CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR
NOVEMBER 7, 2024
San Clemente City Hall
First Floor Community Room
910 Calle Negocio
San Clemente, California 92673
1. CALL TO ORDER
Zoning Administrator (ZA) Adam Atamian called the Regular Meeting of the City of San Clemente Zoning Administrator to order on November 7, 2024 at 3:02 p.m. The meeting was held in the First Floor Community Room of City Hall, 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, California.
Staff Present: Adam Atamian, Zoning Administrator
David Carrillo, Associate Planner
Jessica Gatny, Assistant Planner
Tamara Tatich, Administrative Assistant
2. MINUTES
A. Minutes from the Zoning Administrator Regular Meeting of October 17, 2024.
ZA Atamian received and filed the minutes for the regular meeting of October 17, 2024.
3. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
None.
4. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Public Hearing Permit (PHP) 24-474 Abbott Residence, 1817 Calle De Los Alamos
A request for the Zoning Administrator to approve Development Permit (DP) 24-478 for a 27 sq. ft. first floor addition and exterior enhancements at 1817 Calle De Los Alamos that is a neighboring property to a historical structure.
The Zoning Administrator will also consider whether the project is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines §15301.e (Class 1.e: Existing Facilities) and §15303 (Class 3: New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures).
Minutes of the Zoning Administrator Regular Meeting November 7, 2024 Page 2 Assistant Planner Jessica Gatny summarized the staff report and introduced the Applicant Atieh Kaeni and Daniela Pomalaza, designers on the proposed project.
ZA Atamian asked the applicant if they had anything to add to the report, at which time Ms. Kaeni thanked staff for their work on the report.
ZA Atamian opened the public hearing.
Richard “Ric” Jones, owner of the adjoining property at 1815 Calle De Los Alamos, a residence on the City’s list of designated historic structure;recently did a remodel and rehabilitiation of their property. The process of rehabilitating that historical home included a request from the City to replicate the rear structure’s staircase to maintain the historical feature that is visible from the street that resulted in a $30,000 increase to rehabilitate the property. Mr. Jones expressed concern that the approved ADU plans, that are currently being reviewed for approval with the California Coastal Commission (CCC), will affect the view of the staircase from the street that was considered an important historical feature by the City. Mr.
Jones is requesting the applicant and designers to consider moving the ADU so that it does not interfere with the view corridor.
Leanne Jones, also an owner of the adjoining registered historical residence, stressed that it was the City’s request to fabricate matching balusters due to the view of the balcony from the street. Ms. Jones stated that they were concerned that it would be too late for the applicants to consider moving the ADU or redesigning the backyard space once the CCC approvals were obtained. Ms. Jones stated that windows that were also restored will no longer be visible. Ms. Jones provided the Minutes from both the May 12, 2021 Design Review Subcommittee Meeting, and the July 17, 2021 Zoning Administrator Meeting that supported the City’s direction to use wrought-iron and wood railings for the balconies, and listed a finding that the projects preserve the building form and scale from the street.
Larry Culbertson, representative of the San Clemente Historical Society, opposed the construction of the ADU and asked that there be consideration to maintain the street view of the historical features given the City requested the style and materials for the rehabilitation. Mr. Culbertson asked why the ADU was not displayed on the plans or in the staff report, and urged the ZA to relocate the ADU.
ZA Atamian thanked everyone for their comments. ZA Atamian stated that he is familiar with the area, visited the site and that he is also familiar with the 1815 Calle de los Alamos. ZA Atamian shared that he was the City Planner at the time that the Joneses were Christopher Wright’s applicant on their rehabilitation project, and that he reviewed Mr. Wright’s reports. ZA Atamian stated he reviewed the staff report, the proposed Resolution, and Minutes of the Zoning Administrator Regular Meeting November 7, 2024 Page 3 the public comments that were submitted prior and post publishing of the report.
ZA Atamian clarified that the scope of what is being determined by the Zoning Administrator through a discretionary review and public hearing are not inclusive of the ADU. ZA Atamian further explained that there was an ADU application that was approved as an in-concept review that has been submitted to the CCC for their Coastal Development Permit for approval.
That process is not included in this application. The only item to be reviewed in this meeting are the items specific to the request of an addition and exterior applications. ZA Atamian expressed he would be able to facilitate a conversation between the Joneses, the applicant and the designer team.
ZA Atamian asked Ms. Kaeni if there is another material other than brushed aluminum, as the finish could have an impact to the historical resource. ZA Atamian stated that he would like to add a Condition of Approval that the fascia materials be either a metal or wood in a light earth tone.
ZA Atamian confirmed that the covered deck is being replaced and a roof deck with a stairway added. ZA Atamian confirmed that some railing is all that would be seen from the side; otherwise, the roof deck is hidden from the street.
ZA Atamian confirmed that the pool permit was issued. ZA Atamian asked the applicant if the property owner has had any communication with the neighbors regarding the ADU. Ms. Kaeni could not confirm, but stated that the ADU was only one-story, and approximately 400 s.f., and that they will encourage the property owners to communicate with the neighbors. Ms.
Kaeni confirmed that the CCC application was mailed on November 6, 2024.
ZA Atamian asked if a street-view rendering could be created to show the neighbors what the view of the historical home would look like with the ADU construction.
Principal Planner Zach Rehm addressed ZA Atamian’s question on the CCC process stating that generally properties with no major changes to the structure or no parking deficit receive a waiver of permit requirements in about three months, and that it is discretionary in that the public can address the CCC with any issues. ZA Atamian stated that in this case State Law precludes the City from discretionary authority, but it does not preclude the CCC from having that authority.
Having no further questions, ZA Atamian closed the public hearing.
Minutes of the Zoning Administrator Regular Meeting November 7, 2024 Page 4 ZA Atamian was able to make the following Findings with the exception of the use of brushed aluminum:
• The proposed project is consistent with the General Plan; • The proposed project complies with the Zoning Regulations; • The proposed project is consistent with the City’s Design Guidelines in that the project proposes to improve the existing architecture; • The proposed development will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare;
• The proposed project is in character and compatible with the properties in the neighborhood; and
• The proposed project will not negative visual or physical impacts on the neighboring historic structure.
ZA Atamian determined the project Categorically Exempt from CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines §15301.e (Class 1.e: Existing Facilities) and §15303 (Class 3: New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures).
Action: The Zoning Administrator adopted Resolution ZA24-020 approving Development Permit 24-478, subject to the Conditions of Approval with the additional Condition added:
1.5: The applicant shall not use brushed aluminum for the exterior facia, but shall use a painted wood or metal facia in a light earth tone.
B. Public Hearing Permit (PHP) 24-518, 2024 December PPA Tour, 111 Avenida Vista Montana
A request for the Zoning Administrator to approve Temporary Use Permit (TUP) 24-517 to allow a pickleball tournament at the Life Time Fitness facility from December 4-8, 2024.
The Zoning Administrator will also consider whether the project is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines §15304 (Class 4.e: Minor Alterations to Land).
Associate Planner David Carrillo summarized the staff report and introduced the applicant, Haley Brezack with the PPA Tour Pickleball Tournament who joined the meeting through a conference call, and Devin Samtani, former General Manager with Lifetime Fitness.
Devin Samtani stated that he was the Lifetime Fitness applicant for the 2021 and 2022 tournaments. Mr. Samtani is very familiar with the event and is excited for the new tournament. Mr. Samtani ensured that clear messaging for off-site parking and navigating traffic has been refined over the years; Minutes of the Zoning Administrator Regular Meeting November 7, 2024 Page 5 those being the two main concerns that affect the neighborhood, public and attendees. Ms. Brezack said that they are incorporating all comments from staff into their 2024 event plan.
ZA Atamian thanked the applicants and opened the public hearing.
ZA Atamian stated that he reviewed the permits previously as the Zoning Administrator and is familiar with the events that have occurred over the years. ZA Atamian clarified with staff who confirmed that the only difference between the current proposal and previous proposals are that the parking at San Clemente High School is now at the Outlets of San Clemente, and that the same Conditions of Approval and a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) will be required and approved by Public Works/Engineering.
ZA Atamian stated that a letter of support was received by a neighboring resident. Additional communications from members of the public stated that the last tournament was organized much better than earlier events.
ZA Atamian commended the applicants for submitting their application earlier than previous submittals, which is very helpful for staff and allows better community communications.
ZA Atamian noted that there are public sidewalks and crosswalks at Lobo Elementary School that lead to the Lifetime Fitness facility for the public’s use.
Having no further questions, ZA Atamian closed the public hearing.
ZA Atamian determined the project Categorically Exempt from CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines §15304 (Class 4.e: Minor Alterations to Land).
Action: The Zoning Administrator adopted Resolution ZA24-021 approving Temporary Use Permit 24-517, 2024 December PPA Tour Pickleball Tournament, subject to the Conditions of Approval.
5. NEW BUSINESS
None.
6. OLD BUSINESS
None.
Minutes of the Zoning Administrator Regular Meeting November 7, 2024 Page 6
7. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 3:52 p.m. to the Regular Meeting of the Zoning Administrator, which will be held Thursday, November 21, 20024 at 3:00 p.m. at Community Development Department, City Hall, First Floor Community Room, located at 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, California.
Respectfully submitted,
SAN CLEMENTE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR
__________________________________
Adam Atamian, Zoning Administrator