Huntington Beach Planning Commission Regular Meeting – July 13, 2021

The Huntington Beach Planning Commission met on Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included public comments, a continued public hearing, a public hearing on a conditional use permit and variance, consent calendar approval, and updates to committee assignments. The Chevron convenience market liquor sales item (21-481) was continued to the July 27 meeting. The G&M Oil convenience store (21-500) was approved with a 4-2 vote.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of May 11, 2021 Minutes: The Planning Commission approved the minutes of the May 11, 2021 meeting as submitted. Commissioner Mandic abstained, having been absent from that meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Continued Item (Chevron Liquor Sales): Multiple residents spoke in opposition to the proposed sale of beer, wine, and distilled spirits at the Chevron convenience market at 16921 Algonquin Street. Speakers included Tarek Shawa, Larry Weisenthal, Ronnie Ellis (former Harborview School principal), Dave Sullivan, Chris Burris Picknell? (note: name unclear), Alan Cornaff, Bruce McDonald, and Laurie McDonald. They cited concerns about residential neighborhood character, school safety (Harborview School within 900 feet), increased crime, traffic, and the potential for disturbances. The speakers emphasized that community outreach had generated overwhelming opposition (95 homeowners submitted 111 letters, 100% opposed). The Chair noted that comments made during this portion would not become part of the official record; the item was continued to July 27, 2021.

Discussion Items

• Conditional Use Permit No. 21-007 / Variance No. 21-001 (G&M Oil Convenience Store): The applicant requested approval to construct a 1,175 sq. ft. convenience store on a vacant 5,585 sq. ft. parcel at 19442 Beach Blvd. The project required a 13-ft front yard setback (instead of 15 ft) and a zero-ft side yard setback along the north property line (instead of 5 ft). No alcohol sales were proposed. Staff recommended approval, noting the site is a remnant parcel, and the project would improve the property and reduce transient issues. The proposed use would serve the adjacent Chevron gas station, with customers paying for gas at the new store. The applicant, Carl Hoy, stated concurrence with all conditions. Commissioners discussed the zero-side setback and its potential impact on future development of the adjacent parcel. Chair Ray and Commissioner Acosta-Galvan expressed concerns about the variance, while other commissioners supported the project as the best use of a difficult site.

Key Outcomes

• G&M Oil Convenience Store Approved: The Planning Commission approved Conditional Use Permit No. 21-007 and Variance No. 21-001 by a vote of 4-2 (Commissioners Perkins, Mandic, Scandura, and Rodriguez voted yes; Chair Ray and Commissioner Acosta-Galvan voted no). The decision is appealable to the City Council within 10 calendar days.
• Continued Item: The appeal of the Zoning Administrator’s approval of Entitlement Plan Amendment No. 21-002 (Chevron convenience market liquor sales) was continued to the July 27, 2021 meeting. No action was taken.
• Committee Assignments Updated: Due to a vacancy on the Planning Commission and elimination of the Subdivision Committee, assignments were adjusted: Commissioner Mandic is now the primary member on the Design Review Board; Commissioner Acosta-Galvan is alternate on the Southeast Area Committee; Commissioner Rodriguez is alternate on the Sunset Beach Area Committee.
• Next Meeting: The next regularly scheduled meeting is Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at 6:00 PM.