Public Meetings - Huntington Beach, California

A lengthy and contentious meeting of the Huntington Beach City Council and its associated authorities focused on public comments, appointments, and a series of land use and finance items. The meeting included significant public testimony regarding election integrity, council conduct, and accessibility, followed by council deliberations on an affordable housing agreement amendment, parking fines, and future planning for the 2028 Olympics. A new City Treasurer was appointed and sworn in. Public Comments & Testimony - Election Integrity Concerns: A group of five speakers, volunteers with Unite for Freedom, presented a resolution alleging millions of 'material errors' and improper votes in the 2024 election. They demanded immediate action for a 'legally valid' 2026 election. The mayor directed them to schedule a meeting. - Criticism of Council Conduct and Transparency: Multiple residents criticized the council's actions, citing a projected $11 million general fund loss, opposition to SB 707 (which would restore remote public comment access), and a lack of financial accountability. Specific allegations included cronyism, disparaging comments by the mayor towards residents, and secret meetings. - Support for SB 707: Several speakers expressed strong support for SB 707, arguing the council's opposition limits access for people with disabilities, those without transportation, and seniors. - Questions on Treasurer Appointment: Multiple residents questioned the qualifications and background of the proposed City Treasurer appointee, Jason Schmidt, and alleged his campaign donations to council members indicated 'pay-to-play.' - Infrastructure and Safety Requests: One speaker advocated for a two-way, separated bike lane on Magnolia Street near Edison High School to improve safety. Another opposed allowing alcohol at the city's sports complex. - Praise for City Services: Two speakers thanked the Police and Fire Departments for their support in organizing a large Porsche parade for two children with illnesses and for their general service to the community. - Other Concerns: Additional comments included opposition to offshore oil drilling, concerns about drug overdose rates, allegations of improper police searches during death investigations, and support for the Free Reign Foundation's therapeutic programs. Discussion Items - Appointment of City Treasurer (Item 27): The council debated and then unanimously appointed Jason Schmidt as City Treasurer. Council members defended the selection, citing his Harvard education, CEO/CFO experience, and institutional knowledge. They rejected public allegations of 'pay-to-play,' stating they were unaware of his donations prior to his application. Supervisor Janet Nguyen administered the oath of office. - Amendment to Affordable Housing Agreement (Item 18): A proposal to amend a 2022 agreement for the 18750 Delaware project to correct the bedroom mix of affordable units (reducing 3-bedroom units from 7 to 3 and increasing 2-bedroom units by 4). Staff stated the change aligns the project with city code. Council expressed frustration over the builder's late discovery of the error and concerns about liability and high-density impacts. The item was tabled to September 2nd for further review. - Extension of Affordable Housing Covenants (Item 19): A request for a one-year extension of affordability covenants for the Five Points Senior Villas, expiring in 2026. Staff said the owner sought time to plan for potential rehabilitation and to avoid alarming senior residents. Council members questioned the owner's motives, criticized the city's past negotiation leverage, and debated linking extensions to city loans. The item was tabled to September 2nd to negotiate for a longer-term extension. - Update to Parking Fine Schedule (Item 21): A proposal to increase parking fines and add a CPI-based annual adjustment, projected to generate $1 million in additional revenue. Councilman Williams moved to earmark the new revenue for public safety (a second Fire Captain position and police equipment), but the city attorney advised that specific allocation was not on the agenda. A substitute motion to adopt the resolution as written passed unanimously, with an agreement to agendize the revenue allocation discussion separately. - Exploring Olympic Programming (Item 28): A motion, co-authored by Councilmembers McKeon, Gruel, and Vandermark, directed the city manager to develop a plan to engage with the 2028 Summer Olympics. The goal is to capitalize on the event through media coordination, training site use, hosting delegations, and community events, while creating a streamlined permitting template for businesses. - Beach Sand Replenishment Education (Item 29): A motion, co-authored by Councilmembers Vandermark, Gruel, and Kennedy, directed staff to prepare a public presentation on the history and critical importance of beach sand replenishment, aiming to build community awareness and advocacy for sustained funding. - Consent Calendar Items: Several items were approved unanimously, including acceptance of a $4.66M OCTA grant for Magnolia Street improvements (Item 25) and a $640,000 contract for roof replacement and siding at a city building (Item 24). Key Outcomes - Votes: - Jason Schmidt appointed as City Treasurer (7-0). - Motion to explore Olympic programming partnerships passed (7-0). - Motion to direct staff to create a public education program on beach sand replenishment passed (7-0). - Updated parking fine schedule (Resolution 2025-53) adopted (7-0). - Item 18 (affordable housing agreement amendment) tabled to September 2nd (7-0). - Item 19 (affordable housing covenant extension) tabled to September 2nd (7-0). - Consent calendar items 12-17, 20, 22, 23, and 26 approved (7-0). - Directives and Next Steps: - Councilman Williams directed an item be placed on the next agenda to consider allocating the new parking fine revenue to public safety enhancements. - The public hearing for the Pacific Air Show Environmental Impact Report was opened and continued to September 2nd. - The council recessed to closed session earlier in the meeting regarding unspecified items. - Announcements: - Councilman Kennedy announced a new online resource for information on sober living homes and noted increased resident requests for street signs. - Councilwoman Vandermark announced the city solidified its sister-city relationship with Ramat Gan, Israel. - Councilman McKeon presented a commendation to Jesse Hayes, an e-bike crash survivor, to serve as a safety ambassador. - The meeting was adjourned in memory of Fountain Valley Fire Chief Bill McQuaid.

The Huntington Beach Planning Commission convened on August 5, 2025, primarily to hear and deliberate on appeals concerning Conditional Use Permits for the sale of beer and wine at two outdoor dining areas within the Huntington Beach Sports Complex. The meeting was lengthy and contentious, with strong public opposition centered on safety and youth welfare. After multiple votes and deliberations, the Commission ultimately approved both permits but added significant conditions regarding security, barriers, and hours of operation. Public Comments & Testimony - Strong Opposition from Residents and Stakeholders: Thirteen public speakers, including longtime residents, youth sports league officials, and a tournament organizer, expressed unanimous opposition to allowing alcohol sales at the sports complex. Key arguments included: - Safety and Family Environment: Speakers argued the complex is a family-centric venue where alcohol is incompatible and increases risks of altercations, DUIs, and liability. - Negative Role Modeling: Multiple speakers shared personal stories of trauma and loss due to alcohol, emphasizing the negative message it sends to youth athletes. - Legal Concerns: Some speakers questioned the project's compliance with City Charter Section 612 (Measure C) and municipal codes, suggesting it required a citywide vote. - Conditional Support Suggestions: One speaker, while expressing concern over city liability, suggested that if approved, the permits should include strengthened conditions like defined "full service," dedicated security, solid barriers, and improved enforcement mechanisms. Discussion Items - Appeal of CUP 25-007 (Golden West Street Location): Commissioners debated the project's merits and legality. Key discussion points: - Legal Interpretation: Commissioner Pellman and others argued the permit might violate City Charter Section 612 (Measure C) and zoning text amendments, requiring a public vote. The City Attorney's representative stated the office's opinion was that Measure C was not activated, as the project involved a permit, not a sale/lease of public land, and did not expand the building's footprint. - Safety and Design Concerns: Concerns were raised about the proximity to a children's playground (initially misstated as 150 feet, corrected to 15-20 feet), the safety of the proposed cable barrier for climbing, and the need for security. - Commissioner Positions: Commissioners expressed varied positions, from outright opposition based on principle and legal grounds, to conditional support if strict safety and operational conditions were added. - Appeal of CUP 25-014 (Talbert Street Location): Discussion mirrored the first item, with commissioners seeking to apply the same amended conditions. Key Outcomes - CUP 25-007 (Golden West Location): Approved with Modified Conditions. After an initial tied vote (3-3-1, with one abstention) which would have upheld the Zoning Administrator's approval, a subsequent motion to approve with additional conditions passed 4-3. - Vote Tally: Ayes: Chair Thenis, Commissioners Babineau, Goldberg, Palmer. Nays: Vice Chair Bush, Commissioners McGee, Pellman. - Added Conditions: 1. Security: The operator must provide dedicated security personnel. 2. Barriers: Solid barriers must replace the proposed aircraft cable fencing. 3. Consumption: Alcohol must be consumed at the table, not while walking around. 4. Hours: Alcohol service limited to hours commencing no earlier than noon and ending by 10:00 PM. 5. Access: Clear pedestrian paths using delineators must be created for children accessing walk-up snack windows without traversing the dining area. - CUP 25-014 (Talbert Location): Approved with Modified Conditions. After two failed motions (one to deny, one to approve with conditions resulting in ties), a third motion to approve with the same conditions added for item 25-007 passed 4-3. - Vote Tally: Ayes: Chair Thenis, Commissioners Babineau, Goldberg, Palmer. Nays: Vice Chair Bush, Commissioners McGee, Pellman. - Conditions: Identical to those imposed on CUP 25-007. - Next Steps: The Planning Commission's decisions are final unless appealed to the City Council within 10 calendar days. - Other Business: The August 12, 2025, Planning Commission meeting is anticipated to be canceled.

The Huntington Beach City Council meeting on July 15, 2025, focused on post-4th of July reviews, public safety concerns, and several legislative proposals. Key discussions included a fire department award for cardiac care, public testimony on crime and governance issues, and council items on community gardens, Kratom regulation, and contract transparency. Consent Calendar - All consent calendar items passed 7-0, with Councilman Kennedy abstaining from item 14. Public Comments & Testimony - John Ridelli expressed support for transparency in public contracts, relating it to the bocce ball courts at Murdy Park. - Jim Banks voiced strong opposition to the lack of police response during the 4th of July crime wave in downtown Huntington Beach, calling for increased arrests and enforcement. - A speaker criticized Mayor Burns for past unprofessional conduct and called for his resignation. - Tim Geddes criticized the mayor for arbitrary time restrictions on public speakers. - Amory Hanson expressed full support for a new community garden with aquaponics. - A speaker discussed the federal Administrative Procedure Act, arguing it is unconstitutional. - Russell Neal shared views on the collapse of the enlightenment and the rise of a Christian order. - A speaker accused the council of hypocrisy regarding First and Second Amendment protections. - Jignesh Paddy commended the council and urged planning for America's 250th anniversary in 2026. - Jordan Richard opposed a proposed ban on Kratom, stating it saved his life and arguing against misinformation. - Jennifer Thomas urged the council to make decisions that benefit the entire city, not personal values. Discussion Items - Community Garden with Multitrophic Aquaculture: Councilmembers Burns and Gruell proposed exploring a community garden using integrated aquaculture. The item passed 7-0, directing staff to report back within six months. - Kratom Regulation: Councilmembers Vandermark, Burns, and McKeon proposed developing an ordinance to regulate Kratom sales, focusing on synthetic variants. The item passed 7-0, initiating a research phase. - Transparency for Taxpayers: Councilmembers Kennedy, Williams, and Burns proposed a contract completion reporting policy to enhance oversight of public projects. The item passed 7-0. Key Outcomes - Fire Department received a gold award from the American Heart Association for cardiac care excellence for the fifth straight year. - Independence Day recap showed increased parking revenue and generally safe events, with planning underway for the 250th anniversary. - All council items passed unanimously: community garden feasibility study, Kratom regulation research, and transparency policy development. - Informational item on previous contract awards was discussed, with no further action required.

The Planning Commission met on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers to consider two public hearing items: an appeal of a zoning administrator's approval for a single-family residence on Somerset Lane, and a coastal development permit for 10 single-family homes on Pacific Coast Highway. The meeting also included approval of meeting minutes from March 25 and June 10, 2025. Consent Calendar - Approved the Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes of March 25, 2025, with a vote of 5-0-1 (Commissioner Pellman abstained, not present). - Approved the Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes of June 10, 2025, with a unanimous vote of 6-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 25-516 (Appeal – Somerset Lane): One public speaker, Tim Branhoff, supported the project, stating the owner intends to live there and that the home is only about 600–700 square feet larger than the adjacent property. - Item 25-505 (CDP – 10 Homes on PCH): Several residents spoke in opposition: - John Mahood (50-year resident, 120 18th St.) argued the buildings would be 42–43 feet tall, not 35 feet, and would block views and sunlight. He also noted parking issues from the four ADUs. - Randolph Jones (208 18th St.) opposed the 44-foot

The Huntington Beach City Council met on July 1, 2025, in regular session at 6:00 PM after a closed session beginning at 4:30 PM. The meeting included public comments, a city manager’s report on fireworks safety and downtown improvements, approval of consent calendar items, discussion of on‑call engineering consulting contracts, and a directive to evaluate co‑locating the International Surf Museum with the Main Street Library. All votes were 7‑0. Public Comments & Testimony - 25 speakers addressed the council. Many criticized Mayor Pat Burns for a remark made at the June 17, 2025 meeting, in which he called a speaker “another fucking cow.” Speakers called for his censure or resignation, citing a pattern of disrespect and potential Brown Act / First Amendment violations. Several noted that decorum must start with the dais. - Several speakers supported Agenda Item 14, the feasibility study for co‑locating the International Surf Museum at the Main Street Library, emphasizing Huntington Beach’s identity as “Surf City.” - Other topics included: immigration enforcement (ICE raids), parking ticket disputes, budget transparency (use of a Section 115 trust), the June 2025 special election results, and the redesign of council chambers accessibility. - One speaker highlighted water safety and drowning prevention. Consent Calendar - Items 9–12 were approved 7‑0: - Item 9: Approve minutes of June 17, 2025. - Item 10: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-49 reciting the results of the June 10, 2025 special municipal election. - Item 11: Approve a consent to license with Verizon and Southern California Edison for a cell site at Talbert Park. - Item 12: Approve a three‑year, $224,820 professional services contract with Davis Farr LLP for financial audit services. - Item 13 (on‑call engineering contracts) was pulled by Councilman Kennedy for discussion. Discussion Items 1. On‑Call Engineering Consulting Contracts (Item 13) - Public Works Director Tom Herbell presented a slate of 27 firms for on‑call general civil engineering and professional consulting services, each with a $2,000,000 not‑to‑exceed contract (aggregate $54 million). The contracts cover bridges, environmental, ocean, storm drain, sewer, streets, and water projects. - The city received 37 proposals; firms were selected based on qualifications (Brooks Act). The contract is a “license to hunt”—actual spending depends on annual budget and task orders. In the last five years, the city issued over 100 task orders, with total CIP project value of $238 million and approximately $60 million in fees (roughly 25% of project costs). - Councilman Kennedy questioned the $2 million cap, calling it arbitrary and potentially misleading to the public. He suggested tying contracts directly to annual budget allocations instead. Staff explained the cap is a standard accounting practice; other agencies use no‑limit lists. Councilman Twining, a former engineering consultant, confirmed the cap is a “bookend” and that firms compete for task orders regardless. - Vote: Approved 7‑0. 2. Potential Co‑location of the International Surf Museum at Main Street Library (Item 14) - Mayor Pro Tem Casey McKeon, Mayor Pat Burns, and Councilwoman Gracey Van Der Mark proposed directing staff to evaluate the feasibility of moving the Huntington Beach International Surf Museum (HBISM) from its current Olive Avenue location into underutilized space at the Main Street Library. - The museum has outgrown its current facility and cannot display many larger surfboards (some dating to the 1930s) or archival materials. Co‑locating could create a specialized research collection, activate the library, and potentially collaborate with the Huntington Beach Art Center to form a cultural district. Visit Huntington Beach has expressed preliminary support and may help underwrite relocation and operational costs. - Council members expressed strong support, noting the synergy between the library, museum, and the city’s “Surf City” identity. - Vote: Unanimous 7‑0 to direct staff to report back within 90 days with findings and next steps. City Manager’s Report Fireworks and Public Safety for Independence Day - Police Lt. Toby Archer and Fire Chief Darren Witt presented safety measures for the 121st Independence Day celebration. There are 16 fireworks booths permitted to sell “safe and sane” fireworks; hours are July 1–3 (noon–10 PM) and July 4 (10 AM–9 PM). Fireworks are prohibited on beaches, wetlands, parks, and within 100 feet of gas stations. - Police will be on max deployment on July 4. Enforcement is challenging because violators often flee; the department uses undercover teams, letters to known prior offenders, and a fireworks hotline (714‑536‑LOUD) and My HB app for complaints. 911 should not be used for fireworks complaints. - Proper disposal: soak spent fireworks in water, wrap in plastic, and discard. Improper disposal causes many fires. Downtown Huntington Beach Improvement Update - Denny Bacon (Public Works) reported on recent cosmetic upgrades to Main Street, including brick planters with new strawberry trees, petunias, flax lily, irrigation repairs, bollard painting, center line striping, and curb painting. The work was done in partnership with the Main Street Garden Club volunteers. The project improved four blocks of Main Street in time for the Independence Day Parade. - Councilman McKeon noted that the upgrades have already attracted a new restaurant (Champagnes) to the former IHOP space. Visit Huntington Beach is contributing more to future improvements. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar (Items 9–12) approved 7‑0. Item 13 pulled and discussed separately. - On‑Call Engineering Contracts (Item 13) approved 7‑0, with staff to consider alternative contract structures in the future. - Surf Museum Co‑location Study (Item 14) approved 7‑0; staff to return within 90 days. - Fireworks safety and downtown improvement reports received; no formal action required. - Council committee appointments announced: Eric Creshenson to Planning Commission, Ben Goldberg to Public Works. - Next regular meeting: July 15, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Civic Center Council Chambers.

The Huntington Beach City Council held a regular meeting on June 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM after a closed session at 4:30 PM. Councilman Andrew Gruel was absent with permission. The meeting included extensive public comments on the recent Measures A and B special election, approval of several consent calendar items (including a $1.1 million women's locker room project after discussion), adoption of a side letter agreement with the Police Officers' Association to comply with CalPERS requirements, and a unanimous vote to respond to an ACLU cease and desist letter alleging Brown Act violations by committing to cease the challenged practices. All votes were 6-0-1 (with Gruel absent). Public Comments & Testimony - Many speakers thanked Huntington Beach voters for passing Measures A and B (protecting the library from privatization and censorship) by wide margins. Speakers celebrated the defeat of what they called the council's "culture war" and urged the council to return to core governance issues like infrastructure, budget, and public safety. - Several speakers criticized the council for spending over $1 million on the special election, for placing pornographic-themed signs around schools, and for creating division. Multiple speakers accused the council of targeting the LGBTQ+ community through the library measures and reiterated support for Pride Month. - A few speakers defended the council, arguing the election results were not a mandate (only 36,000 of 136,000 registered voters voted yes) and that the council's actions were lawful and necessary. - Speakers raised concerns about the city's infrastructure fund (Item 13), towing company overcharges, police deployment to Los Angeles without transparency, and improper police conduct in impounding a citizen's vehicle for a month without charges. - Wendy Rincon, the resident who requested the ACLU letter, spoke about Mayor Burns violating her First Amendment rights on May 20, 2025, by shutting down her public comment. She demanded the council take the warning seriously. Discussion Items - Item 12 – Police Department Women’s Locker Room Improvement Project: Councilman Kennedy pulled this consent item. He questioned the 20% contingency ($219,895) compared to a 10% contingency on other projects, and concerns about contractors bidding low then raising costs via change orders. Public Works staff explained that vertical renovations often uncover unknown conditions (plumbing, HVAC) and that any cost overruns beyond the contingency would require council approval. A motion to approve passed 6-0-1. - Item 15 – POA Side Letter Agreement: Human Resources Director Marissa Sur presented a side letter amending the Police Officers' Association MOU to meet CalPERS reporting requirements for special pays. The changes are administrative only, adding no new benefits. The resolution was adopted 6-0-1. - Item 16 – Response to ACLU Cease and Desist: Staff recommended that the city adopt a resolution, without admitting any violation, committing to cease and desist from the challenged actions described in the ACLU's May 22, 2025 letter regarding Brown Act violations during public comment. The motion passed 6-0-1 with some council members expressing displeasure at interruptions during the vote. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar (Items 8-11, 13-14): Approved 6-0-1. This included approval of minutes, appointments to the City Celebration Committee, an ordinance amending the Information Services Department chapter, an ordinance adopting Fire Hazard Severity Zones, acceptance of the FY 2023/24 Infrastructure Fund Annual Report, and a $1,599,942.70 sewer lining contract with contingency appropriation. - Item 12 (Women’s Locker Room Improvement): Approved 6-0-1 after discussion. Contract awarded to Full Swing Construction Inc. for $1,099,477 with a 20% contingency. - Item 15 (POA Side Letter): Adopted Resolution No. 2025-47, 6-0-1. - Item 16 (Brown Act Response): Adopted Resolution committing to cease the challenged past actions, 6-0-1. - The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 1, 2025, at a location to be announced due to construction at City Council Chambers.

The Huntington Beach Planning Commission held a regular meeting on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The sole agenda item was a public hearing on an appeal of the Zoning Administrator's approval of Conditional Use Permit No. 24-007 and Coastal Development Permit No. 24-005 for a property at 16471 Malden Circle (Gilbert Island, Huntington Harbour). The appellant sought to demolish an existing 2,845 sq. ft. single-story residence and construct a new 7,696 sq. ft. three-story single-family dwelling with a 30-ft. height, including a 715 sq. ft. garage and balconies. Staff recommended approval, finding the project categorically exempt from CEQA under Section 15303, Class 3, and approving the permits with findings and conditions. No public comments or other items were on the agenda. The outcome of the appeal is not available from the provided materials (minutes and transcript were not provided). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were listed on the agenda. Discussion Items - Appeal of Conditional Use Permit No. 24-007 and Coastal Development Permit No. 24-005 (Voong Residence): The Planning Commission considered an appeal of the Zoning Administrator's prior approval of a permit for a new three-story single-family home at 16471 Malden Circle. The proposed project includes demolition of an existing 2,845 sq. ft. home and construction of a 7,696 sq. ft. residence with a 30-ft. height, a 715 sq. ft. two-car garage, and 640 sq. ft. of balconies. Staff recommended the Commission find the project categorically exempt under CEQA and approve the permits with conditions. Key Outcomes - No decision or vote is recorded in the provided materials. The minutes and transcript were not available to confirm the Commission's action. Note: The meeting took place on June 10, 2025, as scheduled. The agenda indicates the staff recommendation, but the final action is unknown.

The Huntington Beach Planning Commission met on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers to hear an appeal of the Zoning Administrator’s approval of Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 24-007 and Coastal Development Permit (CDP) No. 24-005 for a proposed 7,696 sq. ft., three-story single-family residence at 16471 Malden Circle on Gilbert Island. After public testimony and deliberation, two motions (to approve the project and to continue for redesign) each failed on 3‑3 tie votes, leaving the Zoning Administrator’s original approval in effect. Public Comments & Testimony - Brad Bailey (appellant, adjacent property owner) : Opposed the project, citing the home’s size (7,696 sq. ft. on a 7,598 sq. ft. lot), privacy impacts, safety hazards from the third‑story balcony, and a “D” rating for the harbor seawall. He also referenced a petition against the project. - Sam Panebianco (neighbor, single‑story home) : Expressed concerns about construction impacts on his solar panels, the small lot size, and the house being “one of the biggest houses on the island.” He submitted signatures from 20 neighbors opposing the project. - Barbara McClanahan (neighbor, resident since 1965) : Objected to the height and mass, stating most three‑story homes in the harbor are more tucked into the roofline. She passed photos to the commission. - Doug Huen (project architect) : Defended the design, noting it was custom for this lot and met all code requirements. He explained that AC units were relocated to the roof to mitigate noise, windows were aligned to preserve privacy, and the third‑floor balcony extends only 30 inches. Discussion Items - Staff Presentation (Wayne Carvalho, Principal Planner) : Detailed that the project complies with all zoning and building codes. The lot is 7,741 sq. ft. (staff’s figure), proposed footprint is 3,863 sq. ft. (49.9% lot coverage), and height is 30 feet (flat roof). The CUP is required because the third story exceeds 30 feet of building height east of the second‑story plate line. Staff recommended upholding the Zoning Administrator’s approval. - Commissioner Questions & Deliberation: - Commissioner Pellman raised concerns about building weight cracking adjacent foundations, seawall integrity, construction hours (Mon–Sat, 7 am–8 pm), and privacy standards. She noted the 20‑foot setback requirement for balconies. - Commissioner McGee focused on seawall risks and asked about CEQA exemption (granted under Class 3). He noted the appellant’s concerns about short‑term rentals were already prohibited by zoning. - Commissioner Palmer questioned whether the building’s mass (7,696 sq. ft.) was compatible with the neighborhood, noting the next largest comparable home was 6,472 sq. ft. She worried about oversized decorative roof elements adding effective height beyond 30 feet. - Chair Thienes questioned whether the third floor complied with the “confines of the roof volume” requirement, noting the dormers and flat roof design. He felt the project did not meet the original intent of the third‑story ordinance. - Commissioner Bush and Babineau argued the project meets code, similar homes exist nearby, and the city should not become “designers.” They supported approval. Key Outcomes - Motion to Approve (CUP & CDP with findings) : Made by Commissioner Babineau, seconded by Commissioner Bush. Failed on a 3‑3 tie (Pellman, Thienes, Palmer opposed; Babineau, McGee, Bush supported). - Motion to Continue for Redesign : Made by Commissioner Pellman (to reduce scale/mass and include a solar/shadow study), seconded by Commissioner Palmer. Failed on a 3‑3 tie (Pellman, Thienes, Palmer in favor; Babineau, McGee, Bush opposed). - Result: With no majority, the Zoning Administrator’s original approval (issued February 5, 2025) remains in effect. The applicant may proceed with the project as originally approved. - Future Agenda: Staff noted a similar appeal for another Gilbert Island property and a referral for 10 single‑family homes on PCH between 18th and 19th Street are expected at the July 1, 2025, meeting. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30 PM. The next regular Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 6:00 PM.

The Huntington Beach Planning Commission held a regular meeting on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers at the Civic Center. The meeting was called to order with Chair Brian Thienes presiding. The primary agenda item was a public hearing on an appeal of the Zoning Administrator's approval of a Conditional Use Permit and Coastal Development Permit for a residential project on Gilbert Island in Huntington Harbour. Public Comments - No public comments were recorded in the provided materials. The agenda allowed for public comments on non-agenda items, but no speakers or testimony are documented. Discussion Items - 25-265 Appeal of the Zoning Administrator’s Approval of Conditional Use Permit No. 24-007 and Coastal Development Permit No. 24-005 (Voong Residence) - The proposal was to demolish an existing 2,845 sq. ft., 13-ft. high single-story residence at 16471 Malden Circle and construct a new 7,696 sq. ft. three-story single-family dwelling at a height of 30 ft., including a 715 sq. ft. two-car garage, 530 sq. ft. of second floor balconies, and a 110 sq. ft. third floor balcony. - Staff recommended that the Commission find the project categorically exempt from CEQA under Section 15303, Class 3, and approve the permits with suggested findings and conditions (Attachment No. 1). - Note: The full transcript of the meeting is incomplete—only one fragmentary sentence ("Let's just say for the sake of argument. I") is available, making it impossible to reconstruct the actual discussion, testimony, or deliberation by the Commission. No minutes were provided. Key Outcomes - No confirmed decision: Due to the incomplete transcript and absence of minutes, the final action (approval, denial, continuance, or other) taken by the Planning Commission on this item cannot be determined from the source materials. The agenda listed a recommended action of approval, but the actual outcome is unknown.