HomeMy WebLinkAbout1. PLN-22-00117CityofDowney STAFF REPORT
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DATE: OCTOBER 05, 2022
TO: PLANNING COMMISSION
SUBMITTED/
REVIEWED BY: CRYSTAL LANDAVAZO, INTERIM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT el
DIRECTOR
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SUBJECT: SPECIAL E
REIGN ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH TO CONDUCT AN ANNUAL
ONE -DAY "HARVEST FESTIVAL"
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The Applicant, Desert Reign Assembly of God Church, has requested approval for a Special
Event Permit (PLN-22-00117) to operate their annual Harvest Festival in the church's parking lot
on Monday, October 31, 2022. The proposal marks the eleventh year for the event with no
complaints received by staff for any prior event.
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2dopt the following resolution:
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Site Photograph (from Lakewood Boulevard)
On August 31, 2022, Joyce Yasumura submitted a Special Event Permit application on behalf of
Desert Reign Assembly of God Church, to obtain the Planning Commission's approval to
conduct the annual one -day festival on the church's parking lot. On September 20, 2022, staff
completed the review of the application and deemed it complete. On September 22, 2022, staff
mailed notice of the pending public hearing to all property owners within 500 feet of the subject
site and the notice was also published in the Downey Patriot.
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The applicant is proposing to host a one -day festival on Monday, October 31, 2022 from 5:30
p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The festival will take place in the northwest corner of the church parking lot.
Similar to previous years, festival activities will consist of game booths, jumpers, and live
entertainment in the form of a DJ. Set-up will begin no earlier than 8:00 a.m. the day of the
event, and all activities, including clean-up, will conclude by 11:00 p.m.
The site is accessed by pedestrians at Hall Road along the north property line, and also from
the parking area at the south west corner of the church building. Vehicle access is available at
Bellflower Boulevard along the east property line. The event activity will occupy the church's
north parking lot area, but 41 parking spaces will remain available at the southern portion of the
lot. An additional 71 off -site parking spaces will be available throughout the event at nearby
businesses. The applicant has obtained permission for use of parking spaces from the owners
of the following addresses:11611, 11519, 11523 &11531 Bellflower Boulevard, and 11500 &
11534 Lakewood Boulevard.
To further assist with traffic, event staff and volunteers will help pedestrians cross nearby
intersections and streets and direct vehicles to appropriate parking areas. In a review of last
year's festival, staff did not receive any complaints or issues of concern.
As part of the conditions of approval, the event is required to direct all amplified speakers and
lighting equipment away from nearby residential properties, place all generators as far away
from property lines as possible, provide three security guards throughout the three-hour festival,
and require litter/debris be picked up continuously throughout the event.
PLN-22-00117 — 11610 Lakewood Blvd
October 05, 2022 - Page 2
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The request was reviewed by the Development Review Committee on September 15, 2022.
Being that the event operations were consistent with previous years, no departments had any
concerns, and stated standard conditions of approval were appropriate; these conditions have
been incorporated into the proposed resolution.
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The proposed use was determined to be 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:
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 project is consistent with all applicable goals and policies specified in the City's
General Plan. The project aims to provide a temporary recreational use for the church's
patrons and the larger community. The following policy is promoted by the proposed
Special Event Permit:
Policy 1.1.5.3 — Promote recreation and entertainment uses that serve needs of the
public.
The event is open to the public and provides activities for enjoyment. These recreational
activities include game booths, live entertainment, and bounce houses. Therefore,
allowing the proposed activity will be consistent with the aforementioned General Plan
policy.
2. The proposed activity or use is consistent with other provisions of Article IX of the
Downey Municipal Code.
The temporary operation of a festival is a permitted use upon the granting of a Special
Event Permit in accordance with Downey Municipal Code Section 9420. Furthermore,
the project directly complies, or has been conditioned to comply, with all relevant
provisions within Article IX of the Downey Municipal Code. These provisions include, but
are not limited to, review process, site restoration, parking, circulation, and maximum
length of event.
3. The proposed activity or use will not result in conditions or circumstances
contrary to the public health, safety, and general welfare.
The temporary nature of the event, and experience from previous events, indicates that
no lasting effects will occur to the public health, safety, and general welfare of the
PLN-22-00117 — 11610 Lakewood Blvd
October 05, 2022 - Page 3
PC Agenda Page 3
C0n)mnUndv |naddition, all conditions 0fapproval have been incorporated in8neffort k]
mitigate potential nuisances. The length ofthe event, hours ofoperation, clean upand
restoration, layout, and location of mechanical equipment have been selectively chosen
to reduce potential burdens placed upon neighboring properties. Lastly, security
personnel will beUDsite @tall times.
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, all of the required findings can be made in a
positive manner and staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt a resolution
approving Special Event Permit PLN-22-00117, thereby allowing a one -day festival at Desert
Reign Assembly of God Church.
EXHIBITS
A. Maps
B. Draft Resolution
C. Project Site Plan
PLN-22-0011r-1101OLakewood Blvd
Exhibit `A'
PLN-22-00117 — 11610 Lakewood Blvd
October 05, 2022 - Page 5
PLN-22-00117 — 11610 Lakewood Blvd
October 05, 2022 - Page 6
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RESOLUTION NO. 22-
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
DOWNEY APPROVING A SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT (PLN-22-00117) TO
CONDUCT A ONE -DAY "HARVEST FESTIVAL" ON THE PARKING LOT OF
DESERT REIGN ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH, 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. An application was filed by Joyce Yasumura (hereinafter "Applicant"), on behalf of
Desert Reign Assembly of God Church, requesting approval of a Special Event
Permit to allow the operation of a one -day "Harvest Festival" on the church parking
lot, located at 11610 Lakewood Boulevard (hereinafter "Subject Property"), zoned
C-P (Professional Office); and,
B. On September 20, 2022, the project was deemed complete; and,
C. On September 22, 2022, notice of the pending public hearing was sent to all
Downey property owners within 500' of the subject site and a notice was published
in the Downey Patriot; and,
D. The Planning Commission held duly noticed public hearing on October 05, 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. Class 4 exemptions include temporary uses, such as a carnival, that will have no
permanent effect on the environment.
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. 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 project
aims to provide a temporary recreational use for the church's patrons and the
larger community. The following policy is promoted by the proposed Special
Event Permit:
Policy 1.1.5.3 — Promote recreation and entertainment uses that serve needs of
the public.
The event is open to the public and provides activities for enjoyment. These
recreational activities include game booths, live entertainment, and bounce
houses. Therefore, allowing the proposed activity will be consistent with the
aforementioned General Plan policy.
B. The proposed activity or use is consistent with other provisions of Article IX of the
Downey Municipal Code. The temporary operation of a festival is a permitted use
upon the granting of a Special Event Permit in accordance with Downey
PC Agenda Page 7
Resolution No. 22-
Downey Planning Commission
Municipal Code Section 9420. Furthermore, the project directly complies, or has
been conditioned to comply, with all relevant provisions within Article IX of the
Downey Municipal Code. These provisions include, but are not limited to, review
process, site restoration, parking, circulation, and maximum length of event.
C. The proposed activity or use will not result in conditions or circumstances contrary
to the public health, safety, and general welfare. The temporary nature of the
event, and experience from previous events, indicates that no lasting effects will
occur to the public health, safety, and general welfare of the community. In
addition, all conditions of approval have been incorporated in an effort to mitigate
potential nuisances. The length of the event, hours of operation, clean up and
restoration, layout, and location of mechanical equipment have been selectively
chosen to reduce potential burdens placed upon neighboring properties. Lastly,
security personnel will be on site at all times.
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 this Special Event
Permit (PLN-22-00117), 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 5th day of October 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 5th day of October
2022, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
COMMISSIONERS:
ABSENT:
COMMISSIONERS:
ABSTAIN:
COMMISSIONERS:
NOES:
COMMISSIONERS:
Linda Thai
Deputy City Clerk
PLN-22-00117 — 11610 Lakewood Blvd
October 5, 2022 - Page 2
Resolution No. 22-
Downey Planning Commission
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT (PLN-22-00117)
PLANNING
The approval of this Special Event Permit (PLN-22-00117) allows Desert Reign Assembly
of God Church to host a one -day festival on October 31, 2022, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
within the church parking lot, on property located at 11610 Lakewood Blvd. Approved
activities include: various carnival game booths, inflatable rides, and live entertainment, 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. 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.
4. Prior to October 21, 2022 the applicant and the property owner shall sign an affidavit of
Acceptance of Conditions, as provided by the City of Downey.
5. 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.
6. All rules and regulations set forth by the California Department of Public Health and the
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health shall be enforced and complied with. The
applicant shall be subject to any and all applicable orders issued by these agencies to
protect the public health, such as orders for social distancing and operational restrictions
related to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
7. The site must be in full conformance with the approved set of plans, including but not
limited to the location of generators, inflatables, booths, and stage.
8. Setup for the event shall occur no earlier than 8:00 a.m. on Monday, October 31, 2022.
Site cleaning activities shall not take place past 11:00 p.m. on Monday, October 31, 2022.
9. Portable light generators may be brought to the property the day before the event.
10. The Applicant shall provide sufficient trash and recycling receptacles on -site for the
PLN-22-00117 — 11610 Lakewood Blvd
October 5, 2022 - Page 3
Resolution No. 22-
Downey Planning Commission
disposal of food and debris.
11. 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.
12. All speakers for amplified noise shall be directed away from adjacent residential areas.
13. The festival area shall be cordoned off from vehicle traffic, including the on -site parking
area.
14. The sale of alcoholic beverages on the subject property is prohibited at all times.
15. 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
16. All projects including food service or Public pools and/or spas shall be checked and
approved by the County Health Department as part of the building department plan review
process.
17. 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).
18. 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
regulations.
41
19. Obtain a special event permit from City of Downey Fire Department. Permit shall be
obtained through the Fire Prevention Bureau no later than Friday, October 14, 2022.
1 Generators and other internal combustionpower sourcesbe separated from tents•
structures i i f • generatorsl be isolated iprotected i
physical barriers such as fencing, enclosure, or other approved means) from contact wit
the public A Cod
e
21. Approved cable bridges shall be provided fi .•subjectphysical
damage [CA Fire Code §605.5].
PLN-22-00117 — 11610 Lakewood Blvd
October 5, 2022 - Page 4
PC Agenda Page 10
Resolution No. 22-
[J0vvDeyP|8DDiDg CO0OOOiSSi0D
22. If tents or canopies in excess of 400 square feet are to be present, the applicant shall
obtain a tent permit from the Fire Department by no later than October 14, 2022. [CA Fir,;
23. Tent structure shall adhere to all other applicable requirements for an assembly occupancy
as it pertains to egress, egress sizing, exit signs, emergency illumination, etc.
24. In event attendance is anticipated tObe|nexcess 0f5OO people atany one time, an
Emergency Action Plan shall be filed with Downey Fire Department, Emergency
Management Division.
POLICE
25. The owner/applicant must provide three (3) licensed security guards On -Site during the
duration of the event.
20. Festival security officers shall be easily identifiable in brightly colored security shirts. The
security shirts shall not resemble the shirt/uniform colors of Downey Police officers; they
shall not be blue or black. All security guards shall wear shirts with "SECURITY" written in
large white letters Onthe front, back, and around arm sleeve bands. The security guards
shall beunarmed.
PUBLIC WORKS/ENGINEERING
27. The owner/applicant shall obtain all necessary plan approvals and permits.
28. The facility must provide adequate trash receptacles (refuse/recycle) forUleevenL
29. The owner/applicant shall comply with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) requirements of the Federal Clean Water Act; and Ordinance 1142 of the
Downey Municipal Code (OIVIC).
30. Parking lot maintenance by water hoeing method aho|| be prohibited at all bmoe (refer to
Attachment A:Best Management PnaoUco).
pLw-22-00117 —11s1nLakewood Blvd
PC Agenda Page 11