Huntington Beach Planning Commission Meeting - June 23, 2026
Huntington Beach Planning Commission Meeting - June 23, 2026
The Huntington Beach Planning Commission met on June 23, 2026 at 1:45 PM. Chair Bush called the meeting to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Commissioners present: Chair Bush, Vice Chair Babanel, Commissioners The United, McGee, Palmer, Clifford. Commissioner Goldberg was excused absent. A quorum was established.
Consent Calendar
- The commission voted to approve the minutes from previous meetings as submitted. Motion passed with 5 ayes, 1 abstention (Commissioner Clifford), and 1 absence (Commissioner Goldberg).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Jane Hilts, a Huntington Beach resident and owner of a Mills Act Historic Home, spoke about 7010th Street. She submitted historical documentation to the planning department on June 18th, which was acknowledged. The property has a California Historical Resource Status Code of 5S2, indicating prior recognition of potential historic significance. She urged that the documentation remain in the property's permanent file for any future review involving demolition, subdivision, redevelopment, or permitted actions.
Discussion Items
- Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 25-033 – Floating Marina Office and Restroom at Peters Landing Marina (16340 Pacific Coast Highway)
- Senior Planner Madeline Wilch presented the staff report. The proposal is for a 420-square-foot floating restroom and a 580-square-foot floating office, both 12 feet 6 inches in height, occupying two existing slips within the 325-slip marina. The structures are identified as vessels and will serve marina tenants only. The marina requires a CUP under the zoning code; the coastal development permit will be processed separately by the California Coastal Commission. Staff found the project compatible with surrounding uses and recommended approval, subject to conditions including updating the parking addendum, tying the CUP validity to Coastal Commission approval, and removing logo signage. The project is categorically exempt from CEQA under Class 3 (small structures).
- Public hearing: Two speakers addressed the commission. McKenna Brown (Anchor QA) had no further comments. Betania Chirino, general manager of Peters Landing Marina since August 2025, clarified that the vessels were installed before November 2024 by the prior owner. She stated the office operates 8:30 AM to 5 PM Monday–Saturday, restrooms are 24/7 for boaters, and no overnight stays are allowed (the harbor prohibits liveaboards). Sam Setter, director of investments at Suntex Marina Investors (owner), explained that as a large institutional owner they sought proper permitting, which the previous owner had not pursued.
- Commissioner questions: Commissioner Clifford asked when the prior owner installed the vessels and why they were not permitted. The applicant indicated the prior owner likely did not realize permits were needed. Commissioner McGee queried the commission's authority over Coast Guard-registered vessels; staff stated the zoning code requires a CUP for marina accessories regardless. Commissioner Palmer confirmed no living quarters are allowed (code prohibits housing units in accessory uses) and noted the height (12 ft 6 in) is well below the 35-foot maximum. Commissioner The United asked about overnight stays; staff noted existing code enforcement already addresses that.
- Deliberation and vote: A motion to approve the CUP was made and seconded. The vote was 6 ayes, 1 abstention (Commissioner Clifford). Motion carried. The decision is final unless appealed to the City Council within 10 calendar days.
Key Outcomes
- CUP 25-033 approved (6-0-1) for the floating restroom and office at Peters Landing Marina, subject to conditions.
- Consent calendar minutes approved (5-0-1-1).
- Next meeting: No items scheduled for July 14, 2026; cancellation notice will be sent.
- Commissioner comments: Commissioner Palmer thanked the City Council for adopting the housing element, stating it was critical to avoid state litigation and protected local control. Commissioner McGee expressed optimism but cautioned about state actions. Commissioner Clifford called the housing element adoption a betrayal and said it weakens the city's position.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned to the next regular meeting on July 14, 2026.
Meeting Transcript
Repurposed artifact. Why don't you like to call the planning commission meeting to order? Welcome to the June 23rd, 2026, Huntington Beach Planning Commission meeting. While the Planning Commission welcomes public involvement in free speech, it rejects comments from anyone that are discriminant that are discriminatory, defamatory, or otherwise not protected speech. Those comments will not inform or be considered by the planning commission and may cause the chair to interrupt the speaker. Such comments will not be consented to or otherwise adopted by the planning commission in its discussion and findings for any matter tonight. Thank you. Oh my gosh. Clifford to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. One nation, undergoing indivisible, the justice law. Okay. May we have a roll call, please. Chair Bush. Here. Vice Chair Babanel. Here. Commissioner The United. Commissioner McGee. Commissioner Palmer. Present. Commissioner Goldberg is has an excuse absence. Commissioner Clifford. Here. Okay, we have a quorum. Now is the time for public comments for items that are not and I express not on the agenda this evening. Do we have any public comments? We do have one public speaker, public comment speaker just signed up to speak. Jane Hilts, please come down to either microphone. Good evening, Commissioners. My name is Jane Hilts. I'm a Huntington Beach resident and the owner of a Mills Act Historic Home, and I have a long-standing interest in preserving Huntington Beach's historic character. I recently submitted historical documentation regarding 7010th Street for inclusion in the city's files. On June 18th, I emailed and hand delivered the materials to the planning department and receive a dated stamped copy for my records. Planning staff subsequently acknowledged receipt of the documentation. The property is also identified on the his the city's historical resource inventory with the California Historical Resource Status Code of 5S2, indicating that it has previously been recognized for its potential historic significance. I also provided the historical documentation to the historical resource board liaison. Prior to my submission of the research materials, I understand that the concerns regarding 7010th Street was brought to the attention of the historical resource board during the June 17th meeting. The property is currently reported to be in pending sale status. My purpose tonight is simply to ensure that the historical documentation already submitted to planning remains part of the property's permanent file and carefully considered during any future review involving demolition, subdivision, redevelopment, or permitted actions. Next on the agenda is the public hearing on conditional use permit number 25 033, floating marina office and restroom. Planning commissioners, please state your disclosures regarding this item. Please start on my right. Nothing to disclose. None. I have none. I have none. I have no disclosure. I spoke to two slip owners and to Councilman Don Kennedy. Staff, may we please have the staff report? Senior Planner Madeline Wilch will present.
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