HomeMy WebLinkAbout20200227_ZA_Staff ReportCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR STAFF REPORT
February 27, 2020
Agenda Item No. 3
SUBJECT: Alejo PS89, LLC Condominiums (PA2019-235)
Coastal Development Permit No. CD2019-067
Tentative Parcel Map No. NP2019-014
County Tentative Parcel Map No. 2019-155
SITE LOCATION: 4916 Seashore Drive, Units A and B
APPLICANT: Forkert Engineering & Surveying, Inc.
OWNER: Alejo PS89, LLC
PLANNER: Melinda Whelan, Assistant Planner
949-644-3221 or mwhelan@newportbeachca.gov
LAND USE AND ZONING
x General Plan Land Use Plan Category: RT (Two-Unit Residential)
x Zoning District : R-2 (Two-Unit Residential)
x Coastal Land Use Plan Category: RT-D (Two-Unit Residential) – (20.0 – 29.9
DU/AC)
x Coastal Zoning District: R-2 (Two-Unit Residential)
PROJECT SUMMARY
A request for a coastal development permit and tentative parcel map for two-unit
condominium purposes. A duplex will be demolished and a new duplex is currently in the
plan check process. No waivers of Newport Beach Municipal Code (NBMC) Title 19
(Subdivisions) are proposed. The Tentative Parcel Map would allow each unit to be sold
individually. The Tentative Parcel Map also requires the approval of a coastal
development permit pursuant to NBMC Title 21 (Local Coastal Program Implementation
Plan).
RECOMMENDATION
1) Conduct a public hearing;
2) Find this project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Section 15315 under Class 15 (Minor Land Divisions) of the CEQA
Guidelines, because it has no potential to have a significant effect on the
environment; and
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3) Adopt Draft Zoning Administrator Resolution No. _ approving Coastal Development
Permit No. CD2019-067 and Tentative Parcel Map No. NP2019-014 (Attachment
No. ZA 1).
DISCUSSION
x A duplex will be demolished and a new two-unit dwelling is currently in the plan
check process, which will provide the Zoning Code required two-car parking per
unit. Vehicular access will be maintained from Neptune Avenue, which is
consistent with the pattern of development for this block of residential dwellings.
x The subject property is generally flat and measures approximately 3,200 square
feet in area.
x Approval of the Tentative Parcel Map will allow each unit to be sold individually.
x The property is designated for two-unit residential use by the General Plan, Zoning
Code, Local Coastal Program, and the Coastal Zoning in the Implementation Plan.
The new two-unit dwelling is consistent with these designations and a tentative
parcel map for condominiums does not change the use.
x The new condominium project will conform to current NBMC requirements and
meet all Title 19 standards.
x The Tentative Parcel Map is for condominium purposes and meets all of the
requirements of the Local Coastal Program Implementation Plan, including NBMC
21.30.025 (Coastal Zone Subdivisions). The subject property is located within a
developed neighborhood. The subject property is approximately 115 feet from the
West Ocean Front beach and is separated from the beach by a row of existing
residential development. It also lies within the Categorical Exclusion Area. The
development of the duplex was approved pursuant to the City’s Categorical
Exclusion Order (CEO2019073).
x The project site is not located between the nearest public road and the sea or
shoreline. The existing lot includes a 5-foot easement for a pedestrian walkway
through the subject property leading to the 50th Street end and the public beach. This
easement will be maintained with the tentative parcel map. Additionally, the tentative
parcel map is conditioned to provide an improved accessibly-compliant curb ramp
along the Neptune Avenue frontage at the pedestrian easement, improving the public
easement. NBMC Section 21.30A.040 (Determination of Public Access/Recreation
Impacts) requires that the provision of public access bear a reasonable relationship
between the requirement and the project’s impact and be proportional to the impact.
In this case, the project is a tentative parcel map for condominium purposes. A duplex
will be demolished and replaced with a new duplex meeting all condominium
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standards. As such, the project does not involve a change in land use, density or
intensity that will result in increased demand on public access and recreation
opportunities.
x Public improvements such as repair and/or replacement of broken and/or
otherwise damaged sidewalk panels and curb/gutter along the Seashore Drive and
the Neptune Avenue property frontages, as well as along the pedestrian easement,
will be required of the applicant per the NBMC and Subdivision Map Act.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The project is categorically exempt under Section 15315 of the State CEQA Guidelines -
Class 15 (Minor Land Divisions). The Class 15 exemption allows the division of property
in urbanized areas zoned for residential, commercial, or industrial use into four or fewer
parcels when the division is in conformance with the General Plan and Zoning Code, no
variances or exceptions are required, all services and access to the proposed parcels are
available, the parcel was not involved in a division of a larger parcel within the previous
two years, and the parcel does not have an average slope greater than 20 percent. The
Tentative Parcel Map is for condominium purposes and is consistent with all of the
requirements of the Class 15 exemption.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice of this application was published in the Daily Pilot, mailed to all owners and
residential occupants of property within 300 feet of the boundaries of the site (excluding
intervening rights-of-way and waterways), including the applicant, and posted on the
subject property at least 10 days before the scheduled hearing, consistent with the
provisions of the Municipal Code. Additionally, the item appeared on the agenda for this
meeting, which was posted at City Hall and on the City website.
APPEAL PERIOD:
This action shall become final and effective 14 days following the date the Resolution is
adopted unless within such time an appeal or call for review is filed with the Community
Development Director in accordance with the provisions of NBMC Title 21 (Local Coastal
Implementation Plan). Final action taken by the City may be appealed to the Coastal
Commission in compliance with Section 21.64.035 of the City’s certified LCP and Title 14
California Code of Regulations, Sections 13111 through 13120, and Section 30603 of the
Coastal Act. For additional information on filing an appeal, contact the Planning Division at
949-644-3200.
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Prepared by:
BMZ/msw
Attachments: ZA 1 Draft Resolution
ZA 2 Vicinity Map
ZA 3 County Tentative Parcel Map No. 2019-155
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Attachment No. ZA 1
Draft Resolution
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RESOLUTION NO. ZA2020-###
A RESOLUTION OF THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING
TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO. NP2019-014 AND COASTAL
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. CD2019-067 FOR TWO-UNIT
CONDOMINIUM PURPOSES LOCATED AT 4916 SEASHORE
DRIVE, UNITS A AND B (PA2019-235)
THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH HEREBY FINDS AS
FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. STATEMENT OF FACTS.
1. An application was filed by Forkert Engineering & Surveying, Inc. (Applicant), with respect
to property located at 4916 Seashore Drive, Units A and B, and legally described as Lot
80, Tract 03813, requesting approval of a tentative parcel map and a coastal development
permit for condominium purposes.
2. The Applicant requests a coastal development permit and tentative parcel map for two-unit
condominium purposes. A two-unit dwelling will be demolished and a new duplex is
currently in the plan check process. No waivers of Newport Beach Municipal Code (NBMC)
Title 19 (Subdivisions) are proposed. The Tentative Parcel Map would allow each unit to
be sold individually. The Tentative Parcel Map also requires the approval of a coastal
development permit pursuant to NBMC Title 21 (Local Coastal Program Implementation
Plan).
3. The subject property is located within the Two-Unit Residential (R-2) Zoning District and
the General Plan Land Use Element category is Two-Unit Residential (RT).
4. The subject property is also located within the coastal zone. The Coastal Land Use Plan
designation is Two-Unit Residential (20.0 – 29.9 DU/AC) (RT-D) and it is within the Two-
Unit Residential (R-2) Coastal Zoning District.
5. A public hearing was held on February 27, 2020, in the Corona del Mar Conference Room
(Bay E-1st Floor) at 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach. A notice of time, place and
purpose of the hearing was given in accordance with the NBMC. Evidence, both written
and oral, was presented to, and considered by, the Zoning Administrator at this hearing.
SECTION 2. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT DETERMINATION.
1. This project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to
Section 15315 under Class 15 (Minor Land Divisions) of the CEQA Guidelines, California
Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential to have a significant
effect on the environment.
2. The Class 15 exemption allows the division of property in urbanized areas zoned for
residential, commercial, or industrial use into four (4) or fewer parcels when the division
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is in conformance with the General Plan and Zoning, no variances or exceptions are
required, all services and access to the proposed parcels are available, the parcel was
not involved in a division of a larger parcel within the previous two years, and the parcel
does not have an average slope greater than 20 percent. The Tentative Parcel Map is
for condominium purposes and is consistent with all of the requirements of the Class 15
exemption.
SECTION 3. REQUIRED FINDINGS.
Coastal Development Permit
The Zoning Administrator determined in this case that the Tentative Parcel Map is consistent
with the legislative intent of NBMC Title 21 (Local Coastal Program Implementation Plan) and
approves the coastal development permit based on the following findings per NBMC
Subsection 21.52.015(F):
Finding:
A. That the proposed map conforms to all applicable sections of the certified Local Coastal
Program.
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. The Tentative Parcel Map is for condominium purposes and meets all of the
requirements of the Local Coastal Program, including NBMC Section 21.30.025
(Coastal Zone Subdivisions).
2. The property is located in an area known for the potential of seismic activity and
liquefaction. All projects are required to comply with the California Building Code and
Building Division standards and policies. The new duplex construction is currently
under review through the building permit plan check process. This will be addressed
as part of the review.
3. The Tentative Parcel Map is for a property within a developed residential
neighborhood. The subject property is approximately 115 feet away from West
Ocean Front beach, is separated by a row of existing residential development and is
within the Categorical Exclusion Area. The development of the duplex was approved
pursuant to the Categorical Exclusion Order (CEO2019073).
Finding:
B. Conforms with the public access and public recreation policies of Chapter 3 of the Coastal
Act if the project is between the nearest public road and the sea or shoreline of any body of
water located within the coastal zone.
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Fact in Support of Finding:
1. The project site is not located between the nearest public road and the sea or
shoreline. The residential lot does not currently provide nor inhibit public coastal
access. The existing lot includes a 5-foot easement for a pedestrian walkway through
the subject property leading to the 50th Street-end and the public beach. This
easement will be maintained with the tentative parcel map. Additionally, the tentative
parcel map is conditioned to provide an improved accessibly-compliant curb ramp
along the Neptune Avenue frontage at the pedestrian easement, improving the public
easement. Newport Beach Municipal Code Section 21.30A.040 requires that the
provision of public access bear a reasonable relationship between the requirement
and the project’s impact and be proportional to the impact. In this case, the project
is a tentative parcel map for condominium purposes. Thus, the project does not
involve a change in land use, density or intensity that will result in increased demand
on public access and recreation opportunities.
Tentative Parcel Map
The Zoning Administrator determined in this case that the Tentative Parcel Map is consistent
with the legislative intent of NBMC Title 20 (Planning and Zoning) and is approved based on
the following findings per NBMC Section 19.12.070 (Required Findings for Action on Tentative
Maps):
Finding:
C. That the proposed map and the design or improvements of the subdivision are consistent
with the General Plan and any applicable specific plan, and with applicable provisions of
the Subdivision Map Act and this Subdivision Code.
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. The Tentative Parcel Map is for two-unit residential condominium purposes. A duplex
will be demolished and a new duplex will be constructed. The proposed subdivision
and improvements are consistent with the density of the R-2 Zoning District and the
RT General Plan Land Use Designation.
2. The subject property is not located within a specific plan area.
3. The project has been conditioned to require public improvements, including the
reconstruction of sidewalks, curbs, and gutters along the Seashore Drive, Neptune
Avenue and pedestrian easement property frontages consistent with NBMC Title 19
(Subdivision Code).
Finding:
D. That the site is physically suitable for the type and density of development.
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Facts in Support of Finding:
1. The lot is physically suitable for a duplex development because it is rectangular in
shape, topographically flat, and is currently developed with a duplex.
2. The subject property is accessible from Neptune Avenue and is adequately served
by existing utilities.
Finding:
E. That the design of the subdivision or the proposed improvements are not likely to cause
substantial environmental damage nor substantially and avoidably injure fish or wildlife or
their habitat. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, the decision making body may
nevertheless approve such a subdivision if an environmental impact report was prepared
for the project and a finding was made pursuant to Section 21081 of the California
Environmental Quality Act that specific economic, social, or other considerations make
infeasible the mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the environmental
impact report.
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. A duplex will be demolished and a new duplex is currently in the plan check process.
There will be no change in land use or density as a result of this project.
2. The property is located in an urbanized area that does not contain any sensitive
vegetation or habitat.
3. The project is categorically exempt under Section 15315 (Article 19 of Chapter 3), of
the CEQA Guidelines – Class 15 (Minor Land Alterations).
Finding:
F. That the design of the subdivision or the type of improvements is not likely to cause serious
public health problems.
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. The Tentative Parcel Map is for residential condominium purposes. All improvements
associated with the project will comply with all Building, Public Works, and Fire
Codes, which are in place to prevent serious public health problems. Public
improvements will be required of the developer per NBMC Section 19.28.010
(General Improvement Requirements) and Section 66411 (Local Agencies to
Regulate and Control Design of Subdivisions) of the Subdivision Map Act. All
ordinances of the City and all Conditions of Approval will be complied with.
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Finding:
G. That the design of the subdivision or the type of improvements will not conflict with
easements, acquired by the public at large, for access through or use of property within
the proposed subdivision. In this connection, the decision making body may approve a
map if it finds that alternate easements, for access or for use, will be provided and that
these easements will be substantially equivalent to ones previously acquired by the
public. This finding shall apply only to easements of record or to easements established
by judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction and no authority is hereby granted to the
City Council to determine that the public at large has acquired easements for access
through or use of property within a subdivision.
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. The design of the development will not conflict with easements acquired by the public
at large, for access through, or use of property within the proposed development,
because there are no public easements located on the property.
2. The existing lot includes a 5-foot easement for a pedestrian walkway through the
subject property leading to the 50th Street end and the public beach. This easement
will be maintained with the tentative parcel map. Additionally, the tentative parcel
map is conditioned to provide an improved accessibly-compliant curb ramp along the
Neptune Avenue frontage at the pedestrian easement.
Finding:
H. That, subject to the detailed provisions of Section 66474.4 of the Subdivision Map Act, if
the land is subject to a contract entered into pursuant to the California Land Conservation
Act of 1965 (Williamson Act), the resulting parcels following a subdivision of the land would
not be too small to sustain their agricultural use or the subdivision will result in residential
development incidental to the commercial agricultural use of the land.
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. The property is not subject to the Williamson Act because the subject property is not
designated as an agricultural preserve and is less than 100 acres in area.
2. The site is developed for residential use and is located in a Zoning District that
permits residential uses.
Finding:
I. That, in the case of a “land project” as defined in Section 11000.5 of the California Business
and Professions Code: (1) there is an adopted specific plan for the area to be included
within the land project; and (2) the decision making body finds that the proposed land project
is consistent with the specific plan for the area.
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Facts in Support of Finding:
1. California Business and Professions Code Section 11000.5 has been repealed by
the Legislature. However, this project site is not considered a “land project” as
previously defined in Section 11000.5 of the California Business and Professions
Code because the project site does not contain 50 or more parcels of land.
2. The project is not located within a specific plan area.
Finding:
J. That solar access and passive heating and cooling design requirements have been satisfied
in accordance with Sections 66473.1 and 66475.3 of the Subdivision Map Act.
Fact in Support of Finding:
1. The Tentative Parcel Map and any future improvements are subject to Title 24 of the
California Building Code that requires new construction to meet minimum heating
and cooling efficiency standards depending on location and climate. The Newport
Beach Building Division enforces Title 24 compliance through the plan check and
inspection process.
Finding:
K. That the subdivision is consistent with Section 66412.3 of the Subdivision Map Act and
Section 65584 of the California Government Code regarding the City’s share of the regional
housing need and that it balances the housing needs of the region against the public service
needs of the City’s residents and available fiscal and environmental resources.
Fact in Support of Finding:
1. The proposed duplex is consistent with the R-2 Zoning District, which allows two
residential units on the property. Therefore, the Tentative Parcel Map for
condominium purposes will not affect the City in meeting its regional housing need.
Finding:
L. That the discharge of waste from the proposed subdivision into the existing sewer system
will not result in a violation of existing requirements prescribed by the Regional Water
Quality Control Board.
Fact in Support of Finding:
1. The new duplex will be designed so that wastewater discharge into the existing
sewer system complies with the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB)
requirements.
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Finding:
M. For subdivisions lying partly or wholly within the Coastal Zone, that the subdivision conforms
with the certified Local Coastal Program and, where applicable, with public access and
recreation policies of Chapter Three of the Coastal Act.
Fact in Support of Finding:
1. The subject property is within the Coastal Zone. The Facts in Support of Findings A
and B above are hereby incorporated by reference.
SECTION 4. DECISION.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1. The Zoning Administrator of the City of Newport Beach hereby finds this project is
categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section
15315 under Class 15 (Minor Land Divisions) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of
Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, because it has no potential to have a significant
effect on the environment.
2. The Zoning Administrator of the City of Newport Beach hereby approves Tentative Parcel
Map No. NP2019-014 and Coastal Development Permit No. CD2019-067, subject to the
conditions set forth in Exhibit “A,” which is attached hereto and incorporated by reference.
3. This action shall become final and effective 14 days following the date this Resolution was
adopted unless within such time an appeal or call for review is filed with the Community
Development Director in accordance with the provisions of NBMC Title 21 (Local Coastal
Program Implementation Plan). Final action taken by the City may be appealed to the
Coastal Commission in compliance with Section 21.64.035 of the City’s certified LCP and
Title 14 California Code of Regulations, Sections 13111 through 13120, and Section 30603
of the Coastal Act.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED THIS 27th DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2020.
_____________________________________
Jaime Murillo, Zoning Administrator
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EXHIBIT “A”
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
PLANNING
1. The project is subject to all applicable City ordinances, policies, and standards, unless
specifically waived or modified by the conditions of approval.
2. Subsequent to the recordation of the Parcel Map, the applicant shall apply for a building
permit for a description change of the subject project development from “duplex” to
“condominium.” The development will not be condominiums until this permit is final.
3. The building permit for the new construction shall not be final until after recordation of the
parcel map.
4. This approval shall expire and become void unless exercised within 24 months from the
actual date of review authority approval, except where an extension of time is approved in
compliance with the provisions of NBMC Title 19 (Subdivisions) and Title 21 (Local Coastal
Program Implementation Plan).
5. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Applicant shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless
City, its City Council, its boards and commissions, officials, officers, employees, and agents
from and against any and all claims, demands, obligations, damages, actions, causes of
action, suits, losses, judgments, fines, penalties, liabilities, costs and expenses (including
without limitation, attorney’s fees, disbursements and court costs) of every kind and nature
whatsoever which may arise from or in any manner relate (directly or indirectly) to City’s
approval of the Alejo PS89, LLC Condominiums including, but not limited to, Tentative
Parcel Map No. NP2019-014 and Coastal Development Permit No. CD2019-067 (PA2019-
235). This indemnification shall include, but not be limited to, damages awarded against
the City, if any, costs of suit, attorneys' fees, and other expenses incurred in connection
with such claim, action, causes of action, suit or proceeding whether incurred by applicant,
City, and/or the parties initiating or bringing such proceeding. The Applicant shall indemnify
the City for all of City's costs, attorneys' fees, and damages, which City incurs in enforcing
the indemnification provisions set forth in this condition. The Applicant shall pay to the City
upon demand any amount owed to the City pursuant to the indemnification requirements
prescribed in this condition.
PUBLIC WORKS
6. A parcel map shall be recorded. The Map shall be prepared on the California coordinate
system (NAD83). Prior to recordation of the Map, the surveyor/engineer preparing the
Map shall submit to the County Surveyor and the City of Newport Beach a digital-graphic
file of said map in a manner described in Section 7-9-330 and 7-9-337 of the Orange
County Subdivision Code and Orange County Subdivision Manual, Sub-article 18. The
Map to be submitted to the City of Newport Beach shall comply with the City’s
CADD Standards. Scanned images will not be accepted.
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7. Prior to recordation of the parcel map, the surveyor/engineer preparing the map shall tie
the boundary of the map into the Horizontal Control System established by the County
Surveyor in a manner described in Sections 7-9-330 and 7-9-337 of the Orange County
Subdivision Code and Orange County Subdivision Manual, Sub-article 18. Monuments
(one-inch iron pipe with tag) shall be set On Each Lot Corner unless otherwise approved
by the Subdivision Engineer. Monuments shall be protected in place if installed prior to
completion of construction project.
8. All improvements shall be constructed as required by Ordinance and the Public Works
Department.
9. The Applicant shall repair and/or replace all damaged street, sidewalk panels and
curb/gutter along the Seashore Drive, Neptune Avenue and pedestrian easement
property frontages, as determined by the Public Works Department.
10. Each unit shall be served by its individual water meter and sewer lateral and cleanout.
Each water meter and sewer cleanout shall be installed per City standard with a traffic-
grade box and cover.
11. An encroachment permit is required for all work activities within the public right-of-way.
12. All improvements shall comply with the City’s sight distance requirement. See City
Standard 110-L.
13. The Applicant shall reconstruct the damaged driveway approach on Neptune Avenue.
14. All existing overhead utilities shall be undergrounded.
15. The Applicant shall construct an accessibly compliant curb ramp along the Neptune
Avenue frontage at the 5-foot wide pedestrian easement.
16. In case of damage done to public improvements surrounding the development site by
the private construction, additional reconstruction within the public right-of-way could be
required at the discretion of the Public Works Inspector.
BUILDING
17. Independent utility services shall be provided for each unit.
18. Independent fire risers shall be required for each unit.
19. Construction shall comply with the California Code of Regulations.
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Attachment No. ZA 2
Vicinity Map
15
VICINITY MAP
Coastal Development Permit No. CD2019-067
Tentative Parcel Map No. NP2019-014
PA2019-235
4916 Seashore Drive, Units A and B
Subject Property
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Attachment No. ZA 3
Tentative Parcel Map
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PA2019-235
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