HomeMy WebLinkAbout1. PLN-00241 11610 Lakewood BlvdSTAFF REPORT
PLANNING DIVISION
DATE: OCTOBER 19, 2016
TO: PLANNING COMMISSION
SUBMITTED BY: ALDO E. SCHINDLER, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
REVIEWED BY: WILLIAM E. DAVIS, CITY PLANNER
PREPARED BY: KEVIN NGUYEN, ASSISTANT PLANNER
SUBJECT: PLN-16-00241 (SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT) - A REQUEST BY DESERT
REIGN ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH TO CONDUCT A ONE-DAY
OUTDOOR “HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL” ON MONDAY OCTOBER 31,
2016, FROM 5:30 P.M. TO 8:30 P.M.
LOCATION: 11610 LAKEWOOD BLVD
ZONING: C-P (PROFESSIONAL OFFICE)
REPORT SUMMARY
The Applicant, Desert Reign Assembly of God Church, seeks the Planning Commission’s
approval of PLN-16-00241 (Special Event Permit) to allow a one-day “Halloween Festival” event
on the parking lot of the church property, on Monday, October 31, 2016.
The Applicant’s request is made pursuant to Downey 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 (c), which states that events involving over five hundred (500)
people shall require the Commission’s approval. As such, staff recommends that the Planning
Commission adopt the following resolution:
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
DOWNEY APPROVING PLN-16-00241 (SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT) - A
REQUEST BY DESERT REIGN ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH TO CONDUCT
A ONE-DAY OUTDOOR “HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL” ON MONDAY OCTOBER
31, 2016, FROM 5:30 PM TO 8:30 PM, WHICH INCLUDES DISC JOCKEYS,
JUMPERS, GAME BOOTHS, AND KID RIDES, ON THE PARKING LOT OF THE
CHURCH PROPERTY LOCATED AT 11610 LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD, ZONED
C-P (PROFESSIONAL OFFICE)
BACKGROUND
The subject property is a 2.60 acre, irregular-shaped lot that is located on the south side of Hall
Road, between Bellflower Boulevard and Lakewood Boulevard. It is zoned C-P (Professional
Office) and its General Plan Land Use Designation is “O” (Office). The subject property is
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PLN-16-00241 – 11610 Lakewood Blvd
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developed with a two-story, 27,500 square foot church and a single story, 9,000 square foot
dialysis (medical) clinic. Also, 114 parking spaces are distributed throughout the site.
The surrounding properties include apartment buildings bordering the south side of the site, the
Coca-Cola bottling plant is west of the subject site on the opposite side of Lakewood Boulevard,
with retail and restaurant uses on the north side of Hall Road, and apartment buildings exist to
the east across Bellflower Boulevard.
DISCUSSION
Desert Reign Assembly of God Church has held its Halloween Festival on the subject site for
the last seven years. Following this annual tradition, the applicant proposes a one-day outdoor
event on Monday, October 31, 2016, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The applicant will close down
the parking lot at the northwest corner of Lakewood Boulevard and Hall Road to setup the
event. It will consist of various carnival game booths, kid rides, a petting zoo, jumpers, and live
entertainment. Desert Reign Assembly of God Church will promote the event. Set-up will begin
no earlier than 12:00 noon the day of the event, and clean-up activity shall take place until 11:00
p.m. Monday, October 31, 2016. According to the applicant, there will be 300 to 500 attendees
to the festival.
The applicant’s proposal will include closing the parking lot on the north side of the site for the
event. The remaining 45 parking spaces to the south of the site will be available for visitors. In
addition, street parking along Hall Road allows on-street parking after 6:00 p.m. daily. It is staff’s
opinion that parking will not be an issue for the three-hour event because staff has never
received complaints regarding the carnival in the past.
These types of events 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. However, to avoid any impacts on surrounding
residences, staff has recommended conditions of approval that require the speakers to be
pointed away from them. The conditions of approval also allow the Downey Police Watch
Commander to order the music be turned down or stopped if the Police Department receives
excessive noise complaints. In addition, a condition of approval requires the applicant to pick
up trash during the event, on site and in the immediate vicinity of the church, and to make
restroom facilities available to patrons.
Pursuant to Municipal Code Section 9420, consideration of this event is within the discretion of the
Planning Commission. The Commission may also impose conditions of approval that are
necessary to protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare. Staff has provided several conditions
of approval from various City Departments for the Commission’s consideration.
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE
On October 6, 2016, the Development Review Committee (DRC) discussed and evaluated the
aspects of PLN-16-00241 that pertain to Planning, Police, Fire, Public Works, and Building and
Safety matters. The Police Department expressed no concern over the noise impacts to the
residential complex located on the south side of the subject site, while Building and Safety
stated that permits are required for the proposed music stage and any outdoor generators. Said
concerns have been addressed with specific conditions of approval.
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ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
Staff has reviewed the proposed use 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. 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 CEQA.
Class 4 exemptions include temporary uses, such as a carnival, that will have no permanent
effect on the environment.
FINDINGS
Pursuant to the requirements of the Municipal Code, staff recommends that the Planning
Commission make the following findings 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 carnival
that is open to the community and will have family friendly activities. As such, approval
of the carnival is consistent with the General Plan Policy 8.4.3. The activity proposed by
PLN-16-00241 is consistent with Program 1.1.5.3 of the City’s Vision 2025 General Plan,
Chapter 1. Land Use, which states that the City shall “Promote recreation and
entertainment uses that serve needs of the public.” The proposed event is a fundraising
event to benefit Desert Reign Assembly of God Church, it is open to the public, and it will
include games, bouncers, and music entertainment for attendees to enjoy, allowing the
proposed activity will be consistent with the aforementioned General Plan program.
2. That the proposed activity or use is consistent with other provisions of Article IX
of the Downey Municipal Code.
The location of the proposed festival is on the north parking lot and the courtyard of
Desert Reign Assembly of God Church. The subject property is located within the C-P
(Professional Office) zone, where special events such as outdoor activities, carnivals
and fairs are permitted, subject to the criteria found in Section 9420 of the Downey
Municipal Code. The one-day outdoor festival will not impinge on the surrounding
properties since the special event is not a permanent alteration to the site. The parking
needs for Desert Reign Assembly of God Church will not be impacted by the by the
proposed event, because the event will take place in the evening, between 5:30 pm and
8:30 pm, when church is not in session.
3. That the proposed activity or use will not result in conditions or circumstances
contrary to the public health, safety, and general welfare.
The special event PLN-16-00241 proposes will not result in conditions contrary to the
public health, safety and general welfare given that it is a temporary one-day outdoor
event. Nevertheless, the attached conditions of approval include requirements for the
applicant to ensure amplified speakers shall face away from the adjoining residential
properties. These conditions will address any issues that may arise and will prevent the
event from impacting surrounding sites.
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PLN-16-00241 – 11610 Lakewood Blvd
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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 recommends that the Planning
Commission adopt a resolution to approve PLN-16-00241 (Special Event Permit), thereby
allowing a one-day carnival at the Desert Reign Assembly of God Church, subject to the
conditions of approval.
EXHIBITS
A. Vicinity Map
B. Aerial Photograph & Zoning Map
C. Site Map
D. Draft Resolution
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Exhibit ‘A’
VICINITY MAP
Subject Site
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Exhibit ‘B’
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH
ZONING MAP
Event Area
Carnival
Parking
Subject Site
Subject Site
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Exhibit ‘C’
SITE MAP
Music Stage
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RESOLUTION NO. 16-____
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING PLN-16-00241 (SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT) - A REQUEST BY
DESERT REIGN ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH TO CONDUCT A ONE-DAY
OUTDOOR “HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL” ON MONDAY OCTOBER 31, 2016,
FROM 5:30 PM TO 8:30 PM, WHICH INCLUDES DISC JOCKEYS, JUMPERS,
GAME BOOTHS, AND KID RIDES, ON THE PARKING LOT OF THE CHURCH
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 11610 LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD, ZONED C-P
(PROFESSIONAL OFFICE)
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 30, 2016, Larry Salazar, submitted a Land Use Permit Application
(PLN-16-00241) on behalf of Desert Reign Assembly of God Church, to request
the Planning Commission’s approval of a special event permit for a one-day
“Halloween Festival” on the church parking lot, located at 11610 Lakewood
Boulevard (hereinafter "Subject Property").
B. The proposed event will occur over a one-day period: October 31, 2016.
C. On October 5, 2016, notice of the pending public hearing was sent to all property
owners within 500’ of the subject site and it was published in the Downey Patriot.
D. The Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on October 19,
2016, and after fully considering all oral and written testimony, 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 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. 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 carnival that is open to the community and will have family friendly
activities. As such, approval of the carnival is consistent with the General Plan
Policy 8.4.3. The activity proposed by PLN-16-00241 is consistent with Program
1.1.5.3 of the City’s Vision 2025 General Plan, Chapter 1. Land Use, which states
that the City shall “Promote recreation and entertainment uses that serve needs
of the public.” The proposed event is a fundraising event to benefit Desert Reign
Assembly of God Church, it is open to the public, and it will include games,
bouncers, and music entertainment for attendees to enjoy, allowing the proposed
activity will be consistent with the aforementioned General Plan program.
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Resolution No. 16-____
Downey Planning Commission
PLN-16-00241 (Special Event) – 11610 Lakewood Blvd
October 19, 2016 - Page 2
B. The location of the proposed festival is on the north parking lot and the courtyard
of Desert Reign Assembly of God Church. The subject property is located within
the C-P (Professional Office) zone, where special events such as outdoor
activities, carnivals and fairs are permitted, subject to the criteria found in Section
9420 of the Downey Municipal Code. The one-day outdoor celebration will not
impinge on the surrounding properties since the special event is not a permanent
alteration to the site. The parking needs for Desert Reign Assembly of God
Church will not be impacted by the by the proposed event, because the event will
take place in the evening, between 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm, when church is not in
session.
C. The special event PLN-16-00241 proposes will not result in conditions contrary to
the public health, safety and general welfare given that it is a temporary one-day
outdoor event. Nevertheless, the attached conditions of approval include
requirements for the applicant to ensure amplified speakers shall face away from
the adjoining residential properties. These conditions will address any issues that
may arise and 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-16-00241
(Special Event), subject to the conditions of approval attached hereto, 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 19th day of October 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 19th day of October
2016, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS:
NOES: COMMISSIONERS:
Mary Cavanagh, Secretary
City Planning Commission
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Resolution No. 16-____
Downey Planning Commission
PLN-16-00241 (Special Event) – 11610 Lakewood Blvd
October 19, 2016 - Page 3
PLN-16-00241 (SPECIAL EVENT)
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
PLANNING
1. This approval of PLN-16-00241 (Special Event) allows for a special event to be held on
Monday, October 31, 2016, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Approved activities include:
various carnival game booths, kid rides, petting zoo, jumpers, and disc jockey, all taking
place within the north parking lot of the church’s property.
2. Approval of this Special Event Permit 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. Activities of the Special Event shall only occur on the north parking lot of the Desert Reign
Assembly of God Church with the remainder of the parking area to south being reserved
for parking of patron vehicles.
4. Setup for the event shall occur no earlier than 12:00 noon on Monday, October 31, 2016.
Site cleaning activities shall not take place past 11:00 p.m. on Monday, October 31, 2016.
5. Light generators may be brought to the property the day before the event. The remainder
of the set-up for the event shall commence no sooner than 12:00 noon on Monday,
October 31, 2016.
6. The Applicant shall provide sufficient trash and recycling receptacles on-site for the
disposal of food and debris.
7. The sale of alcoholic beverages on the subject property is prohibited at all times.
8. All speakers for amplified noise shall be directed away from adjacent residential areas.
9. 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.
10. The Applicant shall have volunteers patrol the parking areas and the site perimeter to pick-
up trash and litter during all hours of the event. In addition, the applicant shall be
responsible to clean up and remove all trash on the public streets surrounding the property,
no later than 11:00 p.m. the day of the event.
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Resolution No. 16-____
Downey Planning Commission
PLN-16-00241 (Special Event) – 11610 Lakewood Blvd
October 19, 2016 - Page 4
11. 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.
12. All required Building Department, Police Department, Public Works Department and Fire
Department permits shall be obtained not less than two days before the start of the event.
13. All Health Department approvals required for the sale or serving of food shall be obtained
not less than two days before the start of the event.
BUILDING & SAFETY
14. The applicant must obtain building permits for the proposed temporary stage and outdoor
generators.
FIRE
15. The applicant shall obtain the Fire Department’s approval for the use of any tents.
16. All tents, extinguishers and electrical work must in place by noon on Monday the day of the
event to enable an inspection by the Fire Department and the Building and Safety Division.
POLICE
17. The owner/applicant must provide three (3) licensed security guards on-site during the
duration of the event.
PUBLIC WORKS/ENGINEERING
18. All parking areas shall be swept clean after the event; there shall be no hosing down of the
parking areas.
19. The owner/applicant shall maintain the public right-of-way free from any trash and waste
disposal and comply with the National Pollutant 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).
20. Closure of public streets for parking purposes shall not be permitted at any time.
21. Handicap stalls in the parking area must remain accessible for all uses.
22. The owner/applicant shall provide sufficient restroom facilities for patrons.
H:\Community Development\Nguyen\CASES\Special Event (PC)\2016\11610 Lakewood (Desert Reign) october carnival\16-00241
reso.doc
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