City of Hermosa Beach --- 09-12-00

SUBJECT: TEXT AMENDMENT 00-2
( CONTINUED FROM THE AUGUST 8, 2000 MEETING)

 

  • PURPOSE: to clarify the definition of lot coverage
           INITIATED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION

 

Recommendation

To introduce the attached ordinance to amend the definition of "lot coverage" in the Zoning Ordinance.

 

Background

At the meeting of August 8, the City Council discussed the recommendation of the Planning Commission, and directed staff to further define what is included within the definition of lot coverage. The text amendment is intended to clarify the definition of lot coverage. Currently, the Zoning Ordinance defines lot coverage as:

The footprint of the building plus cantilevers and decks higher than 30" above grade. Exceptions, not to be included when calculating lot coverage are: architectural projections, eaves and open and unenclosed balconies that project that project from the face of the building, not exceeding a five-foot projection.

 

Analysis

Staff has redrafted the definition to address the Council’s concerns. The proposed definition lists items that are included in the lot coverage calculation and those that are not. Zoning terms also used in the definition ("main building," "accessory," "building" and "structure") are already defined in Section 17.04.040 of the Zone Code. The proposed definition also includes a new clarification for "unenclosed balconies" stating that it must be open on at least two sides and may be covered by another unenclosed balcony.

 

 

Current Text

Recommended

"Lot coverage" includes the footprint of the building plus cantilevers and decks higher than thirty (30) inches above grade.

Exceptions, not to be included when calculating lot coverage are: architectural projections, eaves, and open and unenclosed balconies that project from the face of the building, not exceeding a five-foot projection

"Lot coverage" means: 1) that portion of a lot covered by the area within the foundation of the main building and all accessory buildings and structures, 2) the area covered by cantilevers projecting from a building, and 3) the area covered by decks and stairs more than thirty (30) inches above grade as that term is defined in Section.17.04.040.

The following shall not be included when calculating lot coverage: 1) the area covered by architectural projections, eaves, and unenclosed balconies that project five (5) feet or less from the face of a building (i.e. balconies open on at least two sides and which may be covered by another balcony), 2) non-structural stairs, patios, walkways, and planters which establish finished grade and 3) fences and walls.

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ORDINANCE 00-

AN ORDINANCE OF CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE TO CLARIFY THE DEFINITION OF LOT COVERAGE

 

The City Council of the City of Hermosa Beach does hereby resolve and order as follows:

 

Section 1 . The City Council held a duly noticed public hearing on August 8, and September 12, 2000, to consider the recommendation of the Planning Commission to amend the Zoning Ordinance to amend and clarify the definition of "lot coverage."

 

Section 2 . The Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on February 15, 2000, and recommended amending the Zoning Ordinance to amend and clarify the definition of "lot coverage."

 

Section 3 . Based on the evidence considered at the public hearing, and the record of the decision of the Planning Commission, the City Council makes the following finding:

 

1. The definition of lot coverage is somewhat ambiguous, allowing for differing perceptions of "footprint of the building" and "grade," which leads to different conclusions as to what part of the building and accessory structures are considered in the maximum lot coverage.

 

Section 4. Based on the foregoing, the City Council hereby ordains that the Hermosa Beach Municipal Code, Title 17-Zoning, be amended as follows:

Amend the definition of "lot coverage" as contained in Section 17.04.040 to read as follows:

"Lot coverage" means: 1) that portion of a lot covered by the area within the foundation of the main building and all accessory buildings and structures, 2) the area covered by cantilevers projecting from a building, and 3) the area covered by decks and stairs more than thirty (30) inches above grade as that term is defined in Section.17.04.040. The following shall not be included when calculating lot coverage: 1) the area covered by architectural projections, eaves, and unenclosed balconies that project five (5) feet or less from the face of a building (i.e. balconies open on at least two sides and which may be covered by another balcony), 2) non-structural stairs, patios, walkways, and planters which establish finished grade and 3) fences and walls."

Section 5. This ordinance shall become effective and be in full force and effect from and after thirty (30) days of its final passage and adoption.

 

Section 6. Prior to the expiration of fifteen (15) days after the date of its adoption, the City Clerk shall cause this ordinance to be published in the Easy Reader, a weekly newspaper of general circulation published and circulated, in the City of Hermosa Beach in the manner provided by law.

 

Section 7. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this ordinance, shall enter the same in the book of original ordinances of said city, and shall make minutes of the passage and adoption thereof in the records of the proceedings of the City Council at which the same is passed and adopted.

 

PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this     day of , 2000, by the following vote:

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