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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-03-09MINUTES HUNTINGTON BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION TUESDAY, MARCH 9,1999 Council Chambers - Civic Center 2000 Main Street Huntington Beach, California STUDY SESSION - 5:00 PM (Room B-8) HOW TO DO BUSINESS IN THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACHICODE ENFORCEMENT — Scott Hess/Mike Strange COASTAL ELEMENT UPDATE — Mary Beth Broeren AGENDA REVIEW — Scott Hess REGULAR MEETING - 7:00 PM PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE P P P P P P P ROLL CALL: Laird, Kerins, Chapman, Speaker, Biddle, Livengood, Mandic AGENDA APPROVAL A. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS NnNV B. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS B-1 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO.98-83/VARIANCE NO.98-25 (EDINGER SERVICE STATION/MINI MART/CAR WASH): APPLICANT: Bernard Daliri LOCATION: 5002 Edinger (southeast corner of Edinger Avenue and Bolsa Chica Street) PROJECT PLANNER: Joseph Thompson Conditional Use Permit No. 98-83 and Variance No. 98-25 represent a request by Bernard Daliri to permit construction of a new gas station. The proposal includes construction of a 1,470 square foot convenience market, 900 square foot self-service car wash, and 2,476 square foot canopy covering two self -serve pump islands with four dual sided pumps. A variance is requested, as the construction of the new gas station with convenience market and self-service car wash is proposed with six (6) parking spaces in lieu on the minimum ten (10) and the subject parcel does not comply with minimum lot size requirements for a gas station (16,791 square feet in lieu of 22,500 square feet). STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends denial of Conditional Use Permit No. 98-83 and Variance No. 98-25 for the following reasons: • The proposed use will not be compatible with the Commercial General land use designation of the General Plan and surrounding land uses. • The project would constitute a grant of special privilege. • The number of proposed uses would be too intensive for the site, which is substandard per the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance. • The number of parking spaces is substantially less than what is required by the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance. • The level of noise produced by the car wash exceeds what is allowed by the Municipal Code. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Harry Ericton, 3328 Alabama Circle, Costa Mesa, representing applicant, gave a brief overview of the request. He stated that the applicant has been the owner of the property and former use since 1992. The previous use was a three (3) lube bay gas station and the applicant was under the impression when he demolished he would be able to rebuild and upgrade the site. He stated that in today's market the applicant needs to supply his customers with the type of amenities requested to stay competitive in the market, and that requires a car was and mini mart with gas sales. Bernard Daliri, applicant, gave a brief history of the previous gas station. He stated he demolished the use to rebuild a modern project. He also stated that the reasoning for the additional amenities was to stay competitive in the market. Ed Norris, Traffic Engineer who conducted traffic study, stated that the variable used in the traffic study was the average daily traffic at the adjacent intersection. He stated the weekday (Thursday) the study was taken was comparable to a summer weekend day in amount of traffic. He also stated that the future residential project to be built at Meadowlark will not impact the traffic situation at a significant level. THERE WERE NO OTHER PERSONS PRESENT TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THE REQUEST AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. The Commission discussed and were concerned about the accuracy of traffic study, that a finding of hardship could not be shown and the notification of surrounding property owner and businesses. A MOTION WAS MADE BY LAIRD, SECONDED BY MANDIC, TO APPROVE STAFF ALTERNATIVE B, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Laird, Speaker, Mandic NOES: Kerins, Chapman, Biddle, Livengood, ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION FAILED PC Minutes — 3/9/99 2 (99PCM309) 1 The Commission discussed a continuance to allow findings and conditions of approval to be submitted by staff regarding the Alternative Actions to approve, show the landscaping on the plan, show different options of the plan (e.g. remove the car wash), and compare the proposed use with three (3) other uses that are similar in nature and on an major arterial. A MOTION WAS MADE BY LIVENGOOD, SECONDED BY LAIRD, TO CONTINUE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO.98-83 AND VARIANCE NO.98-25 TO A SPECIAL MEETING ON MARCH 30,1999, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Laird, Kerins, Chapman, Speaker, Biddle, Livengood, Mandic NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSED B-2 GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO.99-1/ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO.99-1/ ZONING MAP AMENDMENT NO.99-1/LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM AMENDMENT NO. 99-1(PCH LOT REDESIGNATIONS): APPLICANT: City of Huntington Beach LOCATION: Two (2) half -blocks (20 lots total - 1.82 net acres total) on the north side of Pacific Coast Highway, between 16a' and 18a' Streets. PROJECT PLANNER: Cindy Chau Transmitted for Planning Commission review is a request by the City of Huntington Beach for the approval of a General Plan Amendment, Zoning Text Amendment, Zoning Map Amendment, and Local Coastal Program Amendment for the re -designation of 20 lots consisting of 1.82 net acres from Visitor Serving Commercial to Residential, High -Density, maximum 30 units per net acre, in accordance with the Downtown Specific Plan. The change in land use designation would allow one single family dwelling on each lot (20 units) or a maximum number of 55 multi -family units, if the contiguous lots were consolidated. However, no development is being proposed in conjunction with this application. The 20 lots are currently owned by various property owners. This project has been continued from the October 27, 1998 meeting. The original proposal consisted of the same entitlements. However, the project site was originally composed of three half -blocks, with the addition of the half -block located between Golden West Street and Pacific Coast Highway. The Planning Commission approved the project, with the exclusion of the project site and asked staff to further study the area and schedule a study session in the future. A study session was held on January 26, 1999 and staff presented additional information, including illustrations of possible development scenarios on the project sites. PC Minutes — 3/9/99 (99PCM309) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff is recommending approval of the request for the following reasons: • The proposed General Plan Amendment, Zoning Text Amendment, and Zoning Map Amendment to re -designate 20 lots from Visitor Serving Commercial to Residential is consistent with the northerly, easterly, and westerly areas which allow for single family or multi -family units. Each of the 20 lots is consistent with the minimum parcel size requirements for the proposed zoning. • The loss of 1.82 net acres designated for Visitor Serving Commercial has been off -set by the recent General Plan update which re -designated approximately 142 acres (between Golden West and Seapoint and Palm Avenues) from oil production to mixed use, which would allow commercial development along Pacific Coast Highway for an approximate length of 6,250 feet. Also, a General Plan Amendment in 1995 re -designated a 1.9 acre site between 6t' and 8'` Streets from Residential to Visitor Serving Commercial. • The project area is better suited for a residential development rather than a commercial development because of the project site's size and limited access. Commissioner Mandic stated that she would be abstaining from taking action on this request pursuant to Planning Commission By-laws regarding conflict of interest. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Dick Kelter, 119-22nd Street, property owner, spoke in support of the proposed request. Kevin Kelter, 18281 Gothard Street, Suite 201, property owner, spoke in support of the proposed request. Duf Sfreddo, 429 Orange Blossom, Irvine, property owner, spoke in support of the proposed request. Dr. Vermika Tracy -Smith, 114-18'' Street, spoke in support of the proposed request and requested that staff consider undergrounding of the utilities during construction processes. Scot Campbell, 406 Townsquare, spoke in support of the proposed request. Peter Feherveri, 223-17a' Street, stated concern regarding the current parking situation in the area. He stated that the Commission should ensure that projects have sufficient parking requirements included in the approval. He also stated that a zone change should not be approved until a project proposal for the site is submitted. Lenny Lindborg, 24 No. La Semda, Laguna Beach, property owner, spoke in support of the proposed request. Submitted a copy of future plans for his property. THERE WERE NO OTHER PERSONS PRESENT TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THE REQUEST AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. PC Minutes — 3/9/99 4 (99PCM309) 1 A MOTION WAS MADE BY LIVENGOOD, SECONDED BY KERINS, TO APPROVE GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO.99-1, ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO.99-1, ZONING MAP AMENDMENT NO.99-1 AND LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM AMENDMENT NO.99-1 WITH FINDINGS AND FORWARD TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Laird, Kerins, Chapman, Speaker, Biddle, Livengood, Mandic NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSED FINDINGS FOR ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT 99-1/ZONING MAP AMENDMENT 99-1: 1. Zoning Text Amendment No. 99-1 and Zoning Map Amendment No. 99-1 to change the zoning on three half -blocks totaling 1.82 net acres from Downtown Specific Plan District 1 (Visitor -Serving Commercial) to Downtown Specific Plan District 2 (Residential) is consistent with the objectives, policies, general land uses and programs specified in the General Plan and any applicable specific plan. The proposed changes are consistent with General Plan Amendment No. 99-1 which is being processed concurrently. The land uses in the surrounding area are consistent with the proposed change in zoning and at the time of development, there will be appropriate infrastructure and services available to support residential development. 2. In the case of a general land use provision, the zoning map amendment is compatible with the uses authorized in, and the standards prescribed for, the zoning district for which it is proposed. The changes proposed would be compatible with uses in the vicinity which are residential and open space. 3. A community need is demonstrated for the change proposed. The changes would expand the opportunities for housing and address the needs of a growing population. 4. Its adoption will be in conformity with public convenience, general welfare and good zoning practice. The zoning text amendment and zoning map amendment will provide more opportunities for residents to live in close proximity to services and amenities while being consistent with the surrounding neighborhood. 5. The City Council has approved Negative Declaration No. 98-1 by resolution. The current project is covered under that Negative Declaration and this project will comply with the mitigation measures that were identified. PC Minutes — 3/9/99 (99PCM309) C. CONSENT CALENDAR C-1 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES DATED DECEMBER 3,1998 A MOTION WAS MADE BY ]KERINS, SECONDED BY BIDDLE, TO APPROVE PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES DATED DECEMBER 3,1998, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES.: Kerins, Chapman, Speaker, Biddle, Livengood NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: Laird, Mandic MOTION PASSED C-2 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES DATED JANUARY 26,1999 A MOTION WAS MADE BY KERINS, SECONDED BY CHAPMAN, TO APPROVE PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES DATED JANUARY 26,1999, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Laird, Kerins, Chapman, Speaker, Biddle, Livengood, Mandic NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSED 63 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES DATED FEBRUARY 9, 1999 A MOTION WAS MADE BY ]KERINS, SECONDED BY BIDDLE, TO APPROVE PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES DATED FEBRUARY 9,1999, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Laird, Kerins, Chapman, Speaker, Biddle, Livengood, Mandic NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSED C-4 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES DATED. FEBRUARY 23,1999 A MOTION WAS MADE BY KERINS, SECONDED BY LAIRD, TO APPROVE PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES DATED FEBRUARY 2391999 AS AMENDED, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Laird, Kerins, Chapman, Speaker, Biddle, Livengood, Mandic NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSED PC Minutes — 3/9/99 6 (99PCM309) D. NON-PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS 1 NONE E. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS E-1 PLANNING COMMISSION COMMITTEE REPORTS Commissioner Kerins — stated that the Downtown Outdoor Dining with Alcohol subcommittee has met twice and has created a major issues matrix to work on. They will be conducting an on -site investigation tour of the downtown area in the near future. Commissioner Livengood- stated that the Environmental Board is proposing to have a symposium on the Coastal Area in October 1999. E-2 PLANNING COMMISSION INQUIRIES/COMMENTS Commissioner Kerins — requested that staff prepare a definition of the word "hardship" and the criteria it must meet as it pertains to a variance request. He also requested staff to update the Commission on the Wal Mart and Huntington Center projects. Commissioner Livengood- requested Paul D'Alessandro, Legal Counsel to prepare findings for hardship for Item B-1 for the March 30, 1999 meeting. Commissioner Livengood also stated that there would be a Town Hall Meeting March 10, 1999 at City of Huntington Beach, City Hall, regarding the Bolsa Chica Annexation. F. PLANNING ITEMS F-1 CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS FROM PREVIOUS MEETING Scott Hess, Senior Planner — restated actions taken at the previous City Council meeting. F-2 PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING Scott Hess, Senior Planner — in response to Commissioner Kerins inquiry regarding updates on the Wal Mart and Huntington Center projects, he stated that the Wal Mart appeal is tentatively scheduled for the April 5, 1999 City Council meeting. Mr. Hess stated that City staff is waiting for a response from the Macerich Company to the City's revised proposal on their request for additional financial support. PC Minutes — 3/9/99 (99PCM309) 1 G. ADJOURNMENT — Adjourn to the Planners Institute Conference in Monterey from March 24-26, 1999 and then to the March 30,1999 Special Planning Commission meeting. (The March 23, 1999 Planning Commission meeting has been canceled) A MOTION WAS MADE BY LIVENGOOD, SECONDED BY SPEAKER, TO ADJOURN TO THE PLANNERS INSTITUTE CONFERENCE IN MONTEREY AND THEN TO A SPECIAL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING ON MARCH 30,1999, AT 7:00 PM, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Laird, Kerins, Chapman, Speaker, Biddle, Livengood, Mandic NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSED /kjl APPROVED BY: 4"� Z'/'z2, — IYAard Zel , Secretarq PC Minutes — 3/9/99 (99PCM309)