HomeMy WebLinkAbout1. PLN-16-00148 - 8036 Third StSTAFF REPORT
PLANNING DIVISION
DATE: JULY 20, 2016
TO: PLANNING COMMISSION
SUBMITTED BY: ALDO E. SCHINDLER, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
REVIEWED BY: DAVID BLUMENTHAL, PRINCIPAL PLANNER
PREPARED BY: DAVID BLUMENTHAL, PRINCIPAL PLANNER
SUBJECT: PLN-16-00148 (CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT) – A REQUEST TO
OPERATE A YOGA STUDIO IN AN EXISTING 1,870 SQUARE FOOT
TENANT SPACE.
LOCATION: 8036 THIRD STREET, SUITE 104
ZONING: DOWNTOWN DOWNEY SPECIFIC PLAN (DDSP)
REPORT SUMMARY
The applicant is proposing to lease an existing 1,870 square foot tenant space in an existing
multi-tenant building in order to operate a yoga studio within said space. Based on the analysis
contained in this report, staff is recommending the Planning Commission adopt the following
titled resolution:
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
DOWNEY APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (PLN-16-00148) TO
ALLOW THE OPERATION OF A YOGA STUDIO ON PROPERTY LOCATED
AT 8036 THIRD STREET, SUITE 104, ZONED DOWNTOWN DOWNEY
SPECIFIC PLAN (DDSP).
BACKGROUND
The subject site is an approximate 53,000 square foot irregular shaped parcel that is located on
the west side of Myrtle Street and extends from Third Street south to Second Street. The
subject site is improved with three multi-tenant buildings. The northernmost building is 7,889
square feet, the central building is 4,124 square feet, and the southernmost building is 8,570
square feet. There are 59 parking spaces, which are distributed along the west side of all three
buildings and can be accessed from either Third Street or Second Street. This property has a
General Plan Land Use Designation of Mixed Use and is within the Downtown Residential
District of the Downtown Downey Specific Plan.
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View of Tenant Space from Third Street
Surrounding properties are all within the Downtown Downey Specific Plan. Uses include a day-
care center and single-family homes to the north, a dental office to the east, a restaurant to the
west, and assisted living facility to the south.
On June 8, 2016, the applicant (Jovon Bernal) submitted a request for a Conditional Use Permit
to operate a yoga studio at the subject site. Staff completed a review of the request on July 5,
2016, at which time staff deemed the application complete.
A notice of the pending public hearing was published in the Downey Patriot and mailed to all
property owners within 500’ of the subject site on July 7, 2016.
DISCUSSION
The applicant is proposing to utilize a 1,870 square foot tenant space on the northwest corner of
the building. This tenant space is currently occupied a personal training business (Winning
Image), which will vacate the site prior to the applicant being able to commence business.
Primary access to the tenant space will be through a door facing Third Street. The applicant will
divide the space into a reception area and the yoga studio. Amplified sound is proposed within
the yoga studio; however, staff is not concerned about this creating an impact since loud sounds
are not typically associated with yoga. Notwithstanding this, staff is recommending a condition
of approval that all doors for the tenant space be kept closed during the use of the amplified
sound system.
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8036 Third St. – PLN-16-00148
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Hours of operation will be from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., seven (7) days a week. Classes are not
anticipated to exceed 30 students per class and will last from one-hour to one-hour and 15
minutes in length. A copy of the preliminary class schedule is attached to this report.
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE
On June 16, 2016, the application was reviewed by the City’s Development Review Committee.
Other than ensuring that all tenant improvements comply with the building and fire codes, no
impacts or issues were identified with this project.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
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. 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 consists of projects that involve no or negligible
expansion of the existing use. The proposed yoga studio will occupy an existing tenant space,
thus is not considered an expansion of use.
FINDINGS
Pursuant to Municipal Code Section 9824.06, there are four (4) findings that must be adopted
prior to the Planning Commission approving a Conditional Use Permit. A discussion of the
findings follows:
A. The requested Conditional Use Permit will not adversely affect the purpose and
intent of this chapter 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 has a General Plan Land Use Designation of Mixed Use and is within
the Downtown Downey Specific Plan – Downtown Residential District. It is the intent of
the mixed-use designation to provide a variety of uses within close proximity to each
other. This includes retail, restaurants, residential, and residential serving needs (such
as exercise facilities) within a pedestrian oriented environment. Staff is of the opinion
that the proposed yoga studio provides a needed use within close proximity to residential
uses. Staff is of the further opinion that uses like the yoga studio will serve the needs of
those who live and work in Downtown Downey, particularly as the downtown continues
to grow with the addition of new homes and businesses. As such, staff feels that this
finding can be adopted.
B. 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 little to no vacant properties
in the immediate area. Inasmuch as the proposed use will occupy an existing tenant
space (no additions to the building are being proposed), staff is of the opinion that this
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8036 Third St. – PLN-16-00148
June 20, 2016 - Page 4
use will not prevent surrounding properties from being developed/redeveloped.
Notwithstanding this, staff has proposed several conditions of approval to prevent the
use from being a burden onto others. Staff believes that these conditions are necessary
to avoid any adverse effects on the adjoining properties. As such, staff feels that this
finding can be adopted.
C. 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 proposed use will be contained within an existing tenant space and does not require
an expansion of the building. Even though tenant improvements are being proposed, it
is staff’s belief that these improvements will not impact the existing uses on the site or
other properties in the area. As such, staff believes that the subject site has sufficient
shape and size to accommodate the proposed use and that this finding can be adopted.
D. The traffic generated by the proposed use will not impose an undue burden upon
the streets and highways in the area.
The subject site is within the downtown area of the city. Staff has reviewed the proposal
and any potential increase in traffic caused by operation of the business. It is staff’s opinion
that the surrounding streets and highways in the area have sufficient capacity to
accommodate the minimal increase in traffic that might be generated by the business. As
such, staff believes that this finding can be adopted.
CORRESPONDENCE
As of the date that this report was printed, staff has not received any correspondence regarding
the request.
CONCLUSION
Based on the analysis contained within this report, staff is concluding that the proposed yoga
studio will not have an adverse impact on neighboring uses and properties. Staff is further
concluding that all of the required findings for the Conditional Use Permit can be made in a
positive manner. As such, staff is recommending that the Planning Commission approve the
Conditional Use Permit (PLN-16-00148), subject to the recommended conditions of approval.
EXHIBITS
A. Maps
B. Draft Resolution
C. Tentative Class Schedule
D. Project Plans
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MAPS
Location
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Aerial Photograph
Zoning
Subject Site
Subject Site
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RESOLUTION NO. __________
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
DOWNEY APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (PLN-16-00148) TO
ALLOW THE OPERATION OF A YOGA STUDIO ON PROPERTY LOCATED
AT 8036 THIRD STREET, SUITE 104, ZONED DOWNTOWN DOWNEY
SPECIFIC PLAN (DDSP)
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 June 8, 2016, the applicant (Jovon Bernal) submitted a request for a Conditional Use
Permit to operate a yoga studio at the subject site; and,
B. On July 5, 2016, after completing a review of the submitted material, staff deemed the
application complete; and,
C. On July 7, 2016, notice of the pending application published in the Downey Patriot and
mailed to all property owners within 500' of the subject site; and,
D. The Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on July 20, 2016, and after
fully considering all oral and written testimony and facts and opinions offered at the
aforesaid public hearing adopted this resolution.
SECTION 2. The Planning Commission further finds, determines and declares the
environmental impact of the proposed project 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. 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 Permit, the Planning Commission further
finds, determines and declares that:
1. The requested Conditional Use Permit will not adversely affect the purpose and intent of
the Zoning Code 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 has a
General Plan Land Use Designation of Mixed Use and is within the Downtown Downey
Specific Plan – Downtown Residential District. It is the intent of the mixed-use
designation to provide a variety of uses within close proximity to each other. This
includes retail, restaurants, residential, and residential serving needs (such as exercise
facilities) within a pedestrian oriented environment. The yoga studio provides a needed
use within close proximity to residential uses. The yoga studio will also serve the needs
of those who live and work in Downtown Downey, particularly as the downtown
continues to grow with the addition of new homes and businesses
2. 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 little to no vacant properties in the immediate area.
Inasmuch as the proposed use will occupy an existing tenant space (no additions to the
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Resolution No. ___________
Downey Planning Commission
8036 Third St. – PLN-16-00148
June 20, 2016 - Page 2
building are being proposed), this use will not prevent surrounding properties from being
developed/redeveloped. Notwithstanding this, several conditions of approval have been
included with this resolution to prevent the use from being a burden onto others. These
conditions are necessary to avoid any adverse effects on the adjoining properties.
3. 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 proposed use will be contained within an existing tenant space and does not require
an expansion of the building. Even though tenant improvements are being proposed,
these improvements will not impact the existing uses on the site or other properties in
the area. As such, the subject site has sufficient shape and size to accommodate the
proposed use and that this finding can be adopted.
4. The traffic generated by the proposed use will not impose an undue burden upon the
streets and highways in the area. The City has reviewed the proposal and any potential
increase in traffic caused by operation of the business. It has been found that the
surrounding streets and highways in the area have sufficient capacity to accommodate the
minimal increase in traffic that might be generated by the business.
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 Conditional Use Permit
(PLN-16-00148), 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.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 20th day of July, 2016.
Matias Flores, Chairman
City Planning Commission
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true copy of a Resolution adopted by the Planning
Commission of the City of Downey at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 20th day of July,
2016, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS:
NOES: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS:
Mary Cavanagh, Secretary
City Planning Commission
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Resolution No. ___________
Downey Planning Commission
8036 Third St. – PLN-16-00148
June 20, 2016 - Page 3
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
(PLN-16-00148)
EXHIBIT A - CONDITIONS
PLANNING
1) The approval of this Conditional Use Permit (PLN-16-00148) allows operation of a yoga
studio within a 1,870 square foot tenant space located at 8036 Third Street, Suite 104.
2) Approval of this Conditional Use Permit (PLN-16-00148) 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 to attack, review, set aside,
void or annul the approval of this resolution, to challenge the approval of this resolution
on the basis of the California Environmental Quality Act, or to determine 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 comply with the art in public places requirements set forth in Downey
Municipal Code 8950 et seq. This shall include payment of all required fees prior to the
issuance of building permits. Should the applicant exercise their right to install public art
on site, the public art application (including payment of all deposits) shall be submitted
prior to the issuance of building permits.
6) The permitted hours of operation shall be 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., seven (7) days a week.
7) All tenant signs shall comply with the requirements of the City of Downey Municipal
Code and any approved Planned Sign Program for the property.
8) The windows shall be kept free and clear to allow visibility through them. Tint is
permitted, however the use of blackout tint or mirror tint is prohibited.
9) All uses related to the yoga studio shall be limited to the interior of the tenant space. At
no time shall any yoga studio activity take place in the parking lot, landscape areas,
walkways, or sidewalks.
10) Noise generated from the gym shall comply with the City of Downey Noise Ordinance at
all times.
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Resolution No. ___________
Downey Planning Commission
8036 Third St. – PLN-16-00148
June 20, 2016 - Page 4
11) At all times amplified sound is used, all doors of the doors yoga studio shall remain
closed.
BUILDING
12) All construction shall comply with the most recent version of the California Building
Code, as adopted by the City of Downey, and Title 24 of the California Energy Code.
13) Prior to the commencement of construction, the applicant shall obtain all required
permits. Additionally, the applicant shall obtain all necessary inspections and permit
final prior to beginning operation of the site.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
14) Installation of approved Fire Department access – Knox Box [CA Fire Code 506].
15) Installation of approved Fire Department premises (address) identification (if not already
in place and meeting current code) [CA Fire Code 505]
16) Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in accordance with (CFC 2013-Section
3104.12
17) All sprinklered buildings must be protected with an approved fire alarm system.
Sprinklered and non-sprinklered buildings required to have an approved fire alarm
system must provide for the alerting of ALL occupants of the building; visible devices
must be provided at each audible device in areas as determined by the Chief. A Total
Smoke detection system shall be installed below all finished ceilings and in accordance
with recognized standards and manufacturers specifications. Any interior modification
shall be approved and reviewed for changes to fire alarm and fire sprinkler systems.
18) Separate fire alarm and fire sprinkler plans and permits shall be obtained (if applicable).
19) Provide occupant load signage in accordance with the CFC.
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