HomeMy WebLinkAbout2. PLN-14-00059 8232 Firestone BlvdSTAFF REPORT
DATE: APRIL 16, 2014
TO: PLANNING COMMISSION
FROM: WILLIAM E. DAVIS , CITY PLANNER
SUBJECT: PLN-14-00059 -A REQUEST TO ALLOW AN EXISTING FITNESS STUDIO
(CROSSFIT DOWNEY), TO EXPAND INTO AN ADJACENT TENANT SPACE,
ON PROPERTY ZONED DDSP (DOWNTOWN DOWNEY SPECIFIC PLAN)
LOCATION: 8232 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD
ZONING: DDSP (DOWNTOWN DOWNEY SPECIFIC PLAN)
REPORT SUMMARY
On March 4, 2014, Oscar Ramos submitted a Land Use Permit Application (hereinafter referred to
as PLN-14-00059), seeking the Planning Commission 's approval of a conditional use permit to
establish a fitness club. After reviewing the Applicant's request, staff recommends that the
Planning Commission adopt the following resolution :
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING PLN-14-00059-A REQUEST TO ALLOW AN EXISTING FITNESS
STUDIO (CROSSFIT DOWNEY), TO EXPAND INTO AN ADJACENT TENANT SPACE,
ON PROPERTY ZONED DDSP (DOWNTOWN DOWNEY SPECIFIC PLAN)
BACKGROUND
The Applicant, Oscar Ramos, owns the property identified as 8230-8232 Firestone Boulevard . Mr.
Ramos operates a fitness studio (Cross-Fit) at 8232 Firestone. The space at 8230 Firestone that
Kumon Learning Center occupied previously is vacant. Due to the success of Cross-Fit , Mr.
Ramos proposes to expand the business by removing the demising wall that separates the two
spaces. He has operated Cross-Fit at this location for almost four years ; however, due to a
misunderstanding by staff, he has done so without a conditional use permit. Therefore , the
expansion he proposes is an opportunity to bring Cross-Fit into compliance with the City 's
standards .
DISCUSSION
On March 4, 2014 , Mr. Ramos submitted a Land Use Permit Application seeking the Planning
Commission's approval of PLN-14-00059 (conditional use permit) to operate a fitness studio at
8232 Firestone Boulevard . The subject property is located within the Firestone Boulevard Gateway
PLANNING DIVISION
CITY OF DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA
District of Downtown Downey, on the south side of Firestone Boulevard between Downey Avenue
and La Reina Street. It is zoned DDSP (Downtown Downey Specific Plan) and is located in the
vicinity of a variety of retail and office uses. For these reasons, it is subject to the permitted use
guidelines established by the City of Downey Downtown Specific Plan .
The Specific Plan envisions the Firestone Boulevard Gateway District as a lively area consisting of
high-intensity development with flexible retail , office , and residential space . As described on the
company's website, Cross-Fit is a core strength and conditioning program designed to optimize
physical competence in the ten recognized fitness domains: cardiovascular and respiratory
endurance, stamina, strength , flexibility, power, speed , coordination , agility, balance , and accuracy.
The Cross-Fit program was developed to enhance an individual's competency at all physical tasks .
Their athletes are trained to perform successfully at multiple , diverse, and randomized physical
challenges .
The subject property, 8230-8232 Firestone Boulevard , comprises 8 ,060 square feet of land. It
measures 40 feet in width, and 215 feet in depth . The building makes up the northerly 113 feet of
the property while parking spaces encompass the remainder of the lot. These parking spaces are
part of a shared parking lot that provides reciprocal access for the businesses within this block of
buildings.
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH
The Downey Cross-Fit fitness studio occupies a 2,950 square foot tenant space at 8232 Firestone
Boulevard . The majority of the floor area is devoted to organized workout areas: group oriented
workouts occur at the central area of the room , while individual workouts take place on the exercise
apparatus and workout stations along the perimeter walls . The tenant space also includes an
PLN-14-00059 8232 Firestone Blvd .
April16, 20 14 -Page 2
office , a restroom , and a storage room . Entrances on the north and south sides of the building
provide access to Firestone Boulevard and the parking lot at the rear of the building.
Until recently , Kumon Learning Center occupied the adjacent tenant space at 8230 Firestone
Boulevard . That space has 1,757 square feet of floor area and contains two rest rooms at the rear
of an otherwise open room . Due to the success of Cross-Fit, and the availability of 8230 Firestone,
Mr. Ramos proposes to expand the business by remov ing the demising wall that separates the two
spaces. The expanded fitness studio PLN-14-00059 proposes would combine the tenant spaces
into a single 4 ,720 square foot space. It will maintain the same configuration for workout areas ,
provide two ADA compliant restrooms , and offer two add itional entrances on front and rear of the
building , while maintaining the rooms associated with the current Cross-Fit. The hours of operation
will continue as 5:30 a.m . to 9 :00 p.m . with hourly classes occurring Monday through Thursday
from 5:30a.m . to 8:30a.m . and from 5 :00 p.m . to 8 :00 p.m . Class times are limited on Friday and
Saturday as the final class Thursday begins at 6 :00 p.m ., and only two morning classes are offered
Saturday. CrossFit closes on Sunday .
SITE PHOTOGRAPH
Table 2 .1 of the Downtown Specific Plan describes the permitted uses within the five districts of the
Downtown Specific Plan area . It lists fitness studios among the uses in the Firestone Boulevard
Gateway that require a conditional use permit. PLN-14-0059 proposes to bring Cross-Fit into
compliance with this standard .
The parking standard for fitness studios is one parking space per 500 square feet of gross floor
area , which represents the same parking ratio required for General Commercial uses in the
Downtown Specific Plan Area . By that standard , Cross-Fit requ ires ten (10) parking spaces , based
PLN-1 4-00059 8232 Firestone Blvd .
April1 6 , 2014 -Page 3
on the ratio of 4,720 square feet of floor area /500 . As such , staff does not expect the proposed use
to impact the center's parking supply negatively, because the subject property (8230-8232
Firestone Boulevard) has eighteen (18) off-street parking available .
As always, staff is sensitive to the potential noise impacts this type of use generates, considering
the sound generated by the training activities has the potential to impact the adjacent tenants. The
Applicant acknowledges that Cross-Fit utilizes amplified music during some of the workout times,
but Cross-fit staff plays the music at short intervals, and no more than 12 to 15 minutes per
session . Although most members enter the fitness studio through the door at the rear of the
building because that entrance faces the parking lot, the front entrance is accessible and will open
frequently during the course of the day, thereby increasing the potential for sound to escape onto
Firestone Boulevard. Staff has not received any noise complaints regarding the current Cross-Fit
activities. Nevertheless, staff recognizes that the expanded fitness studio has the potential to
create noise; therefore, staff included a condition of approval to address this concern.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
Staff has reviewed the proposed addition for compliance with the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA). Upon completion of this review, staff determined that this request is categorically
exempt from CEQA, pursuant to Guideline Section No . 15301 (Class 1, Existing Facilities).
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 1 includes minor expansion of uses. It is staff's opinion that the
proposed conditional use permit revisions will not have a significant effect on the environment;
thereby qualifying for the Class 1 exemption.
FINDINGS
Section 9824 of the Downey Municipal Code describes the intent and purpose of conditional use
permits and describes the procedure to approve them. Pursuant to Section 9824.06, staff has
reviewed the proposal and has developed the following findings to support the approval of PLN-
14-00059:
1. That the requested conditional use permit will not adversely affect the intent and
purpose of this article or the City's General Plan or the public convenience or
general welfare of persons residing or working in the neighborhood thereof.
The subject site's use as a fitness studio (Cross-Fit) is consistent with its General Plan
designation of "Mixed Use." The request will be compatible with the development patterns
in the area and the scale is small enough that it will not impact nearby uses. Nevertheless,
the requested conditional use permit could adversely affect the purpose and intent of the
Downey Municipal Code, if the proposed use generates sufficient noise to effect adjacent
tenants in the vicinity. The Downey General Plan, Vision 2025, established a goal to
minimize noise impacts on sensitive land uses. The proposed fitness studio has the
potential to produce loud noise, which could affect nearby businesses negatively.
Therefore, conditions of approval have been prepared to address potential noise impacts.
2. That the requested use will not adversely affect the adjoining land uses and the
growth and development of the area in which it is proposed to be located.
The subject site is in a fully developed area of the City, with few if any vacant properties in
the immediate vicinity . Inasmuch as the proposed use will occupy an existing tenant
PLN-14-00059 8232 Firestone Blvd.
April16, 2014-Page 4
space, this use will not prevent surrounding properties from being developed/redeveloped.
Although the fitness studio has the potential to create a noise impact, conditions of approval
have been included to mitigate such impacts. As such, the requested use will not adversely
affect adjoining land uses and the growth and development of the area .
3. That the size and shape of the site proposed for the use is adequate to allow the full
development of the proposed use in a manner not detrimental to the particular area.
The size and shape of the subject property is adequate to allow the full development of the
proposed use in a manner not detrimental to the area . A 4,720 square foot commercial
building and eighteen (18) parking spaces comprise the subject site . The fitness studio
PLN-14-00059 proposes will occupy the entire building (currently identified as 8230-8232
Firestone Boulevard) and does not require an expansion of the building . Even though the
Applicant proposes to remove the demising wall between the two tenant spaces, and the
Building Department may require additional tenant improvements to , the improvements will
not impact the existing uses on the site or other properties in the area .
4. That the traffic generated by the proposed use will not impose an undue burden
upon the streets and highways in the area.
The traffic generated by the proposed will not impose an undue burden upon the streets
and highways in the area . Firestone Boulevard is a major arterial street that provides
immediate access to the Interstate 605 (San Gabriel River Freeway) and the Interstate 710
(Long Beach Freeway), and it is a through route for traffic passing east and west through
the City. Firestone Boulevard has sufficient capacity to absorb any additional traffic the
requested use may create.
CORRESPONDENCE
As of the date that this report was printed , staff has received correspondence opposing this matter.
Staff completed a review of the application and deemed it complete on April 1, 2014. Staff mailed
notices of the pending public hearing to all property owners within 500 feet of the subject site and it
was published in the Downey Patriot on April 3, 2014.
CONCLUSION
Staff supports the proposal and recommends that the Planning Commission adopt a resolution
approving PLN-14-00059 subject to the conditions of approval as stated in Exhibit A of the
Planning Commission Resolution .
H:\Community Development\Davis\cases\cup\PLN-14-00059 (8232 Firestone -Crossfit)\Staff Report .doc
PLN-14-00059 8232 Firestone Blvd .
April16, 2014-Page 5
SITE LOCATION:
8232 Firestone Blvd.
ZONING MAP
PLN-14-00059 8 . A . 232 Firestone Blvd
pnl16, 2014 -Page 6 .
CROSS FIT INTERIORS (PHOTOS COURTESY OF CROSSFIT DOWNEY WEB SITE)
PLN-14-00059 8232 Firestone Blvd .
April16, 2014-Page 7
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PLN-14-00059 8232 Firestone Blvd .
April16, 2014 -Page 8
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PLN -1 4-00059 8232 Firestone Blvd .
April16, 2014 -Page 9
RESOLUTION NO. 14-__
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
DOWNEY APPROVING PLN-14-00059-A REQUEST TO ALLOW AN
EXISTING FITNESS STUDIO {CROSSFIT DOWNEY), TO EXPAND INTO AN
ADJACENT TENANT SPACE, ON PROPERTY ZONED DDSP {DOWNTOWN
DOWNEY SPECIFIC PLAN)
THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The Planning Commiss ion of the City of Downey does hereby find ,
determine and declare that:
A On March 4 , 2014, the Applicant, Oscar Ramos , submitted a Land Use Permit
Application (hereinafter referred to as PLN-14-00059) seeking the Planning
Commission 's approval of a conditional use permit to operate a fitness studio on
property located at 8232 Firestone Boulevard , in Downey .
B. The subject property is zoned DDSP (Downtown Downey Specific Plan) with a land use
designation of "MU " (Mixed Use).
C. On April 1, 2014 , staff deemed the application complete .
D. On April 3 , 2014 , notice of the pend ing application published in the Downey Patrio t.
Furthermore , the notice was mailed to all property owners within 500 ' of the subject
site .
E. The Plann ing Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on April16, 2014 , and
after fully considering all oral and written testimony, facts , and opinions offered at the
aforesaid public hearing adopted this resolution , subject to cond itions of approval
(Exhibit A).
SECTION 2. The Planning Commission further f inds , determines and declares the
environmental impact of the proposed development has been reviewed and has been found to
comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and is categorically exempt from
CEQA, pursuant to Guideline Section No . 15301 (Class 1, Existing Facilities).
SECTION 3. Having considered all of the oral and written evidence presented to it at
said public hearings , regarding the Conditional Use Pe r mit , the Planning Commission further
finds , determines and declares that:
1. That the requested conditional use permit will not adversely affect the intent and
purpose of this article or the City's General Plan or the public convenience or
general welfare of persons residing or working in the neighborhood thereof.
The subject site 's use as a fitness studio (Cross-Fit) is consistent with its General Plan
designation of "Mixed Use ." The request will be compatible with the development
patterns in the area and the scale is small enough that it will not impact nearby uses .
Nevertheless , the requested conditional use permit could adversely affect the purpose
and intent of the Downey Municipal Code , if the proposed use generates sufficient noise
to effect adjacent tenants in the vicinity . The Downey General Plan , Vision 2025 ,
established a goal to minimize noise impacts on sensitive land uses . The proposed
fitness studio has the potential to produce loud noise , which could affect nearby
businesses negatively. Therefore , conditions of approval have been prepared to
address potential noise impacts .
Resolution No . ...:....14-=----
Downey Planning Commission
2. That the requested use will not adversely affect the adjoining land uses and the
growth and development of the area in which it is proposed to be located.
The subject site is in a fully developed area of the City, with few if any vacant properties
in the immediate vicinity. Inasmuch as the proposed use will occupy an existing tenant
space, this use will not prevent surrounding properties from being
developed/redeveloped . Although the fitness studio has the potential to create a noise
impact, conditions of approval have been included to mitigate such impacts . As such , the
requested use will not adversely affect adjoining land uses and the growth and
development of the area.
3. That the size and shape of the site proposed for the use is adequate to allow the
full development of the proposed use in a manner not detrimental to the particular
area.
The size and shape of the subject property is adequate to allow the full development of
the proposed use in a manner not detrimental to the area. A 4 , 720 square foot
commercial building and eighteen (18) parking spaces comprise the subject site . The
fitness studio PLN-14-00059 proposes will occupy the entire building (currently identified
as 8230-8232 Firestone Boulevard) and does not require an expansion of the building .
Even though the Applicant proposes to remove the demising wall between the two
tenant spaces , and the Building Department may require additional tenant improvements
to, the improvements will not impact the existing uses on the site or other properties in
the area .
4. That the traffic generated by the proposed use will not impose an undue burden
upon the streets and highways in the area.
The traffic generated by the proposed will not impose an undue burden upon the streets
and highways in the area . Firestone Boulevard is a major arterial street that provides
immediate access to the Interstate 605 (San Gabriel River Freeway) and the Interstate
710 (Long Beach Freeway), and it is a through route for traffic passing east and west
through the City . Firestone Boulevard has sufficient capacity to absorb any additional
traffic the requested use may create .
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 the Conditional
Use Permit (PLN-14-00059), subject to conditions of approval attached hereto as Exhibit A,
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 .
Conditional Use Permit (PLN-1 4-00059) -8232 Firestone Blvd
April16 , 2014-Page 2
Resolution No. _,_14.!...---
Downey Planning Commission
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this __ day of __ , 2014:
Robert Kiefer , Chairman
City Planning Commission
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Minutes were duly approved at a Regular meeting of
the Planning Commission held on the __ day of , 2014, by the following vote:
AYES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN :
NOES:
COMMISSIONERS :
COMMISSIONERS :
COMMISSIONERS :
COMMISSIONERS :
Mary Cavanagh , Secretary
City Planning Commission
Conditional Use Permit (PLN -14-00059)-8232 Firestone Blvd
April16 , 2014-Page 3
Resolution No . _,_14.!..---
Downey Planning Commission
EXHIBIT A-CONDITIONS OF
APPROVAL
PLN-14-00059 (CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT)
1) The approval of this Conditional Use Permit (PLN-14-00059) allows for the operation of
a fitness studio on property located at 8230-8232 Firestone Blvd, Downey, California
(hereinafter "8232" Firestone.)
2) Approval of the Conditional Use Permit (PLN-14-00059) shall not be construed to mean
any waiver of applicable and appropriate zoning regulations, or any Federal, State,
County, and City laws and regulations. Unless otherwise expressly specified, all other
requirements of the City of Downey Municipal Code shall apply .
3) The Owner/Applicant agrees, as a condition of approval of this resolution , to indemnify ,
defend and hold harmless, at Applicant's expense, City and City's agents, officers and
employees from and against any claim, action or proceeding commenced within the time
period provided in Government Code Section 66499 .37 to attack, review, set aside, void
or annul the approval of this resolution , to challenge the determination made by City
under the California Environmental Quality Act or to challenge the reasonableness ,
legality or validity of any condition attached hereto . City shall promptly notify Applicant of
any such claim, action or proceeding to which City receives notice, and City will
cooperate fully with Applicant in the defense thereof. Applicant shall reimburse the City
for any court costs and attorney's fees that the City may be required to pay as a result of
any such claim, action or proceeding. City may , in its sole discretion, participate in the
defense of any such claim, action or proceeding, but such participation shall not relieve
Applicant of the obligations of this condition.
4) The 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 Applicant shall remove any graffiti applied to the site within 48 hours.
6) The doors on the north side of the business shall remain closed at all times, except to
permit customer/employee ingress and egress.
7) Noise generated from the business shall not exceed 65 db (A) as measured from the
property line.
8) The business owner shall keep all areas under his/her control free of litter and debris.
9) All signs shall comply with the requirements set forth in the Downey Municipal Code.
1 0) All construction shall comply with the 2010 California Building Code and Title 24 of the
California Energy Code.
11) Prior to the commencement of any construction, the owner/applicant shall obtain all
required permits. Additionally, the applicant shall obtain all necessary inspections and
permit finals prior to beginning operation of the site.
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