HomeMy WebLinkAbout1. PLN-22-000538Ci*1y0EDownqy
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SUBMITTED/
REVIEWED BY:
CRYSTAL LANDAVAZO, INTERIM DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
PREPARED BY:
GUILLERMO ARREOLA, PRINCIPAL PLANNE�*
SUBJECT:
PLN-22-00053 (SPECIAL EVENT) - A REQUEST BY SAINT GEORGE
GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH TO CONDUCT THE DOWNEY GREEK
FESTIVAL FOR TWO CONSECUTIVE DAYS (JUNE 4 AND JUNE 5,
2022)
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Saint George Greek Orthodox Church (hereinafter referred to as "the Applicant") is requesting
approval of a special event permit that would allow the church to hold their annual Downey
Greek Festival within the church parking lot on June 4 and 5, 2022. Pursuant to Code Section
9420.04(c), special events involving over five hundred (500) people shall require approval from
the Planning Commission. Based on the analysis contained in this report, staff recommends that
the Planning Commission adopt the following resolution:
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Avenue to the southwest of the church building and along La Villa Street to the northeast of the
building.
On May 17, 2022, the Applicant submitted a Special Event Permit application (PLN-22-00053)
to request the operation of the annual Downey Greek Festival in the parking lot of the church.
The notice of the pending public hearing was mailed to all property owners within 500 feet of the
subject site on May 19, 2022.
DISCUSSION
The festival activities will take place along the southerly driveway and into the parking lot and
basketball court. The parking lot has approximately 120 parking spaces which will be closed to
vehicles and fully utilized by festival activities. Attendees of the festival will enter from the
driveway along Downey Avenue to the south of the building and from the driveway along La
Villa Street to the east of the building.
Saint George Greek Orthodox Church anticipates 6,000 attendees over the two-day period.
According to the Applicant, based on years past, Sunday yields the highest attendance for the
festival. The festival will include the sale of Greek ethnic food such as Iamb, Souvlaki, Gyro,
Pastichio, Moussaka, Greek Chicken, Greek Salad; as well as, Greek sweets such as
Galaktobouriko and Loukoumades. The festival will also sell soft drinks and alcoholic
beverages. Consumption of alcoholic beverages will be contained within a beer garden.
Alcoholic beverages will be served under a temporary license by the State Department of
Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for
purchase and consumption within the church's hall and throughout the site. The festival features
booths for independent vendors whose items include jewelry, ceramics, books, art work, general
merchandise and services. These vendors will be located along the driveway that is located
south of the church building. In addition, the applicant is requesting ten spaces to be dedicated
for handicap accessibility on the adjacent lot, owned by First Baptist Church. Staff has added a
condition of approval that prohibits the location of any generator within 25-feet from any
residentially zoned property. Additionally, the event will offer tours of the church, which include
presentations on Greek culture and history.
The two-day event will take place on Saturday June 4, 2022 and Sunday June 5, 2022 from
11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Live music and entertainment, including a three-foot raised, 16' by 16'
stage and dance floor, will be performed in a specified 400 square foot covered area. This area
is located approximately 100 feet from the nearest residential structure along La Villa Street and
will be located on the existing basketball court. In order to mitigate potential adverse noise
impacts, a condition has been added to the resolution to face speakers away from the adjacent
residential structures. In a review of the previous year's festival, staff did not receive any
complaints or issues of concern. The Church intends to utilize 100-150 volunteers to manage
the event.
Set up for the event will begin on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, and take down and clean-up will
be completed by Tuesday, June 7, 2022, by 6:00 p.m. The applicant acknowledges they will be
moving forward "at risk" with set up and preparation of the festival prior to receiving approval
from the Planning Commission.
As with previous years, the First Baptist Church, located at 8348 Third Street, and Downey
United Methodist Church, located at 10801 Downey Ave is collaborating with Saint George
Greek Orthodox Church to provide parking for the Greek Festival. This will be the festival's
PLN-22-00053 - 10830 Downey Avenue
June 01, 2022 — Page 2
primary source of parking. The Downey United Methodist Church also makes their parking lot
available for attendees. Staff does not anticipate any traffic impacts due to the Farmer's Market,
which in the past was located on Downey Avenue. Since then, the Farmer's Market has moved
to a parking lot located on 11102 La Reina Avenue, adjacent to Porto's Bakery parking lot, also
occurring on Saturday June, 4, 2022. Downey Avenue, as well as other public parking lots in the
Downtown area will remain open and available for parking.
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The Development Review Committee provided comments for the proposed festival, and as the
application and plot plan did not change from the previous event, the Public Works, Building,
Fire and Police Departments requested that the same standard conditions be applied to this
year's event. The Fire Department comments included a request that the applicant apply for a
Fire Department Special Event Permit, which includes a detailed plot plan for review. The Fire
Department will directly comment and provide conditions to the applicant, based on their review.
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 are exempt from the requirements of CEQA. Class 4
exemptions consist of minor alterations in the condition of land, including approval of temporary
land uses (i.e. festivals) that will have no permanent effect on the environment.
FINDINGS
Pursuant to the requirements of the Municipal Code Section 9814.08 (Special Event Permit), the
Planning Commission must make the following findings to approve the request:
A. 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.
It is a goal of the General Plan (8.4) to "Enhance Downey's Cultural Resources." This
goal is implemented in part by General Plan Program 8.4.3.2, "Support and encourage
community events, such as the Downey Street Faire, Holiday Lane Parade, and ARC
walk." The annual Greek Festival is a local cultural resource that highlights Greek
culture; and is an important event for the community, just like the street fair and holiday
parade. As such, the special event is consistent with aforementioned General Plan goal.
B. The proposed activity or use is consistent with other provisions of this Article.
The site of this special event is located within the Downtown Downey Specific Plan,
where special events such as outdoor events and festivals are permitted, subject to
Section 2.4.2 — Temporary Uses and Special Events of the Downtown Downey Specific
Plan. The proposed special event will occur within the easterly portion of the Saint
George Greek Orthodox Church and within the supplemental parking lot located at 8325
3rd Street, owned by First Baptist Church. The event will not hinder the movement of
traffic or create impacts on adjoining properties. The Applicant will meet the City's
parking requirements by securing permission to utilize approximately 55 parking spaces
PLN-22-00053 - 10830 Downey Avenue
June 01, 2022 — Page 3
PC Agenda Page 3
at Downey United Methodist Church, across the street from the subject site, and 75
parking spaces on a parking lot owned by First Baptist Church (8348 Third Street) to the
south. Staff is recommending conditions of approval to address concerns related to
noise, light and glare, and other potential nuisances.
C. The proposed activity or use will not result in conditions or circumstances
contrary to the public health, safety, and general welfare.
The special event will occur in the parking lot of the Saint George Greek Orthodox
Church. The applicant has secured sufficient public parking to accommodate the
additional traffic generated by the use, which is within walking distance to the event.
Furthermore, this annual event is temporary and will not result in permanent injury to the
public health, safety, or welfare. Finally, staff is recommending several conditions of
approval that will mitigate any potential impact.
CORRESPONDENCE
As of the date that this report was printed, staff has not received any correspondence regarding
this application.
CONCLUSION
Based on the analysis contained herein, staff concludes that all of the required findings can be
made in a positive manner. Therefore, staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt
a resolution approving the Special Event Permit, subject to the conditions of approval as stated
in Exhibit A of the Planning Commission Resolution.
EXHIBITS
A. Maps
B. Site Plan
C. Resolution
PLN-22-00053 - 10830 Downey Avenue
June 01, 2022 — Page 4
Exhibit `A' — Maps
VICINITY MAP
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH
PLN-22-00053 - 10830 Downey Avenue
June 01, 2022 — Page 5
ZONING MAP
PLN-22-00053 - 10830 Downey Avenue
June 01, 2022 — Page 6
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PLN-22-00053 - 10830 Downey Avenue
June 01, 2022 — Page 7
EXHIBIT — B Continued (Parking)
PLN-22-00053 - 10830 Downey Avenue
June 01, 2022 — Page 8
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING SPECIAL EVENT (PLN-22-00053), THEREBY ALLOWING THE
OPERATION OF THE DOWNEY GREEK FESTIVAL ON JUNE 4 AND 5, 2022 WITHIN
THE PARKING LOT OF SAINT GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH LOCATED AT
10830 DOWNEY AVENUE, AND ZONED DDSP (DOWNTOWN DOWNEY SPECIFIC
PLAN)
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SECTION 1. The Planning Commission of the City of Downey does hereby find,
determine and declare that:
A. Saint George Greek Orthodox Church filed an application on May 17, 2022, requesting
approval of a Special Event Permit (PLN-22-00053) to allow the operation of the annual
Greek festival on the property located at 10830 Downey Avenue and the supplemental
parking lot located at 8325 3rd street, owned by legacy church zoned DDSP (Downtown
Downey Specific Plan); and,
B. On May 19, 2022, notice of the pending public hearing was sent to all Downey 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 June 1, 2022, 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 hearing, 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. It is a goal of the
General Plan (8.4) to "Enhance Downey's Cultural Resources." This goal is implemented
in part by General Plan Program 8.4.3.2, "Support and encourage community events,
such as the Downey Street Faire, Holiday Lane Parade, and ARC walk." The annual
Greek Festival is a local cultural resource that highlights Greek culture; and is an
important event for the community, just like the street fair and holiday parade. As such,
the special event is consistent with aforementioned General Plan goal.
B. That the proposed activity or use will be consistent with other provisions of this article in
that the site of this special event is located within the Downtown Downey Specific Plan,
where special events such as outdoor events and festivals are permitted, subject to
Section 2.4.2 — Temporary Uses and Special Events of the Downtown Downey Specific
Plan. The proposed special event will occur within the easterly portion of the Saint
George Greek Orthodox Church and within the supplemental parking lot located at 8325
3rd Street, owned by First Baptist Church. The event will not hinder the movement of
Resolution No.
Downey Planning Commission
traffic or create impacts on adjoining properties. The Applicant will meet the City's
parking requirements by securing permission to utilize approximately 55 parking spaces
at Downey United Methodist Church, across the street from the subject site, and 75
parking spaces on a parking lot owned by First Baptist Church (8348 Third Street) to the
south. Staff is recommending conditions of approval to address concerns related to
noise, light and glare, and other potential nuisances.
C. 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 will occur in the parking
lot of the Saint George Greek orthodox Church. The applicant has secured sufficient
public parking to accommodate the additional traffic generated by the use, which is within
walking distance to the event. Furthermore, this annual event is temporary and will not
result in permanent injury to the public, health, safety, or welfare. Finally, staff is
recommending several conditions of approval that will mitigate any potential impact.
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-22-00053,
subject to the 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.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 1 st day of June, 2022.
Patrick Owens, 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 1st day of June,
2022, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
COMMISSIONERS:
NOES:
COMMISSIONERS:
ABSENT:
COMMISSIONERS:
ABSTAIN:
COMMISSIONERS:
Mary Cavanagh, Secretary
City Planning Commission
PLN-22-00053 - 10830 Downey Avenue
June 1, 2022 — Page 2
PC Agenda Page 10
Resolution No.
Downey Planning Commission
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
PLN-22-00053 (SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT)
PLANNING
1\ This approval of PLN-22-00053 (Special Event Permit) allows Saint George Greek
Orthodox Church, to host a two-day Downey Greek festival on Saturday, June 4, 2022 and
Sunday, June 5'2022,between the hours Of11:008.m.and 1U:UUp.m.
2\ Approved activities for the Greek festival shall consist of:
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b\ One 10'X70'formultiple vendors;
c\ One 10'X80`fOrmultiple vendors;
d\ C)n� 10'x 10` n@fO�b0O[h�.
'
a) C>no 1O' x45' . e���te booth;
'
O One 2U'x20'coveredeating area;
g) One 20'x4O'ooveredeating area;
h\ Two 1O`x30'fOOdvending area;
i) Three 10'x20'food/ beverage vending area; and
j) One 20' x2O' Covered music area with 3-foot high, 18' x 18' St8Ae.
3) The City Planner ksauthorized 0Dmake minor modifications tOthe 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.
4) The applicant and the property owner shall sign@n8ffid8vbOf/\CC8otanC8OfCOnditiOnS,
as provided by the City of Downey, on or before Thursday, June 2nd 2022.
5\ Th8OwnSr/App|icant agrees, as8condition ofapproval of this resolution, toindemnify,
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 inGovernment Code Section 80490.37tOattack, 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 LO which City receives nOUCe' and City will cooperate fully with
Applicant inthe 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 SO|e discretion, participate in the defense Ofany such C|8inn.
action or proceeding, but such participation shall not relieve Applicant of the obligations of
this condition.
0\ Set upfor the event shall occur noearlier than Wednesday June 1.2O22. Clean-up activities,
which include the removal of all tables and chaire, bootha, trash neceotadea, atooe. electrical
equipment, and garbage, shall be removed by Tuesday, June 7, 2022, by 6:00 p.m.
7} Ifagenerator ietobeused, itshall bulocated aminimum of25feet from any property line.
Additionally, the generator shall not exceed a noise level of 65 dBA, as measured from the
nearest property line.
-10830Downey Avenue
June 1.2022-Page 3
PC Agenda Page 11
Resolution No.
Downey Planning Commission
8) The Applicant shall ensure that all necessary lighting shall face the main event (booths and
stage). The Applicant shall direct lighting away from La Villa Street and away from any
residential uses nearby.
9) The Applicant shall obtain any necessary Health Department approvals required for the sale of
food at the Greek Festival, on or before Friday, May 27, 2022.
10) The Applicant shall obtain all required Building Department, Police Department and Fire
Department permits on or before Friday, May 27, 2022.
11) The owner/applicant shall utilize signage and volunteers to direct traffic to public parking
areas nearby. Volunteers shall be responsible for cleaning the litter on adjoining streets.
PUBLIC WORKS/ENGINEERING
12) The facility shall provide sufficient trash and recycling receptacles for the disposal of food
and debris at the event.
13) All parking areas shall be swept clean after the event; there shall be no hosing down of the
parking areas.
14) The owner/applicant shall 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).
15) The owner/applicant shall obtain all necessary plan approvals and permits.
16) All construction shall comply with the most recent adopted City and State building codes:
2019 California Building Code
2019 California Residential Code
2019 California electrical Code
2019 California Mechanical Code
2019 California Plumbing Code
2019 California Fire Code
2019 California Green Code
17) The Title Sheet of the plans shall include:
Occupancy Group
Occupant Load
Description of use
Type of Construction
Height of Building
Floor area of building(s) and/or occupancy group(s)
PLN-22-00053 - 10830 Downey Avenue
June 1, 2022 — Page 4
PC Agenda Page 12
Resolution No.
Downey Planning Commission
18) All projectsincluding food service orPublic pools and/or spas shall be checked and
approved by the County Health Department as part of the building department plan review
process.
19) Temporary structures that cover an area greater than 120 square feet or used for the
gathering of 10 or more persons require permits. The construction documents shall include
a site plan indicating the location of the temporary structure and information delineating the
means of egress and the occupant load. The temporary structure shall be located in
accordance with the requirements of California Building Code Table 602 based on the fire -
resistance rating of the exterior walls proposed type of construction (10 feet minimum from
property line based on Type VB).
20) Temporary structures or facility shall meet the requirements of Chapter 11 B of the
California Building Code. Site plan shall include a site accessibility plan identifying exterior
routes of travel and detailing running slope, cross slope, width, pedestrian ramp, curb
ramps, handrails, signage and truncated domes. Path of travel shall be provided from the
public right of way and accessible parking to building or facility. The design professional
shall ensure that the site accessibility plan is compliance with the latest Federal and State
TO
21) The applicant shall obtain 8tent permit from the Fire Department. Tents and membrane
structures having an area in excess of 400 square feet; or tents open on all sides having a
size of70O square feet ormore; or aggregate area of multiple tents placed side by side
without a fire break clearance of 12 feet and exceeding 700 square feet shall require a
separate tent permit [CA Fire Code 3103.2l.
22) All tents, extinguishers and electrical work must in place by noon on the Friday before the
event tOenable 8ninspection bythe Fire Department and the Building and Safety Division.
23\ Applicant shall ensure a tent permit is obtained no less than seven (7) days prior to the
beginning Ofthe special event. The tent permit application shall provide adetailed site
plan/map indicating additional detail On generator size, fire protection atgenerator and
cooking areas, tent size and layout, evacuation routes, seating/table plan, etc.
24\ Tents shall comply with CA Fire Code, CA Code of Regulations, and State Fire Marshal for
flame resistance standards of fabric [CA Fire Code 8 3104.3; 3104.4; CCRTiUe 19 Division
1,8315(d);&335(8)l.
25\ Nucooking shall beconducted inside tents orcanopies.
28) Maintain occupant |O8d in all structures, buildings, tents, canopies as per California Fire
Code.
27\ The Applicant shall provide fire extinguishers Onthe subject property inaccordance with
California Fire Code. Areas where deep frying cooking operations are occurring shall be
provided with 8K-C|@SSfire extinguisher.
-10830Downey Avenue
June 1.2022—Page 5
PC Agenda Page 13
Resolution No.
Downey Planning Commission
28) Tents shall not be located within 20 feet of parked vehicles, open flame or heating devices,
combustion engines, and buildings.
29) Several items on this list have been addressed in the provided site plan. Field verification
of stated items may be conducted by DFD personnel after stated setup time.
POLICE
30) The sale of alcoholic beverages shall comply with the requirements of the State Department of
Alcoholic Beverage Control. The Applicant shall provide a copy of this approval to the Downey
Police Department on or before Friday, May 27, 2022.
31) The alcohol area shall be contained within a fenced area where patrons may consume
alcohol.
32) The Applicant shall obtain Downey Police Department approval of a security plan for the
Greek Festival and provide a map of the security locations no later than Friday, May 27,
2022.
33) The Applicant shall provide a minimum of six (6) licensed security guards on -site for the
duration of the event.
34) Festival security officers shall be easily identifiable in brightly colored security shirts. The
security shirts shall not resemble the color of Downey Police Officers; the shirts shall not
be blue or black.
END OF CONDITIONS
PLN-22-00053 - 10830 Downey Avenue
June 1, 2022 — Page 6
PC Agenda Page 14