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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1966-03-08JOINT MEETING OF THE HUNTINGTON BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION Alm THE FOUNTAIN VALLEY PLANNING COMMISSION ON MARCH 8, 1966. Fountain Valley Commissioners Present: Alcala, Grafton, Masuda, Fregeau Huntington Beach Commissioners Present: Kaufman, Crabb, Bazil, Miller, Worthy, Larkin Other Members Present: Huntington Beach Planning Director Reynolds, Associate Planner Harlow, Assistant Building Director Ferguson and Technician Day. Fountain Valley Planning Director Mansfield POINTS FOR DISCUSSION 1. Relocation Problem. Commissioner Fregeau stated that he would like to keep the discussion in- formal. He referred to the letter sent to Mayor Shipley and City Council stressing the idea that we are common neighbors and do have common problems. Due to extensive period of growth in both cities, there will be certain amount of common problems that should be worked out jointly. The basic point should be mutual respect between the two cities. He then brought up the subject of the move -on houses, stating this was an unfortunate situation that developed on the spur of the moment and was blown out of proportion. He felt because of the common boundary, there should have been some sort of communication. Question was brought up by Commissioner Kaufman regarding notification and the distance involved. Planning Director Reynolds of Huntington Beach stated they usually get nothing from Fountain Valley regarding a zone change. On occasion, they do get notice on use variances. He stated nothing is definite other than the tentative tract maps. Each city knows what the other is doing on Arterial Highways and Master Plan of Land Use, mostly in the Talbert Valley area. Problems and studies in these areas necessitates up-to- date information. Commissioner Kaufman stated regarding the relocation problem that something should be done on an Ordinance basis. In spite of the objections, and if the structure is up to our building code, we have no recourse to keep from allowing relocations, except by protest from surrounding residents. Commissioner Bazil stated he felt the problem is not single use move-ons, but multiple use. There should be some restriction as to number; by limiting to 2 or 3 - not massive move-ons on one parcel of ground. He felt this should eliminate the problem. Under the existing set-up there is no reason to turn down the move-ons as long as they are in the proper zone and comply with setback and going before City Council. He also stated you could not stop the individual move-ons because of property de -valuation. Example: A move -on house near him sold for $50,000.00. This would not de -valuate surrounding property. Commissioner Fregeau pointed out the specific area in the close proximity and asked the Huntington Beach Planning Commission how they felt under their existing situation their city may be affected, (referring to devaluation of property). Commissioner Bazil discussed who will make the determination as to de -valuation of the property in the general area. He repeated his idea by ^tating that limiting the number of move-ons possibly not over 2 units, would solve 90% of the problem. Planning Director Mansfield stated that Fountain Valley Relocation ordinance # 109 has been our salvation. It was adopted four years ago and since cnen we have had only 3 relocated single family dwellings. Procedure of the relocation application# i.e. fees, public hearing, etc. was outlined by the Planning Director. Page 2. Commissioner Crabb inquired how the determination of move -on buildings was made. Aesthetic value of the buildings was also discussed in detail. Commissioner Bazil stated the Building Department in Huntington Beach handles the whole procedure. If appealed, it goes before City Council. He felt the Planning Commission should be partly responsible. He went further and stated that one developer has been causing all the problems. He has made a business of multiple move-ons. He buys land, moves on the houses and doesn't do any more work to them than necessary. Then uses them as rentals. Planning Director Mansfield suggested in compilation of their proposed ordinance, public hearing be included by the Planning Commission. Planning Director Reynolds stated they could possibly control these move- ons by (1) control the age of the move-ons, say 5 years; (2) increase the fees. Suggestion was made by Commissioner Bazil that certain areas be zoned for this type of thing and restrict move-ons to these areas. He was thinking in terms of a new zoning. He repeated the problems of mass move -on houses. Commissioner Fregeau asked if they had initiated proper ordinances to limit these move-ons. Commissioner Kaufman felt the City Attorney should be consulted as to legality involved. Planning Director Mansfield commented, "Don't let your attorney do your planning". Commissioner Bazil commented that the City of Huntington Beach has more demands for rental projects. He also stated they had to do long range planning regarding the move-ons. He gave an example of what could happen in a developed area when a disaster strikes. Instead of re -building, move-ons might take over. Commissioner Larkin stated it would bother him to restrict single family move-ons but not multiple move-ons. Commissioner Kaufman inquired whether precise plan or particular plan could be requested to determine how the developer intends to bring the house up to code. Mr. Reynolds stated they do not review this. However, he suggested that this can be written in ordinance form and can be handled. The Staff has endeavored to cut out as many public hearings and reduce red tape. Commissioner Kaufman stated these matters are controversial and unless there is a hearing, no one will know. He asked Mr. Ferguson of Huntington Beach Building Department regarding review board. Mr. Ferguson's indication of the review board was their concern in line with building code; not zoning, use, etc. In closing the discussion of move-ons, Commissioner Crabb suggested taking Fountain Valley Ordinance #109 and go over with their City Attorney and evaluate the legal points involved and set up guide lines for determination. 2. Agenda and Minutes Exchange. Commissioner Fregeau stated that this title was self-explanatory, and would like a formality procedure for exchanging of mutual agendas (one copy only for Planning Director Mansfield which he would read and decide whether further study was necessary). Planning Director Mansfield stated we should or would like to be aware of actions taken. Receiving one copy of your Planning Commission Minutes will suffice. 3. Adoption of Compatible Ordinances. Commissioner Fregeau stated this item has been discussed previously. Planning Director Mansfield clarified this item for Mr. Reynolds by stating that the zoning should concur with the Master Plan. Page 3. 4. Mutual Drainage Problems. (Newland Channel) Planning Director Mansfield pointed out the location of the proposed channel. Question was brought up regarding what studies have been made in this area. Commissioner Bazil stated there is an assessment district in the mill to take water through town and out another route. The hearing is set for March 21. The bond issue in the amount of $1,300,000.00 will be considered. Mr. Reynolds stated there was a right of way established previously and the deal was all set up but due to unforeseen circumstances, this route did not materilize. Director Mansfield stated the Newland Channel is included in the Orange County Flood Control District Budget for construction in the next fiscal year. ADJOURN Commissioner Fregeau asked if there was anything else to be discussed. He expressed his appreciation to the members of the Huntington Beach Planning Commission for coming to the meeting. Commissioner Kaufman moved the meeting be adjourned.