Huntington Beach Planning Commission Meeting – January 28, 2020

The Huntington Beach Planning Commission met on Tuesday, January 28, 2020, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting covered four public hearing items: a proposed 7-11 gas station and convenience store on Beach Boulevard, a restaurant alcohol service permit, an appeal of a coastal development permit for an AT&T small cell facility, and a campus remodel for the Hebrew Academy. The commission also approved consent calendar items and assigned advisory board roles.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from July 23, 2019, August 13, 2019, and August 27, 2019 (unanimous, 7-0 each).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Eric Lazardo (neighboring pet hospital owner): Expressed concern about the loss of a boundary wall between his property and the proposed 7-11 site after demolition of the existing Firestone building. He stated that the wall currently contains his animals during walks and that its removal would force him to build a new barrier.
• Adon Madrid (applicant representative for 7-11): Answered commissioner questions about public restrooms, fuel delivery logistics (20-30 minutes, engines off), noise mitigation (shut-off for tire air units, no after-hours trash disposal), and proposed an 8-foot CMU wall on the west and south property lines with additional landscaping.
• Franklin Orozco (applicant for AT&T): Described the need for the small cell facility to offload capacity from a macro cell and improve service along Pacific Coast Highway, noting the stealth design encloses antennas within the new light pole.
• Bob Corona (local builder and neighbor): Opposed the AT&T pole location, citing proximity to homes and potential hazards; suggested using poles across the street but noted those were reserved.
• Jessica Robinson (appellant and neighbor): Argued that AT&T failed to co-locate within 1,000 feet as required by code (proposed site is 980 feet from another facility) and that the applicant’s simulation did not account for already-approved towers.
• Alexis Reeves (neighbor): Echoed concerns about the pole being placed 10-15 feet from a bedroom window and questioned why other nearby poles were not considered.
• Joseph Newman (Head of School, Hebrew Academy): Supported the campus remodel, explaining that new classrooms allow for specialty spaces (STEM, art, music) without increasing total student enrollment (still at 300 students). He noted that the 8-foot wrought iron fence is a security recommendation from a vulnerability report.
• Connie Malin (neighbor to Hebrew Academy): Complained about spotlight glare into her bedroom, noise from sporting events, and occasional street closures that she attributed to the school.
• Bryn Harari (Principal, Hebrew Academy): Expressed enthusiasm for the educational benefits of the new classrooms and invited commissioners to visit the campus.

Discussion Items

• 19-1287 – 7-11 Gas Station & Convenience Store (Conditional Use Permit No. 19-014): Staff presented the project at 16171 Beach Boulevard: demolition of an existing auto repair building and construction of a 2,323 sq. ft. convenience store with an 8-pump fueling station, operating 24 hours, selling beer and wine (Type 20 license). The project complied with the Beach & Edinger Corridor Specific Plan (SP-14). Commissioner questions addressed public restrooms, underground storage tank location (10-foot setback from apartments), fuel delivery noise, lighting spillage, and the need for a public convenience and necessity letter due to alcohol license overconcentration in the census tract. The applicant agreed to conditions: alcohol sales limited to 6 AM–midnight, shut-off of air/water units (unless preempted by state law), all deliveries between 8 AM and 6 PM, no idling of delivery trucks, an 8-foot CMU wall on west and south property lines with landscaping, no trash removal between 10 PM and 8 AM, and standard alcohol signage restrictions. A motion to deny failed 4-3 (Commissioners Kalmick, Perkins, Scandura in favor; Chair Grant, Vice Chair Ray, Commissioners Garcia, Mandic against). A subsequent motion to approve with the conditions passed 4-3 (same voting split).

• 19-1295 – Thai Gulf Restaurant Alcohol Service (Conditional Use Permit No. 19-024): Staff reported that the restaurant at 19072 Beach Boulevard #A sought a Type 41 license for on-site beer and wine sales in a 1,935 sq. ft. interior and 400 sq. ft. outdoor patio, with hours: lunch 11 AM–3:30 PM (Mon–Fri), dinner 4:30–10 PM (Mon–Sat) and 4:30–9:30 PM (Sun). The use was consistent with the specific plan, 200 feet from residential uses, and conditions include employee training, limited happy hours, and video surveillance. No public speakers. Approved unanimously (7-0).

• 20-1303 – Appeal of AT&T Small Cell Coastal Development Permit (Coastal Development Permit No. 19-010): Staff explained the request to replace an existing 30 ft-6 in light pole with a 29 ft-3 in pole plus small cell equipment (total 34 ft-9 in) on Goldenwest Street, 110 feet north of PCH, within the coastal zone. The zoning administrator approved it in October 2019 after exploring alternatives (one site reserved for another carrier, relocation opposed by the adjacent property owner). The appellant (Jessica Robinson) argued the project did not co-locate within 1,000 feet and that the need was unproven. Staff determined the design was stealth, consistent with general plan and coastal policies. Federal law preempts health and property value considerations. Commissioner Kalmick supported the project as critical infrastructure; Commissioner Scandura reluctantly supported it due to federal preemption and risk of litigation; Commissioner Mandic opposed, citing insufficient due diligence by the applicant. Approved 6-1 (Commissioner Mandic dissenting).

• 20-1320 – Hebrew Academy Campus Remodel (Entitlement Plan Amendment No. 18-002): Staff reported the project at 14401 Willow Lane: install four modular buildings (9,990 sq. ft., 7 classrooms), repurpose two existing classrooms, add 1,550 sq. ft. to the multi-purpose room, expand north parking lot (27 spaces), and construct a new south faculty lot (34 spaces). No increase in student enrollment (max 400). The design matches existing architecture, includes an 8-foot wrought iron fence around the perimeter (for security), and improves fire access. The applicant worked with fire and police departments. Neighbor Connie Malin raised concerns about lighting spillage and noise. The head of school agreed to address the spotlight issue and staff offered to facilitate contact. Approved unanimously (7-0).

Key Outcomes

• 7-11 Gas Station (19-1287): Approved 4-3 with conditions including alcohol sales 6 AM–midnight, deliveries 8 AM–6 PM, no idling, 8-foot CMU walls on west/south property lines, landscaping, shut-off of air/water units (unless preempted), and no trash removal 10 PM–8 AM.
• Thai Gulf Restaurant (19-1295): Approved 7-0.
• AT&T Small Cell (20-1303): Approved 6-1; the decision is appealable to the City Council within 10 days.
• Hebrew Academy (20-1320): Approved 7-0; staff will connect the school with the neighbor regarding lighting concerns.
• Consent Calendar: Minutes from July 23, August 13, and August 27, 2019 approved.
• Advisory Board Assignments: Chair Grant announced appointments: Design Review Board (Grant, alternate Kalmick); Subdivision Committee (Garcia, Perkins, Mandic, alternate Grant); Environmental Board (Scandura, Ray); Southeast Area Committee (Perkins, alternate Mandic); Downtown Economic Development Committee (Kalmick, alternate Mandic); Sunset Beach Area Committee (Ray, alternate Kalmick); Historic Resources Board (Perkins, alternate Scandura).
• Next Meeting: February 11, 2020 (likely canceled); next confirmed meeting February 18, 2020 (Beach Ellis building hearing).