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
5-0
Shanks, Deaton, Ladner, O'Malley, and Roberts
None
None
Mr. Abbe adVised that the adoption of Resolution No 06-14 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 Apnl 5, 2006
PUBLIC HEARINGS
3 MItigated Negative Declaration 06-1
General Plan Amendment 06-1
Zone Change 06-1
Tentative Parcel Map 2005-257
400 Manna Drive Project
Applicant/Owner.
Schwendener Corporation
Request
Mitigated Negative Declaration 06-1 - Recommend adoption
by the City Council
General Plan Amendment 06-1 - Recommend amending the
Land Use and Housing Elements of the General Plan to
designate the subject 13,667 square foot, 0 31-acre property
from Commercial General to Residential HIgh Density
(RHD),
Zone Change 06-1 - Recommend changing the zOning
designation on the subject property from General
CommercIal (C-2) to Residential High Density (RHD), Distnct
1 to be consistent with the General Plan reVISion,
TentatIve Parcel Map 2005-257 - Recommend approval of
Parcel Map to legally establish the requested 4 parcels on
the approximately 0 31 acres, with a minimum parcel size of
2,937 5 square feet, and
Recommendation' Approval, subject to conditions, and adoption of Resolution
Nos. 06-17, 06-3, 06-4, and 06-2, respectively
Staff Report
Mr. Whittenberg 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 basic proposal IS to demolish an eXisting 10-unlt single-story apartment
bUilding located at 400 Manna Dnve, at the intersection of 4th Street, and to change the
zOning from a commercial land use designation to Residential High Density (RHD),
subdiVide the property Into 4 parcels that meet the minimum lot sizes for the Coastal
area of the City, and once all these actions are approved, conduct a public heanng
before City Council to approve the General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, and the
Parcel Map. He indicated that once all of these entitlements are In place, the owner of
the property would be allowed to construct 4 homes on the property In conformance
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City of Seal Beach Plannmg Commission
Meetmg Mmutes of Apnl 5, 2006
with City development standards for that area of the community He explained the
process for preparing and circulating Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) 06-1, noting
that the 3D-day public revIew penod for thIS document ended on March 27, 2006. He
stated that a response to comments document has been prepared and provided to all
parties who submitted comments. He noted that under California State Law the
General Plan (GP), the ZOning Ordinance provIsions, and the zOning of properties in a
community are required to be consistent, so when changing the zOning on a particular
property to a zOning designatIon that IS dIfferent than the GP designation, a request
must be made to change them both to make them consistent. The Director of
Development Services then indicated that RHO ZOning allows lot sizes of a minimum
width of 25 feet and 100 feet deep He said that In thiS case 3 of the lots are
rectangular measuring 25 ft x 117ft. 6 In deep, with the corner lot on the diagonal of
the property measunng 4,000 sq ft He noted that the plans proposed for the homes
can change as the there IS no SpecifiC Plan requlnng thiS particular plan to be
developed, and there will be no further City review of the housing plans themselves,
unless the applicant were to request some type of discretionary project approval from
the PC He then provided a brief PowerPolnt presentation of the proposed project site
Commissioner Questions
Commissioner Roberts asked If the project as It eXists IS currently a part of any of the
City'S low-income housing Mr Whittenberg stated that It IS not He explained that
provISion of low-moderate Income housIng is an Issue that IS related to the construction
of new housing, and Coastal Act prOVISions for low-income housing state that If the City
has less than 50 acres of vacant, available residential land within the Coastal Zone, It IS
exempt from this requirement
Public Hearina
Chairperson Shanks opened the public hearing
Alan Schwendener, 700 Ocean Avenue, stated that the design of thiS project will
conform well to Old Town, and he wIll not be requesting any Vanances for heights or
setbacks for these homes, and has no plans for construction of a three-story home on
the wider lot Commissioner Roberts asked If the designs for the front of the homes on
the more narrow lots could be different to prevent a "cookie cutter" appearance Mr
Schwendener stated that a mixture of Mediterranean and Craftsman style home designs
were selected, With a mIxture of color as well as bUIlding matenal to create a less
Uniform look. Commissioner Deaton stated that having all of the front doors In the same
location on each of these homes and the upstairs Windows In exactly the same place
also provides the "cookie cutter" look She suggested that there could be more vanatlon
In the designs Commissioner Roberts asked If the Mediterranean homes are to have
tile roofs Mr Schwendener stated that they would. CommIssIoner Ladner commented
that the applicant has done a good job With these the plans for these 25-foot lots
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CIty of Seal Beach Planning CommIssIon
Meeting Minutes of Apnl 5, 2006
Pat Kearns expressed his concern about the provision of adequate parking for these
new homes He stated that although there IS an ordinance requIring that residents park
their cars in their garages, no one does so, creating major parking problems for
residents and their guests He proposed creating a setback on the first floor 22-feet off
the alley to allow for parking of two extra cars off the street He also recommended
providing at least 3 steps up to the front doorway to provide enough elevation to prevent
the problem of flooding Chairperson Shanks commented that the PC cannot address
Mr Kearns' concerns regarding parking, but he adVised that he contact the Main Street
Parking Committee to diSCUSS these Issues
Russ Fox spoke In support of this project and said It was a good Idea to eliminating the
apartments.
Alan Schwendener commented that Lot 4 will have a 3-car garage He also noted that
he had read Mr Kearns' e-mail to the PC expressing hiS concerns with parking.
There being no one else wishing to speak, Chairperson Shanks closed the public
hearing
Commissioner Comments
Commissioner Deaton asked If there were a downside from changing thiS property from
commercial to RHO Mr Whittenberg stated that there IS the loss of an opportunity for a
commercial use on the property, but realistically the property IS irregular In shape and
less than 15,000 square feet In total land area, and has been zoned for commercial use
since 1946, but has never been developed for a commercial use, which probably
indicates that the marketplace has not seen thiS as a good location for a commerCial
development He noted that this change wIll develop a property that has had deferred
maintenance on It for a long time
Commissioner O'Malley commented that thiS IS a great project that will help "clean up
the area and be a benefit to the City."
MOTION by Deaton, SECOND by Ladner to recommend to City CounCil the adoption of
Mitigated Negative Declaration 06-1 and adopt Resolution 06-17 as presented.
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
5-0
Shanks, Deaton, Ladner, O'Malley, and Roberts
None
None
MOTION by Ladner, SECOND by Roberts to recommend to City CounCil approval of
General Plan Amendment 06-1, amending the Land Use and HOUSing Elements and
adopt Resolution 06-3 as presented
MOTION CARRIED: 5 - 0
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CIty of Seal Beach Plannmg CommIssIon
Meetmg Mmutes of Apnl 5, 2006
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Shanks, Deaton, Ladner, O'Malley, and Roberts
None
None
MOTION by O'Malley, SECOND by Ladner to recommend to City Council approval of
Zone Change 06-1, changing the zOning designation for 400 Manna Dnve from General
Commercial (C-2) to Residential High Density (RHO), Distnct 1, and adopt Resolution
06-4 as presented
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
5-0
Shanks, Deaton, Ladner, O'Malley, and Roberts
None
None
MOTION by Ladner, SECOND by O'Malley to recommend to City Council approval of
Tentative Parcel Map 2005-257 and adopt Resolution 06-2 as presented
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT: None
5-0
Shanks, Deaton, Ladner, O'Malley, and Roberts
None
Mr Whittenberg noted that all of the decisions this evening are recommendations to the
City Council (CC) and a separate public heanng would be scheduled before CC with
public notice being mailed to all property owners and residents within a 300-foot radius
of the project site.
STUDY SESSION
4 Histonc Preservation Program
Recommendation Planning Commission to conduct a study session for further
conSideration of the Issue of developing a "Historic Preservation Program" within
the City of Seal Beach
Staff Report
Mr Whittenberg 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 California law requires that the a city's General Plan (GP) discuss how
properties within a community should be set aSide for public open space and hlstonc
preservation purposes, and as part of this process, there IS also a requirement that
regulations for land use controls be consistent with the city's GP He Indicated that the
GP for the City of Seal Beach does not discuss historic preservation The Director of
Development Services then added that Included with the Staff Report are Hlstonc
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City of Seal Beach Planmng Commission
Meetmg Mmutes of Apnl 5, 2006
Preservation Elements and programs from several other Cities He noted that some of
these are voluntary, such as In Laguna Beach, while other cities will determine whether
a structure IS hlstoncally significant and place It on a histonc preservation list He
explained that thiS Issue has been discussed off and on over the past 15-16 years, and
he believes that a voluntary program would probably work best for the City of Seal
Beach Mr Whittenberg then stated that the City would have to determine how It would
handle requests for alterations or additions to hlstoncally significant structures so that
the onglnal architectural style of the building is maintained, and he reviewed some of
the methods for accomplishing thiS He then discussed the inclusion of incentives in
these programs to attempt to gain participation in a historic preservation program He
noted that owners of structures placed on the National Register of Histonc Places are
eligible for tax benefits when rehabilitation work IS done on these types of bUildings He
Indicated that the old City Hall bUilding IS the only structure within Seal Beach listed on
the National Register He said that a local register of hlstonc structures would not be
confined to the same criteria as required to list a home on the state or national register
Another issue Mr Whittenberg presented was that of demolition of hlstonc structures,
noting that some cities have added the requirement of a 90-120-day waiting penod to
allow time for diSCUSSion of alternatives for preserving a structure, and other cities are
actually moving hlstonc homes to "hentage parks," rather than having them demolished
by owners wanting to bUild new structures on their properties. He stated that
approximately 4-5 years ago, the zOning requirement within the City did create a
Residential Conservation Overly Zone designating two properties In town as being
hlstoncally significant: The Krenwlnkle House and the Proctor House, which IS located
at 10th Street and Electric Avenue He noted that the original Proctor House was totally
demolished and the new home has been constructed to almost exactly recreate the
same style of the onglnal home. He said that the Krenwinkle House was the first home
bUilt In Anaheim Bay before the Navy took over the property, and the home was then
relocated to a lot on the corner of 2nd and Central Streets When the owners elected to
redevelop thiS property, the home was then moved to ih Street between Electnc
Avenue and Manna Drive and IS in the process of being converted into a bed and
breakfast facIlity He indicated that In order to proceed, the City must look at creating a
historic element to the GP, developing ordinance regulations for dealing with historic
structures from the aspect of alterations and additions, demolition of the structure, and
the granting variances to these types of buildings With regard to alterations or
additions, he noted that the state has developed a hlstonc bUilding code specifically
designed for older, hlstonc structures, and thiS type of code should be considered for
adoption to the City's eXisting building code, as well as how the Inclusion of ADA
accessibility requirements would be managed
Commissioner Questions
Chairperson Shanks stated the first task is to compile a list of hlstoncally significant
structures withIn the City of Seal Beach Mr Whittenberg noted that Staff already has
access to Information from a list compiled In the mid-70s for the Women's Club Walking
Tour, and In 1991 Staff proposed designation of a number of properties In town for
hlstonc preservation, but City Council ultimately decided not to take action on this He
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City of Seal Beach Plannmg Commission
Meetmg Mmutes of Apnl 5, 2006
stated that Staff has also driven around town and made note of any properties that were
probably constructed In the 1930's and may be of historic significance He noted that
under federal law, anything that is over 50 years old is potentially historically significant
Mr Abbe Interjected that many cities will begin by having a historic consultant complete
a survey of all of the properties in the city to help Identify those which may be
significant, and then developing criteria for which ones to preserve and how to nominate
other properties
Commissioner Deaton stated that In order to make this program successful, It has to be
as inexpensive as possible She asked If It would be possible to create a voluntary
program without having to complete the survey Mr. Whittenberg stated that thiS IS
possible, and recommended beginning with the creation of a General Action Plan of the
things the Planning Commission would like to accomplish, and Staff would then create a
budget estimate of the cost of completing the work In-house or determine whether It
would be more cost effective to bring In an experienced consultant to do the work
Commissioner Ladner asked If the Seal Beach Historic Society (SBHS) would be
Involved In thiS process Mr Whittenberg stated that they could be, and would be a
great resource in helping to identify structures
In response to Commissioner Deaton's question, Mr Abbe stated that a voluntary
program could be established without completing a survey of potential historic
structures, however, the reason for first dOing a survey IS to help set uniform standards,
therefore, Imposing a standard on residents of the City which IS Impartial and fair He
said that some Cities do adopt an ordinance without a formal program, but Imposing
mandatory standards can create problems She then thanked Staff for the Staff Report
and the attachments provided, noting that being able to look at what other cities are
dOing had been extraordinarily helpful She also said that she agreed with the definition
provided, as It accurately represents the type of preservation program needed for Seal
Beach Commissioner Deaton stated that since most of the historic properties are
located within District 1, she wished to provide a brief outline for consideration by the
Commission and Staff of the type of preservation program she would like to see She
recommended amending the GP to include a Historic Preservation Element to create a
voluntary program that overlooks setback Issues for owners of single-family residences
who wish to remodel a histOriC home In order to accommodate their families, as most of
these older homes are qUite small, many with only one bedroom and bath She added
that in order to have the voluntary program work, the City should look Into qualifying
these properties for the Mills Act to provide tax breaks for the owners, create a histOriC
bUilding code that would allow for remodel of the interior of these homes without having
to meet ADA requirements, and finally, make these properties eligible for the Certified
Local Government Program (CLGP) to help qualify these homes for grant money She
noted that under a voluntary program remodels on histOriC properties would have to be
carefully reviewed and mOnitored to ensure that the historic character of the structures
IS maintained She emphasized that the program should be one that would keep the
costs to the City low, keep the work to Staff to a minimum, and stili provide the means
for remodeling historic homes, If the owners wish to do so
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CIty of Seal Beach Plannmg CommIssIon
Meetmg Mmutes of Apnl 5, 2006
CommiSSioner Ladner stated that the SBHS should play a role in establishing a
preservation program, as they already have a lot of information on these structures on
record
Chairperson Shanks added that as a former president of the SBHS he could confirm
that the list of structures referred to by the Director of Development Services IS pretty
much the same list that the SBHS has Commissioner Roberts asked If the SBHS has
wntten cnteria for establishing the list of hlstonc homes. Chairperson Shanks stated
that he does not believe they do. He said that the SBHS began compiling the list In the
1970's, and a lot of these homes have since then disappeared He emphasized that
certainly the SBHS should be Included In completion of the survey
Commissioner O'Malley stated that this is a very ambitious project for which
Commissioner Deaton IS volunteenng He encouraged Commissioner Deaton moving
forward with her recommendations.
Commissioner Deaton clarified that she IS proposing making this a totally voluntary
program without compiling any kind of list of homes. Mr. Abbe noted that perhaps the
question IS that If this IS to be a voluntary program, does thiS mean that anyone can
request that their home be declared a hlstonc property In order to take advantage of the
special standards, or would there be a list of specific requirements In order for a
property to qualify as hlstonc Commissioner Roberts stated that he does agree with
Commissioner Deaton's recommendations, but there has to be established cntena He
said that he would need more Information on the specific allowances that would be
made for these hlstonc nonconforming properties, as opposed to non-hlstonc
nonconforming properties He asked if there are grants available to help develop a
hlstonc preservation program Mr Whittenberg stated that the CLGP does provide
grants, and many cities that are In the process of developing a hlstonc preservation
program will apply for grants under the CLGP to assist with the Identification of
structures within the town that would be eligible for consideration He said that In order
to do thiS the city must establish criteria as to what the structure must be In order to be
classified as hlstonc. He suggested that the PC return to thiS diSCUSSion In Mayor June
2006 and Staff will return with a more defined descnptlon of a voluntary program that
would best accommodate hlstonc preservation of homes within Seal Beach. He noted
that thiS should also include some minimal GP diSCUSSion on hlstonc preservation as
well as cost estimates for completion of research and reports.
Commissioner Roberts recommended that Staff meet with the SBHS to review the data
they have compiled and to diSCUSS the pOSSibility of the SBHS taking on an adVISOry
role In not only the formation of thiS program, but also to assist In mOnltonng the
program once It beginS He expressed his concern that because use of thiS program
would probably be Infrequent, any special committee established to oversee the
program would probably dissolve due to a lack of activity He stated that a concerted
effort must be made to get the community 110% behind the program, or It will not work
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Mr Whittenberg suggested returning at the May 17, 2006 Planning Commission
meeting with a general outline of the components for a voluntary historic preservation
program, and perhaps Staff can recruit local residents with a background in historic
preservation as volunteers.
Commissioner Roberts asked if City Council (CC) favors such a program. Mr.
Whittenberg stated that CCs main concern is that the City not impose restrictions on
owners of these properties, and the amount of staff time and expense that might be
Involved In setting up a program of this kind.
Commissioner Deaton stated that one of the goals of setting up a historic preservation
program would be to eliminate having to grant Variances. She asked if elimination of
the need for a Variance could become a part of the allowances for owners of historic
properties. Mr. Whittenberg noted that one of the examples of ordinances provided sets
up a historic variance, and the City does have a provision in the Code that allows for a
historic Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for Sign Permits to maintain some of the older
signs in town that would not meet today's standards. He said that Staff understands
that the concern is preserving the current structure in ItS existing format, but any
additions to the structure would still have to meet current bUilding and setback
standards. Commissioner Deaton stated that the goal and the purpose is that the City
discontinue granting Variances on these issues, and perhaps the PC does not need to
go through this whole historic preservation process if standards are added to City Code
that state if a home is 60 years old, and meets the criteria for classification as a historic
structure, then additions can be made to a single-family residence (SFR) without
demolition of the house. Mr. Whittenberg noted that the City of Santa Barbara has
accomplished this by creating language in the Historic Preservation Element of their GP
that give property owners the right to do so. Commissioner Deaton stated that she does
not want to see the process get bogged down in consultants, and excessive Staff time
in getting this accomplished. Mr. Whittenberg reiterated that the PC cannot accomplish
this without amending the GP via the addition of a Historic Preservation Element.
STAFF CONCERNS
Mr. Whittenberg indicated that copies of a newspaper article on the issue of
Mansionization in the City of Fountain Valley was distributed to the Commissioners in
preparation for the study session on this issue scheduled for the next Planning
Commission meeting on April 1 9, 2006.
COMMISSION CONCERNS
Commissioner Roberts asked for a status on the Parasol Restaurant. Mr. Whittenberg
stated that the Parasol is to remain on site, and is currently closed for the beginning of
seismic upgrades to the building to meet current standards, with the full intent of
preserving the outside appearance of the structure as it exists. Plans have also been
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submitted for structural and mechanical upgrades inside the facility to bring it up to
current standards, and the demolition permit has been issued for the remainder of the
center from Stats north except for the Parasol and the gas station at the intersection of
Bradbury and Seal Beach Boulevard. He indicated that Staff has not yet seen the new
construction plans for the reconfiguration of this area, but they should be submitted in
Mayor June. Commissioner Roberts asked about the internal changes to the Parasol.
Mr. Whittenberg stated that the internal changes are primarily structural and utility
changes to meet current Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Code
requirements. Commissioner Roberts asked if the interior would be similar to what was
there before. Mr. Whittenberg stated that it would.
Commissioner Deaton requested that a future study session be scheduled for the
criteria for a Planned Sign Program (PSP). She noted that she was under the
impression that the PSP for the Seal Beach Center was to come before the PC for
approval before any signs were installed, but several signs were already in place prior
to the PSP coming before the PC. She stated that she is confused as to why this is
happening and would like to see this process amended to require that the PSP come
before the PC prior to any signage going up. Mr. Whittenberg stated that this
discussion can be scheduled for a future meeting.
Chairperson Shanks agreed that this process has been done on a piecemeal basis. Mr.
Whittenberg stated that Staff has already begun to address this issue with other PSP
applicants. Chairperson Shanks asked if the tenants of the Union 76 gas station in the
Seal Beach Center that is scheduled for demolition would be moving to the vacated
Chevron Station location across the street. Mr. Whittenberg stated that they would be
moving to the corner of 10th Street and Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).
ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Shanks adjourned the meeting at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Carmen Alvarez, Executive Secreta
Planning Department
APPROVAL
The Commission on April 19, 2006, ap..Qroved the Minutes of the Planning Commission
Meeting of Wednesday, April 5, 2006. ~.
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