HomeMy WebLinkAbout01_10-10-2024_ZA_Minutes - DRAFT
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NEWPORT BEACH ZONING ADMINISTRATOR MINUTES
100 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE, NEWPORT BEACH
ZOOM
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2024
REGULAR MEETING – 10:00 A.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER – The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m.
Staff Present (Remote): Benjamin M. Zdeba, AICP, Zoning Administrator
Laura Rodriguez, Planning Technician
II. REQUEST FOR CONTINUANCES
None.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
ITEM NO. 1 MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 26, 2024
Action: Approved
IV. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
ITEM NO. 2 Cyprus Comprehensive Sign Program and Modification Permit (PA2024-0046)
Site Location: 363-371 Old Newport Boulevard Council District 2
Laura Rodriguez, Planning Technician, provided a brief project description stating that this is a request for a
modification permit and comprehensive sign program. The property is located in the Office-General (OG)
Zoning District and is not located in the coastal zone. The property faces three street frontages, which includes
Newport Boulevard, and is considered a high-traffic motorist area. The property is limited in wall space and is
fronting Old Newport Boulevard, which holds several tenant entrances.
The Comprehensive Sign Program request includes an increase in the amount of signage for various signs,
an increase in sign area of a non-illuminated business directory sign, a request for a two illuminated directory
sign, and a deviation of wall separation for two signs. The signage is appropriate due to multiple tenants in the
buildings and can be visibly identified from all three street frontages.
The Modification Permit request is for the installation of three wall signs attached to a slope roof and an increase
in sign area that is more than 30% for two directory signs. The proposed signage is compatible with the building
design in terms of scale, size and materials. Staff recommends exemption under CEQA Class 11, Accessory
Structures.
Zoning Administrator Zdeba opened the public hearing.
The applicant, Joe Gerard, on behalf of the owner, stated that he had reviewed the draft resolution and agrees
with all the required conditions.
Zoning Administrator Zdeba made modifications to the sign matrix for the non-illuminated directory sign on the
south elevation from 9.24 square feet to 10 square feet maximum sign area.
One member of the public, Jim Mosher, commented on the sign placement and the allocation of the four
pedestrian oriented signage since four of those signs were proposed, but there are more than four tenants on
the site. Mr. Mosher asked for clarification on the services listed on signage.
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE
NEWPORT BEACH ZONING ADMINISTRATOR 10/10/2024
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Zoning Administrator Zdeba clarified that it will be up to the property owner on how the signs are allocated and
that the City does not regulate sign content.
Zoning Administrator Zdeba closed the public hearing.
Action: Approved as amended
ITEM NO. 3 Restoration Hardware Alcohol License (PA2024-0058)
Site Location: 1101 Newport Center Drive Council District 5
Laura Rodriguez, Planning Technician, provided a brief project description stating that a minor use permit is
being requested for an ABC Type 47 License. The property is located in North Newport Center Planned
Community (PC-56) at Fashion Island. The property is not located in the coastal zone.
Restoration Hardware is being constructed as a new restaurant and design gallery within a retail store. Based
on the PC-56 Zoning District, the use is permitted to operate. However, a minor use permit is required for
obtaining an ABC Type 47 License. The proposed hours of operation are from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday
through Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sundays. No late hours after 11:00 p.m. are proposed.
Restoration Hardware’s operation is compatible with other retail and restaurant establishments in Fashion
Island. Planning Technician Rodriguez clarified that no live entertainment, dancing, or late hours after 11:00
p.m. are a part of the application. The Police Department had no objections to the project request and listed
specific conditions of approval. Staff recommends exemption from CEQA under Class 1, Existing Facilities.
Zoning Administrator Zdeba opened the public hearing.
The applicant, Stuart Wagner, stated that he had reviewed the draft resolution and agrees with all the required
conditions.
Zoning Administrator Zdeba made modifications to the conditions of approval regarding omitting the time limit
on last seatings, which was noted in Condition of Approval No. 4.
One member of the public, Jim Mosher, commented on Newport Center’s housing opportunity site overlay and
the impact it may have on the project request.
Zoning Administrator Zdeba addressed the comments and stated that the project and the housing overlay will
not modify the mixed-use nature of the area.
Zoning Administrator Zdeba closed the public hearing.
Action: Approved as amended
V. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
None.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
The hearing was adjourned at 10:19 a.m.
The agenda for the Zoning Administrator Hearing was posted on October 2, 2024, at 5:20 p.m. on
the digital display board located inside the vestibule of the Council Chambers at 100 Civic Center
Drive and on the City’s website on October 2, 2024, at 5:15 p.m.
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE
NEWPORT BEACH ZONING ADMINISTRATOR 10/10/2024
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Benjamin M. Zdeba, AICP
Zoning Administrator