HomeMy WebLinkAbout2a_Correspondence_Oberman_PA2012-179Item No. 2a: Additional Materials Received
Planning Commission January 17, 2013
Zoning Code Amendment (PA2012 -179)
PLEASE DISTRIBUTE AND ENTER INTO THE PUBLIC RECORD
To: City of Newport Beach - Planning Commission
From: Denys Oberman,
Subject: COMMENT - JANUARY 17,2013 PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA
PUBLIC HEARING ITEM #2- ZONING CODE AMENDMENT TO ALLOW SINGLE ROOM OCCUPANCY
RESIDENTIAL HOTELS(SRO) and PARKING FOR EMERGENCY SHELTERS
City staff proposes to include a parking element for emergency shelters. We believe that this
recommendation is acceptable.
SROs- City staff proposes that the Zoning Code be Amended to include a definition of SROs, and allow
SROs within commercial and office zoning distincts, subject to approval of a Conditional Use
Permit(CUP).
We understand that SROs can serve a purpose as one solution to satisfy affordable housing goals.
However, the SRO can also serve to facilitate the introduction of increased transient population,
parolees and other boarding -house type facilities that the city currently does not permit .
We object to across the board zoning permitting SROs in any commercial or office zoned districts.
In many commercial, zoning or mixed use districts, an SRO would be inappropriate and incompatible
with planning objectives for the area, or be adverse to the social and economic integrity of the area. For
example, SROs could be located in a specific radius near the airport, but should NOT be permitted in any
area proximite to dense residential neighborhoods, schools, parks and beaches.
Furthermore, an SRO would have an environmental impact on the area(parking, noise,air quality
particularly with smoking), so it should be required to establish environmental compliance.
We object to the establishment of SROs ,as there is no practical means of distinguishing the use from
boarding house or parolee uses.There is no legal requirement mandating that the City allow SROs.In any
event,SROs should ONLY be allowed in specifically- designated commercial /industrial areas, and NOT in
any coastal or other dense residential or mixed use area. Additionally, they should not be permitted in
coastal areas such as Balboa Penninsula, Lido and Balboa Islands, Corona del Mar and West Newport
where there is high sensitivity to density and impact on neighborhood integrity.
Thank you for your consideration.