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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOld Newport Blvd GP Amendment - PA2008-047CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT February 4, 2010 Agenda Item No. 3 SUBJECT: Old Newport Boulevard General Plan Amendment 328, 332, and 340 Old Newport Boulevard (PA2008 -047) ■ General Plan Amendment No. GP2008 -001 Use Permit No. UP2009 -005 ■ Modification Permit No. MD2009 -016 Traffic Study No. TS2009 -002 APPLICANT: Micheal C. Adams Associates PLANNER: Jaime Murillo, Associate Planner (949) 644 -3209, Imurilloanewportbeachca.gov PROJECT SUMMARY The applicant is seeking a General Plan Amendment (GPA) to increase the allowable floor area to land area ratio (FAR) for the project site from 0.5 FAR to 1.0 FAR. An FAR of 1.0 could result in 25,725 square feet of development. Concurrent with the requested General Plan Amendment, the applicant is proposing the construction of a 25,000 - square -foot medical office building. The following approvals are requested or required in order to implement the project as proposed: 1. An amendment to the Land Use Element of the General Plan to increase the allowable FAR from 0.5 to 1.0 for the project site. 2. A modification permit to allow the proposed subterranean parking area to encroach 3 feet into the 5 -foot rear yard setback. 3. A seven space off - street parking credit for the creation of seven on- street parking spaces along the project frontage. 4. A use permit to allow an elevator and stairwell enclosure to exceed the 32 -foot base height limit. 5. A traffic study pursuant to the City's Traffic Phasing Ordinance. RECOMMENDATION 1) Conduct a public hearing; and 2) Adopt Resolution No. (Attachment No. PC1) recommending that the City Council: Old Newport Boulevard GPA February 4, 2010 Page 2 a. Adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration, including the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program; and b. Find that, based on the weight of the evidence in the administrative record, including Traffic Study No. TS2009 -002, that the Project complies with the Traffic Phasing Ordinance; and c. Approve General Plan Amendment No. GP2008 -001 with a FAR of 0.75; and d. Approve Modification Permit No. MD2009 -016 and the requested off - street parking credit; and e. Deny Use Permit No. UP2009 -005. I VICINITY MAP Old Newport Boulevard GPA February 4, 2010 Page 3 ZONING LOCATION GENERAL PLAN ZONING CURRENT USE Old Newport Boulevard ON-SITE General Commercial Specific Plan /Retail General and medical office use Office (CO -G) Service Commercial (SP- and one residential unit 9IRSC NORTH CO -G SP -9 /RSC Office building SOUTH CO -G SP -9 1RSC Office building EAST Single -Unit Residential Single - Family Residential Single -unit residential dwellings Detached RS -D R -1 WEST CO -G SP -9 /RSC I Retail and office uses Project Setting The 0.59 -acre (25,725 square feet) project legal lots) and is currently developed with (0.54 FAR combined): Old Newport Boulevard GPA February 4, 2010 Page 4 site consists of three separate parcels (four three buildings totaling 14,012 square feet 340 Old Newport Boulevard- 6,521- square -foot lot developed with a three -level mixed -use building consisting of 5,000 square feet of general office space and a 1,000- square -foot residential dwelling unit (0.92 FAR). Parking is accessible from Old Newport Boulevard and the alley. 332 Old Newport Boulevard- 13,341- square -foot parcel (consisting of two legal lots) developed with a 3,012- square -foot medical office building (0.23 FAR). Parking is accessible from Old Newport Boulevard and the alley. 328 Old Newport Boulevard- 5,890- square -foot lot developed with a two -level 5,000— square -foot general office building (0.85 FAR). Parking is accessible from the alley. Surrounding land uses include the Newport Heights single -unit residential neighborhood to the east across the alley, a three -level office building to the south, a one -level office building to the north, and three, one- to two -level commercial buildings to the west. The project site slopes up south to north along Old Newport Boulevard (approximately a 10 -foot difference in grade elevation) and steeply slopes up west to east from Old Newport Boulevard to the alley (approximately a 24 -foot difference in grade elevation). Project Description The applicant is seeking a General Plan Amendment (GPA) to increase the allowable floor area to land ratio (FAR) of the project site from 0.5 FAR to 1.0 FAR. An FAR of 1.0 could result in 25,725 square feet of development (an increase of 12,862.5 square feet of entitlement). At the time the application was submitted, Council Policy K -1 required the submittal of a conceptual plan with any GPA application. The applicant's conceptual plan has since evolved into a detailed plan, which consists of demolishing the existing buildings on the site, consolidating the three parcels into one parcel; and constructing a 25,000- square -foot medical office building (Attachment No. PC 2). The City Council removed the conceptual development plan requirement from Council Policy K -1 on August 11, 2009. Old Newport Boulevard GPA February 4, 2010 Page 5 The proposed building would consist of four levels: two levels of parking and two levels of office space. The first office level (3`d level) would consist of 15,447 square feet of floor area. The second office level (4th level) would consist of 9,553 square feet of floor area. Both parking levels would be partially below grade with vehicular access from Old Newport Boulevard. Due to the slope of Old Newport Boulevard, vehicular access to the lower parking level (15t level) would occur at the southwest corner of the site and vehicular access to the upper parking level (2nd level) would occur from the northwest corner of the site. No vehicular access from the alley at the rear of the site is proposed. A total of 125 parking spaces are proposed: 58 spaces on the lower parking level, 60 spaces on the upper parking level, and 7 on- street parking spaces along the Old Newport Boulevard frontage (see discussion in the Parking Credit section). The upper parking level is proposed to be reserved for employees only. Each parking level would provide for one -way vehicular circulation. Primary pedestrian access into the building would be from the elevator and stairwell lobby accessible from Old Newport Boulevard at the northwest corner of the site. This elevator and stairwell would also provide access to employees and customers parked in both parking levels. A secondary elevator and stairwell located at the southeast corner of the site would also provide access from both parking levels, and would provide pedestrian access from the alley. The proposed building height would not exceed the 32 -foot base height limit, as measured from natural grade, with the exception of the elevator and stairwell enclosure located at the northwest corner of the site. The building design would conform to the natural topography of the site and would include step backs at each level maintaining the 32 -foot height limit. The elevator and stairwell enclosure would be approximately 600 square feet in area and is proposed to measure 44 feet 10 inches in height. A total of 2,447 square feet of landscaping area is proposed. A 423 square -foot landscape planter is proposed at the front of the building adjacent to Old Newport Boulevard and an 877 - square -foot landscape planting area is proposed at the rear of the site adjacent to the alley. Decorative paving (totaling 1,147 square feet) is proposed within the 5 -foot rear yard (alley) setback to increase vehicular maneuverability through the 20 -foot alley. Background Prior to the 2006 comprehensive update to the City's General Plan, the 1988 Land Use Element permitted a maximum FAR of 0.75 for commercial uses located within the Old Newport Boulevard corridor area, provided existing lots are consolidated into a single development site. The Land Use Element also permitted mixed commercial /residential development up to a total FAR of 1.25 (0.5 commercial and 0.75 residential) and a total FAR of 1.4 (0.65 commercial and 0.75 residential), provided existing lots are consolidated into a single development site. Old Newport Boulevard GPA February 4, 2010 Page 6 When the 2006 comprehensive update to the General Plan was adopted, the provisions for mixed use development and the increased FAR limitations for lot consolidation were eliminated from the Old Newport Boulevard corridor area of the General Plan. The current Land Use Element of the General Plan limits development to a maximum FAR of 0.5 and no longer permits mixed -use developments: Unfortunately, the property owner began acquiring ownership of and developing plans for the subject properties prior to the 2006 General Plan Update with the assumption that he could consolidate the lots into a single development site and develop the site for mixed commercial /residential development up to the maximum 1.4 FAR. The property owner consulted with City staff early in the General Plan Update process and was assured the development limitations would not change; however, in the final phases of the General Plan Update, it was decided that development incentives for the increased FAR and provisions for mixed -use development should be removed. Subsequent to the approval of the 2006 General Plan Update, the property owner approached staff for early consultation on a proposed mixed -use development and was notified that project was no longer consistent with the General Plan and could not be approved. In March of 2008, the applicant submitted an application to amend the General Plan to allow the proposed mixed -use development consistent with the 1988 Land Use Element provisions and current Old Newport Boulevard Specific Plan regulations; however, due to staffs concerns about bulk and mass, height, and creating an island of residential uses in a commercial area, the applicant subsequently revised his application to the currently proposed medical office development. . General Plan General Plan Policies The project site is located within the Old Newport Boulevard commercial corridor. The Land Use Element of the General Plan designates the site General Commercial Office (CO -G) with a maximum allowable development limit of 0.5 FAR. The CO -G designation is intended to provide for administrative, professional, and medical offices with limited accessory retail and service uses. The proposed medical office building would be consistent with this designation; however, the applicant is requesting to increase the allowable FAR to 1.0. The General Plan includes several goals and policies related to development in the City and indicates that, with the completion of Newport Boulevard as the primary entry into the City, vehicular trips have shifted away from Old Newport Boulevard and resulted in a ro Old. Newport Boulevard GPA February 4, 2010 Page 7 reduction in the corridor's economic vitality, which has significantly changed the land use. mix in the area; therefore, the General Plan also includes a specific goal and policies pertaining to development in the Old Newport Boulevard corridor area. In the Old Newport Boulevard area, the General Plan provides for the development of professional offices, retail, and other uses that support Hoag Hospital, and retail uses serving the adjoining residential neighborhoods. A complete consistency analysis of each of the applicable General Plan policies appears within the Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration on pages 51 through 57 and concludes that the project is consistent with each of the adopted goals and policies. In considering the proposed GPA to increase the development intensity of the project site, the Planning Commission should specifically consider the following Land Use Element policy: LU 3.2 Growth and Change Enhance existing neighborhoods, districts, and corridors, allowing for re -use and infill with uses that are complementary in type, form, scale, and character. Changes in use and /or densitylintensity should be considered only in those areas that are economically underperforming, are necessary to accommodate Newport Beach's share of projected regional population growth, improve the relationship and reduce commuting distance between home and jobs, or enhance the values that distinguish Newport Beach as a special place to live for its residents. The scale of growth and new development shall be coordinated with the provision of adequate infrastructure and public services, including standards for acceptable traffic level of service. (Imp 1. 1, 2.1, 5.1, 10.2, 16.2, 16.3, 17.1, 18.1, 19.1, 22. 1, 23.1, 23.2) The applicant asserts that it is financially infeasible to redevelop the properties at the currently permitted 0.5 FAR limit and construct the required subterranean parking. If this is the case, the proposed GPA for increased intensity could be considered consistent with LU 3.2 as follows: • The General Plan recognizes the Old Newport Boulevard corridor as an area that has experienced reduced economic vitality. • The increased intensity would provide an economic stimulus needed to accommodate the redevelopment of three separate, nonconforming and underperforming properties into one medical office building. • As stated in the General Plan, Newport Beach residents desire high quality development and redevelopment of underperforming, nonconforming properties. • Redevelopment of the subject property may help revitalize the corridor and encourage redevelopment of other underperforming properties within the Old Newport Boulevard corridor. 'G7 Old Newport Boulevard GPA February 4, 2010 Page 8 The project site is served by existing infrastructure and public services. The proposed increase in intensity will not necessitate any expansion of existing infrastructure. • As described in more detail in the Traffic Study section of this report, a traffic impact analysis was prepared for the project and found that the addition of project - related traffic would not have a significant impact at any of the study intersections. Although the proposed GPA can be found consistent with the General Plan goals and policies, the Planning Commission should consider the fairness of granting an increased 1.0 FAR intensity limit to a single property owner within an existing commercial corridor area. Generally, staff supports a GPA for increased intensity as it will provide the economic stimulus needed to accommodate redevelopment of the properties; however, staff is concerned with the appropriateness of a 1.0 FAR intensity limit, given that the scale and character of the proposed project would contrast with the older development in the area consisting of smaller parcels with lesser commercial intensities. As illustrated by the discussion under the Zoning & Site Design section of this report, the project can be developed at a 1.0 intensity limit; however, it requires maximization of the building envelope and several deviations from development standards in order to accommodate the project. General Plan Table Change As indicated above, the primary benefit of approving the proposed GPA would be the resulting redevelopment and consolidation of three parcels (four legal lots) into one unified development. Amendments to the General Plan are legislative, and as such, conditions of approval may not be imposed on the GPA requiring that the consolidation of the three parcels actually occur. Therefore, should this proposed GPA be approved, staff is recommending that a new anomaly (Anomaly No. 76) be created within the Land Use Element that limits the project site to a 0.5 FAR, but which includes provisions for a 1.0 FAR, provided all four legal lots are consolidated into one parcel to provided unified site design. See Attachment No. PC3 for draft changes to Land Use Element. Charter Section 423 (Measure S) Charter Section 423 requires that major General Plan Amendments be voted upon by the electorate. A major General Plan Amendment is one that increases the General Plan by 40,000 square feet of non - residential floor area or increases traffic by more than 100 peak hour vehicle trips or increases residential dwelling units by 100 units. Council Policy A -18 requires that proposed amendments to the General Plan be reviewed to determine if a vote of the Newport Beach electorate would be required. The proposed GPA is located in Statistical Area H1 of the Land Use Element of the Newport Beach "I Old Newport Boulevard GPA February 4, 2010 Page 9 General Plan and will result in an increase of 12,862.5 square feet of non - residential entitlement. The proposed GPA does not create any new dwelling units and does not exceed the non - residential floor area threshold. Also, based on the trip generation rates contained in the Council Policy A -18 (blended commercial rate), the proposed GPA is forecast to generate an additional 39 a.m. peak hour trips and 52 p.m. peak hour trips. Therefore, none of the three thresholds that require a vote pursuant to Charter Section 423 are exceeded. No other prior amendments have been approved within Statistical Area H1 since the adoption of the 2006 General Plan and no vote would be required based on cumulative amendments. If approved, this amendment will be tracked for ten years in accordance with Section 423. Zoning & Site Design Zoning Compliance The project is located within the Retail, Service & Commercial (RSC) land use designation of the Old Newport Boulevard Specific Plan (SP -9) District. The purpose of the Specific Plan is to establish policies to guide the orderly development and improvement of the Old Newport Boulevard area. Goals of the Specific Plan include: enhancing the appearance, access, and identifying the area as one of the primary entry points into the City; encouraging the redevelopment and upgrading of Old Newport Boulevard as a commercial district with retail sales and office opportunities; establishing guidelines and standards for new development, public improvements, and landscaping that will encourage harmonious transitions and minimize conflicts between different land uses; and improving access, viability, and parking in order to encourage visitor traffic and increase business activity within the district. The Specific Plan also implements the development incentives for lot consolidation of the 1988 Land Use Element, which are no longer applicable. Redevelopment of the project site as a medical office building is consistent with, and encouraged by, the Specific Plan. The project complies with the basic SP -9 /RSC development standards related to lot size, setbacks, height, landscaping, parking, and vehicular access. However, the project does not comply with a landscaping requirement pertaining to the planting of trees, the subterranean parking encroaches into the 5 -foot rear yard setback, and the elevator and stairwell located at the northwest 0 �, TSB � .!nU.'2 -� �. _._ ��...,�.xz: ,..*�.n,F ._ C3�.r13►#1.��,fC414 ���., -._ _,a zh „�:�.,'� d��+,3� ;��s__ .�-- �:,,',�3mk?i; '�'�' 12.8625 3 a.m. trips 38.59 a.m. trips 12.8625 4 p.m. trips 51.45 p.m. trips Therefore, none of the three thresholds that require a vote pursuant to Charter Section 423 are exceeded. No other prior amendments have been approved within Statistical Area H1 since the adoption of the 2006 General Plan and no vote would be required based on cumulative amendments. If approved, this amendment will be tracked for ten years in accordance with Section 423. Zoning & Site Design Zoning Compliance The project is located within the Retail, Service & Commercial (RSC) land use designation of the Old Newport Boulevard Specific Plan (SP -9) District. The purpose of the Specific Plan is to establish policies to guide the orderly development and improvement of the Old Newport Boulevard area. Goals of the Specific Plan include: enhancing the appearance, access, and identifying the area as one of the primary entry points into the City; encouraging the redevelopment and upgrading of Old Newport Boulevard as a commercial district with retail sales and office opportunities; establishing guidelines and standards for new development, public improvements, and landscaping that will encourage harmonious transitions and minimize conflicts between different land uses; and improving access, viability, and parking in order to encourage visitor traffic and increase business activity within the district. The Specific Plan also implements the development incentives for lot consolidation of the 1988 Land Use Element, which are no longer applicable. Redevelopment of the project site as a medical office building is consistent with, and encouraged by, the Specific Plan. The project complies with the basic SP -9 /RSC development standards related to lot size, setbacks, height, landscaping, parking, and vehicular access. However, the project does not comply with a landscaping requirement pertaining to the planting of trees, the subterranean parking encroaches into the 5 -foot rear yard setback, and the elevator and stairwell located at the northwest 0 Old Newport Boulevard GPA February 4, 2010 Page 10 corner of the site exceed the base height limit. The following table provides a summary of the project's compliance with applicable development standards: Side 0 2 feet on north side; and 5 inches on south side Building above grade: varies from 5 feet to 16 feet. Rear 5 feet min. Subterranean Parking: 2 feet (requires modification permit) Main Building: 32 feet Height 32 feet max. Elevator and stairwell enclosure: 44 feet 10 inches (requires use permit) 30,687.5 square feet Bulk 0.75 or 19,293.75 square feet max. (1.25 or 32,156.3 square feet permitted if GPA approved) 125 spaces total 125 spaces total Parking (1 space /200 square feet) 118 spaces off - street 7 spaces on- street (requires approval of parking credit Non - residential projects with ingress or egress from alleys accessed from No vehicular access is proposed from alley Vehicular Holmwood are subject to Site Plan adjacent to residential area. All vehicular Access Review to minimize traffic and parking access will occur from Old Newport impacts on adjacent single - family boulevard. No Site Plan review required. residential areas. 1. 8% of site (2,049 sf total); 1/2 1. 2,447 sf total (46% consists of of landscaping may consist of decorative paving) decorative paving 2. 7 trees provided Landscaping 2. 1 tree /50' of frontage (6 trees req'd) 3. Trees shall be planted within 5' 3. Trees are planted in public R.O.W. of front or side PL (does not meet Code, project has been conditioned to comply) On structures with FAR of 0.65 or higher, front walls shall be setback at Project complies. Front walls step back Wall least 1 -foot for every foot in excess of consist with the natural topography of the Articulation 24 feet above grade. 20% of the length site. The elevator and stairwell located at of the building fagade may exceed the the northwest corner of the site complies 24 -foot height limit up to the maximum with the 20% limitation. Old Newport Boulevard GPA February 4, 2010 Page 11 Modification Permit Request The proposed project encroaches up to 3 feet into the required 5 -foot rear yard (alley) setback with portions of the subterranean parking levels. Although the encroachments are below grade, the Zoning Code does not include any exceptions for below -grade improvements and a modification permit is required. Section 20.93.030 of the Zoning Code requires the Planning Commission to make certain findings in order to approve a modification permit. These findings and the facts in support of these findings are discussed below: 1. Finding: The granting of the application is necessary due to practical difficulties associated with the property and that the strict application of the Zoning Code results in physical hardships that are inconsistent with the purpose and intent of the Zoning Code. Facts in Support of Finding: The purpose and intent of the off -site parking regulations of the Zoning Code is to ensure sufficient parking is provided for new and expanded land uses, and to ensure efficiency, protect the public safety, and, where appropriate, insulate land uses from adverse impacts. Also, one of the Specific Plan goals is to minimize traffic and parking impacts on adjacent single - unit residential areas by discouraging ingress and egress from the alley accessible from Holmwood Drive. If the GPA is approved to allow the increased intensity of a 1.0 FAR, strict application of the parking requirements requires the proposed medical office building to provide a total of 125 parking spaces. A practical difficulty exists in that the project site is relatively shallow (approximately 100 feet deep between Old Newport Boulevard and the rear alley), which creates design constraints for providing adequate parking circulation and requires the use of the entire lot area to meet the on -site parking requirements. Given the constraints of the shallow lot, only one -way vehicular circulation can be accommodated on each level and ramps necessary to access an additional subterranean parking level would not be achievable. A practical difficulty also exists in that the rear property line curves slightly, necessitating the 3 -foot encroachment only within the middle portion of the site. If the site were rectangular in shape, the 3 -foot encroachment would not be necessary. Therefore, the required number of parking spaces cannot be accommodated on- site without the minor below -grade encroachments. The alternative is a parking layout designed to provide an additional parking level accessible from the alley, which would be inconsistent with the purpose and intent of the Specific Plan. 12- Old Newport Boulevard GPA February 4, 2010 Page 12 2.. Finding: The requested modification will be compatible with the existing development in the neighborhood. Facts in Support of Finding: The 3 -foot encroachment into the rear 5 -foot setback occurs entirely below grade and will not be visible from the alley. At grade, only the two office levels of the building will be visible and will maintain a setback greater than the required 5 feet for a majority of the alley frontage. The required 5 -foot setback area will be entirely paved with decorative paving and a landscaping planting area will be provided beyond, significantly improving the aesthetics of the project as viewed from the alley. 3. Finding: The granting of such an application will not adversely affect the health or safety of persons residing or working in the neighborhood of the property and will not be detrimental to the general welfare or injurious to property or improvements in the neighborhood. Facts in Support of Finding: Granting the modification for the subterranean encroachments allows the project to provide the required on -site parking, while limiting vehicular ingress and egress to Old Newport Boulevard and ensuring that the residential area across the alley is protected from vehicular disturbances associated with the project. Also, since the encroachments occur entirely below grade, vehicular maneuverability through the alley will not be impacted. At grade, the rear 5 -foot setback will consist of decorative paving that, when combined with the 20- foot -wide alley, would ultimately allow for 25 feet of vehicle maneuverability through the alley. Use Permit for Increased Height The project site is located in the 32/50 -foot Height Limitation Zone that permits buildings and structures to exceed the 32 -foot base height limit, up to the maximum height limit of 50 feet, through the approval of a use permit. Overall, the building design conforms to the natural topography of the site and includes step backs at each level while maintaining the 32 -foot height limit; however, in order to provide an entry lobby clearly visible and accessible from the Old Newport Boulevard frontage, an elevator and stairwell enclosure is proposed to be located at the northwest corner of the site and will exceed the base height limit. The elevator and stairwell enclosure would be approximately 600 square feet in area and measure 44 feet 10 inches in height. Section 20.65.055 of the Zoning Code requires the Planning Commission to make certain findings in order to approve a use permit to exceed the base height limit. Staff does not believe sufficient facts exist in support of the first finding. The required findings and the facts in support of these findings are discussed below: Old Newport Boulevard GPA February 4, 2010 Page 13 1. Finding: The increased building height would result in more public visual open space and views than is required by the basic height limit in any zone. Particular attention shall be given to the location of the structure on the lot, the percentage of ground cover, and the treatment of all setback and open areas. Facts Not in Support of Finding (Staff seeks Planning Commission Guidance): This finding is difficult to support given the fact that developing a project at an intensity of 1.0 FAR requires utilizing the building envelope to accommodate the project, leaving limited opportunity to provide significantly increased public visual open space and views. The project architect has designed an alternative plan that fully complies with the height limit and achieves the same floor area as the proposed design (Attachment No. PC4); the elevator and stairwell would have to be relocated from the northwestern corner to the northeastern corner of the project site where the natural grade elevations are higher. The relocation of the elevator and stairwell to the rear of the building would displace office floor area and require enlargement of the footprint of the 15t office level to replace the displaced floor area (reducing above -grade setback at alley). The alternative plan places the elevator and stairwell closer to the adjacent residential area. In comparing the proposed plan with the alternative plan, there is little difference in regards to lot coverage, landscaping, setbacks, and open space. The difference is in the above -grade building setback and landscaping planting area provided at the rear of the project adjacent to the alley. With the proposed plan, an above -grade building setback ranging from 5 feet to 16 feet is provided with an 877 - square -foot landscape planting area. This setback and landscaping enhance the aesthetics of the project as viewed from the alley frontage and adjacent residential uses (public visual open space). In the alternative plan, the above -grade building setback is significantly reduced and the area of landscaping that can be accommodated is reduced to 344 square feet (a 40- percent reduction). With the exception of an increase in the above -grade building setback and landscaping provided at the alley, there is little change in public visual open space and no change in views. Staff does not believe this change is sufficient to support this required finding. It should also be noted that staff is not completely convinced that an alternative plan could not be designed that maintains the same above -grade setbacks and landscaping at the alley, but enlarges the footprint of the office levels toward the front of the building (reducing balcony area) in areas that would still remain under the height limit. 2. Finding: The increased building height would result in a more desirable architectural treatment of the building and a stronger and more appealing visual character of the area than is required by the basic height limit in any zone. 1� Old Newport Boulevard GPA February 4, 2010 Page 14 Facts in Support of Finding: The proposed design allows for an entry lobby clearly visible and accessible from the Old Newport Boulevard frontage. Architecturally, this enclosure also serves as a design element that breaks up the long elevation of the project frontage and creates visual interest. As indicated above, the project architect has designed an alternative plan that fully complies with the height limit and achieves the same floor area as the proposed design; however, to provide access from the lower parking levels to the upper office levels, the subject elevator and stairwell would have to be relocated to the northeastern corner of the project site where the natural grade elevations are higher. The result of this design would be a less desirable architectural treatment of the building in that the building's primary entry would be eliminated from Old Newport Boulevard and the building elevation visible from Old Newport Boulevard would be heavily dominated by the parking structure. Safe pedestrian access from the Old Newport Boulevard street frontage would be lost as patients parking on the street would have to walk through the driveway entries and through the parking structure to access the building lobbies. This design would also be inconsistent with General Plan Policy LU 5.4.1 which requires readily observable site access, entrance drives, and building entries to minimize conflicts between service vehicles, private automobiles, and pedestrians. It would also be inconsistent with Policy LU 5.4.2 which requires new developments to be designed to convey a unified and high - quality character in consideration of several principles, including clearly identifying the entry of the building through design elements. 3. Finding: The increased building height would not result in undesirable or abrupt scale relationships being created between the structure and existing developments or public spaces. Particular attention shall be given to the total bulk of the structure including both horizontal and vertical dimensions. Facts in Support of Finding: The project site maintains a relatively long frontage width of approximately 290 feet along Old Newport Boulevard. To minimize the massing and scale of the building as viewed from Old Newport Boulevard, the proposed design includes step backs at each of the office levels following the natural topography of the site. As viewed from the alley frontage, the increased height of the elevator and stairwell enclosure will not be visible from the alley or residences to the east as the overall elevation to the top of the enclosure (101.33 feet) would remain lower than the elevation of the portion of the building facing the alley (103.00 feet). As viewed from the Old Newport Boulevard frontage, the increased height of the elevator and stairwell enclosure . will be clearly noticeable as it is located Is Old Newport Boulevard GPA February 4, 2010 Page 15 immediately adjacent to the front property line and will measure approximately 40 feet in width, which is approximately 14- percent of the frontage width. However, given the fact that the upper office level adjacent to the alley is higher in overall elevation, the elevator and stairwell enclosure would not result in an abrupt scale relationship. Also, as discussed in the second finding above, providing an entry lobby clearly visible and accessible from the Old Newport Boulevard frontage is desirable and encouraged by the General Plan. 4. Finding: The structure shall have no more floor area than could have been achieved without the use permit. Facts in Support of Finding: The proposed structures will have no more floor area than could have been achieved without requesting the increased height. Parking Credit Based on the Zoning Code parking requirements for medical office uses, a total of 125 parking spaces are required (25,000 sf /200 = 125 spaces). As indicated in Table 2 above, the project proposes a total of 125 parking spaces; however, 7 parking spaces are proposed on- street: Pursuant to Section 20.46.040.E of the Old Newport Boulevard Specific Plan, developments which maintain a 50 -foot (full height curb) separation between driveway approaches on Old Newport Boulevard may be granted an off - street parking credit equal to the number of on- street parking spaces available along that frontage. This parking credit is offered as an incentive for lot consolidation to provide unified site design. The project as proposed maintains a separation greater than 200 feet between driveway approaches. Staff believes that the 7 space off - street parking credit is appropriate in the case for the following reasons: • The project is creating 7 new on- street parking spaces where no on- street parking or sidewalks currently exists along the project frontage. • The parking spaces are so located to be useful in connection with the proposed use. • Given the land -use mix in the area, use of the 7 parking space will not negatively impact parking for visitors to the area (i.e. on- street parking is not used for beach access or shopping). • The parking credit allows for lot consolidation and unified site design. Employee Parking Reservations N Old Newport Boulevard GPA February 4, 2010 Page 16 The applicant consulted with the Building Department to seek approval of an alternative method to satisfy the State Disabled Access Standard, which requires that 10 percent of the total number of parking spaces for medical office use meet accessibility requirements (13 spaces). Due to the required loading areas and paths of travel associated with disabled parking, combined with need to provide adequate parking circulation within the constraints of the shallow lot, accommodating the 13 disabled parking spaces would result in the loss of 7 parking spaces overall. The loss of the 7 spaces would reduce the amount of floor area that can be supported by approximately 1,500 square feet. The applicant contends that only 50 of the 125 required parking spaces are needed for patient parking and subject to the 10 percent disabled parking requirement for medical office use (5 disabled spaces). The remaining 75 employee spaces should be subject to the standard disabled access parking requirements, which is based on a graduated scale and would only require 3 disabled spaces. Using this categorization of patienttemployee parking, a total of 8 disabled parking spaces would be required. The Building Director has reviewed the applicant's justification for employee and patient parking projections and has agreed to allow this categorization of parking, subject to submitting an application for Alternate Methods and Materials with the Building Department and recording a covenant on the property restricting the number of employee parking spaces as proposed. The proposed plan reserves eight parking spaces on the lower level and all spaces on the upper parking level for employee parking, consistent with the agreed upon parking categorization. Staff has recommended a condition of approval requiring the recordation of a covenant. Compatibility with Adjacent Residential Lot The residential property located at 325 Holmwood Drive (Mr. Vanderwal) shares the entire alley frontage with the subject property. Although the proposed building design conforms to the required setbacks (above - grade) and the height limit adjacent to the alley, the relatively long common alley frontage that results and the intensity of a 1.0 FAR increases the potential for land use compatibility impacts to the adjacent residential property (i.e. noise, odor, lighting, and privacy). Trash /Odor- A trash enclosure has not been identified on the proposed plans; however, after discussion with the project architect, the only logical location for refuse collection would be at the rear of the project site adjacent to the alley: The architect has indicated the enclosure could be recessed into the building, which would maintain the above -grade building setbacks adjacent to the alley, but would require the loss of a small amount of the proposed landscaped area. Staff is recommending a condition of approval requiring the trash enclosure to be recessed into the building as indicated. Also, to minimize noise and odor impacts to the adjacent resident, staff is recommending that the enclosure be located at the southeast corner of the site. I7 Old Newport Boulevard GPA February 4, 2010 Page 17 Lighting/Privacy- At the alley frontage, the proposed building design maintains a typical modern office building design and includes 39 sets of windows. In addition to the loss of privacy, spill -over lighting from these windows may also. impact the adjacent residential property. Although mitigation measures have been included to minimize light and glare impacts, to further minimize lighting impacts and address privacy concerns, staff is recommending that the final project design include automated internal shades set to close in the evenings and an internal lighting system that would auto -dim after standard work hours, leaving small task lighting for janitorial activities and to light areas where employees may be working late. Another alternative to maintain privacy for the adjacent residences would be to require all windows facing east to consist of opaque glass, which will still allow natural light into the workspace. Similar controls were required for the new Civic Center project as a mitigation measures to protect adjacent residential areas. Traffic Study Municipal Code Chapter 15.40 (Traffic Phasing Ordinance, or TPO) requires that a traffic study be prepared and findings be made before building permits may be approved for project's that will generate in excess of 300 average daily trips (ADT). For the purposes of preparing the traffic analysis for this project, 25,7252 square feet of medical office use was conservatively considered as the project size and forecast to generate 703 additional trips per day, including 35 additional a.m. peak hour trips and 63 p.m. peak hour trips. Pursuant to Section 15.04.030.A, the project shall not be approved unless certain findings can be made. These findings and the facts in support of these findings are discussed below: 1. Finding: That a traffic study for the project has been prepared in compliance with this chapter and Appendix A; Facts in Support of Finding: A traffic study, entitled "City of Newport Beach, Old Newport Boulevard Sub -Area Project Traffic Impact Analysis (Revised) dated September 30, 2009" was prepared by Kunzman Associates under the supervision of the City Traffic Engineer pursuant to the TPO and its implementing guidelines (Attachment NO. PC5). Pursuant to the TPO, only primary intersections in the City of Newport Beach are required to be analyzed; however, for the purposes of assessing project - related impacts pursuant to CEQA, the traffic analysis also analyzed intersections in the City of Costa Mesa and included a cumulative impact analysis. Based on consultation between the Cities of Newport Beach and Costa Mesa staff, a total of 17 intersections were evaluated. 2 25,725 square feet is the maximum square footage permitted on the project site with a 1.0 FAR. I Old Newport Boulevard GPA February 4, 2010 Page 18 2. Finding: That, based on the eight of the evidence in the administrative record, including the traffic study, one of the findings for approval in subsection (B) can be made: 15.40.030.B.1 Construction of the project will be completed within 60 months of project approval, and 15.40.030.B.1(a) The project will neither cause nor make an unsatisfactory level of traffic service at any impacted intersection. Facts in Support of Finding: • Construction of the project is anticipated to start in 2010 and completed in 2012. If the project is not completed within sixty (60) months of this approval, preparation of a new traffic study will be required. • The traffic study indicates that the project will increase traffic on three of the ten study intersections in the City of Newport Beach by one percent (1 %) or more during peak hour periods one year after the completion of the project. • Utilizing the Intersection Capacity Utilization (ICU) analysis specified by the Traffic Phasing Ordinance, the traffic study determined that the three primary intersections identified will continue to operate at satisfactory levels of service as defined by the Traffic Phasing Ordinance, and no mitigation is required. • Based on the weight of the evidence in the administrative record, including the traffic study, the implementation of the proposed project will neither cause nor make worse an unsatisfactory level of traffic service at any impacted primary intersection within the City of Newport Beach. 3. Finding: That the project proponent has agreed to make or fund the improvements, or make the contributions, that are necessary to make the findings for approval and to comply with all conditions of approval. Facts in Support of Finding: Since implementation of the proposed project will neither cause nor make worse an unsatisfactory level of traffic service at any impacted primary intersection within the City of Newport Beach, no improvements or mitigations are necessary. Therefore, staff recommends that the Planning Commission find that the traffic study has been prepared in compliance with the TPO. I Old Newport Boulevard GPA February 4, 2010 Page 19 Environmental Review A Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) has been prepared by Sirius Environmental, an environmental consulting firm, for the proposed project in accordance with the implementing guidelines of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The MND is attached as Attachment No PC6. The MND identifies nine issue areas with 23 mitigation measures. Those issues are: Aesthetics, Cultural Resources, Air Quality, Hazards /Hazardous Materials, Hydrology and Water Quality, Noise, Public Services, Traffic, and Utilities. The MND was circulated for public review on December 14, 2009, and concluded on January 12, 2010. Staff has received three comment letters from agencies and one comment letter from the resident (Mr. Jay Vanderwal) who lives directly behind the project site across the alley. Comment letters are attached as Attachment No. PC7). The letters from Southern California Gas Company and Metropolitan Water District indicate their capabilities to service the project. The letter from the State Department of Transportation focuses on the traffic study; responses to this letter have been provided as Attachment No. PC8). Staff has had conversations regarding the traffic study with the City of Costa Mesa, but they ultimately did not provide written comments. Summary Staff believes the project as proposed can be constructed at a 1.0 FAR, and with the exception of the requested use permit for the increased height, the required findings for the various approvals can be supported; however, staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve the GPA at a 0.75 FAR intensity limit, consistent with the limit that was previously achievable under the 1988 Land Use Element. A project re- designed at a reduced 0.75 FAR may eliminate the need for a second office level and for the use permit for the increased height of the stairwell, and should result in a project that is more compatible in scale to the surrounding commercial properties. A 0.75 FAR would also restore the commercial intensity limit that was previously available prior to the 2006 comprehensive update to the General Plan. It should be noted, however, that the applicant claims that the project would not be financially feasible at 0.75 FAR and /or it will require development of a site plan with parking accessible from the alley. Alternatives 1. Should the Planning Commission conclude that the increased intensity request of a 1.0 FAR is appropriate, the Planning Commission may modify the draft resolution recommending approval of the 1.0 FAR intensity limit to the City Council. 2. Should the Planning Commission conclude that the findings can be supported for the increased height, the Planning Commission may recommend approval of the General Plan Amendment at either intensity (0.75 or 1.00 FAR) and recommend IrM Old Newport Boulevard GPA February 4, 2010 Page 20 approval of the Use Permit to exceed the base height limit, and other requested approvals, with facts to support the required findings to the City Council. 3. Should the Planning Commission conclude that the project as proposed would not be compatible with the surrounding uses and /or that any increased intensity request is inappropriate, the project should be denied, or modified to address the issues of concern. If a redesigned project is advisable, .staff recommends a continuance to allow the applicant to revise their plans accordingly should this course of action be sought. Public Notice Notice of this hearing was published in the Daily Pilot, mailed to property owners within 300 feet of the property (excluding roads and waterways) and posted at the site a minimum of 10 days in advance of this hearing consistent with the Municipal Code. The environmental assessment process has also been noticed in a similar manner and all mandatory notices per the California Environmental Quality Act have been given. Finally, the item appeared upon the agenda for this meeting, which was posted at City Hall and on the city website. Prepared by: Jaime Murillo, Associate Planner ATTACHMENTS Submitted by: David Lepo, Planni Director PC 1 Draft Resolution with Findings and Conditions PC 2 Project Plans PC 3 General Plan Text Changes PC 4 Alternative Plans- Height Compliant PC 5 Traffic Study PC 6 Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration PC 7 Comment Letters PC 8 Responses to Department of Transportation Letter 2- Attachment No. PC 1 Draft Resolution with Findings and Conditions L3 Z� RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH RECOMMENDING ADOPTION OF A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION, FINDING TRAFFIC STUDY NO. TS2009 -002 IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE TRAFFIC PHASING ORDINANCE, APPROVAL OF GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. GP2008 -001 WITH A 0.75 FAR INTENSITY LIMIT, APPROVAL OF MODIFICATION PERMIT NO. MD2009- 016 AND THE REQUESTED OFF - STREET PARKING CREDIT, AND DENIAL OF USE PERMIT NO. UP2009 -005 FOR A MEDICAL OFFICE PROJECT LOCATED AT 328, 332, AND 340 OLD NEWPORT BOULEVARD (PA2009 -047) THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH HEREBY FINDS AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. STATEMENT OF FACTS. 1. An application was filed by Michael C Adams Associates, with respect to properties located at 328, 332, and 340 Old Newport Boulevard, and legally described as Lots 8, 9, 10, and 11 of Tract No. 1136 requesting approval of a General Plan Amendment (GPA) to increase the allowable floor area to land area ratio (FAR) for the project site from 0.5 FAR to 1.0 FAR. An FAR of 1.0 could result in 25,725 square feet of development. Concurrent with the requested General Plan Amendment, the applicant is proposing the construction of a 25,000- square -foot medical office building. The following approvals are requested or required in order to implement the project as proposed: a. An amendment to the Land Use Element of the General Plan to increase the allowable FAR from 0.5 to 1.0 for the project site. b. A modification permit to allow the proposed subterranean parking area to encroach 3 feet into the 5 -foot rear yard setback. C. A seven space off - street parking credit for the creation of seven on- street parking spaces along the project frontage. d. A use permit to allow an elevator and stairwell enclosure to exceed the 32 -foot base height limit. e. A traffic study pursuant to the City's Traffic Phasing Ordinance. 2. The subject property is located within the Old Newport Boulevard Specific Plan (SP -9); Retail Service Commercial (RSC) Zoning District and the General Plan Land Use Element category is General Commercial Office (CO -G). 3. The subject property is not, located within the coastal zone. 2.S Planning Commission Resolution No. _ Paoe 2 of 20 4. A public hearing was held by the Planning Commission on February 4, 2010, in the City Hall Council Chambers, 3300 Newport Boulevard, Newport Beach, California. A notice of time, place and purpose of the meeting was given in accordance with the Newport Beach Municipal Code. Evidence, both written and oral, was presented to, and considered by, the Planning Commission at this meeting. SECTION 2. CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT DETERMINATION. 1. An Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration have been prepared in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the State CEQA Guidelines, and City Council Policy K -3. 2. The draft Mitigated Negative Declaration was circulated for a 30 -day comment period beginning on December 14, 2009 and ending on January 12, 2010. The contents of the environmental document and comments on the document were considered by the Planning Commission in its review of the proposed project. 3. On the basis of the entire environmental review record, the proposed project, with mitigation measures, will have a less than significant impact upon the environment and there are no known substantial adverse affects on human beings that would be caused. Additionally, there are no long -term environmental goals that would be compromised by the project, nor cumulative impacts anticipated in connection with the project. The mitigation measures identified and incorporated in the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program are feasible and will reduce the potential environmental impacts to a less than significant level. 4. The Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program attached as Exhibit B is hereby adopted. The document and all material, which constitute the record upon which this decision was based, are on file with the Planning Department, City Hall, 3300 Newport Boulevard, Newport Beach, California. 5. The Planning Commission 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. REQUIRED FINDINGS. 1. The project site is located within the Old Newport Boulevard commercial corridor. The Land Use Element of the General Plan designates the site General Commercial Office (CO -G), which is intended to provide for administrative, professional, and medical offices with limited accessory retail and service uses. The proposed medical office building would be consistent with this designation. Tmplt: 11/23/09 Planning Commission Resolution No. _ Page 3 of 20 2. General Plan Policy LU 3.2 encourages the enhancement of existing neighborhoods, districts, and corridors, by allowing for re -use and infill with uses that are complementary in type, form, scale, and character. The policy states that changes in use and /or density /intensity should be considered only in those areas that are economically underperforming, are necessary to accommodate Newport Beach's share of projected regional population growth, improve the relationship and reduce commuting distance between home and jobs, or enhance the values that distinguish Newport Beach as a special place to live for its residents. The scale of growth and new development shall be coordinated with the provision of adequate infrastructure and public services, including standards for acceptable traffic level of service. The proposed GPA for increased intensity is consistent with General Plan Policy LU 3.2 as follows: a. The General Plan recognizes the Old Newport Boulevard corridor as an area that has experienced reduced economic vitality. b. The increased intensity would provide an economic stimulus needed to accommodate the redevelopment of three separate, nonconforming and underperforming properties into one medical office building. c. As stated in the General Plan, Newport Beach residents desire high quality development and redevelopment of underperforming, nonconforming properties. d. Redevelopment of the subject property may help revitalize the corridor and encourage redevelopment of other underperforming properties within the Old Newport Boulevard corridor. e. The project site is served by existing infrastructure and public services. The proposed increase in intensity will not necessitate any expansion of existing infrastructure. f. The traffic impact analysis that was prepared for the project found that the addition of project - related traffic would not have a significant impact at any of the study intersections. 3. Charter Section 423 requires that all proposed General Plan Amendments be reviewed to determine if the square footage (for non - residential projects), peak hour vehicle trip, or dwelling units thresholds would be exceeded as the means to determine whether a vote by the electorate would be required to approve the General Plan Amendment. Pursuant to Council Policy A -18, voter approval is not required as the proposed General Plan Amendment represents an increase of 12,862.5 square feet and an increase of 38.59 a.m. and 51.45 p.m. peak hour trips. Additionally, no prior amendments have been approved within Statistical Area H1 and, therefore, the Tmplt: 11/23/09 Planning Commission Resolution No. _ Page 4 W20 project and prior amendments do not cumulatively exceed Charter Section 423 thresholds as to require a vote of the electorate 4. Municipal Code Chapter 15.40 (Traffic Phasing Ordinance, or TPO) requires that a traffic study be prepared and findings be made before building permits may be approved for project's that will generate in excess of 300 average daily trips (ADT). For the purposes of preparing the traffic analysis for this project, 25,725 square feet of medical office use was conservatively considered as the project size and forecast to generate 703 additional trips per day, including 35 additional a.m. peak hour trips and 63 p.m. peak hour trips. Pursuant to Section 15.04.030.A, the project shall not be approved unless certain findings can be made. The following findings and facts in support of such findings are set forth: Finding: A. That a traffic study for the project has been prepared in compliance with this chapter and Appendix A. Facts in Support of Finding: A -1. A traffic study, entitled "City of Newport Beach, Old Newport Boulevard Sub - Area Project Traffic Impact Analysis (Revised) dated September 30, 2009" was prepared by Kunzman Associates under the supervision of the City Traffic Engineer pursuant to the TPO and its implementing guidelines. A -2. Pursuant to the TPO, only primary intersections in the City of Newport Beach are required to be analyzed; however, for the purposes of assessing project - related impacts pursuant to CEQA, the traffic analysis also analyzed intersections in the City of Costa Mesa and included a cumulative impact analysis. Based on consultation between the Cities of Newport Beach and Costa Mesa staff, a total of 17 intersections were evaluated. Finding: B. That based on the eight of the evidence in the administrative record, including the traffic study, one of the findings for approval in subsection (8) can be made: Tmplt: 11/23/09 15.40.030.8.1 Construction of the project will be completed within 60 months of project approval,, and 15.40.030. B.1(a) The project will neither cause nor make an unsatisfactory level of traffic service at any impacted intersection. N Planning Commission Resolution No. _ Page 5 of 20 Facts in Support of Finding: B -1. Construction of the project is anticipated to start in 2010 and completed in 2012. If the project is not completed within sixty (60) months of this approval, preparation of a new traffic study will be required. B -2. The traffic study indicates that the project will increase traffic on three of the ten study intersections in the City of Newport Beach by one percent (1 %) or more during peak hour periods one year after the completion of the project. B -3. Utilizing the Intersection Capacity Utilization (ICU) analysis specified by the Traffic Phasing Ordinance, the traffic study determined that the three primary intersections identified will continue to operate at satisfactory levels of service as defined by the Traffic Phasing Ordinance, and no mitigation is required. B -4. Based on the weight of the evidence in the administrative record, including the traffic study, the implementation of the proposed project will neither cause nor make worse an unsatisfactory level of traffic service at any impacted primary intersection within the City of Newport Beach. Finding: C. That the project proponent has agreed to make or fund the improvements, or make the contributions, that are necessary to make the findings for approval and to comply with all conditions of approval. Facts in Support of Finding: C -1. Since implementation of the proposed project will neither cause nor make worse an unsatisfactory level of traffic service at any impacted primary intersection within the City of Newport Beach, no improvements or mitigations are necessary. 5. The proposed project encroaches up to 3 feet into the required 5 -foot rear yard (alley) setback with portions of the subterranean parking levels. Although the encroachments are below grade, the Zoning Code does not include any exceptions for below -grade improvements and a modification permit is required. In accordance with Section 20.82.060 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code, Finding: A. The granting of the application is necessary due to practical difficulties associated with the property and that the strict application of the Zoning Code results in physical hardships that are inconsistent with the purpose and intent of the Zoning Code. Tmplt: 11/23/09 �f Planning Commission Resolution No. _ Pape 6 of 20 Facts in Support of Finding: A -1. The purpose and intent of the off -site parking regulations of the Zoning Code is to ensure sufficient parking is provided for new and expanded land uses, and to ensure efficiency, protect the public safety, and, where appropriate, insulate land uses from adverse impacts. Also, one of the Old Newport Boulevard Specific Plan goals is to minimize traffic and parking impacts on adjacent single - family residential areas by discouraging ingress and egress from the alley accessible from Holmwood Drive. A -2. Strict application of the parking requirements requires the proposed medical office building to provide a total of 125 parking spaces. A practical difficulty exist in that the project site is relatively shallow (approximately 100 feet deep between Old Newport Boulevard and the rear alley), which creates design constraints for providing adequate parking circulation and requires the use of the entire lot area to meet the on -site parking requirements. Given the constraints of the shallow lot, only one -way vehicular circulation can be accommodated on each level and ramps necessary to access an additional subterranean parking level would not be achievable A -3. A practical difficulty also exists in that the rear property line curves slightly, necessitating the 3 -foot encroachment only within the middle portion of the site. If the site would have been rectangular in shape, the 3 -foot encroachment would not be necessary. A-4. Therefore, the required number of parking spaces cannot be accommodated on- site without the minor below -grade encroachments, unless an alternative parking layout is designed that provides an additional parking level accessible from the alley, which would be inconsistent with the purpose and intent of the Specific Plan. Finding: B. The requested modification will be compatible with the existing development in the neighborhood. Facts in Support of Finding: B -1. The 3 -foot encroachment into the rear 5 -foot setback occurs entirely below grade and will not be visible from the alley. B -2. At grade, only the two office levels of the building will be visible and will maintain a setback greater than the required 5 feet for a majority of the alley frontage. The required 5 -foot setback area will be entirely paved with decorative paving and a landscaping planting area will be provided beyond, significantly improving the aesthetics of the project as viewed from the alley. Tmpit: 11 /23/09 V Planning Commission Resolution No. _ Paqe 7 of 20 Finding: C. The granting of such an application will not adversely affect the health or safety of persons residing or working in the neighborhood of the property and will not be detrimental to the general welfare or injurious to property or improvements in the neighborhood. Facts in Support of Finding: D -1. Granting the modification for the subterranean encroachments allows the project to provide the required on -site parking, while limiting vehicular ingress and egress to Old Newport Boulevard and ensuring that the residential area across the alley is protected from vehicular disturbances associated with the project. D -2. The encroachments occur entirely below grade and vehicular maneuverability through the alley will not be impacted. At grade, the rear 5 -foot setback will consist of decorative paving that, when combined with the 20- foot -wide alley, would ultimately allow for 25 feet of vehicle maneuverability through the alley. 6. The project proposes a total of 125 parking spaces; however, 7 parking spaces are proposed on- street. Pursuant to Section 20.46.040.E of the Old Newport Boulevard Specific Plan, developments which maintain a 50 -foot (full height curb) separation between driveway approaches on Old Newport Boulevard may be granted an off - street parking credit equal to the number of on- street parking spaces available along that frontage. The project as proposed maintains a separation greater than 200 feet between driveway approaches. The 7 space off - street parking credit is appropriate in the case for the following reasons: a. The project is creating 7 new on- street parking spaces where no on- street parking or sidewalks currently exists along the project frontage. b. The parking spaces are so located to be useful in connection with the proposed use. c. Given the land -use mix in the area, use of the 7 parking space will not negatively impact parking for visitors to the area (i.e. on- street parking is not used for beach access or shopping). d. The parking credit allows for lot consolidation and unified site design. The project is located in the 32/50 -foot height limitation zone that permits buildings and structures to exceed the 32 -foot height limit up to a maximum of 50 feet through the approval of a use permit. Overall, the building design conforms to the natural topography of the site and includes step backs at each level while maintaining the 32- foot height limit; however, in order to provide an entry lobby clearly visible and accessible from the Old Newport Boulevard frontage, an elevator and stairwell enclosure is proposed to be located at the northwest corner of the site and will exceed Tmplt: 11/23/09 I Planning Commission Resolution No. _ Page 8 of 20 the base height limit. The elevator and stairwell enclosure would be approximately 600 square feet in area and measure 44 feet 10 inches in height. In accordance with Section 20.65.055 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code, the Planning Commission finds it cannot make the following finding required to approve the requested use permit: Finding: A. The increased building height would result in more public visual open space and views than is required by the basic height limit in any zone. Particular attention shall be given to the location of the structure on the lot, the percentage of ground cover, and the treatment of all setback and open areas. Facts Not in Support of Finding: A -1. The project architect has designed an alternative plan that fully complies with the height limit and achieves the same floor area as the proposed design; however, in order to comply with the 32 -foot height limit and still provide a second means of egress from the upper office levels to the lower parking levels, the elevator and stairwell would have to be relocated to the northeastern corner of the project site where the natural grade elevations are higher. Also, the relocation of the elevator and stairwell to the rear of the building displaces office floor area and requires enlargement of the footprint of the 1st office level to replace the displaced floor area (reducing above -grade setback at alley). Finally, it places the elevator and stairwell closer to the adjacent residential area. A -2. In comparing the proposed plan with the alternative plan, there is little difference in regards to lot coverage, landscaping, setbacks, and open space. The major difference is in the above -grade building setback and landscaping planting area provided at the rear of the project adjacent to the alley. With the proposed plan, an above -grade building setback ranging from 5 feet to 16 feet is provided with an 877 - square -foot landscape planting area. This increased setback and landscaping significantly enhances the aesthetics of the project as viewed from the alley frontage and adjacent residential uses (public visual open space). In the alternative plan, the above -grade building setback is reduced and the area of landscaping that can be accommodated is reduced to 344 square feet (a 40- percent reduction). A -3. With the exception of this small increase in the above -grade building setback and landscaping provided at the alley, there is little change in public visual open space and no change in views. This small change is not sufficient to support this required finding. A -4. An alternative plan may be designed that maintains the same above -grade setbacks and landscaping at the alley, but enlarges the footprint of the office Tmplt: 11/23/09 Planning Commission Resolution No. Paae 9 of levels toward the front of the building (reducing balcony area) in areas that would still remain under the height limit. SECTION 4. DECISION. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: 1. The Planning Commission of the City of Newport Beach does hereby find, on the basis of the whole record, that there is no substantial evidence that the project will have a significant effect on the environment and that the Mitigated Negative Declaration reflects the City Council's independent judgment and analysis. The Planning Commission hereby recommends that the City Council adopt Mitigated Negative Declaration, including the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program attached as Exhibit "A ". The document and all material, which constitute the record upon which this decision was based, are on file with the Planning Department, City Hall, 3300 Newport Boulevard, Newport Beach, California. 2. The Planning Commission of the City of Newport Beach does hereby recommend that the City Council find that the Project complies with the Traffic Phasing Ordinance, based on the weight of the evidence in the administrative record, including Traffic Study No. TS2009 -002. 3. The Planning Commission of the City of Newport Beach does hereby recommend that the City Council approve Modification Permit No. MD2009 -016 and the requested off- street parking credit, subject to the conditions set forth in Exhibit B. 4. The Planning Commission of the City of Newport Beach does hereby recommend that the City Council Use Permit No. UP2009 -005. 5. This action shall become final and effective fourteen days after the adoption of this Resolution unless within such time an appeal is filed with the City Clerk in accordance with the provisions of Title 20 Planning and Zoning, of the Newport Beach Municipal. Code. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 4TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2010. AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Tmplt: 11/23/09q J Planning Commission Resolution No. _ Page 10 of 20 Ll-W Robert Hawkins, Chairman BY: Charles Unsworth, Secretary Tmplt: 11/23/09 �,,,j Planning Commission Resolution No. _ Page 11 of 20 EXHIBIT "A" Mitigation and Monitoring Reporting Program Method of,tming Resgonslb �ertficatlo :! N. , 1/e[ification Ie.Pa n.Date : =-,' Aesthetics MM VA: The site shall not be excessively illuminated Plan check Prior to the Planning based on the luminance recommendations of the and field issuance of Dept. Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, or, if in inspection. permits and after the opinion of the Planning Director, the illumination construction, creates an unacceptable negative impact on surrounding land uses or environmental resources. The Planning Director may order the dimming of light sources or other remediation upon finding that the site is excessively illuminated. MM V.2: Prior to the issuance of building permits, the Plan check. Prior to the Planning applicant shall prepare a photometric study in conjunction issuance of Dept. with a final lighting plan for approval by the Planning permits. Department. MM V.3: Lighting shall be in compliance with applicable Plan check. Prior to the Planning standards of the Zoning Code. Exterior on -site lighting issuance of Dept, shall be shielded and confined within site boundaries. No permits. direct rays or glare are permitted to shine onto public streets or adjacent sites or create a public nuisance. "Walpak" type fixtures are not permitted. Parking area lighting shall have zero cut -off fixtures and light standards shall not exceed 20 feet in height. Air Quality MM AQ.1: The applicant shall employ the following best Field During Building available control measures ( "BACMs ") to reduce inspections. construction. Dept. and construction - related air quality impacts: Contractor to Contractor. Dust Control certify. - Water all active construction areas as needed. - Cover all haul trucks or maintain at least two feet of freeboard. - Pave or apply water four times daily to all unpaved parking or staging areas. - Sweep or wash any site access points within two hours of any visible dirt deposition on any public roadway. - Cover or water twice daily any on -site stockpiles of debris, dirt or other dusty material. - Suspend all operations on any unpaved surface if winds exceed 25 mph. Emissions - Require 90 -day low -NOx tune -ups for off road equipment. - Limit allowable idling to 5 minutes for trucks and heavy equipment. - The construction contractor shall utilize coatings and solvents with a VOC content lower than required under SCAQMD Rule 1113. - The construction contractor shall utilize materials that do not require painting, as feasible. Off -Site Impacts - Encourage car pooling for construction workers. - Limit lane closures to off -peak travel periods. - Park construction vehicles off traveled roadways. - Wet down or cover dirt hauled off -site as needed to Tmplt: 11/23/09 Planning Commission Resolution No. _ Paqe 12 of 20 Tmplt: 11/23/09 J W Method of Ttmmg :. Respottstb 4enficatla lenfication Ie;Part WIN . n D ate..:: reduce dust. - Sweep access points daily. - Encourage receipt of materials during non -peak traffic hours. - Sandbag construction sites for erosion control. Excavation - The number and type of equipment for dirt removal will be limited on any day to ensure that SCAQMD significance thresholds are not exceeded. - Maintain and utilize a continuous water application system during earth movement to achieve a minimum 10 percent soil moisture content in the top six -inch surface layer, subject to review /discretion of the eotechnical engineer. MM AQ.2: Energy Conservation Plan check Prior to issuance Planning - During demolition, to the extent feasible, recyclable and field of permits and Dept. and materials shall be separated from materials that cannot inspections during Contractor. be recycled. (recycling). construction. - Incorporate energy and water saving materials, features Contractor to and practices as feasible; maximize use of low- energy certify. lighting (LED, fluorescent) where feasible; require acquisition of new appliances and equipment to meet Energy Star certification where appropriate. Cultural Resources MM CRA: Prior to issuance of a grading permit, the Plan check Prior to issuance Planning applicant shall provide written evidence to the Planning and field of permits and Dept. and Director that a qualified archaeologist (with training in the inspections. during Contractor. recognition of paleontological resources, or a separate Contractor to construction. paleontologist) has been retained to observe grading certify. activities and conduct salvage excavation of archeological resources as necessary. The archeologist shall be present at the pre - grading conference, shall establish procedures for archeological resources surveillance, and shall establish, in cooperation with the City, procedures for temporarily halting or redirecting work to permit the sampling, identification and evaluation of the artifacts as appropriate. If archeological and /or paleontological features are discovered, the archeologist shall report such findings to the Planning Department. If the archeological resources are found to be significant, the archeological observer shall determine appropriate actions, in cooperation with the City, for exploration and /or salvage. These actions, as well as final mitigation and disposition of the resources, shall be subject to the approval of the Planninq Director. MM CR.2: In accordance with the Public Resources Code Field During Building §5097.94, if human remains are found, the Orange inspections. construction. Dept. and County Coroner must be notified within 24 hours of the Contractor. discovery. If the Coroner determines that the remains are not recent, the Coroner will notify the Native American Heritage Commission in Sacramento to determine the most likely descendent for the area. The designated Native American representative then determines in consultation with the City the disposition of the human remains. Hazards MM HZ.1: A survey for hazardous materials /wastes shall Plan check. Prior to issuance Building be undertaken prior to demolition activities. In the event of permits. Dept. that hazardous materials are determined to be potentially resent, a plan for safe storage and disposal shall be Tmplt: 11/23/09 J W Planning Commission Resolution No. _ Page 13 of 20 Tmpit: 11/23/09 °Method 4f Ttmmg Responslb derlftcatlo . Yenflcation - IeFar E developed. The Applicant shall p pp provide evidence that ensures that any identified hazardous materials /wastes are handled and disposed of in the manner specified by the State of California Hazardous Substances Control Law (Health and Safety Code Division 20, Chapter 6.5), standards established by the California Department of Health Services and Office of Statewide Planning and Development,,and according to the requirements of the California Administrative Code, Title 30. MM HZ.2: Prior to the issuance of any building permits Plan check Prior to issuance Fire Dept. for new construction, the Applicant shall submit of permits. documentation to the City's Fire Department for review and approval to ensure that either there are no hazardous materials /wastes on the site, or that any identified hazardous materials /wastes are stored, handled and disposed of in compliance with state and federal guidelines, and as directed by the City's Fire Department. MM HZ.3: The Applicant shall ensure that grading and Plan check Prior to issuance Planning building plans include the following measures and that the of permits. Dept. measures shall be followed by the construction contractor and crew: I. The storage of hazardous materials, chemicals, fuels, and oils and fueling of construction equipment shall be a minimum of 45 meters (150 feet) from any drainage, water supply, or other water feature. 2. Provide secondary containment and /or proper covers or lids for material storage, trash bins, and outdoor processing and work areas (Source NPDES Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board [SARWQCB] 4th Term Permit R8- 2009 - 0030). 3. Whenever possible, all of a product shall be used up before disposal of its container. 4. If surplus product must be disposed of, methods for disposal recommended by the manufacturer or the City and the state shall be followed. 5. Spills shall be contained and cleaned up immediately after discovery. Manufacturer's methods for spill cleanup of a material shall be followed as described on the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for each product. Any hazardous spills that enter the storm drains (also known as MS 4s) shall notify the City and the SARWQCB. Hydrology MM HYA: Prior to grading and building permit issuance, Plan check Prior to issuance Building the applicant shall submit a Water Quality Management of permits. Dept. Plan ( "WQMP ") to satisfy the City's requirements. This plan will prescribe appropriate structural and non- structural Best Management Practices ( "BMPs ") to address pollutants generated by the project to ensure that no violations of water quality standards will occur. Noise MM N.1: As feasible, pile driving shall utilize sonic pile Field During Building driving or caisson drilling in place of impact pile driving as inspections. construction. Dept. and appropriate for site conditions; sonic pile driving shall only Contractor to Contractor. be used after review by acoustical and structural engineers certify. to ensure that adjacent buildings would not be adversely affected by steady state excitation resulting in resonance response or other adverse geologic issues. The pile driving rig shall access the site from Old Newport and not the alley. Tmpit: 11/23/09 Planning Commission Resolution No. Paqe 14 of 20 s '; :::Method of Ttmmg Resp.'onstb Uertficatlo.: 1/errfication to ,a n Aate: MM N.2: All construction equipment shall be equipped Field Prior to start of Contractor. with residential -grade mufflers and other suitable noise inspections. excavation /gradin attenuation devices. Contractor to g. certify. MM N.3: A temporary six -foot solid wall (e.g., wood or Field Prior to start of Building other noise baffling material) shall be constructed on the inspections. excavation /gradin Dept. and project site such that the line -of -sight is blocked from Contractor to g. Contractor. construction activity to the residential uses along the alley. certify. Additionally noise shrouds and /or noise blankets shall be used to screen and reduce noise from pile driving activity at the residences along the alley. MM NA: Prior to the issuance of the demolition permit, Field Prior to demolition Public the project applicant shall prepare a construction staging inspections permit. Works Dept. plan that reflects the locations of the construction and staging areas on the subject property, which shall be located as far away from the nearby residential development as possible to reduce temporary noise impacts. MM N.5: All residential units and site occupants located Field Prior to start of Planning within 300 feet of the construction site shall be sent a inspections. excavation /gradin Dept. and notice regarding the construction schedule of the Contractor to g. Contractor. proposed project. A sign, legible at a distance of 50 feet certify. shall also be posted at the construction site. All notices and signs shall indicate the dates and duration of construction activities, as well as provide a telephone number where residents can inquire about the construction process and register complaints. MM N.6: The construction contractor shall establish a Field Prior to start of Planning .noise disturbance coordinator". The disturbance inspections. excavation /gradin Dept. and coordinator shall be responsible for responding to any Contractor to g. Contractor. local complaints about construction noise. The certify. disturbance coordinator would determine the cause of the noise complaint (e.g., starting too early, bad muffler, etc.) and would be required to implement reasonable measures such that the complaint is resolved. All notices that are sent to residential units within 300 feet of the construction site and all signs posted at the construction site shall list the telephone number for the disturbance coordinator. Public Services Fire MM F.1: The project shall provide water and access to Plan check. Issuance of Fire Dept. meet fire department requirements; the building shall be building permit equipped with a sprinkler system that complies with Fire Department specifications if any). Traffic -- Safety MM T.1: Sight distance at the project access points shall Plan check. Issuance of Public be reviewed with respect to City of Newport Beach building permit Works Dept. standards in conjunction with the preparation of final radio , landscaping. and street improvement plans. MM T.2: On -site traffic signing and striping shall be Plan check. Issuance of Public implemented in conjunction with detailed construction building permit Works Dept. plans for the project and as approved by the City of Newport Beach. Utilities — Water and Wastewater MM WA: Prior to demolition, the applicant shall prepare a Plan check. Prior to start of Public water system and sanitary sewer system demand study to construction Works Dept. identify potential impacts to the existing City or Sanitation District's ability to provide adequate water and sewer service and sewage collection and treatment. The study will identify the need to upgrade any of the existing facilities currently serving the site. Tmplt: 11/23/09 ;Iv Planning Commission Resolution No. _ Paae 15 of 20 MM W.2: Prior to the issuance of grading or building . Plan check. Prior to the Public permits, the Applicant shall coordinate with utility and issuance of Works Dept. service organizations regarding any construction activities permits. to ensure existing facilities are protected and any necessary expansion or relocation of facilities are planned and scheduled in consultation with the appropriate public conservation measures including low flow fixtures, water- issuance of Dept. efficient equipment, drought tolerant landscaping, rain permits. capture and storage and other features as feasible to Tmplt: 11/23109 Planning Commission Resolution No. _ Page 16 of 20 EXHIBIT "W1 CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL (Project - specific conditions are in italics). PLANNING 1. The development shall be in substantial conformance with the approved site plan, floor plans, roof plans, and building elevations stamped and dated with the date of this approval. (Except as modified by applicable conditions of approval.) 2. Modification Permit No. MD2009 -016 shall expire unless exercised within 24 months from the date of approval as specified in Section 20.93.050 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code, unless an extension is otherwise granted. 3. An off - street parking credit shall be granted equal to the number of on- street parking spaces provided along the Old Newport Boulevard frontage. The on- street parking spaces shall be subject to the review and approval of the Public Works Department. 4. In the event that the provisions for off - street parking credits pursuant to Section 20.46.040.E of the Zoning Code are eliminated from the forthcoming Zoning Code Update, the off - street parking credits granted by this approval shall be rendered null and void. 5. The project is subject to all applicable City ordinances, policies, and standards, unless specifically waived or modified by the conditions of approval. 6. The applicant shall comply with all federal, state, and local laws. Material violation of any of those laws in connection with the use may be cause for revocation of this Use Permit. 7. This approval was based on the particulars of the individual case and does not in and of itself or in combination with other approvals in the vicinity or Citywide constitute a precedent for future approvals or decisions. 8. This Modification Permit may be modified or revoked by the City Council or Planning Commission should they determine that the proposed uses or conditions under which it is being operated or maintained is detrimental to the public health, welfare or materially injurious, to property or improvements in the vicinity or if the property is operated or maintained so as to constitute a public nuisance. 9. Any change in operational characteristics, expansion in area, or other modification to the approved plans, shall require an amendment to this Modification Permit or the processing of a new Modification Permit. Tmplt: 11/23109 y I Planning Commission Resolution No. Pape 17 of 20 10. All landscape materials and irrigation systems shall be maintained in accordance with 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. 11. Landscaping shall comply with all applicable landscaping standards contained within Section 20.46.040 of the Zoning Code. No deviations are permitted. 12. 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 time periods unless the ambient noise level is higher: 13. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall pay any unpaid administrative costs associated with the processing of this application to the Planning Department. 14. 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 either the current business owner, property owner or the leasing agent. 15. 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 and 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. Noise - generating construction activities are not allowed on Sundays or Holidays. 16. All trash shall be stored within the building or within dumpsters stored in a trash enclosure that is recessed into the building. Also, to minimize noise and odor impacts to the adjacent resident, the enclosure shall be located at the southeast comer of the site and screened from view of neighboring properties, except when placed for pick -up by refuse collection agencies. 17. Trash receptacles for patrons shall be conveniently located both inside and outside of the establishment, however, not located on or within any public property or right -of- way. Tmplt: 11123/09 ' Between the hours of 7:OOAM and 10:OOPM Between the hours of 10:OOPM and 7:OOAM Location Interior. Exterior Interior Exterior Residential Property 45dBA 55dBA 40dBA 5OdBA Residential Property located within 100 feet of a commercial ro rl 45dBA 60dBA 45dBA 5OdBA Mixed Use Property 45dBA 60dBA 45dBA 50dBA Commercial Property N/A 65dBA N/A 60dBA 13. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall pay any unpaid administrative costs associated with the processing of this application to the Planning Department. 14. 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 either the current business owner, property owner or the leasing agent. 15. 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 and 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. Noise - generating construction activities are not allowed on Sundays or Holidays. 16. All trash shall be stored within the building or within dumpsters stored in a trash enclosure that is recessed into the building. Also, to minimize noise and odor impacts to the adjacent resident, the enclosure shall be located at the southeast comer of the site and screened from view of neighboring properties, except when placed for pick -up by refuse collection agencies. 17. Trash receptacles for patrons shall be conveniently located both inside and outside of the establishment, however, not located on or within any public property or right -of- way. Tmplt: 11123/09 ' Planning Commission Resolution No. _ Page 18 of 20 18. The exterior of the business shall be maintained free of litter and graffiti at all times. The owner or operator shall provide for daily removal of trash, litter debris and graffiti from the premises and on all abutting sidewalks within 20 feet of the premises. 19. The applicant shall ensure that the trash dumpsters and /or receptacles are maintained to control odors. This may include the provision of either fully self- contained dumpsters or periodic steam cleaning of the dumpsters, if deemed necessary by the Planning Department. Cleaning and maintenance of trash dumpsters shall be done in compliance with the provisions of Title 14, including all future amendments (including Water Quality related requirements). 20. Deliveries and refuse collection for the facility shall be prohibited between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., daily, unless otherwise approved by the Planning Director, and may require an amendment to this Modification Permit. 21. Storage outside of the building in the front or at the rear of the property shall be prohibited, with the exception of the required trash container enclosure. 22. The final project design shall include automated internal shades set to close in the evenings for all windows facing the alley frontage and an internal lighting system that would auto -dim after standard work hours, leaving small task lighting for janitorial activities and to light areas where employees may be working late. 23. To the fullest extent permitted by law, applicant shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless City, its City Council, its boards and commissions, officials, officers, employees, and agents from and against any and all 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 Old Newport Boulevard General Plan Amendment Project including, but not limited to, the approval of General Plan Amendment No. GP2008 -001, Modification Permit No. 2009- 016, Traffic Study No. TS2009 -002& requested Off - Street Parking Credit; and /or the City's related California Environmental Quality Act determinations, the certification of the Mitigated Negative Declaration and /or the adoption of a Mitigation Monitoring Program for the project. This indemnification shall include, but not be limited to, damages awarded against the City, if any, costs of suit, attorneys' fees, and other expenses incurred in connection with such claim, action, causes of action, suit or proceeding whether incurred by applicant, City, and/or the parties initiating or bringing such proceeding. The applicant shall indemnify the City for all of City's costs, attomeys' fees, and damages which City incurs in enforcing the indemnification provisions set forth 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. Fire'Deuartment Conditions TmpIC 11/23109 Planning Commission Resolution No. Paqe 19 of 20 24. Elevators shall be gurney- accommodating in accordance with Article 30 of the California Building Code (2007 edition). 25. Fire sprinklers shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 13, 2002 Edition. 26. A Fire Department connection for the fire sprinkler system shall be provided within 150 feet and shall be located on the same side of the street as a public hydrant. 27. Class I standpipe connections are required in all parking levels in addition to the fire sprinklers. 28. Drain for the fire sprinkler system located adjacent to system riser is required to empty into sewer system. This connection shall be shown on plumbing plans. 29. Fire sprinkler monitoring system is required. If an `T' occupancy is proposed, a manual and an automatic fire alarm system is required. Buildinq Department Conditions 30. The applicant is required to obtain all applicable permits from the City Building and Fire Departments. The construction plans must comply with the most recent, City- adopted version of the California Building Code. The construction plans must meet all applicable State Disabilities Access requirements. 31. An application for Altemate Methods and Materials shall be filed with, and approved by, the Building Department to allow the categorization of parking for employees and patients. In addition, a covenant shall be recorded on the property reserving the eight parking spaces on the lower parking level and all the spaces on the upper parking level for employee parking only. The covenant shall be prepared by the applicant's legal counsel for approval by the City Attorney if deemed consistent with the intent of this condition. The applicant shall provide proof of recordation of the covenant, subject to the Planning Director's approval. 32. Prior to issuance of grading permits, the applicant shall prepare and submit a Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) for the proposed project, subject to the approval of the Building Department and Code and Water Quality Enforcement Division. The WQMP shall provide appropriate Best Management Practices (BMPs) to ensure that no violations of water quality standards or waste discharge requirements occur. 33. A list of "good house - keeping" practices will be incorporated into the long -term post - construction operation of the site to minimize the likelihood that pollutants will be used, stored or spilled on the site that could impair water quality. These may include frequent parking area vacuum truck sweeping, removal of wastes or spills, limited use of harmful fertilizers or pesticides, and the diversion of storm water away from potential sources of pollution (e.g., trash receptacles and parking structures). The Stage 2 WQMP shall list and describe all structural and non - structural BMPs. In addition, the Tmplt: 11/23/09 4A Planning Commission Resolution No. Pape 20 of 20 WQMP must also identify the entity responsible for the long -term inspection, maintenance, and funding for all structural (and if applicable Treatment Control) BMPs. Public Works Conditions 34. Traffic control and truck route plans shall be reviewed and approved by the Public Works Department before their implementation. Large construction vehicles shall not be permitted to travel narrow streets as determined by the Public Works Department. Disruption caused by construction work along roadways and by movement of construction vehicles shall be minimized by proper use of traffic control equipment and flagman. 35. The project shall include appropriate signage and striping to emphasize the vehicular circulation. Proposed signage shall be per the California MUTCD and the proposed striping shall be per the most recent Caltrans Standard Plans. 36. No above or below ground structural encroachments are permitted within the public right -of -way, including tie backs, caissons, etc. 37. The five -foot rear yard (alley) setback shall be paved to accommodate two -way vehicular traffic in the alley. The setback shall consist of decorative paving. 38. The alley shall not be closed during the course of construction unless otherwise approved by the Public Works Department via a Temporary Street and Sidewalk Closure Permit. Mitigation Measures 39. The applicant shall comply with all mitigation measures and standard conditions contained within the approved Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program of the adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration (Exhibit A) for the project. Tmplt: 11/23109 L�5 m Attachment No. PC 2 Project Plans US m LOT AREA 256018E PARKING PROVIDED . LOWER LEVEL: 58 STALLS -! UPPER LEVEL: 67 STALLS j7 OF WHICH. ARE ON THE STREET) - TOTAL: 125 STALLS - : - - - -- - -- - BLDGAREAPROPOSED: 25,000 _ PARKING REQUIRED: 125 LANDSCAPE AREA: 1300 SF PERVIOUS AREA 1861 SF WBSA 4850 BARRANCA PARKWAY SUITE 203 W O O D BURGHARD IRVINE CA. 92604 S W A I N (M)9495522WI ARCHITECFS ��..m (PAX) 949 552 9 2 tlA" ®'"'�'m'�.""i,� I ADVANCED MEDICAL LOWER PARKING LEVEL A..vE 328 -340 OLD NEWPORT BLVD. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH, CA q -1 R uoa4i O W"A 4850 BARRANCA PARKWAY ADVANCED MEDICAL 328 -340 OLD NEWPORT BLVD. W O O D SUITE 203 BURGHARD IRVINE CA. 92604 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH, CA A S W A I N (M) 919 `ss 0WI UPPER PARKING - EMPLOYEE ONLY /"�- eCP41ITFfTO (FM) B49 ssz 9440 IN 4850 BARRANCA PARKWAY SUITE 203 IRVINE CA. 92604 (MI) 949 552 2MI (FAY) 949 552 9442 ADVANCED MEDICAL OFFICE LEVEL 1 32&340 OLD NEWPORT BLVD. CRY OF NEWPORT BEACH, CA A -3 WMA 4850 BARRANCA PARKWAY W O O D SUITE 203 ADVANCED MEDICAL saa -sao ono NEWPORT BLVD. BURGHARD IRVINE CA. 92604 OFFICE LEVEL 2 MY OF NEWPORT BEACKCA A_4 S W A I N (lfl) 919 %2 3491 AD ffPr'M (FM) 919 952 9442 IMA 4850 BARRANCA PARKWAY W O O D SUITE 203 ADVANCED MEDICAL 32e- aw OLD NEWPOR e rLvo. RD BURGHA IRVINE CA. 92604 CUYOFNEWPCRfBEACKCA A -10 5 W A I N (m) 949 5.52 2ml REAR PERSPECTIVE RENDER A Or'.mG (w) 949 552 9442 r- Attachment No. PC 3 General Plan Text Changes S,:5 M Table 1.1.12 'A.. nono"W.- N&h6eP Anomaly - Area Locations .-.- L aI . noe. - useI, .." , 1 1 Designation : l- D eTqI U m Wils0: --DevLfo U nit Other); 'A hall lnf^m 1 L4 MU -H2 460,095 _pmart 471 Hotel Rooms (not included in total square footage) 2 L4 MU -H2 1,060,146 3 L4 CO-G 734,641 4 L4 MU -H2 250,176 5 L4 MU -H2 32,500 6 L4 MU -H2 34,500 7 L4 MU -H2 81,372 8 L4 MU -H2 442,775 9 L4 CG 120,000 164 Hotel Rooms (included in total square footage) 10 L4 MU-H2 31,362 349 Hotel Rooms (not included in total square footage) 11 L4 CG 11,950 12 L4 MU-112 457,880 13 L4 CO-G 288,264 14 L4 CO-G/MU-H2 860,884 15 L4 MU-H2 228,214 16 L4 CO-G 344,231 17 L4 MU-H2 33,292 304 Hotel Rooms (not included in total square footage) 18 L4 CG 225,280 19 L4 CG 228,530 21 J6 CO-G 687,000 Office: 660,000 sf Retail: 27,000 sf CV 300 Hotel Rooms 22 J6 CO-G 70,000 Restaurant: 8000 sf, or Office: 70,000 sf 23 K2 FIR 15,000 24 L3 IG 89,624 25 L3 PI 84,585 26 L3 IG 33,940 27 L3 IG 86,000 29 L3 IG 110,600 29 L3 CG 47,500 30 M6 CG 54,000 31 L2 FIR 75,000 32 L2 Pi 34,000 33 M3 Pi 163,680 Administrative Office and Support Facilitates: 30,000 sf Community Mausoleum and Garden Crypts: 121,680 sf Family Mausoleums: 12,000 sf Table LU2 Number Anomaly ..Ae6 Locations .Derr nahon...' ;'. ❑mrt. s .,;i:= .De`ve /o 'merit:Linirt Other .: i6i a ion^:r- 34 Ll CO-R 484,348 35 Ll CO-R 199,095 36 Ll CO-R 227,797 37 Ll CO -R 131,201 2,050 Theater Seats (not included in total square footage) 38 Ll CO-M 443,627 39 Ll MU-H3 408,084 40 Ll MU-H3 1,426,634 425 Hotel Rooms (included in total Square Footage) 41 Ll CO-R 327,671 42 Ll CO-R 286,166 43 Ll CV 611 Hotel Rooms 44 Ll CR 1,619,525 1,710 Theater Seats (not included in total square footage) 45 Ll CO-G 162,364 46 Ll MU-H3/PR 3,725 24 Tennis Courts Residential permitted in accordance with MU-H3. 47 Ll CG 105,000 48 Ll MU-1-13 337,261 49 Ll PI 45,208 50 L1 CG 25,000 51 K1 PR 20,000 52 K1 CV 479 Hotel Rooms 53 K1 PR 567,500 See Settlement Agreement 54 A CM 2,000 55 H3 PI 119,440 56 A3 P1 1,343,238 990,349 sf Upper Campus 577,889 sf Lower Campus In no event shall the total combined gross floor area of both campuses exceed the development limit of 1,343,238 sq. ft. 57 Intentionally Blank 58 J5 PR 20,000 59 H4 MU-W1 487,402 157 Hotel Rooms and 144 Dwelling Units (included in total square footage) 60 N CV 2,660,000 2,150 Hotel Rooms (included in total square footage) 61 N CV 125,000 62 L2 CG 2,300 63 G1 CN 66,000 64 M3 CN 74,000 65 M5 CN 80,000 66 J2 CN 138,500 67 D2 PI 20,000 7S!6 68 L3 PI 71,150 69 K2 CN 75,000 70 D2 RM -D Parking Structure for Bay Island (No Residential Units) 71 L1 CO -G 11,630 72 L1 CO -G 8,000 73 A3 CO -M 350,000 74 L1 PR 35,000 City Hall, and the administrative offices of the 75 L1 PF City of Newport Beach, and related parking, pursuant to Section 425 of the City Charter. 1.0 FAR permitted, provided all four legal lots are 76 H1 CO-G 0.5 FAR consolidated into one parcel to provided unified site �q 0 Attachment No. PC 4 Alternative Plans- Height Compliant ►` M �/ / � 1 � I Id1J ''f _Iyp 46.50 1 i It--Ttl 1111110, LOT AREA: 25.609 SF PARKING PROVIDED LOWER LEVEL: 58 STALLS UPPER LEVEL: 67 STALUS,(7 OF WHICH ARE ON THE STREET) TOTAL 125 STALLS BLDG AREA PROPOSED: 25,000 PARKING REQUIRED: 125 MA 4850 BARRANCA PARKWAY 0 SUITE 203 D IRVINE CA. 92604 HAM ok I N (M) 949 552 2061 TEM (FM) 949 552 9442 OLD NEWPORT DR. SHAOULIAN STUDIES ALLEY ENTRANCE - LOWER PARKING I mm O v I W r A-1 .. .. . .. ..... . ... ...... . AREA 16,496 SF s+69.50 <57 S,o.. JMA 4850 BARRANCA PARKWAY OLD NEWPORT DR. SHAOULIAN STUDIES W O O D SUITE 203 S W A IRIN IRVINE CA. 92604 ALLEY ENTRANCE - OFFICE LEVEL 2 A_3 $ W A I N (+�) e49 s5z xa9i M-5 RCH� (FM) 949 552 9N2 me.• PflOJECf Na 00990 DALE OtrOFp T29'b �nm��am® �ne�iew°° �m °��n�eu°�vmaNO��ion�an°RSe°u eep�ia ma�uxe�nm�m SUITE TE 2 03 4850 BARR PARKWAY ( w 0 0 OLD NEWPORT DR. SHAOULIAN STUDIES WOOD 2 BURGHMD IRVINE CA. 92604 ALLEY ENTRANCE - ROOF PLAN OVER INTERPOLATED GRADING A_4 S W A I N (m) 649 & "C AO MgP (6M) 949 S' 9uz 0i +56.50 +45.00 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - F M�m ri +58.00 +45.00 ALLEY - EAST ELEVATION MMSA 4850 BARRANCA PARKWAY OLD NEWPORT DR. SHAOULIAN STUDIES W 0 0 D SUITE 203 IRVINE CA. 92604 BUIRGFL4M ALLEY ENTRANCE - STREET EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS A-5 S W A I N 949 552 .1 ARCHITECTS (FAX) "S 552 902 11 +97.00 +82.50 FROM EXISTING MDE +69.50 ........... +58.00 +46.50 OLD NEWPORT -WEST ELEVATION ,32.00 FROM - - - - - - - - - - - - _EXISTING GRADE +103.00 ROOF SCREEN PEI 1 17!... +82.50 EXISTING GRACE +56.50 +45.00 ALLEY - EAST ELEVATION MMSA 4850 BARRANCA PARKWAY OLD NEWPORT DR. SHAOULIAN STUDIES W 0 0 D SUITE 203 IRVINE CA. 92604 BUIRGFL4M ALLEY ENTRANCE - STREET EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS A-5 S W A I N 949 552 .1 ARCHITECTS (FAX) "S 552 902 11 +103.00 ROOF SCREEN +82.50 +69.50 +56.50 +45.00 +97.00 +82.50 +69.50 +58.00 +32.00 FROM- - E ISTING GRADE SIDE - NORTH ELEVATION +32.00 FROM - - - - UISTING GRADE OCEAN VIEW - SOUTH ELEVATION W§SAI 4850 BARRANCA PARKWAY OLD NEWPORT DR. SHAOULIAN STUDIES W O O D SUITE 203 BURGHARD IRVINE CA. 92604 SIDE EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS A_6 S L A I N (FM) 949 52 9H2 ARCHRECiS WOSA 4850 BARRANCA PARKWAY I OLD NEWPORT DR. SHAOULIAN STUDIES WOO D SUITE 203 BURGHARD IRVINE CA. 92604 SITE SECTION A_7 S W A I N (m) 649 &' zoci w d"YmC!`R (FAX) sag &' eM2 m rr-&,, Attachment No. PC 5 Traffic Study (Distributed Separately Due to Bullk-) -q T� ---I:L Attachment No. PC 6 Draft MND (Distributed Separately Due to Bulk) �3 Attachment No. PC 7 MND Comment Letters 7-5 STATE OF CALI FORNIA — BUSINESS, TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING AGENCY ARNOLD SCHWARZENECGER G vemor DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION District 12 3337 Michelson Drive, Suite 380 Irvine, CA 92612 -8894 Tel: 949 724 -2241 Tel: ( 949) Flex your power! Far: (949) 724 -2592 Be energy efficient! FAX & MAIL January 14, 2010 Jaime Murillo File: IGR/CEQA City of Newport Beach SCH #: None 3300 Newport Boulevard Log #: 2432 & 2432 -A Newport Beach, CA 92673 PCH Subject: Old Newport Boulevard General Plan Amendment (PA 2008 -047) Dear Mr. Murillo, Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on the Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) for the Old Newport Boulevard General Plan Amendment (GPA). The Project proposes to build an approximately 26,000 SF of Medical Center facility at the said location on a single parcel (currently three parcels) to replace the existing developments that consist of approximately 14,000 SF of total area. The Project is adding approximately 12,000 more square footage under an amendment that allows a FAR ratio of 1.0 instead of the current 0.5 at this site allow subterranean parking area to encroach into the 5 -foot rear yard setback. The nearest State route to the project area is Pacific Coast Highway. The Department of Transportation (Department) is a commenting agency on this project and has the following comments: Traffic Operations Branch requests submittal of storage analysis for southbound Newport Boulevard to eastbound Hospital Road using Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) methodology in analyzing this signalized intersection. The analysis should include current volumes with and without project trip generation for AM and PM Peak hours. 2. The project location is within an area near to the coast, therefore, summer traffic peak hour volumes could be higher. Please specify what part of the year or which season the existing traffic volumes and counts provided in the study were obtained. The analysis should investigate and demonstrate the seasonal variations in traffic patterns and volumes within the study area and the associated impacts on the intersections and street segments using HCM Methodology criteria. Existing daily and peak -hour volumes must be based on the worst case scenario or summer season for Newport Beach. 3. Should the above analysis demonstrate any cumulative impacts as a result of this project, the applicant would pay their "fair share" to an established fund for future transportation improvements on the state highway system. The Department has an established methodology standard used to properly calculate equitable project share contribution. "Caltrans improves mobility across California" This can be found in Appendix B of the Department's Guide for the Preparation of Traffic Impact Studies which is available at: http: / /www.dot.ca. og v/hq /traffops /developserv/operationalsystems /reports /tis uide.12df. 4. In the event of any activity in the Department's right -of -way an encroachment permit will be required. For specific details on Encroachment Permits procedure, please refer to the Department's Encroachment Permits Manual, Seventh Edition. This Manual is available on the web site: www.dot.ca. og v/hy /traffops /developsery /permits. Please continue to keep us informed of this project and any future developments, which could potentially impact the State Transportation Facilities. If you have any questions or need to contact us, please do not hesitate to call Maryam Molavi at (949) 724 -2267. Sincerely, Christopher Herre, Branch Chief Local Development/Intergovernmental Review W "Calirans improves mobility across California" January 14, 2010 Jaime Murillo File: IGR/CEQA City of Newport Beach SCH #: None 3300 Newport Boulevard Log #: 2432 Newport Beach, CA 92673 PCH Subject: Old Newport Boulevard General Plan Amendment (PA 2008 -047) CC: Terri Pencovic, Caltrans HQ IGR/Community Planning Ryan Chamberlain, Deputy District Director Mory Mohtashami, Permits "Caltrans improves mobility across California" Satithem califonlia �Gas Company A Sernpra Energy utflity- December 17, 2009 %City ofNewport.Beach 3300 Newport Blvd. Newport Beach, CA 92658 RECEIVED Ey PLANNING DEPARTMENT JAN 45 2010 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH 1919 S. State College Blvd. Anafteim, CA 92B06-6114, . .. ... ..... .. Attention' Jaime M 116 Subject: Mitigated Negative Declaration for Old Newport Boulevard General Plan Amendment (PA2008-047) This letter is not to be interpreted as a contractual commitment to serve the proposed project but only as an information service. Its intent is to notify you tat the Southern California Gas Company has facilities in the area. where. the above named project is proposed. Gas facilities Within the service area of the project could be altered or abandoned asnecessary without any significant impact on the environment. Information regarding construction particulars and any costs associated with initiating service may be obtained by contacting the Planning: Associate for your alma, Dave Baldwin, (714)634-3267. Sincerely. Eric Casares Technical Supervisor Pacific Coast Region- Anaheiin Mow tnitnegdodoc M Notice of Intent to Adopt. Mitigated Negative Declaration Old Newport Boulevard General Plan Amendment (PA2008 -047) City of Newport Beach Notice is, hereby given that the City of Newport Beach has completed a Mitigated :Negative Declaration for a General Plan Amendment (GPA) to allow development at a floor area to land area ratio (FAR) of 1.0 (as compared to the.currentiy permitted 0.5 FAR) for the site located at 328 to 340 Old Newport Boulevard. An FAR of 1.0 could result in 25,725 square feet (sq. ft.) of development. The applicant, Dr. Emanuel- Shaoulian, intends to develop up to this amount of space subject to compliance with other Code requirements (such as parking). The currently proposed configuration of the project is 25,000 sq. ft. of medical office space: Currently 14,012 sq. ft. of office, medical office and one apartment occupy the site. Development of the proposed project would require the following entitlements from the City of Newport Beach: • ;Amendment to the Land Use Element of the Newport Beach General Plan to increase the allowable FAR Morn 0.5 to 1.0 for the project site. • Use Permit to exceed the 32 foot base height limit with an elevator and stairwell enclosure. With the approval of a use permit, an increase in the height limit of up to 50 feet is allowable. • Lot:Merger or Parcel Map to consolidate the three parcels (four legal lots) into one parcel. • Modification Permit to allow the proposed subterranean parking area to encroach into the 5 -foot rear yard setback. • Approval of a seven space off- street parking credit pursuant to Section 20.46.040(L) of the Zoning Code for the creation of seven, on- street parking spaces along the project frontage on Old Newport Boulevard. • Preparation of a Traffic Study pursuant to the City's Traffic Phasing Ordinance. On the basis of the Initial Study, City staff has concluded that the project would not have a significant impact on the environment and has therefore recommended preparation of a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND). The MND reflects the independent judgment of City staff and recognizes project design features, previous environmental evaluations, and standard construction and engineering practices, requiring review and reevaluation of future projects as contributing. to avoidance of potential impacts. The project site does not include any sites, on an Environmental Protection Agency hazardous waste site list compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5, The MND is available for a 30-day public review period beginning December 14, 2009 and ending January 12, 2010. Copies of the document are available for review at 3300 Newport. Boulevard, Newport Beach, CA 92658 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The document can also be accessed online at :: http:// www. newl)ortbeachea .ciovlindex.aspx ?t)aoe =942. Any written comments on the proposed project must be received no later than January 12, 2010, at 5:00 p.m. to the attention of Jaime Murillo at the address listed below. The City's Planning. Commission is tentatively scheduled to consider this item at a regular meeting to be held on at 6 :30 p.m. on January 21, 2010, at the City of :Newport Beach Council Chambers, 3300 Newport Boulevard, Newport Beach, CA 92658. For additional information, please contact Jaime Murillo, Associate Planner, at (949) 644 -3209 or at JMuriilo(@newportbeachca.aov. Jaime Murillo, Associate Planner MEMOPOI.ITAN WATER DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN City of Newport Beach Ch. j,`ORNIA HAS NO EXISTING FACILITIES OR RIG! 3900 Newport Boulevard WAY WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THE PROJECT. Newport Beach, CA 92658 1 • II•�oto WIN imoi J. Vanderwal 325 Holmwood Drive Newport Beach, CA 92663 January 6, 2010 Jaime Murillo, Associate Planner, City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, CA92658 Tel: (949) 631.4984 Fax: (949) 631.4996 Subject: Old Newport Boulevard,General Plan Amendment (PA2008 -o47) Dear Mr. Murillo, My residence is located accross the alley of the above project. Here are my comments: 1. Being a Real Estate developer /builder myself, I don't oppose reasonoble developments that comply with City /County regulations. 2. I also understand that projects that are too small often do not pencil out. 3 As to the involvement of a project's neighbors, I know all about that: Three years ago, when I as owner /builder in Riverside County was building 4 homes @ 3000 sq. ft. each, (total 12,000 Pt.); I was forced to put in $220,000.- of improvements for the benefit of the neighbors in order to get it approved. 4 My residence's: property is located accross our joint back alley for about 80 . percent of the new medical building's length, which will have a massive:. impact on the 14 wiridows.of my'•residence..along the entire medical building. As a consequence that will greatly reduce the value of my property. 5 I propose that we sit down so that this medical building can be built, and here are two ways to do that: A.. .I sell my residence to the owner of the medical office. B... The City rezones my property so that I with the 'assistance of the medical building's owner could build 2 condo's on the second level of my residence, which actually would serve as a transitional,zoning. between the commercial zoning.of'Old Newport Boulevard and the residential zoning of Holmwood Dr. Please note: My residence has already City- approved plans for a second story.. Please contact me if you have questions. With regards, va_vaAale,_, Jay Vanderwal RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT JAN _72010 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH r' I a Attachment No. PC 8 Responses to Department of Transportation Comment Letter Ub�, a KUNZMAN ASSOCIATES. INC. OVER 30 YEARS OF EXCELLENT SERVICE January 29, 2010 Mr. David Keely CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, CA 92663 Dear Mr. Keely: INTRODUCTION The firm of Kunzman Associates, Inc. is pleased to provide responses to comments regarding the proposed Old Newport Boulevard Sub -Area Project in the City of Newport Beach. The Old Newport Boulevard Sub -Area Proiect Traffic Impact Analysis was prepared by Kunzman Associates, Inc. (September 30, 2009). Comments were received from the California Department of Transportation in a letter dated January 14, 2010. The project site is located at 328, 332, and 340 Old Newport Boulevard in the City of Newport Beach. The project site currently has access to Old Newport Boulevard and the alley easterly of Old Newport Boulevard adjacent to the project site. RESPONSE TO COMMENT 1 Chapter 9 of the traffic study includes the delay calculations at the Newport Boulevard /Hospital Road intersection. The technique used to assess the capacity needs of the intersection is known as the Intersection Delay Method based on the 2000 Highway Capacity Manual — Transportation Research Board Special Report 209. As shown in Table 11 of the traffic study, the Newport Boulevard /Hospital Road is projected to operate at Level of Service C or better during the peak hours for Existing, Existing + Growth (Year 2012) + Approved Projects + Cumulative Projects, Existing + Growth (Year 2012) + Approved Projects + Cumulative Projects + Project, General Plan Buildout Without Project, and General Plan Buildout With Project traffic conditions. The Newport Boulevard /Hospital Road Level of Service worksheets in the traffic study show a reported average queue of 3 vehicles that calculates to a maximum queue of 6 vehicles (3 vehicles x 2) for the southbound left turn lane. The 6 vehicles require approximately 150 feet at 25 feet per vehicle. The Newport Boulevard southbound left turn lane at Hospital Road currently provides approximately 190 feet of storage length. 1111 TOWN at COONBV ROAq SUITE 34 ORANGE, CA 92868 PHoN (714) 973.8383 . FAx: (714) 973 -8821 W W W.TRAFFIC- EN6INEER.COM Mr. David Keely CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH January 29, 2010 In addition, a maximum of 66 vehicles are projected in the southbound left turn lane at the Newport Boulevard /Hospital Road intersection. The "rule of thumb" for left turn storage at a signalized intersection requires 1 foot for each vehicle per hour turning left during the peak hour. This would require a 66 foot left turn lane (with a minimum storage of 150 feet). RESPONSE TO COMMENT 2 Pursuant to the City of Newport Beach Traffic Phasing Ordinance to analyze typical peak hours it is required that "the most current field counts for each Primary Intersection with counts taken on weekdays during the morning and evening Peak Hour Period between February 1 and May 31 ". The City of Newport Beach provided the Newport Boulevard /Hospital Road traffic counts dated April 2008. To account for regional growth on roadways, existing (Year 2009) traffic volumes have been calculated based on a 1 percent annual growth rate. RESPONSE TO COMMENT 3 As shown in Table 11 of the traffic study for General Plan Buildout traffic conditions, the project - generated traffic did not result in a significant impact at the study area intersections (increase of one - percent or more at a study area intersection operating at worse than Level of Service D during the morning /evening peak hours); therefore, no improvements are recommended at the study area intersections. RESPONSE TO COMMENT 4 So noted. In the event of any activity in the California Department of Transportation right -of -way, an encroachment permit will be required. It has been a pleasure to service your needs on this project. Should you have any questions or if we can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to call at (714) 973 -8383. Sincerely, KUNZMAN ASSOCIATES, INC. Q� �) A I Carl Ballard Principal Associate #4385 9,pFESS 3 No. TR0056 Z LU 6 � q�RAFF��' OFGA1- KUNZMAN ASSOCIATES, INC. William Kunzman, P.E. Principal Professional Registration Expiration Date 3 -31 -2010 W W W.TAAFFIC-ENGINEER.COM 2 0 W