HomeMy WebLinkAbout1- PLN-11-00080, 9001 Paramount (SE)STAFF REPORT
DATE: APRIL 20, 2011
TO: PLANNING COMMISSION
FROM: BRIAN SAEKI, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
SEBASTIAN RODRIGUEZ, PLANNING INTERN
SUBJECT: PLN -11 -00080 (SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT) — A REQUEST TO CONDUCT A ONE
(1) DAY OUTDOOR EVENT ON SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 2011, ON PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 9001 PARAMOUNT BLVD, ZONED R -1 7,500 (SINGLE FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL)
CEQA
Staff has reviewed the proposed use for compliance with the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA). Upon completion of this review, it has been determined that this request is
categorically exempt from CEQA, pursuant to Guideline Section No. 15304 (Class 4, Minor
Alterations to Land). Categorical Exemptions are projects, which have been determined not to
have a significant effect on the environment and have been exempted from the requirements of
the California Environmental Quality Act. Class 4 exemptions include temporary uses, such as
a carnival, that will have no permanent effect on the environment.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt the following titled resolution:
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING
A SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT (PLN -11- 00080), THEREBY ALLOWING A ONE (1) DAY
OUTDOOR EVENT ON SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 2011 ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 9001
PARAMOUNT BLVD, ZONED R -1 7,500 (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL)
CODE AUTHORITY
The applicant is making their request pursuant to Municipal Code Section 9420, which allows
temporary outdoor events, subject to the approval of a Special Event Permit. The Planning
Commission's authority to consider the requested Special Event Permit is set forth in Municipal
Code Section 9420.04.
PLANNING DIVISION
CITY OF DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA
SITE LOCATION
9001 Paramount Blvd
SITE DESCRIPTION
A. Subject Property
1. Property Information
Site Location:
2. Applicant Information
Applicant:
Property Owner:
3. CEQA Determination:
4. Noticing Information
Applicant Notification:
Required Action Date:
9001 Paramount Blvd
(Al N 6364- 004 -029)
APRIL 4, 2011
JUNE 3, 2011
Special Event Permit (PLN -11- 00080) — 9001 Paramount Blvd
April 20, 2011 - Page 2
Andrea Valenzuela
Cornerstone Christian Worship Center
9001 Paramount Blvd
Downey, CA 90240
Cornerstone Christian Worship Center
9001 Paramount Blvd
Downey, CA 90240
Categorical Exemption (Class 4)
B. Surrounding Properties
All of the surrounding properties are within the R -1 (Single Family Residential) zone and
have a General Plan Land Use Designation of LDR (Low Density Residential). With
exception of the subject site, all of the properties are improved with single family dwellings.
C. Site Photographs
View of parcel from Paramount and Gallatin
Birdseye view of parcel
Special Event Permit (PLN -11- 00080) — 9001 Paramount Blvd
April 20, 2011 - Page 3
BACKGROUND
The subject site is a 5.28 acre irregular shaped lot that is located on the northwest corner of
Paramount Boulevard and Gallatin Road. It is currently improved with the sanctuary building, three
classroom buildings, and an administration building. Additionally, parking is provided along the
northern and eastern sides of the site.
On March 21, 2011 the applicant, Andrea Valenzuela, submitted an application for a Special Event
Permit, to allow an outdoor carnival to take place in part of the parking lot of the subject site. Staff
deemed the application complete on April 4, 2011.
On April 7, 2011 notice of the pending application was mailed to all property owners within 500' of
the subject site and published in the Downey Patriot.
DISCUSSION /ANALYSIS
The proposed outdoor event will take place in the eastern portion of the church's parking lot,
immediately adjacent to Paramount Blvd and Gallatin Road. As noted previously, the event will
occur on Saturday, April 23, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Set up of the event will take place
on Friday, April 22, 2011 and the site will be cleaned up no later than Sunday, April 24, 2011. The
proposed event includes game booths, a petting zoo, horse rides, a food and drink booth, covered
seating and eating area, and a stage for live entertainment (See attached site plan).
These types of events are typical for churches and can prove to be a pleasant community affair for
the surrounding residents. Due to the location of the event on the property, staff is not concerned
about significant impacts to surrounding properties. More specifically, it is staff's opinion that there
is sufficient parking on site to accommodate attendees, the animals will be kept sufficient distance
from surrounding residences to avoid odor impacts, and the stage location and direction of
speakers are such that noise should not have an impact on the area. To further minimize impacts,
staff has recommended several conditions of approval on the permit, which include, among other
things, litter to be picked up during the event, animal waste to be picked up immediately and stored
in a closed container, and church restroom facilities be made available to patrons.
FINDINGS
Pursuant to the requirements of the Municipal Code, the following findings shall be made in
order for the Planning Commission to approve the request.
1. That the proposed activity or use will be consistent with the objectives, policies, and
general land uses and programs specified in the City's General Plan.
General Plan Policy 8.4.3 states, "Enhance the City's existing cultural resources," which in
part is implemented by Program 8.4.3.2 that states "Support and encourage community
events..." The proposed Special Event Permit will allow a one day church carnival that is
open to the community and will have family friendly activities. It is staff's opinion that this
approval is consistent with the General Plan Policy 8.4.3 and as such, this finding can be
adopted.
Special Event Permit (PLN -11- 00080) — 9001 Paramount Blvd
April 20, 2011 - Page 4
2. That the proposed activity or use is consistent with other provisions of Article IX of
the Downey Municipal Code.
The proposed special event will be located within the easterly portion of the church parking
lot. The event will utilize temporary structures only and operation of the event will not hinder
the movement of traffic (on and /or off site) or create impacts unto adjoining properties.
Furthermore, staff feels that there is sufficient parking on -site to accommodate the patrons
of the event. Therefore, the special event is consistent with the other provisions of Article
IX of the Municipal Code. As such, staff feels that this finding can be adopted.
3. That the proposed activity or use will not result in conditions or circumstances
contrary to the public health, safety, and general welfare.
As noted previously in this report, it is staff's opinion that the proposed event will not create
a significant impact to surrounding properties. The location of the event will not hinder
traffic circulation or pedestrian movement. The event will not create a condition of
circumstance that is contrary to the general public health, safety, or welfare. As such, staff
feels that this finding can be adopted.
CORRESPONDENCE
As of the date that this report was printed, staff has not received any correspondence regarding
this matter.
CONCLUSION
Based on the analysis contained within this report, staff is concluding that the proposed special
event will not create a significant impact to the surrounding properties, provided all conditions of
approval are adhered to. Furthermore, as noted above, staff believes that all four findings required
to approve a Special Event Permit can be made in a positive manner. As such, staff is
recommending that the Planning Commission approve the Special Event Permit (PLN -11- 00080),
subject to the recommended conditions of approval.
H:\ PLANNING \Sebastian \Cases \PLN -11 -00080 (9001 Paramount, Cornerstone) \Staff Report.doc
Special Event Permit (PLN -11- 00080) — 9001 Paramount Blvd
April 20, 2011 - Page 5
Exhibit `A' — Aerial Photograph
Special Event Permit (PLN -11- 00080) — 9001 Paramount Blvd
April 20, 2011 - Page 6
Exhibit `B' — Zonina Map
Special Event Permit (PLN -11- 00080) — 9001 Paramount Blvd
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