HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981-08-18Approved 9/1/81
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MINUTES
HUNTINGTON BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION
Council Chambers - Civic Center
2000 Main Street
Huntington Beach, California
TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 1981 - 7:10 PM
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Bannister, Paone, Winchell, Schumacher,
Porter
Kenef ick, Mahaffey
ON MOTION BY PORTER AND SECOND BY SCHUMACHER THE CONSENT CALENDAR,
CONSISTING OF GENERAL PLAN CONFORMANCE NO. 81-9, WAS APPROVED
BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Bannister, Paone, Winchell, Schumacher, Porter
NOES: None
ABSENT:, Kenefick, Mahaffey
ABSTAIN: None
Commissioner Bannister requested that Item C-2, regarding the
Huntington Harbour Bay and Racquet Club be heard first.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
No one came forward.
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS:
REQUEST FOR CONTINUANCE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 81-6/CONDI-
TIONAL EXCEPTION NO. 81-09/NEGATIVE DECLARATION NO. 81-32
(Continued from August 4, 1981)
Applicant: J. Don Hartfelder
To permit the expansion of an existing beach club including
several variances on 4.33 acres of property which extends from
Edgewater Lane to Sceptre Lane on the north side of Warner Avenue
approximately 4 mile from Pacific Coast Highway.
Minutes, H.B. Planning Commission
August 18, 1981
Page 2
Savoy Bellavia reported that the applicant is requesting a further
continuance of these items to allow time to meet with various home-
owner groups to obtain their imput and to prepare plans depicting
the proposed changes.
On a straw vote taken by Chairman Winchell, the Commissions felt
there should be no public testamony taken.
ON MOTION BY PAONE AND SECOND BY PORTER CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
NO. 81-6, CONDITIONAL EXCEPTION NO.. 81-09 AND NEGATIVE DECLARA-
TION NO. 81-32 WERE CONTINUED AT THE REQUEST OF THE APPLICANT TO
THE REGULAR MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 1, 1981, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Bannister, Paone, Winchell, Schumacher, Porter
NOES: None
ABSENT: Kenefick, Mahaffey
ABSTAIN: None
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 81-19/CONDITIONAL EXCEPTION NO. 81-012
Applicant: Fox Meadow Inc_ (Continued from August 4, 1981)
To permit a temporary horse facility and to allow certain devia-
tions from the code requirements for that facility on property
located on the south side of Ellis Avenue west of Goldenwest Street.
Savoy Bellavia reported that a letter was received frdm the ap-
plicant requesting a revision to the site plan and that the number
of horses be increase to 115.
Discussion took place as to the specific action that should be
taken by the Planning Commission, either to deny or grant the
5 years or to grant an extension.
The public hearing was opened. Roberta Peterson, the applicant,
stated that it was necessary to request a 5-year extension. She
said that when she received a letter which said she had to file
for an extension, that she neglected to add the stalls, however,
she did request at that time that the number of horses be increased
to 115. It was her understanding that if the Conditional Use
Permit was approved, she would be allowed the 115 head. She stated
that it took her 8 months to move everything to the present loca-
tion, and further stated that the Planning Commission had granted
5 year extensions to other horse facilities in the area.
Connie Mandic, a horse -owner, spoke on behalf of the approval,
stated that "you have a deteriorating condition which is getting
worse". She said most horse -owners realize that the stables are
temporary and for this reason they are united in their effort to
secure permanent stables either in the Central Park or Fairground
areas. She further stated that there is now a waiting list for
boarding at the stables. The public hearing was closed.
Minutes, H.B. Planning Commission
August 18, 1981
Page 3
ON MOTION BY PAONE AND SECOND BY BANNISTER CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
NO. 81-19AND CONDITIONAL EXCEPTION NO. 81-012 WERE APPROVED WITH
THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS AND CONDITIONS, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
FINDINGS: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT No. 81-19
The Planning Commission may approve a Conditional Use Permit if
it finds "the plan will substantially comply with the requirements
of this article, the Master Plan of Land Use and the development
standards for the particular use" (9841.5).
1. The proposed use is compatible with the Land Use Element which
designates the site as estate residential.
2. The proposed use is compatible with surrounding land uses be-
cause they are similar in nature (existing horse facilities)
or vacant.
3. With the exception of Sections 9391.6 and 9393(4) of the
Ordinance Code, Conditional Use Permit No. 81-19 is in sub-
stantial conformance with intent and objective of Article 939,
Temporary Commercial horse standards.
CONDITIONS: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT No. 81-19
1. The site plans dated August 18, 1981, shall be the approved
layout.
2. The applicant shall be required to participate in the Local
Drainage Assessment District and pay drainage assessment fees
as per the Department of Public Works cost breakdown.
3. The maximum horse density for the facility shall not exceed
115 horses.
4. The facility shall comply with all building and Fire Department
requirements.
5. No structures other than those shown on the approved site
plan shall be constructed.
6. The wash rack drainage design shall be approved by the De-
partments of Development Services and Public Works.
7. This approval shall be valid for a period of five (5) years
from date of approval, except that the Planning Commission
reserves the right to rescind the Conditional Use Permit ap-
proval in the event of any violation of the applicable Zoning
laws; and such decision shall be preceded by notice to the
applicant and/or public hearing, and shall be based upon
specific findings.
Minutes H.B. Planning Commission
August 18, 1981
Page 4
FINDINGS: CONDITIONAL EXCEPTION NO. 81-012
The Planning Commission may approve a conditional exception if it
makes findings that the variance is necessary because of excep-
tional circumstances, and the inability to enjoy property rights
and finds that the exception would not be detrimental to the
public health, safety, and welfare or injurious to the surrounding
area and that the applicant is willing and able to proceed with
the project without unnecessary delay (9832.1-9832.4).
1. There are exceptional circumstances applicable to the land,
and building that do not apply generally to other properties
in the same district. The horse facility is a temporary land
use, and to require an improvement to the parking lot and
require a two car garage would be an unnecessary hardship to
the applicant.
2. Approval of Conditional Exception No. 81-012 is necessary
for the preservation and enjoyment of substantial property
rights. Approval of Conditional Exception No. 81-012 will
allow the continuation of an existing horse facility.
3. The granting of Conditional Exception No. 81-012 will not be
materially detrimental to the public health, safety, and wel-
fare or injurious to the existing horse facilities within the
area.
4. The applicant has indicated she is willing and able to carry
out the project without undue delay.
AYES: Bannister, Paone, Winchell, Schumacher, Porter
NOES: None
ABSENT: Kenefick, Mahaffey
ABSTAIN: None
CODE AMENDMENT NO. 81-5 (Cont. from August 5, 1981)
Applicant: Initiated by Development Services
An amendment to Article 915, Oldtown Specific Plan, and to Article
935, Townlot Specific Plan. This amendment is to clarify and il-
lustrate specific zoning requirements pertaining to street visi-
bility, sight angle, setback and yard requirements. The amendment
also proposes to establish a provision for zero setback on both
sides of lots located in the Townlot Specific Plan only.
Savoy Bellavia pointed out minor corrections in the staff report.
He stated that the additional language would eliminate the bridge
corridor from site coverage in both Townlot and Oldtown Specific
Plans. Because of "wordiness" of a number of different configura-
tions, a decision was made that the 25 foot front setback for the
third story was the most direct, still leaving some flexibility to
the architect.
Minutes, H.B. Planning Commission
August 18, 1981
Page 5
Commission discussion ensued. Chairman Winchell requested that
Sections A, B, and C of the Code Amendment be dealt with separately.
She stated that she did listen to the tape of the previous meeting,
and declared herself eligible to vote, adding that she is opposed
to any additional site coverage.
CODE AMENDMENT No. 81-5(a):
A MOTION WAS MADE BY WINCHELL AND SECONDED BY BANNISTER TO APPROVE CODE
AMENDMENT NO. 81-5(a) REMOVING THE EXCLUSION OF THE COVERED BRIDGE
FROM THE SITE COVERAGE ON TOWNLOT. MOTION FAILED BY THE FOLLOWING
VOTE:
AYES: Bannister, Winchell, Schumacher
NOES: Paone, Porter
ABSENT: Kenefick, Mahaffey
ABSTAIN: None
Motion did not carry the required number of four votes and, therefore,
is automatically continued to the next meeting.
Commissioner Paone made a motion to approve Code Amendment No.
81-5(a) as written with no additions. Motion died for lack of
a second.
The Commission recessed at 8:25 and reconvened at 8:35.
The Commission, by unanimous vote, decided to reconsider Code
Amendment No. 81-5(a).
A MOTION WAS MADE BY PAONE AND SECOND BY BANNISTER TO APPROVE
CODE AMENDMENT NO. 81-5(a) FOR RECOMMENDATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FOR ADOPTION WITH THE MINOR MODIFICATIONS OUTLINED BY STAFF AND
WITH THE DELETION OF THE FOLLOWING PHRASE,
"A second -story corridor bridge connecting the garage and
the main structure, not exceeding 15 feet in length and
6 feet in width"
FROM EVERY SECTION WHERE IT OCCURS, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Winchell, Porter, Bannister, Schumacher
NOES: Paone
ABSENT: Kenefick, Mahaffey
ABSTAIN: None
CODE AMENDMENT No. 81-5(b):
The purpose of Code Amendment No. 81-5(b) is to amend interior
side yard setbacks in the Townlot Specific Plan. Said amendment
Minutes H. B. Planning Commission
August 18, 1981
Page 6
will allow a zero side yard setback on both interior property
lines.
ON MOTION BY PORTER AND SECOND BY SCHUMACHER CODE AMENDMENT NO.
81-5(b) WAS TABLED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Bannister, Winchell, Porter, Schumacher
NOES: Paone
ABSENT: Kenefick, Mahaffey
ABSTAIN: None
CODE AMENDMENT NO. 81-5(c):
The purpose of Code Amendment No. 81-5(c) is to amend the front
yard setback for the third floor portion of a three-story struc-
ture in the Townlot Specific Plan area. Said amendment will re-
quire an additional five foot front yard setback for the third
story of a three-story structure.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY PORTER AND SECONDED BY SCHUMACHER TO APPROVE
CODE AMENDMENT NO. 81-5(c) ADDING THE OLDTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN TO
THE AMENDMENT BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Bannister, Paone, Winchell, Porter, Schumacher
NOES: None
ABSENT: Kenefick, Mahaffey
ABSTAIN: None
CONDITIONAL EXCEPTIONS NOS. 81-17 AND 81-18
Applicant: Corona Development Company, Inc. (Referred back by
Council)
Requests to permit a portion of the main buildings to be con-
structed with zero side yards on both sides on properties located
at llth and Olive and at 18th and Orange, respectively.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY PAONE AND SECONDED BY SCHUMACHER TO RECOMMEND
TO CITY COUNCIL A DENIAL WITH THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS, BY THE
FOLLOWING VOTE:
FINDINGS FOR DENIAL: CONDITIONAL EXCEPTIONS NOS. 81-17 AND 81-18
1. Since the Townlot Specific Plan allows for individual detached
units on a zero lot line development on 25-foot lots in the
Townlot Area, there is no exceptional circumstance unique to
the petitioned property that deprives it of privileges nor-
mally enjoyed.
2. Since the Townlot Specific Plan allows for zero lot line de-
velopment with a minimum of 5 feet separation between every
other unit, the granting of this conditional exception would
Minutes, H.B. Planning Commission
August 18, 1981
Page 7
constitue a grant of special privilege inconsistent with
normal limitations.
3: The Townlot Specific Plan allows for the development of these
individual 25-foot lots; therefore, this conditional exception
is not necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of one or
more substantial property rights.
AYES: Bannister, Paone, Winchell, Porter, Schumacher
NOES: None
ABSENT: Kenefick, Mahaffey
ABSTAIN: None
APPEAL OF CONDITIONAL EXCEPTION NO. 81-31 AND USE PERMIT NO. 81-25
Aunlicant: Bill Ridaewav Desian
The use permit is a request to permit a 35-foot building height
for a single-family dwelling. The conditional exception is a
request to permit a reduction from 15 feet to 6 feet 6 inches for
the front yard setback, a reduction of the required garage setback
from 22 feet to 14 feet, a reduction in the minimum side yard re-
quirements from 10 feet for a three-story structure to 3 feet, and
a reduction in the minimum open space. The proposed structure is
located on the north side of Bayview Drive approximately 195 feet
west of Broadway.
Savoy Bellavia explained that the Board of Zoning Adjustments,
at their June 3, 1981 meeting denied the conditional exception
and the use permit. The applicant appealed it and submitted
revised drawings, however, it still does not comply with the Code.
ON MOTION BY PAONE AND SECOND BY SCHUMACHER CONDITIONAL EXCEPTION
NO. 81-31 AND USE PERMIT NO. 81-25 WERE CONTINUED TO THE REGULAR
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 1, 1981, AND IN THE INTERIM REFERRED TO
THE BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENTS FOR REPORT ON THE REVISED SITE
LAYOUT, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Bannister, Paone, Winchell, Porter, Schumacher
NOES: None
ABSENT: Kenefick, Mahaffey
ABSTAIN: None
TENTATIVE TRACT NO. 10557
Applicant: Phelps, Morris & Associates
To permit a 5-lot subdivision on property located on the north
side of Pacific Coast Highway approximately 1,500 feet north-
westerly of Anderson Street.
The public hearing was opened. Randy Morris, the applicant, ex-
plained that, due to a misunderstanding, Tentative Tract 10557
Minutes, H.B. Planning Commission
August 18, 1981
Page 8
became void. It had previously approved in conjunction with
Conditional Use Permit No. 79-17. The public hearing was
closed.
Savoy Bellavia added that the Seal Beach Planning Commission has
already approved the location of the proposed pierhead line.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY PORTER AND SECONDED BY SCHUMACHER TO APPROVE
TENTATIVE TRACT NO. 10557 WITH THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS AND CONDITIONS
AS OUTLINED BY THE STAFF REPORT, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
FINDINGS: TENTATIVE TRACT No. 10557
1. This proposed subdivision of .749 acre parcel of land, zoned
R2(Q) is consistent with the City's General Plan, Land Use
Designation based on the one acre size criteria set forth in
the General Plan.
2. Tentative Tract 10557, as presented, is in substantial com-
pliance with the requirements set forth under Chapter 99 of
the Huntington Beach Ordinance Code, and the Subdivision Map
Act. It is also in substantial compliance with the map pre-
viously approved on this property and the site plan approved
under Conditional Use Permit No. 79-17.
CONDITIONS: TENTATIVE TRACT No. 10557
1. The tentative tract received and dated June 18, 1981 shall be
the approved layout.
2. Water systems shall be through the City of Huntington Beach's
water system. The sewer, water and fire hydrant systems shall
be designated to City standards.
3. The property shall participate in local drainage easement dis-
trict's requirements and fees.
4. Drainage for the subdivision shall be approved by the Depart-
ment of Public Works prior to the recordation of a final
map. The systems shall be designed to provide for erosion and
siltation control both during and after construction of the
proposed project.
AYES: Bannister, Paone, Winchell, Porter, Schumacher
NOES: None
ABSENT: Kenefick, Mahaffey
ABSTAIN: None
CODE AMENDMENT NO. 81-6
Applicant: Initiated by Development Services
Minutes, H.B. Planning Commission
August 18, 1981
Page 9
This is an amendment to Article 979 to allow a percentage of
compact parking in commercial developments. This amendment will
allow compact parking spaces for only retail and office/pro-
fessional uses.
The public hearing was opened. Speaking on behalf of the Hunting-
ton Center, James Truxel stated that he is concerned with the
justification for landscaping requirements. He felt that the
existing landscaping in the Center is attractive and failed to
see the need for additional landscaping. If the proposed guide-
lines were followed, he would end up with less parking than he
now has. The position of the Huntington Center is that if he
had to include the landscaping requirement, he would just leave
the Center the way it is now. He recommends excluding the land-
scaping requirement. The public hearing was closed.
Commission discussion opened. Commissioner Paone felt that the
purpose of the amendment was to be more efficient and stated he
.would recommend excluding the landscaping requirement. Commis-
sioner Porter agreed, stating that the question is not so much
new development, but a nonconforming use based on area and not
the number of spaces. Commissioner Bannister felt that multi-
story parking should be explored.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY PAONE AND SECONDED BY PORTER TO APPROVE FOR
RECOMMENDATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR ADOPTION CODE AMENDMENT
NO. 81-6, DELETING SECTION 9792.8.3 "LANDSCAPING" IN ITS ENTIRITY
AS PROPOSED, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Schumacher, Paone, Winchell, Porter
NOES: Bannister
ABSENT: Kenefick, Mahaffey
ABSTAIN: None
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 81-15/TENTATIVE TRACT NO. 11498
Applicant: Robert D. Mickelson (Cont. from July 21, 1981)
To permit a condominium conversion of 120 apartment units and
a one lot subdivision for conversion to condominiums on 4.35
gross acres of property located on the south side of Magnolia
Street approximately 520 feet south of Garfield Avenue. This
item was continued to this meeting, but was inadvertently left
off of the agenda.
The public hearing was opened. Mr. Mickelson, the applicant,
requested a continuance to the next meeting. Mr. Folger from
the City Attorney's office advised the applicant that the Or-
dinance Code dealing with condominium conversions would not be
available on that night. The public hearing was closed.
ON MOTION BY PAONE AND SECOND BY PORTER CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
NO. 81-15 AND TENTATIVE TRACT NO. 11498 WERE CONTINUED AT THE
Minutes, H.B. Planning Commission
August 18, 1981
Page 10
REQUEST OF THE APPLICANT TO THE REGULAR MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 1,
1981, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Paone, Porter, Winchell
NOES: Bannister
ABSENT: Kenefick, Mahaffey
ABSTAIN: Schumacher
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
CONDOMINIUM CONVERSION ORDINANCE
Mike Adams gave an oral report on the development of a condominium
conversion ordinance which would place a four -month moratorium
on the conversion of existing multiple rent dwellings. He further
stated that the last three items on the proposed ordinance were
added by the City Attorney's office.
Commission discussion opened with comment on what constitutes a
"significant number of low and moderate income rental units" and
asked for further definition on this point. Mr. Adams stated that
this would be handled on a project -by -project basis brought before
the Planning Commission. Commissioner Paone felt that the ordinance
was over -defining affordable rental units. Commissioner Porter
requested that staff secure a list of apartment units constructed
during the last five years. The Commissioners felt that some
provision should be made with regard to older units upgrading,
for example,, their cooking units or water heaters, etc. Commis-
sioners agreed to set the public hearing for the meeting of
September 15, 1981, placing the item first on the agenda and limit-
ing public testamony to two hours.
ON MOTION BY BANNISTER AND SECOND BY PORTER STAFF WAS DIRECTED TO
SET ORDINANCE FOR PUBLIC HEARING FOR SEPTEMBER 15, 1981, AS DIS-
CUSSED ABOVE, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Bannister, Paone, Winchell, Porter, Schumacher
NOES: None
ABSENT: Kenefick, Mahaffey
ABSTAIN: None
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REVIEW:
Secretary Palin reviewed the actions taken by the City Council
at its meeting of August 17, 1981 for the information of the
Commission.
TENTATIVE TRACT NO. 9580 - REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF PATIOS UNDER
THE CODE -REQUIRED SIZE
Savoy Bellavia reported that although the Planning Commission,
on July 6, 1977, approved Tentative Tract 9580, and two subse-
Minutes, H.B. Planning Commission
August 18, 1981
Page 11
quent revisions, an oversight occurred with a number of units
having deficiencies in patio area in relationship to the bed-
room counts. Most of the patio sizes can be increased to meet
code standards; however, there are several areas where the dis-
tance between is so close they either overlap or eliminate any
pedestrian circulation between the buildings.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY PORTER AND SECONDED BY BANNISTER TO ALLOW
PATIOS TO BE UNDER -SIZED AT LOCATIONS WHERE IT IS PHYSICALLY IM-
POSSIBLE TO COMPLY WITH THE CODE - ALL OTHERS ARE REQUIRED TO
CONFORM TO CODE, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Bannister, Paone, Winchell, Porter, Schumacher
NOES: None
ABSENT: Kenefick, Mahaffey
ABSTAIN: None
STATUS REPORT ON LANDSCAPING CORRIDORS
Jeanine Frank informed the Commission that a report on the back-
ground and recent history of the landscape corridor concept is
presently being compiled.
Commission directed staff to include in the report the status on
landscaping requirements in the City as it pertains to shopping
centers, and commercial and industrial areas. Commission also
directed staff to look at the median situation on Pacific Coast
Highway and the downtown area, and to follow-up on an itinerary
for individual commissioners to tour other cities where innovative
treatments have been used (such as the City of Irvine). Staff is
to submit a copy of the landscaping standards from the Public
Works Department.
Commissioners Paone and Porter were appointed to an ad hoc
committee to study arterial beautification.
COMMISSION ITEMS:
Commissioner Porter suggested some mechanical improvements to
enhance operations, and also requested that the condominium or-
dinance be changed to read, "No rental unit shall be approved
for conversion within five years of its initial construction
and certification for occupancy".
Commissioner Porter requested'a copy of standard plans from
the Public Works Department on driveway accesses.
Chairman Winchell requested an updated list of Planning Commis-
sion committees and a new list of commissioners' addresses and
phone numbers.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Minutes, H.B. Planning Commission
August 18, 1981
Page 12
The annual League of Cities Conference will be held this year
in San Francisco in October.
The Subdivision Committee will meet on August 28, 1981.
ADJOURNMENT:
The regular meeting of the Planning Commission was adjourned
at 11:10 PM.
James W. Palin, Secretary Grace Winchell, Chairman
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