Agenda Item No. 9
And i
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council DATE: May 22, 2023 FROM: Matthew Bronson, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Megan Martin, Community Development Director SUBJECT: Development Application 23-14 - Request for a Two-year Time Extension for Development Application 10-03 for the Grover Beach Lodge Project Located at 55 West Grand Avenue
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a Resolution to approve Development Application 23-14 granting a two-year time extension for Development Application 10-03 (Grover Beach Lodge project) with a previously adopted Final Environmental Impact Report (SCH# 2010051002).
BACKGROUND
Pacifica Companies (Applicant) submitted a request to the City of Grover Beach for a two-year time extension on April 3, 2023, to allow for additional time to obtain building permits and begin construction of the Grover Beach Lodge project (Attachment 2). The approved project consists of a 144-room hotel, a restaurant, and 4,000 square-feet of meeting space totaling approximately 121,000 square-feet located at 55 West Grand Avenue at the end of West Grand Avenue on State property at Pismo State Park.
In April 2014, the Council approved Development Application 10-03 for a Coastal Development Permit and Use Permit. The project was appealed to the Coastal Commission which determined in June 2014 that the appeals raised no substantial issue. The project was amended in January 2017 to add a roof deck and in July 2018 to eliminate the standalone conference center and reconfigure the on-site parking lots and on-site sanitary dump station. These approved amendments are available on the City’s website at:
https://www.groverbeach.org/DocumentCenter/View/13801/Combined-Resolutions-Grover-BeachLodge On May 2, 2023, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended the time extension for your approval. The Council has approved previous time extensions for the project given the complex permitting and development process related to this project. The project is unique because the lead permitting agencies are State Parks and the State Fire Marshal given the location on State property rather than the City. The project also requires permits from Caltrans, State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Union Pacific Railroad, and four utility companies. Review by four State permitting agencies along with the railroad and utility companies requires considerably more time and coordination to receive all required project permits.
In an effort to continue to make progress on the approved permit, the applicant submitted building plans to State Parks and the State Fire Marshal in December 2022. The applicant is requesting Staff Report: Time Extension for the Grover Beach Lodge (Development Application 23-14) Page 2 May 22, 2023
additional time to make corrections to the building documents to satisfy the State agencies’ comments, corrections, and commence construction.
Time extension requests may be approved consistent with Development Code Section 6.30.060.B if the applicant can demonstrate that delays were beyond their control. Based on the financial challenges that resulted from COVID-19 in addition to the complexity of review by several permitting agencies, staff has determined that Pacifica Companies’ request for the extension is reasonable and will allow additional time to respond and complete the plan review comments and have permits issued. Staff has reviewed the project and any applicable Development Code amendments since the project approval and has determined there have been no Code changes that would require revisions to the project at this time. Therefore, staff is recommending that the Council approve the time extension request.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
ALTERNATIVES
The Council has the following alternatives to consider:
1. Adopt a Resolution to approve Development Application 23-14 for a two-year time extension for Development Application 10-03 (Grover Beach Lodge project); or
2. Provide alternative direction to staff.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION
On April 20, 2023, a public hearing notice for the Planning Commission and City Council meeting was mailed to all property owners located within 300 feet of the property, all occupants within 100 feet of the property, all residences in Le Sage Mobile Home Park, and posted as required by City code. On May 11, 2023, a public hearing notice for the City Council meeting was published in the New Times. The agenda was posted in accordance with the Brown Act.
Attachments
1. Resolution
2. Draft Planning Commission Minutes
3. Time Extension Request
Attachment 1
RESOLUTION NO. 23-__
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GROVER BEACH, CALIFORNIA APPROVING DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION 23-14 FOR A TWO-YEAR TIME EXTENSION TO DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION 10-03
FOR THE GROVER BEACH LODGE PROJECT
WHEREAS, Development Application 23-14 has been received from Grover Beach Lodge L.P. (Applicant) requesting a two-year time extension of Development Application 10-03 for the Grover Beach Lodge project located at 55 West Grand Avenue; and WHEREAS, on March 5, 2012, the City Council certified the Environmental Impact Report prepared for the project in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and WHEREAS, on April 7, 2014, the City Council conducted a public hearing and adopted Resolution No. 14-19 approving Development Permit 10-03 consisting of a Coastal Development Permit and Site and Architectural Plans; and
WHEREAS, on May 2, 2016, the City Council conducted a public hearing and adopted Resolution No. 16-30 approving a one-year time extension; and WHEREAS, on January 9, 2017, the City Council conducted a public hearing and adopted Resolution No. 17-04 approving an amendment to Development Application 10-03 to allow a roof deck and other minor project revisions; and
WHEREAS, on June 5, 2017, the City Council conducted a public hearing and adopted Resolution No. 17-28 approving a one-year time extension; and WHEREAS, on July 23, 2018, the City Council conducted a public hearing and adopted Resolution No. 18-77 approving an amendment to Development Application 10-03 for minor project revisions and Resolution No. 18-78 approving a one-year time extension; and WHEREAS, on September 3, 2019, the City Council conducted a public hearing and adopted Resolution 19-49 approving a two-year time extension; and WHEREAS, on July 26, 2021, the City Council conducted a public hearing and adopted Resolution 21-26 approving a two-year time extension.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Grover Beach HEREBY makes the following findings and determinations with respect to the time extension for Development Application 23-14:
SECTION 1. Findings for a Time Extension. The City Council finds as follows:
1. There have been no changes in the conditions or circumstances of the site or development since the project approval. The site is unchanged since the project was approved and there have been no Development Code amendments that apply to the project. In addition, the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) prepared for the project is still valid because there have been no changes to the site, project scope, or surrounding area that would cause reevaluation of the Final EIR.
Resolution No. 23-__ - Grover Beach Lodge Time Extension Page 2
2. The delay in the project has not been caused by the applicant’s actions or failure to use due diligence in pursuing the required permits necessary to move forward with construction of the project. The applicant has submitted plans to the State (lead agency) and is awaiting comments to move forward. The complexity of needing permitting from multiple State agencies and entities has resulted in delays outside of the applicant’s control.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Grover Beach DOES HEREBY APPROVE Development Application 23-14 for a two-year time extension to Development Application 10-03 consisting of a Coastal Development Permit and Use Permit subject to the condition below.
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL:
1. This approval authorizes a two-year time extension for Development Application 10-03 for the construction and operation of the approved project. The project shall comply with the adopted City Council Resolution Nos. 14-19, 17-04 and 18-77 and all applicable mitigation measures contained in Resolution No. 12-14 certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report.
Upon motion by Council Member __________, second by Council Member ___________, and on the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
the foregoing Resolution No. 23-__ was PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City of Grover Beach City Council on this 22nd day of May. _______________________________
KAREN BRIGHT, MAYOR
Attest:
_______________________________
WENDI SIMS, CITY CLERK
Agenda Item No. 1
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
154 SOUTH EIGHTH STREET
GROVER BEACH, CALIFORNIA
TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2023
CALL TO ORDER 6:03 P.M.
FLAG SALUTE The flag salute was led by all present.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners: Ron Rodman, Vice Chair Anne Holden, and Chair David Halverson were all present. Rachel Mann and Cody McLaughlin were not present.
City Staff: Community Development Director Megan Martin, City Attorney David Hale, Senior Planner Rafael Castillo, and Planning Commission Secretary Nicole Retana
AGENDA REVIEW: No changes were noted.
Action: It was motioned by Commissioner Rodman and seconded by Vice Chair Holden to accept the agenda as presented, and the motion passed unanimously via voice vote.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Chair Halverson opened the floor to any member of the public calling into the meeting on the teleconference line (805) 321-6639 or anyone attending the meeting, for comment on items of interest but were not listed on the agenda. No one responded and the Chair closed the Public Comment segment for this portion of the meeting.
CONSENT ITEMS:
Prior to consideration of the Consent Items, Chair Halverson invited public comment on this matter. At this time Chair Halverson asked if there was anyone who wanted to make any public comments. No one responded and the Chair closed the Public Comment segment for this portion of the meeting.
1. Meeting Minutes of the March 7, 2023 Planning Commission Meeting Action: Approved the minutes as submitted.
2. Development Application 23-06
Applicant – 1071 Highland Way LLC.
Action: The Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 23-06 approving Development Application 23-06 for a one-year Time Extension for Development Application 18-22 with a previously adopted mitigated negative declaration.
Attachment 2
Planning Commission Minutes – May 2, 2023 Page 2
Resolution No: 23-06: A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Grover Beach Approving Development Application 23-06 for a One-Year Time Extension of Development Application 18-22 located at 1071 Highland Way. (Applicant: 1071 Highland LLC.)
3. Development Application 23-15
Applicant – 800 Farroll Investments LLC.
Action: The Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 23-07 approving Development Application 23-15 for a one-year Time Extension for Development Application 21-16 with a previously adopted CEQA categorical exemption.
Resolution No: 23-07: A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Grover Beach Approving Development Application 23-16 for a One-Year Time Extension of Development Application 21-16. (Applicant: 800 Farroll Investments LLC.) Motion: A voice vote motioned by Commissioner Rodman and seconded by Vice Chair Holden to approve Consent Agenda Items 1, 2 and 3 as recommended and the motion passed unanimously via voice vote.
PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS:
4. Development Application 23-14
Applicant – Pacifica Companies
Chair Halverson read the title to the foregoing item and deferred to staff for a report.
Community Development Director Martin presented a PowerPoint presentation discussing the proposed project.
At this time Chair Halverson asked if there was anyone on the teleconference line or in the chambers that wanted to make any public comments. No public comments were received at this time and Chair Halverson closed public comment.
Action: It was motioned by Vice Chair Holden and seconded by Commissioner Rodman, to recommend the City Council approve Development Application 23-14 granting a twoyear time extension for Development Application 10-03 with a previously adopted Final Environmental Impact Report (SCH# 2010051002).
The motion carried on the following roll call vote:
AYES: Commissioners Rodman, Vice-Chair Holden and Chair Halverson.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Commissioners Mann and McLaughlin
ABSTAIN: None.
REGULAR BUSINESS ITEMS
5. West Grand Avenue Pre-Application
Applicant: Central Coast Builders
Chair Halverson read the title to the foregoing item and deferred to staff for a report.
Planning Commission Minutes – May 2, 2023 Page 3
Senior Planner Rafael Castillo presented a pre-application report via a PowerPoint presentation and introduced the applicant Scott Martin with RRM Designs.
At this time Chair Halverson asked if there was anyone on the teleconference line or in the chambers that wanted to make any public comments. Chair Halverson invited public comment on this matter.
• Cam Boyd
• Krista Jeffries
No further comments received at this time and Chair Halverson closed public comment.
Action: The Planning Commission received and provided input to staff regarding the preapplication on Development Application 22-07 for the conceptual mixed-use project at the northeast corner of West Grand Avenue and South 4th Street.
COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS
Commissioner Rodman stated this will be his last meeting as he will be resigning from the Planning Commission.
Chair Halverson thanked Commissioner Rodman for his service and also, stated he would not be in town for the June meeting.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Community Development Director Martin reported that Mayor Pro Tem Miller of the City Council recently resigned, and the City Council interviewed five applicants and appointed Zach Zimmerman. She discussed that the City of Grover Beach hosted a San Luis Obispo Council of Governments and Housing and Community Development meet and greet in April. She reported on El Camino Real property. And lastly, mentioned the Camping Ordinance that took effect.
ADJOURNMENT 7:21 p.m.
CHAIR DAVID HALVERSON
SECRETARY TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION
NICOLE RETANA, DEPUTY CITY CLERK
(approved at PC meeting of )
COMPAN ES
4/3/2023
City of Grover Beach
Attention: Matt Bronson, City Manager
Megan Martin, Community Development Director
154 South Eighth Street
Grover Beach, CA 93433
Subject: Grover Beach Lodge Project
Project Update and Time Extension Request
Dear Mr. Bronson and Ms. Martin,
As you are aware, we requested a 2-year time extension of our Coasta l Development Permit (CDP), on June, 3 2021, due to the delays caused by the COVID 19 pandemic and subsequent business impacts.
That Development Application 10-03, for a 2-year extension was approved by the Grover Beach City Council on July 26, 2021.
As promised at that time, we authorized our design consultant team to immediately proceed with all the Design, Engineering, and Permit Processing functions, hoping to receive approvals from the JPA which would enable us to begin construction in 2022. Unfortunately, the Fire Marshall required that we update plans to the latest building code, so we had to sta rt over and update all architectural, MEP, and structural drawings to new building codes.
Updated plans, including relocation of meeting facil ities into the ma in Hotel building, were submitted to the State Fire Marshall, City of Grover Beach, and to State Parks in December of 2022. We and our · consultants are currently awaiting official plan-check comments, so we can make any required corrections, obtain Perm its, and start the Construction Bid Process.
We are anxious to start construction of this facil ity, but need additional time to final ize the construction documents, to the satisfaction of the JPA. By means of this letter and Application, we are respectfully requesting approval for a 2-year extension of the approved Coastal Development Permit.
Sincerely,
rh L, 'L-( I'\
Ashok lsrani
Grover Beach Lodge, L.P.
1775 Hancock Street, Suite 200 • San Diego, CA 921 I 0
(619) 296-9000 • Fax (619) 296-9090
www.pacificahost.com • www.pacificacompanies.com
Attachment 3