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SR-5-F tjtJ;?,CtJ6 S-F FEB 2 It 1987 C/ED: RAS: KR: ljw Council Mtg: February 24, 1987 Santa Monica, California TO: Mayor and city council FROM: City staff SUBJECT: Appeal of Planning commission Decision Approving Conditional Use Permit 443, to Permit the Sale of Beer and wine at a New convenience Market In a New Retail Complex To Be Developed at 1865 Lincoln Boulevard. Applicant: Andy Oldfield. Appellant: Planning Commissioner Donald Lewin Nelson. INTRODUCTION This report recommends that the City Council uphold the appeal and deny Conditional Use Permit 443 for the approval of the sale of beer and wine for off-site consumption at a new 24 hour convenience market in a retail complex to be developed at 1865 Lincoln Boulevard. The six Planning Commissioners present approved the project by a 4-2 vote. An appeal has been filed by Planning Commissioner Donald Lewin Nelson. BACKGROUND Following a public hearing on December 1, 1986 the Planning Commission approved Development Review 366 to permit the construction of a single story retail complex totaling 7,387 square feet at 1865 Lincoln Boulevard (northeast corner of Lincoln and pico Boulevards). The proposal is to permit a convenience market to sell beer and wine for off-site consumption at this retail complex. Five shelf areas within the refrigerated - 1 - 5-,r: FEB 2 4 1987 cooler are intended to provide shelf space for the beer and wine. A Chevron station and 24 hour mini market with an off-sale beer and wine license previously existed at this site. These buildings were demolished following approval of a demo 1 i tion permit on October 22, 1986. The lessee of this mini market still has the beer and wine license and intends to lease the new store from the property owner. At the December 1, 1986 meeting, the Planning Commission heard the applicants request to open a 2,400 square foot 24 hour convenience market with an off-sale beer and wine license at this retail complex (Exhibit A). Following the public hearing the Planning commission denied the applicant's request for the 24 hour use, limiting the hours of operation to 7:00 A.M. to 1:00 A.M. seven days per week and approved the sale of beer and wine for off-site consumption (Exhibit B). An appeal of the Planning Commission determination was filed on December 2, 1986, by Planning commissioner Donald Lewin Nelson (Exhibit C). The appellant1s basis of appeal is that the approval of this Conditional Use Permit violates the intent of Ordinance 1319 (CCS) in that it permits an overconcentration of alcohol outlets within the area. ANALYSIS The Planning Commission may grant a Conditional Use Permit Subject to those conditions that may be necessary to ensure that the use: - 2 - 1. Is compatible with existing and potential uses within the general area. 2. That traffic and parking congestion will not result. 3 . Tha t the publ ic health, sa fety , and general wel fare are protected. 4. That no harm to adjacent properties will result, and 5. That the objectives of the General Plan are secured. During the review of the Conditional Use Permit application, the Planning Commission considered the proximity of the proposed off-site beer and wine license to other alcohol outlets in the area. Within a 500' radius of the property there are a total of five establishments with liquor licenses; one for off-sale general spirits, one for off-sale beer and wine, one restaurant with an on-sale license for general spirits and one restaurant with an on-sale license for beer and wine and one is a private club with a liquor license. Although the restaurants are licensed for sale of alcohol in association with food consumption, there are no Alcoholic Beverage Control regulations which prohibit the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises. Population density within a 500 foot radius of the property is approximately 863 persons based on the 1980 census. The ABC guidelines state that an overconcentration may occur if the area has more than one establishment with an off sale license for each 1,039 residents in the area. Using this guideline, the two - 3 - stores with off-sale alcohol licenses are adequate to serve the surrounding residential neighborhood. The sales of beer and wine would also take place less than two blocks from Santa Monica High School and within one block of the CLARE Foundation alcoholic recovery home at 844 pico Boulevard. The CLARE Foundation submitted a letter to the Planning Commission prior to the December 1st hearing indicating their objections regarding this application (Exhibit D) . Related Projects On June 17, 1985 the Planning commission denied Conditional Use permit 383 to permit a new convenience market at 1801 Lincoln Boulevard to sell alcoholic beverages for off-site consumption. Subsequently, on September 17, 1985, the City Council on an appeal by the applicant, upheld the Planning Commission's action to deny this request. This site is located in the same block as the proposed project. Although this particular convenience market was an addition to an existing self-service gasoline station, in making findings for denial, the Planning Commission and city Council on appeal cited the negative impact that this use could have given its proximity to the high school and surrounding residential uses. The World oil Company, developers of the project, submitted a letter to the Planning Commission prior to the December 1st hearing indicating their wish to be entitled to sell beer and wine at their convenience market in the event that this application is approved (Exhibit E) . - 4 - On April 22, 1986 the City council, on an appeal, reversed the Planning commission decision and denied Conditional Use Permit 411 to permit an off-sale beer and wine license for an existing convenience market at 2838 Santa Monica Boulevard. This conditional Use Permit was denied on the basis of its close proximity to a residential neighborhood and that there already existed an alcohol outlet within a 500 foot radius which was found to be adequate to serve the residential population. Ordinance 1319 Based upon the criteria identified in ordinance 1319 (CCS), Planning staff recommended denial of this Conditional Use Permit in that the sales of beer and wine less than two blocks from Santa Monica High School and within an area with a large residential population which already has two other establishments which sell alcohol for off-site consumption could adversely affect the welfare of the neighborhood residents. In approving the Conditional Use permit, the planning Commission indicated their support due to the fact that the market will replace a similar market previously at this site and will be leased by the previous operator who will utilize his existing beer and wine license. Supporters of the proposal indicated that the operator had been very responsive to the neighborhoods' request in the past including refusing to sell to transients. As noted in the Official Action statement, the planning commisison in approving the Conditional Use Permit limited hours of operation to 7:00 A.M. to 1:00 A.M., required beer to be sold in - 5 - six packs onlYI and prohibited the sales of fortified wines and pornographic magazines. However, it is the opinion of the city Attorney that prohibiting the sale of pornographic materials is unconstitutional. In addition, because the operator already has a liquor license, it is unlikely that the City could prohibit the sale of fortified wines. Planning staff maintains that the sales of beer and wine at this convenience market is not an appropriate use given its proximity to the high school and other stores in the area which sell alcohol and are available to serve the surrounding residential neighborhood. Additionally, staff believes that while the proposed operator may have been responsive to the neighborhoods concerns in the pastl there are no guarantees that this operator will always operate this particular convenience market in the future. Therefore, Planning staff believes that the proposed sale of beer and wine at this convenience market is inconsistent with the general provisions of Ordinance 1319 (CCS). CITY COUNCIL AUTHORITY Under the provisions of section 9148 (SMMC), the City Council may affirm, reverse or modify any determination of the Planning commission in regard to a Conditional Use Permit and the decision of the city Council shall be final. In approving an application, the Commission or Council, on appeal, must make appropriate findings and may add conditions necessary to protect the public welfare. - 6 - BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT The recommendations presented in this report do not have a budget/fiscal impact. RECOMMENDATIONS Staff respectfully recommends that the city Council grant the appeal and deny Conditional Use Permit 443 as submitted and direct staff to prepare appropriate findings for adoption at a subsequent Council meeting, such findings to be based on those contained in the December 1, 1986 staff report. Prepared by: R. Ann Siracusa, Director of Planning Suzanne Frick, Principal Planner Karen Rosenberg, Associate Planner Attachments: A. Staff Report to Planning Commission, December 1, 1986 B. statement of Official Action C. Letter of Appeal, Planning Commissioner Donald Lewin Nelson, December 2, 1986 D. Correspondence from the CLARE Foundation to Planning Commissioners, November 24, 1986 E. correspondence from the World oil Company to Planning Commissioners, December I, 1986 app443 - 7 - ( l\'I':""'l'CT~~'T"';J'2:' PI. ( 7.0 CITY PLANNING DIVISION Community and Economic Development Department MEMORANDUM DATE: December 1, 1986 , l TO: The Honorable Planning Commission FROM: Planning staff SUBJECT: DR 366, CUP 443, To Permit the Installation of a 2400 square foot 24 hour Convenience Market with an off-sale Beer and Wine License at a Proposed Single story Retail Complex Address: Applicant: 1865 Lincoln Boulevard Andy Oldfield SITE LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION The subject property is a 19,369 sq.ft. parcel located on the northeast corner of Lincoln Boulevard and Pico BOUlevard, having a frontage of 109.97 feet on Lincoln Boulevard and 127.95 feet of frontage on pico Boulevard. Surrounding uses consist of commercial businesses to the north (C4), commercial businesses to the south (C4), mUlti-family residential and commerclal uses to the east (C4, R2) and commercial businesses to the west (C4). Zoning District: C4 Land Use District: Commercial Corridor Parcel Area: 19,369 square feet PROPOSED PROJECT Summary: The proposal is to permit a proposed retail complex to lease a 2,400 square foot retail space to a 24 hour convenience market with beer and wine sales for off premises consumption. The applicant has not indicated how many peak hour employees are proposed for the store. Five shelf areas within the refrigerated cooler are intended to provide shelf space for the beer and wine. A Chevron station and 24 hour mini market with an off-sale beer and wine license previously existed at this site. These buildings were demolished following approval of a demolition permit on October 22, 1986. The leasee of this mini market still has the beer and wine license and intends to lease the new store from the property owner. Under Ordinance 1321 (CCS) Development Review is required for all 24 hour businesses and Under Ordinance 1319 (CCS) a conditional Use Permit is required in that the proposed convenience market will sell beer and wine for off-site - 1 - ( ( consumption and it is more then 10% larger then the mini-market previously at this location. MUNICIPAL CODE AND GENERAL PLAN CONFORMANCE The proposed project is consistent with the Municipal Code and in conformity with the General Plan as shown in Attachment A. CEQA STATUS The project is categorically exempt from the provisions of CEQA, City of Santa Monica Guidelines for Implementation (3(14). FEES The proj ect is exempt Program contained in Elements. from the Housing and the adopted Land Use Parks Mitigation and Circulation ANALYSIS Surrounding Alcohol Outlets and population within a 500' radius of the property there are a total of five establishments with liquor licenses. (Attachment B) of the five, one is for off-sale general spirits, one 1S for off-sale beer and wine, one is a restaurant with an on-sale license for general spirits, one is a restaurant with an on-sale license for beer and wine and one is a private club which has a liquor license. Population density within the 500 foot radius is approximately 863 persons based on the 1980 census. The ABC guidelines state that an overconcentration may occur if the area has more than one establishment with an off-sale license for each 1,039 residents in the area. Using this guideline, it appears that the two stores with off-sale alcohol licenses are adequate to serve the surrounding residential neighborhood. The proposed project is also in less than two blocks from Santa Monica High School and within one block of the Clare Foundation alcoholic recovery home at 844 Pico Boulevard. Additionally, neighbors of the project previously indicated that they were concerned about the previous design of the proj ect which had parking located at the alley because of the potential for loitering and security problems. Planning staff believes that a 24 hour convenience market which sells beer and wine has the potential to cause loitering in the parking area and security problems regardless if parking is located in the rear or front of the site. Similar Projects On June 17, 1985 the Planning commission denied Conditional Use Permit 383 to permit a new convenience market at 1801 Lincoln - 2 - ( ( Boulevard to sell alcoholic beverages for off-site consumption. This location is in the same block as the proposed project. Subsequently the applicants appealed the decision and the - city Council upheld the Commission's action to deny this permit. Although this convenience market was an addition to an existing self-service gasoline station, in making findings for denial the Planning Commission cited the negative impact that this use could have given its proximity to the high school and surrounding residential uses. , t On April 22, 1986 the City Council on an appeal reversed the Planning commission decision and denied conditional Use Permit 411 to permit an off-sale beer and wine license for an existing convenience market at 2838 Santa Monica Boulevard. This Condi tional Use Permit was denied on the basis of it's close proximi ty to a residential neighborhood and that there already existed an alcohol outlet within a 500 foot radius which was found to be adequate to serve the residential population. Conclusion Although a convenience market with an off-sale beer and wine license previously existed at this location planning staff believes that replacing it with a new 24 hour market with beer and wine sales for off-site consumption would not be appropriate and would be inconsistent with the general provisions of Ordinance 1319 (CCS). As stated in Ordinance 1319 the Planning Commission shall consider whether the granting of this liquor license will: 1. Adversely affect the welfare of the neighborhood residents. 2. contribute to an undue concentration of alcohol outlets in the area, and 3. Detrimentally affect nearby residentially zoned neighborhoods considering the distance of the alcohol outlet to residential buildings, churches, schools, hospitals, playgrounds, parks and other existing alcohol outlets. Given this proposed project's proximity to the surrounding residential neighborhood, Santa Monica High School and the presence of two other businesses within a 500 foot radius which sell alcohol for off-site consumption, it cannot be found that the sales of beer and wine at this 24 hour convenience would not be detrimental to the surrounding area. Therefore, while planning staff supports a 24 hour market at this location, staff cannot support the addition of beer and wine sales at this market. RECO!1:MENDATION Planning staff respectfully recommends that the Planning Commission approve DR 366 to permit a 2,400 sq.ft. 24 hour convenience market and deny CUP 443 for the sale of beer and wine at this market at 1865 Lincoln Boulevard with the following findings and conditions. - 3 - ( ( FINDINGS 1. The development is consistent with the findings and pur- pose of Ordinance 1321 as set forth below. The physical location and placement of proposed structures on the site are compatible with and relate harmoniously to surrounding sites and neighborhoods in that the conve- nience market is located at the northwest corner of the site, adjacent to Lincoln Boulevard so as to minimize the impact on the residential neighborhood to the east. 3. The existing and/or proposed rights-of-way and facilities for both pedestrian and automobile traffic will be ade- quate to accommodate the anticipated results of the pro- posed development including off-street parking facilities and access thereto in that adequate parking will be pro- vided to accommodate the demands generated by this development. 2. f l 4. The existing and/or proposed public and/or private health and safety facilities (includingl but not limited to, sanitation, sewers, storm drains, fire protection devices, protective services, and public utilJ..t1es) will be ade- quate to accommodate the anticipated results of the pro- posed development. 5. The proposed development is consistent with the General Plan of the city of Santa Honica and the Zoning Ordinance in that the project will conform to the height, bulk, use and urban design policies for the Lincoln Boulevard Com- mercial Corridor as specified in the Land Use Element of the General Plan and conforn to the appropriate C4 stan- dards contained in the Zoning Ordinance. FINDINGS FOR ALCOHOL OUTLET 1. The proposed use and location are not in accordance with good zoning practice, or in the public interest in that the sales of beer and wine for off-site consumption will take place adjacent to a residential neighborhood with a large number of multi-family residential buildings and less than two blocks from the City's high school thus creating a negative impact on the surrounding residential neighborhood. 2. The proposed use is incompatible with existing and potential uses within the general area; traffic or parking congestion could result; the public health, safety, and general welfare will not be protected; and harm to adjacent properties will result in that the sales of alcoholic beverages are likely to contribute to loitering of customers which may be disruptive to the surrounding residential neighborhood. - 4 - ( ( 3. The welfare of neighborhood residents t.,ill be adversely affected in that the sale of beer and wine will be available 24 hours seven days a week. 4. The reestablishment of an alcohol outlet at this site with off-premises sales would be detrimental to the area in that there already exists two alcohol outlets within a 500 foot radius with off premises sales to serve the resident population. t l CONDITIONS FOR 24 HOUR MARKET 1. Plans for final design, landscaping, screening, trash en- closures, and signage shall be subject to review and ap- proval by the Architectural Review Board. 2. Minor amendments to the plans shall be subject to approval by the Director of Planning. A significant change in the approved concept shall be subject to Planning commission Review. Construction shall be in substantial conformance with the plans submitted or as modified by the Planning Commission, Architectural Review Board or Director of Planning. 3. The rights granted herein shall be effective only when exercised within a period of one year from the effective date of approval. Upon the written request of the appli- cant, the Director of Planning may extend this period up to an additional six months. 4. The applicant shall comply with all legal requirements regarding provisions for the disabled, including those set forth in the California Administrative COde, Title 24, Part 2. 5. The parking lot shall be striped, screened and landscaped in conformance with Sec. 9127.J.l and Sec. 9129.F.7 (SMMC) . 6. Final parking lot layout and specifications shall be sub- ject to the review and approval of the Parking and Traffic Engineer. 7. Refuse areas, storage areas and mechanical equipment shall be screened in accordance with Sec. 9127J.2-4 (s}n~C). Refuse areas shall be of a size adequate to meet on-site need. 8. The operation shall at all times be conducted in a manner not detrimental to surrounding properties or residents by reason of lights, noise, activities, parking or other actions. 9. No noise shall be buildings. generating compressors placed adjacent to or other such equipment neighboring residential - 5 - ( ( 10. A security plan shall be approved by the Chief of Police prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. 11. Street trees shall be maintained, relocated or provided as required in a manner consistent with the City'S Tree Code (Ord. 1242 CCS), per the specifications of the Department of Recreation and Parks and the Department of General Ser- vices. No street tree shall be removed without the ap- proval of the Department of Recreation and Parks. 12. Street and/or alley lighting shall be provided on public rights-of-way adjacent to the project if and as needed per the specifications and with the approval of the Department of General Services. 13. Any outdoor lighting shall be shielded and/or directed away from adjacent residential properties, with any such lighting not to exceed 0.5 foot candles of illur.lination beyond the perimeter of the SUbJect property. 14. This determination shall not become effective for a period of ten days (twenty days for Development Review Permits and Conditional Use permits) from the date of determina- tion or/ if appealed, until a final determination is made on the appeal. 15. No alcoholic beverages shall be sold. 16. Video games shall be prohibited on-site. 17. At least one employee of the convenience market shall go into the neighborhood at least once a day to pick-up trash from the market. Prepared by: Karen Rosenberg Associate Planner KR:ca CUP443 11/24/86 - 6 - ( ATTACHMENT A MUNICIPAL CODE AND GENERAL PLAN CONFOR}~NCE Category Permitted Use Height F.A.R. Parking Land Use Municipal Code Element C4: Highway Commercial Districts permits, retail and general commercial uses 6 stories, 90' NIA 8,157 sq. ft. (includes 770 sq. ft. build~ng) @ 1:300 = 27 parking spaces Commercial Corridor: permits service commercial uses 2 stories, 30' 1.0 Same as l1unicipal Cede - 7 - ( Project , l 24 hour convenience Market with beer and wine sales 1 story, 17'10" .42 27 parking spaces prov~ded for reta~l complex . ATTAC!'1SN'I' S ) , \. #.KPf ::; ,ra CU~4 P/~Hn/~f {)I;"~c.lcr &;7 4/1 It i S- ~/',., s-lr~~ I- .,#,( ~vf/~~ &/~~r;oa' / /nrl ~ 7 //~a/ /je- ~b/...c/C# "I .~n~ r/~,,~/;.,/ ~~~,,~s/~O.1-7 tr41[~j G v/' r~r r4e.- SQk I:)/.be ~r- q,,/ ~~~ e- ~I q 1;:::'-0 ~o..secl d77 ffi~,- eell l/~~"~,HC~ /~ r'".(~ ~' /ocA/~/ al- /R~~ L/~co/~ $p~~vur/ vr 1/1;~/~..s -/~~ /~~H-I ~/ Or/~~"c-e- /0:3// f./'1e.e /1 /~,-~/:I.:: 4'-' OV~r"'-c.&>#ct!!~/"-a~&.'~ 01 / J / I-. J / 'L J"</l!!.-;[ !t:!-0I,yr4,:;h;::f C;(coho oUI/t!!--r..s ~/r.(/#'f' 4 9--91H4~~iI~ Q'-~Qa j I ...,./<"..;L' ::;:> ,. ,. ...... n~~ /" ~4~~r_~ ?~i'f-#";' p ~-.-r /~$ /~'~er- ~ Arr'T'7'l..CEIF'yrr T1 ~ . . STATEMENT OF OFFICIAL ACTION PROJECT . ~, NU1,IBER: DR 366, CUP 443 LOCATION: 1865 Lincoln Boulevard APPLICANT: Andy Oldfield REQUEST: To Permit the Installation of a 2400 square foot 24 Hour Convenience Market with an off-sale Beer and Wine License at a Proposed Single story Retail Complex PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION 12/01/86 Date. Approved based on the following findings and subject to the conditions below. Denied. X Other. DR 366 Denied, CUP 443 Approved based on the following Findings and subject to the Condi- tions below. FINDINGS FOR DENIAL OF 24 HOUR USE 1. The development is inconsistent with the findings and purpose of Ordinance 1321 as set forth below. 2. The physical location and placement ,Of proposed structures on the site are incompatible with and do not relate harnoniously to surrounding sites and neighborhoods in that 24 hour uses which include alcohol sales for off-site consumption are likely to contribute to loitering of customers who are dis- ruptive to the surrounding residential area. 3. The proposed development is inconsistent with the General Plan of the City of Santa Monica in that the project does not conform to Policy 1.1 in that a 24 hour use is likely to pro- duce a negative impact on the quality of life in the adjacent residential neighborhood by reason of increased noise and loitering by customers. ALCOHOL OUTLET FINDINGS. L The proposed use and location are in accordance with good zoning practice, in the public interest, and necessary that substantial justice be done in that this convenience market with beer and wine sales replaces a similar market previously at this site and will be leased by the previous operator who will utilize his existing beer and wine license. - 1 - / / / / _/2. -' , " The proposed use is compatible with existing and potential uses within the general area: traffic or parking congestion will not result: the public health, safety, and general welfare are protected: and no harm to adj acent properties will result in that adequate parking is provided, hours of operation will be limited as per condition 1 and ingress and egress at the site will be limited to driveways on pica Boulevard and Lincoln Boulevard. t / 3. The welfare of neighborhood residents will not be adversely affected in that conditions of approval will be requires to mi tigate . the impact of this alcohol outlet in the neighborhood by limiting the hours, prohibiting the sales of fortified wines, single cans of beer, and pornographic magazines. 5. There will be no detrimental affect on nearby residentially zoned neighborhoods considering the distance of the alcohol outlet to residential buildings, churches, schools, hospi tals, playgrounds, parks, and other existing alcohol outlets in that a convenience market with a beer and wine license for off-site consumption was previously at this location and in that the conditions for approval will minimize the potential affect on the adjacent residential uses. ALCOHOL OUTLET CONDITIONS. 1. Parking lot illumination shall be provided and maintained. 2. The owner shall prohibit loitering in the parking area and shall control noisy customers leaving the market. 3. Final plans for any changes to exte~ior design, landscaping, trash enclosures, and/or signage shall be subject to review and approval by the Architectural Review Board. 4. Hours shall be limited to 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. seven day per week. 5. Beer shall be sold in six packs only. No individual cans of beer shall be sold. 6. The sales of fortified wines shall be prohibited. 7. The sales of pornographic magazines shall be prohibited. 8. A pUblic telephone shall be provided inside the market. CONDITIONS 1. Minor amendments to the plans shall be SUbject to approval by the Director of Planning. An increase of the square footage or a significant change in the approved concept shall be subject to planning commission Review. Construction shall be in substantial conformance with the plans submitted or as - 2 - ;/ / .~, 2. I modified by the Planning Commission, Architectural Review Board, or Director of Planning. The rights granted herein shall be effective only when exercised within a period of one year from the effective date of approval. Upon the written request of the applicant, the Director of Planning may extend this period up to an additional six months. 3. The applicant shall comply with all legal requirements regarding provisions for the disabled, including those set forth in the California Administrative Code, Title 24, Part 2. 4. Refuse areas, storage areas, and mechanical equipment shall be screened in accordance with Sec. 9127J.2-4 (S}ll1C). Refuse areas shall be of a size adequate to meet on-site need. 5. The'operation shall at all times be conducted in a manner not detrimental to surrounding properties or residents by reason of lights, noise, activities, parking, or other actions. 6. No noise generating compressors or other such equipmen~ shall be placed adjacent to neighboring residential buildings. Video games shall be prohibited on-site. 7. 8. At least one employee of the convenience market shall go into the neighborhood at least once a day to pick-u.p trash fror:l the market. VOTE Ayes: Nays: Abstain: Absent: Burns, Israel, Farivar, Latim~~ Hecht, Nelson Perlman I hereby certify that this statement of accurately reflects the final determination Commission of the City of Santa Monica. Official Action of the Planning date signature print name and title SF:ca STCUP443 12/23/86 - 3 -