HomeMy WebLinkAboutPA2022-070_20220526_Resolution_ZA2022-040Community Development Department
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660
949 644-3200
newportbeachca.gov/communitydevelopment
VIA EMAIL
May 26, 2022
Robert Fernandez Construction, Inc
rafcoinc@gmail.com
Subject: Coastal Development Permit No. CD2022-025
Minor Site Development Review No. SD2022-002
(PA2022-070)
798 Dover Drive
Newport Harbor Lutheran Church Classrooms
Dear Mr. Fernandez:
It was a pleasure working with you on the above referenced application. Please be
advised that the subject application was approved by the Zoning Administrator on
May 26, 2022 and is now within the required City appeal period until June 9, 2022.
If no appeals are filed with the City, a Notice of Final Action will be mailed to the
California Coastal Commission. Upon receipt of the notice by the Coastal
Commission, the action will be subject to an additional 10-working-day appeal period.
You may track status of the Coastal Commission appeal period via the following link:
Statewide Appealable Projects PDF
At the conclusion of both appeal periods, a building permit may be issued for the
project.
A copy of the approved resolution with findings and conditions is attached. If you
have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me directly. Thank you and I
look forward to working with you again in the future.
Sincerely,
cc:
Kimberly Layne
kcc@kimberly-layne.com
RESOLUTION NO. ZA2022-040
A RESOLUTION OF THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING MINOR
SITE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW NO. SD2022-002 AND COASTAL
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. CD2022-025 TO ALLOW THE
PERMANENT INSTALLATION OF THREE (3) EXISTING
MODULAR CLASSROOMS LOCATED AT 798 DOVER DRIVE
(PA2022-070)
THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH HEREBY FINDS AS
FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. STATEMENT OF FACTS.
1.An application was filed by Newport Harbor Lutheran Church (Applicant), with respect to
property located at 798 Dover Drive, and legally described as Parcel 1 of Resubdivision
No. 1038 requesting approval of a minor site development review and coastal development
permit.
2.The Applicant proposes to make three (3) existing 880-square-foot prefabricated,
modular preschool classrooms permanent. The authorization for the classrooms was
granted for a limited duration under limited Term Permit No. XP2011-003 (PA2011-100),
consistent with Development Agreement (DA) No. 10, and is set to expire July 23, 2022.
3.The subject property is categorized PI (Private Insitutions) by the General Plan Land Use
Element and is located within the PC2 (Newport Harbor Lutheran Church) Zoning District.
4.The subject property is located within the coastal zone. The Coastal Land Use Plan
category is PI-A (Private Institutions – 0.0 - 0.30 FAR) and it is located within the PC2
(Newport Harbor Lutheran Church) Coastal Zone District.
5.A public hearing was held on May 26, 2022, online via Zoom. A notice of time, place and
purpose of the hearing was given in accordance with the Newport Beach Municipal Code
(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 15303 under Class 3 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) 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.Class 3 exempts the demolition of up to three (3) single-family residences and additions
of up to 10,000 square feet to existing structures. The proposed project consists of the
permanent installation of three (3) existing 880-square-foot prefabricated, modular
preschool classrooms that were allowed on a temporary basis. The exceptions to this
Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2022-040
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categorical exemption under Section 15300.2 are not applicable. The project location
does not impact an environmental resource of hazardous or critical concern, does not
result in cumulative impacts, does not have a significant effect on the environment due
to unusual circumstances, does not damage scenic resources within a state scenic
highway, is not a hazardous waste site, and is not identified as a historical resource.
SECTION 3. REQUIRED FINDINGS.
Site Development Review
In accordance with Section 20.52.080(F) (Site Development Reviews) of the Newport Beach
Municipal Code, The review authority may approve or conditionally approve a site development
review application, only after first finding that the proposed development is:
Finding:
A. Allowed within the subject zoning district;
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. Newport Harbor Lutheran Church will continue to principally operate as a religious
institution with accessory classrooms that serve preschoolers. The existing three (3)
modular classrooms were approved on a temporary basis but are now proposed to
be made a permanent installation. School classrooms are a typical accessory use to
a religious institution and is permitted within the PC2 (Newport Harbor Lutheran
Church) Planned Community Development Plan for the subject property.
2. Pursuant to Development Agreement (DA) Number 10, adopted by City Council
Ordinance 97-22, Newport Harbor Lutheran Church maintains the vested right to install
buildings in the lawn area behind the sanctuary, the side lawn west of the sanctuary
and/or the preschool yard. No planning applications have been submitted and no
building construction has been completed since the last DA review in 2019. The term
of the DA is for a period of 25 years and is set to expire July 23, 2022.
3. Sufficient parking will continue to be available to serve all uses on-site. The religious
institution will continue to operate outside the hours of classroom instruction. The
classrooms are existing and allowing them on a permanent basis will not intensify nor
increase the parking requirement for the institutional facility as it is accessory to the
principal use of a religious institution. There is no proposed increase in employees or
student enrollment as a result of making the temporary classrooms permanent.
Weekday parking demand will not increase. Accordingly, the use will be
accommodated by the 163 parking spaces provided on-site in the adjoining surface
lot.
4. The proposed classroom use is accessory to the religious institution which is consistent
with all applicable provisions of the PI (Private Institutions) Land Use Designation of
the General Plan for the subject site. Pursuant to Section IV.B of the PC-2 (Newport
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Harbor Lutheran Church) Planned Community Development Plan, classrooms are a
permitted structure and use, subject to the approval of a Site Plan Review. A coastal
development permit is also required as more than 10-percent of the existing permanent
floor area would be added.
Finding:
B. In compliance with all of the applicable criteria identified in subsection (C)(2)(c) of this
section
i. Compliance with this section, the General Plan, this Zoning Code, any applicable
specific plan, and other applicable criteria and policies related to the use or
structure;
ii. The efficient arrangement of structures on the site and the harmonious
relationship of the structures to one (1) another and to other adjacent
developments; and whether the relationship is based on standards of good
design;
iii. The compatibility in terms of bulk, scale, and aesthetic treatment of structures on
the site and adjacent developments and public areas;
iv. The adequacy, efficiency, and safety of pedestrian and vehicular access,
including drive aisles, driveways, and parking and loading spaces;
v. The adequacy and efficiency of landscaping and open space areas and the use
of water efficient plant and irrigation materials; and
vi. The protection of significant views from public right(s)-of-way and compliance
with Section 20.30.100 (Public View Protection).
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. All Facts in Support of Finding A are hereby incorporated by reference.
2. The lawn area adjacent to the existing permanent buildings is adequate in size to
accommodate the proposed modular classrooms without displacing any of the onsite
parking spaces.
3. The location of the modular classrooms complies with setbacks development
standards of the PC2 Development Plan. The modular classrooms are not visible from
the public right-of-way and are at a lower grade elevation than the adjacent residential
lots to the east and to the south. The classroom structures are existing at 12-feet tall
and existing views over the site will be maintained. The Applicant proposes to add new
architectural finishes to the classrooms and to install new water-efficient landscaping
to further enhance the project’s visual quality.
4. To help ensure compatibility with the neighboring residential uses, conditions of
approval have been incorporated to limit hours of operation (Condition of approval
No. 6), require classroom windows oriented toward residential uses to be always
closed (Condition of approval No. 9), and designate drop off/pick up areas (Condition
of approval No. 11) as to not interfere with the public right-of-way.
Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2022-040
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5. The subject lot has direct access from Castaways Lane and making the existing
temporary classrooms permanent will not generate an intensification of traffic beyond
that existing. The number of students and staff will not change as a result of making
the temporary classrooms permanent, and no physical improvements are proposed,
except for landscaping and new architectural finishes. The religious institution will not
be operating simultaneously with the proposed limited duration use.
6. Provisions of NBMC Sections 20.30.100 (Public View Protection) and
21.30.100 (Scenic and Visual Quality Protection) do not apply because the project
does not have the potential to obstruct public views from public viewpoints and
corridors as identified on General Plan Figure NR 3 (Coastal Views) and Policy 4.4.1-
6 and Map 4-3 of the Coastal Land Use Plan. The project provides access to
protected public views but is over 300 feet away from the nearest viewpoint and
separated by two (2) rows of single-family residences. The project is located
landward, and public views do not orient toward the site.
Finding:
C. Not detrimental to the harmonious and orderly growth of the City, nor endangers,
jeopardizes, or otherwise constitutes a hazard to the public convenience, health, interest,
safety, or general welfare of persons residing or working in the neighborhood of the
proposed development.
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. Allowing the existing classrooms permanently is not anticipated to result in any
additional impacts beyond those analyzed prior to original approval for the temporary
use.
2. The permanent use of the classrooms will not result in a change in the operational
characteristics of the church but will instead provide additional amenities to
complement the existing facilities. The classrooms are a typical facility found at
churches.
3. The existing placement and construction of modular classrooms are installed to comply
with all applicable regulations of the NBMC and the California Building Code.
4. The location of the modular classrooms is at a lower grade elevation than the adjacent
residential lots to the east and to the south, and the existing views over the site will be
maintained. The Applicant proposes to add new architectural finishes to the classrooms
and install new landscaping to further enhance the project’s visual quality.
Coastal Development Permit
In accordance with Section 21.52.015(F) (Coastal Development Permits, Findings and
Decision) of the NBMC, the following findings and facts in support of such findings are set forth:
Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2022-040
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Finding:
D. Conforms to all applicable sections of the certified Local Coastal Program.
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. The project complies with applicable use allowances and development standards
including, but not limited to, floor area limitation, setbacks, height, and parking.
a. IP Table 21.26-3 allows “Schools, Public and Private” with in the PC-2 Planned
Community Coastal Zoning District, subject to adequate parking determined by
the Director. The classrooms’ educational use would continue to serve the needs
of preschool-aged children. Under the PC2 Text the existing 163 parking spaces
on-site satisfy Zoning Code requirements for the permitted floor area of 40,000
square feet. The existing development has a gross floor area of 14,862 square feet
and the proposed temporary classrooms to be made permanent total 2,640 square
feet. This means only 17,502 square feet of the 40,000 square feet (around 44
percent) would be developed.
b. The project would permanently add 2,640 of gross floor area to the existing
14,862-square-foot church development, which does not exceed the 40,000
maximum floor area limits for the development under the PC2 Development Plan.
c. The project does not involve new infrastructure or physical improvements that
would be subject to development standards including height limits, floor area
limits, and setbacks. The classrooms have been previously improved and comply
with height limits and required setbacks.
2. The project is complementary to the existing uses at the property and will provide for the
continued operation of the on-site preschool. The project does not result in physical
improvements that would add to the design, bulk, and scale of the Newport Harbor
Lutheran Church development. Thus, the use and operation are consistent with the
existing neighborhood pattern of development and expected future development.
3. Proposed landscaping complies with NBMC Section 21.30.075 (Landscaping). A
condition of approval is included that requires drought-tolerant species. Prior to issuance
of building permits, the final landscape plans will be reviewed to verify invasive species
are not planted.
4. The closest Public Viewpoint, as designated by the Coastal Land Use Plan (CLUP), is
located approximately 300 feet to the southeast of the property near at Castaways Park.
Given the distance of the proposed development from the Public Viewpoint and Coastal
View Roads, the intervening blocks of existing residential development, and the project’s
compliance with all development standards, the project will not be visible in the
aforementioned locations.
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5. Sufficient parking will continue to be available to serve all uses on-site. This is because
the classroom use is existing and would not intensify as part of the project and the
multiple uses on-site do not utilize parking at the same time. Newport Harbor Lutheran
Church allows an off-site charter business to use 75 to 85 on-site parking spaces of the
163-space site on weekdays (except Thursdays) and up to 120 parking spaces on
Saturdays. However, the development floor area is well below the maximum allowed,
and to date, the City has not received complaints related to parking issues at the subject
property.
Finding:
E. Conforms with the public access and public recreation policies of Chapter 3 of the Coastal
Act if the project is located between the nearest public road and the sea or shoreline of any
body of water located within the coastal zone.
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. The project is located between the nearest public road and the sea or shoreline; the
project will not affect the public's ability to gain access to, use, and/or view the coast and
nearby recreational facilities. The project provides access to protected public views but
is over 300 feet away from the nearest viewpoint and separated by two (2) rows of
single-family residences. The project is located landward, and public views do not orient
toward the site.
2. Implementation Plan 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, would allow existing temporary modular classrooms
to remain permanently. 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.
3. Fact 5 in Support of Finding D are hereby incorporated by reference.
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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
15303 under Class 3 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) 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. The exceptions to this
categorical exemption under Section 15300.2 are not applicable. The project location
does not impact an environmental resource of hazardous or critical concern, does not
result in cumulative impacts, does not have a significant effect on the environment due
to unusual circumstances, does not damage scenic resources within a state scenic
highway, is not a hazardous waste site, and is not identified as a historical resource.
2. The Zoning Administrator of the City of Newport Beach hereby approves Minor Site
Development Review No. SD2022-002 and Coastal Development Permit No. CD2022-
025, 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 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 Title 21 (Local Coastal
Implementation Plan) of the NBMC. 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 26TH DAY OF MAY, 2022.
Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2022-040
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EXHIBIT “A”
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
Planning Division
1. The development shall be in substantial conformance with the approved site plan, floor
plans and building elevations stamped and dated with the date of this approval (except as
modified by applicable conditions of approval).
2. The project is subject to all applicable City ordinances, policies, and standards, unless
specifically waived or modified by the conditions of approval.
3. The Applicant shall comply with all federal, state, and local laws. Material violation of
any of those laws in connection with the use may be cause for revocation of this Minor
Site Development Review or Coastal Development Permit.
4. On or before July 23, 2022, the Applicant shall obtain a building permit to recognize that
the existing (3) temporary modular classrooms will be made permanent.
5. Prior to building permit final, the Planning Division shall perform a site inspection to verify
existing conditions and installation of landscape match the approved plans.
6. Operation of the modular classrooms shall occur only between the hours of 7:00 a.m.
and 9:00 p.m., to ensure compatibility with surrounding land uses.
7. No more than the three (3) 880-square-foot modular classrooms originally approved
under Limited Term Permit No. XP2011-003 (PA2011-100) shall be allowed on a
permanent basis.
8. Sufficient parking must be maintained to the satisfaction of the Planning Division at all
times for the approved uses on-site.
9. The windows of the temporary modular classrooms that face toward the adjacent
residential dwelling shall always remain closed.
10. The fence east of the existing sanctuary building shall be landscaped with climbing
plantings such that the modular units are screened from Castaways Lane.
11. Student drop-off and pick-up shall occur as proposed within the southern portion of the
westerly parking lot and shall not impact the public right-of-way, including Castaways
Lane.
12. Prior to utilizing any portion of the parking lots for recess or recreational activities, a
detailed plan shall be submitted for the review and approval by the Community
Development Director.
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13. The maximum number of students shall be limited to 200.
14. This approval was based on the particulars of the individual case and does not, in and
of itself or in combination with other approvals in the vicinity or Citywide, constitute a
precedent for future approvals or decisions.
15. The height of the modular classroom units shall not exceed 12 feet. In all cases, the
height of vehicles, equipment, materials, structures, and modular classroom units shall
not exceed 6 feet if within 10 feet of the property line wall or fence.
16. Minor Site Development Review No. SD2022-002 and Coastal Development Permit No.
CD2022-025 (PA2022-070) shall expire unless exercised by the expiration date of
Development Agreement No. 10 on July 23, 2022.
17. This Minor Site Development Review and Coastal Development Permit may be modified
or revoked by the Zoning Administrator if determined that the proposed uses or
conditions under which it is being operated or maintained is detrimental to the public
health, welfare or materially injurious to property or improvements in the vicinity or if the
property is operated or maintained so as to constitute a public nuisance.
18. Any change in operational characteristics, expansion in area, or other modification to
the approved plans, shall require an amendment to this Minor Site Development Review
and Coastal Development Permit or the processing of a new Minor Site Development
Review and Coastal Development Permit.
19. A copy of the Resolution, including conditions of approval Exhibit “A” shall be
incorporated into the Building Division and field sets of plans prior to issuance of the
building permits.
20. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the Applicant shall submit to the Planning
Division an additional copy of the approved architectural plans for inclusion in the
PA2022-070 project file. The plans shall be identical to those approved by all City
departments for building permit issuance. The approved copy shall include architectural
sheets only and shall be reduced in size to 11 inches by 17 inches. The plans shall
accurately depict the elements approved by this Minor Site Development Review and
Coastal Development Permit and shall highlight the approved elements such that they
are readily discernible from other elements of the plans.
21. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the Applicant shall submit a landscape plan.
These plans shall incorporate drought tolerant plantings and water efficient irrigation
practices, and the plans shall be approved by the Planning Division.
22. All landscape materials and irrigation systems shall be maintained in accordance with
the approved landscape plan. All landscaped areas shall be maintained in a healthy and
growing condition and shall receive regular pruning, fertilizing, mowing, and trimming.
All landscaped areas shall be kept free of weeds and debris. All irrigation systems shall
Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2022-040
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be kept operable, including adjustments, replacements, repairs, and cleaning as part of
regular maintenance.
23. The site shall not be excessively illuminated based on the luminance recommendations
of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, or, if in the opinion of the
Director of Community Development, the illumination creates an unacceptable negative
impact on surrounding land uses or environmental resources. The Director may order
the dimming of light sources or other remediation upon finding that the site is excessively
illuminated.
24. All noise generated by the proposed use shall comply with the provisions of Chapter
10.26 (Community Noise Control) and other applicable noise control requirements of the
Newport Beach Municipal Code. The maximum noise shall be limited to no more than
depicted below for the specified time periods unless the ambient noise level is higher:
Between the hours of 7:00AM
and 10:00PM
Between the hours of
10:00PM and 7:00AM
Location Interior Exterior Interior Exterior
Residential Property 45dBA 55dBA 40dBA 50dBA
Residential Property located within
100 feet of a commercial property 45dBA 60dBA 45dBA 50dBA
Mixed Use Property 45dBA 60dBA 45dBA 50dBA
Commercial Property N/A 65dBA N/A 60dBA
25. Should the property be sold or otherwise come under different ownership, any future
owners or assignees shall be notified of the conditions of this approval by either the
current business owner, property owner or the leasing agent.
26. Trash receptacles for patrons shall be conveniently located both inside and outside of
the establishment, however, not located on or within any public property or right-of-way.
27. The exterior of the classrooms shall be maintained free of litter and graffiti at all times. The
owner or operator shall provide for daily removal of trash, litter debris and graffiti from the
premises and on all abutting sidewalks within 20 feet of the premises.
28. The Applicant shall ensure that the trash dumpsters and/or receptacles are maintained
to control odors. This may include the provision of either fully self-contained dumpsters
or periodic steam cleaning of the dumpsters, if deemed necessary by the Planning
Division. Cleaning and maintenance of trash dumpsters shall be done in compliance
with the provisions of Title 14, including all future amendments (including Water Quality
related requirements).
29. Deliveries and refuse collection for the facility shall be prohibited between the hours of
10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and Saturdays and between the hours of 10:00
p.m. and 9:00 a.m. on Sundays and Federal holidays, unless otherwise approved by the
Director of Community Development, and may require an amendment to this Use
Permit.
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30. Storage outside of the building in the front or at the rear of the property shall be
prohibited, with the exception of the required trash container enclosure.
31. A Special Events Permit is required for any event or promotional activity outside the
normal operational characteristics of the approved use, as conditioned, or that would
attract large crowds, involve the sale of alcoholic beverages, include any form of on-site
media broadcast, or any other activities as specified in the Newport Beach Municipal
Code to require such permits.
32. 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 Newport Harbor Lutheran Church Classrooms including, but not limited
to, Minor Site Development Review No.SD2022-002 and Coastal Development
Permit No. CD2022-025 (PA2022-070). 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.