January 26, 2021 Planning Commission Meeting: Georgia Townhomes, Flores Residence, and Street Vacation Approved
STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE
January 26, 2021 Huntington Beach Planning Commission Meeting
The Huntington Beach Planning Commission met on Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at 6:00 PM via teleconference due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Commissioners Rodriguez, Acosta-Galvan, Perkins, Ray, Scandura, and Van Der Mark were present; Commissioner Mandic was absent. The meeting included two public hearings, one non-public hearing item, and approval of advisory board assignments. All votes were unanimous (6-0).
Public Comments
No public comments were submitted for items not on the agenda.
Public Hearing: Georgia Townhomes (TTM 18079 / CUP 18-032)
The project proposes an 18-unit for-sale townhome development on a 0.80-acre lot at 910 Georgia Street, including a request for 43-inch privacy walls (1 inch above the 42-inch maximum). Staff reported the project is consistent with the General Plan and zoning, and recommended approval with conditions. The applicant requested delaying the affordable housing in-lieu fee to prior to building permit final instead of prior to issuance; staff advised this would be inconsistent with the zoning code. After discussion on utility undergrounding, parking, and privacy, the Commission approved the project as recommended by staff (motion by Scandura, second by Perkins). Vote: 6-0.
Public Hearing: Flores Residence (CDP 20-015, Variance 20-003)
The project at 16856 Bayview Drive involves a 300 sq. ft. first-floor addition, 1,172 sq. ft. second-floor addition, and a 434 sq. ft. garage on an undersized lot (30x75 ft). Variances were requested for a 10 ft front garage setback (vs. 20 ft), 7.58 ft residential setback (vs. 15 ft), 8.16 ft parking width (vs. 9 ft), 52.7% lot coverage (vs. 50%), and 33.1% front landscape (vs. 40% – corrected from the originally requested 10.9%). Staff recommended approval, noting similar variances granted on nearby properties. The applicants and their architect spoke in favor, emphasizing the challenges of building on a lot inconsistent with the RL zone standards. The Fire Department confirmed no impact on turnaround. The Commission approved with a condition modifying the landscape variance to 33.1% (motion by Scandura, second by Perkins). Vote: 6-0.
Non-Public Hearing: General Plan Conformance No. 20-004 (328 3rd Street Vacation)
The request was to vacate a 145 sq. ft. corner radius easement at 3rd Street and Orange Avenue, reducing from 30 ft to 15 ft, to facilitate construction of a single-family home. Staff explained the street classification was downgraded from a four-lane to a two-lane collector, making the larger easement excessive. The Commission adopted Resolution No. 1717, finding the vacation in conformance with the General Plan, and found the project exempt from CEQA. Vote: 6-0.
Planning Items: 2021 Advisory Board Assignments
Chair Ray proposed committee assignments for the year, including members and alternates for the Design Review Board, Subdivision Committee, Environmental Committee, Southeast Area Committee, Downtown Economic Development Committee, Sunset Beach Committee, and Historic Resources Board. The assignments were approved.
Staff Updates
Staff reported that the City Council approved the Magnolia Tank Farm project (5-2) in alignment with the Planning Commission's recommendation. An appeal of the 714 PCH mixed-use project is scheduled for a de novo hearing on February 16. The final map for 414 Main Street will be on the February 1 City Council agenda. The next Planning Commission meeting agenda is not yet set.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned.
Meeting Transcript
Planning Commission meeting to order. Welcome to the January 26, 2021 Huntington Beach Planning Commission meeting. On March 4th, 2020, Governor Newsom proclaimed the state of emergency in California as a result of the threat of COVID-19. On March 17, 2020, Governor Newsom issued executive order N2920, which allows the local legislative body to hold public meetings via teleconferencing, and to make public meetings successful 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 discussions and findings for any matter tonight. Thank you. I'd like to call on Commissioner Acosta Galvan to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. May we have roll call, please. Certainly. Commissioner Acosta Galvan. Here. Commissioner Perkins. Here. Commissioner Ray. Here. Commissioner Mandick is absent. Commissioner Scandura. Here. And Commissioner Vandermark. Here. Thank you. Six present. We have a quorum. Thank you. Are there any changes to the agenda? Commissioners, do we have a motion to approve the order of the agenda then? Yes, I move that we approve the order of the agenda. Okay, Vice Chair Perkins. Is there a second? Second. Second by Commissioner Scandora. All those in favor, please raise your hand. Opposed by the same sign? Okay, thank you. Agenda is approved. Now is the time for public comments. That are not on the agenda this evening. Do we have any public comments? We have received no public comments. Thank you. Next on the agenda are public hearing items. Our first public hearing item is number 21-006.
openpublica.com