Planning Commission Meeting – October 27, 2020

The Huntington Beach Planning Commission met on October 27, 2020, at 6:00 PM via teleconference due to COVID-19. The primary agenda item was the Seacliff Senior Living project, a proposed three-story convalescent facility at 2120 Main Street. The Commission also approved consent calendar items and took a minute action regarding historic silos on the site.

Consent Calendar

• Approved Planning Commission Minutes of May 28, 2019 – Motion carried 6-0-1 (Commissioner Crowe abstained as he was not on the Commission at that time).
• Approved Planning Commission Minutes of September 22, 2020 – Motion carried 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Comment (email read aloud): Amory Hanson, candidate for City Council and member of the Historic Resources Board, expressed opposition to the project, citing the potential displacement of Futures Academy (a private school on the site). He urged postponement until the school’s relocation plans were clear.
• Applicant Presentation: Patrick McGonigal (South Bay Partners) presented the project, noting over 25 years of senior living development, a focus on wellness, and feedback from office tenants and neighbors. He highlighted that the office park improvements (Phase 1 underway) and that Futures Academy would remain in the 2100 building.

Discussion Items

1. Seacliff Senior Living (Item 20-1891) – Requests: Conditional Use Permit No. 19-025 for a 281,000 sq. ft., 226-room convalescent facility with subterranean parking and a Type 47 ABC alcohol license; Tentative Parcel Map No. 20-128 to subdivide the 11.29-acre site into four parcels; and Mitigated Negative Declaration No. 20-001 (MND).
   • Staff Report (Hayden Beckman, Senior Planner): Detailed the site’s 12.5-foot grade differential, design review board (DRB) approval, and conditions including interpretive signage for the existing grain silos. The MND concluded no significant impacts with mitigation for cultural resources, geology, hazards, and tribal resources.
   • Commissioner Questions: Addressed parking (238 underground stalls, surplus), reciprocal access agreement, alcohol license (Type 47 vs. Type 63), retaining walls, silo maintenance, and the DRB recommendation for interpretive signage.
   • Public Hearing: One email from Amory Hanson read; applicant team responded. No other speakers.
   • Commissioner Deliberations: Commissioner Scandura expressed strong support, noting the city’s aging population (26% over 60) and the need for such facilities. Commissioners discussed silo preservation (Commissioner Mandic proposed roof restoration, protection during construction, and use of Barbara Beil tiles for interpretive sign).
   • Motion: Commissioner Scandura moved to adopt MND 20-001, approve CUP 19-025 and TPM 20-128 (with June 2020 date correction) with findings and conditions, including Commissioner Mandic’s modifications. Seconded by Commissioner Mandic. Passed 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on Seacliff Senior Living: Unanimous approval (7-0) of the Mitigated Negative Declaration, Conditional Use Permit, and Tentative Parcel Map with conditions.
• Minute Action on Historic Silos: Commissioner Mandic moved to request the City Council to add the silos at the former Northern Branch site to the city’s list of historical structures. Motion carried 7-0. The action is to be forwarded to City Council.
• Appeal Information: The decision on the project is appealable to the City Council within 10 calendar days.
• Next Meeting: November 10, 2020, at 6:00 PM (agenda includes Stumpy’s Hatchet House CUP).
• Staff Reports: Upcoming city council action on zoning code updates and housing element contract; Design Review Board report (AES screening mural, restaurant remodel at 602 PCH, four-plex on PCH).