Huntington Beach Planning Commission Meeting - November 10, 2020
STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE
Huntington Beach Planning Commission Meeting - November 10, 2020
The Huntington Beach Planning Commission held a regular meeting on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers, conducted via teleconference due to the COVID-19 state of emergency. The single public hearing item was a conditional use permit for Stumpy's Hatchet House, a commercial recreation and entertainment use involving hatchet throwing with on-site beer and wine sales. The meeting also included the approval of previous meeting minutes and farewell remarks for outgoing Vice Chair Dan Kalmick, who was recently elected to the City Council.
Consent Calendar
- Unanimously approved the Planning Commission minutes from October 27, 2020.
Public Comments & Testimony
- No public comments were submitted or received in advance of the meeting. There were no speakers during the public comment period for non-agenda items.
Discussion Items
- Conditional Use Permit No. 20-005 (Stumpy's Hatchet House): The applicant sought to establish a 5,500 sq. ft. hatchet-throwing venue with nine interior pits, food service, and a Type 41 beer and wine license at 7225 Edinger Avenue, Suites A-E. Senior Planner Hayden Beckman presented staff's recommendation for approval, noting the project is categorically exempt from CEQA (Class 1) and that the police department originally opposed the initial Type 40 license but now supports the revised Type 41 license after working with the applicant. Key conditions include responsible beverage service (RBS) training, video surveillance, hours of operation (Monday–Thursday 7 a.m.–10 p.m., Friday–Saturday 7 a.m.–12 a.m., Sunday 7 a.m.–8 p.m.), and limits on window coverings for interior visibility. The police department representative confirmed satisfaction with the current plan.
- Commissioners asked questions about parking striping, entertainment permits, floor plan details (e.g., emergency exit behind pit 1), furniture placement, and guest policies. Applicants Eric and Adriana Lachell described their franchise model, safety record (zero incidents across 20 franchises), pricing ($25 per hour for throwers, $5–$10 for spectators), and the expectation that customers leave after their session unless they purchase additional time.
- During deliberations, Vice Chair Kalmick expressed support for the project as written, likening it to a bowling alley and emphasizing personal responsibility. Commissioner Scandura proposed additional conditions to limit alcohol consumption (e.g., one drink per hour, maximum two per session, no alcohol in throwing pits, and requiring customers to leave after their session), arguing that hatchets are inherently more dangerous than darts and that alcohol could compromise safety. Commissioner Perkins raised concerns about RBS training language, but staff and police noted the standard language has been used without issues for 10 years. Commissioner Mandic suggested ensuring furniture does not block exits, to be reviewed by fire officials.
- The motion to approve the permit as recommended by staff (without the additional conditions) was made by Vice Chair Kalmick and seconded by Commissioner Crow.
Key Outcomes
- Decision: The Planning Commission approved Conditional Use Permit No. 20-005 with findings and conditions of approval as recommended by staff by a vote of 5–2. Voting in favor: Chair Ray, Vice Chair Kalmick, Commissioners Garcia, Crowe, and Mandic. Voting against: Commissioners Scandura and Perkins (who supported additional alcohol restrictions and clearer RBS training language, respectively). The decision is appealable to the City Council within 10 calendar days.
- Farewell: Vice Chair Dan Kalmick, who was elected to the City Council in the November 2020 election, was recognized by the commission for his eight years of service. His last regular meeting is tentatively scheduled for November 24, 2020, which is expected to be cancelled.
Meeting Transcript
And cats that we showcase and even bunnies, like I say. Uh but I'd like to call the Planning Commission meeting to order. Uh welcome to the November 10th, 2020 Huntington Beach Planning Commission meeting. On March 4th, 2020, Governor Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in California as a result of the threat of COVID-19. On March 17th, 2020, Governor Newsom issued executive order N2920, which allows the local legislative body to hold public meetings via teleconferencing, and to make public meetings accessible telephonically or otherwise electronically to all members of the public seeking to observe and to address the local legislative body. Pursuant to the executive order, please be advised that some members of the planning commission and city staff are participating in this meeting telephonically or electronically. While the city cannot provide an in-person location for the meeting at this time, property owners, residents, and any interested parties can view the meeting live on HBTV Channel 3 or via live stream on the city's website. Interested parties also had the opportunity to submit comments on any items prior to the meeting. Staff will identify any public comments received at the appropriate time on the agenda. While the planning commission welcomes public involvement and free speech, it rejects comments from anyone that are discriminatory, defamatory, or otherwise not protected speech. Those comments will not inform nor be considered by the planning commission and may be cause for the chair to interrupt the speaker. Such comments will not be consented to or otherwise adopted by the planning commission in its discussion and findings for any matter tonight. Thank you. I'd like to call on uh Vice Chair Calmick to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. One nation under God visible celebrity and justice for all. Thank you. May we have roll call, please. Commissioner Garcia. Here. Commissioner Scandura. Commissioner Crow. Here. Commissioner Perkins. Here. Commissioner Mandic. Here. Vice Chair Kalmick. Here. Chair Ray. Here. We have a quorum. Thank you. Do we have a motion to approve the order of the agenda? So moved. Vice Chair Callman. Second. Second. All those in favor, raise your thank you. Seven eyes. Motion carries. All right. Now it's time for public comments for items that are not on the agenda this evening. Do we have any public comments? No, we do not. Okay. Next on the agenda are public hearing items. We have one public hearing item, item 20-1984 for conditional use permit number 20-005. A request to establish Stumpy's Hatchet House with beer and wine at 725 Edinger Avenue. Planning Commissioners, please state your disclosures regarding this item. Commissioner Scandura.
openpublica.com