HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-06-10MINUTES
HUNTINGTON BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION
TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2003
HUNTINGTON BEACH CIVIC CENTER
2000 MAIN STREET, HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA 92648
5:15 P.M. - ROOM B-8
CALL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TO ORDER — Callled to order at 5:20 p.m.
P A P P P P
ROLL CALL Davis, Stanton, Kokal, Shomaker, Dingwall, Ray
The Commission asked staff if they were aware of a document circulating throughout City Hall
entitled "Study Sessions." Staff said they were unaware of such a document.
The Commission suggested that the agenda provide titles that reflect non -televised and
televised portions of the meeting. Staff noted that the current format is the format agreed to by
the Planning Commission.
The Commission suggested opening Public Comments.
PUBLIC COMMENTS — Regarding Study Session portion of Meeting
Mark Bixby, Huntington Beach, spoke regarding Item A-2 (Planning Department Web Site). He
commended staff for posting the agenda in a timely manner, but suggested that changes be
made to improve its location. He also stated that the "quick search" option did not function well,
and suggested that the City provide more attachments on the website in order to itemize
information.
A. STUDY SESSION ITEMS
1. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS — Randy Kokal
Commissioner Kokal made two (2) committee assignments:
Commissioner Shomaker as Planning Commission liaison to the School District
Issues Council Subcommittee; and
Commissioner Ray as Planning Commission alternate to the Subdivision Committee.
Commissioner Kokal deferred decision on selecting an alternate for the NESI Ad -Hoc
Committee Alternate.
Staff provided information on the number of members and function of the Environmental
Assessment Committee. It was mentioned that the Committee meets on an as -needed
basis.
Staff and the Commission discussed policy issues related to minute action by the
Commission.
PC Minutes
June 10, 2003
Page 2
2. PLANNING DEPARTMENT WEBSITE — Jason Kelley
Jason Kelley, Assistant Planner, provided a brief presentation, outlining how the
Planning Department website is broken down into 12 sections (Applications, Design
Guidelines, Frequently Asked Questions, Flood Information, General Plan, Major
Projects, Neighborhood Preservation Program, Planning Services, Planning Staff, Public
Judicial Bodies, Environmental Assessment Committee, Specific Plans and Zoning and
Subdivision Ordinance.)
Staff explained to the Commission that Jason is the department's part-time Webmaster,
and that his primary job responsibilities are within Advance Planning,
The Commission suggested hiring volunteers to manage the website.
Discussion ensued regarding first page navigation ease, zoning by address, and
locating text within the General Plan.
Staff provided information to the Commission on how Citiview, the City's new permitting
software system, will affect public information availability, and what type of information
visitors to the website will have access to (fee schedules, online applications for
entitlements, building permits, etc.)
The Commission complimented the front-page design.
3. DOWNTOWN PARKING MASTER PLAN ANNUAL REVIEW —Wayne Carvalho
Wayne Carvalho, Senior Planner, made a brief presentation to the Commission
providing background on the Downtown Parking Master Plan (DPMP) originally
approved in 1995. He discussed the shared parking concept in the downtown core
area, and outlined the DPMP annual review process.
Staff provided information on development activity within the past year, including the
Koury Retail/Office Building at 428 Main Street, a new 8,455 sq. ft. retail/office building;
and, The Strand (Blocks 104/105), a new 226,500 sq. ft. mixed -use project including
retail/restaurant/office and a 152-room hotel.
Staff explained that the Planning Commission's role is to ensure that the monitoring
report has been conducted consistent with the monitoring provisions of the DPMP, and
that recommendations made by the Planning Commission will be forwarded to the City
Council for final consideration.
The Commission asked staff to provide history on the Koury Building 9-space parking
variance. Staff explained how the approved variance impacted Block H, resulting in the
need for an assessment of parking demand compared with parking supply. Staff also
explained that a balance must exist between land use square footage and availability of
parking spaces. The Commission asked who was responsible for granting the Koury
Building parking variance and staff explained the Commission's role in the decision.
Discussion ensued regarding the Strand project and the use of in lieu fees to build
parking spaces. Staff explained the in lieu fee process, and informed the Commission
that the Redevelopment Agency will assist in funding for parking space requirements.
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PC Minutes
June 10, 2003
Page 3
B. CONSENT ITEMS —None.
C. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS
1. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMITTEE REPORTS — Commissioner Dingwall reported
that the Public Hearing Process Subcommittee would meet on June 11, 2003.
Commissioner Ray asked about protocol when the subcommittee is ready to make
recommendations to modify the public hearing process. Staff replied that a review of the
recommendations by the committee would be made by planning staff and legal counsel
prior to formal action by the Commission.
2. PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS — Commissioner Ray asked staff to explain the
role of the Environmental Board in the review process of Environmental Impact Reports.
Staff gave an overview of the process and the role of the Board.
3. DISCUSSION ITEMS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS — None.
Scott Hess redistributed a copy of the Planning Commission Protocol and reminded the
Commission and Legal Counsel that follow-up is required on Agenda Items and
Selection of Chair.
7:00 P.M. — ADJOURNMENT: Adjourn to the regularly scheduled Planning Commission
meeting of July 8, 2003. The June 24, 2003 has been cancelled.
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AP P VED BY:
o and Zelefsky, Secretary
Randy K al, Chairperson
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