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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12 - Woodys Wharf Use Permit Appeal�EW�oR> CITY OF °� mz NEWPORT BEACH C9�/p0.N`P City Council Staff Report Agenda Item No. 12 March 12, 2013 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: Community Development Department Kimberly Brandt, AICP, Director 949-644-3226, kbrandt(a)newportbeachca.gov PREPARED BY: Javier Garcia, AICP, Senior Planner APPROVED: O. TITLE: Woody's Wharf Use Permit Appeal 2318 Newport Boulevard Use Permit No. 2011-010 (PA2011-055) ABSTRACT: The applicant and owner of Woody's Wharf have appealed the Planning Commission's approval of Conditional Use Permit No. 2011-010 to change the operational characteristics of an existing restaurant. On November 8, 2012, the Planning Commission approval included: 1) extending the opening hour of the restaurant from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., daily, and the closing hour of the outdoor dining area from 11:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights; 2) amending the requirement for full-time valet parking service during restaurant operating hours; and 3) waiving up to six (6) parking spaces resulting from the elimination of full-time valet parking service. On November 26, 2012, the applicant appealed the Planning Commission's action and requested that the City Council allow the closing hour of the outdoor dining area to be 2:00 a.m., daily; permit dancing within the restaurant; permit removal of up to 50 percent of the dining tables and chairs in the outdoor dining area to accommodate patrons; permit promotional events a maximum of one (1) night per week; and permit door charges, cover charges and any other form of admission charge. Since the Planning Commission's action and the applicant's filing of the appeal, new information has become available related to the application. The applicant submitted a noise study in January 2013, which may provide evidence related to the operation of the outdoor seating area. Also, in February 2013, City staff discussed with the applicant a design concept to enclose the outdoor seating area with the intent of addressing noise and Building Code concerns. The patio enclosure was not part of the original application, and the applicant is requesting that it be allowed to encroach into the bulkhead 10 -foot setback area. Therefore, an amendment to the application is required to include a request for a variance for an enclosed outdoor dining area. 1 Woody's Wharf Use Permit Appeal March 12, 2013 Page 2 RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends, and the applicant concurs, that the City Council direct the Planning Commission to review and take action on the application which is to be amended to include the variance request and noise analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: It is recommended that the City Council take no action in regards to the subject application. Environmental review of the proposed project will be undertaken when action is taken in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act. NOTICING: Prior to the previously scheduled hearing of January 22, 2013, notice was published in the Daily Pilot, mailed to all property owners within 300 feet of the property, and posted at the site a minimum of 10 days in advance of the hearing consistent with the Municipal Code. The City Council continued the matter from that date to the hearing of March 12, 2013, consequently, a notice of this hearing was not mailed out, posted or published in the Daily Pilot. However, the item appeared upon the agenda for this meeting, which was posted at City Hall and on the City website. The agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at which the City Council considers the item). Submitted by: Kimberly Brand, AICP Director 2 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH `� R; APPLICATION TO APPEAL DECISION OF THE PLANNING COM..KI.SSION Application No. 3' 35 Name of Appellant or person filing: _' �Y �Al\ Phone: C 611 Address: �AV'A 1 V�10,i 1 t' hwr Na[ r�"i�Z (� ���� C a l0 Uy Date of Planning Commission decision: 20 Regarding application of: 1,1)itYA- (X/' for (Description of application filed with Planning Commission) f jS _GIN, , �- � �.��1 c., o -�A-k (:'�\1, ,M � 0),(-k � C��u �U C � (',f A ��1,,� CS�� Gu- -�/ �-(A A A i?a� l� Reasons for Appeal : G, n6, Signaturi6of Appellant Dal- � 41"- & CITY CLER , FOR OFFICE USE ONLY NE CJS c� Va.,.IfO4RNIP Date i I ?-U 2 Date Appeal filed and Administrative Fee received: ftlU �M$ �%, 20 cc: Appellant Planning (furnish one set of mailing labels for mailing) File APPEALS: Municipal Code Sec. 20.64.030 Appeal Fee: $4,187.00 pursuant to Resolution No. 2011-108 adopted on 11-22-11. (Deposit funds with Cashier in Account #2700-5000) WOODY'S GROUP, INC. 2318 NEWPORT BLVD PAY TO THE ORDER OF `Z *-L 4581 16-24/1220 4491 3342114463 DATE � / L Z $ O� DOLLARS ;I ® Wells Fargo Bank N.A. � California wellsfarggo'.com FOR �,�!-o�..�v( i-+�y�Li•s/a-�� ___.�._�__ _.__ _.__ _.__ _ _.. .__.__^?' u'000000458 Ln' 1:12200021,71: 334 2 L 144630 b PoRT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACHFINANCE DEPARTMENT _ CASH i c� r c.. _ 3300 \ I;\Y'PORT BLVD. P.O. BOX 1708, Nli\\"PO RT liEACH, CA 92(58-891 H</ F0 1 0.1� RECEIPT NUMBER: 02000158451 RECEIVED BY: ROBERT PAYOR: WOODY'S GROUP TODAY'S DATE: 11/26/12 REGISTER DATE: 11/26/12 TIME: 15:38 27005000 ZONING & SUBDIVISION FEES PLANNING APPEAL $4,187.00 ------------------- TOTAL DUE: $4,187.00 $4,187.00 $.00 CHECK $4,187.00 REF NUM: 4581 Real Estate Development and Construction Management Services November 26, 2012 Via Hand Delivery City Clerk City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, CA 92658 Re: WOODY'S WHARF 2318 Newport Boulevard, Newport Beach, California Appeal to City Council of Planning Commission action CUP No. PA2011-055 To Whom It May Concern: MPS On behalf of Woody's Wharf, we hereby submit the following appeal application for the above referenced case application, consisting of: 1. Appeal Application, including exhibits and photographs 2. Filing fee in the amount of $4,187 (check #4581) Please let me know if it would be possible to have this matter heard by the City Council in January 2013. Thank you. Sincerely, Martin Potts & Associates, Inc. a Cal'iforDA corporation barJ f,,, Potts President on behalf of Woody's Wharf Enclosures (as stated) cc: Mr. Jay Garcia — City of Newport Beach (w/enclosure) Mr. Mark Serventi — Woody's Wharf (w/enclosure) Mr. Greg Pappas — Woody's Wharf (w/enclosure) 4041 MacArthur Blvd, Suite 490 Newport Beach, CA 92660 tel 949.719.1900 fax 949.719.1909 N C Appeal Application Community Development Department Planning Division 3300 Newport Boulevard, Newport Beach, CA 92663 (949)644-3204 Telephone 1 (949)644-3229 Facsimile www.newportbeachca.gov Application to appeal the decision of the: Appellant Information: Name(s): Woody's Wharf, c/o MPA, Inc. Address: 2318 Newport Boulevard City/State/Zip: Newport Beach, CA Phone: (949) 719-1900 Appealing Application Regarding: ❑ Zoning Administrator ❑ Planning Director ❑ Hearing Officer For Office Use Only Date Appeal Filed: Fee Received: Received by: Fax: (949) 719.1909 Email: Potts@mpassoc.com Name of Applicant: Marty Potts on behalf of Woody's Wharf Date of Decision: 11/8/12 Project No. (PA): 2011.055 Activity No.: Site Address: 2318 Newport Boulevard, Newport Beach, CA Description: Use Permit to change the operational characteristics of an existing restaurant Reason(s) for Appeal (attach a separate sheet if necessary): See attached Along with application, please submit the following: • Twelve (12) 11 x1 7 sets of the project plans • One set of mailing labels (on Avery 5960 labels) for all property owners within a 300 -foot radius, excluding intervening right-of-ways and waterways, of the subject site. Signature of Appellant: Date: 11/21/12 I:\Users\C DD\Shared\Ad min\Planning_Division\Applications\Ap peaMppIication.d ocx Updated 2/8/12 Appeal Application, continued November 23, 2012 Woodys Wharf — PA2O11-055 2318 Newport Boulevard, Newport Beach, CA Planning Commission of November 8. 2012: On November 8, 2012, the Newport Beach Planning Commission conducted a public hearing, receiving a proposal from the applicant and hearing arguments by various homeowners residing in the 28th Street Marina building. Upon closing the public hearing, in order to provide the applicant the opportunity and time to conduct further studies as recommended by the Commission to address the community concerns, a motion to continue the application to a later Planning Commission hearing date was made, voted and denied 4-3. Following further discussion among the Commission, the motion to continue was then reconsidered at the request of Commissioner Myers, who previously denied the motion to continue. The Commission voted a second time on the motion with Commissioner Myers changing his vote from a denial to an approval. At the same time Commissioner Brown changed his previous vote from an approval to a denial, and the motion again carried a 4.3 denial. The Commission then made a motion to approve City staff's recommendations and conditions, with the following modifications: a. Dancing would be prohibited, although recommended by City staff to be approved, and; b. The closing hour of the outdoor patio would be 11:00 pm daily with the exception of Friday and Saturday nights when the patio could remain open until midnight. This motion was approved by a 4.3 vote with Commissioners Kramer, Myers and Ameri not in support of the motion. It was the desire of the Applicant at the Planning Commission that the application be continued allowing the Applicant time to conduct a professional noise assessment to address community and Planning Commission concerns, and to further explore alternatives with City staff to enclose the patio, if necessary. The decision of the Newport Beach Planning Commission on November 8, 2012 has left us no option but to present this appeal to the City Council for its consideration. This action, and the imposed conditions, places new restrictions on Woody's business which were not part of any previous entitlements. While most of the proposed conditions are acceptable to Woody's, the conditions regarding operating hours and dancing create a hardship to the restaurant operations and its Owners. Woody's is not seeking anything more than how it is operating its business today, and how the restaurant has been operated for years prior to the current Ownership. We are not seeking any expansion of the restaurant. Woody's Wharf file:S.\132 - Woody's Wharf Entitlement\300 - City Corr\325 CUP\Appeal Application. docx Pagel of 6 Woody's is willing to mitigate the community and City concerns regarding its business operations in order to maintain competitiveness in the ever demanding restaurant environment in Newport Beach. Background: Woody's Wharf has been an operating restaurant establishment in the City of Newport Beach for nearly 50 years. Recently a number of code citations have been issued to the restaurant claiming late night hours and noise. It is the opinion of Woody's Wharf that it has been operating in compliance with its current use permit. The key issues Woody's Wharf is disputing of the Planning Commission's action are as follows: Noise Issue: Noise experienced by neighboring residences is claimed to be generated from activities of Woody's Wharf. Applicant's Position: ➢ While it is the Applicant's intent to further study the noise generated from Woody's Wharf as well as the surrounding area using a qualified acoustical engineer, it is believed that any noise generated from Woody's Wharf has no adverse impact on the adjacent residential properties. ➢ There are three restaurants closer to the 28th Street Marina building than Woody's Wharf, and all are a contributor to noise affecting the residences. The residences have complained regarding each of these establishments. ➢ Woody's enforces the following operational restrictions, some which are self- imposed. o Any entertainment is strictly confined to the interior of the restaurant. o All perimeter doors remain closed other than patrons entering or exiting the restaurant. o A 10:00 pm curfew of the boat docks adjacent to the restaurant, which does not allowing public to loiter on the boats. Boats may enter and leave the docks after 10:00 pm. (self-imposed) o Restaurant security ensures that late night customers leaving the restaurant do not loiter on the property and are escorted to responsible transport vehicles. (self-imposed) Woody's Wharf file:S:\132 - Woody's Wharf Entitlement\300 - City Corr\325 CUP\Appeal Application. docx Page 2 of 6 o A new interior sound system has been installed with speakers directed away from the patio. The system contains a "compression limiter" which provides management with overriding volume controls. (self-imposed) ➢ On Friday, November 2, 2012, Matt Cosylion, Code Enforcement Supervisor with the City of Newport Beach visited the restaurant around 12:30am unannounced and met with Mark Serventi. After evaluating Woody's Wharf and the Commonwealth restaurant, Mr. Cosylion concluded the noise impacting the Marina building was not generated from Woody's Wharf but mainly from other establishments in the surrounding vicinity. ➢ Woody's Wharf is approximately 200 feet from its closest corner and 570 feet from its furthest corner to the 28th Street Marina Building. Another restaurant, Commonwealth, lies between Woody's Wharf and these residences, approximately 90 feet from the residences. Noise impacting the residences is not generated by Woody's Wharf, but rather emanates from Commonwealth. Refer to the attached Exhibit 1 which depicts the location of Woody's Wharf, 28th Street Marina and other noise sources. Also, photographs of the Woody's Wharf patio taken toward the 28th Street Marina building are included. It is evident from these photographs, the residences of 28th Street Marina are hardly in the line of sight from the Woody's patio. ➢ Woody's is conducting a noise assessment, conducted by a professional acoustical engineer, to determine the actual impacts which may be attributable to Woody's Wharf. This study will be complete by January 11, 2013, and will be prepared to address all noise concerns raised by the community at the Planning Commission hearing. ➢ If the noise assessment concludes significant impacts to the residences attributable to Woody's Wharf, Woody's is willing, and always has been willing to construct a retractable patio cover to mitigate any noise impacts. This is at the past suggestion of 28th Street Marina HOA. However, the challenge with constructing this retractable roof is an existing property line which bisects the existing patio and existing building structure. Codes prohibit building over this property line. We request the City Council consider and approve an exception to the code to allow construction of this patio cover, should a cover be necessary at all for noise containment. This would not create any additional code violations. Dancing Issue: City Staff believes dancing is acceptable as part of the Woody's Wharf existing Use Permit as evidenced by their recommended approval in their staff report to the Planning Woody's Wharf file:S:\132 - Woody's Wharf Entitlement\300 - City Corr\325 CUP\Appeal Application. docx Page 3 of 6 Commission . The Planning Commission denied dancing stating "dancing is prohibited" under the Permit to Conduct Live Entertainment issued on March 14, 2006. Applicant's Position: Woody's Wharf has always had patron dancing as part of its operations which generally occurs between 10:00 pm and 2:00 am Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. No permit is needed for these activities. ➢ The Permit to Conduct Live Entertainment states in part: The approval of this permit is contingent on the compliance with the regulations for operation as defined by Newport Beach Municipal Code Section 5.28.041 and the following specific conditions: 3) Dancing is prohibited." The Newport Beach Municipal Code Section 5.28.010 defines "Entertainment" in part as: 'the presence of any performer, dancer, employee, agent, model or other person, collectively and individually referred to as "entertainer"'. The dancing restriction in this instance deals directly with the Live Entertainment Permit and does not apply to the form of dancing at Woody's Wharf. Woody's is in compliance with the Live Entertainment Permit because it does not allow dancers to perform as part of the live entertainment. ➢ Pursuant to Section 5.32 of the NBMC, Woody's does not meet the definition of a Cafe Dance as it levies a cover charge pursuant to Section 5.32.010 of the Code. It is for the reasons stated above Woody's Wharf is permitted to have dancing as part of its Use Permit. Operating Hours of Patio Issue: City staff believes the patio shall close at 11pm nightly as stipulated in the Outdoor Dining Permit issued October 4, 1995. Then Planning Commission approved the patio to operate as late as midnight on Friday and Saturday nights. Applicant's Position: Woody's has been operating the outdoor patio as late as 2:00 am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, and 11:00 pm on other days of the week. On September 18, 2008, a meeting was held in follow-up to the City Planning Department's action to examine the project file and determine the operating hours of the outdoor patio. In attendance at this meeting was the Owner's of Woody's Wharf, the City Planning Department, Police Department and Fire Department. Following this meeting it was determined and documented by the Newport Beach Police Department that "their Use Permit allows them Woody's Wharf file:S:\132 - Woody's Wharf Entitlement\300 - City Corr\325 CUP\Appeal Application.docx Page 4 of 6 to operate the outdoor patio until close. It is the outdoor 'deck' that may not be utilized after 11:00 pm." Given all live entertainment is confined to the interior of the restaurant and the City has previously conditioned the operation to minimize outdoor noise, the outdoor patio should be able to operate until 2:00 am without impact to the surrounding residential properties. Woody's will continue to ensure the outdoor deck is not utilized after 11:00 pm. We request the City Council uphold the right for Woody's Wharf to operate its outdoor patio until 2:00am nightly. Woody's is heavily reliant upon these business hours to maintain its operations. Other Conditions of Approval Following are proposed staff conditions of approval which Woody's Wharf needs modified. Condition 9 Staff Condition: The outdoor dining area shall be limited to a maximum of 66 seats, including disabled seats/table space, consistent with the floor plans as approved by Plan Check set of plans PC1141-2011. The seating and dining in the outdoor dining patio shall be limited to dining table height (approximately 30 inches) and the use of the elevated counters and barstools is prohibited. Removal of dining tables and chairs shall be prohibited. Proposed Modified Condition: The outdoor dining area shall be limited to a maximum of 66 seats, including disabled seats/table space, consistent with the floor plans as approved by Plan Check set of plans PC1141-2011. The seating and dining in the outdoor dining patio shall be limited to dining table height (approximately 30 inches) and the use of the elevated counters and barstools is prohibited. Removal of no more than 50% of dining tables and chairs shall be prohibited. Justification: While 90% of the time Woody's Wharf is a restaurant, the need to service the customer demand is critical. During the late hours, in order to accommodate our patrons, it is necessary to remove some of the patio tables and chairs and create more standing room. We are attaching a floor plan showing the after 10:00PM seating arrangement showing the use of the restaurant during these times. Condition 33 Staff Condition: Dancing shall be allowed on the premises only in conjunction with the issuance of a Caf6 Dance permit by the City Manager or designee, if applicable. Woody's Wharf file:S.\132 - Woody's Wharf Entitlement\300 - City Corr\325 CUP\Appeal Application. docx Page 5 of 6 i _ _ Justification: As stated in the Dancing section above, a Cafe Dance permit is not applicable nor required. We propose deletion of this condition. Condition 48 Staff Condition: Any event or activity staged by an outside promoter or entity, where the restaurant owner or his employees or representatives share in any profits, or pay any percentage or commission to a promoter or any other person based on money collected as a door charge, cover charge or any other form of admission charge, including minimum drink orders or sale of drinks is prohibited. Proposed Modified Condition: Any event or activity staged by an outside promoter or entity, where the restaurant owner or his employees or representatives share in any profits, or pay any percentage or commission to a promoter or any other person based on money collected as a door charge, cover charge or any other form of admission charge, including minimum drink orders or sale of drinks is prohibited. Applicant shall be allowed a maximum of one (might Per week to conduct such an event but in no instance shall a minimum drink order be allowed. Justification: Woody's Wharf holds promotional events, for example fundraisers, corporate trainings, wedding rehearsal dinners, etc. where Woody's pays an outside business for the referral. Woody's is willing to limit this to a maximum of one night/day per week. To restrict this component of Woody's business plan will be detrimental to its business. Condition 51 Staff Condition: "VIP" passes or other passes to enter the establishment, as well as door charges, cover charges, or any other form of admission charge, including minimum drink order or sale of drinks is prohibited. Proposed Modified Condition: "VIP" passes or other passes to enter the establishment, , including minimum drink order or sale of drinks is prohibited. Justification: Woody's Wharf currently charges an admission fee (or cover charge) at certain times as demands warrant. This helps with the quality of customers who visit Woody's. Woody's Wharf file:S:\132 - Woody's Wharf Entitlement\300 - City Corr\325 CUP\Appeal Application.docx Page 6 of 6 Ak G.6 In 33,'3643.63'` N, ye alt View taken from point on Woody's Patio where Commonwealth building obscures the 28th Street Marina building Ak ■ v .s. View from furthest corner of the patio showing maximum extent of 28th Street Marina Building visible 2 Commonwealth Building A"'AAM 6. y F t AFTER 10pm ASSESSMENT, W/ PARKING @ 1/40sf BAR / RECEPTION AREA - 318 SF REQ. PARKING @ 1/40 7.95 STALLS PLUMBING OCC. LOAD @ 1/30 10.6 OCC. EGRESS OCC. LOAD @ 1/5 63.6 OCC. BAR DINING AREA - 63 SF REQ. PARKING @ 1/40 1.58 STALLS PLUMBING OCC. LOAD @ 1/30 2.1 OCC. EGRESS OCC. LOAD @ 1/15 4.2 OCC. INDOOR DINING AREA - 167 SF REQ. PARKING @ 1/40 4.18 STALLS PLUMBING OCC. LOAD @ 1/30 5.57 OCC. EGRESS OCC. LOAD @ 1/15 11.13 OCC. INDOOR DANCING AREA - 400 SF REQ. PARKING @ 1/4 OF EGRESS OCC. 20.00 STALLS PLUMBING OCC. LOAD @ 1/15 SF 26.67 OCC. EGRESS OCC. LOAD @ 1/5 SF 80.00 OCC. PATIO DINING AREA - 242 SF (181.5 @ 75%) REQ. PARKING @ 1/40, 75% OF AREA 4.54 STALLS PLUMBING OCC. LOAD @ 1/30 8.07 OCC. EGRESS OCC. LOAD @ 1/15 16.13 OCC. PATIO STANDING AREA - 439.5 SF REQ. PARKING @ 1/4 OF EGRESS OCC. 21.98 STALLS PLUMBING OCC. LOAD @ 1/15 SF 29.3 OCC. EGRESS OCC. LOAD @ 1/5 SF 87.9 OCC. KITCHEN AREA, LESS COOKTOP + OFFICE - 1008 SF REQ. PARKING N.A. PLUMBING OCC. LOAD @ 1/200 5.04 OCC. EGRESS OCC. LOAD @ 1/200 5.04 OCC. AFTER 10 PM SUMMARY PARKING REQ. 61 / PROVIDED 47 PLUMBING OCC. LOAD 88/ MAX ALLOWED 100 PLUMBING FIXT. MEN 1+1 REQ., WOMEN 2 REQ. & 3/2 PROVIDED EGRESS OCC. LOAD 268 OFFICE OFFICE / KITCHEN - 1008 SF (E) KITCHEN ET STAGE / DJ EPTION AREA - 318 S BAR AFTER 10:00 PM SEATING PLAN SCALE: 1/4"=1'-0" AFTER 10 PM BAR 5'-D' PATIO DINING AREA'- 709 AFTW 10 PM PATIOS DING AREA - 439.5 S PAT nIIUNINr AREA — ?A7 U BEFORE 10 INDOOR DINNIN RFA - aD00R DANCING AREA - 400 SF NDOOR DINNING AREA - 167 SF v ° robiuson hill architecture, me. ° ACalifornia Corporation 3195-B Airport Laop Dr. ° Costa Mesa, CA 92626 ° tel. 714-625-8688 fax 714-825-8889 ° web www.rhain..net ° Michael Dud Rabinsaa. C-20731 ° Jahn Steven Hill: C-23553 �m' I k ° Project Name / Type ° M ° co ' U- Q Q ° zQ W =~z m2 ° U) � � rr ° C!J cf= Q LUm °U) r)Q b: °QW ° W o (nZ D- C) - p OW 003: ° �oC NZ ° Client ° Stamp ° Submittal Dates Issue Date 10.T6 12 Issue Date 11.26.12 ° Job Number: ° Sheet Title: ° CODE ASSESSMENT ° Sheet No.: bAl