HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.PLN-12-00233-9001 Paramount BlvdSTAFF REPORT
DATE: OCTOBER 17, 2012
TO: PLANNING COMMISSION
FROM: BRIAN SAEKI, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
AARON LOBLINER, PLANNING INTERN
SUBJECT: PLN-12-00233 (SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT) – A REQUEST TO CO NDUCT A
THREE-DAY OUTDOOR CARNIVAL ON OCTOBER 26, OCTOBER 27, AND
OCTOBER 28, 2012, IN THE PARKING LOT OF ST. RAYMOND’S CHURCH
LOCATED AT 12348 PARAMOUNT BOUL EVARD, ZONED R-1 5,000 (SINGLE-
FAMILY RESIDENTIAL).
CEQA
Staff has reviewed the proposed special event 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(e), 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 consists of minor alterations to the condition
of land, including approval of temporary land uses that have a negligible or no permanent
effects on the environment. It is staff’s opinion that the temporary outdoor event will not have a
permanent effect on the environment; therefore it qualifies for the Class 4 exemption.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt the following titled resolution:
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING
PLN-12-00233 (SPECIAL EVENT), TO PERMIT THE OPERATION OF A THREE-DAY ANNUAL
CARNIVAL, (OCTOBER 26, 27 AND 28, 2012 ) ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 12348
PARAMOUNT BOULEVARD, ZONED R-1 5,00 0 (SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL).
CODE AUTHORITY
Section 9420 of the Downey Municipal Code (S pecial Events) provides the regulations for
special events. It states that if an event is of a scale or use that may result in extensive potential
impacts to the community, even temporary, t he City Planner may forward the Special Event
Permit application to the Planning Commission for their decision.
PLANNING DIVISION
CITY OF DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA
SITE LOCATION
12348 Paramount Boulveard
SITE DESCRIPTION
A. Subject Property
1. Property Information:
Site Location: 12348 Paramount Boulevard
AIN 6259-011-032, 033, 049 & 050
2.
Applicant Information:
Property Owner: Archdiocese of Los Angeles
3424 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Applicant: Mr. John Higgins
Saint Raymond’s Catholic Church
12348 Paramount Boulevard
Downey, CA 90242
(562) 923-4509
3. CEQA Determination : Categorically Exempt, Class 4
4. Noticing Information :
Applicant Notification: October 8, 2012
Decision Deadline: December 7, 2012
PLN-12-00233 – 12348 Paramount Blvd.
October 17, 2012 - Page 2
B. Surrounding Properties
Zone Use
North C-2 Retail
East R-1 5,000 Single-Family Residential
R-1 5,000 Single-Family Residential
West
R-1 5,000 Single-Family Residential
South
BACKGROUND
The subject site is a 4.27-acre, irregular-shaped lot that is located on the east side of
Paramount Boulevard, between Quoit Street and Conrad Street. The subj ect site is improved
with five (5) buildings, which comprise Saint Raymond’s Catholic Church. The northeasterly
building (facing Conrad Street) is approximately 21,594 square feet in size and is the Sanctuary
and the school. The northwesterly building (fac ing Paramount Boulevard) is approximately
13,982 square feet in size and is a Parish hall. The southeasterly building (facing Quoit Street)
is approximately 3,990 square feet in size and is a convent. The southwesterly building (facing
Quoit Street) is approximately 6,097 square feet in size and is a rectory. The easterly building
(adjacent to the single family houses) is approximately 15,014 square feet in size and is the
school classrooms. The existing parking area for the site that the carnival will be conducted on
is centrally located and has a total of 224 parking spaces. The property has a General Plan
Land Use Designation of S-PR (School-Private) and is zoned R-1 5,000 (Single Family
Residential). Saint Raymond’s Catholic Chur ch was originally approved under Zone Exception
No. 104 in 1959.
On September 6, 2012, the applicant submitted an application requesting permission to conduct a
carnival on the parking lot of the Church (attached) on October 26, 27 and 28, 2012. On
September 26, 2012 staff deemed the application complete.
On October 4, 2012, notice of the pending application was published in the Downey Patriot .
Additionally, the notice was mailed to all property owners within 500’ on the subject site on October
5, 2012.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS
The applicant’s request is to conduct a three-day outdoor carnival on October 26, 27, and 28,
2012. The proposed ou tdoor carnival will take pl ace in the Church’s parkin g lot. The hours for the
proposed outdoor carnival will be as follows:
Friday, October 26, 2012, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 27, 2012, between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 28, 2012, between 1:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
The applicant is proposing to begin set-up on Wednesday, October 24, 2012, and on Thursday
October 25, 2012, from daylight hours to no later than 10:00 p.m. According to the applicant, the
event will include various carnival rides, a haunted house (located in side the existing Parish hall), a
beer garden, carnival booths, a stage, food booths, and a grill area. Clean up is proposed to begin
on Monday, October 29, 2012, during daylight hours to no later than 10:00 p.m. Additionally, staff
is recommending a condition of approval that requires the applicant to have a minimum of three (3)
licensed uniformed security guards patrolling the outdoor carnival, which shall include one licensed
uniformed security guard to be located at the beer garden.
PLN-12-00233 – 12348 Paramount Blvd.
October 17, 2012 - Page 3
The applicant is proposing to use amplified music during the event. In order to avoid potential
impacts to the surrounding residences, the applicant is proposing to locate the speakers away from
homes, facing Paramount Boulevard; therefore, mitigating the potential noise impact on adjacent
properties. However, staff has recommended a condition of approval to allow the Police
Department to require music to be turned down or stopped, should they receive excessive
complaints about noise. In addition to noise, staff is concerned about accumulation of litter on the
site and surrounding area. Accordingly, staff is recommending a condition of approval that requires
the applicant to have a roving patrol of volunteers to pick-up litter from the site (including parking
lots) and adjoining sidewalk. Furthermore, the applicant sent out letters to Saint Raymond’s
neighbors informing them about the upcoming event and giving them a phone number in case they
have any concerns about parking, trash, noise, etc. (See attached letter).
Finally, staff would like to address concerns abou t parking. The applicant’s proposal will include
closing the parking lot on the subject property. It is staff’s opinion that this will not present a
parking issue for the event because the applicant has secured the approval of Downey First
Church at 7936 Quill Drive, The Church of Jesu s Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon Church)
located at 12545 Orizaba Avenue, and former Beach’s Market at 7900 Imperial Highway to utilize
their parking during the outdoor carnival (See attached letters from Beach’s Market and Downey
First Church, and insurance agreement with the Mormon Church).
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.
The City of Downey General Plan Program No. 1.1.5.3 states, the City shall “promote
recreation and entertainment uses that serve the needs of the public.” Inasmuch as the
proposed event is a community event that is open to the public and will include live
entertainment, games, and rides for attendees to enjoy, it is staff’s opinion that allowing this
event will be consistent with the af orementioned Gene ral Plan program.
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 R-1 5,000 (Single Family Residential)
zone, where special events such as outdoor carnivals and festivals are permitted, subject to
Section 9420.04 of the Downey Municipal Code. It is staff’s belief that the three-day
outdoor carnival will not impinge on the surr ounding properties; since the special event is
not a permanent alteration to the site. The applicant proposes to utilize parking located at
the Downey First Church, the Mormon Church, and Beach’s Market for the event. In staff’s
opinion, the parking needs for the site will not be affected by the proposed event, since
there will be over 500 parking spaces available to meet the parking needs during the
outdoor carnival. Therefore, the special event is consistent with the other provisions of
Article IX of the Municipal Code.
PLN-12-00233 – 12348 Paramount Blvd.
October 17, 2012 - Page 4
3. That the proposed activity or use will not result in conditions or circumstances
contrary to the public health, safety, and general welfare.
It is staff’s opinion that approving the Special Event Permit will not result in conditions
contrary to the public health, safety and general welfare given that it is a temporary three-
day outdoor event. Nevertheless, staff is recommending several conditions of approval in
which staff believe will prev ent the event from impact ing surrounding sites.
CORRESPONDENCE
As of the date that this report was printed, staff has not received any correspondence regarding
this matter.
CONCLUSION
After considering the information provided by the applicant and contained in this report, staff
feels that any potential impacts can be mitigated with the recommended conditions of approval.
As such, staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve PLN-12-00233 (Special
Event) – A request to permit the operation of a three-day outdoor carnival, which includes rides,
game booths, food sales, and live entertainment on October 26, 27, and 28, 2012, in the parking
lot of St. Raymond’s Catholic Church, on pr operty located at 12348 Paramount Boulevard,
zoned R-1 5,000 (Single Family Residential), subject to the conditions of approval contained in
Resolution No. 12-2730.
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XHIBIT
A P
ERIAL HOTOGRAPH
Sub ect Site
j
NORTH
CITY OF DOWNEY
PLANNING DIVISION
PLN-12-00233 – 12348 Paramount Blvd.
October 17, 2012 - Page 6
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XHIBIT
Zoning
Sub j ect Site
NORTH
CITY OF DOWNEY
PLANNING DIVISION
PLN-12-00233 – 12348 Paramount Blvd.
October 17, 2012 - Page 7
RESOLUTION NO. 12-
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING PLN-12-00233 (SPECIAL EVENT) , TO PERMIT THE OPERATION OF A
THREE- OUTDOOR CARNIVAL, (OCTOBER 26, 27 AND 28, 2012) IN THE PARKING
LOT OF ST. RAYMOND CATHOLIC CHURCH ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 12348
PARAMOUNT BOULEVARD, ZONED R-1 5,000 (SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL).
THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The Planning Commission of the City of Downey does hereby find,
determine and declare that:
A. On September 6, 2012, an application was filed by John Higgins (hereinafter
“Applicant”) requesting approval of a Special Event Permit to allow the operation
of a three-day outdoor carnival, on property 12348 Paramount Boulevard (St.
Raymond Catholic Church), Downey, California (hereinafter “Subject Site”),
zoned R-1 5,000 (Single Family Residential); and,
B. On October 4, 2012, notice of the pending public hearing was sent to all property
owners within 500 feet of the subject site and the notice was published in the
Downey Patriot ; and,
C. The Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on October 17,
2012, and after fully considering all oral and written testimony and facts and
opinions offered at aforesaid public hearings, adopted Resolution No. 12- ,
subject to conditions of approval (Exhibit A).
SECTION 2. The Planning Commission further finds, determines and declares the
environmental impact of the proposed development has been reviewed and has been found to
be in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and is categorically
exempt from CEQA, pursuant to Guideline Section No. 15304 (Class 4), Minor Alterations to
Land.
SECTION 3. Having considered all of the oral and written evidence presented to it at
said public hearings, the Planning Commission further finds, determines and declares that:
A. 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.
The City of Downey General Plan Program No. 1.1.5.3 states, the City shall
“promote recreation and entertainment uses that serve the needs of the public.”
Inasmuch as the proposed event is a community event that is open to the public
and will include live entertainment, games, and rides for attendees to enjoy, it is
staff’s opinion that allowing this event will be consistent with the aforementioned
General Plan program.
B. That the proposed activity or use will be consistent with other provisions of Article
IX of the Downey Municipal Code. The proposed special event will be located
within the R-1 5,000 (Single Family Resident ial) zone, where special events such
as outdoor carnivals and festivals are permitted, subject to Section 9420.04 of
the Downey Municipal Code. It is staff’s belief that the three-day outdoor carnival
will not impinge on the surrounding properties; since the special event is not a
permanent alteration to the site. The applicant proposes to utilize parking
Resolution No. 12-
Downey Planning Commission
located at the Downey First Church, the Mormon Church, and Beach’s Market for
the event. In staff’s opinion, the parking needs for the site will not be affected by
the proposed event, since there will be over 500 parking spaces available to
meet the parking needs during the outdoor carnival. Therefore, the special event
is consistent with the other provisions of Article IX of the Municipal Code.
C. That the proposed activity or use will not result in conditions or circumstances
contrary to the public health, safety, and general welfare. It is staff’s opinion that
approving the Special Event Permit will not result in conditions contrary to the
public health, safety and general welfare giv en that it is a temporary three-day
outdoor event. Nevertheless, staff is recommending several conditions of
approval in which staff believe will prevent the event from impacting surrounding
sites.
SECTION 4. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of this
Resolution, the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby approves PLN-12-00233
(Special Event), subject to conditions of approval attached hereto as Exhibit A – Conditions,
which are necessary to preserve the health, safety and general welfare of the community and
enable the Planning Commission to make the findings set forth in the previous sections. The
conditions are fair and reasonable for the accomplishment of these purposes.
SECTION 5. The Secretary shall certify the adoption of this Resolution.
th
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 17 day of October 2012.
Michael Murray, Chairman
City Planning Commission
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true copy of a Resolution adopted by the Planning
th
Commission of the City of Downey at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 17 day of October
2012, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS:
NOES: COMMISSIONERS:
__
Theresa Donahue, Secretary
City Planning Commission
PLN-12-00233 – 12348 Paramount Blvd.
October 1 7, 2012 - Page 2
Resolution No. 12-
Downey Planning Commission
PLN-12-00233 (SPECIAL EVENT)
EXHIBIT A - CONDITIONS
PLANNING
1) This approval of PLN-12-00233 (Special Event) allows the Applicant to host a three-day
outdoor Carnival on the parking lot area of the Saint Raymond Catholic Church at 12348
Paramount Boulevard. The proposed hours fo r the carnival shall be as follows:
Friday, October 26, 2012, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 27, 2012, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 28, 2012, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
2) Live music for the event shall cease by 11:00 p.m. on Friday, October 26 and Saturday
October 27, and by 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 28, 2012.
3) Approved activities for Special Event Permit (PLN-12-00233) shall consist of:
Six “Big” rides;
Six “Kiddy” rides;
One haunted house (within the existing Parish hall);
One 40’ by 40’ beer garden;
Three 10’ x 10’ food booths;
Two 20’ x 20’ food booths;
One 10’ x 20’ grill area;
Game area with approximately ten 4’ x 8’ tables;
One 20’ x 20’ game area;
Twenty-fixe 10’ x 10’ rental booths;
One 3 ft. high raised 12’ x 24’ stage.
The
4) City Planner is authorized to make minor modifications to the approved preliminary
plans or any of the conditions if such modifications shall achieve substantially the same
results as would strict compliance with said plans and conditions.
5) The owner/applicant shall provide trash receptacles on the subject site, including parking
lots. During the event, organized member(s) shall walk around the premises to remove
trash on the subject site (including parking lots) and the adjacent sidewalks and
neighborhood.
6) Speakers for amplified sound shall face westerly, away from the adjoining residential
properties.
7) All outdoor activities shall cease by 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 28, 2012.
8) Set up may begin Wednesday, October 24, 2012 and shall occur only between the hours
of 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
9) Clean up activities, which include the removal of all tables and chairs, booths, trash
receptacles, stage, electrical equipment, mechanical rides, and garbage shall be
removed between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. on Monday, October 29, 2012.
PLN-12-00233 – 12348 Paramount Blvd.
October 1 7, 2012 - Page 3
Resolution No. 12-
Downey Planning Commission
10) Any necessary Health Department approvals required for the sale of food shall be
obtained prior to the start of the event.
11) The sale of alcoholic beverages shall comply with the requirements of the State
Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
12) The sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages shall be contained within the “beer
garden” area.
13) All required Building Department, Police D epartment and Fire Department permits shall
be obtained prior to the start of the event.
14) If a generator is to be used, it shall be located a minimum of 25 feet from any property
line. Additionally, the generator shall not exceed a noise level of 65 dBA, as measured
from the nearest property line.
POLICE
15) The owner/applicant must provide three (3) licensed security guards on-site during the
duration of the event (October 26, 27 and 28, 2012). At least one of the security guards
shall be stationed in the beer garden.
PUBLIC WORKS/ENGINEERING
16) Provide sufficient trash receptacles for the disposal of food and other debris.
17) Parking areas shall be swept clean after the event; there shall be no hosing down of the
parking area.
18) The owner/applicant shall maintain the public right-of-way free from any trash and waste
disposal and comply with the National Pollu tant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
requirements of the Federal Clean Water Act; the General Construction Activities
Stormwater Permit (GCASP) of the State Water Resources Control Board; and
Ordinance 1142 of the Downey Municipal Code (DMC).
19) Closure of public streets for parking purposes shall not be permitted at any time.
FIRE
20) The Applicant shall obtain the Fire Department’s approval for the use of any tents.
21) All tents, extinguishers and electrical work must in place by noon on the Friday before
the event to enable an inspection by the fire department and building and safety.
22) During the three-day event, cooking is not permitted inside buildings without the advance
approval from the Downey Fire Prevention Bureau.
23) Generators shall not be refueled hot.
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Resolution No. 12-
Downey Planning Commission
PLN-12-00233 – 12348 Paramount Blvd.
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