Huntington Beach Planning Commission Meeting – March 25, 2025

The Huntington Beach Planning Commission met on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Room B-7 of the Civic Center. The main agenda item was a public hearing on an appeal of the Zoning Administrator's approval of Conditional Use Permit No. 24-026 for a six-foot-tall wrought iron security fence at 625 and 627 Main Street. After hearing public testimony and deliberation, the Commission voted 3-2 to uphold the approval with an added condition prohibiting outside storage and limiting overnight parking.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The Commission unanimously approved the minutes of the February 11, 2025 meeting (6 ayes, 1 abstention).

Public Comments & Testimony

Non-Agenda Public Comments:

• Antoinette Del Peral expressed disappointment that the city no longer celebrates Veterans Day and shared a personal story about receiving a parking ticket on that holiday.
• Perry Clitheroe opposed the meeting itself, calling the only substantive agenda item "really stupid" and arguing that property owners are being harassed by excessive government regulation.
• Kelly Frankowise, a former chaplain, requested that the city install a convex mirror at the intersection of Lake and Palm to improve visibility for drivers.

Public Hearing – Appeal of CUP No. 24-026 (17 speakers):

• Supporters: Rick Wood (applicant’s representative) described the need for security due to vagrancy and the sensitive data handled by the escrow business. Amy Whitaker (property owner) explained the significant investment in the property and the necessity of the fence for safety and compliance. Blythe Curren (employee) spoke about personal safety working late. Thomas Pence, Deborah Struthers, Liz Kirksey, Perry Clitheroe, Kim Kramer, Bob Bowlin, Howard Kettler, Dave (last name not given), and Jason Moberly Caruso (attorney) all supported the fence, citing improved aesthetics, reduced nuisance activity, and compatibility with the neighborhood’s mixed character. Several noted that neighboring residents across the street directly support the project.
• Opponents: Vanessa Martinez (property owner on the block) argued the fence is out of character for historic Main Street and that two neighbors who initially supported it have since withdrawn support. Diana Zimmer questioned the security justification, noting no police reports of incidents. Maria Martinez and Michael Martinez (property owners) expressed concerns about declining property values and setting a precedent for industrial-style fencing. In total, four speakers opposed the project.

Discussion Items

25-035 Appeal of Zoning Administrator’s Approval of CUP No. 24-026 (Tiempo Security Fence)

• The appeal was filed by Councilman Don Kennedy, arguing the fence is incompatible with the residential character of the 600 block of Main Street. Staff presented that the property is a commercially zoned irregular lot, previously operated as a mortuary and now a business escrow office. The proposed fence exceeds the 42-inch front setback height limit and encroaches on visibility triangles and stacking distance. The Zoning Administrator approved the CUP on November 20, 2024, after finding the project complies with the General Plan. The Commission reviewed staff analysis showing that similar fence height exceptions have been approved elsewhere in the city (e.g., post office at 8 ft, 618 Huntington Street at 5.5 ft).
• Commissioner Wood recused himself due to prior conversations with Councilman Kennedy and the applicant. Commissioner Pellman was absent. Several commissioners initially expressed concerns about setting a precedent and encroaching on setbacks, but after hearing from many neighbors in favor and noting the significant improvements to the property, the majority leaned toward approval. Commissioner Goldberg moved to add a condition prohibiting outside storage and limiting overnight parking (less than 5 days). This was approved via straw vote (4 ayes, 1 abstention, 1 absent).

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Approve CUP 24-026: The Commission approved the conditional use permit with the added condition (no outside storage, limited overnight parking). The vote was 3 ayes (Commissioners Bush, Goldberg, McGee) and 2 nays (Chair Thienes, Commissioner Babineau). Commissioner Wood abstained (recused); Commissioner Pellman absent. The decision is final unless appealed to the City Council within 10 calendar days.
• Next Meeting: The next regular Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, 2025, but may be canceled if no items are agendized.