HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-12-10MINUTES
HUNTINGTON BEACH PLAN ING COMMISSION
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10.1996
Council Chambers - Civic Center
2000 Main Street
Huntington Beach, California
STUDY SESSION - 5:00 PM
(Agenda Review)
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO.96-2/ZONING MAP AMENDMENT NO 96-
4/CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO.96-55 (HOME DEPOTS - Project Planner: Jim Barnes
ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO.95-6 (SIGN CODE REWRITE) - Project Planner: Wayne
Carvalho
REGULAR MEETING - 7:00 PM
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
P P P P P P P
ROLL CALL: Holden, Livengood, Kerins, Biddle, Gorman, Tillotson, Speaker
PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTION EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO ROBERT
FRANKLIN, FORMER ASSISTANT PLANNER:
AGENDA APPROVAL
Anyone •wishing to speak must, fill out and submit a form to speak No action can be taken by the .Planning Commission on this state, unless the item is
agendized. Any one wishing to speak on items not on tonight's agenda or on nonpublic hearing Items may Ito so during ORAL COMMUNICATIONS, '
Speakers on items seheduled for PUBLICHEARINC will be invited to speak during the public hearing, (I MINUTES PER PERSON, NO DONATING
OF TIME TO OTHERS)
A. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Victor Leipzig, expressed appreciation to Planning Commissioner Gary Gorman for his
performance as a Planning Commissioner.
Ken Walsh, 111-22nd Street, spoke in opposition to the proposed gas station at northeast corner
of Pacific Coast Highway and Goldenwest Street.
Mike Erickson, 208 Goldenwest Street, spoke in opposition to the proposed gas station at
northeast corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Goldenwest Street.
Charles Wolter, 206 Goldenwest Street, spoke in opposition to the proposed gas station at
northeast corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Goldenwest Street.
B. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
B-1 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO.96-56 (JIFFY LUBE) (CONTINUED FROM THE
NOVEMBER 12,1996, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING)•
APPLICANT: Ernest Ramirez
LOCATION: 9032 Adams Avenue (south side of Adams Avenue, east of Magnolia Street)
PROJECT
PLANNER: Susan Pierce
Conditional Use Permit No. 96-58 represents a request to establish a 2,470 square foot vehicle
equipment repair building (Jiffy Lube). The proposed facility will replace an existing, vacant 2,482
square foot real estate office building. The subject parcel is located on the south side of Adams Avenue
and east of Magnolia and is a part of a commercial center with reciprocal parking and access.
Reciprocal access will be provided to the property to the west.
This application was continued from the November 12, 1996, Planning Commission meeting, to allow
revisions to the project which address the concerns raised at the public hearing. The concerns include
vehicular circulation, egress and ingress to the building, parking, automobile repair bay screening, and
safety. A revised site plan was submitted to staff on November 22, 1996. The revised site plan attempts
to address some of these issues.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff believes the revised site plan does not result in a better layout and continues to recommend denial
of Conditional Use Permit No. 96-58 for the following reasons:
♦ The project is inconsistent with the goals of the Urban Design Element which are to enhance the
visual image of the City on arterial streets.
♦ The project is inconsistent with the objectives of the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance design
standards to orient service bays away from street view.
♦ The architectural design of the proposed project is not compatible with buildings in the existing
commercial center.
♦ Potential traffic conflicts on site and off site may occur.
♦ Insufficient parking will be provided for the entire commercial center.
THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS RE -OPENED.
Larry Young, Real Estate Asset Manager for Carl's Jr., stated his opposition to the current request
stating the site plans are still unacceptable.
PC Minutes - 12/10/96 2 (PCM061)
THERE WERE NO OTHER PERSONS PRESENT TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THE
REQUEST AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS RE -CLOSED.
Commissioner Kerins stated his concern regarding these types of uses in a shopping center commercial
zone.
Commissioner Livengood requested legal counsel to prepare a written report, in regard to the obligations
on the CC&R's in respect to the two (2) letters received from adjacent business owners.
Paul D'Alessandro, Deputy City Attorney, stated that CC&R's do not fall under City jurisdiction.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY LIVENGOOD, SECONDED BY GORMAN, TO CONTINUE
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO.96-56 TO THE JANUARY 28,1997, PLANNING
COMMISSION MEETING AS REQUESTED BY THE APPLICANT, BY THE FOLLOWING
VOTE:
AYES: Holden, Livengood, Kerins, Biddle, Gorman, Tillotson, Speaker
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION PASSED
B-2 SPECIAL SIGN PERMIT NO.96-13/DESIGN REVIEW BOARD NO.96-38 (DELILLO
CHEVROLET) (APPEAL) (CONTINUED FROM THE NOVEMBER 26, 1996,
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING):
APPLICANT: Will Hawes
LOCATION: 18211 Beach Boulevard (west side of Beach Boulevard, north of Taylor)
PROJECT
PLANNER: Lisa Mercurio
Forwarded for Planning Commission consideration is an appeal filed by Superior Electrical Advertising,
applicant, of the Zoning Administrator's conditional approval of Special Sign Permit No. 96-13. The
request is to: install one (1), 42 ft. high, 265 sq. ft. freestanding pylon sign; deviate from number of
freestanding signs allowed per frontage; and install three (3) wall signs totaling 204 sq. ft. The approved
signs were conditioned to comply with the proposed sign code allowing for a 20 ft. tall, 100 sq. ft.,
internally illuminated freestanding sign. In addition, there were three (3) freestanding signs conditioned
to be combined into one (1) freestanding sign, and comply with the proposed sign code in terms of
height and square footage. The proposed wall signs (204 sq. ft.) were approved.
PC Minutes - 12/10/96 3 (PCM061)
This item was continued from the November 12, 1996, Planning Commission meeting due to a 3-3 tie
vote.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Planning Commission approve Special Sign Permit No. 96-13 for a 25 ft. high
sign with an opaque background and all other conditions as approved by the Zoning Administrator, for
the following reasons:
♦ Coordinated, clear signage is necessary to ensure visibility of the business.
♦ The new signs may actually increase business and safety for motorists on Beach Boulevard.
♦ The new signs will be compatible with the proposed sign code, and are compatible with the policies
of the General Plan calling for coordinated signage. -
♦ The new signs will not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular vision, and will comply with the site angle
and visibility requirements. .
♦ An existing 47 ft. high non -conforming freestanding sign will be removed from the premises and
replaced with improved signs that are more consistent with the proposed sign code.
THE PUBLIC HEARING REMAINED CLOSED FROM THE NOVEMBER 12,1996,
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING.
Commissioner Livengood stated he had reviewed the video tape of the November 12, 1996, Planning
Commission meeting and was prepared to take action on this item.
Commissioner's Kerins, Biddle and Gorman remained in opposition to the request preferring to limit the
sign to the sign code requirements.
The remainder of the Commission felt that the new sign would be a chance to rid the site of the four (4)
current signs, which are larger and unsightly, in favor of the new signs. They requested that if approved
the conditions reflect that the freestanding sign identified be removed within 60 days following the
removal of, or modification to lower, the adjacent existing approximately 45 foot high Ford dealership
sign located on the property at the southwest corner of Beach Boulevard and Taylor Avenue. Also, the
applicant shall file with the City a cash bond in the amount of ten (10) percent of the cash value of the
freestanding sign for the purpose of indemnifying the City for any and all costs incurred in the removal
of the freestanding sign.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY LIVENGOOD, SECONDED BY SPEAKER, TO APPROVE
SPECIAL SIGN PERMIT NO.96-13 FOR A 37 FOOT HIGH, 250 SQUARE FOOT
FREESTANDING SIGN LOCATED IN THE LANDSCAPED PLANTER WITH FINDINGS
AND MODIFIED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Holden, Livengood, Tillotson, Speaker
NOES: Kerins, Biddle, Gorman
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION PASSED
PC Minutes - 12/10/96 4 (PCM061)
FINDINGS OF APPROVAL - SPECIAL SIGN PERMIT NO 96-13•
1. Special Sign Permit No. 96-13 for one (1) 37 foot high, 250 square foot freestanding sign, deviation
from number of signs allowed per frontage, and three (3) wall signs totaling 204.1 square feet
exceeds the maximum square footage allowed for identification signs. The modified plan approved
by the Planning Commission will be compatible with the character of the area and will provide
adequate business exposure to motorists traveling north and south on Beach Boulevard. The new
freestanding sign is more aesthetically pleasing and modern looking than the existing four (4)
freestanding signs on the premises today. In addition, the total existing sign area of all four (4)
freestanding signs along Beach Boulevard equal 355 square feet; the proposed freestanding sign is
250 square feet. The proposed freestanding sign represents a consolidation of four (4) existing signs
which is consistent with the proposed sign code.
2. The proposed wall signs (204 square feet) are compatible with the character of the area and is needed
for special circumstances defined by the applicant and approved by the Planning Commission.
3. The proposed signage as modified by the Planning Commission will not adversely affect other signs
in the area because the 37 foot high freestanding sign is conditioned to be modified to conform with
code at such time as the adjacent 45 foot high Ford dealership sign is removed.
4. The proposed signage as modified by the Planning Commission will not be detrimental to properties
located in the vicinity. The location and design of the 37 foot high freestanding sign is similar to
other business identification signs in the immediate vicinity, and will not adversely effect adjacent
properties.
5. The proposed signage will not obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic visibility and will not be a
hazardous distraction. The signs will be located above site line of traffic and will not obstruct the
visibility of the street.
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL - SPECIAL SIGN PERMIT NO.96-13:
1. The site plan and site elevations received and dated September 10, 1996 shall be the approved layout
with the following modification:
a. Only one (1) freestanding sign (excluding directional signs) along Beach Boulevard shall be
permitted. The sign shall be no greater than 37 feet in height and 250 square feet in area, and
shall be located within a landscaped planter.
2. Prior to issuance of building permits, the following shall be completed:
a. Zoning entitlement conditions of approval shall be printed verbatim on the cover page of all the
working drawing sets used for issuance of building permits (architectural, structural, electrical,
mechanical and plumbing).
PC Minutes - 12/10/96 5 (PCM061)
b. Submit copy of the revised site plan and elevations pursuant to Condition No. 1 for review and
approval and inclusion in the entitlement file to the Department of Community Development.
c. A Landscape Construction Set must be submitted to the Department of Public Works and
approved by the Department of Public Works and Community Development. The Landscape
Construction Set shall include a landscape plan prepared and signed by a State Licensed
Landscape Architect which identifies the location, type, size and quantity of all existing plant
materials to remain, existing plant materials to be removed and proposed plant materials; an
irrigation plan; a grading plan; an approved site plan and a copy of the conditions of approval.
The landscaped plans shall be in conformance with Chapter 232 of the Zoning and Subdivision
Ordinance and applicable design guidelines. The landscape irrigation system shall be designed
and constructed to include a separate water line for the use of reclaimed water subject to Water
Department approval. (PW)(Code Requirement)
d. The applicant shall file with the City a cash bond in the amount of ten (10) percent of the cash
value of the freestanding sign for the purpose of indemnifying the City for any and all costs
incurred in the removal of the freestanding sign as identified in Condition No. La. If the sign is
not made to conform with the applicable provisions of the sign ordinance within 60 days
following removal of, or modification to lower, the approximately 45 foot Ford dealership sign
located at the southwest corner of Taylor Avenue and Beach Boulevard, the City of Huntington
Beach or its agents or employees may enter on the property where said sign is located and
remove said sign. The cost of removal shall be deducted from the cash bond and summarily
forfeited and paid over to the City of Huntington Beach, and the remainder, if any, returned to
the person or subsequent designee depositing the bond.
3. The freestanding sign identified in Condition No. La. shall be removed within 60 days following the
removal of, or modification to lower, the adjacent existing approximately 45 foot high Ford
dealership sign located on the property at the southwest corner of Beach Boulevard and Taylor
Avenue.
4. Prior to building permit final for the new freestanding sign identified in Condition No. La., all
existing freestanding signs (total: 4) along Beach Boulevard shall be removed.
5. The Community Development Director ensures that all conditions of approval herein are complied
with. The Community Development Director shall be notified in writing if any changes to the site
plan, elevations and floor plans are proposed as a result of the plan check process. Building permits
shall not be issued until the Community Development Director has reviewed and approved the
proposed changes for conformance with the intent of the Zoning Administrator's action and the
conditions herein. If the proposed changes are of a substantial nature, an amendment to the original
entitlement reviewed by the Zoning Administrator may be required pursuant to the HBZSO.
PC Minutes - 12/10/96 6 (PCM061)
INFORMATION ON SPECIFIC CODE REQUIREMENTS•
1. Special Sign Permit No. 96-13 shall not become effective until the ten day appeal period has
elapsed.
2. Special Sign Permit No, 96-13 shall become null and void unless exercised within one year of the
date of final approval or such extension of time as may be granted by the Director pursuant to a
written request submitted to the Department of Community Development a minimum 30 days prior
to the expiration date.
3. The Planning Commission reserves the right to revoke Special Sign Permit No. 96-13 , pursuant to
a public hearing for revocation, if any violation of these conditions or the Huntington Beach
Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance or Municipal Code occurs.
4. The project shall comply with all applicable provisions of the Municipal Code, Building Division,
and Fire Department as well as applicable local, State and Federal Fire Codes, Ordinances, and
standards, except as noted herein.
5. Building permits shall be obtained for any signs prior to their installation.
B-3 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO.96-79/VARIANCE NO.96-27 (THREE STORY
HOUSE):
APPLICANT: Gilda Keshavarzian
LOCATION: 18741 Jockey Circle (at the terminus of Jockey Circle, southwest of Ellis
Avenue and Saddleback Lane)
PROJECT
PLANNER: Susan Pierce
Conditional Use Permit No. 96-79 and Variance No. 96-27 represent a request by Gilda Keshavarzian to
construct a 9,858 sq.ft. single family residence with variances to allow a three-story, 39.5 ft. high
structure in lieu of a maximum two-story, 35 ft. high structure; to permit a six-foot, eight inch rear yard
setback in lieu of minimum 50 ft.; and to exceed the maximum two foot cut and fill grading limitation.
The proposed structure will be on a lot which currently has a grade differential of three feet between the
high and low points on the site. The property is located at the terminus of Jockey Circle, west of
Saddleback Lane within the Ellis-Goldenwest Specific Plan area.
PC Minutes - 12/10/96 7 (PCM061)
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends denial of Conditional Use Permit No. 96-79 and Variance No. 96-27 for the following
reasons:
♦ The project is not consistent with the purpose of the Specific Plan and the goals and objectives of the
General Plan.
♦ The design of the proposed three story dwelling does not conform to the natural land form because it
is not terraced to the site.
♦ The three story dwelling is incompatible with one and two story homes within the Ellis-Goldenwest
Specific Plan area.
♦ A retaining wall allows a higher building volume adjacent to the rear property line.
♦ Architectural design emphasizes bulk and mass on the site.
♦ Balcony projections do not comply with residential infill privacy design standards.
♦ The three story dwelling visually impacts adjacent properties.
♦ The revision to the previously approved site plan does not result in a better project.
THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED.
Bahram Kasravi, 9594 Nightingale, Fountain Valley, spoke in support of the request.
Gerald Chapman, 6742 Shire Circle, spoke in opposition to the request. He stated that he felt it was a
beautiful house but was too large for the area.
Donny Rye, 18711 Jockey Circle, spoke in support of the request. He stated he felt it did conform to the
neighborhood standards.
Janelle Marks, 6752 Derby Circle, adjacent resident spoke in opposition to the request, and stated that the
neighbors were also opposed to request.
James Bahram Zarin, 2182 Dupont Drive, #224, Irvine, architect for the project, stated that this was a
complicated lot to work with and gave a brief history of the site.
THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED.
The Commission discussed the effect the house would have on the surrounding neighborhood and felt that
it was too large to be compatible. They felt it would obstruct views and create undesirable visual massing.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY LIVENGOOD, SECONDED BY BIDDLE, TO DENY
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO.96-79 WITH FINDINGS, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES:
Holden, Livengood, Kerins, Biddle, Gorman, Tillotson, Speaker
NOES:
None
ABSENT:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
MOTION PASSED
PC Minutes - 12/10/96 8 (PCM061)
�i
FINDINGS FOR DENIAL - CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO 96 7 :
1. Conditional Use Permit No. 96-79 for the establishment, maintenance and operation of a 9,858
square foot, three story dwelling on a site with a grade differential of more than three feet between
th6 high point and the low point and for a substantial revision to a previously approved site plan will
be detrimental to the general welfare of persons working or residing in the vicinity and detrimental to
the value of the property and improvements in the neighborhood. Architectural design of the
proposed three story dwelling emphasizes bulk and mass on the site and visually impacts adjacent
properties. The revision to the previously approved site plan does not result in a better project.
2. Conditional Use Permit No. 96-79 for will not be compatible with surrounding residential uses. The
structural design of the proposed three story dwelling does not fit the natural land form and is not
terraced to the site. There are no three story dwellings within the Specific Plan area which is
developed with one- and two-story dwellings. The project does not comply with the Residential
Infill Lot Development Ordinance; in particular, the privacy design standards and pad height
provision. Balcony projections intrude on adjacent properties' privacy.
3. The proposed three story residential use does not comply with the provisions of the base district
which it is located and other applicable provisions in Titles 20-25 of the Huntington Beach ZSO
(Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance), the Ellis-Goldenwest Specific Plan, and any specific condition
required for the proposed use in the district in which it would be located. Staff does not support the
variance requests necessary for the establishment of the proposed project.
4. The granting of the conditional use permit for the three story dwelling on a site with a grade
differential of 14 feet between the high point and the low point with cutting and filling that does not
conform to the Ellis-Goldenwest Specific Plan, and for a substantial revision to a previously
approved site plan will adversely affect the General Plan. The project is not consistent with the Land
Use Element designation of Low Density Residential, 3 Units per Acre, Specific Plan Overlay, on
the subject property which prescribes the orderly development of a residential area. It is not
consistent with the following policies:
a. Avoid building materials, colors, and construction elements that visually dominate their setting
and contrast significantly with the character of the neighborhood. LU9.1.2
PC Minutes - 12/10/96 9 (PCM061)
b. Require that all new residential development within existing residential neighborhoods (i.e.,
infill) be compatible with existing structures, including the: use of building heights, grade
elevations, orientation, and bulk that are compatible with the surrounding development and
maintenance of privacy on abutting residences. LU9.2.1
FINDINGS FOR DENIAL - VARIANCE NO.96-27:
1. The granting of Variance No. 96-27 to allow (a) a reduction in the rear yard setback from 50 feet to
6-feet-eight-inches, (b) a three story, 39.5 foot building height in lieu of a two story, 35 foot building
height, and (c) to exceed the maximum two foot cut and fill limitation will constitute a grant of
special privilege inconsistent with limitations upon other properties in the vicinity and under an
identical zone classification. The proposed project contrasts with the character of the neighborhood
that has been developed to retain the natural terrain and comply with the maximum building height
and setback requirements.
2. Although there are special circumstances applicable to the subject property, including shape,
topography, the strict application.of the zoning ordinance is not found to deprive the subject property
of privileges enjoyed by other properties in the vicinity and under identical zone classification. The
purpose of the Ellis-Goldenwest Specific Plan development plan is to provide guidance for the
orderly development of the area while preserving the natural topographical features to the greatest
extent possible. The subject property has been provided with building pads to minimize the
alteration of the natural terrain and will allow development in compliance with the Specific Plan.
3. The granting of a variance to allow (a) a reduction in the rear yard setback from 50 feet to 6-feet-
eight-inches, (b) a three story, 39.5 foot building height in lieu of a two story, 35 foot building
height, and (c) to exceed the maximum two foot cut and fill limitation are not necessary to preserve
the enjoyment of one or more substantial property rights. Construction of a custom home can be
accomplished within the area identified on the previously approved site plan or unit siting plan and
within the maximum building height.
4. The granting of the variance requests will be materially detrimental to the public welfare or
injurious to property in the same zone classification. The proposed project contrasts with the
character of the neighborhood that has been developed to retain the natural terrain and comply with
the maximum building height and setback requirements. The proposed project reduces the privacy
of adjacent properties by the increased grade height, building height, and architectural design of the
three story dwelling.
PC Minutes - 12/10/96 10 (PCMO61)
B-4 ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO 95-6 (SIGN CODE REWRITE) (CONTINUED
FROM THE NOVEMBER 26,1996, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING)•
APPLICANT: City of Huntington
LOCATION: City-wide
PROJECT
PLANNER: Wayne Carvalho
Transmitted for Planning Commission review is Zoning Text Amendment No. 95-6, a request initiated
by the City Council to amend Section 233 Signs of the City's Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance. In
June of 1994, the City Council appointed five (5) members representing various local organizations to a
Council Subcommittee responsible for reviewing and recommending changes to the City's sign
ordinance. The subcommittee has finalized their recommendation and is forwarding the legislative draft
to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation.
The Planning Commission has reviewed the recommended amendments at prior study sessions, and has
recommended additional revisions be incorporated into the sign code. The latest version of the
Legislative Draft, incorporates the revisions taken by Planning Commission straw vote action. In
addition, staff has made minor changes for clarification purposes.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Planning Commission open the public hearing, receive testimony, and continue
Zoning Text Amendment No. 95-6 to the January 14, 1997 Planning Commission meeting to allow
adequate time for public review of the final legislative draft version
THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED.
THERE WERE NO PERSONS PRESENT TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THE REQUEST
AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CONTINUED OPEN.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY BIDDLE, SECONDED BY LIVENGOOD, TO CONTINUE
ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO.95-6 WITH PUBLIC HEARING OPENED TO THE
JANUARY 14,1997, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Holden, Livengood, Kerins, Biddle, Gorman, Speaker
NOES: None
ABSENT: Tillotson (out of room)
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION PASSED
PC Minutes - 12/10/96 11 (PCM061)
C. CONSENT CALENDAR
C-1 GENERAL PLAN CONFORMANCE NO.96-12:
APPLICANT: City of Huntington Beach, Administrative Services
LOCATION: Alabama Street and Nashville Street, south of Adams Avenue
PLANNER
ASSIGNED: Lisa Mercurio
General Plan Conformance No. 96-12 is a request to determine if the proposed sale of a 13,375 square
foot vacant portion of surplus land (existing as 3 irregular subdivided lots; see APN map, Exhibit A) on
Alabama Street and Nashville Street, south of Adams Avenue is in conformance with the goals,
objectives, and policies of the General Plan. This section of property was formerly occupied by the City
Yard and became surplus property when the City Yard relocated to Gothard Street, north of Slater
Avenue.
The General Plan designation for this property is Residential Medium -High Density (RMH-25-d), it is
zoned Medium -High Density Residential - Small Lot Subdistrict (RMH-A), and is currently vacant.
The sale of this surplus vacant land will allow this site to be developed in a similar manner to adjoining
properties. The proposed sale would potentially allow the land to be developed with four (4) single
family residential units, with reparcelization, or with a lot consolidation, a small apartment building (up
to 7 units).
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve General Plan Conformance No. 96-12 for the
following reasons:
♦ The proposed sale of surplus land is in conformance with the goals and policies of the Housing and
Land Use Elements of the General Plan;
♦ The proposed sale of surplus land will allow both the east and west side of Alabama Street to be
developed in a compatible manner, this will increase the visual aesthetics of the area by removing
the vacant section of land from the neighborhood;
♦ The proposed sale of surplus land will allow the City to conserve maintenance costs and utilize
maintenance personnel in a more efficient manner;
♦ The proposed sale of surplus land will allow the development of residential units that are compatible
in density and style with the surrounding neighborhood;
♦ The proposed sale of surplus land will allow the City to provide additional housing units for future
residents of Huntington Beach.
PC Minutes - 12/10/96 12 (PCM061)
A MOTION WAS MADE BY GORMAN, SECONDED BY SPEAKER, TO APPROVE
GENERAL PLAN CONFORMANCE NO.96-12 WITH FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL, BY THE
FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: Holden, Livengood, Kerins, Biddle, Gorman, Tillotson, Speaker
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION PASSED
FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL - GENERAL PLAN CONFORMANCE NO.96-12:
1. The proposed vacation of 13,375 square feet of surplus land conforms with the following goals,
objectives, and policies of the Land Use Elements of the General Plan.
Land Use Element:
Goal LU 1 - Achieve development that maintains or improves the City's fiscal viability and reflects
economic demands while maintaining and improving the quality of life for the current and future
residents of Huntington Beach.
The proposed sale of 13,375 square feet of surplus land will allow for residential development of this
land which will provide housing opportunities for future residents by providing additional single family
or multi -family units. In addition, the proposed sale will generate tax revenue for the City, while
removing maintenance costs and liability for the land.
Objective LU 8.1 - Maintain the pattern of existing land uses while providing opportunities for the
evolution, including intensification and re -use, of selected subareas in order to improve their character
and identity.
The proposed sale of 13,375 square feet of surplus land will allow the development of single family or
multi -family housing that is similar in density and character to the surrounding neighborhood and will
provide continuity for the neighborhood. The development of this vacant land will allow the
neighborhood to evolve to its fullest potential.
Policy LU 8.1.1 - Accommodate land use development in accordance with the patterns and distribution
of use and density depicted on the Land Use Plan Map.
The proposed sale of 13,375 square feet of surplus land will allow for development of the site that is
consistent with the surrounding areas. The potential to add up to four single family residential units
or/up to 7 multi -family housing units will be compatible with the surrounding land use pattern and
density of the neighborhood.
PC Minutes - 12/10/96 13 (PCM061)
Goal LU 9 - Achieve the development of a range of housing units that provides for the diverse
economic, physical, and social needs of existing and future residents of Huntington Beach.
The proposed sale of 13,375 square feet of surplus land will allow for additional residential development
which will provide additional housing opportunities to meet the economic, physical, and social needs of
residents of Huntington Beach.
Objective LU 9.1 - Provide for the development of single and multi -family residential neighborhoods.
The proposed sale of 13,375 square feet of surplus land will encourage the development of additional
residential units which will contribute to the City's housing stock. This will allow the City to provide
additional housing units for future residents of Huntington Beach, and this would remove a vacant site
that can potentially be used for illegal dumping and this will increase the visual aesthetics of the area.
Housing Element.
Goal H 3.0 - A key element in satisfying the housing needs of all segments of the community is the
provision of adequate sites for housing of all types, sizes, and prices.
The proposed sale of 13,375 square feet of surplus land will allow the development of housing that is
compatible with surrounding densities and will provide additional housing that is compatible with the
needs of Huntington Beach residents. The land is already served by public facilities and utilities and is
in close proximity of commercial areas and transportation routes.
Policy H 3.0 - To assure the adequate provision of sites for housing.
The proposed sale of 13,375 square feet of surplus land will allow the City to provide additional housing
units to residents of Huntington Beach.
C-2 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES DATED NOVEMBER 26,1996
A MOTION WAS MADE BY GORMAN, SECONDED BY KERINS, TO APPROVE
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES DATED NOVEMBER 26,1996, BY THE FOLLOWING
VOTE:
AYES:
Holden, Kerins, Biddle, Gorman, Tillotson, Speaker
NOES:
None
ABSENT:
None
ABSTAIN:
Livengood
MOTION PASSED
PC Minutes.- 12/10/96 14 (PCM061)
D. NON-PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
None
E. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMSANQUIRIES
E. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS/INQUIRIES
Commissioner Gorman - expressed appreciation to the staff for all their help and support during
his Planning Commission term.
Commissioner Kerins - asked staff if the developers of the proposed gas station at northeast
corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Goldenwest Street were aware of the opposition to the
project. Staff stated that the developer is aware of the concerns of the residents and is planning
to meet with the neighbors to discuss their issues and concerns.
Commissioner Livengood - stated that on December 20, 1996, the California State Land
Commission will consider acquisition of 880 acres of wetlands in the Bolsa Chica area.
F. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ITEMS
F-1 CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
There were no Community Development items on the last City Council Agenda.
F-2 PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
Scott Hess, Senior Planner - reviewed the items for the January 14, 1997, Planning Commission
meeting.
PC Minutes - 12/10/96
15
(PCM061)
G. ADJOURNMENT -Adjourn to the January 14,1997, Planning Commission meeting.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY BIDDLE, SECONDED BY TILLOTSON, TO ADJOURN TO THE
ANNUAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION AT THE WATERFRONT HILTON AND THEN TO
THE 5:30 PM STUDY SESSION ON JANUARY 14,1997, AND THEN TO REGULARLY
SCHEDULED PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AT 7:00 PM, BY THE FOLLOWING
VOTE:
AYES: Holden, Livengood, Kerins, Biddle, Gorman, Tillotson, Speaker
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION PASSED
/kj 1
APPK'.QED BY:
HoIV Zelefsky, S retary lann" "mission Chairperson
PC Minutes - 12/10/96 16 (PCM061)