HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-03-20MINUTES
HUNTINGTON BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2008
CENTRAL LIBRARY, MADDY ROOM
7111 TALBERT, HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA 92648
9:00 AM — CENTRAL LIBRARY, MADDY ROOM
A. CALL PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP TO ORDER:
P A P P P P P
ROLL CALL: Farley, Dwyer, Shier -Burnett, Livengood, Shaw, Speaker, Scandura
Commissioner Dwyer absent, Vice Chair Shier -Burnett arrived at 9:17 AM.
AGENDA APPROVAL — APPROVED BY ACCLAMATION
STAFF INTRODUCTIONS - NONE
B. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Richardson Gray, resident, addressed the Planning Commission regarding a rumor he's heard
about a proposed aboveground parking structure at the Main Street Library.
C. Workshop Discussion Items
1. Edinger/Beach Corridor Study (Mary Beth Broeren Planning Manager
& Rosemary Medel, Associate Planner):
• Project Updates (Bella Terra II, Ripcurl, etc.)
• Draft Specific Plan
Mary Beth Broeren, Planning Manager, reported on Bella Terra II, The Ripcurl and two conceptual
plans at the Big "O" Tire Store and the Michael's Shopping Center, both located along Edinger
Avenue.
Commissioner Scandura asked if these Edinger/Beach projects would be designed in a manner to
be consistent with the Bella Terra Mall and the overall design concept for the corridor. Staff
replied that every effort will be made and the property owners and developers have been made
aware of these design recommendations.
Rosemary Medel, Associate Planner, reported on the Draft Specific Plan for the Edinger/Beach
Corridor. General discussion ensued regarding the General Plan, building heights, parking
requirements and street widths.
Chair Livengood noted that parking and traffic issues would be a concern, especially at the
intersection of Edinger and Beach.
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PC Minutes
March 20, 2008
Page 2
Commissioner Shaw discussed the urban environment and sustainability aspects of the projects
and Director of Planning Scott Hess noted that walkability issues would be a priority.
2. Downtown Specific Plan Update (Paul DaVeiga, Project Manager &
Ron Santos, Associate Planner):
Kellee Fritzal, Deputy Director of Economic Development, presented consultant RRM Design's
presentation. She also noted that the next Downtown Specific Plan meeting would focus entirely
on parking issues and would be held on either April 16th or April 23`d, 2008.
Commissioner Shaw asked if beach parking would be included in the Parking Master Plan and
staff stated that it was being evaluated; staff also noted that there are no plans for a three-story
parking structure or 6th Street closure.
Planning Manager Herb Fauland stated that California Coastal Commission approval would be
required for this project.
There was a general discussion regarding downtown newsracks and Chair Livengood noted that
Code Enforcement staff would be actively enforcing the current ordinance.
The Workshop then adjourned for a fifteen minute break.
3. Housing Element (Mary Beth Broeren, Planning Manager):
• "The Housing Element Process" article from Western City Magazine
• Affordable Housing — In -Lieu Fees
Mary Beth Broeren, Planning Manager, presented an overview of the Housing Element and
discussed the process and approval procedures.
Commissioner Farley asked about specific densities and Broeren stated that these would be
addressed by legislation within the next five to seven years. She also stated that In -Lieu
fees have been approved in place of providing affordable housing and that there will be an
Ad Hoc City Council Affordable Housing Committee meeting on April 22, 2008.
4. Neighborhood CompatibilitV (Ricky Ramos, Associate Planner):
Ricky Ramos, Associate Planner, gave a presentation on Neighborhood Compatibility.
Chair Tom Livengood recommended forming a Planning Commission Subcommittee for
Neighborhood Compatibility, which would include 2-3 Planning Commissioners and staff.
5. Permit Processing/Customer Service (H. Fauland, Planning Manager)
• Example - Pacific City Plan Check Process
Planning Manager Herb Fauland discussed Plan Check processes and procedures, using plans
(and pictures of plans) of the Pacific City project as an example.
Vice Chair Shier -Burnett asked about informational handouts available to the public. Staff noted
that handouts are available at the Building & Safety/Planning counters located on the 3rd floor at
City Hall.
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PC Minutes
March 20, 2008
Page 3
6. Lunch - Shopping Center Survey (John Yonai Guest Speaker):
John Yonai, guest speaker from Tierra West, gave a PowerPoint presentation titled: "Shopping
Center Inventory, Survey and Redevelopment Opportunities". A general discussion ensued
regarding the presentation and the preliminary findings, strategies and next steps.
7. Planning Commission Goals (Commissioners Scandura & Dwyer):
This topic was deferred to the Planning Commission Study Session scheduled for April 8,
2008.
ADJOURNMENT: Adjourned at 1:30 PM to the next regularly scheduled meeting of April 8, 2008.
NOTE: The City of Huntington Beach Planning Commission Meeting of March 25, 2008 has been
CANCELLED.
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Tom Livengoo , Chair
08pcm0320 Workshop