HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-24 - Finding the Residences at 1400 Bristol Project is Consistent With the Purposes of the State Aeronautics Act and Overriding the Orange County Airport Land Use Commission's Determination that the Residences at 1400 Bristol is Inconsistent With theRESOLUTION NO. 2024-24
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA, FINDING THE
RESIDENCES AT 1400 BRISTOL PROJECT IS
CONSISTENT WITH THE PURPOSES OF THE STATE
AERONAUTICS ACT AND OVERRIDING THE ORANGE
COUNTY AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION'S
DETERMINATION THAT THE RESIDENCES AT 1400
BRISTOL IS INCONSISTENT WITH THE 2008 JOHN
WAYNE AIRPORT ENVIRONS LAND USE PLAN
(PA2022-0296)
WHEREAS, Section 200 of the City of Newport Beach ("City") Charter vests the
City Council with the authority to make and enforce all laws, rules, and regulations with
respect to municipal affairs subject only to the restrictions and limitations contained in the
Charter and the State Constitution, and the power to exercise, or act pursuant to any and
all rights, powers, and privileges, or procedures granted or prescribed by any law of the
State of California;
WHEREAS, an application was filed by The Picerne Group ("Applicant"), with
respect to the property located at 1400 Bristol Street and legally described in Exhibit "A,"
which is attached hereto and incorporated by reference ("Property").
WHEREAS, the Applicant is requesting approval to demolish two existing office
buildings and develop 229 apartment units, including a 422-space parking structure
("Project"), which requires the following approvals:
• General Plan Amendment ("GPA") - A request to amend the General Plan land
use designation from General Commercial Office (CO-G) to Mixed -Use
Horizontal 2 (MU-H2) and add 64 dwelling units above the General Plan
allowance to Anomaly 16 of the General Plan Table LU2 (Anomaly Locations);
• Planned Community Development Plan Amendment ("PCDP Amendment") - An
amendment to the Newport Place Planned Community (PC-11) Development
Plan to include the Property within the Residential Overlay;
• Major Site Development Review ("SDR") - A site development review in
accordance with the Newport Place Planned Community (PC-11) and Section
20.52.080 (Site Development Reviews) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code
("NBMC") to construct the Project;
Resolution No. 2024-24
Page 2 of 9
• Affordable Housing Implementation Plan ("AHIP") - A plan specifying how the
Project would meet the City's affordable housing requirements, in exchange for a
request of 50% increase in density including a request for six development
standard waivers related to park land dedication, building setbacks, building
height, private open space for each residential unit, common open space along
with two development concessions related to the mix of affordable units and
partial payment of park in -lieu fees pursuant to Chapter 20.32 (Density Bonus) of
the NBMC and Government Code Section 65915 et seq. ("State Density Bonus
Law");
• Development Agreement ("DA") — A development agreement between the
Applicant and the City, pursuant to Section 15.45.020 (Development Agreement
Required) of the NBMC, which would provide the Applicant with the vested right
to develop the Project for a term of 10 years and provide negotiated public
benefits to the City;
• Traffic Study - A traffic study pursuant to Chapter 15.40 (Traffic Phasing
Ordinance) of the NBMC; and
• Addendum No. 7 to the 2006 General Plan Update Program Environmental
Impact Report and the 2008-2014 City of Newport Beach Housing Element
Update and Initial Study/Negative Declaration ("Addendum No. 7") — An
addendum which addresses reasonably foreseeable environmental impacts
resulting from the Project;
WHEREAS, the Property is designated General Commercial Office (CO-G) by the
General Plan Land Use Element and is located within the Newport Place Planned
Community (PC-11) Zoning District in the Industrial Site 3A sub -area;
WHEREAS, the Property is not located within the coastal zone; therefore, amending
the Local Coastal Program and obtaining a coastal development permit are not required;
WHEREAS, the Property is located in the Airport Area Environs ("Airport Area") and
is one of the 62 new housing opportunity sites allocated in the certified 61h Cycle Housing
Element;
Resolution No. 2024-24
Page 3 of 9
WHEREAS, on November 14, 2023, the City Council approved Resolutions 2023-
72 and 2023-73 and Ordinances 2023-20 and 2023-21, authorizing amendments to the
Noise Element and Land Use Element of the General Plan, Title 20 (Planning and Zoning)
of the NBMC, Newport Place Planned Community Development Plan (PC-11), and Newport
Airport Village Planned Community Development Plan (PC-60) ("6th Cycle Housing Element
Implementation Noise -Related Amendments") to update the noise contours identified by the
2014 John Wayne Airport Settlement Agreement Amendment Environmental Impact Report
No. 617 EIR No. 617"), allowing residential units identified by the certified 6th Cycle Newport
Beach Housing Element to be located within the 65 decibel ("65 dBA") Community Noise
Equivalent Level ("CNEL") noise contour maps analyzed in EIR No. 617, and incorporating
additional noise attenuation measures for future housing units proximate to John Wayne
Airport,
WHEREAS, the Property is located within the 60 dBA noise contour as a shown
in the updated noise contour maps adopted as part of the 6th Cycle Housing Element
Implementation Noise -Related Amendments;
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held by the Planning Commission on December
7, 2023 in the Council Chambers at 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach, California. A
notice of time, place and purpose of the hearing was given in accordance with
Government Code Section 54950 et seq. ("Ralph M. Brown Act"), and Chapter 15.45
(Development Agreements), Chapter 19.20 (Vesting Tentative Map), Chapter 20.56
(Planned Community District Procedures), and Chapter 20.62 (Public Hearings) of the
NBMC. Evidence, both written and oral, was presented to, and considered by, the
Planning Commission at this hearing;
WHEREAS, at the hearing, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No.
PC2023-043 by a majority vote (6 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent) recommending the City Council
approve the Project;
WHEREAS, California Public Utilities Code ("CPUC") Section 21676(b) requires
the City to refer the Project to the Orange County Airport Land Use Commission ("ALUC")
to review for consistency with the 2008 John Wayne Airport Environs Land Use Plan
("AELUP");
Resolution No. 2024-24
Page 4 of 9
WHEREAS, on January 18, 2024, the ALUC determined the Project is
inconsistent with the following provisions of the AELUP:
• Section 2.1.1 (Aircraft Noise), which provides that the "aircraft noise emanating
from airports may be incompatible with the general welfare of the inhabitants
within the vicinity of an airport";
• Section 2.1.2 (Safety Compatibility Zones), which provides "the purpose of
these zones is to support the continued use and operation of an airport by
establishing compatibility and safety standards to promote air navigational
safety and to reduce potential safety hazards for persons living, working or
recreating near JWX; and
• Section 3.2.1 (General Policy), which provides that "[w]ithin the boundaries of
the AELUP, any land use may be found to be Inconsistent with the AELUP [if
it] ... (1) [p]laces people so that they are affected adversely by aircraft noise [or]
(2) concentrates people in areas susceptible to aircraft accidents ... "
WHEREAS, pursuant to Sections 21670 and 21676 of CPUC, the City Council
may, after a public hearing, propose to overrule the ALUC with a two-thirds vote, if it
makes specific findings that the Project is consistent with the purpose of Section 21670
of the CPUC to protect the public health, safety, and welfare by ensuring the orderly
expansion of airports and the adoption of land use measures that minimize the public's
exposure to excessive noise and safety hazards within areas around public airports to the
extent that these areas are not already devoted to incompatible uses;
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held by the City Council on February 13, 2024,
in the City Council Chambers located at 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach,
California. A notice of time, place, and purpose of the hearing was given in accordance
with CPUC Section 21676(b) and the Ralph M. Brown Act. Evidence, both written and
oral, was presented to, and considered by, the City Council at this hearing;
WHEREAS, at the conclusion of the hearing, the City Council adopted Resolution
No. 2024-9 by unanimous vote (7 ayes, 0 nays) to notify the ALUC and State Department
of Transportation Aeronautics Program ("Aeronautics Program") of the City's intent to
override ALUC's inconsistency finding;
Resolution No. 2024-24
Page 5of9
WHEREAS, notice of the City's intent to override the ALUC inconsistency
determination, along with Resolution No. 2024-9 was sent via certified mail and emailed
to the ALUC and the Aeronautics Program on February 14, 20241
WHEREAS, the City received timely comments in response to the notice of the
City's intent to override the ALUC inconsistency determination from the ALUC and the
Aeronautics Program in accordance with CPUC Section 21676 which are attached hereto
as Exhibits "C" and "D" respectively, and incorporated herein by reference; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held by the City Council on April 9, 2024, in the
City Council Chambers located at 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach, California. A
notice of time, place and purpose of the public hearing was given in accordance with the
Ralph M. Brown Act, Chapter 15.45 (Development Agreements), Chapter 19.20 (Vesting
Tentative Maps), Chapter 20.56 (Planned Community District Procedures), and Chapter
20.62 (Public Hearings) of the NBMC, and CPUC Section 21676(b). Evidence, both
written and oral, was presented to, and considered by, the City Council at this meeting.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Newport Beach resolves as
follows:
Section 1: The City Council finds the Project consistent with the purposes of
Section 21670 of the CPUC and the AELUP of protecting the public health, safety, and
welfare by ensuring the orderly expansion of airports and the adoption of land use
measures that minimize the public's exposure to excessive noise and safety hazards
within areas around public airports to the extent that these areas are not already devoted
to incompatible uses and hereby overrides ALUC' s determination that the Project is
inconsistent with the AELUP.
Findings and Facts in Support of Findings
A. The Project is consistent with the noise standards of the AELUP.
The AELUP guides development proposals to provide for the orderly development of John
Wayne Airport and the surrounding area through implementation of the standards in
Section 2 (Planning Guidelines) and Section 3 (Land Use Policies). Implementation of
these standards are intended to protect the public from the adverse effects of aircraft
noise, ensure that people and facilities are not concentrated in areas susceptible to
aircraft accidents, and ensure that no structures or activities adversely affect navigable
airspace.
Resolution No. 2024-24
Page 6 of 9
Section 2.1.1 of the AELUP sets forth the CNEL standards, and Sections 3.2.3 and 3.2.4
of the AELUP define the noise exposure in the 60 dBA to 65 dBA CNEL noise contour
(Noise Impact Zone 2) as "Moderate Noise Impact" and in the 65 dBA to 70 dBA CNEL
noise contour (Noise Impact Zone 1) as "High Impact." Section 3, Table 1 (Limitations on
Land Use Due to Noise) of the AELUP identifies residential uses as "conditionally
consistent" with the 60 dBA to 65 dBA CNEL noise contour and "normally inconsistent"
with the 65 dBA to 70 dBA CNEL noise contour. However, residential uses are not outright
prohibited. Instead, Section 3.2.3 of the AELUP requires the residential uses be
developed with advanced insulation systems to bring the sound attenuation to no more
than 45 dBA within the interior of the building. In addition, residential uses within the 65
dBA CNEL noise contour area are required to be "indoor -oriented" to preclude noise
impingement on outdoor living areas.
The Project is located within the updated 60 dBA CNEL noise contour, consistent with the
approved 6th Cycle Housing Element Implementation Noise -Related Amendments.
Additionally, the Project has been conditioned to provide an acoustical report which
describes the best design features of the structure that will satisfy noise standards, be
attenuated to provide a maximum interior noise level of 45 dBA and provide advanced air
filtration systems to promote cleaner air without the opening of windows. These conditions
of approval mitigate noise to the Project and are consistent with the 45 dBA interior noise
standards of the AELUP.
B. The Project is consistent with the safety standards of the AELUP.
Section 2.1.2 (Safety Compatibility Zones) of the AELUP sets forth zones depicting which
land uses are acceptable in various portions of JWA environs. Allowed uses in Safety
Zone 6 include residential and most nonresidential uses, excepting outdoor stadiums and
similar uses with very high intensities. Uses that should be avoided include children's
schools, large day-care centers, hospitals, and nursing homes. Risk factors associated
with Safety Zone 6 generally include a low likelihood of accident occurrence.
The Project is located within Safety Zone 6 and residential uses are allowed in that zone.
The City's General Plan Safety Element Policy S 8.6 demonstrates that the City
acknowledges the importance of the JWA Safety Zones in providing, "S 8.6 John Wayne
Airport Traffic Pattern Zone - Use the most currently available John Wayne Airport (JWA)
Airport Environs Land Use Plan (AELUP) as a planning resource for evaluation of land
use compatibility and land use intensity in areas affected by JWA operations. In particular,
future land use decisions within the existing JWA Clear Zone/Runway Protection Zone
(Figure S5) should be evaluated to minimize the risk to life and property associated with
aircraft operations."
Resolution No. 2024-24
Page 7 of 9
The Project complies with the policies and regulations within the JWA Airport Planning
Area and follows the safety standards of the AELUP as it is located within Safety Zone 6
and is not within the JWA Clear Zone/Runway Protection Zone.
C. The Project is consistent with the height standards of the AELUP.
Section 2.1.3 (Building Height Restrictions) of the AELUP sets forth building height
restrictions. Section 2.1.3 provides that ALUC consider only one standard as provided in
14 Code of Federal Regulations ("C.F.R.") Part 77 (also referred to as the Federal
Aviation Regulations). Section 2.1.3 provides that the Federal Aviation Regulations are
the only definitive standards available and the standards most generally used. Section
2.1.3 identifies the FAA as the single authority for analyzing project impacts on airports
or aeronautical operations, or navigational -aid siting, including interference with
navigational aids or published flight paths and procedures along with reporting results of
such studies and project analyses.
The FAA conducted an aeronautical study for the Project consistent with the Federal
Aviation Regulations. The FAA issued a Determination of No Hazard to Air Navigation on
January 17, 2023, thereby finding the development does not exceed obstruction
standards and would not be a hazard to air navigation. The FAA reviewed the proposed
height of the Project assuming an existing site elevation of 54 feet, with a proposed
building that is 85 feet above ground level ("AGL"), and 139 feet above mean sea level
("AMSL"). The FAA further found that marking and lighting of the Project is not necessary
for aviation safety. Any increase in height of the structure above the proposed 85-foot
building height would require a revised Determination of No Hazard to Air Navigation from
the FAA. Additionally, there are other buildings in the vicinity of the Project that are taller
than the Project including the building at 1500 Quail Street that is approximately 144 feet
AMSL.
Resolution No. 2024-24
Page 8 of 9
Section 2: Environmental Impact Report Addendum No. 7 was prepared for the
Project in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") set forth in
California Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.; CEQA's implementing
regulations set forth in Title 14, Division 6 Chapter 3 of the California Code of Regulations
("CCR") ("CEQA Guidelines") and City Council Policy K-3 (Implementation Procedures
for the California Environmental Quality Act) to ensure that the Project will not result in
new or increased environmental impacts. On the basis of the entire environmental record,
the Project will not result in any new significant impacts that were not previously analyzed
in the Program Environmental Impact Report ("PEIR") for the General Plan 2006 Update
(SCH No. 2006011119) and the City of Newport Beach Housing Element Initial
Study/Negative Declaration. The potential impacts associated with this Project would
either be the same or less than those described in the PEIR and the City of Newport
Beach Housing Element Initial Study/Negative Declaration. In addition, there are no
substantial changes to the circumstances under which the Project would be undertaken
that would result in new or more severe environmental impacts than previously addressed
in the PEIR and the City of Newport Beach Housing Element Initial Study/Negative
Declaration, nor has any new information regarding potential for new or more severe
significant environmental impacts been identified.
The City Council finds that judicial challenges to the City's CEQA determinations
and approvals of land use projects are costly and time consuming. In addition, project
opponents often seek an award of attorneys' fees in such challenges. As project
applicants are the primary beneficiaries of such approvals, it is appropriate that such
applicants should bear the expense of defending against any such judicial challenge, and
bear the responsibility for any costs, attorneys' fees, and damages which may be awarded
to a successful challenger.
Section 3: The recitals provided in this resolution are true and correct and are
incorporated into the operative part of this resolution.
Resolution No. 2024-24
Page 9 of 9
Section 4: If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this
resolution is, for any reason, held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not
affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining portions of this resolution. The City
Council hereby declares that it would have passed this resolution, and each section,
subsection, sentence, clause or phrase hereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or
more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared invalid or
unconstitutional.
Section 5: This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the
City Council, and the City Clerk shall certify the vote adopting the resolution.
ADOPTED this 9th day of April, 2024.
ATTEST:
c
r
Leilani I. Brown
City Clerk
0 R �
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
C',
Aaron C. Harp
City Attorney
Will O'Neill
Mayor
Attachments: Exhibit "A" — Legal Description
Exhibit "B" — Orange County Airport Land Use Commission
Inconsistency Determination dated January 23, 2024
Exhibit "C" — Comment Letter from Orange County Airport Land
Use Commission dated March 12, 2024
Exhibit "D" — Comment Letter from California Department of
Transportation Aeronautics Program dated
March 12, 2024
Exhibit "A"
Legal Description
THE LAND REFERRED TO HEREIN BELOW IS SITUATED IN THE CITY OF
NEWPORT BEACH, IN THE COUNTY OF ORANGE, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AND IS
DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
THAT PORTION OF BLOCK 50 OF IRVINE'S SUBDIVISION, AS SHOWN ON A MAP
RECORDED IN BOOK 1, PAGE 88 OF MISCELLANEOUS RECORDS MAPS,
RECORDS OF ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, TOGETHER WITH THAT PORTION
OF TRACT 706, AS SHOWN ON A MAP RECORDED IN BOOK 21, PAGE 25 OF
MISCELLANEOUS MAPS, RECORDS OF SAID ORANGE COUNTY, DESCRIBED AS
FOLLOWS:
PARCEL 2 IN THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH, COUNTY OF ORANGE, STATE OF
CALIFORNIA, AS SHOWN ON A MAP FILED IN BOOK 54, PAGE 11 OF PARCEL MAPS
IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY RECORDER OF ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
EXCEPT THE FULL RIGHTS TO ALL MINERALS, PETROLEUM, GAS AND OTHER
HYDROCARBON SUBSTANCES EXISTING BELOW FIVE HUNDRED (500) FEET
FROM THE SURFACE OF SAID REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED ABOVE, PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, THAT GRANTOR HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO ENTER
UPON THE SURFACE OF SAID REAL PROPERTY FOR THE PURPOSE OF
EXPLORING FOR, OR PRODUCING THE MINERALS, PETROLEUM, GAS AND
OTHER HYDROCARBON SUBSTANCES SO RESERVED IN DEED RECORDED JULY
1, 1977.
Exhibit "B"
Orange County Airport Land Use Commission Inconsistency Determination
dated January 23, 2024
AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION
ORANGE I COUNTY
FOR ORANGE COUNTY
�zu 3160 Airway Avenue • Costa Mesa, California 92626 - 949.252.5170 fax: 949.252.6012
January 23, 2024
Liz Westmoreland, Senior Planner
City of Newport Beach Community Development
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Subject: ALUC Determination for 1400 Bristol Street Residences, General Plan (Land
Use) Amendment and Newport Place Planned Community Amendment
Dear Ms. Westmoreland:
During the public meeting held on January 18, 2024, the Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC)
for Orange County considered the subject item. The matter was duly discussed, and with a 6-0
vote, the Commission found the 1400 Bristol Street Residences, General Plan (Land Use)
Amendment and Newport Place Planned Community Amendment to be Inconsistent with the
Airport Environs Land Use Plan.for John Wayne Airport (AELUP for JWA) per:
1. Section 2.1.1 Aircraft Noise that the "aircraft noise emanating from airports may be
incompatible with general welfare of the inhabitants within the vicinity of an airport."
2. Section 2.1.2 Safety Compatibility Zones in which "the purpose of these zones is to
support the continued use and operation of an airport by establishing compatibility and
safety standards to promote air navigational safety and to reduce potential safety hazards
for persons living, working or recreating near JWA."
3. 3.2.1 General Policy (in pertinent part): "Within the boundaries of the AELUP, any land
use may be found to be Inconsistent with the AELUP which: (1) Places people so that
they are affected adversely by aircraft noise, [or] (2) Concentrates people in areas
susceptible to aircraft accidents..."
You may contact us at (949) 252-5170 or at alucinfogocair.com if you have any questions
regarding this proceeding.
Sincerely,
Lea U. Choum
Executive Officer
cc: ALUC
Exhibit "C"
Comment Letter from Orange County Airport Land Use Commission
dated March 12, 2024
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1 EAF590A-C39C-4868-9172-7D7F41 DC83C4
ORANGE COUNTY
AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION
FOR ORANGE COUNTY
,4LUG 3160 Airway Avenue • Costa Mesa, California 92626 - 949.252.5170 fax: 949.252.6012
March 12, 2024
Liz. Westmoreland, Senior Plainer
Community Development Department
City of Newport Beach
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Subject: Response to Notice of Intent to Overrule the Airport Land Use Commission
Determination Regarding 1400 Bristol Street Residences
Dear Ms. Westmoreland,
We are in receipt of the City of Newport Beach (City) letter dated February 14, 2024, and
City Council Resolution No. 2024-9 notifying the Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) for
Orange County of the City's intent to overrule the ALUC's inconsistency determination on
the proposed 1400 Bristol Street Residences. In accordance with Section 21676 of the Public
Utilities Code, the ALUC submits the following continents addressing the proposed overrule
findings for the above -referenced project. These comments shall be included in the public
record of a final decision to overrule the ALUC.
Please.be advised that California Public Utilities Code (PUC) Section 21678 states: "With
respect to a publicly owned airport that a public agency does not operate, if the public agency
Pursuant to'Section 21676, 21676.5, or 21677 overrules a commission's action or
recommendation, the operator of the airport shall be immune from liability for damages to
property or personal injury caused by or resulting directly or indirectly from the public
agency's decision to overrule the commission's action or recommendation."
Background
On January 18, 2024, the ALUC for Orange County found the proposed 1400 Bristol Street
Residences to be inconsistent with the Airport Environs Land Use Plan (A EL UP) for John
1,Vayne Airport (JWA) on a 6-0 vote. The inconsistent finding was based on AELUP Sections
2.1.1, 2.1.2, and ; .2.1.
Pursuant to Section 1.2 of the AELUP for JWA, the purpose of the AELUP is to safeguard the
general welfare of the inhabitants within the vicinity of the airport and to ensure the continued
operation of the airport. Specifically, the AELUP seeks to protect the public from the adverse
effects of aircraft noise to ensure that people and facilities are not concentrated in areas
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1EAF590A-C39C-4868-9172-7D7F41DC83C4
1400 Bristol Street Residences
March 12. 2024
Page 2
susceptible to aircraft accidents, and to ensure that no structures or activities adversely affect
navigable airspace. Additionally, Section 2.1.4 of the AELUP for JWA and PUC Section
21674 charge the Commission to coordinate at the local level to ensure compatible land use
planning. The City's proposed project would place residential uses within the 65 dBA
Community Noise Equivalent Levels (CNEL) and Safety Zones 4 and 6, which would result
in exposure to significant risks, noise and aircraft overflight, the City's proposed actions are
inconsistent with the AELUP.
ALUC has the following additional comments regarding the findings and facts of support
included in Resolution No. 2024-9.
Response to Finding and Fact in Support A - Regarding Noise Standards:
Pursuant to AELUP Section 2.1.1, "... aircraft noise emanating from airports may be
incompatible with the general welfare of the inhabitants within the vicinity of an airport..."
As noted in the City's discussion, the CNEL standards are set forth in the AELUP. As part of
the review of the proposed Residences at 1401 Quail Street, it was noted that the project site
is within the JWA 65 dBA noise contour. The ALUC believes that the proposed residential
uses would be highly affected by airport noise due to the close proximity to the airport and
that the past and current land use designation of General Commercial Office (CO-G) is the
appropriate designation for this site.
Finding of Fact A states that "the project is located within the updated 60 dBA CNEL contour
consistent with the approved 6"' Cycle Housing Element Implementation Noise -Related
Amendments." This "updated 60 dBA CNEL contour" was included as part of the Housing
Element Implementation/Noise Related Amendments which was found inconsistent by the
ALUC on August 17, 2023 and overruled by the City on November 14, 2023. With the 2023
Noise Amendments, the City replaced the existing noise contours which are currently
consistent with the adopted AELUP.for JWA, with more narrow noise contours which were
included in 2014 Settlement Agreement EIR 617, which did not provide an analysis of the
potentially significant impacts of placing future residential uses within the 65 dB CNEL
contour.
As stated in our December 5, 2023 letter to you, and in the August 17, 2023 ALUC
Staff Report for Item 1: Housing Implementation/Noise-Related Amendments, "the
.AELUP continues to reflect the EIR 508 noise contours.for purposes of determining
whether a project is consistent with the AELUP noise policies and provisions.
Therefore, for purposes of the AELUP consistency analysis, the City and ALUC are
required to utilize the noise contours that are provided in the AELUP. Neither the
City nor the ALUC can provide a consistency analysis based on different and
updated noise contours unless and until those noise contours have been included in
the AELUP. Rather, any submittal must be based on the policies and contours
currently in the existing AEL UP. "
The proposed Housing Element Implementation - Noise Related Amendments would allow
residential uses which are not suitable and would subject the future residents to excessive
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1 EAF590A-C39C-4868-9172-7D7F41 DC83C4
1400 Bristol Street Residences
March 12, 2024
Page 3
noise regardless of which noise contours are utilized. The ALUC has historically found
residential uses in the vicinity of JWA to be inconsistent with the AELUP.for JW.A.
IZesDonse to Fact in SLIDnort B - Reizardina Safet
Pursuant to AELUP Section 2.1.2, "[s]afety and compatibility zones depict which land uses
are acceptable and which are unacceptable in various portions of airport environs. The
purpose of these zones is to support the continued use and operation of an airport by
establishing compatibility and safety standards to promote air navigational safety and to
reduce potential safety hazards for persons living, working or recreating near JWA."
The proposed project is located in Safety Zone 6 — Traffic Pattern Zone. According to the
California Airport Land Use Planning Handbook, noise and overflight should be considered in
Safety Zone 6. Flight tracks for the property were included in the ALUC staff report which
show a high number of flights over the proposed project site. Considering the proposed
density, proximity to JWA and the number of flights over the property, this project is an
inappropriate use for the site.
Response to Fact in Support C - Regarding "Intent of the AELUP":
By virtue of being clearly stated in AEL UP for JWA Sections 1.2 "Purpose and Scope" and
2.0 "Planning Guidelines," the ALUC understands the complex legal charge to protect public
airports from encroachment by incompatible land use development, while simultaneously
protecting the health, safety and welfare of citizens who work and live in the airport's
environs. To this end, and as also statutorily required, ALUC proceedings are benefited by
several members having expertise in aviation. Based upon careful consideration of all
information provided, and input from ALUC members with expertise in aviation, the ALUC
unanimously found the proposed 1400 Bristol Street Residences to be inconsistent with the
;1EL UP for JWA.
We urge the City Council to take ALUC's concerns into consideration in its deliberations
prior to deciding whether to oven -tile ALUC. Thank you for the opportunity to provide these
comments.
Sincerely,
DocuSigned by:
Auwk
09C77A2D7F24488—
Mark Monin
Vice-Chainnan
cc: Airport Land Use Commission for Orange County
Jonathan Huff, Caltrans/Division of Aeronautics
Exhibit "D"
Comment Letter from California Department of Transportation
Aeronautics Program dated March 12, 2024
STATE OF CALIFORNIA--CALIFORNIA STATE TRANSPORTATION AGENCY Gavin Newsom Governor
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
AERONAUTICS Program- M.S. #40
1120 N STREET
P. O. BOX 942874
SACRAMENTO, CA 94274-0001
PHONE (916) 654-4959
FAX (916) 653-9531
TTY 711
www.dot.ca.gov
March 12, 2024
Liz Westmoreland, AICP, Principal Planner
City of Newport Beach
Community Development Department
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport, CA 92660-3267
Dear Ms. Westmoreland:
w
Making Conservation
a California Way of Life.
Electronically Sent
Iwestmoreland@newportbeachca.gov
The Aeronautics Program (Program) at the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
appreciates receiving the Notice of Intent dated February 14, 2024, from the City of Newport
Beach (City), to overrule a determination of the Orange County Airport Land Use Commission
(ALUC). The ALUC has reported that the 1400 Bristol Project (Project) is inconsistent with the
Airport Environs Land Use Plan (AELUP) for the John Wayne Airport (JWA). The Notice of Intent
concerns the City's Resolution (No.) 2024-9 (Resolution), and specific "Facts in Support"
related to the AELUP. In advance of a public hearing on the Resolution to consider overruling
the ALUC's determination, the Program is providing the following comments pursuant to
California Public Utilities Code (PUC) section 21676. The Program strongly recommends that
the City modify the Project to address the issues raised by the ALUC.
Facts in Suiport #1 -The Project is consistent with the noise standards of the AELUP.
Citing AELUP section 3.2.3 for "residential uses to be developed with advanced insulation
systems to bring the sound after attenuation to no more than 45 dB inside" overlooks a key
provision of the section that is seen prior to quoting the conclusion of the section that says,
"residential uses within the 65- 70 dBA CNEL noise contour are required to be 'indoor -
oriented' to preclude noise impingement on outdoor living areas." The provision in between
states, "All residential units are inconsistent in this area unless it can be shown conclusively
that such units are sufficiently sound attenuated for present and projected noise exposures,
which shall be the energy sum of all noise impacting the project, so as not to exceed an
interior standard of 45 dB CNEL."
In addition, though the city notes that it intends to require noise attenuation to be addressed
during design, the city, as the permitting authority, can, as a provision of final occupancy
permit issuance, require the developer to demonstrate interior noise attenuation below 45 dB.
As flight tracks demonstrate, it will not be difficult to find a representative time of day to test
noise with multiple flights over the project. This will ensure that the end user, be it homeowner
or renter, is not left with the arduous task of perusing legal action against all the relevant
parties to have their new home rebuilt with proper noise attenuation.
Furthermore, though the city intends to require disclosures related to aircraft noise, pollution
and odors, again, as a condition of the permit, should require avigation easements that will
protect the airport from litigation related to noise, nuisance, and pollution.
"Provide a safe, sustainable, integrated, and efficient transportation system
to enhance California's economy and livability"
Ms. Liz Westmoreland
March 12, 2024
Page 3
Facts in Support #2 - The proposed Project is consistent with the safety standards of the AELUP.
This Fact in Support is deficient for not adequately citing the reference to Safety Zone 6
(Traffic Pattern Zone) of the AELUP. As used in the Notice of Intent, the statement that states,
"risk factors associated with Safety Zone 6 generally include a low likelihood of accident
occurrence," is drawn from the AELUP, but it overlooks the AELUP's reference to the 2002
California Airport Land Use Planning Handbook (Handbook; published by the Program). It is
Table 9B in the 2002 Handbook that refers to "a low likelihood of accident occurrence."
Unfortunately, the AELUP does not account for the current Handbook of 2011. The City also
does not account for it.
The 2011 Handbook allows for low risk of accidents in the zone for an airport traffic pattern,
but it goes further to quantify accident risk (Chapter 4, page 4-25). Owing to a relatively
large area, the Handbook indicates 18-29 percent of accidents near a runway could occur in
the traffic pattern zone (attributable also to lower and slower flight profiles for less time and
altitude to recover from distress). The 2011 Handbook also allows for residential land use in
the traffic pattern zone, but with the condition that says, "where ambient noise levels are
low."
By accounting for this discrepancy, the Program recommends that the City evaluate ambient
noise levels in the JWA Safety Zone 6 before taking further action on the proposed ALUC
overrule. It would be a prudent means for abiding by PUC section 21670 "to prevent new
noise and safety problems."
Facts in Support #3-The proposed Project is consistent with the purpose and intent of the
AELUP and will not result in incompatible land uses adjacent to JWA.
Citing the City's intention related to the Project that states, "any development on the
proposed housing opportunity sites will comply with the noise criteria and safety standards,"
contained in Sections 2 and 3 of the AELUP, is appreciated by the Program. Sections 2 and 3
of AELUP provide overall policies for planning and land use around JWA, including certain
specific criteria. The points made in this letter concerning specific criteria should be
considered for their value to ensure accurate compliance with PUC section 21670.
Otherwise, the Program contends that any less effort compromises both the City's declared
position in the Notice of Intent and the public's welfare.
As noted, the Program strongly recommends that the City modify the Project to address the
issues raised by the ALUC, but in the event that the City overrules the ALUC determination of
inconsistency, please include these comments in the public record for this agenda item.
If you have further questions, or we can assist in any way, please reach out at the phone
number or email below.
Sincerely,
Originally signed by
Jonathan Huff
Associate Transportation Planner
"Provide a safe, sustainable, integrated, and efficient transportation system
to enhance California's economy and livability"
Ms. Liz Westmoreland
March 12, 2024
Page 3
c: Lea U. Choum, Executive Officer, Orange County Airport Land Use Commission; ALUCinfo@ocair.com
bc: Lan Zhou, Deputy District Director, District 12; lan.zhou@dot.ca.aov
"Provide a safe, sustainable, integrated, and efficient transportation system
to enhance California's economy and livability"
STATE OF CALIFORNIA }
COUNTY OF ORANGE } ss.
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH }
I, Leilani I. Brown, City Clerk of the City of Newport Beach, California, do hereby certify that the
whole number of members of the City Council is seven; the foregoing resolution, being Resolution
No. 2024-24 was duly introduced before and adopted by the City Council of said City at a regular meeting
of said Council held on the g1h day of April, 2024; and the same was so passed and adopted by the
following vote, to wit:
AYES: Mayor Will O'Neill, Mayor Pro Tern Joe Stapleton, Councilmember Brad Avery,
Councilmember Noah Blom, Councilmember Robyn Grant, Councilmember
Lauren Kleiman
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Erik Weigand
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the official seal of
said City this 101h day of April, 2024.
e
Leilani I. Brown
City Clerk
Newport Beach, California
�aL3F:0V"