HomeMy WebLinkAboutPA2023-0086_20230629_ZA_Action LetterCommunity Development Department
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660
949 644-3200
newportbeachca.gov/communitydevelopment
VIA EMAIL
June 29, 2023
William Lushbaugh, Architect
17191 Citron
Irvine, CA 92612
blushbaugh@aol.com
Subject: Coastal Development Permit
106 Amethyst Avenue
Russell Accessory Dwelling Unit (PA2023-0086)
Dear Mr. Lushbaugh,
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
June 29, 2023 and is now within the required City appeal period until July 13, 2023.
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 action letter 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.
For additional information on filing an appeal or should you have any questions,
please contact our office at (949) 644-3200 or you may contact me directly at
jperez@newportbeachca.gov or 949-5644-3312.
Sincerely,
LAW/jp
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
PLANNING DIVISION
100 Civic Center Drive, P.O. Box 1768, Newport Beach, CA 92658-8915
949-644-3200
www.newportbeachca.gov
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR ACTION LETTER
Subject: Russell Accessory Dwelling Unit (PA2023-0086)
▪ Coastal Development Permit
Site Location 106 Amethyst Avenue
Applicant John Russell
Legal Description Lot 26, Block 21, in Section 3 of Balboa Island Tract
On June 29 2023, the Zoning Administrator approved the coastal development permit
(CDP) filed as PA2023-0086 in accordance with Section 21.52.015 (Coastal Development
Permits, Findings, and Decision) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code (NBMC) authorizing
the enclosure of a covered patio to create an 800-square-foot, attached, accessory dwelling
unit.
LAND USE AND ZONING
• General Plan Land Use Plan Category: RT (Two Unit Residential)
• Zoning District: R-BI (Two Unit Residential – Balboa Island)
• Coastal Land Use Plan Category: RT-E (Two Unit Residential) – (30.0 – 39.9
DU/AC)
• Coastal Zoning District: R-BI (Two-Unit Residential – Balboa Island)
SUMMARY
The applicant requests a coastal development permit (CDP) to allow the construction of a
new, attached, 800-square-foot accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to an existing single-unit
dwelling. The existing 3,821-square-foot single-unit residence includes two (2)-stories and
an uncovered third floor roof deck. There is an existing covered patio located on the second
story of the dwelling that will be enclosed and a portion of the existing second story will be
reconfigured to create the ADU. The property is located within one-half-mile of a transit stop
and no additional parking is required or proposed for the ADU. After the enclosure of the
patio (an addition of 416 square feet), the structure will total 4,237 square feet, which
exceeds the maximum floor area limit for the subject property of 3,875 square feet. State
Law and Section 21.48.200 (Accessory Dwelling Units), subsection (F)(4)(d) of the NBMC
prohibits the City from applying a floor area limit if it reduces the size of the ADU to less than
800 square feet. The project otherwise complies with all other development standards,
including height and setbacks, and no deviations are requested.
In accordance with NBMC Section 21.48.200(D)(2) (Accessory Dwelling Units), no local
public hearing shall be held; however, public notice was provided to surrounding property
Russell Accessory Dwelling Unit (PA2023-0086)
June 29, 2023
Page 2
Tmplt: 07-25-19
owners and residential occupants within 300 feet of the project. No comments were received
on the project.
This approval is based on the following findings and is subject to the Conditions of
Approval thereafter.
FINDINGS
Finding:
A. Conforms to all applicable sections of the certified Local Coastal Program.
Facts in Support of Finding:
1. The proposed development complies with applicable ADU development
standards. Standards include but are not limited to floor area, setbacks, height,
and parking.
a. An ADU is an allowed use within the R-BI Coastal Zoning District as provided
in Table 21.18-1 of Section 21.18.020 (Residential Coastal Zoning Districts
Land Uses) of the NBMC.
b. There is no other ADU or Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) on the
subject property; therefore, the existing development and proposed ADU
comply with the maximum number of units allowed as specified in Section
21.48.200 (Accessory Dwelling Units) subsection (E) of the NBMC.
c. The existing residence provides the minimum required setbacks of eight (8)
feet along the front of the property line facing Amethyst Avenue, three (3) feet
along each side property line, and five (5) feet along the rear property line
abutting the 10-foot alley. The ADU is located within the footprint of the
structure and no additional setbacks are required.
d. The ADU will be built on the second floor of the structure. The roof above the
ADU complies with the 29-foot height limitation for a sloped roof. Furthermore,
the proposed finished floor elevation of the ADU is 17.01 feet based on the
North American Vertical Datum 88 (NAVD 88), which exceeds the minimum
required top of slab elevation of 9.00 feet (NAVD 88) for interior living areas.
e. The property will provide 457-square feet of open volume area exceeding the
minimum requirement of 367-square feet.
f. The maximum floor area limitation for the subject property is 3,875 square
feet and the existing structure includes 3,821 square feet. The proposed floor
area of the structure after enclosure of the second-floor patio is 4,237 square
feet, which exceeds the maximum floor area limit for the subject property.
While the enclosure would not otherwise be allowed pursuant to Section
Russell Accessory Dwelling Unit (PA2023-0086)
June 29, 2023
Page 3
Tmplt: 07-25-19
21.18.030 (Residential Coastal Zoning Districts General Development
Standards) of the NBMC, State Law and Section 21.48.200 (Accessory
Dwelling Units), subsection (F)(4)(d) of the NBMC prohibits the application of
floor area limits if the requirement reduces the size of the ADU to less than 800
square feet.
g. The ADU is located within one-half-mile of a transit stop; therefore, no additional
parking is required for the ADU. The existing attached 2-car garage will continue
to serve the single-unit dwelling.
h. Pursuant to Section 21.48.200 (Accessory Dwelling Units) subsection (I)(1)
of the NBMC, a deed restriction will be recorded prior to permit issuance
prohibiting the sale of the ADU separate from the principal structure and
prohibiting the use of the ADU for Short Term Lodging (i.e. a rental period of
thirty (30) days or less).
i. The nearest designated coastal viewpoint as designated in the Coastal Land
Use Plan (CLUP), is located over 1,000 feet away, on the Park Avenue Bridge.
The proposed ADU is located within the footprint of an existing building that
complies with the height limit of the zoning district. The project should not
degrade the visual quality of the Coastal Zone or result in significant adverse
impacts to existing public views.
Finding:
B. 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 site is located between the nearest public road and the sea or
shoreline; however, the project will not affect the public’s ability to gain access to
use and/or view the coast and nearby recreational facilities. The proposed
development neither provides nor inhibits public coastal access. 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
includes the creation of an ADU within the footprint of an existing single-unit
dwelling. Although the project would add one additional dwelling unit to the
property, it is accessory to the primary single-unit structure and is a one-bedroom
with limited occupancy (and demand on public access). The project does not
include any curb cuts that would reduce on-street parking for the public and two-
unit developments are common on Balboa Island in the R-BI Zoning District. Lastly,
the addition of a new, 800 square-foot dwelling unit is not anticipated to negatively
impact access, and by design, may be more affordable than a typical single-unit
dwelling or duplex in the area.
Russell Accessory Dwelling Unit (PA2023-0086)
June 29, 2023
Page 4
Tmplt: 07-25-19
2. The project site is located on Balboa Island. Lateral access to the bay is provided
by the public boardwalk which loops around Balboa Island. Vertical access to the
boardwalk is provided by Amethyst Avenue approximately 107 feet from the
property. Additionally, there are public beaches along the boardwalk, and the
project does not include any features that would obstruct access along these
routes.
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
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. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) shall
require a deed restriction that prohibits separate sale of the ADUs and prohibits
rental or leasing of the ADU for 30 days or less.
3. This approval does not authorize any new or existing improvements (including
landscaping) on California Coastal Permit Jurisdiction, State tidelands, public
beaches, or the public right-of-way. Any improvements located on tidelands,
submerged lands, and/or lands that may be subject to the public trust shall require
a coastal development permit (CDP) approved by the California Coastal
Commission (Coastal Commission).
4. No demolition or construction materials, equipment debris, or waste, shall be
placed or stored in a location that would enter the sensitive habitat, receiving
waters, or storm drains or results in impacts to environmentally sensitive habitat
areas, streams, the beach, wetlands, or their buffers. No demolition or construction
materials shall be stored on public property.
5. The applicant is responsible for compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
(MBTA). In compliance with the MBTA, grading, brush removal, building
demolition, tree trimming, and similar construction activities shall occur between
August 16 and January 31, outside of the peak nesting period. If such activities
must occur inside the peak nesting season from February 1 to August 15,
compliance with the following is required to prevent the taking of native birds
pursuant to MBTA:
a. The construction area shall be inspected for active nests. If birds are observed
flying from a nest or sitting on a nest, it can be assumed that the nest is active.
Construction activity within 300 feet of an active nest shall be delayed until the
nest is no longer active. Continue to observe the nest until the chicks have left
the nest and activity is no longer observed. When the nest is no longer active,
construction activity can continue in the nest area.
Russell Accessory Dwelling Unit (PA2023-0086)
June 29, 2023
Page 5
Tmplt: 07-25-19
b. It is a violation of state and federal law to kill or harm a native bird. To ensure
compliance, consider hiring a biologist to assist with the survey for nesting birds,
and to determine when it is safe to commence construction activities. If an active
nest is found, one or two short follow-up surveys will be necessary to check on
the nest and determine when the nest is no longer active.
6. Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Good Housekeeping Practices (GHPs)
shall be implemented prior to and throughout the duration of construction activity
as designated in the Construction Erosion Control Plan.
7. The discharge of any hazardous materials into storm sewer systems or receiving
waters shall be prohibited. Machinery and equipment shall be maintained and
washed in confined areas specifically designed to control runoff. A designated
fueling and vehicle maintenance area with appropriate berms and protection to
prevent spillage shall be provided as far away from storm drain systems or
receiving waters as possible.
8. Debris from demolition shall be removed from work areas each day and removed
from the project site within 24 hours of the completion of the project. Stockpiles
and construction materials shall be covered, enclosed on all sites, not stored in
contact with the soil, and located as far away as possible from drain inlets and any
waterway.
9. Trash and debris shall be disposed of in proper trash and recycling receptacles at
the end of each construction day. Solid waste, including excess concrete, shall be
disposed of in adequate disposal facilities at a legal disposal site or recycled at a
recycling facility.
10. Revisions to the approved plans may require an amendment to this Coastal
Development Permit or the processing of a new coastal development permit.
11. The project is subject to all applicable City ordinances, policies, and standards
unless specifically waived or modified by the conditions of approval.
12. 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 cause for
revocation of this Coastal Development Permit.
13. This 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 are detrimental to the public health, and welfare or
materially injurious to property or improvements in the vicinity or if the property is
operated or maintained to constitute a public nuisance.
14. Prior to issuance of a building permit, a copy of the Resolution, including conditions
of approval Exhibit “A” shall be incorporated into the Building Division and field
sets of plans.
Russell Accessory Dwelling Unit (PA2023-0086)
June 29, 2023
Page 6
Tmplt: 07-25-19
15. Construction activities shall comply with Section 10.28.040 (Construction
Activity—Noise Regulations) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code, which restricts
hours of noise-generating construction activities to between 7:00 a.m. and 6:30
p.m., Monday through Friday. Noise-generating construction activities are not
allowed on Saturdays, Sundays, or Federal Holidays.
16. Prior to the issuance of the building permit, the applicant shall pay any unpaid
administrative costs associated with the processing of this application to the
Planning Division.
17. 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
the current property owner or agent.
18. This Coastal Development Permit filed under PA2023--0086 shall expire unless
exercised within 24 months from the date of approval as specified in Section
21.54.060 (Time Limits and Extensions) of the NBMC unless an extension is
otherwise granted.
19. 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 the
Russell Accessory Dwelling Unit including, but not limited to, the Coastal
Development Permit filed under PA2023-0086. 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, which the 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 pursuant to the
indemnification requirements prescribed in this condition.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to
Section 15301 under Class 1 (Existing Facilities) 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.
The project consists of an alteration to an existing single-unit dwelling to create an ADU
within the footprint of said dwelling. Although the project adds an additional dwelling unit to
Russell Accessory Dwelling Unit (PA2023-0086)
June 29, 2023
Page 7
Tmplt: 07-25-19
the property, it is a negligible expansion of use as the ADU is accessory to the principal
residential unit.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice of this decision 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 decision, consistent with the provisions of the
Municipal Code.
APPEAL PERIOD:
This action shall become final and effective 14 days following the date of the Action Letter
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 Program [LCP]
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 (Appeal to the Coastal
Commission) 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.
Prepared by:
Approved by:
LAW/jp
Attachments: ZA No. 1 Vicinity Map
ZA No. 2 Project Plans
Attachment No. ZA 1
Vicinity Map
Tmplt: 07-25-19
VICINITY MAP
Coastal Development Permit
PA2023-0086
(106 Amethyst Avenue)
Subject Property
Tmplt: 07-25-19
Attachment No. ZA 2
Project Plans