CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR
March 6, 2025
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 February 20, 2025 at 3:00 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
Jessica Gatny, Assistant Planner
Araceli Mejia, Assistant Planner
Zach Rehm, Principal Planner
Tamara Tatich, Administrative Assistant
2. MINUTES
A. Minutes from the Zoning Administrator Regular Meeting of February 20, 2025.
ZA Atamian received and filed the minutes for the regular meeting of February 20, 2024.
3. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
None.
4. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Public Hearing Project (PHP)24-149, Prado Residence Pool, 505 Ardilla Lane
A request for the Zoning Administrator to approve a Minor Exception Permit 24-164 for a swimming pool to be placed in the front yard setback on a corner lot. The pool also requires exception of fence height requirements to allow for a 60” high fence in the front yard setback.
The Zoning Administrator will also consider whether the project is Categorically Exempt from the requirements of CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15303 (Class 3: New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures).
Assistant Planner Araceli Mejia summarized the staff report and introduced the applicant and owner, Kirsten Prados.
Minutes of the Zoning Administrator Regular Meeting March 6, 2025 Page 2 ZA Atamian opened the public hearing and asked the Ms. Prados if she would like to make a presentation who stated she had nothing to add to the staff’s report.
ZA Atamian stated that he visited the property and stated that the plans indicate the wall shown along the sidewalk is being removed. Ms. Prados confirmed that and clarified changes that were made in the landscaping. ZA Atamian confirmed that the proposed fence is 5 feet tall and that there is a solid section and open above. ZA Atamian asked about a barbecue and Ms.
Prados stated the barbecue will be removed and acknowledged that it was not permitted.
ZA Atamian thanked staff for the report and Resolution that supported the following Findings:
• The layout of the property is higher than the neighboring property in that the ground level of the neighboring home is approximately 8 feet lower than the pool and yard area.
• The pool is butting against a neighboring property backyard, so the placement of the pool will not affect the street scene. • The proposed pool is not detrimental to the public.
• The additional landscape is to the benefit to the neighborhood.
There being no further questions of staff or the applicants, ZA Atamian closed the public hearing.
ZA Atamian determined the project Categorically Exempt from CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines §15303 (Class 3: New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures).
Action: The Zoning Administrator adopted Resolution ZA25-004 approving Minor Exception Permit 24-164, Prado Residence Pool, 505 Ardilla Lane, subject to the Conditions of Approval.
B. Public Hearing Project (PHP) 24-565 Johnston Recreation Accessory Structure, 123 West Escalones
A request for the Zoning Administrator to approve a Development Permit 24-606 for a 160 sq. ft. accessory structure (recreation room) on a singlefamily residential lot adjacent to a historic property.
The Zoning Administrator will also consider whether the project is Categorically Exempt from the requirements of the CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines § 15301 (Class 1: Existing Facilities) and §15303 (Class 3: New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures).
Assistant Planner Jessica Gatny summarized the staff report and introduced the project engineer Nadum Sunna.
Minutes of the Zoning Administrator Regular Meeting March 6, 2025 Page 3 ZA Atamian opened the public hearing, and stated that he reviewed the report and visited the site.
ZA Atamian stated that the project meets the code and that the structure is as far removed from the neighboring residential property as possible.
ZA Atamian ask staff to cite the materials being used on the accessory structure, whereby Mr. Sunna replied that the siding was a thermal cladding that is black.
ZA Atamian stated that the plans are facing the historical property and asked Mr. Sunna the angle of the roofline. Mr. Sunna stated that the high side of the roof is at the front of the unit and then it slopes back and the door faces to the front. ZA Atamian asked the location of the ductless wall mount split system, whereby Mr. Sunna replied that it is facing the side yard fence, and staff stated that the heat pump and exterior door needs to be relocated.
ZA Atamian stated that code prohibits any openings to be on the wall facing the fence. Mr. Sunna stated that he will move the openings and equipment to the other side.
ZA Atamian asked Mr. Sunna if there are any plans to convert the structure for rental purposes, and advised that there are other requirements to make the structure habitable, and that City permits will be a requirement. Mr.
Sunna stated that purpose is purely recreational, and there are no intentions for the structure to be a livable space to his knowledge.
There being no further questions of staff or the applicants, ZA Atamian closed the public hearing.
ZA Atamian stated that the staff report and the Resolution identify how the project meets the Findings, in that:
• The proposed small accessory structure is located as far away from the historic properties as possible.
• The proposed project will not be visible from the public right of way.
ZA Atamian added Condition 1.9: No mechanical equipment, doors or windows are allowed on the sides of the accessory structure that are facing the side and rear property lines.
ZA Atamian determined the project Categorically Exempt from CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines §15301 (Class 1: Existing Facilities) and §15303 (Class 3: New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures).
Action: The Zoning Administrator adopted Resolution ZA25-003 approving Development Permit 24-606, Johnston Recreation Accessory Structure, 123 West Escalones, subject to the Conditions of Approval with the addition of Condition 1.9: No mechanical equipment, doors and windows are allowed on sides of accessory structure facing the side and rear property lines.
Minutes of the Zoning Administrator Regular Meeting March 6, 2025 Page 4 C. Public Hearing Project (PHP) 24-576, Pentegna Residence, 107 West Avenida Cadiz
A request for the Zoning Administrator to approve a Development Permit 25-042 for a 182 sq. ft. addition, new 50 sq. ft. covered porch, and interior remodel of an existing single-family residence adjacent to a historic property.
Staff recommends that the Zoning Administrator continue the hearing to the next regular meeting of the Zoning Administrator to be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025 because the public notification did not include the required Minor Exception Permit entitlement to permit the project as proposed.
The Zoning Administrator will also consider whether the project is Categorically Exempt from the requirements of the CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines § 15301 (Class 1: Existing Facilities) and §15303 (Class 3: New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures).
ZA Atamian noted that staff recommendation is for the Zoning Administrator to continue the hearing and asked if that is still staff’s recommendation. Staff confirmed that is the recommendation.
Action: The Zoning Administrator continued PHP 24-57, Pentegna Residence, 107 West Avenida Cadiz to the next Regular Zoning Administrator Meeting held on Thursday, March 20, 2025 to allow time for staff to properly notice the public.
5. NEW BUSINESS
None.
6. OLD BUSINESS
None.
7. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 3:12 p.m. to the Regular Meeting of the Zoning Administrator, which will be held Thursday, March 20, 2025 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