HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Min 1986-08-06
;,..... ....~.n_ ........._._ ~__._..... .~. . . ...:.....f ~._ .a.r......._..~ _.1 _ . ...;;._.__~...
SEAL BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA
C,ty Council Chambers
211 Eighth Street
Seal Beach, California
-.; ~'
.
2'he Seal Beach Planning Commi.ssion meets in session every first and third Wednesday of each
month at 7:30 p.m. If you "'ish to address the Commission on any particular public hearing
item, the Chairman ",ill call for public testimony first for those in favor of the project,
and second, for those ",ho are not in favor. fihen you see that the speaker's position in the
center of the room is unoccupied, step up to the microphone and ",hen recognized by the
Chairman, speak directly into the microphone by first stating your name and address clearly
and distinctly for the records. State your business as clearly and succinctly as possible
and then ",ait a moment to see if the Commi.ssioners have any questions in regard to your
comments or questions. If there are no other questions or 9Qmments, return to your seat
so that the next person may address the Commi.ssion.
If you ",ish to address the Commission on matters other than pUblic hearings, the agenda
provides for that time ",hen the Chairman asks for comments from the public. Address the
COmmission in the same manner as stated for public hearings, al",ays stating your name and
address first.
SEAL BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA
August 6, 1986
NEXT RESOLUTION #1434
1. Pledge of Allegiance
2. Roll Call
3. Report from Secretary
4. Consent Calendar
A. Minutes of July 2, 1986
B. Minutes of July t6,1986
5.
Public Hearings
A. Variance 9-86
Conditional Use Permit.17-86
302 15th Street
(Continued from July 16, 1986)
A request to remodel and expand an existing substandard single-
family residence, including the construction of a two-stall tandem
style garage which would encroach into the rear yard setback.
Environmental Review: This project is categorically exempt from
Environmental Review 'California Government Code Section 15061(d))
Code Sections: 28-2500, 28-2503, 28-0701(2)(c) and (d)
Applicant: Keith J. and Marlis Mang Sneden
Owner: Marlis Mang Sneden
Resolution #1428
~
<--.
B. Conditional Use Permit 2-86
Negative Declaration 6-86 .
99 Marina Drive
A request to upgrade and modify an existing oil filtration/extraction
facility which is located within an Oil Extraction (O-E) zone. The
new equipment to be installed includes several 24 foot high tanks, a
16 foot high tank, several pumps and other oil extraction facility
equipment to replace antiquated equipment.
Code Sections: 28-1600, 28-1601, 28-2503
Environmental Review: Negative Declaration 6-86 has been prepared in
lieu of an Environmental Impact Report.
Applicant: Chevron U.S.A., Inc.
Owner: Exxon Corporation/Texaco, Inc.
Resolution #1433
6.
Scheduled Matters
A. Plan Review 17-86 (Miller)
312 14th Street
.~
A request to build a master bedroom addition to a nonconforming two
bedroom single family home.
B. Resolution Number 1419 (Variance 8-86 - West)
: "-;>'~-":-"
"1'''' '; l :::.. ''"-::~ '_,:., ..~ 1o.-=:'lZ' 't.;:"~_..~__"?:...,::""
"'~~"~:'l::.r._C' '~R<___
I
j
SEAL BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA
August 6. 1986
Page 2
'11
C. Resolution Number 1420 (CUP 9-86 - Corky's)
D. Resolution Number 1429 (CUP 4-86 - Mansour)
E. Resolution Number 1430 (CUP 7-86 - Osco Drug)
F. Resolution Number 1431 (CUP 10-86 - Griffith)
7. Commission Requests
8. Oral Communications from the Audience
9. Commission Communications
10. Adjournment
Agenda Forecast:
must 13. 1986
T 2-86
Hotel/Hotel Definition
August 20. 1986
Variance 12-86
2999 Westminster
(Great Western Savings)
~-
September 3. 1986
CUP 12-86
13~140 Main Street
(Hennesseys)
.'
"lII
."
'.
..-
.
SEAL BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
OF AUGUST 6, 1986
The Seal Beach Planning Commission met in regular session on
Wednesday, August 6, 1986 at 7:40 p.m. Commissioner Perrin led
the Salute to the Flag.
PRESENT: Chairman Jessner
Commissioners Covington, Perrin, Sharp, Suggs
ALSO PRESENT: Al Warot, Acting Director of Development Services
Mr. Edward Knight, recently appointed Director of Development
Services for the City of Seal Beach was introduced and welcomed
by the Commissioners.
REPORT FROM SECRETARY
There was no report provided.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Commissioner Perrin requested each item on the consent calendar
be acted upon separatly since not all" Commissioners were present
during each matter.
Item A - Minutes of July 2, 1986
Commissioner Sharp moved, second by Suggs to approve the Planning
Commission minutes of July 2, 1986 as presented.
AYES:
NOES:
Covington, Jessner, Perrin, Sharp, Suggs
None Motion Carried
Item B - Minutes of July 16, 1986
Commissioner Sharp moved, second by Suggs to approve the Planning
Commission minutes of July 16, 1986 as presented.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
Covington, Jessner, Sharp, Suggs
None
Perrin
Motion Carried
PUBLIC HEARING - VARIANCE 9-86 - CUP #17-86 - RESOLUTION #1428 -
302 15TH STREET - SNEDEN
The Secretary, Mr. Al Warot, indicated this matter had been
continued from the July 2nd and July 16th Planning Commission
meetings, wherein both instances the Planning Commission asked
for a continuation for staff to look into design alternatives to
the project as currently proposed, and most recently, to
investigate the possibility of allowing an encroachment into the
front yard setback in order to allow for the requested expansion
of the dwelling unit while at the same time providing two
properly dimensioned off-street parking spaces. In looking at
this particular alternative, staff has reviewed case files
covering the past 10 year period and found no such request for
front yard setbacks; therefore a precedent has not been
established. Mr. Warot felt this would be a precedent setting
action were the Commission to consider approval. With regard to
.
2
the prevailing front yard setbacks along 15th Street in the 200-
300 block of 15th Street, Warot reported that the front yard
setback varies in depth from 12 to 20 feet. The only exception
to that 12 ft. setback was one illegal 9 ft. front yard. The
applicants attached a letter to the staff report in which
arguments were set forth for allowing the front yard setbacks.
Staff felt the arguments were not justified and recommended the
denial of the variance request for front yard encroachment and
recommended approval of a variance to encroach to within 3.5 feet
of the rear property line to accommodate the carport alternative
described at previous hearings subject to the findings outlined
in the staff report dated July 31, 1986. Based on the approval
of this revised Variance 9-86, staff also recommended approval of
the associated Conditional Use Permit 9-86.
.
Chairman Jessner declared the public hearing opened. Keith and
Marliss Sneden, 302 15th Street, indicated their memo had been
distributed to the Commission expressing their concerns. Mr.
Sneden stated that none of their neighbors disagreed with the
front yard setback encroachment. Commissioner Perrin pointed out
that with the 12 reverse corner lots listed, there are only two
that have 25xl00 lot size which may make valid the findings for a
variance. Mr. Warot stated that staff's point of view, even when
a property may be unique, is to seek alternatives that would
allow for the provision of two standard size spaces rather than
grant a variance. Perrin indicated that with the second curb cut
recommended, the property might be the only site in Old Town with
two curb cuts. Warot stated the City Engineer has no problem
with the second curb cut. Mrs. Sneden argued that a design
should not only be in compliance with code, but should made
sense. In the Sneden's opinion, the carport design would not
make sense as it would most likely be used as a patio effectively
eliminating the parking usage. Mrs. Sneden felt their design
fulfilled the intent of the parking ordinance by providing two
practical useful ons-site parking spaces (although it is 5 feet
short of the standard due to the particular constraints of their
reverse corner lots). Mr. Sneden indicated that all the other
lots would be able to accommodate the tandem parking for standard
vehicles. Commissioner Covington indicated that the Commission
has never granted a variance for tandem compact car parking. The
City of Los Angeles and the City of Long Beach does allow one of
the two off-street parking spaces to be compact. Warot indicated
that the Snedens are taking the approach that one tandem parking
would be standard-sized with the other being compact.
Commissioner Sharp was concerned with the long-term effects of
allowing tandem parking for compact size as it set up a precedent
for future requests. Commissioner Jessner questioned whether the
applicants had a unique lot and felt their arguments were biased
in their favor. He further stated that the Commission had never
granted compact tandem parking variance requests. Mr. Covington
determined that the adjacent property with the same size lot was
built on a vacant lot and was therefore able to provide adequate
:.
3
.
parking on the site. Mr. Covington indicated that this was the
first time the square footage breakdown of the 12 similar lots
was provided. Of the 12 lots, only two actually have the 50'x50
dimensions and one of those homes was built from scratch allowing
for correct placementof parking. Of the 12 lots, Covington
pointed out, only two meet the measurements of this corner lot
and one of them was built from scratch so that the proper size
for a garage could be built. This is the only lot for which
these circumstances can occur, reported Covington, who felt the
findings for uniqueness can be justified. Warot pointed out that
City of Los Angeles and City of Long Beach do have provisions for
compact parking spaces for residential areas. Covington
indicated that if neighboring cities do permit at least one
compact parking spaces, Seal Beach may be behind the times. Mr.
Covington suggested that staff consider a compact space provision
in the code for residential properties for the future. Covington
also noted that only one compact parking space is being requested
in this particular application. Warot indicated that based on
Covington's comments along with other Commission comments, that
the appropriate findings for a variance could be met. No other
persons spoke in favor nor in opposition to this matter.
Chairman Jessner declared the public hearing closed.
.
The Commission further discussed this matter. Covington
requested that staff prepare the appropriate findings for
approval of VARIANCE 9-86 and CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 17-86
consistent with the discussion held at this hearing for adoption
of RESOLUTION NUMBER 1428 to be ratified at the next meeting;
Perrin seconds.
AYES:
NOES:
Covington, Perrin, Sharp, Suggs
Jessner
Motion Carried
.
PUBLIC HEARING - CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2-86 - NEGATIVE
DECLARATION 6-86 - 99 MARINA DRIVE, CHEVRON, USA
Warot presented staff report indicating this item involved a
request from Chevron USA for approval of a CUP to allow for
modifications to an existing oil filtration/extraction facility
located in the Oil Extraction (OE) zone. With regard to the
environmental impacts of the project, staff prepared an initial
study to conclude that a negative declaration should be issued
for the facility. The subject property, as noted by Warot, has
been used for OE purposes in the past. The applicant has been
operating since June, 1965, however, due to the storms of 1983,
the offshore oil platform had been destroyed, preventing the on-
shore facility from operating. The site was a support system to
receive crude oil via underground pipeline. The California
Coastal Commission approved a permit for Chevron to replace
underground cable to Island Esther, that cable installation now
being complete. As further indicated by Warot, Chevron now
wished to resume operation at their on-shore facility but felt
4
.
that some new and replacement equipment was necessary for
operating efficiency. This modification to equipment
necessitated a public hearing which was held before the Planning
Commission on February 5, 1986. At that time, stated Warot, the
Planning Commission continued the matter indefinitely until
landscape plans and additional information regarding mitigating
measures for concerns expressed by the surrounding neighbors of
the site were submitted. A detailed landscape plan which
provides coverage over 10% of the site area has been submitted,
along with a noise assessment study and details of illumination
of the project area. During the 2/5/86 hearing, several concerns
were expressed by citizens, as follows: air quality, odor, noise,
lights and others. With regard to air emissions, Warot attached
an Air Quality Management District permit which issued approval
to construct and operate the Chevron facility. Warot indicated
that staff deferred in this matter to the AQMD as being the
expert in this area. With regard to the concern of lighting of
the site, the detailed lighting plan submitted showed two types
of high pressure sodium lights to be used, a total of 25 lights
that would be installed on the site. Of those, only about 5
would be utilized on normal operating procedures. With regard to
public safety and potential to explosions or fire on the
property, the Orange County Fire Department felt adequate fire
protection measures were included in this project. With regard
to landscaping and screening requests, the applicants have
submitted a detailed landscaping plan which will substantially
improve the existing site and should screen the site fully within
6 or' 7 years. A final concern was that of noise, for which
details of a noise analysis were prepared and submitted by BBN
Laboratories, Inc. That analysis indicated that noise levels
will increase due to the project, however off-site noise levels
will not exceed the City noise standards. It was pointed out
that 3dBA increases will be realized in the vicinity of this
project, enough to be noticed.
.
It was the recommendation of staff, and so reported by Warot, to
approve the negative declaration as it considered the measures
provided by Chevron USA would have no adverse impacts associated
with the project. Staff further recommended approval of
Conditional Use Permit 2-86 subject to the conditions noted in
the staff report.
Mr. Warot indicated that three additional conditions were added
to those received by the Planning Commission and are as follows:
7. There shall be no outdoor loudspeaker or other outdoor
communication devices utilized by the facility.
8.
No truck traffic related to operations of the facility shall
occur in the hours of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (those hours could
be tighten to read 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
.
.
5
9.
Chevron shall provide continuous and proper maintenance of
all landscaped area as shown on the landscape plan as well
as other areas of the facility for the life of its
operation. Should the maintenance not be performed, the
City shall have the right to perform such maintenance as it
deems appropriate to preserve the health, safety and welfare
of the surrounding residents and all such costs shall be
reimbursable by Chevron within 30 days of receipt of an
accounting of such costs by the City of Seal Beach.
.
Chairman Jessner declared the public hearing opened. Mr. Ralph
Mayo, representing Chevron, 646 County Square Drive, Ventura,
California, indicated that he had appeared before the Commission
6 months ago. during that time, he met with citizens to address
their concerns arising from the first hearing. The concerns
expressed were for the effect the facility would produce on
surrounding residents. With slides, Mr. Mayo pointed out that
this is not an expansion, but a re-establishment of Esther
Island. Chevron is modernizing their site, bringing it up to air
quality and pollution control standards. Mayo did indicate that
30 of the 90 wells located on Island Esther would be abandoned.
With the presentation of slides, Mr. Mayo explained the operation
of the on-shore facility. Three 24 ft. storage tanks are located
on site. The crude oil is separated via exis~ing pipelines onto
horizontal vessels and separated into oil, gas and water. The
oil is transported to oil tanks, put into existing pipelines and
run to their El Segundo refinery. The gas is piped into existing
pipelines and run to a gas purchaser. The water is transported
to tanks and discharged to City sewers which are regularly
inspected to insure proper quality of discharge. The water
treatment tanks are the new item of that facility - the new tanks
will have closed tops so as not to allow odors from escaping,
there is a vapor recovery system which allows compliance with air
pollution standards. The additional equipment is the replacement
of the pumps into more modern, up-to-date equipment. Another
slide details the lighting plan which shows the readings and
studies done to show the ambient lighting for the area. The plan
was designed to provide sufficient light inside to be consistent
with recommended engineering requirements and at the same time
minimize the glare for the residents. This is accomplished by
the placement of lights to minimize impacts. The study conducted
was done in the worst case scenario with all the lights on in the
facility. In fact, only five 70-watt lights will be on during
the evening. The worst case scenario would be no different from
lighting received from existing street lights. With regard to
the landscaping, Chevron has tried to design a plan that is
aesthetically pleasing to the residents but also addresses the
noise reduction and mitigation goals. The plan, according to
Mayor, is comprised of a 12 ft. wall along the west and north
part of the plan. In addition, ground cover, oleander shrubs and
evergreen trees will be planted along the facility in 24" x 24"
box which are initially 10 to 12 feet tall and should reach
.
.
6
.
heights of 24 feet in 7 years. There will be an automatic
irrigation system. The portion to the south and east will not
have a wall. There will be landscaping appropriate on the
Chevron site and as to the portions near where the vessels will
be serviced the landscaping will be placed on the City property
so that the people in the south will have the same visual barrier
as the other residents. Another concern was for the health and
safety of the facility, as Mayo stated, is Chevron's number 1
priority. All plans were submitted to the Orange County Fire
Department which reviewed them in detail, performed an on-site
inspection and subsequently finding were adequate. With regard
to the concern expressed of toxic and soil contamination, a soil
assessment was performed on the facility indicating there was no
hazardous contamination on the site nor were there any toxics on
the site. Mr. Mayo felt the greatest concern to the residents
was the noise of the operation. To address those concerns, a
noise study was performed, the objectives of which were not only
to meet the City's noise standards but to come in under those
allowed limits for residential areas. Chevron took the worst
case scenario (assuming all equipment is run at one time - which
would not normally be the case) and comparing the results to City
standards of 50 dBA at night and 55 dBA during the day. The
study showed, based on testing of equipment that will be there,
that in the worst case scenario with a 10 foot wall, not 12 foot
wall and based on a commitment to perform significant sound
barriers within the facility (6 ft. walls around the equipment to
absorb sound) that in many cases Chevron goes below the City
standards. Mr. Mayo stated that Chevron is making a considerable
commitment to noise reduction.
The three additional conditions presented by staff tonight, have
been agreed to by Chevron USA, advised Mr. Mayo.
.
Mayo also pointed out that page 24,of the noise study showed the
barriers and enclosures that will be placed to meet City noise
standards. Covington wondered why Chevron felt it was not
necessary to mitigate sound to the east and southeast because it
would appear that the noise at the tennis courts and basketball
courts would appear to be counterproductive to what the intent is
for recreational areas. There was very little mention for
alternative proposals to mitigate the sound that is escaping to
the park area, according to Covington. Mayo responded that the
concerns of the residents in the park area and the southeast were
not dismissed, but due to the need for easy access to the
facility for maintenance of the equipment, the wall could not be
placed there. The noise barrier and enclosures proposed are
designed to take into effect the concerns to the south and
southeast. Covington asked what additional modest measures might
be feasible to reduce the sound escaping to the east and
southeast that has already been evaluated for the rest of the
perimeter. Mr. Jim Lousche, construction engineer for Chevron,
stated some baffling and mitigation of the noise would be derived
7
.
from relocating the office buildings. Covington asked if a
standby alternative for sound mitigation was available to
implement if the actual operation of the facility exceed the
noise study levels. Mr. Lousche felt the relocation of the office
was a favorable factor in reducing the noise levels at the park
site. Mr. Andrew Kugler, consultant with BBN, Canoga Park,
stated that the noise levels in part of the park area are higher
than 55 dBA noise levels that are allowed for residents in the
daytime area. According to Kugler, there are two reasons for not
pursu~ng noise abatement further: 1) The areas which exceed noise
levels represent areas which typically don't require 55 dBA -
there are countless examples where tennis and basketball' courts
are located with an excess of 55 dBA, more in the order of 60
decibels; and 2) There could be other methods used to bring those
levels down which Chevron has reviewed but not "included at this
time because they would produce safety or production problems
with Chevron. These measures would require more enclosure of the
sources of noise in the direction of the park area. Perrin asked
if the calculations for noise barrier system were formulated on
concrete block wall with Kugh1er rep1ing the concrete block will
absorb some noise, although how much is an unknown factor. The
pump and compressor facilities cannot be enclosed completely,
according to Chevron, for operating safety reasons. Mayo
stressed the fact that Chevron is not only meeting the City
standards, but in the worst case scenario, they are below those
standards. Responding to Covington's inquiry, Mr. Kugler
indicated an acoustical blanket surrounding the equipment will
provide some sound attenuation and allow for maintenance of
equipment. Perrin felt the tennis courts should reach the 55
dBA levels also. Mayo stated that if it becomes necessary to
employ other sound attenuation measures, they understand and will
agree to that. Chairman Jessner questioned the separation
operation which was clarified by Mayo as follows: The gas is
natural gas, not gasoline and is directly piped out to gas
purchaser (Petro1ane) tp be immediately removed offsite. There
is no gas storage on the site. The oil storage tanks are there
for a day's supply and fed into the existing pipeline and.sent to
E1 Segundo. The water storage tanks are necessary because
Platform Esther is in its old age as an oil reservoir. Chevron
will be processing more water now as opposed to oil; therefore, a
greater percentage of water will be treated and filtered to meet
City sewer standards and released to sewer. The purpose of the
water tanks is for processing the water removed from the
pipeline. The residue separated is not toxic, bqt is crude oil.
The 24 ft. oil tanks are for storing a certain amount of the
crude so that maximum pressure will allow releasing into the
pipeline. The E1 Segundo facility is a refinery; the Seal Beach
site is a separating facility. No offshore islands pump
directly into Chevron's E1 Segundo refinery. Jessner asked if
there was a history compiled with regard to the types of
equipment in the facility, to which Mr. Mayo replied that since
the site has been operating in 1965, there have been no problems
.
.
.
8
.
with these types of facilities. The track record is significant
in that no problems with these facilities have occurred. Jessner
indicating that when dealing with certain types of equipment that
have to do with explosions, etc., that the manufacturer must keep
records on these pieces of machinery to make sure there has never
been an accident attributable to this type of equipment. Mr. Jim
Lousche indicated that the overall site safety and fire
prevention engineers have studied the types of equipment to
minimize safety record. The comment on this facility is that it
was a simple oil extraction facility and the risk of catastrophe
was very low. The track records on the individual pieces of
equipment was used in that study. Mr. Mayo pointed out that in
no time since 1955 has Exxon had a problem, nor has Chevron since
1965. Jessner felt that since new equipment was involved this
should be a factor in studying the safety of the site. According
to Jessner, the environmental check list indicates there is a
risk of explosion or risk of release of hazardous substances.
Mr. Warot indicated that it was inappropriate to say no when
checking that category in that a certain level of risk was there
when working with the human factor. The report further indicated
that staff would be present to monitor conditions on a 24-hour
basis. Mayo indicated that oil tanks could burn, but not explode
as there are protective measures on the tanks consistent with
AQMD requirements to eliminate the risk of explosion. The gas
scrubber has no heating or flame. There are two heater treaters
that use enclosed burners. Jessner asked if there are devices
that automatically sound an alarm if fumes are released in the
air. Lousche indicated there are natural gas detectors and fire
detectors that will shut down the production coming into the
platform and notify the appropriate persons, all fully explained
to the Fire Department. Mr. Suggs questioned whether there was a
program of training operating personnel, Mayo replied there is
always a qualified person on site. Mr. Ray McGee, area
superintendent of Huntington area which includes Island Esther
pointed out there is a training program for personnel with actual
classroom hands-on training from experienced personnel to new
employee. Pay classifications actually reflect an employee's
experience level, i.e., Trainee #1 and Trainee #2. McGee stated
it is not only classroom and theory-oriented but hands-on
performance. In the third year, if an employee is qualified, he
or she may be classified as oil personnel. Automatic dialing
systems to the fire department are in place. The citizens in the
area have decided that audible alarms are not desirable and
Chevron, stated Mayo, has taken steps that they are no glaring
horns in the night. Mayo further explained that pickup trucks
and maintenance vehicles would be the only on-site trucks.
Maintenance would occur only during the daytime. Pickup trucks
will be present during nighttime hours, but no heavy duty trucks
and are willing to prohibit heavy duty trucks from coming to the
site in the nighttime unless an emergency exists.
There were no others who spoke in favor of this matter.
.
.
9
.
BECKY JENKS, 325 Spinnaker Way, president of Riverbeach
Homeowners Association, spoke for members of the Association.
During the past 6 months, she reported, members have been working
with Chevron attempting to mitigate possible effects of the
proposed reactivation. Chevron has been cooperative with regard
to concerns of noise and health and safety. According to Ms.
Jenks, the issue that no one has addressed is the fact that the
type of facility is not appropriate in the middle of residential
property. Ms. Jenks felt this facility was not in the best
interest of the surrounding residents. JAY BULLMASH, 127
Electric Avenue, urged the Planning Commission to get a formal
environmental review rather than accept the negative declaration.
He felt this area was out of the expertise of staff from a
technical and legal point of view. Mr. Bu11mash resided in Seal
Beach when the original plant was operating and expereinced
hydrogen sulfide odors. odors. There are hydrocarbon sensing
devices that can be placed in the plant to protect the
neighborhood from these odors. Mr. Bu11mash staed that sound
carries much further when there is moisure in the air. From a
legal point of view, Mr. Bu11mash felt the City should do
everything it can to review this matter since the City subdivided
the Electric Avenue property, zoned it for residential and
allowed development of that property. Mr. Bu11mash request a
formal EIR be performed and the City Attorney review the City's
obligation in this matter, since City subdivided Electric Avenue
in the first place. MR. VERNON SHAPIRO, 290 Corsair Way, stated
a number of residents in Bridgeport are also concerned by the
impacts of this matter. Mr. Shapiro explained that disasters can
occur such he experienced when he live next to the E1 Segundo oil
refinery wherein a tank was hit by lightning in 1969. The tank
burned for almost two days, with homeowners being evacuated.
LARRY & ELLY, KIN, 265 Corsair Way, spoke regarding the odors and
noise they had experienced from the Chevron/Exxon sites.
Covington suggested that complaints regarding odor be directed to
AQMD in the future. Mrs. Kin explained that Exxon had an oil
spill two or three months ago with the Police being notified.
She also requested that landscaping involve the entire facility,
not just the Riverbeach side. DAN LEVIN, 281 Electric Avenue,
asked what homeowners could do if noise abatement studies were
incorrect. Can they come to the Planning Commission to shut down
the plant? How long would it take? STEVE DAVIDSON, 315
Spinnaker, also opposed to the facility in its present location.
Mr. Davidson felt this was a residential neighborhood and as such
is not compatible with the residential neighborhood of this area.
If the Chevron permit is approve, he felt that noise abatement
procedures should be much more strictly enforced. Mr. Davidson
felt the equipment should be enclosed and monitore via television
camera. JAMIE MCCULLOUGH also spoke against the matter for
reasons of incompatibility of use with surrounding neighborhood.
LLOYS LANE, 249 Corsair Way opposed this permit as none of the
studies have addressed the joint operation of Chevron and Exxon
as it impacts noise levels and odor levels. There has been no
.
.
10
.
comment on anticipated actions of Chevron if their application is
denied. BUD RICHARDSON, 334 Spinnaker Way, concurs with all
others in opposition to Chevron. He experiences noise from Exxon
facility and feels the joint operation will exceed City
standards. CURT WALLIN, 270 Corsair Way, agrees with other
opponents. Mr. Wallin felt the noise and odors experienced were
enough to warrant an environmental impact report fully
incoporating questions brought forth in this hearing. GLEN
CARDEN, 332 Spinnaker Way, opposed the operation of this facility
in the middle of a residential neighborhood fully realiz~ng
Chevron can somewhat mitigate the smells, noise, etc. His concern
was what would happen as a result of an earthquake. Carden urged
the Commission to require an environmental impact report.
SHELDON ASHER, 315 Spinnaker Way, Board of Directors of
Riverbeach Townhomes, represented the tennis players. He felt
tennis players would like to have the right atmosphere. He
requested clarification of 55 dBA. He also requested information
regarding Exxon's operation and how it will contrast with
Chevron's operation. Asher felt the Commission should request
that Chevron put in the maximum absorption materials that will
mitigate sound. Mr. Warot, in response, indicated that a
motorcycle riding by would be about 80 dBA, a rock concert would
exceed 100 dBA and the State standard for an inhabitable room in
a single family detached dwelling is 45 dBA. The working
environment with xerox in the background and normal conversation
would probably be about 55 dBA. Mr. Asher strongly recommended
that an environmental impact report be required and agrees with
Becky Jenks who requested rezoning for the site to have Chevron
move their facility. Mr. Kugler further defined noise as
unwanted sound. He further explained that 55 dBA of music would
not irritate whereas equipment noise at 55 dBA would annoy.
Mr. Ralph Mayo, in rebuttal, reiterated some of the points he
initially tried to point out to Commission; i.e., the system will
be entirely closed with no open water tanks, therefore no odors
escaping. The work performed by Chevron in the last six months
would is exactly what is necessary to compile an environmental
document, therefore, Mayo felt those concerns had been addressed.
He stated the landscaping plan has tried to make that area more
aesthetically pleasing than it is now. Chevron operates both in
this State and in this area and sympathizes with the concerns the
citizens have raised and has tried to do everything to make this
facility a good neighbor reported Mr. Mayo. MIKE CAREY, 327
Spinnaker Way, contends that the environmental process used in
this project was improper and should have required a full
environmental impact report due to significant impact on the
environment. Chairman Jessner'closed the public hearing. In
response to questions by Commissioners, Mr. Warot stated the
property is zoned OE and facilities that exist there now as well
as the additional proposed facility is permitted in the OE zone.
For the replacement of the equipment, there is no question that a
CUP is required. Warot was not aware if Chevron had been
initially issued a CUP in 1965 as regulations were not the same
.
11
.
as today. Covington said if this usage was grandfathered and the
land was subsequently not used for that purpose for three years,
it would appear that the grand fathered right would have expired
and this application should be considered as a new use. Warot
indicated if a use is abandoned for a period of 3 or more
months, that can result in the abatement of that particular use.
Covington stated with the possibility of researching by City
Attorney that a negative declaration could be invalidated since
you would be in a sense have a new project. He felt an
environmental impact report is necessary because no where in the
attached negative declaration checklist has the issue of
earthquake been addressed. Covington brought out additional
concerns to be addressed in an environmental document, .i.e., the
negative synergy that occurs by re-establishing this facility
next to another operating at an older standard of performance,
the financial aspects of homeowners living next to the site with
regard to insurance costs, real estate values, etc. Responding
to Perrin, Warot indicated that should this application be
denied, Chevron would have to abandon the site as the additional
facilities proposed would not be allowed. Jessner requested'
information to be provided on court cases or specific land uses
cases involving this particular type of situation. He also
requested information from the City Attorney as to City's
position should they deny the project.
.
Covington moves that the proposed negative declaration be
rejected; Perrin seconds.
AYES:
NOES:
Covington, Jessner, Perrin, Sharp
Suggs Motion Carried
Covington indicated he would not feel comfortable with changing
the zoning of this property without an EIR to substantiate it.
He therefore made a motion that a full environmental impact
report be required for the proposed use of the property by
Chevron; Perrin seconds.
AYES:
NOES:
Covington, Jessner, Perrin, Sharp, Suggs
None Motion Carried
SCHEDULED MATTERS
A. Plan Review 17-86 (Miller) 312 14th Street will be
continued to August 20, 1986, with the consensus of the
Commission.
B. Resolution #1419 (Variance 8-86 - West)
Commissioner Covington motion for approval, Jessner seconds.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
Covington, Jessner, Suggs
None
Perrin, Sharp
Motion Carried
.
.
12
C. Resolution #1420 (CUp 9-86 - Corky's)
Commissioner Jessner moves to approve, Jessner seconds.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
Covington, Jessner, Perrin
None
Suggs, Sharp
Motion Carried
D. Resolution #1429 (CUp 4-86 - Mansour)
Commissioner Covington moves to approve, Jessner seconds.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
Covington, Jessner, Sharp, Suggs
None
Perrin
Motion Carried
E. Resolution #1430 (CUP 7-86 0 Osco Drug)
Commissioner Covington moves to adopt, Suggs seconds.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
Covington, Jessner, Sharp, Suggs
None
Perrin
Motion Carried
F. Resolution #1431 (CUp 10-86 - Griffith)
Commissioner Covington moves to adopt, Jessner seconds.
.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
Covington, Jessner, Sharp, Suggs
None
Perrin
Motion Carried
COMMISSION REQUESTS
There were none at this time.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION COMUNICATIONS
There were none at this time.
ADJOURN TO AUGUST 13, 1986 AT 7:30 P.M.
It was the consensus of the Commission and so ordered by the
Chair to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting at 1:00 a.m.
THESE MINUTES ARE TENTATIVE, SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY PLANNING
COMMISSION.
.