Huntington Beach Planning Commission Meeting – September 11, 2018

The Huntington Beach Planning Commission held a study session at 5:15 PM and a regular meeting at 7:00 PM on September 11, 2018, in Council Chambers. The Commission reviewed two study session items (ASCON final remediation and a new service station) and conducted a public hearing on the Sea Dance residential development (51 single-family homes at the former Franklin School site), approving it with conditions. A continued parcel map was withdrawn by the applicant.

Study Session – Project Review

• ASCON Final Remediation (Coastal Development Permit 16-016, Conditional Use Permit 16-034): Senior Planner Ricky Ramos introduced the proposed remedial action plan for the landfill at 21641 Magnolia St., involving grading of more than 25,000 cubic yards of import/export, a 6-ft tall aluminum fence with 6.5-ft pilasters within the 15-ft setback, and gated access. Commissioner Grant asked about fence materials, life expectancy, rodent barrier, and sidewalk absence on Magnolia; staff will provide details at the public hearing. Commissioner Mandic questioned the fence height (6 ft vs. 8 ft) and whether the city has purview to change it (yes). Commissioner Ray noted the Design Review Board approved the fencing and cap. Chair Scandura recused himself due to his role at DTSC. The item was staff-reviewed; no action taken.
• G&M Oil Service Station (Conditional Use Permit 17-026): Associate Planner Joanna Cortez presented a proposal to demolish an existing station and construct a new one at 16990 Beach Blvd., with beer and wine sales (replacing existing full alcohol license), reduced setbacks along Warner Avenue, and a future right-turn lane dedication. Commissioner Kalmick asked about diesel and E85 pumps (applicant later confirmed diesel will remain), right-turn lane timing (not needed now based on current traffic counts), and the reason for giving up the full alcohol license (applicant agreement with police). Commissioner Grant inquired about restroom compliance with building codes. Applicant Karl Huy confirmed the station will go from 8 to 6 dispensers, retain diesel, and surrender the existing ABC license for a beer-and-wine only license. The item was staff-reviewed; public hearing set for September 25.

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Public Comments: No speakers signed up for public comments.
• Sea Dance Residential Development (Public Hearing): Six speakers addressed the Commission:
  • Rick Wood (applicant, Tri-Point Homes): Presented the project, emphasizing community outreach and changes to the park (expanded to 1.3 acres, matching existing size) and reduction from 53 to 51 units. He noted the plan retains single-story homes on the perimeter and uses a Planned Unit Development (PUD) for flexibility.
  • Dan Jamieson (resident): Supported the project, praised Tri-Point for listening, and urged that the $250,000 in-lieu fee be restricted to the Navy right-of-way trail.
  • John Fugatt (resident): Also supported the project but reiterated the desire for the in-lieu fee to be dedicated to the Navy right-of-way, preferably with the builder completing the improvements.
  • Peter Hollingsworth (resident): Expressed gratitude for the enlarged park but raised concerns about traffic impacts at Hammond/Westminster and Rancho/SpA intersections. He noted past fatalities and urged safety improvements.
  • Katie Fabre (resident): Spoke in favor, calling the blighted school site a good fit for redevelopment and praising collaboration.
  • Donna Picciano (community manager): Shared positive experiences from a similar Tri-Point project in Anaheim, citing improved aesthetics, property values, and traffic normalization. The public hearing was closed after all speakers.

Discussion Items

• Sea Dance Residential Development (General Plan Amendment 16-001, Zoning Map Amendment 16-002, Tentative Tract Map 18147, Conditional Use Permit 16-031, Mitigated Negative Declaration 16-002): Associate Planner Jessica Bui presented the staff recommendation for approval, noting revisions to conditions of approval and exhibits. Commissioner Kalmick inquired about park maintenance during construction (city will continue via agreement with school district). Commissioner Mandic asked about RV definition and affordable unit costs ($524,614 per unit in-lieu fee). Commissioner Garcia asked about Lot A access (will be vacated). Chair Scandura confirmed HOA will only maintain public art, not the park.
• In-lieu Fee Discussion: Commissioner Mandic proposed rewording condition 7B of the tentative tract map to specify the $250,000 contribution be deposited with Public Works for the Navy right-of-way, and if infeasible, used for other recreation facilities in the vicinity. Staff noted the Planning Commission cannot earmark funds (only City Council can), but the amendment was accepted. The applicant agreed.

Key Outcomes

• Sea Dance Residential Development: Approved unanimously (7-0) by motion of Commissioner Grant, seconded by Commissioner Kalmick, including staff-recommended changes and an amendment to Tentative Tract Map Condition 7B (regarding the $250,000 in-lieu fee). The approval includes:
  • Mitigated Negative Declaration No. 16-002 with findings and mitigation measures.
  • Recommendation for City Council approval of General Plan Amendment No. 16-001 (draft Resolution 2018-27) and Zoning Map Amendment No. 16-002 (draft Ordinance 4161).
  • Approval of Tentative Tract Map No. 18147 and Conditional Use Permit No. 16-031 with findings and conditions. The decision is appealable to the City Council within 10 days.
• Withdrawn Parcel Map (Tentative Parcel Map 18-006/CDP 18-010/Variance 18-004): The public hearing was closed due to the applicant’s withdrawal. No further action.
• Future Meetings: Next regular meeting on September 25, 2018, with public hearings on ASCON remediation and G&M Oil service station.
• Commissioner Comments: Commissioners acknowledged September 11, remembering first responders and those who perished, and Chair Scandura noted his son’s departure for Peace Corps service in Paraguay.