HomeMy WebLinkAboutPA2022-0259_20230413_Resolution_ZA2023-025Community Development Department
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660
949 644-3200
newportbeachca.gov/communitydevelopment
VIA EMAIL
April 13, 2023
Tai Tran
19530 Jamboree Rd
Irvine, CA 92612
tai@twentyeightoc.com
Subject: Minor Use Permit
(PA2022-0259)
1314 Bison Avenue, Unit E
Blk Dot Coffee
Dear Mr. Tai Tran,
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
April 13, 2023 and effective on April 28, 2023. 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,
LAW/msw
RESOLUTION NO. ZA2023-025
A RESOLUTION OF THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA APPROVING A
MINOR USE PERMIT FOR A COFFEE SHOP LOCATED AT 1314
BISON AVENUE, UNIT E (PA2022-0259)
THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH HEREBY FINDS AS
FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. STATEMENT OF FACTS.
1. An application was filed by Tai Tran, owner of Blk Dot Coffee concerning property located
at 1314 Bison Unit E, and legally described as Parcel 1 in Parcel Map 326-48 requesting
approval of a minor use permit.
2. The applicant requests a minor use permit to operate a coffee shop (fast food eating and
drinking establishment) within an existing retail space in The Bluffs Shopping Center. The
interior of the existing 1,541 square foot tenant space would be improved with a storage
and wash area, prep area, service area with counter, and a dining area. Parking is provided
onsite within the shopping center parking area. No late hours (after 11 p.m.) or alcohol
sales are proposed as part of this application.
3. The subject property is designated General Commercial (CG) by the General Plan Land
Use Element and is located within the Bonita Canyon Planned Community (PC-50) Zoning
District.
4. The subject property is not located within the coastal zone.
5. A public hearing was held on April 13, 2023, online via Zoom. A notice of the 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 has been determined to be categorically exempt pursuant to Title 14 of the
California Code of Regulations (Section 15301, Article 19 of Chapter 3, Guidelines for
Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act) under Class 1 (Existing
Facilities) of the Guidelines for CEQA.
2. The existing commercial space was previously occupied by a bakery retail use under a
Class 1 (Existing Facilities) within the existing shopping center. The proposed coffee shop
includes interior tenant improvements. Overall, the change of use is a negligible
intensification within the existing shopping center.
Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2023-025
Page 2 of 7
01-17-23
SECTION 3. REQUIRED FINDINGS.
In accordance with Section 20.52.020 (Conditional Use Permits and Minor Use Permits) of the
Newport Beach Municipal Code, the following findings and facts in support of such findings are
set forth:
Finding:
A. The use is consistent with the General Plan and any applicable specific plan;
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. The General Plan designates the site as General Commercial (CG) which is intended to
provide for a wide variety of commercial activities oriented primarily to serve citywide or
regional needs.
2. The proposed eating and drinking establishment is located within the Bluffs Shopping
Center and serves those working, residing, or visiting the surrounding neighborhood,
consistent with the CG land use designation.
3. The subject property is not a part of a specific plan area.
Finding:
B. The use is allowed within the applicable zoning district and complies with all other
applicable provisions of this Zoning Code and the Municipal Code;
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. The site is located in Commercial Sub-Area 5 of the Bonita Canyon Planned Community
(PC 50) Zoning District which is intended to provide for up to 55,000 square feet of
commercial uses. Fast food eating and drinking establishments are allowed uses subject
to the approval of a use permit.
2. The previous use of the space was a retail bakery. Similar uses have operated within
the shopping center, and include restaurant, fast food, retail, and personal service uses.
3. The existing on-site parking lot for the shopping center provides the required parking for
the proposed use at one parking space per 100 square feet of gross floor area or 15.4
spaces. The prior bakery retail space required one parking space per 250 square feet
of gross floor area. Converting the existing retail bakery to a coffee shop (fast food eating
and drinking establishment) will use all but one (1) of the remaining surplus of parking
for the shopping center created by the addition of five parking spaces in 2022.
4. The proposed tenant improvement plans are currently in the plan check process and will
comply with all Building Code and Fire Code requirements.
Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2023-025
Page 3 of 7
01-17-23
Finding:
C. The design, location, size, and operating characteristics of the use are compatible with
the allowed uses in the vicinity;
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. The existing Bluffs Shopping Center is adjacent to an open space area and MacArthur
Boulevard and Bison Avenue. The nearest residential uses are over 400 feet from the
subject property, across MacArthur Boulevard and Bison Avenue. The conditions of
approval reflected in “Exhibit A” of this resolution ensure that potential conflicts with
surrounding land uses are eliminated or minimized to the greatest extent possible.
2. Other fast-food eating and drinking establishments have operated at the shopping
center since original construction in 2002 and have not proven detrimental to the area.
3. The proposed hours of operation from 6:30 a.m. to 7p.m. are consistent with the
shopping center hours of operation.
Finding:
D. The site is physically suitable in terms of design, location, shape, size, operating
characteristics, and the provision of public and emergency vehicle (e.g., fire and
medical) access and public services and utilities.
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. The coffee shop is located within an existing shopping center with other food uses and
has demonstrated that it is physically suitable in terms of design, location, shape, and
size to support the use.
2. Access to the property is provided via driveways along Bison Avenue. Adequate public
and emergency vehicle access, public services, and utilities are provided for onsite.
Finding:
E. Operation of the use at the location proposed would not be detrimental to the
harmonious and orderly growth of the City, nor endanger, jeopardize, or otherwise
constitute a hazard to the public convenience, health, interest, safety, or general welfare
of persons residing or working in the neighborhood of the proposed use.
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. The operator is required to take reasonable steps to discourage and correct
objectionable conditions that constitute a nuisance in parking areas, sidewalks and
areas surrounding the tenant space during business hours, if directly related to the
patrons of the establishment.
Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2023-025
Page 4 of 7
01-17-23
2. The coffee shop will serve patrons of the shopping center, surrounding commercial
buildings, and provide food and beverage services to the surrounding neighborhood.
3. The proposed coffee shop does not include late hours or alcohol which could have the
potential to generate additional nuisances to the surrounding neighborhood.
4. There are no residential uses within the proximity of the establishment. The nearest
residential uses are over 400 feet from the business and separated from the shopping
center by Bison Avenue or MacArthur Boulevard.
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 under Section 15301
under Class 1 (Existing Facilities) 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 Minor Use Permit
No. PA2022-0259, subject to the conditions outlined 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 a call for review is filed with the
Community Development Director by the provisions of Title 20 Planning and Zoning, of
the Newport Beach Municipal Code.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED THIS 13TH DAY OF APRIL, 2023.
Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2023-025
Page 5 of 7
01-17-23
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. A material violation of
any of those laws in connection with the use may be caused the revocation of this Use
Permit.
4. All proposed signs shall be in conformance with the approved Comprehensive Sign
Program for the project site and provisions of Chapter 20.42 (Signs) of the Newport
Beach Municipal Code.
5. This Use Permit may be modified or revoked by the Zoning Administrator if determined
should they determine that the proposed uses or conditions under which it is being
operated or maintained are detrimental to the public health, welfare, or materially
injurious to property or improvements in the vicinity or if the property is operated or
maintained to constitute a public nuisance.
6. The coffee shop will use all but one (1) remaining surplus parking space for the shopping
center. Any future uses or expansions of existing uses shall be reviewed by the Planning
Division and, if additional parking is required, may require the approval of a parking
study with a conditional use permit to waive parking.
7. The hours of operation for the coffee shop shall be limited from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.,
daily.
8. A copy of the Resolution, including conditions of approval Exhibit “A” shall be
incorporated into the Building Division and field sets of plans before issuance of the
building permits.
9. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall pay any unpaid
administrative costs associated with the processing of this application to the Planning
Division.
10. All noise generated by the proposed use shall comply with the provisions of Chapter
10.26 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 periods unless the ambient noise level is higher:
Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2023-025
Page 6 of 7
01-17-23
Between the hours of 7:00 AM
and 10:00 PM
Between the hours of 10:00
PM and 7:00 AM
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
11. 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 leasing agent.
12. Construction activities shall comply with Section 10.28.040 of the Newport Beach
Municipal Code, which restricts hours of noise-generating construction activities that
produce noise to between the hours of 7a.m. and 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday,
and 8a.m. and 6p.m. on Saturday. Noise-generating construction activities are not
allowed on Sundays, or Holidays.
13. No outside paging system shall be utilized in conjunction with this establishment.
14. All trash shall be stored within the building or within dumpsters stored in the trash
enclosure (three walls and a self-latching gate) or otherwise screened from view of
neighboring properties, except when placed for pick-up by refuse collection agencies.
The trash enclosure shall have a decorative solid roof for aesthetic and screening
purposes.
15. 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.
16. The exterior of the business shall be always maintained free of litter and graffiti. 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.
17. 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).
18. Deliveries and refuse collection for the facility shall be prohibited between the hours of
10 p.m. and 7 a.m. on weekdays and Saturdays and between the hours of 10 p.m. and
9 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.
Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2023-025
Page 7 of 7
01-17-23
19. Storage outside of the building in the front or at the rear of the property shall be
prohibited, except for the required trash container enclosure.
20. A Special Events Permit is required for any event or promotional activity outside the
normal operating characteristics of the approved use, as conditioned, or that would
attract large crowds, involve the sale of alcoholic beverages, include any form of onsite
media broadcast, or any other activities as specified in the Newport Beach Municipal
Code to require such permits.
21. 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 Title 20 Planning and Zoning of the Newport Beach
Municipal Code.
22. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the applicant shall indemnify, defend and hold
harmless the City, its City Council, its boards and commissions, officials, officers,
employees, and agents from and against any 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 Blk Dot Coffee Minor Use Permit including, but not
limited to, PA2022-0259. This indemnification shall include, but not be limited to, damages
awarded against the City, if any, costs of suit, attorney’s fees, and other expenses incurred
in connection with such claim, action, causes of action, suit, or proceeding whether
incurred by the applicant, City, and/or the parties initiating or bringing the such proceeding.
The applicant shall indemnify the City for all the City's costs, attorneys' fees, and damages
that which City incurs in enforcing the indemnification provisions outlined in this condition.
The applicant shall pay to the City upon demand any amount owed to the City under the
indemnification requirements prescribed in this condition.
Building Division
23. The applicant shall be required to obtain all applicable permits from the City’s Building
Division and Fire Department. The construction plans shall comply with the most recent,
City-adopted version of the California Building Code. The construction plans shall meet all
applicable State Disabilities Access requirements. Approval from the Orange County
Health Department is required prior to the issuance of a building permit.