HomeMy WebLinkAbout21 - Code Amendment Establishing the "VE" Special Flood Hazard Area Overlay District (PA2018-075) - CorrespondenceReceived after Agenda Printed
June 13, 2023
Item No. 21
Subject: FW: Item No. 21: Code Amendment to Establish Special Flood Hazard Overlay
From: Janet Brown <00brown0214@gmail.com>
Sent: June 12, 2023 4:59 PM
To: Dept - City Council<CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov>
Cc: Westmoreland, Liz<LWestmoreland@newportbeachca.gov>; Jurjis, Seimone <siuriis@newportbeachca.gov>
Subject: Item No. 21: Code Amendment to Establish Special Flood Hazard Overlay
Dear City Council Members.
Hello, my name is Janet Brown. I retired from the City of Newport Beach in 2012 as an associate planner. My husband
and I live on Seashore Drive in the 3500 block, which is on the boardwalk and located in the VE 15 zone.
I have read the staff report regarding the proposed code amendment for properties located in the VE Special Flood
Hazard Area. I recognize the challenges FEMA construction design criteria pose and appreciate the efforts and analysis
the Community Development staff has given to address these complex issues.
I understand the intent of the Code Amendment is to establish development standards for encroachments required to
access a home. I am not opposed to the amendment per se. However, I am concerned about negative impacts that could
result from the some of proposed changes to the code.
I have had the opportunity to discuss my concerns with Senior Planner Westmoreland, and Council Members Stapleton,
Wiegand, and Klieman.
Below is an outline of my concerns:
"Our concerns are specific to properties located on the boardwalk, as we don't believe impacts would be as significant
for properties located on the sand.
"Proposed decks and patios attached to the main dwelling are required to be approximately 5 feet above existing
grade. This puts the deck/patio at eye level and within line of sight.
"The proposed code amendment would allow decks and patios to project all the way to front property line, as well as
the side property line within the front setback. (The current code allows for decks and balconies to encroach 3 feet into
the typical 5-foot front yard setback.)
"Allowing decks and patios to encroach all the way to the front property line has a significant visual impact, and also
impacts light and air for adjacent properties which are developed to current standards.
"There is currently a uniform front setback along the boardwalk. Allowing decks and patios to project to the front
property line would break up the continuity of the uniform setback along the boardwalk, and would place bulk at the
front property line.
Another concern I have is with proposed encroachments in a side yard setback:
"The proposed amendment would allow elevated walkways at 5 feet in height above grade to encroach in the interior
side yard setbacks without limitation. Allowing unlimited elevated walkways in a side yard setback would have a
negative impact with regard to privacy and security to the adjacent property. Side yard setbacks are intended to provide
light, air, privacy and separation between buildings.
Thank you for your careful consideration regarding this matter.
Sincerely,
Janet Brown