HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Reso 12-13 (1063 Aviatiion, Church of Christ)1
P.C. RESOLUTION 12-13
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
HERMOSA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT AMENDMENT AND PARKING PLAN TO OPERATE A DAY
CARE/PRESCHOOL USE WITHIN AN EXISTING BUILDING, AND
OUTDOOR PLAYGROUND ANCILLARY TO THIS USE, WITH LESS THAN
REQUIRED PARKING, AT 1063 AVIATION BOULEVARD, AND
SUPERSEDING CERTAIN ENTITLEMENTS, ON PROPERTY LEGALLY
DESCRIBED AS THE SE 2 FEET OF SW 35 FEET OF LOT 27 AND ALL OF
LOT 28, BYERLY TRACT AND LOT 2 AND ALL OF LOTS 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 AND 7,
HERMOSA HEIGHTS TRACT, BEING LOT 14, BLOCK 84 AND PART OF LOT
7, BLOCK 88 OF 2ND ADDITION TO HERMOSA BEACH, CITY OF
HERMOSA BEACH.
The Planning Commission of the City of Hermosa Beach does hereby resolve and order as follows:
Section 1. On May 14, 2012 Ron Rosinsky, on behalf of Church of Christ Trust, filed an
application for Conditional Use Permit Amendment (CUP 12-3) and Parking Plan (PARK 12-4) to use a
portion of the building for a for-profit daycare/preschool (“Ocean View Academy”), hereafter referred to
as preschool) for a maximum of 50 children ages 2 to 6, with less than required parking.
Section 2. The Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public hearing on July 17, 2012
to consider said applications, at which time testimony and evidence, both oral and written, was presented
to and considered by the Planning Commission.
Section 3. Based on the Staff Report, testimony and evidence received, the Planning
Commission makes the following factual findings:
1. The site is zoned C-3 which allows the proposed preschool subject to a Conditional Use Permit
pursuant to H.B.M.C. Sections 17.26.030 and 17.40.110. The site is surrounded by C-3 and R-1 zoned
parcels developed with commercial uses and single-family residences.
2. The applicant proposes to remodel Saturday and Sunday school rooms (labeled “Exist Room” on
the submitted plans) in the basement level of the church building for a preschool; this area with
bathrooms is approximately 2,910 square feet (excluding hallways). Renovation will also include a new
ramp to provide direct access from the parking lot to the basement level, relocating a stairway to provide for a
new reception area, and other minor improvements. The applicant proposes to use a portion of the parking
area for a permanent 2,306 square foot outdoor playground serving the preschool. A small outdoor picnic
area is also proposed. No changes to building square footage are proposed.
3. The preschool proposes to serve a maximum of 50 children, serving ages 2 to 6 years old. The
Building Code limits occupancy to 49 students with one legal exit to the basement, which is the existing and
proposed condition. The preschool will operate between 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. The
playground will be used from approximately 10:30 a.m. to noontime on those days.
4. The applicant proposed to reduce onsite parking from 36 as stated on applicant’s plan to 32
spaces and provide a loading zone for delivery trucks. The new playground will segregate an employee
parking lot with 5 spaces accessed from Owosso Avenue from the larger lot with 27 spaces accessed via
two driveways onto Aviation Blvd. The applicant will restripe the parking lot to create a loading area near
the western Aviation driveway for delivery trucks, and will designate 4 parking spaces for preschool loading
as indicated in the applicant’s ‘Business Plan for Parking’.
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5. The existing church was permitted in 1950 pursuant to a variance (CC Resolution NS 1068), a
variance was approved in 1952 to add Sunday school classrooms (CC Res. NS 1303), a variance was
approved in 1953 to allow a parking lot off Corona Street (CC Res. NS 1631) , a CUP was approved in
1957 to allow off-street parking for a minimum of 20 cars (PC Res. 154-104), a CUP was approved in
1959 to rebuild an auditorium and provide parking, provided that two driveways a minimum of 24” wide
be provided onto Pier Ave.,(now Aviation Blvd.) and a 5’ concrete block wall be built along N and W lot
lines of lot 28, Byerly Tract (PC Res. 154-223), an expired CUP was reapproved in 1960, the existing
church building was permitted in 1961, and a CUP was approved in 1968 to create an egress onto Owosso
Avenue and restripe the parking lot to provide more parking spaces subject to compliance with ordinance
standards, erect a wall 2.5 to 3 feet on the Corona and Pier (now Aviation Blvd.) frontages, and replant
dead landscaping (PC Res. 154-690).
Section 4. Based on the foregoing, the Planning Commission makes the following findings:
1. Pursuant to Sections 17.40.020.030, the following criteria for granting a Conditional Use Permit
are considered, finding that the use as conditioned will be compatible with the surroundings and all
impacts can be reduced to an insignificant level:
A. Distance from existing residential use:
Both sides of Corona Street and Owosso Avenue, north of the project are zoned R-1 and
developed with single-family residences. Directly across Corona Street are C-3 properties developed
with residential uses. The east side of Owosso Avenue, south of the employee parking lot, is zoned
C-3 but developed with a single-family residence. The C-3 zoned lot at the northeast corner of the
Aviation Blvd. and Owosso Avenue is undeveloped.
The preschool will operates from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. The new
classrooms in the basement level, adjacent to a single-family residence to the north, will not generate
significant noise impacts to nearby residences because there are only three small sliding windows
along the north side of the building at the basement level and the project is conditioned to require
installation of double-pane windows at the basement level along the north wall to reduce noise.
It is anticipated that the preschool play area will not generate significant noise impacts as
playground use is proposed to be limited to 10:30 a.m. to noontime on week days. There is an
existing concrete wall separating the playground and the residential property to the north fronting
Owosso Avenue, and the project is conditioned to maintain the wall and that children shall not arrive
prior to 6:30 a.m. Further, the use is subject to the Noise Ordinance in H.B.M.C. Chapter 8.24.
Impacts relating to traffic, circulation and parking in this residential area will be mitigated as
indicated under item B.
B. The amount of off-street parking facilities, and distance from the proposed use:
The plans indicate there are currently 36 spaces and 32 spaces will be retained. It appears that 39
spaces were shown on the site plan accompanying a CUP approved in 1968 to allow more parking to
be developed, although that staff report indicates doubt by the Planning Director and Building
Director that 10 additional spaces can be gained as suggested by the applicant, and therefore it is
probable that less than 39 spaces were actually allowed.
The proposed preschool has a parking demand of 7 spaces based on the required standard of one
space per 7 students plus provision of adequate loading area per Section 17.40.110. Onsite parking
consists of a total of 32 onsite spaces and loading zone for delivery vehicles. The installation of a
playground will segregate the existing parking lot into an employee lot with 5 spaces accessed from
Owosso Avenue, and a larger lot with 27 spaces including 2 disabled spaces and loading zone for
delivery trucks with two encroachments onto Aviation Blvd. The proposed preschool will use the larger
parking lot. Since most traffic will involve drop off of children and church assembly will not occur
during preschool hours, onsite parking is adequate.
Parking for the church use would also be reduced; 30 spaces would be required for the church
assembly use (1,485 square feet of assembly @ 1/50 = 30 spaces). Therefore parking is adequate for both
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the assembly use and the preschool which operates at different hours. Other issues concerning
circulation and parking are mitigated via project conditions:
C. Location of and distance to churches, schools, hospitals and public playgrounds:
There are no impacts associated with these factors.
D. The combination of uses proposed:
Church and preschool uses are offset and allow shared use of parking and no conflicts are
identified.
E. Precautions taken by the owner or operator of the proposed establishment to assure the
compatibility of the use with surrounding uses:
The applicant proposes to stagger the morning drop off and afternoon pick up times in 20 minutes
intervals and to advise use the westbound lane on Aviation Boulevard to access the parking lot.
However, other conditions of approval should relieve any congestion issues.
F. The relationship of proposed business-generated traffic volume and size of streets serving
the area:
The site is served by Aviation Boulevard, an 80-foot wide arterial accessing the larger parking lot.
Owosso Avenue, a 50-foot wide residential street, will provide access to the employee lot only since the
playground will permanently separate the two parking areas. It is more likely that caregivers may travel
north or south bound on Prospect Avenue and westbound on 14th Street (40-foot wide) to Corona Street
(40-foot wide).
The project is conditioned to ensure off-street parking and the designated loading area are used
rather than on-street parking. Therefore, increased traffic or parking demand is not anticipated to
result in congestion or safety issues within the vicinity of the proposed use.
G. The proposed exterior signs and decor, and compatibility with existing establishments in
the area:
A new ramp leading to the new basement reception area will alter the south elevation of the
church building and a new playground separating the two parking areas will be visible from public
streets. the addition of landscape planters and replanting existing planters this will enhance the site.
Landscape is conditioned to comply with Chapter 8.60.
H. The number of similar establishments or uses within close proximity to the proposed
establishment:
The church is the only known facility in the southern portion of the City to offer
daycare/preschool services to the community. The nearest religious facility is Our Lady of
Guadalupe at the southeast border of the City, approximately 1,700 feet from the subject property.
No adverse effects are identified.
I. Noise, odor, dust and/or vibration that may be generated by the proposed use:
Odor, dust or vibration is not associated with the use. Significant noise impacts will not occur as
addressed under item A.
J. Impact of the proposed use to the city's infrastructure, and/or services:
The proposed preschool will not significantly increase demand for water, sewer, police or other
services.
K. Will the establishment contribute to a concentration of similar outlets in the area:
The church is the only known facility in the southern portion of the City to offer
daycare/preschool service to the community. No impacts are identified.
L. Other considerations that the planning commission judges are necessary to assure
compatibility with the surrounding uses, and the city as a whole:
No other impacts are identified.
2. Pursuant to Section 17.40.110 (Standards for operation of preschool with more than 13 children),
the use as conditioned complies with these standards and is compatible with surrounding uses as follows:
A. A minimum of one parking space for every seven children.
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The new preschool program anticipates a maximum enrollment of 49 children, thereby requiring
7 spaces, which can be provided in the large parking lot front Aviation Boulevard with two existing
curb cuts. This issue is addressed under item 1.A above.
B. In residential zones, only property adjacent to commercially zoned property or property
developed with a church or school facility shall be considered for a day nursery, preschool, or child
care facility with thirteen (13) or more children.
This is not applicable because the site is zoned C-3.
C. Adequate space for loading and unloading children shall be available or shall be provided
onsite.
This issue is addressed under item B. Onsite loading and unloading adequate for the use will be
provided.
D. Residential use of a day nursery, preschool, or child care facility with thirteen (13) or more
children shall be prohibited.
The proposed preschool use does not include a residential use component.
E. All day care centers shall comply with state statutes and shall be licensed by the state.
The applicant is required to obtain and provide a copy of a state license prior to final building
permit inspection.
3. Pursuant to Municipal Code Section 17.44. 210, the project as conditioned provides one space per
7 children plus adequate loading area pursuant to Section 17.40.110; onsite parking for all uses is adequate
using shared parking because the hours of operation of the preschool (Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m.
to 6:30 p.m.) are offset and do not overlap church use (Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to noontime, Wednesday
night from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday school classes); and maintaining a minimum of
32 spaces is adequate to serve church assembly use.
Section 5. The project is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15301(n) conversion of existing meeting rooms to preschool use, and 15332
in-fill development, because the school is located within an existing building with only minor alteration to
land for playground, is surrounded by developed sites with urban uses, no significant effects relating to
traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality will occur, and the project as conditioned will comply with the
zoning code.
Section 6. Based on the foregoing, the Planning Commission hereby approves the Conditional
Use Permit (CUP Amendment 12-3) and Parking Plan (PARK 12-4), subject to the following Conditions
of Approval:
1. The details of the project application and supplemental materials are incorporated as
Conditions of Approval unless modified as stated in this permit. The floor plan shall be
substantially consistent with the submitted site plan and floor plan approved by the
Planning Commission on July 17, 2012. Minor modifications to the plans required for
compliance with project conditions or codes may be approved by the Community
Development Director.
2. Operation of the preschool shall be limited to 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Children shall not be permitted to arrive prior to 6:30 a.m. Use of the preschool playground
and picnic area shall be limited to between 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
3. Other activities or uses shall not be conducted in the parking lot during the hours that the
preschool or church assembly are in session.
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4. A final dimensioned plan for parking and loading, and conduct of parking operations shall
be submitted and approved by the Community Development Director prior to issuance of any
city permits related to this entitlement, including the following:
A. Eastern parking lot:
i. A minimum of 27 spaces shall be provided. A minimum of 2 parking spaces that
comply with disabled access requirements of the Hermosa Beach Municipal
Code and State law shall be supplied. All parking standards shall be met.
ii. All new or modified improvements shall comply with disabled access
requirements of the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code and State law. The ramp
accessing the basement level shall be modified to comply with slope and other
disabled access standards.
iii. Two driveway encroachments onto Aviation Blvd. shall be maintained and shall
comply with the requirements of the Public Works Department. The site shall be
signed to require one-way circulation flow for the parking lot.
iv. Four parking spaces in a location minimizing congestion and facilitating
circulation shall be signed for loading only from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday
through Friday. These spaces shall be available for general parking at all other
times. No spaces shall be reserved for employees or other purposes.
v. The loading zone near westerly driveway encroachment impedes shall be
eliminated.
vi. Drive aisles shall be modified to comply with dimension requirements. Wheel
stops shall be installed for the center row of parking spaces.
B. A minimum of 5 spaces shall be provided in the western parking. The parking lot shall be
signed for employee use only and preschool loading shall not be conducted in this lot. All
other parking standards shall be met.
C. The preschool shall provide at least one monitor in the parking lot to assist with drop off
and pick up and maintain circulation in the morning and afternoon hours, and if
problems result the Community Development Director may require two monitors to be
present.
D. Enrollment material shall be provided to parents/caregivers at the start of every school
session, and more frequently if problems occur, advising them of required parking
conduct including hours and use of the eastern parking lot for drop off and pick up.
This information shall be submitted to and subject to approval by the Community
Development Director prior to final inspection. Should complaints be received or
problems occur regarding impact to residential properties in the vicinity, and complaints
are substantial or irresolvable, or should problems continue, then the Community
Development Director shall refer the matter to the Planning Commission for review of the
Conditional Use Permit.
5. A final landscape plan shall be submitted and submitted and approved by the Community
Development Director prior to issuance of any city permits related to this entitlement in
compliance with Chapters 8.56 and 8.60 of the Municipal Code. Plants shall be well
maintained at all times and dead or damaged planting shall be replanted in accordance with
the approved landscape plan.
6. Improvements and use of water shall comply with water conservation requirements of Chapter
8.56.
7. The project and operation of the preschool shall comply with the requirements of the Noise
Control Ordinance in Chapter 8.24 of the Municipal Code; where its provisions conflict with
this approval, the most restrictive provisions shall apply.
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A. Double-pane or equivalent shall be installed at the basement level along the north wall to
reduce noise.
8. The improvement and operation of all facilities on the property shall comply with all
applicable requirements of the Building, Fire and Public Works Department, and the
Municipal Code. The subject property shall be developed, maintained and operated in full
compliance with the conditions of this grant and any law, statute, ordinance or other
regulation 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.
9. The applicant shall obtain all applicable license(s) to operate a day care/preschool center
from state agency(ies) and provide a copy of same to the Community Development
Department prior to final building inspection.
10. A solid perimeter wall a minimum of 2.5 feet in height shall be maintained along the Corona
Street frontage and a solid perimeter wall a minimum of 5 feet in height shall be maintained
along the north line of Lot 28, Byerly Tract. Fencing or barriers provided for the preschool
shall not consist of chain link or unfinished materials.
11. This approval incorporates conditions from and supersedes City Council Resolutions NS
1068, NS 1303, and NS 1631, and Planning Commission Resolutions, 154-104, 154-223 and
154-690, all of which shall be of no further force or effect.
12. The exterior of the premises including the parking lot shall be maintained in a neat and
clean manner and maintained free of graffiti at all times.
13. All new signs shall comply with Chapter 17.50. Sign permits shall be obtained from the
Community Development Department.
14. No elements associated with the use or its construction shall encroach onto the public right-
of-way without written permission from the City of Hermosa Beach, including issuance of
an Encroachment Permit if required.
15. The subject property shall be developed, maintained and operated in full compliance with
the conditions of this grant and any law, statute, ordinance or other regulation hereafter
adopted that is applicable to any development or activity not in full compliance shall be a
violation of these conditions.
16. If a review of this Conditional Use Permit occurs, the Planning Commission may amend the
above conditions and/or impose any new conditions deemed necessary to mitigate
detrimental impacts on the environment or neighborhood arising from use of the premise.
17. 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.