HomeMy WebLinkAboutPA2021-296_Minor Change ApprovalCommunity Development Department
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660
949 644-3200
newportbeachca.gov/communitydevelopment
October 2, 2023
Pete Zak, Managing Partner
Lyon Living
4901 Birch Street
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Re: Ritz Carlton Residences (PA2021-296)
Dear Pete Zak:
Thank you for your September 16, 2023, email in which you provided details and
requested the inclusion of a resident-serving food and beverage service facility in the
referenced project. Based on the request and related conversations, the roughly 5,800
square foot facility would include a kitchen, storage, restrooms, a main dining area, a
private dining room, a bar area with full alcohol service, and a resident lounge. The facility
is proposed within the footprint and gross floor area of the approved application. It is
important to clarify that the project's overall size and height will remain consistent with
the approved plans and all conditions of approval. Furthermore, the City's understanding
is that this facility will exclusively cater to residents and their invited guests, with no
accessibility to the general public.
Although this particular amenity was not explicitly outlined in the plans, the application
did make reference to the provision of amenities for residents and their guests. Based on
the description and our interpretation of its purpose, it is evident that this amenity falls
within the scope of authorization through the entitlement process.
Your request has been reviewed in accordance with Newport Beach Municipal Code
Section 20.54.070 (Changes to an Approved Project) and Section 21.54.070 (Changes to
an Approved Coastal Development Permit). The change aligns with the Zoning Code and
Coastal Implementation Plan, categorizing it as a resident-serving amenity rather than a
public eating and drinking establishment. Importantly, this change does not modify any
project elements that were the basis for or subject of findings related to the California
Environmental Quality Act. Additionally, it remains in full compliance with the project
approval and any specific conditions imposed. The proposed food and beverage service
use, restricted to residents and their guests within the project, neither constitutes an
expansion nor alters the operational characteristics of the approved residential use, as it
is not open to the general public. Finally, the proposed food and beverage facility has no
bearing on the factors that supported the approval of the Coastal Development Permit or
any other provisions within the City's Coastal Implementation Plan as it would not impact
public access or affect coastal resources.
In summary, the Director hereby authorizes the requested resident-serving food and
beverage service use change without a public hearing, as it is minor in nature and in
substantial conformance with the approved application (PA2021-296)
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 949-644-3210 or by
email at jcampbell@newportbeachca.gov. Thank you.
Sincerely,
James Campbell, Deputy Community Development Director
cc. File PA2021-296