HomeMy WebLinkAboutPA2023-0111_20231026_Resolution_ZA2023-065Community Development Department
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660
949 644-3200
newportbeachca.gov/communitydevelopment
VIA EMAIL
October 26, 2023
Brandon Architects
Attn: Brittany Oakes
151 Kalmus Drive, Suite G-1
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
brittany@brandonarchitects.com
Subject: Coastal Development Permit
(PA2023-0111)
206 and 206 ½ Grand Canal
Nibeel Residence
Dear Ms. Oakes,
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
October 26, 2023 and is now within the required City appeal period until November
10, 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 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,
____________________________
Jenny Tran, Assistant Planner
LAW/jt
Tmplt:-05/02/17
cc:
Bob and Christine Nibeel
206 Grand Canal
Newport Beach, CA 92662
Brittany Oakes
151 Kalmus Drive, Suite G-1
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
California Coastal Commission
South Coast Area Office
200 Oceangate,10th Floor
Long Beach, CA 90802-4302
01-10-2023
RESOLUTION NO. ZA2023-065
A RESOLUTION OF THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A
COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT TO DEMOLISH AN
EXISTING DUPLEX AND CONSTRUCT A NEW THREE-STORY
SINGLE-UNIT DWELLING, JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING
UNIT, AND ATTACHED TWO-CAR GARAGE LOCATED AT 206
AND 206 ½ GRAND CANAL (PA2023-0111)
THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH HEREBY FINDS AS
FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. STATEMENT OF FACTS.
1. An application was filed by Brittany Oakes of Brandon Architects, concerning property
located at 206 and 206 ½ Grand Canal, requesting approval of a coastal development
permit.
2. The lot at 206 and 206 ½ Grand Canal is legally described as Lot 4, Block 7, Section 5 of
the Balboa Island Tract.
3. The applicant requests a coastal development permit (CDP) to allow the demolition of an
approximately 2,400 square foot existing duplex and construction of a new 2,614 square-
foot three-story single-unit dwelling, a 286 square-foot junior accessory dwelling unit
(JADU), and an attached 441 square-foot two-car garage. The project also includes
landscaping, hardscaping, and site walls. The project complies with all applicable
development standards and no deviations are requested.
4. The subject property is designated Two-Unit Residential (RT) by the General Plan Land
Use Element and is located within the Two-Unit Residential, Balboa Island (R-BI) Zoning
District.
5. The subject property is located within the coastal zone. The Coastal Land Use Plan
category is Two Unit Residential (RT-E), and it is located within the Two-Unit Residential,
Balboa Island (R-BI) Coastal Zoning District.
6. A public hearing was held on October 26, 2023, online via Zoom. A notice of the time,
place, and purpose of the hearing was given by 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 categorically exempt pursuant to Title 14 of the California Code of
Regulations Section 15303, Division 6, Chapter 3, Guidelines for Implementation of the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Class 3 (New Construction or
Conversion of Small Structures) because it has no potential to have a significant effect on
the environment.
Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2023-065
Page 2 of 10
01-10-2023
2. Class 3 exempts the demolition and construction of up to three single-unit residences in
urbanized areas. The proposed project consists of the demolition of a duplex and the
construction of a new 2,614 square-foot three-story single-unit dwelling, a 286 square-foot
junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU), and an attached 441 square-foot two-car garage.
3. 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, and is not a hazardous waste site, and is not identified as a historical resource.
SECTION 3. REQUIRED FINDINGS.
By Section 21.52.015 (Coastal Development Permits, Findings, and Decision) of the Newport
Beach Municipal Code, the following findings, and facts in support of such findings are set forth:
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 residential development standards
including, but not limited to, floor area limitation, setbacks, height, and parking.
a. The maximum floor area limitation is 2,900 square feet and the proposed floor area
is 2,900 square feet.
b. The proposed development provides the minimum required setbacks, which are 5
feet along the front property line abutting the boardwalk, 3 feet along each side
property line, and 0 feet along the rear property line abutting the alley.
c. The highest guardrail is less than 24 feet from the established grade (9.00 feet
NAVD88) and the highest ridge is no more than 29 feet from the established grade,
which complies with the maximum height requirements.
d. The project includes garage parking for a total of two vehicles, complying with the
minimum two-car garage parking requirement for single-unit dwelling with less than
4,000 square feet of habitable floor area. The JADU does not require any additional
parking spaces.
2. The neighborhood is predominantly developed with two- and three-story, single-and
two-unit residences. The proposed design, bulk, and scale of the development are
consistent with the existing neighborhood pattern of development.
Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2023-065
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01-10-2023
3. A Coastal Hazards Report and Sea Level Rise Analysis was prepared by PMA
Consulting, Inc. dated May 25, 2023, for the project. The maximum bay water elevation
is 7.7 feet NAVD88 (North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD88) and may
exceed the current top of bulkhead elevation of 8.62 feet (NAVD88) during high tide or
storm events. The report analyzes future sea level rise scenarios assuming a 3.2-foot
increase in the maximum water level over the next 75 years (i.e., the life of the
structure). Therefore, the sea level is estimated to reach approximately 10.9 feet NAVD
88 (the likely range for sea level rise over the 75-year design life of the structure based
on low-risk aversion estimates for sea level rise provided by the State of California, Sea
Level Rise Guidance: 2018 Update).
4. Most of the streets on Balboa Island are approximately 6.5 feet (NAVD88), and flooding
on Balboa Island is an existing coastal hazard. The public boardwalk is continuous and
provides public access around the entire island including Little Balboa Island. The existing
bulkhead is owned by the City of Newport Beach; therefore the adjacent property owner
is not able to increase the height of the bulkhead as part of this CDP. If the City adopts
comprehensive sea level rise adaptation strategies to protect the public streets and public
access areas that are already experiencing flooding, then the property owner will be
protected as a result. As a condition of approval, the property owner will be required to
waive their rights to future protection devices and acknowledge coastal hazards present
at the site.
5. The finished floor elevation of the proposed single-unit residence is 9.00 feet (NAVD
88), which complies with the minimum 9.00-foot (NAVD88) elevation standard but does
not protect against future sea level rise assuming a bay water elevation of 10.9 feet
NAVD88. Therefore, a waterproofing curb or similar waterproofing material will be
installed around the residence to protect from future sea level rise. The Coastal Hazard
Report concludes that the bay water elevation (currently 7.7 feet NAVD 88) will not
exceed the proposed flood protection curb around the single-unit residence at 10.9 feet
(NAVD88) for the anticipated 75-year life of the structure.
6. The property is in an area known for the potential of seismic activity and liquefaction. All
projects are required to comply with the California Building Code (CBC) and Building
Division standards and policies. Geotechnical investigations specifically addressing
liquefaction are required to be reviewed and approved before the issuance of building
permits. Permit issuance is also contingent on the inclusion of design mitigation identified
in the investigations. Construction plans are reviewed for compliance with approved
investigations and CBC before building permit issuance.
7. The property is separate from the Bay by a public bulkhead and boardwalk. Under Section
21.35.030 (Construction Pollution Prevention Plan) of the Municipal Code, a Construction
Pollution Prevention Plan (CPPP) is required to implement temporary Best Management
Practices (BMPs) during construction to minimize erosion and sedimentation and to
minimize pollution of runoff and coastal waters derived from construction chemicals and
materials. A CPPP has been provided and construction plans and activities will be required
to adhere to the CPPP.
Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2023-065
Page 4 of 10
01-10-2023
8. Proposed landscaping complies with Implementation Plan Section 21.30.075. A
condition of approval is included that requires drought-tolerant species. Before the
issuance of building permits, the final landscape plans will be reviewed to verify invasive
species are not planted.
9. The project proposes to demolish the existing duplex and construct a new single-unit
dwelling and JADU. As a result, the project complies with the Housing Crisis Act of 2019
and Senate Bill 8 (Skinner) because it does not result in the loss of residential density. The
State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has verified with the
City in an email dated March 23, 2022, that a JADU is considered a housing unit under
Government Code Section 66300 provisions to replace existing units. The property owner
has certified that the units are not "protected" units under Section 66330 Subdivision
(d)(2). The project is consistent with the General Plan, Local Coastal Program, and
Zoning designations that allow the single-unit dwelling and JADU land uses. Under the
Coastal Land Use Plan Table 2.1.1-1 (Land Use Plan Category), the Two Unit
Residential (RT-E) category is intended for a range of two-unit residential dwelling units
such as duplexes and townhomes. Section 21.18.020 of the Local Coastal Program
Implementation Plan shows “Single-Unit Dwellings” and “Accessory Dwelling Units” as
allowed uses in the Two-Unit Residential, Balboa Island (R-BI) Coastal Zoning District.
Therefore, the project of a single-unit dwelling and JADU to replace an existing duplex
is consistent with the R-BI zoning and land use designations, does not result in a loss
of residential density, and will not affect the City in meeting its regional housing needs.
10. The project site is not located adjacent to a coastal view road or Coastal Viewpoint as
identified in the Coastal Land Use Plan. The nearest coastal viewpoints are approximately
100 feet south on the Park Avenue bridge and approximately 970 feet north of the project
on the Marine Avenue bridge. The project site is visible from the Park Avenue bridge;
however, the project does not include projections or features that would obstruct the view
of the canal. The project site is adjacent to the public boardwalk surrounding the island.
However, the proposed single-unit dwelling and JADU complies with all applicable Local
Coastal Program (LCP) development standards and maintains a building envelope
consistent with the existing neighborhood pattern of development. Additionally, the project
does not contain any unique features that could degrade the visual quality of the coastal
zone.
11. The front of the proposed residence, which is visible from the public boardwalk and bay,
contains substantial architectural treatment and visual interest, in keeping with the design
guidelines of the Zoning Code. The design includes modulation of volume throughout the
structure, an increased front setback along the public boardwalk beyond what is required
by code, and low walls that prevent the appearance of the site from being walled off from
the boardwalk and bay. Therefore, the project does not have the potential to degrade the
visual quality of the Coastal Zone or result in significant adverse impacts on existing public
views.
Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2023-065
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01-10-2023
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.
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, the project replaces an existing duplex located on
a standard R-BI lot with a new single-unit dwelling and JADU. Therefore, the project does
not involve a change in land use, density, or intensity that will result in increased demand
for public access and recreation opportunities. Furthermore, the project is designed and
sited (appropriate height, setbacks, etc.) so as not to block or impede existing public
access opportunities.
2. Vertical access to the bay front public boardwalk and Newport Bay is available
approximately 300 feet north of the property at the intersection of Balboa Avenue and the
boardwalk; and approximately 90 feet south at the intersection of the alley and Park
Avenue. Lateral access is available along the public boardwalk adjacent to the waterfront
around Balboa Island. The project does not include any features that would obstruct
access along these routes.
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 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. The Zoning Administrator of the City of Newport Beach hereby approves Coastal
Development Permit (PA2023-0111), 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 call for review is filed with the
Community Development Director by the provisions of Title 21 Local Coastal Program
(LCP) Implementation Plan, of the Newport Beach Municipal Code. 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.
Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2023-065
Page 6 of 10
01-10-2023
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED THIS 26TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2023.
Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2023-065
Page 7 of 10
01-10-2023
EXHIBIT “A”
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 final building permits, a waterproofing curb or similar waterproofing design
feature shall be constructed around the proposed residence as an adaptive flood
protection device up to a minimum of 10.9 feet (NAVD88). Flood shields (sandbags and
other methods) can be deployed across the openings to protect and prevent flooding to
the structure.
3. Prior to the final building permits, an agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney
between the property owner and the City shall be executed and recorded waiving rights
to the construction of future shoreline protection devices to address the threat of damage
or destruction from waves, erosion, storm conditions, landslides, seismic activity, bluff
retreat, sea level rise, or other natural hazards that may affect the property, or
development of the property, today or in the future. The agreement shall be binding
against the property owners and successors and assigns.
4. Prior to the issuance of building permits, the property owner shall submit a notarized
signed letter acknowledging all hazards present at the site, assuming the risk of injury
or damage from such hazards, unconditionally waiving any claims of damage against
the City from such hazards, and to indemnify and hold harmless 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 development. This letter shall be scanned into the plan set before building permit
issuance.
5. Prior to issuance of building permits, the Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) shall
require a deed restriction that prohibits the sale of the JADU separately and prohibits
rental or leasing of the JADU for 30 days or less. The deed restriction will also require
the owner of the Property to reside in either the primary dwelling or in the JADU. Owner
occupancy is not required if the owner is another governmental agency, land trust, or
housing organization within the meaning of Government Code 65852.22.
6. 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.
7. 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 result in impacts to environmentally sensitive habitat areas, streams, the
Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2023-065
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01-10-2023
beach, wetlands or their buffers. No demolition or construction materials shall be stored
on public property.
8. This Coastal Development Permit does not authorize any development seaward of the
private property.
9. 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 under 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.
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.
10. Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Good Housekeeping Practices (GHPs) shall
be implemented before and throughout the duration of construction activity as
designated in the Construction Erosion Control Plan.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. Revisions to the approved plans may require an amendment to this Coastal
Development Permit or the processing of a new coastal development permit.
Zoning Administrator Resolution No. ZA2023-065
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01-10-2023
15. The project is subject to all applicable City ordinances, policies, and standards unless
specifically waived or modified by the conditions of approval.
16. 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 by the revocation of this
Coastal Development Permit.
17. 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.
18. Prior to issuance of building permits, the applicant shall submit a final construction
erosion control plan. The plan shall be subject to review and approval by the Building
Division.
19. Prior to issuance of building permits, the applicant shall submit a final drainage and
grading plan. The plan shall be subject to review and approval by the Building Division.
20. Prior to issuance of building permits, a copy of the Resolution, including conditions of
approval Exhibit “A” shall be incorporated into the Building Division and field sets of
plans.
21. Prior to issuance of building permits, the applicant shall submit a final landscape and
irrigation plan. These plans shall incorporate drought-tolerant plantings, non-invasive
plant species, and water-efficient irrigation design. The plans shall be approved by the
Planning Division.
22. All landscape materials and irrigation systems shall be maintained by 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 be
kept operable, including adjustments, replacements, repairs, and cleaning as part of
regular maintenance.
23. 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 7:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Noise-generating construction activities are not allowed on Saturdays, Sundays, or
Holidays.
24. 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. ZA2023-065
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01-10-2023
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
25. Prior to issuance of building permits, the applicant shall pay any unpaid administrative
costs associated with the processing of this application to the Planning Division.
26. 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.
27. This Coastal Development Permit (PA2023-0111) 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 Newport Beach Municipal Code, unless an extension is otherwise
granted.
28. 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 Nibeel Residence including but not limited to,
Coastal Development Permit (PA2023-0111). 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
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 under the indemnification requirements prescribed in this condition.