Huntington Beach Planning Commission Meeting - January 10, 2023

The Huntington Beach Planning Commission met on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the Civic Center Council Chambers. Seven commissioners were present (Commissioner Ian Adam absent). Key actions included the election of a new Chair and Vice Chair, recognition of four outgoing commissioners, and a recommendation to approve a zoning text amendment to allow medical services on the ground floor in the Neighborhood Center Segment of the Beach and Edinger Corridors Specific Plan.

Consent Calendar

• None.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Non-agenda items: No public comments.
• Public hearing (ZTA 22-004): Brian Mills, representing applicants Dr. Jeremy Chaw and Dr. Melissa, spoke in strong support. He highlighted the changing retail landscape, the high success rate of dental practices (99.6% success rate, average 20+ year terms), and the need for pediatric dental services in Huntington Beach. He also noted the financial burden of the $20,115 application fee on the young practitioners and urged the Commission to support the amendment.

Discussion Items

• Election of Chair and Vice Chair:
  • A motion to nominate Kayla Acosta-Galvan as Chair based on seniority failed (3 ayes, 2 nays, 1 absent).
  • A subsequent motion to set aside bylaws and nominate Tracy Pellman as Chair passed (4 ayes, 2 nays, 1 absent).
  • Butch Twining was then nominated and elected Vice Chair (4 ayes, 2 nays, 1 absent).
  • The dissenting votes in both elections were Commissioners Acosta-Galvan and Rodriguez.
• Recognitions: Proclamations were presented to former Chair Perkins (absent) and former Commissioners Scandura, Mandic, and Ray. Each outgoing commissioner offered remarks thanking staff, families, and colleagues, and gave advice to the new commissioners.
• Zoning Text Amendment No. 22-004 (Medical Services Use Restriction):
  • Senior Planner Aiden Beckman presented the staff report. The amendment would delete condition C2 from the Neighborhood Center Segment, which currently restricts medical services to above the ground floor. The change would apply to approximately 35 properties.
  • Commissioners discussed the consistency with other commercial zones, the history of the specific plan, and concerns about medical marijuana (clarified as separately prohibited).
  • Commissioner Rodriguez raised the possibility of reimbursing the $20,115 application fee to the applicant, noting that the amendment benefits many properties. Staff noted that fee waiver is not within the Commission's authority but could be recommended to the City Council.
  • Public comment was heard, and the Commission deliberated. All commissioners expressed support, citing the need to adapt to changing retail markets and support small businesses.

Key Outcomes

• Chair and Vice Chair: Tracy Pellman was elected Chair and Butch Twining was elected Vice Chair for 2023.
• ZTA 22-004: The Commission voted 6-0 (Commissioner Adam absent) to recommend approval to the City Council. The motion also included a request for staff to research the possibility of refunding or waiving the application fee, with a minute action memo to the City Council.
• Next Meeting: The next regular Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at 6:00 PM. The agenda includes a 10-unit single-family home development project.