Huntington Beach Planning Commission Meeting - April 12, 2022
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Huntington Beach Planning Commission Meeting - April 12, 2022
This meeting focused on a proposed zoning text amendment to allow larger minor accessory structures (sheds) in residential backyards. After public testimony and deliberation, the commission voted 5-1 to forward an amended version to the city council, increasing the allowed height to 10 feet with a lattice screening requirement.
Public Comments & Testimony
- James Asher: Spoke in support of the proposed changes. He has owned a shed for 20 years that meets all code requirements except the distance between his house and the shed. A complaint forced him to address the issue, and he hopes the code change will resolve similar situations.
- Sid Himes: Representing property owners with sheds up to 9 feet. He urged the commission to raise the height to 10 feet, noting that many sheds between 8 and 10 feet exist in the city and that retailers sell units taller than 8 feet.
- Peter Dawson: A special education teacher and 20-year resident. He installed a Tough Shed 15 years ago after consulting the city. A complaint forced him to add a fence topper to screen it. He requested grandfathering for existing sheds and expressed concern about the cost of removal.
Discussion Items
- Staff Presentation: Staff recommended increasing the maximum floor area from 64 to 120 square feet and the height from 6 to 8 feet, removing the roof square footage limit, and adding pagodas and gazebos to the definition of minor accessory structures. They noted 31 active code enforcement cases for sheds; only 7 would be resolved with the 8-foot height. Research cited nearby cities (Fountain Valley, Westminster, Anaheim, Seal Beach) allowing 7–8 feet, and Dana Point allowing 12 feet.
- Commissioner Questions: Concerns were raised about grandfathering, the basis for the 8-foot height (popular products and city comparisons), and whether sheds over 8 feet from retailers could cause future violations. Staff clarified that detached accessory structures up to 15 feet tall are allowed if set back 5 feet, so taller sheds are not automatically illegal as long as setbacks are met.
- Commissioner Deliberation: Some commissioners supported 10 feet due to practicality and customer options (Commissioners Rodriguez, Ray, Scandura). Commissioner Mandick opposed, arguing sheds should not be placed against property lines and noting past efforts to maintain garage space for cars. Commissioner Vance expressed concern about neighbor compatibility and favored maintaining 6 feet unless grandfathering or neighbor consent is included.
- Motion: Commissioner Rodriguez moved to adopt staff recommendation but with a maximum height of 10 feet and a requirement for a 2-foot lattice or vinyl fence topper on the common wall if the shed exceeds 8 feet in height. Commissioner Scandura seconded. The motion passed 5-1 (Commissioner Mandick opposed; Chair Perkins absent).
Key Outcomes
- Vote: The zoning text amendment, as amended, will be forwarded to the Huntington Beach City Council for final consideration. The amendment allows sheds up to 120 square feet and 10 feet in height, with a lattice topper requirement for sheds over 8 feet placed against a property line.
- Directive: Staff were asked to send a letter to retailers (Home Depot, Lowe’s, Tough Shed) informing customers about height and setback requirements in Huntington Beach.
- Other Business: The planning director reported that the city council approved the Beach Edinger Corridor Specific Plan ZTA regarding medical/veterinary offices at its last meeting. Upcoming items include a coastal development permit for a home expansion and an entitlement amendment for the 711 Beach project. The housing element was resubmitted to HCD; comments are expected by late May/early June.
- Adjournment: The meeting adjourned to the next planning commission meeting on April 26, 2022.
Meeting Transcript
And the jails go a ton along down the last. I'm telling you. I don't think it's true. And even if it is kids in my April 12th, 2022 Huntington Beach Planning Commission meeting. 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 caused 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 manner matter tonight. Thank you. I would like to call on Commissioner Rodriguez to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Please rise. Hand over your heart. May we have roll call, please? Yes, Commissioner Adam. Here. Commissioner Mandick. Vice Chair Acosta Goldman. Chair Perkins is absent. Commissioner Scandura. Yeah. Commissioner Rodriguez. Here. Commissioner Ray. Here. We have a quorum. Now is the time for public item for public comments for items that are not on the agenda this evening. Do we have any public comments? We have no one signed up for public comments. Thank you. Minor accessory structures. Planning commissioners, please state your disclosures regarding this item. We'll start with Commissioner Adam at the end. I don't have any disclosures. No disclosures. I spoke with staff and with the city attorney's office. No disclosures on land. No disclosures. Staff, may we have a presentation, please? Yes, that's when we'll be giving the staff presentation. Good evening. There are currently 31 active cases involving storage sheds that are located next to property lines, ranging from seven feet to 15 feet in height. The current zoning code allow minor accessory structures up to 64 square feet in floor area, 80 square feet in roof area, six feet in height to be located in the required side and rear yard setbacks. Would be required for detached accessory structures if they do not exceed 150 120 square feet in floor area and comply with the height and setback requirements of the zoning code. Staff has done some research in terms of what is available for sale for purchase out there, and the best selling storage sheds are up to 120 square feet and eight feet in height. The proposed changes in terms of choosing 120 square feet in size. The changes allow for structures to be bigger than the current standard while maintaining compatibility, and the structures would only be two feet taller than the typical six-foot high property line wall or fence. This will provide property owners with more floor more flexibility to have minor accessory structures in their backyard without being subject to side or rear yard setbacks. Staff is recommending approval for the zoning tax amendment because it's consistent with the general land use and policy of the general plan, provides property owner with more flexibility to have accessory structures in their backyard and allow property owners more enjoyment of their property while maintain compatibility with nearby properties. And with that, I'll be happy to answer any questions. Thank you. Commissioners, do you have any questions of staff at this time?
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