PLANNING COMMISSION WRAP-UP

WHAT HAPPENED:

The commission rezoned the Huntington Beach Hospital complex at 17752

Beach Blvd. from an office-commercial designation to a public-semipulic

area.

WHAT IT MEANS:

California state law mandates that its cities develop long-term and

comprehensive general plans for their future development.

Planning officials said Huntington Beach began updating its general

plan in the early 1990s, with a final form agreed upon in May 1996. Then,

97 areas about the city were redesignated throughout the city, 17 of them

creating inconsistencies between general plan land uses and city zoning

districts.

The commission’s action amended the city’s zoning map to reconcile the

differences between the city’s general plan and its zoning map.

Vote:

7-0

WHAT HAPPENED:

Commissioners approved a permit allowing outdoor dining, alcohol sales

and live entertainment at the Arriba Baja Cantina in Downtown Huntington

Beach.

WHAT IT MEANS:

The cantina, a second-floor establishment at 126 Main St., Suite 201,

will be allowed to host a disc jockey or live band of up to three

performers for the entertainment of diners and guests.

The approval also permits outdoor dining and alcohol sales, so long as

employees are trained in alcohol handling, on an outdoor restaurant patio

measuring about seven feet in width. The patio also serves as a public

open space, restaurant owners said, which mandates that though it can

only be accessed by entering the restaurant, non-diners will be able to

sit out on it and enjoy the view it offers.

Vote:

6-0, with Commissioner Jan Shomaker abstaining.

WHAT HAPPENED:

Commissioners approved a conditional use permit for allowing live

entertainment and music at the Inka Grill at 301 Main St.

WHAT IT MEANS:

The commission OKd live entertainment such as Latin jazz and Peruvian

music, flamenco dance demonstrations and live bands, ranging from one to

four performers in size.

Despite protests from some residents, living two stories above the

ground-level restaurant, who complained the noise, smells and deliveries

from the restaurant were a nuisance, the commission gave its approval for

the entertainment because it met all conditions necessary.

City officials added that residents signed an agreement before moving

into the units at Plaza Almeria, where the homes and restaurant are

located, acknowledging the possibility of live entertainment on the

ground floor in the future.

Commissioners also approved a plan to build an awning over the outdoor

dining area of the Inka Grill to shelter it from winds and rain and

conceal outside music speakers and heaters.

Vote:

5-0, with Shomaker and Commission Chairwoman Connie Mandic abstaining.

NEXT MEETING

The Planning Commission will reconvene at 7 p.m. June 12 in City

Council chambers of City Hall at 2000 Main St.