HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Resolution 23-04 - 425 Pier Ave (Hook and Plow)CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH
P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 23-04
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
HERMOSA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT AMENDMENT TO MODIFY THE EXISTING TYPE 41 ON-SALE BEER
& WINE -EATING PLACE LICENSE, TO A TYPE 47 ON-SALE GENERAL -
EATING PLACE LICENSE, FOR THE SALE OF BEER, WINE, AND DISTILLED
SPIRITS FOR THE CONSUMPTION ON THE LICENSE PREMISES, AT AN
EXISTING RESTAURANT LOCATED AT 425 PIER AVENUE (HOOK & PLOW),
AND TO MAKE THE DETERMINATION THAT THE PROJECT IS
CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT.
The Planning Commission of the City of Hermosa Beach does hereby resolve and
order as follows:
WHEREAS an application was filed on January 30, 2023, by the applicant
Lisa Cassity, requesting Planning Commission approval of Conditional Use Permit
23-05 to modify the existing Type 41 On-Sale Beer & Wine - Eating Place license to
a Type 47 On-Sale - Eating Place license, for the sale of beer, wine, and distilled
spirits consumption on the license premises, for an existing restaurant located at
425 Pier Avenue.
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission, at its public meeting of March 21,
2023, considered all testimony and evidence, both oral and written, that was
presented to the Planning Commission.
WHEREAS, the project is categorically exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act defined in CEQA Section 15301 Class 1 Existing
Facilities, as the project involves no expansion of an existing use and would not
result in a direct or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the
environment.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF HERMOSA
BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Based on the foregoing factual findings the Planning Commission
makes the following findings that the Conditional Use Permit pursuant to Hermosa
Beach Municipal Code (HBMC) Section 17.40.020 and incorporation of the
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conditions set forth in HBMC Section 17.40.080, finding that the use as conditioned
will be compatible wifh the surroundings and all impacts can be reduced to an
insignificant level:
A. Distance from existing residential uses: The project site is located on Upper
Pier Avenue in the SPA-11 zone. Three parking spaces are located to the
rear of the building. Multi-family residences and the mobile home park are
located north (rear) or the site as well as across Pier Avenue abutting
commercial buildings. The residences located to the rear of the lot are
separated from the restaurant by Oak Street and a significant downward
grade. While the applic::ant is requesting a change in alcohol type from
Type 41 license (on-sale beer and wine) to a Type 47 license (on-sale
general) ,no other modifications or changes are proposed. The existing
closing time of 11 :00 p.m., occupant load of 49, continued operation as a
bona fide restaurant with 65/35 food to alcohol sales ratio, and prohibition
of entertainment, music, speakers, televisions, or audio or visual media of
any type, whether amplified or unamplified within the outdoor patio area,
all reduce the potential for noise disturbances to neighboring residences.
B. The amount of existing or proposed off-street parking facilities, and its
distance from the proposed use: Pursuant to HBMC Section 17.44.015.C. l,
no on-site parking is required for the first 5,000 square feet of ground floor
non-residential, non-office, and non-late night alcohol establishment use.
As the existing ground floor area is l ,080 square feet and no additional
square footage is proposed, the existing restaurant is exempt from on-site
parking requirements.
C. Location of and distance to churches, schools, hospitals and public
playgrounds: The proposed change in use is not likely to affect neighboring
schools, churches, and community centers due to the distance and offset
hours of operation of the establishment. Valley View School and Christian
Science Church are both located 0.3 miles to the north, and Community
Center is located 0.2 miles to the east. The distance between the
establishment and the sensitive uses provides a buffer to minimize impacts.
Additionally, lunch and dinner hours are offset by peak times of the sensitive
uses.
D. The combination of uses proposed, concentration and number of similar
establishments or uses within close proximity to the proposed establishment:
The proposed project is located in the Specific Plan Area No. 11 which aims
to create pedestrian oriented commercial development that attracts and
serve residents and visitors. As the existing exterior entrance incorporates an
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open-air dining area observed from Pier A venue, the change from a Type
41 license (on-sale beer and wine) to a Type 47 license (on-sale general)
will provide residents and visitors additional beverage options to pair with
their meal. As the restaurant is not considered a late-night alcohol
establishment ( establishments open after 11 :00 p.m.), the request would not
propose to increase the number of late-night alcohol beverage
establishments pursuant to HBMC Section 17.40.080.B.
E. Precautions taken by the owner or operator of the proposed establishment
to assure compatibility of the use with surrounding uses: The existing
restaurant is located in the context of other similar uses. As it is compatible
with the existing surrounding uses, a change from a Type 41 license (on-sale
beer and wine) to a Type 47 license (on-sale general) and ending sales of
alcohol at 11 :00 p.m., it is not anticipated to have a negative impact on
existing surrounding uses.
F. The relationship of the proposed business-generated traffic volume and the
size of streets serving the area: The modification from a Type 41 license (on-
sale beer and wine) to a Type 47 license (on-sale general) would not affect
existing streets or significantly impact traffic volume, as the proposal does
not involve a change in the existing restaurant use or square footage of the
building and outdoor dining areas.
G. The proposed exterior signs and decor, and the compatibility thereof with
existing establishments in the area: Building design/aesthetics would be
retained with no proposed changes and would continue to remain
compatible with existing establishments in the area.
H. The number of similar establishments or uses within close proximity to the
proposed establishment: There are six similar establishments nearby (Upper
Pier Avenue) with existing Type 20, 41, 42 and 58 licenses.
Restaurant Address License Type CUP Provisions for Hours
Name of Operation
Sosta 439 Pier Ave . Type 41 (On-Sale 11 :30 a.m. to 11 :00 p.m.
General -Eating daily (Serving alcohol,
Place license) no earlier than 5pm
daily)
Creme de la 424 Pier Ave . Type 41 (On-Sale 8:00 a.m . to 10:00 p.m.
Crepe General -Eating daily
Place license)
The Rockefeller 422 Pier Type 41 (On-Sale 7:00 a.m . to 11 :00 p.m .
Ave. General -Eating daily
Place license)
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Uncorked 302 Pier Type 20 (Off-Sale 7:00 a.m. to l 0:00 p.m.
Ave. Beer & Wine), 42 daily
(On-Sale Beer &
Wine Public
Premises) and 58
(Cater's Permit)
Fritto Misto 316 Pier Type .41 (On-Sale 11 :30 a.m. to 11 :00 p.m.
Ave. General -Eating daily
Place license)
El Tarrasco 337 Pier Type 41 (On-Sale 11 :00 a.m. to l 0:00 p.m.
Ave. General -Eating daily
Place license)
I. Noise, odor, dust and/or vibration that may be generated by the
proposed use: The modification from a Type 41 license (on-sale beer and
wine) to a Type 47 license (on-sale general) would not significantly
generate additional noise, odor, dust and/or vibration, as the proposal
does not involve a change in the existing restaurant use.
J. Impact of the proposed use to the City's infrastructure, and/or services: The
existing restaurant use would be maintained, and the current infrastructure
is adequate. Since the original CUP approval in 1980, the tenant space has
housed restaurants of similar size and operation. Existing utilities and services
will be sufficient and are not anticipated to be impacted.
K. Will the establishment contribute to a concentration of similar outlets in the
area: The requested modification from Type 41 license (on-sale beer and
wine) to a Type 47 license (on-sale general), would not add to the
concentration of similar outlets in this area because a restaurant providing
the sale of alcoholic beverages is currently operating at this location.
L. Other considerations that, in the judgment of the planning commission, are
necessary to assure compatibility with the surrounding uses, and the city as
a whole: No other issues are identified.
Section 2. Based on the evidence received at the public meeting, the
Planning Commission hereby further finds, determines, and declares that the
project is consistent with the City's General Plan (PLAN He'.mosa) because the
Conditional Use Permit Amendment is consistent with Land Use Policy Goals l .3,
1.4, and 2.1.
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Section 3. Based on the foregoing, the Planning Commission hereby
approves the subject Conditional Use Permit Amendment Case No. CUP 23-05
subject to the following Conditions of Approval:
1.The project shall be substantially consistent with the application submitted
and approved by the Planning Commission on March 21, 2023.
2.The permitted hours of operation shall be 7:00 a.m. to 11 :00 p.m. daily, at
which times all customers shall vacate the premises and the doors shall be
locked.
3.The business shall be operated as a bona fide restaurant. The kitchen shall
be equipped to prepare food from its component ingredients whenever
the restaurant is open and it shall offer a full-service menu; food service from
the menu shall be available during all hours that the establishment is open
for business; a minimum of sixty-five (65) percent of the total gross sales,
computed monthly, shall result from the sale of prepared food. The
permittee shall maintain a summary of gross receipts of food and alcohol
indicating the percentage of each to the total on a monthly basis for
inspection by the City upon request.
4.The City shall have the right during business hours upon 15 days' notice to
inspect the books and records of the applicant to determine the gross sales
of food and/or the gross sales of alcoholic beverages. Food shall include
the sale of beverage other than alcoholic beverages.
5.Upon request at the time the City inspects the books and records of the
applicant, the applicant shall submit to the City copies of all records
submitted to the State Board of Equalization for the purposes of verifying
the applicant's books and records, with the understanding that these
reviews are confidential.
6.The provision of alcoholic beverages shall comply with the following:
a.All alcoholic beverages shall be served in non-disposable drink-ware.
b.Alcoholic beverage shall be served or allowed only during hours when
food (other than snacks such as pretzels or nuts) is served.
c.No alcoholic beverages shall be provided "to-go".
d.Signs shall be posted in conspicuous location warning patrons of the
illegality of consuming alcoholic beverages in any public place.
e.Signs shall be posted complaints with HBMC Section 8.48.060 Alcoholic
beverages -Warning signs.
7.A property line railing/guard shall be installed and permanently
maintained on the outdoor patio complaint with Department of Alcohol
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Beverage Commission standards. Ingress and egress shall not be permitted
directly from the patio to the sidewalk.
8. The establishment shall not adversely affect the welfare of residents,
and/or commercial establishments nearby.
9. The business shall prevent loitering, unruliness and boisterous activities of
the patrons outside the business or in the immediate area.
10. If the operation of the establishment poses a risk of harm to persons or
property, the Police Chief may direct the presence of a police approved
doorman and/or security personnel to eliminate the problem, at the
owner/operators expense. If the problem persists the Chief then shall
submit a report to the Planning Commission, which will automatically
initiate a review of this conditional use permit by the Commission.
11. The exterior of the premises shall be maintained in a neat and clean
manner and maintained free of graffiti at all times. The removal of all graffiti
from the walls, fences, pavement, or buildings within twenty-four hours of
discovery of its appearance on the property is required.
12. The business shall comply in all other aspects with HBMC Section 8.24 (Noise
Control) and noise from the premises shall not constitute a public nuisance.
a. The rear door to the restaurant shall be maintained in a closed position
at all times during business operations to reduce noise transmission.
b. The volume on any audio devices or speakers shall be turned off after
l 0:00 p.m. each nighf. Air conditioning shall be installed to facilitate
implementation of this condition .
c. Not more than two (2) televisions, electronic, video, projection or similar
visual displays shall be located within ten ( 1 OJ feet from the fa<;ade
(accordion doors) or visible from any area accessible to customers.
d. Seating at the designated counter shall not exceed eleven (11) seats.
No stand-up bar shall be allowed.
13. Live entertainment (including but not limited to amplified music, disc
jockeys, live music whether acoustic or amplified, and live performances
of all kinds), excluding two acoustic musicians providing background music
as allowed by the Municipal Code, and customer dancing is prohibited.
Such acoustic musicians shall not be located within ten ( 1 OJ feet from the
fac;ade (accordion doors).
14. The practice of washing and rinsing restaurant floor mats, tables,
equipment, etc., or discharge of any liquids, other than stormwater, onto
the public right-of-way, into the parking lot drain or storm drains, is strictly
prohibited. Discharge of liquids or wash water shall be limited to the
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sanitary sewer. Designation of a mop ink and provision of a grease trap
shall be provided as required by the Public Works and Building Division.
15. The establishment shall not use polystyrene take-out containers, which may
or may not be identified with a "No. 6" or "PS" recycle code.
16. A manager who is aware of the conditions of this Conditional Use Permit
shall be on the premises during business hours. The Conditional Use Permit
shall be maintained on the premise in a location where employees can
easily read the conditions.
17. Management shall successfully complete ABC Licensee Education on
Alcohol and Drugs (LEAD) training and Responsible Beverage Servers
Training, or equivalent as determined by Chief of Police. All employees
engaged in the sale or service of alcoholic beverages shall complete
Responsible Beverage Service Training, or equivalent as determined by the
Chief of Police. The business shall maintain records that management and
employees have participated in the required trainings. Records shall be
maintained for two years after training .
18. The business with on-sale alcoholic beverage service may be subject to a
periodic review process established by the City to verify conformance with
the conditions of approval.
19. Exterior and interior water use shall comply with HBMC Section 8.56 Proof
of compliance with water conserving devices shall be provided.
20. The business shall maintain in conformance with all other applicable City
of Hermosa Beach and regulatory agency requirements and standards,
including but not limited to: California Department of Alcoholic Beverage
Control, Los Angeles County Health Department, California Disabled
Access Standards (Government Code Title 24), and Los Angeles County
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit (NPDES).
21. This resolution shall supersede Board of Zoning Adjustment Resolution 154-
382 and Planning Commission Resolution 13-20 which shall be of no further
force or effect.
22. Any changes to the interior or exterior layout which alter the primary
function of the business to create open space, shall be subject to review
and approval by the Planning Commission.
23. The Planning Commission may review this Conditional Use Permit and may
amend the subject conditions or impose any new conditions if deemed
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necessary to mitigate detrimental effects on the neighborhood resulting
from the subject use.
24. Approval of this permit shall expire twenty-four (24) months from the date
of approval by the Planning Commission unless significant construction or
improvements or the use authorized hereby has commenced. One or
more extensions of time may be requested. No extension shall be
considered unless requested, in writing to the Community Development
Director including the reason therefore, at least 60 days prior to the
expiration date. No additional notice of expiration will be provided.
25. The subject property shall be maintained and operated in full compliance
with the conditions of this CUP and any law, statute, ordinance, or other
regulation hereafter adopted that is applicable to any development or
activity on the subject property. Failure of the permittee to cease any
development or activity not in full compliance shall be a violation of these
conditions.
Section 4. Pursuant to the Code of Civil Procedure Section l 094.6, any
legal challenge to the decision of the Planning Commission, after exhaustion
of any available administrative remedies, must be made within 90 days after
the final decision by the City. The Hermosa Beach City Council may on its own
initiative review all actions of the Planning Commission. If the City Council does
not initiate review of this decision as set forth in Hermosa Beach Municipal Code
Section 2.52.040, this decision will become final.
VOTES:
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED on this 21 st day of March, 2023.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN :
ABSENT:
5 -Chair lzant, Vice Chair Hoffman, Commissioner Rice,
Commissioner Pedersen, Commissioner Wicks
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CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify the foregoing Resolution P.C. 23-04 is a true and complete
record of the action taken by the Planning Commission of the City of
Hermosa Beach, California, at its regular meeting of March 21, 2023.
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S~iJaa-
stephen lzant, Chair
~✓-
~e cretary
March 21, 2023
Date
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