COSTA MESA CITY COUNCIL PREVIEW

REZONING THE BLUFFS

The Westside bluffs, which provide scenic coastal views, could be

rezoned from industrial to residential, depending on direction from the

City Council tonight.

In September, the council discussed the option of rezoning the bluffs

for residential use, a suggestion that has been trumpeted by many

Westside residents. During that meeting, council members agreed to

revisit the issue once the 2000 General Plan was up for adoption.

Planning staff has started rezoning efforts but needs further

direction because of uncertainty about redevelopment on the Westside.

According to a staff report, the creation of the Westside Redevelopment

Action Committee makes it unclear if staff should pursue the change or

wait until the committee gives its recommendations.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

The council is expected to advise planning staff to begin preliminary

research on possible rezoning.

CAR CANOPY CHANGES

Council members tonight will review changes to the city’s ordinance

regarding automobile canopies at car dealerships, car washes and in

residential driveways.

According to a staff report, the Planning Commission previously

recommended adopting an ordinance that allowed for canopies at the

aforementioned businesses but not on residential property. The change was

proposed so the law would fall in line with the city’s sign ordinance,

which says banners should not be torn, dirty or faded.

Despite commissioners’ recommendations, code enforcement staff

recommended the use of tarps on residential property if they are being

used to shade cars in driveways leading to garages.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

The City Council is expected to approve a preliminary draft of the

proposed ordinance.

LIQUOR LICENSE

The council will decide whether the drive-thru L&M; Dairy store on

Santa Ana Avenue should be allowed a liquor license.

Owner Shailesh Patel applied for a liquor license for his store,

saying many of his customers have requested that he sell liquor. In

addition to his application, he included a letter and 211 customer

signatures supporting the approval of the license.

According to state law, Patel’s store is located in an area that has

been dubbed as over-concentrated with liquor licenses. The law requires

the city to declare it a “necessity” or a “public convenience” to issue

the license.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Council members are expected to deny the request for a liquor license.

Compiled by Lolita Harper

FYI

* WHO: Costa Mesa City Council meeting

* WHEN: 6:30 p.m. tonight

* WHERE: City Hall, 77 Fair Drive

* INFORMATION: (714) 754-5225