Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 1- CUP 18-05 328 E. Huntington DriveDATE: November 27, 2018 TO: Honorable Chairman and Planning Commission FROM: Lisa L. Flores, Planning & Community Development Administrator By: Luis Torrico, Senior Planner SUBJECT: APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. CUP 18-05 WITH A CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (“CEQA”) TO ALLOW THE SALE OF BEER AND WINE AND ON-SITE CONSUMPTION IN CONJUNCTION WITH A NEW FULL SERVICE RESTAURANT AT 328 E. HUNTINGTON DRIVE Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2022 SUMMARY The applicant, Sung Park, has requested approval of Conditional Use Permit to allow the sale of beer and wine (Alcoholic Beverage Control Type 41 License) and on-site consumption in conjunction with a new full service restaurant (dba: Ramen House) that is located at 328 E. Huntington Drive, within the Arcadia Gateway Shopping Center. The restaurant will occupy an existing unit that is approximately 1,335 square feet in floor area and will provide up to 50 seats. As an existing facility, the request qualifies for a Categorical Exemption Section 15301(a) under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). It is recommended that the Planning Commission approve CUP 18-05 subject to the conditions of approval listed in this staff report, and adopt Resolution No. 2022 (Attachment No. 1). BACKGROUND The proposed restaurant is located within the Arcadia Gateway Shopping Center (“Center”) which measures approximately nine (9) acres in lot area (see Figure 1) and has a zoning designation of General Commercial (C-G). The subject site is developed with a variety of retail, service, office and restaurant uses. The proposed restaurant will be located in the commercial building located at the northwest end of the center, fronting on Huntington Drive (see Figure 1). Photos of the of the tenant space and center are attached to the staff report as Attachment No. 2. Restaurants that are less than 2,000 square feet in floor area are classified as small restaurants and are permitted by right in the General Commercial (C-G) zone. Therefore, the 1,335 square foot restaurant is permitted by right; however, the sale of beer and wine in association with a full service restaurant requires approval of a Conditional Use Permit. Resolution No. 2022 CUP 18-05 328 E. Huntington Drive November 27, 2018 – Page 2 of 8 Figure 1 - Aerial of subject site ANALYSIS The request is to allow a Conditional Use Permit for the on -site sale, service, and consumption of beer and wine, pursuant to an Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Type 41 license in conjunction with a new restaurant (Ramen House). The new restaurant will be located within an existing unit that was previously occupied by Scottrade, a financial brokerage office. The restaurant will consist of a 608 square foot dining area that can accommodate up to 50 seats, a 618 square foot kitchen area and a 109 square foot restroom for a total floor area of 1,335 square feet (see Attachment No. 3). The restaurant will employ three full-time employees and two part-time employees for a total of five employees. The hours of operation will be from 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m., seven days a week. Alcohol sales will be limited to the approved hours of operation. The proposed hours of operation will be similar to those of existing restaurants located within the Center. The service and consumption of beer and wine is only proposed within the interior of the building. The Center was developed with a retail parking ratio requirement of one (1) space for every 200 square feet of floor area and provides a total of 814 parking spaces throughout the site. The 1,335 square foot unit has a parking requirement of seven spaces. Small restaurants have the same parking requirement as a retail use; therefore, no additional parking spaces will need to be provided for the proposed restaurant. While the unit was previously occupied by an office use, which has a less stringent parking requirement of Huntington Drive 5th Avenue 328 E. Huntington Dr. 2nd Avenue Resolution No. 2022 CUP 18-05 328 E. Huntington Drive November 27, 2018 – Page 3 of 8 one (1) space for every 250 square feet of floor area, the center was originally developed at for retail, therefore no additional parking is required. The Fire Department, Police Department, and Building Services have reviewed the application and no concerns were raised by any of the departments for the proposed request. However, conditions from all applicable City departments have been incorporated, and are recommended as provided in this staff report, to mitigate any potential impacts. In addition, the proposed restaurant and alcohol sales will be subject to compliance with the State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and the Los Angeles County Health Department. FINDINGS Section 9107.09.050(B) of the Development Code requires that for a Conditional Use Permit to be granted, it must be found that all of the following prerequisite findings can be made: 1. The proposed use is consistent with the General Plan and any applicable specific plan. Facts to Support This Finding: The subject site has a Commercial Land Use designation, which is intended to permit a wide range of commercial uses which serve both neighborhood and citywide markets. The proposed restaurant, which will offer the sale of alcohol with a ABC Type 41 License (beer and wine only), will provide the general public with additional food and beverage opportunities , and the full service restaurant will comply with General Plan Policy LU-6.7 of the Land Use and Community Design Element by encouraging a balanced distribution of local-serving commercial uses. The proposed sales of beer and wine is limited as an incidental use to the restaurant, which is the primary use and it will complement uses within this commercial center (refer to as Arcadia Gateway Center) and with the other uses along the Huntington Drive commercial corridor 2. The proposed use is allowed within the applicable zone, subject to the granting of a Conditional Use Permit, and complies with all other applicable provisions of the Development Code and the Municipal Code. Facts to Support This Finding: The subject site is located within the General Commercial Zone (C-G). Per Development Code Section 9102.03.020, Land Use Regulations and Allowable Uses, a full or limited service restaurant serving alcohol is allowed with the approval of a Conditional Use Permit. The proposed use for the sale of beer and wine, and on-site consumption is compatible with the existing commercial uses in the commercial center such as retail stores, re staurants, and offices. It provides for the on-site sales, services, and consumption of beer and wine within the interior of the restaurant, and the proposed conditions will provide for the business needs of a successful restaurant establishment by permitt ing the sale of alcoholic beverages in a safe manner for customers and residents of the surrounding area. In addition, the full service restaurant will be in compliance with all other applicable provisions of the Development Code and the Municipal Code. Resolution No. 2022 CUP 18-05 328 E. Huntington Drive November 27, 2018 – Page 4 of 8 3. The design, location, size, and operating characteristics of the proposed activity will be compatible with the existing and future land uses in the vicinity. Facts to Support This Finding: The proposed full service restaurant, which will offer the sale of beer and wine, and on-site consumption, will occupy an existing 1,335 square foot tenant space. The unit is located within the Arcadia Gateway Center, which is adequate in size for the proposed use. The proposed use will be similar in nature with the existing restaurants that offer alcohol sales located in the center, in that it is ancillary to the primary restaurant use and will serve to augment the overall dining experience. In addition, the restaurant will be compatible with the existing commercial and service uses located within the center and adjacent commercial developments located within the General Commercial Zone (C-G). The restaurant will operate seven days a week between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., which will be compatible with the other restaurants in the center, including Starbucks. The proposed sale of beer and wine, and on-site consumption in conjunction with the operation of a full service restaurant will be compatible with the existing and future land uses in the vicinity. 4. The site is physically suitable in terms of: a. Its design, location, shape, size, and operating characteristics of the proposed use in order to accommodate the use, and all fences, landscaping, loading, parking, spaces, walls, yards, and other features required to adjust the use with the land and uses in the neighborhood; Facts to Support This Finding: The site is physically suitable to accommodate and support the proposed use. The proposed use for the sale of beer and wine, and on-site consumption in conjunction with a full service restaurant will occupy a 1,335 square foot unit located within the Arcadia Gateway Center. The request will be compatible and operated in the same manner as other restaurants in the center that offer the sale of beer and wine, and on -site consumption. The subject unit is located at the northwest portion of the center, fronting on Huntington Drive. Interior improvements will be completed to convert the unit from an office use to a restaurant use and will accommodate up to 50 customers. No additional parking or site improvements will be required for the proposed use. b. Streets and highways adequate in width and pavement type to accommodate public and emergency vehicle (e.g., fire and medical) access; Facts to Support This Finding: The sale of beer and wine, and on-site consumption with the proposed full service restaurant will be located within the Arcadia Gateway Center, which is serviced by Huntington Drive and 5th Avenue. Majority of vehicular traffic for the center comes from Huntington Drive, which is adequate in width and pavement type to support the traffic generated by the customers generated by the proposed use and existing uses in the center, and to support emergency vehicle access. Resolution No. 2022 CUP 18-05 328 E. Huntington Drive November 27, 2018 – Page 5 of 8 c. Public protection services (e.g., fire protection, police protection, etc.); and Facts to Support This Finding: The request to allow the sale of beer and wine, and on site consumption in conjunction with a new full service restaurant will not impact public protection services. The proposed restaurant will occupy an existing tenant space located within an existing commercial center. Conditions of approval have been included to ensure the sale and consumption of beer and wine will be operated in a safe manner, and not impact public protection service. The request has been reviewed by the Fire Department and Police Department, and neither department raised concerns. In addition, the sale of beer and wine, and on site consumption will be subject to compliance with the State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Therefore, no impacts to public protection services are anticipated. d. The provision of utilities (e.g., potable water, schools, solid waste collection and disposal, storm drainage, wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal, etc.). Facts to Support This Finding: The proposed restaurant, which will offer the sale of beer and wine, and on site consumption, will occupy an existing tenant space located within an existing commercial center. The center is adequately served by existing utilities. The request does not include new construction that will impact the provision of utilities, nor will it be operated in a manner that will impact the provisions of utilities. Therefore, no impacts to the provision of utilities are anticipated. 5. The measure of site suitability shall be required to ensure that the type, density, and intensity of use being proposed will not adversely affect the public convenience, health, interest, safety, or general welfare, constitute a nuisance, or be materially injurious to the improvements, persons, property, or uses in the vicinity and zone in which the property is located. Facts to Support This Finding: The request to operate a full service restaurant with the sale of beer and wine, and on site consumption will be consistent with similar previously approved uses in the Arcadia Gateway Center and adjacent commercial developments. The sale and consumption of beer and wine will be done so in a manner that is safe for customers of the restaurant and will not adversely affect the public convenience, health, interest, safety, or general welfare of adjacent uses in the vicinity and zone of the subject site. In addition, conditions of approval, such as requiring periodic inspections to assess any adverse impacts, have been included to mitigate any potential impacts. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT It has been determined that the project qualifies as a Class 1 Categorical Exemption per the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines for the use of an existing facility. See Attachment No. 4 for the Preliminary Exemption Assessment. Resolution No. 2022 CUP 18-05 328 E. Huntington Drive November 27, 2018 – Page 6 of 8 PUBLIC NOTICE/COMMENTS A public hearing notice for this item was published in Arcadia Weekly and mailed to the property owners located within 300 feet of the subject property on November 15, 2018. As of November 22, 2018, no comments were received regarding this project. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the Planning Commission approve Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 18-05 and find that the project is Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and adopt Resolution No. 2022, subject to the following conditions of approval: 1. The approved hours of operation shall be limited to 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., seven days a week. 2. Alcoholic beverage service shall be limited to beer and wine (ABC Type 41 License) and shall only be served during the approved hours of operation. No sales, service, and on-site consumption of beer and wine is permitted outside of interior walls of this unit. 3. Tenant improvements to the interior of the commercial un it shall be consistent with the approved floor plan, and shall comply with the 2016 California Building Code to the satisfaction of the City Building Official or designee. 4. The Best Management Practices (BMPs) required of restaurants by the NPDES shall be complied with by the applicant/property owner to the satisfaction of the Public Works Services Director, or designee. Any changes to the facility may be subject to permits and having fully detailed plans submitted for plan check review and approval by all City, County, regional, State, and federal agencies having jurisdiction for compliance with any and all applicable regulations. 5. The use approved by Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 18-05 is limited to a restaurant with beer and wine service and shall be operated and maintained in a manner that is consistent with the proposal and plans submitted and approved for Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 18-05, and shall be subject to periodic inspections, after which the provisions of this Conditional Use Permit may be adjusted after due notice to address any adverse impacts to the adjacent streets, rights-of-way, and/or the neighboring businesses and properties. 6. Noncompliance with the plans, provisions and conditions of approval for Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 18-05 shall be grounds for immediate suspension or revocation of any approvals, which could result in the closing of the restaurant. 7. The applicant/property owner shall comply with all City requirements regarding building safety, fire prevention, detection, suppression, emergency access, public right-of-way improvements, parking, water supply and water facilities, sewer facilities, trash reduction and recycling requirements, and National Pollut ant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) measures to the satisfaction of the Building Resolution No. 2022 CUP 18-05 328 E. Huntington Drive November 27, 2018 – Page 7 of 8 Official, Fire Marshal, Public Works Services Director, and Planning & Community Development Administrator. Compliance with these requirements is to be determined by having fully detailed construction plans submitted for plan check review and approval by the foregoing City officials and employees. 8. The applicant/property owner shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of Arcadia and its officials, officers, employees, and agents from and against any claim, action, or proceeding against the City of Arcadia, its officials, officers, employees or agents to attack, set aside, void, or annul any approval or conditional approval of the City of Arcadia concerning this project and/or land use decision, including but not limited to any approval or conditional approval of the City Council, Planning Commission, or City Staff, which action is brought within the time period provided for in Government Code Section 66499.37 or other provision of law applicable to this project or decision. The City shall promptly notify the applicant of any claim, action, or proceeding concerning the project and/or land use decision and the City shall cooperate fully in the defense of the matter. The City reserves the right, at its own option, to choose its own attorney to represent the City, its officials, officers, employees, and agents in the defense of the matter. 9. Approval of Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 18-05 shall not take effect until the applicant/property owner has executed and filed with the City on or before 30 calendar days after the Planning Commission adoption of the Resolution, an Acceptance Form available from the Development Services Department to indicate acceptance of the conditions required by this approval. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION Approval If the Planning Commission intends to approve this project, the Commission should move to approve Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 18-05, state that the proposal satisfies the requisite findings, and adopt the attached Resolution No. 2022 that incorporates the requisite environmental, Conditional Use Permit findings, and the conditions of approval as presented in this staff report, or as modified by the Commission. Denial If the Planning Commission is to deny this project, the Commission should state the specific findings that the proposal does not satisfy based on the evidence presented with specific reasons for denial, and move to deny Conditional Use Permit No. CUP 18-05 and direct staff to prepare a resolution for adoption at the next meeting that incorporates the Commission’s decision and specific findings. If any Planning Commissioner, or other interested party has any questions or comments regarding this matter prior to the November 27, 2018, Planning Commission Meeting, please contact Senior Planner, Luis Torrico at (626) 574-5442, or ltorrico@ArcadiaCA.gov. Resolution No. 2022 CUP 18-05 328 E. Huntington Drive November 27, 2018 – Page 8 of 8 Approved: Lisa L. Flores Planning & Community Development Administrator Attachment No. 1: Resolution No. 2022 Attachment No. 2: Photos of the Subject Property Attachment No. 3: Architectural Plans Attachment No. 4: Preliminary Exemption Assessment     Attachment No. 1 Attachment No. 1 Resolution No. 2022   Attachment No. 2 Attachment No. 2 Aerial Photo with Zoning Information and Photos of the Subject Property Overlays Selected parcel highlighted Parcel location within City of Arcadia N/A Property Owner(s): Lot Area (sq ft): Year Built: Main Structure / Unit (sq. ft.): C-G Number of Units: C Property Characteristics 1989 60,078 1 JLJ USA INVESTMENTS LLC Site Address:440 E HUNTINGTON DR Parcel Number: 5773-015-055 N/A Zoning: General Plan: N/A Downtown Overlay: Downtown Parking Overlay: Architectural Design Overlay:Yes N/A N/A N/A Residential Flex Overlay: N/A N/A N/A Yes Special Height Overlay: N/A Parking Overlay: Racetrack Event Overlay: This map is a user generated static output from an Internet mapping site and is for reference only. Data layers that appear on this map may or may not be accurate, current, or otherwise reliable. Report generated 16-Nov-2018 Page 1 of 1 328 E Huntington, Exhibit A –Site Photos With Map Key 1 23 1 5 64 Exhibit A –Site Photos With Map Key 1 2 2 Exhibit A –Site Photos With Map Key 3 4 3 Exhibit A –Site Photos With Map Key 5 6 4 $WWDFKPHQW1R    $WWDFKPHQW1R $UFKLWHFWXUDO3ODQV     Attachment No. 4 Attachment No. 4 Preliminary Exemption Assessment Preliminary Exemption Assessment FORM “A” PRELIMINARY EXEMPTION ASSESSMENT 1. Name or description of project: CUP 18-05 - Conditional Use Permit with a Categorical Exemption under the California Quality Act ("CEQA") Section 15301(a) to allow the sale of beer and wine, and on-site consumption in conjunction with a new full service restaurant, at 328 E. Huntington Drive 2. Project Location – Identify street address and cross streets or attach a map showing project site (preferably a USGS 15’ or 7 1/2’ topographical map identified by quadrangle name): 328 E. Huntington Drive (cross streets: Huntington Drive and 5th Avenue) 3. Entity or person undertaking project: A. B. Other (Private) (1) Name Sung Park, Business Owner (2) Address 328 E. Huntington Drive 4. Staff Determination: The Lead Agency’s Staff, having undertaken and completed a preliminary review of this project in accordance with the Lead Agency's "Local Guidelines for Implementing the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)" has concluded that this project does not require further environmental assessment because: a. The proposed action does not constitute a project under CEQA. b. The project is a Ministerial Project. c. The project is an Emergency Project. d. The project constitutes a feasibility or planning study. e. The project is categorically exempt. Applicable Exemption Class: 15301(a) – Class 1 (Use of an existing facility) f. The project is statutorily exempt. Applicable Exemption: g. The project is otherwise exempt on the following basis: h. The project involves another public agency which constitutes the Lead Agency. Name of Lead Agency: Date: November 27, 2018 Staff: Luis Torrico, Senior Planner