Huntington Beach Planning Commission Meeting January 11, 2022
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Huntington Beach Planning Commission Meeting
On January 11, 2022, the Huntington Beach Planning Commission convened at 6:00 PM via teleconference due to the COVID-19 state of emergency. The meeting included the election of new officers, a public hearing on a zoning text amendment for electric vehicle charging station signs, and the approval of previous minutes.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of September 28, 2021 Minutes: Approved 6-0 with Commissioner Adam abstaining (as he was not present at that meeting).
- Approval of October 12, 2021 Minutes: Approved 6-0 with Commissioner Adam abstaining.
Public Comments & Testimony
- No public comments were made for items not on the agenda.
- No speakers or written comments were received for the zoning text amendment public hearing.
Administrative Items
- Election of 2022 Chair and Vice Chair: Commissioner Brendon Perkins was elected Chair (7-0), and Commissioner Kayla Acosta-Galvan was elected Vice Chair (7-0).
- Recognition of Outgoing Chair Ray: Staff presented a resolution and plaque to outgoing Chair Alan Ray, recognizing his 16 months of service. Commissioners expressed appreciation for his leadership and conduct during meetings.
Public Hearing: Zoning Text Amendment No. 21-006 (Electric Vehicle Charging Station Signs)
- Proposal: To amend Chapter 233 (Signs) of the Huntington Beach Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance to regulate signs on electric vehicle charging stations, including off-site advertising.
- Staff Recommendation: Approve the amendment with findings and forward to City Council.
- Key Provisions Discussed:
- Signs limited to maximum 9 square feet and 5 feet in height.
- Prohibition of signs within a 10-foot by 10-foot visibility triangle at each parking stall for safety.
- Requirement that Level 1 and Level 2 chargers be provided free of charge to the public, while Level 3 fast chargers may charge a fee.
- A maximum of two off-site advertising signs per 100 parking spaces (as requested by Volta, the primary company involved).
- Existing non-complying sign at Seacliff shopping center would be grandfathered.
- Commissioner Discussion:
- Chair Perkins supported the amendment as a responsible implementation of EV charging stations and important for encouraging private investment.
- Commissioner Ray initially expressed concern about the city requiring free charging, but concluded it represents a voluntary business decision by providers.
- Commissioner Scandura endorsed the staff's tightened regulations to prevent nuisance.
- Commissioner Mandic voiced hesitant support, noting concerns about taking up convenience parking spaces for potentially higher-income drivers.
- Motion and Vote: Motion by Commissioner Rodriguez, seconded by Commissioner Scandura, to find the amendment categorically exempt under CEQA and recommend approval via Draft Ordinance No. 4234 to City Council. Passed 7-0.
Key Outcomes
- Officers Elected: Chair Perkins and Vice Chair Acosta-Galvan for 2022.
- Zoning Text Amendment Approved: Will be forwarded to City Council for consideration.
- Minutes Approved: September 28 and October 12, 2021 minutes approved with abstentions from Commissioner Adam.
- Next Steps: Next Planning Commission meeting scheduled for January 25, 2022, via Zoom, with board and committee assignments to be made.
Meeting Transcript
Like to call the Planning Commission meeting to order. That was my gavel. Um and actually before I start, I um did want to first of all welcome our new planning commissioner Ian Adams. So welcome aboard, Ian. Uh welcome to the January 11th, 2022 uh Huntington Beach Planning Commission meeting on March 4, 2020. Governor Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in California as a result of the threat of COVID 19 on March 17, 2020. Governor Newsom exists issued executive order N 2920, 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 have 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 in 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. Um to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Okay, if you can place your right hand over your heart, ready to begin. One nation under God, indivisible with the liberty and justice for all. Thank you. May we have roll call, please. Commissioner Rodriguez. I think Commissioner Rodriguez's connection has frozen. I'm gonna move on and come back to him at the end. Commissioner Scandura. Commissioner Acosta Gavan. Commissioner Mandick. I'm gonna ask you to unmute yourself, Commissioner Mandic. Okay, how's that? There you go. Thank you. And you're marked as present. Present. Thank you. Vice Chair Perkins. Here. Chair Ray. Here. Commissioner Adam. Present. Commissioner Rodriguez, let's try you again. Here. Can you hear me now? Yes, we've got you now. We have a quorum. Thank you. Now is the 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.
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