HomeMy WebLinkAboutHO2012-001 500 Jasmine Abatement ExtensionRESOLUTION NO. HO 2012- 001
A RESOLUTION OF A HEARING OFFICER OF THE CITY
OF NEWPORT BEACH APPROVING THE ABATEMENT
EXTENSION PERIOD FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT
500 JASMINE AVENUE (PA 2011 -012)
WHEREAS, Chapter 20.38.100 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code (NBMC)
requires nonconforming nonresidential uses in residential zoning districts to be abated
and terminated upon the expiration of time periods identified by the NBMC. Following
the issuance of an Abatement Order, Chapter 20.38.100 provides that a property owner
may request an extension of the abatement period in order, to amortize a property
owner's investment in the property and avoid an unconstitutional taking of property; and
WHEREAS, an application was filed by Ronald W. Yeo, the owner of property
located at 500 Jasmine Avenue, and legally described as Lot 2, Block 537, Corona Del
Mar Tract, requesting an extension of the abatement period specified by the NBMC
Section 20.38.100. If granted, the extension will allow the continued operation of existing
commercial use for ten years from the date of the Hearing Officer's approval (February
1, 2022). The property is located in the R -2 Zoning District, where such nonresidential
uses are not permitted; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on February 1, 2012, in the City Hall Council
Chambers, 3300 Newport Boulevard, Newport Beach, California. A notice of time, place
and purpose of the meeting was given in accordance with the NBMC and other
applicable laws. Evidence, both written and oral, was presented and considered at this
meeting; and
WHEREAS, the hearing was presided over by Hon. John C. Woolley, retired
Judge (California Superior Court, Orange County), Hearing Officer for the City of
Newport Beach; and
WHEREAS, the findings and considerations of Section 20.38.100 (C.4(c)) of the
NBMC and facts in support of the findings and considerations are as follows:
1. The length of the abatement period is not appropriate considering the
owner's investment in the use;
Facts in Support of Finding: The one year abatement period specified by the Municipal
Code is not of sufficient duration to amortize the property owner's investment in
improvements and additions made to the building. The information submitted by the
applicant supports staff recommendation that an extension of 10 years for the
abatement of the current uses is necessary to avoid an unconstitutional taking of the
applicant's property. Supporting information has not been presented to justify an
extension period of more than ten years. Subsequently, the ten year period would allow
the owner /tenant additional time to transition out of the building and to pursue other
options to continue the use of the building beyond the 10 years recommended. An
City of Newport Beach
Hearing Officer Resolution
Abatement Extension — Ron Yeo
(500 Jasmine Avenue)
Page 2 of 3
extension period of ten years is necessary and adequate to avoid economic hardship
that will result if the owner is required to abate his use of the property which is his
source of income, and would suffer additional economic impacts by relocating and
leasing an off -site location.
2. The length of time the use was operating prior to the date of nonconformity
justifies the extension of the abatement period beyond the code specified
one year.
Facts in Support of Finding: The property became nonconforming with the General Plan
in 2006, 6 years ago, when the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2006 -76 approving
the "General Plan Update ". The existing structure and use conformed to the Land Use
Element of the General Plan for 37 years prior to the 2006 update; and was not subject
to abatement.
3. The existing structure is not suitable for conversion to an alternate use.
Facts in Support of Finding: The building could be modified to accommodate other
commercial or nonresidential uses. However, the current building is not suitable for
conversion from the existing commercial use to a residential building without
demolishing and building new, or major renovation to provide adequate living areas and
provide the required two -car garage parking.
4. No harm to the public will result if the nonresidential use remains beyond
the one year abatement period.
Facts in Support of Finding: The property is located in an area that is occupied by other
nonresidential uses; including office (across the street) and retail and restaurant uses
across Jasmine Avenue and on Coast Highway. The office building has been in place
for over 43 years, and it is anticipated the continued commercial use of the subject
property is compatible with the surrounding uses and will not have any negative impact
or pose harm on the neighboring residential and nonresidential uses in the vicinity.
5. The cost and feasibility of relocating the use to another site cannot be
accommodated within the one -year abatement period.
Facts in Support of Finding: The applicant indicates that the relocation of his present
nonresidential use of the building would be costly since there are limited numbers of
comparable vacant storefront units or buildings within the vicinity. Additionally, he would
have to rent or purchase a new location, whereas he currently owns the subject building
and pays no rent.
WHEREAS, this activity has been determined to be categorically exempt under
the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act under Class 1 (Existing
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City of Newport Beach
Hearing Officer Resolution
Abatement Extension — Ron Yeo
(500 Jasmine Avenue)
Page 3 of 3
Facilities). This class of projects has been determined not to have a significant effect on
the environment and is exempt from the provisions of CEQA. This activity is also
covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential
for causing a significant effect on the environment (Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA
Guidelines. It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that this activity will
have a significant effect on the environment and therefore it is not subject to CEQA.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
Section 1. The Hearing Officer of the City of Newport Beach hereby approves the
requested Abatement Period Extension (PA2011 -012), subject to the findings and
considerations set forth above.
Section 2. The Abatement Period Extension for the property located at 500 Jasmine
Avenue, and legally described as Lot 2, Block 537, Corona Del Mar Tract, is hereby
extended for ten years and will expire on February 1, 2022, at which time all nonresidential
use of the property shall cease or the building be demolished, unless an additional
extension of the abatement period is granted; or an appropriate change in the Zoning
District and the General Plan Land Use Designation are approved and adopted; or a
change to the Zoning Regulations pertaining to nonconforming uses or their abatement
are approved and adopted prior to that date.
Section 3. This action shall become final and effective fourteen (14) days after the
adoption of this Resolution unless within such time an appeal is filed with the City Clerk
in accordance with the provisions of Title 20, Planning and Zoning, of the Newport
Beach Municipal Code.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS
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City Clerk
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(California
Hearing O
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FEBRUARY 2012.
'oolley, retired Judge
nor Court, Orange County)
for the City of Newport Beach
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