HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-15-2018_ZA_MinutesNEWPORT BEACH ZONING ADMINISTRATOR MINUTES 02/15/2018
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NEWPORT BEACH ZONING ADMINISTRATOR MINUTES
100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach
Corona del Mar Conference Room (Bay E-1st Floor)
Thursday, February 15, 2018
REGULAR MEETING
3:30 p.m.
I. CALL TO ORDER – The meeting was called to order at 3:30 p.m.
Staff Present: Patrick J. Alford, Zoning Administrator
Gregg Ramirez, Principal Planner
Makana Nova, Associate Planner
Liane Schuller, Contract Planner
Liz Westmoreland, Assistant Planner
David Lee, Planning Technician
II. REQUEST FOR CONTINUANCES
None.
III. MINUTES
ITEM NO. 1 Minutes of January 25, 2018
Action: Approved
IV. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
ITEM NO. 2 Hyatt Regency Comprehensive Sign Program No. CS2017-018 and Modification
Permit No. MD2917-010 (PA2017-244)
Site Location: 4545 MacArthur Boulevard Council District 3
Liz Westmoreland, Assistant Planner, provided a brief project description stating that a sign program is
required for the subject site based on the property’s long frontages and the placement of signs on the high-
rise buildings. Further, a modification permit is also required due to the proportionate size of one of the wall
signs and the height of one of the monument signs. Ms. Westmoreland stated that staff believes the
deviations are appropriate based on the vast size of the property, the height of the high-rise buildings, and the
challenges to visibility along the adjacent wide and high-speed roadways of MacArthur Boulevard and Birch
Street. The proposed sign program and modification permit would not allow any prohibited sign types,
whereas the Newport Place Planned Community guidelines would technically allow the establishment of sign
types and locations prohibited by the Zoning Code. Thus, Staff recommended approval of CS2017-018 and
MD2017-010 based on the draft resolution.
The Applicant’s representative, Dennis Stone of Swain Sign Inc., on behalf of the Owner, stated that he had
reviewed the draft resolution and agrees with all of the required conditions.
The Zoning Administrator opened the public hearing. Seeing that no one from the public wished to comment
the public hearing was closed.
Action: Approved
ITEM NO. 3 Stavros Residence Coastal Development Permit No. CD2017-106 (PA2017-249)
Site Location: 1034 West Balboa Boulevard Council District 1
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David Lee, Planning Technician, provided a brief project description stating that the applicant is requesting
approval of a coastal development permit to demolish an existing single-family residence and construct a new
3,669-square-foot duplex with an attached 532-sqaure-foot two-car garage and an attached two-car carport.
The proposed development complies with all current development standards including setbacks, height,
parking and floor area. Mr. Lee stated that the project is located between the nearest public road and th e
sea or shoreline, and that adequate vertical access to both the beach and the bay exists on 10 th Street
and 11th Street. Mr. Lee stated that the project will not affect public recreation, access, or views.
Applicant William Mason, on behalf of the Owner, stated that he had reviewed the draft resolution and agrees
with all of the required conditions. The applicant inquired about modifying the proposed footprint of the entry
way. Mr. Lee stated that the proposed modification would include additional floor area to the project, and that
staff would need to verify that the additional floor area would comply with the standards of the Zoning Code.
The Zoning Administrator stated that the project will be reviewed during the plan check process for
substantial conformance to the CDP. The Zoning Administrator also stated that if the proposed addition does
not substantially conform with the CDP, an amendment to the CDP will be required.
The Zoning Administrator opened the public hearing. Seeing that no one from the public wished to comment
the public hearing was closed.
Action: Approved
ITEM NO. 4 Cefalia Residence Coastal Development Permit No. CD2017-109 (PA2017-258)
Site Location: 2036 Ocean Boulevard Council District 1
Makana Nova, Associate Planner, provided a brief project description stating that the applicant is requesting
approval of a coastal development permit (CDP) to demolish an existing single-family residence and
construct a new three-story, 3,072-square-foot, single-family residence with an attached 370-square-foot two-
car garage. Ms. Nova stated that the project is located on an inland parcel, which is eligible for a
categorical exclusion order but that the applicant has chosen a design that would exceed the 1.5 times
the buildable area threshold, requiring a coastal development permit. An erosion control plan and
drainage plan had been prepared to address water -quality on-site during and after construction. She
noted that adequate vertical access exists along L street and M Street and lateral access is provided
along East Ocean Front. The established grade for the property is 11.33 feet (NAVD88). Ms. Nova
concluded, noting that the proposed development would comply with the floor area limit, height, setbacks,
and parking requirements of the Zoning Code.
Applicant Ryan Oldham of Oldham Architects stated that he had reviewed the draft resolution and agreed
with all of the required conditions.
The Zoning Administrator opened the public hearing. Seeing that no one from the public wished to comment
the public hearing was closed.
Action: Approved
ITEM NO. 5 Trimar Properties Residence Coastal Development Permit No. CD2017-029
(PA2017-072)
Site Location: 206 42nd Street Council District 1
Liz Westmoreland, Assistant Planner, provided a brief project description stating that the application is for a
coastal development permit to demolish an existing single-family residence and garage and construct a new
three-story, 29-foot high, single-family residence of approximately 3,136 square feet. The property is an
inland property and eligible for a categorical exclusion; however, the proposal exceeds 1.5 times the
buildable floor area limit identified in the CEO. Otherwise, the project complies with the CEO requirements
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and all development standards identified in the zoning code and Implementation Plan. Ms. Westmoreland
stated that the finished floor elevation of the proposed dwelling is 9.0 feet, which complies with the standard.
The project is not located within the nearest public road and sea or shoreline, and there would no impacts to
public access or views. Thus, staff recommended approval of coastal development permit CD2017-029
subject to the conditions contained within the resolution.
Applicant Jose Martinez of LA Green Designs, on behalf of the Owner, stated that he had reviewed the draft
resolution and agrees with all of the required conditions.
The Zoning Administrator opened the public hearing. Seeing that no one from the public wished to comment
the public hearing was closed.
Action: Approved
ITEM NO. 6 Skjonsby Residence Coastal Development Permit No. CD2017-107 (PA2017-250)
Site Location: 16 Beacon Bay Council District 5
Liane Schuller, Contract Planner, provided a brief project description stating that the applicant is requesting
approval of a coastal development permit to demolish an existing single -family residence and to construct
a new 4,061-square-foot single-family residence and attached three-car garage. The proposed
development is consistent with all applicable zoning code standards, including parking, height, setbacks
and floor area, and further complies with the standards and approval requirements of the City’s Local
Coastal Program. Vertical access to the public beach is provided at street -ends both to the west and to
the east of the property, where Beacon Bay intersects with the streets of Shelter Cove and Reef Cove.
Lateral access is provided along the public beach. The site is not located near any public Coastal
Viewpoints identified by the Local Coastal Plan. For this reason, and because the design complies with
applicable height and setback standards, approval of the CDP will not affect the public’s ability to access,
use or view the coast and nearby recreational facilities
Applicant Charles d’Arcy of d’Arcy & Associates, on behalf of the Greg and Hanna Skjonsby, stated that they
had reviewed the draft resolution and agrees with all of the required conditions.
The Zoning Administrator opened the public hearing. Seeing that no one from the public wished to comment
the public hearing was closed.
Action: Approved
ITEM NO. 7 Cefalia Residence Coastal Development Permit No. CD2017-099 (PA2017-230)
Site Location: 2017 Ocean Boulevard Council District 1
Liane Schuller, Contract Planner, provided a brief project description stating that the applicant is requesting
approval of a coastal development permit to demolish an existing single -family residence and to construct
a new 4,393-square-foot single-family residence and attached three-car garage. The proposed
development is consistent with all applicable zoning code standards, including parking, height, setbacks
and floor area, and further complies with the standards and approval requirements of the City’s Local
Coastal Program. The existing development does not currentl y provide nor does it inhibit public coastal
access, and the proposed development does not change that condition . Vertical public access is provided
at street-ends through-out the neighborhood, and lateral coastal access is provided by the public beach
along East Ocean Front. The site is not located near any public Coastal Viewpoints identified by the Local
Coastal Plan. For this reason, and because the design complies with applicable height and setback
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standards, approval of the CDP will not affect the public’s ability to access, use or view the coast and
nearby recreational facilities
Owner Jim Cefalia stated that he had reviewed the draft resolution and agrees with all of the required
conditions.
The Zoning Administrator opened the public hearing. Seeing that no one from the public wished to comment
the public hearing was closed.
Action: Approved
ITEM NO. 8 1820 Oceanfront LLC Residences Coastal Development Permit No. CD2017-100 and
Tentative Parcel Map No. NP2017-023 (PA2017-233)
Site Location: 1820 West Ocean Front
Council District 1
Liane Schuller, Contract Planner, provided a brief project description stating that the applicant is requesting
approval of a coastal development permit and tentative parcel map to demolish an existing single-family
residence and to construct a new two-unit residential condominium with two attached garages and two
carports. The proposed development is consistent with all applicable zoning code standards, including
parking, height, setbacks and floor area, and further complies with the standards and approval
requirements of the City’s Local Coastal Program. The site is located between the nearest public road
and the shoreline, however lateral beach access is provided by the public beach immediately s eaward of
the project site, with the nearest vertical access provided along 19 th Street, approximately 90 feet west of
the site. The proposed development is not located near Coastal Viewpoints or Coastal View Roads
identified in the Local Coastal Plan. For this reason, and because the design complies with applicable
height and setback standards, approval of the CDP will not affect the public’s ability to access, use or
view the coast and nearby recreational facilities.
Owner Larry Swartz stated that he had reviewed the draft resolution and agrees with all of the required
conditions.
The Zoning Administrator opened the public hearing. Seeing that no one from the public wished to comment
the public hearing was closed.
Action: Approved
ITEM NO. 9 Spada Residence Coastal Development Permit No. CD2017-103 (PA2017-240)
Site Location: 122 25th Street Council District 1
Gregg Ramirez, Principal Planner, provided a brief project description stating that the request was for
approval of Coastal Development Permit to allow the demolition of an existing duplex and the construction of
new 2,275-square-foot, 3-story single-family home and attached two-car garage. The project also includes
hardscape and drainage. He stated the proposed residence complies with all applicable development
standards including height, setbacks, and floor area limit. He indicated the project will not impact public
access as there is none currently provided by the site and that the development will not impact public views.
He recommended that the Zoning Administrator finds the project exempt from CEQA under Class 3 and that
the draft resolution, including findings for approval and conditions of approval, be adopted.
Applicant Eric Aust, Architect, on behalf of property owner Charisse Spada, stated that he had reviewed the
draft resolution and agrees with all of the required conditions.
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The Zoning Administrator opened the public hearing.
A member of the public, Heidi Bentley, owner of 124 25th next door to the project. She explained that she was
concerned with the size of the building, foundation, retaining wall, the proximity of the project to her home and
how it may infringe on her. She requested a copy of the house plans. She further stated that she was not
opposed to the project but wanted to know how it will affect her home and property.
A second member of the public spoke, Chris Swiddle, nephew of Heidi Bentley, inquired if there would be
additional meetings or hearings and who should address these questions.
The Zoning Administrator explained the application for a coastal development permit looks at whether the
project is consistent with the City’s Local Coastal Program and the Coastal Act. He stated the project can be
appealed to the Planning Commission and City Council or may be called for review. He further stated it can
be appealed to the Coastal Commission.
Gregg Ramirez stated the plans are attached to the staff report and available online. He clarified the grade of
the lot will be raised to an elevation similar to the front sidewalk and that retaining wall height is regulated by
the code. He further explained that the project is reviewed for compliance with the building code prior to
construction and development is required to adhere to the plans. He recommended she speak with the
applicant or owner to find out about project and building scheduling.
There were no other public comments.
Action: Approved
ITEM NO. 10 Garg Duplex Coastal Development Permit No. CD2017-097 (PA2017-224)
Site Location: 506 Clubhouse Avenue Council District 1
Gregg Ramirez, Principal Planner, provided a brief project description stating that the request is for approval
of a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) to allow the demolition of an existing single-family residence and
attached garage and the construction of a new 4,671-square-foot, three-story duplex and two attached 2-car
garages totaling 881 square feet. The project also includes hardscape and drainage. He stated the proposed
duplex complies with all applicable development standards including height, setbacks, and floor area limit. He
indicated the project will not impact public access as there is none currently provided by the site and that the
development will not impact public views. He recommended that the Zoning Administrator find the project
exempt from CEQA under Class 3 and that the draft resolution, including findings for approval and conditions
of approval, be adopted.
Applicant Eric Trabert of ETA Architects, on behalf of property owner Sushil Garg, stated that he had
reviewed the draft resolution and agrees with all of the required conditions.
A member of the public, Steve Flanders, owner of the commercial property across the alley stated that he
had concerns and questions regarding the project. He indicated the land was contaminated by the nearby
gas station tanks and was concerned about the contamination. He expressed concern about containments
running into Rivo Alto during construction. He inquired about construction traffic and disturbance and impact
on parking and access to the commercial properties and his property. He also inquired about how dust and
debris would be contained during construction. He also indicated he was concerned about cars parking in the
area designated as the trash can area shown on the plans.
Principal Planner Ramirez indicated that plans include a draft erosion control plan and that the City requires
adherence with water quality and air quality requirements and guidelines. He explained that soil
contamination issue would likely be included in the soils report, which will be reviewed prior to the issuance of
building permits. Regarding parking in the designated trash areas, he indicated vehicles are not allowed to
park or overhang into the alleys and this is enforced by police and code enforcement. He explained that no
formal construction management plan for vehicles is required; however, he indicated that materials cannot be
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stated on the public right of way nor can vehicles close the alley or street unless approval form Public Works
is obtained.
There were no other public comments.
Action: Approved
E. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
None.
F. ADJOURNMENT
The hearing was adjourned at 4:17 p.m.
The agenda for the Zoning Administrator Hearing was posted on February 9, 2018, at 11:45 a.m. in
the Chambers binder and on the digital display board located inside the vestibule of the Council
Chambers at 100 Civic Center Drive and on the City’s website on February 9, 2018, at 11 a.m.
Patrick J. Alford, Zoning Administrator