9/21/2021 - ITEM 9 - CONSIDERATION OF ZONE CHANGE NO. 21-01 AND CODE AMENDMENT NO. 21-01 (AUTO PLAZA OVERLAY ZONE)AGENDA ITEM NO. 9
AGENDA STAFF REPORT
City of West Covina I Office of the City Manager
DATE: September 21, 2021
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: David Carmany
City Manager
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF ZONE CHANGE NO.21-01 AND CODE AMENDMENT NO.21-
01 (AUTO PLAZA OVERLAY ZONE)
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council conduct the public hearing and then introduce, by title only, further
reading waived, the following Ordinances:
ORDINANCE NO. 2486 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING ZONE CHANGE NO. 21-01 CREATING THE
AUTO PLAZA OVERLAY ZONE
ORDINANCE NO. 2487 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA APPROVING CODE AMENDMENT NO.21-01, RELATED
TO THE AUTO PLAZA OVERLAY ZONE STANDARDS
1:1_1101Kf1;IQ 0011��
On July 20, 2021, the City Council considered a request made by the West Covina Auto Plaza Business
Improvement District (Auto Plaza BID) to create an Auto Plaza Overlay zone and adopted a Resolution of
Intention to initiate the zone change and code amendment.
Planning Commission Review
Code Amendment No. 21-01 (CA 21-01) and Zone Change No. 21-01 (ZC 21-01) was properly noticed for
and considered by the Planning Commission at its regular meeting on August 24, 2021. During the public
hearing, the applicant (represented by the Advisory Board of the Auto Plaza BID President, Vice President,
and Envision Motorsport legal counsel) expressed the benefit of establishing the Auto Plaza Overlay Zone and
adopting development standards that would restrict use to new car dealerships and address safety concerns.
Three members of the public spoke in opposition of the Code Amendment and Zone Change due to potential
negative impacts on a proposed used car dealership and car rental services conditional use permit application
submitted by Enterprise for one of the vacant sites within the Auto Plaza area.
The Planning Commission voted 3-2 to continue the item to the September 14, 2021 Planning Commission
meeting to allow the Auto Plaza property owners to privately discuss the issue amongst each other, to allow
staff to report a timeline of the History of the West Covina Auto Plaza BID and Code Amendment/Zone
Change.
On August 25, 2021, the Chair called for a Special Meeting of the Planning Commission to discuss CA 21-01
and ZC 21-01 on September 8, 2021.
At the September 8, 2021 Planning Commission Special Meeting, staff presented the Commission with
information on the Auto Plaza BID history, the Auto Plaza Overlay Zone request timeline, the economic
benefits of having maintain the West Covina Auto Plaza for new car dealerships only, survey of code standards
from other cities with Auto Malls, and a list for permitted uses currently allowed in the West Covina Auto
Plaza due to its Service -Commercial (S-C) zoning. The Planning Commission voted 4-1 to recommend City
Council adoption of the Auto Plaza Overlay Zone Code Amendment and Zone Change.
DISCUSSION:
Zone Change:
The West Covina Auto Plaza encompasses all Service -Commercial (S-C) zoned properties located south of the
Interstate 10 Freeway, east of Azusa Avenue, north of Norma Avenue, west of Baymar Street. The West
Covina Auto Plaza was initially created in the 1980's and had guidelines establishing the district for new
car dealerships. The Auto Plaza BID was established in 1993 pursuant to the Parking and Business
Improvement Law of 1989 to form the trade association amongst the new car dealerships to acquire the
readerboard sign and promote the Auto Plaza.
The S-C zoning designation for the properties within the Auto Plaza will not change. The proposed Zone
Change will create an overlay zone, which is a zoning tool available for municipalities to create additional
regulations superimposed on existing zoning in specified areas. If adopted, all properties located within
the overlay zone are required to comply with both the overlay zone and the base zoning district
standards/regulations.
Code Amendment:
The following is a summary of the proposed Ordinance as recommended by the Planning Commission:
Section 26-280 (Chapter 26, Article VI, Division 6: Motion Picture Filming)
• Cross-references Auto Plaza Overlay zone temporary use section which provides stricter filming
regulations.
Section 26-597 (Chapter 26, Article XI: Non -Residential Uses)
• Clarifies that the Section does not apply to the Auto Plaza Overlay Zone and provides a cross-reference
to the Auto Plaza Overlay Zone section so that individuals would be able to locate its permitted land -
uses.
Division 4 (Chapter 26, Article XIIn
• New division (Division 4. Auto Plaza Overlay) is created under Article XIII (Overlay Zones)
• Establishes the purpose of the Auto Plaza Overlay Zone
• Describes the location of the Auto Plaza Overlay Zone (Service -Commercial (S-C) zoned properties
located south of the Interstate 10 Freeway, north of Norma Avenue, west of Baymar Street, and east of
Azusa Avenue.
• Provides definitions of terms used
• Indicates sales of new vehicles as the only permitted use with a list of complementary accessory uses
• Limits temporary uses to filming for the purpose of advertising dealership on the site
• Requires light standards/poles to be lit at night
• Clarifies that provisions in Division 4 will prevail if conflicting standards exists
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY:
The proposed Zone Change will not impact or change the "Commercial" General Plan land -use designation for
the Auto Plaza area.
The proposed Zone Change and Code Amendment is consistent with the following General Plan Policies and
Actions:
• Policy 2.1 - Maintain and enhance the City's current tax base
o Action 2.1a - Continue to strengthen the City's retail base.
A large portion of the City's sales tax base comes from automobile/vehicle sales. The proposed Zone Change
and Code Amendment will re -enforce the intent of the Auto Plaza BID area and will ensure that the area will
be maintained for new vehicle sales.
• Policy 2.4 Build on and grow West Covina's regional appeal
The proposed Zone Change and Code Amendment will ensure the maintenance of the Auto Plaza for new
vehicle sales. Therefore, West Covina residents and residents of nearby communities would note its presence
and would likely consider visiting the area when shopping for new vehicles.
• Action 2.9b Brand and market West Covina
The presence and maintenance of an Auto Plaza area within the City will improve West Covina's branding.
West Covina will be a destination for individuals and/or businesses shopping for new vehicles.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney's Office has reviewed the proposed ordinances and approved them as to form.
OPTIONS:
The City Council has the following options:
1. Approve and adopt the proposed ordinances per the Planning Commission's recommendation; or
2. Provide alternative direction
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
The code amendment and zone change are exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines in that it consists of
development standards and the creation of an overlay zone that includes additional limitations on uses and
standards that are currently allowed within the City, which does not have the potential for causing a significant
effect on the environment.
Prepared by: Jo -Anne Burns, Planning Manager
Attachments
Attachment No. 1 - Ordinance No. 2486
Attachment No. 2 - Ordinance No. 2487
Attachment No. 3 - Auto Plaza Overlay Request Letter
Attachment No. 4 - August 24, 2021 Planning Commission Staff Report
Planning Commission Resolution Zone Change No. 21-01
Attachment No. 6 - Planning Commission Resolution Code Amendment No 21-01
CITY Achieve Fiscal Sustainability and Financial Stability
COUNCIL Enhance the City Image and Effectiveness
GOALS & Engage in Proactive Economic Development
OBJECTIVES:
ATTACHMENT NO.1
ORDINANCE NO. 2486
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA., ADOPTING
ZONE CHANGE NO. 21-01 AND CREATING THE
AUTO PLAZA OVERLAY ZONE
WHEREAS, on July 20, 2021, the City Council considered a request made by the
Advisory Board of the West Covina Auto Plaza Business Association to create an Auto Plaza
Overlay zone; and
WHEREAS, on July 20, 2021, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2021-85 to
formally initiate Zone Change No. 21-01 to create an Auto Plaza Overlay Zone; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission, upon giving the required notice, on August
24, 2021 and September 8, 2021, conducted duly advertised public hearings to consider the
zone change and gave all persons interested therein an opportunity to be heard, and voted to
recommend the City CouncTs approval of the zone change; and
WHEREAS, the City Council upon giving the required notice, did on September 21,
2021, conduct a duly noticed public hearing to consider the zone change application creating
the Auto Plaza Overlay zone encompassing all Service -Commercial (S-C) zoned properties
located south of the Interstate 10 Freeway, east of Azusa Avenue, north of Norma Avenue,
and west of Baymar Street; and
WHEREAS, studies and investigations made by the City Council and on its behalf
reveal the following:
1. The properties located within the West Covina Auto Plaza are zoned as
"Service -Commercial" (S-C). The existing base zoning will not change.
2. Approval of the zone change will create the Auto Plaza Overlay Zone.
3. The Auto Plaza Overlay Zone is necessary to maintain the West Covina Auto
Plaza for the sales of new vehicles.
4. Pursuant to requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
of 1970, as amended, the project General Exemption 15061(b)(3) which
provides that CEQA only applies to activity that results in direct or
reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment and for
activity considered to be a project, respectively. The zone change would not
result in physical change in the environment. The proposal does not involve
any construction or additions to any existing structures.
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
COVINA, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Based on the evidence presented, Zone Change No. 21-01 is found
to be consistent with the City's General Plan (as amended) and the land uses permitted within
said zone classification.
SECTION 2. The City Council does hereby approve Zone Change No. 21-01,
changing the zoning designation for subject property as set forth on Exhibit A, and amending
the Zoning Map of the City of West Covina.
SECTION 3. The City Clerk shall certify passage of this ordinance and shall cause
the same to be published as required by law.
SECTION 4. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days from
and after the date of its passage.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this day of 2021.
Thomas P. Duarte
City Attorney
Letty Lopez-Viado
Mayor
ATTEST
Lisa Sherrick
Assistant City Clerk
I, LISA SHERRICK, Assistant City Clerk of the City of West Covina, California, do
hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. 2486 was introduced at a regular meeting of
the City Council held on the 21st day of September 2021, and adopted at a regular meeting
of the City Council held on the day of , 2021, by the following vote of the
City Council:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Lisa Sherrick
Assistant City Clerk
' �� �
►r
now
Indicates the area the area zoned as "Service -Commercial" (S-C) included in the Auto
Plaza Overlay zone.
1:11W1►:�- .I►I ► ► � a
ORDINANCE NO. 2487
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA APPROVING CODE
AMENDMENT NO. 21-01, RELATED TO THE AUTO
PLAZA OVERLAY ZONE STANDARDS
WHEREAS, on July 20, 2021, the City Council City Council considered a request made by
the Advisory Board of the West Covina Auto Plaza Business Association to create an Auto Plaza
Overlay zone and initiated a code amendment related to the Auto Plaza Overlay Zone standards; and
WHEREAS, on August 24, 2021 and September 8, 2021, the Planning Commission
conducted duly noticed public hearings as prescribed by law regarding proposed Code Amendment
No. 21-01 and approved Planning Commission Resolution No.21-6092, recommending that the City
Council approve Code Amendment No. 21-01; and
WHEREAS, on September 21, 2021, the City Council conducted a duly noticed public
hearing as prescribed by law regarding this ordinance approving Code Amendment No. 21-01; and
WHEREAS, based on review of the State CEQA Guidelines, the City Council finds and
determines that the ordinance is statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) under Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, which provides that CEQA only
applies to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment, and
the zone change would not result in physical change in the environment and does not involve any
construction or additions to any existing structures; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has duly considered all information presented to it,
including written staff reports and any testimony provided at the public hearing, with all testimony
received being made a part of the public record.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA,
CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Subsection (a) of Section 26-280 of Division 6 of Article VI of Chapter 26
of the West Covina Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
(a) Purpose and applicability. This division establishes special regulations for filming within
the city. Property in any zone, unless otherwise specified in filming guidelines pursuant to
Section 26-280 d or provisions listed in Section 26-738(c)l., may be
used as a location for filming, including without limitation filming of motion pictures,
videotaping, or use of similar technology subject to approval of a film permit or major
production permit pursuant to this article.
SECTION 2. Section 26-597 of Article XI of Chapter 26 of the West Covina Munic ipa 1
Code is hereby amended to read as follows with the accompanying land -use matrix/chart
remaining unchanged:
Sec. 26-597. -Land uses (except industrial uses, or -manufacturing uses, or uses within the
Auto Plaza Overlay Zone)
No building or improvement or portion thereof shall be erected, constructed, converted,
established, ahered or enlarged, nor shall any lot or premises be used except for one (1) or more
of the following purposes. All such uses shall be within an enclosed budding unless specifically
stated otherwise.
Uses specifically noted as "(Outdoor Display)" are allowed providing all functions other than
display are at all times conducted within an enclosed budding.
This section shall not apply to the Auto Plaza Overlay Zone located within the S-C zone.
Pernvtted uses within the Auto Plaza Overlay Zone are set forth in Section 26-738.
* Indicates stated use is prohibited in the Civic Center Overlay Zone.
x Indicates stated use is allowed by right.
c Indicates stated use is allowed by conditional use permit.
p Indicates stated use is allowed subject to administrative review and approval by the planning
director.
a Indicates stated use is allowed by administrative use permit.
b Indicates stated use is allowed by adult oriented business permit.
SECTION 3. Division 4 of Article XIII of Chapter 26 of the West Covina Municipal Code
is hereby amended to read as follows:
Chapter 26 (Zoning), Article XIII (Overlay Zones)
DIVISION 4. AUTO PLAZA OVERLAY
accomplish the City's goal of maintaining an established area designed for new vehicle franchise
dealerships in order to make its services more accessible to the public, and to promote economic
development within the City,
properties located south of the Interstate 10 Freeway, north of Norma Avenue, west of Baymar
Street, and east of Azusa Avenue.
Sec. 26-737 DeFmitions.
(a) "Automaker" shall mean a company that manufactures cars.
(b) "Dealership" shall mean the same as`hew vehicle franchise dealership"
(c) "New vehicle franchise dealership" shall mean a dealership selling new
vehicles that has obtained yemrission and authority to sell vehicles as a direct
agent of a major automaker.
Sec. 26-738 Permitted Uses
Permitted uses on anv lot or premises within the Auto Plaza. Overlav Zone shall be limited
to the following:
(a) The sales of new vehicles operated by a new vehicle franchise dealership or directly
by the automaker
1. Sales of new vehicles with outdoor display is allowed provided that all
adrainistrative functions are at all times conducted within an enclosed
building.
(b) Accessory uses
1. The sales of used vehicles operated by the same franchise dealership or
automaker operating the primary use.
a.Used vehicle inventory on the site shall be lirnited to no more than 30
percent of the total new vehicle inventory on the same site.
b.0utdoor display of used vehicles is allowed provided that all
administrative functions are at all tunes conducted within an enclosed
bud• ding.
2. Vehicle service shop for maintenance and repair
3. Car wash
a.The car wash shall only be used to clean the dealership's vehicle
inventory and/or to clean vehicles receiving maintenance or repair
services.
b.The car wash shall not be made available for public use.
4. Electric vehicle charging station
5. Vehicle rental services only to be made available to customers utilizing services
offered by the dealership
(c) Temporary uses
1. Filming
a.Filnnine or flrnmakine on anv lot or premises shall be ]united to
advertisement purposes promoting the dealership on the site.
b.Filrning shall only be allowed on a lot or property occupied with a new
vehicle dealership with an active business license.
c.Fnhning shall comply with the provisions of Division 6 (Motion Picture
Filming) ofArticle VI (Procedures, Hearings, Notices, Fees, and Cases)
of Chapter 26 (Zoning).
Sec. 26-739 Security Lighting Requirement
lot/vehicle display light standards/poles shall automatically be switched to dinurr lighting
between 9,00 p.m and sunrise.
Sec. 26-740 Development Standards
X (Nonresidential Uses) of Chapter 26 (Zoning). The provisions set forth in this Division (Division
4 Auto Plaza Overlay) shall prevail if any conflicting standards exist.
SECTION 4. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage of this ordinance and shall cause
the same to be published as required by law.
SECTION 5. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days from and
after the date of its passage.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this day of , 2021.
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Thomas P. Duarte
City Attorney
Letty Lopez-Viado
Mayor
ATTEST
Lisa Sherrick
Assistant City Clerk
I, LISA SHERRICK, Assistant City Clerk of the City of West Covina, California, do hereby
certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. 2487 was introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council
held on the 21 st day of September, 2021, and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held on
the day of , 2021, by the following vote of the City Council:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAINED:
Lisa Sherrick
Assistant City Clerk
ATTACHMENT NO.3
QM ENV®
Envision Motors
2010 E Garvey Ave. S
West Covina, CA 91791
(626)859-1200
Attn: City Council
City of West Covina
Planning Division, Second Floor, Room 208
1444 West Garvey Avenue South
West Covina, CA 91790
Re: Initiation of Overlay Zone Relating to West Covina Auto Plaza
Dear Ms. Burns:
On behalf of the Advisory Board of the West Covina Auto Plaza Business Association, we are hereby
submitting a request for the creation of an overlay zone for the benefit of the West Covina Auto Plaza
Business Association. We request the overlay zone include the following items:
1. Only new car franchises are permitted to operate in the West Covina Auto Plaza
2. All properties must be brightly lit from sundown until at least 9 pm each night, with dimmer lights
to be used between 9 pm and sunrise.
3. The West Covina Auto Plaza Business Association shall be permitted to sell advertising space and
time on the West Covina Auto Plaza electronic leaderboard, upon the terms and conditions agreed
to by the West Covina Auto Plaza Business Association.
4. No professional filming or filmmaking is permitted in the West Covina Auto Plaza, except for
filming conducted by a dealership for the purposes of advertising said dealership.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
to contact me at (925) 596-1222.
Reg/
Patrick�lahmadie
General Counsel
Envision Motors
If you have any questions, please feel free
ATTACHMENT NO.4
AGENDA
ITEM NO.3.
DATE: August 24, 2021
PLANNING DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT
ZONE CHANGE NO.21-01
CODE AMENDMENT NO.21-01
GENERAL EXEMPTION
REQUEST: The proposed code amendment consists of potential amendments to
Chapter 26 (Zoning), Article MR (Overlay Zone), Section 26-597, and Section 26-280
of the West Covina Municipal Code pertaining to the creation of an Auto Plaza
Overlay Zone (Service -Commercial (S-C) zoned properties located south of the
Interstate 10 Freeway, east of Azusa Avenue, north of Norma Avenue, west of
Baymar Street) and applicable development standards.
BACKGROUND
The Planning Division received correspondence written to the attention of the City Council
from Envision Motorsport on behalf of the Advisory Board of the West Covina Auto Plaza
Business Improvement District (Auto Plaza BID) (Attachment No. 3), requesting the City
amend the West Covina Municipal Code and zoning designation for the Auto Plaza BID
area to create an overlay zone that would accomplish the fallowing:
• Allow only new car franchises to operate in the West Covina Auto Plaza
• Require all properties to be brightly lit from sundown until 9:00 pm, and dim
lighting to be used from 9.00 pm to sunrise
• Prohibit professional filming/film-making except for filming conducted by a
dealership for the advertising purpose of the said dealership
• Allow the West Covina Auto Plaza BID to sell off -site digital readerboard
advertising in order to use the proceeds to advertise the West Covina Auto Plaza
businesses through other means (ie. radio, digital readerboards located in other
cities, social media, etc).
At the July 20, 2021 City Council Meeting, the City Council initiated Code Amendment
No. 21-01 and Zone Change No. 21-01, and directed staff to draft an Ordinance addressing
three of the four requested 'hems; the City Council was not in support of allowing off -site
advertisement within the City. The City Council voted to only allow the advertising of off -
site new car dealerships in the City of West Covina.
DISCUSSION
Zone Change
The West Covina Auto Plaza BID encompasses all Service -Commercial (S-C) zoned
properties located south of the Interstate 10 Freeway, east of Azusa Avenue, north of
Norma Avenue, west of Baymar Street. Auto Plaza BID was initially created by the former
Redevelopment Agency with the intention of establishing a specific area within the City for
the sales of new vehicles for economic development purposes.
The S-C zoning designation for the properties within the Auto Plaza BID will not change.
The proposed Zone Change will create an overlay zone, which is a zoning tool available for
municipalities to create additional regulations superimposed on existing zoning in specified
areas. If adopted, all properties located within the overlay zone are required to comply with
both the overlay zone and the base zoning district standards/regulations.
Code Amendment
The draft Ordinance provides the following changes to the West Covina Municipal Code:
Section 26-280 (Chapter 26, Article VI, Division 6: Motion Picture Filming)
• Cross-references Auto Plaza Overlay zone temporary use section which provides
stricter filming regulations.
Section 26-597 (Chapter 26, Article XI: Non -Residential Uses)
• Clarifies that the Section does not apply to the Auto Plaza Overlay Zone and
provides a cross-reference to the Auto Plaza Overlay Zone section so that
individuals would be able to locate its permitted land -uses.
Division 4 (Chapter 26, Article XIII)
• New division (Division 4. Auto Plaza Overlay) is created under Article XIII
(Overlay Zones)
• Establishes the purpose of the Auto Plaza Overlay Zone
• Describes the location of the Auto Plaza Overlay Zone (Service -Commercial (S-C)
zoned properties located south of the Interstate 10 Freeway, north of Norma
Avenue, west of Baymar Street, and east of Azusa Avenue.
• Provides definitions of terms used
• Indicates sales of new vehicles as the only permitted use with a list of
complementary accessory uses
• Limits temporary uses to filming for the purpose of advertising dealership on the
site
• Requires light standards/poles to be lit at night
• Clarifies that provisions in Division 4 will prevail if conflicting standards exists
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY
The proposed Zone Change will not impact or change the "Commercial" General Plan
land -use designation for the West Covina Auto Plaza BID area.
The proposed Zone Change and Code Amendment is consistent with the following General
Plan Policies and Actions:
• Policy 2.1 - Maintain and enhance the City's current tax base
o Action 2.1a - Continue to strengthen the City's retail base.
A large portion of the City's sales tax base comes from automobilefvehicle sales. The
proposed Zone Change and Code Amendment will re -enforce the intent of the Auto
Plaza BID area and will ensure that the area will be maintained for new vehicle
sales.
• Policy 2.4 Build on and grow WestCovina's regional appeal
The proposed Zone Change and Code Amendment will ensure the maintenance ofthe
Auto Plaza for new vehicle sales. Therefore, West Covina residents and residents of
nearby communities would note its presence and would likely consider visiting the
area when shopping for new vehicles.
• Action 2.9b Brand and market West Covina
The presence and maintenance of an Auto Plaza area within the City will improve
West Covina's branding. West Covina will be a destination for individuals and/or
businesses shopping for new vehicles.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION
The code amendment and zone change are
exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines in that it consists of development
standards and the creation of an overlay zone that includes additional limitations on uses
and standards that are currently allowed within the City, which
does not have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt Resolutions Nos. 21-6091 and 21-
6092, recommending that the City Council approve Zone Change No. 21-01 and Code
Amendment No. 21-01.
Submitted by: Jo -Anne Bums, Planning Manager
Attachments
Attachment No. 1 - Zone Change Resolution
Attachment No.2 - Code Amendment Resolution
Attachment No. 3 - Letter from Envision on Behalf of Auto Plaza BID
ATTACHMENT NO. 5
PLANNING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION NO.21-6091
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING TO
THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF ZONE CHANGE NO. 21-01
CREATING THE AUTO PLAZA OVERLAY ZONE
WHEREAS, on the 20th day of July 2021, the City Council considered a request
made by the Advisory Board of the West Covina Auto Plaza Business Association to create
an Auto Plaza Overlay zone; and
WHEREAS, the City Council did, on the 20s' day of July 2021, adopt a Resolution
to formally initiate Zone Change No. 21-01 to create an Auto Plaza Overlay Zone; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission, upon giving the required notice, did on
August 24, 2021 and September 8, 2021, conduct a duly advertised public hearing to consider
the zone change; and
WHEREAS, the studies and investigations made by the Planning Commission and
in its behalf reveal the following facts:
The properties located within the West Covina Auto Plaza are zoned as "Service -
Commercial" (S-C). The existing base zoning will not change.
2. Approval of the zone change will create the Auto Plaza Overlay Zone.
3. The Auto Plaza Overlay Zone is necessary to maintain the West Covina Auto Plaza
for the sales of new vehicles.
WHEREAS, after conducting the public hearing and considering all oral and
written evidence, the Planning Commission wishes to recommend that the City Council
approve the zone change creating the Auto Plaza Overlay zone encompassing all Service -
Commercial (S-C) zoned properties located south of the Interstate 10 Freeway, east of
Azusa Avenue, north of Norma Avenue, and west of Baymar Street.
NOW THEREFORE, the Planning Commission of the City of West Covina does
hereby resolve as follows:
SECTION 1: Based on evidence presented, Zone Change No. 21-01 is hereby found to be
consistent with the City General Plan and implementation thereof.
SECTION 2: The Planning Commission recommends the City Council approve Zone
Change No. 21-01, changing the zoning designation for subject property as set forth on
Exhibit A, and amending the Zoning Map of the City of West Covina.
SECTION 3: Pursuant to requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) of 1970, as amended, the project General Exemption 15061(b)(3) which provides
that CEQA only applies to activity that results in direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect
physical change in the environment and for activity considered to be a project,
respectively. The zone change would not result in physical change in the environment. The
proposal does not involve any construction or additions to any existing structures.
SECTION NO. 4: The Secretary is instructed to forward a copy of this Resolution to the
City Council for their attention in the manner as prescribed by law and this Resolution shall
go into force and effect upon its adoption.
I HEREBY CERTIFY, that the foregoing Resolution was adopted by the Planning
Commission of the City of West Covina, at a regular meeting held on the 8' day of
September, 2021, by the following vote.
AYES: Gutierrez, Lewis, Becerra, Heng
NOES: Williams
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
DATE: September 24, 2021
Yraan�ning Commission
Paulin Morales, Secretary
Planning Commission
EXHIBIT A
Indicates the area the area zoned as "Service -Commercial" (S-C) included in the Auto
Plaza Overlay zone.
a'lI I alkti akT[iwl
PLANNING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION NO. 21-6092
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING TO THE CITY
COUNCIL APPROVAL OF CODE AMENDMENT NO. 21-01, CODE
AMENDMENT RELATED TO THE AUTO PLAZA OVERLAY ZONE
STANDARDS
WHEREAS, on the 20th day of July 2021, the City Council considered a request made by
the Advisory Board of the West Covina Auto Plaza Business Association to create an Auto Plaza
Overlay zone and initiated a code amendment related to the Auto Plaza Overlay Zone standards;
and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission, upon giving the required notice, did on August 24,
2021 and September 8, 2021, conduct a duly advertised public hearing as prescribed by law. At the
conclusion of the public hearing and after considering all oral and written evidence, the Planning
Commission approved Planning Commission Resolution No. 21-6092, recommending that the City
Council approve Code Amendment No. 21-01; and
WHEREAS, studies and investigations made by this Commission and on its behalf reveal the
following facts:
The Auto Plaza Business Improvement District was created by the former West Covina
Redevelopment Agency for the purpose of establishing a specific within the City for the
sales of new vehicles to assist the City in economic development.
2. It is necessary to amend the municipal code to maintain the West Covina Auto Plaza for
the sales of new vehicles.
The proposed action is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA), pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, in that the
proposed action consists of a code amendment, which does not have the potential for
causing a significant effect on the environment. The zone change would not result in
physical change in the environment. The proposal does not involve any construction or
additions to any existing structures.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Planning Commission of the City of West
Covina as follows:
SECTION NO. 1: The above recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein as if set forth
herein in full.
SECTION NO.2: Based on the evidence presented and the findings set forth, Code Amendment
No. 21-01 is hereby found to be consistent with the West Covina General Plan and the implementation
thereof, and that the public necessity, convenience, general welfare, and good zoning practices require
Code Amendment No. 21-01.
SECTION NO. 3: Based on the evidence presented and the findings set forth, the Planning
Commission of the City of West Covina hereby recommends to the City Council of the City of
West Covina that it approves Code Amendment No. 21-01 to amend Chapter 26 (Zoning) of the
West Covina Municipal Code as shown on Exhibit "A."
SECTION NO. 4: The Secretary is instructed to forward a copy of this Resolution to the City
Council for their attention in the manner as prescribed by law and this Resolution shall go into force
and effect upon its adoption.
I HEREBY CERTIFY, that the foregoing Resolution was adopted by the Planning
Commission of the City of West Covina, at a regular meeting held on the 81h day of September,
2021, by the following vote.
AYES: Gutierrez, Lewis, Heng, Becerra
NOES: Williams
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
DATE: September 8, 2021
Planning Commission
EXHIBIT A
ORDINANCE NO. #M
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
COVINA, CALIFORNIA APPROVING CODE AMENDMENT NO. 21-01,
RELATED TO THE AUTO PLAZA OVERLAY ZONE STANDARDS
WHEREAS, on July 20, 2021, the City Council City Council considered a request made by
the Advisory Board of the West Covina Auto Plaza Business Association to create an Auto Plaza
Overlay zone and initiated a code amendment related to the Auto Plaza Overlay Zone standards; and
WHEREAS, on August 24, 2021 and September 8, 2021, the Planning Commission
conducted a duly noticed public hearing as prescribed by law regarding proposed Code Amendment
No. 21-01 and approved Planning Commission Resolution No. 21-6092, recommending that the City
Council approve Code Amendment No. 21-01; and
WHEREAS, on , 2021, the City Council conducted a duly noticed public hearing as
prescribed by law regarding this ordinance approving Code Amendment No. 21-01; and
WHEREAS, based on review of the State CEQA Guidelines, the City Council finds and
determines that the ordinance is statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) under Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, which provides that CEQA only
applies to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment, and
the zone change would not result in physical change in the environment and does not involve any
construction or additions to any existing structures; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has duly considered all information presented to it,
including written staff reports and any testimony provided at the public hearing, with all testimony
received being made a part of the public record.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA,
CALIFORNIA, DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1: Section 26-597 of Chapter 26, Article XI of the West Covina Municipal
Code is hereby amended to read as follows with the accompanying land -use matrix/chart
remaining unchanged:
(a) Purpose and applicability. This division establishes special regulations for filming within
the city. Property in any zone, unless otherwise specified in filming guidelines pursuant to
Section 26-280(d) or provisions listed in Section 26-738(c)1., may be
used as a location for filming, including without limitation filming of motion pictures,
videotaping, or use of similar technology subject to approval of a film permit or major
production permit pursuant to this article.
SECTION 2: Subsection (a) of Section 26-280 of Chapter 26, Article VI, Division 6 of
the West Covina Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
Sec. 26-597. -Land uses (except industrial uses, or -manufacturing uses, or uses Ncithin the
Auto Plaza Overlay Zone)
No building or improvement or portion thereof shall be erected, constructed, converted,
established, altered or enlarged, nor shall any lot or premises be used except for one (1) or
more of the following purposes. All such uses shall be within an enclosed building unless
specifically stated otherwise.
Uses specifically noted as "(Outdoor Display)" are allowed providing all functions other than
display are at all times conducted within an enclosed building.
This section shall not apply to the Auto Plaza Overlay Zone located within the S-C zone.
Permitted uses within the Auto Plaza Overlay Zone are set forth in Section 26-738.
* Indicates stated use is prohibited in the Civic Center Overlay Zone.
x Indicates stated use is allowed by right.
c Indicates stated use is allowed by conditional use permit.
p Indicates stated use is allowed subject to administrative review and approval by the planning
director.
a Indicates stated use is allowed by administrative use permit.
b Indicates stated use is allowed by adult oriented business permit.
SECTION 3: Chapter 26, Article XIII, Division 4 of the West Covina Municipal Code is
hereby amended to read as follows:
Chanter 26 (Zoning), Article XIII (Overlay Zones)
DIVISION 4. AUTO PLAZA OVERLAY
Sec. 26-735 Purpose.
The purpose of the Auto Plaza Overlay Zone is to preserve the City's Auto Plaza area to
accomplish the City's goal of maintaining an established area designed for new vehicle franchise
dealerships in order to make its services more accessible to the public, and to promote economic
development within the City.
Sec. 26-736 Location.
The Auto Plaza Overlay Zone shall consist of Service -Commercial (S-C) zoned
properties located south of the Interstate 10 Freeway, north of Norma Avenue, west of Baymar
Street, and east of Azusa Avenue.
Sec. 26-737 Definitions.
For the puroose of this chapter, the following defmitions shall apply:
(a) "Automaker" shall mean a company that manufactures cars.
(b) "Dealership" shall mean the same as "new vehicle franchise dealership'
(c) "New vehicle franchise dealership' shall mean a dealership selling new
vehicles that has obtained permission and authority to sell vehicles as a direct
agent of a maior automaker.
Sec. 26-738 Permitted Uses
Permitted uses on any lot or premises within the Auto Plaza Overlay Zone shall be limited
to the following:
(a) The sales of new vehicles operated by a new vehicle franchise dealership or directly
by the automaker
1. Sales of new vehicles with outdoor display is allowed provided that all
administrative functions are at all times conducted within an enclosed
building.
(b) Accessory uses
1. The sales of used vehicles operated by the same franchise dealership or
automaker operating the primary use.
a.Used vehicle inventory on the site shall be limited to no more than 30
percent of the total new vehicle inventory on the same site.
b.Outdoor display of used vehicles is allowed provided that all
administrative functions are at all times conducted within an enclosed
building.
2. Vehicle service shop for maintenance and repair
3. Car wash
a.The car wash shall only be used to clean the dealership's vehicle
inventory and/or to clean vehicles receiving maintenance or repair
services.
b.The car wash shall not be made available for public use.
4. Electric vehicle charging station
5. Vehicle rental services only to be made available to customers utilizing services
offered by the dealership
(c) Temporary uses
Filming
a.Filming or filmmaking on any lot or premises shall be limited to
advertisement purposes promoting the dealership on the site.
b.Filming shall only be allowed on a lot or property occupied with a new
vehicle dealership with an active business license.
c. Filming shall comply with the provisions of Division 6 (Motion Picture
Filming) of Article VI (Procedures Hearings. Notices, Fees, and Cases)
of Chapter 26 (Zoning).
Sec. 26-739 Security Lighting Requirement
All properties located within the Auto Plaza Overlay Zone shall have all its parking
lot/vehicle display light standards/poles brightly lit from sunset until 9:00 p.m. Parking
lot/vehicle display light standards/poles shall automatically be switched to dimmer lighting
between 9:00 p.m. and sunrise.
Sec. 26-740 Development Standards
Any proposed development and/or construction within the Auto Plaza Overlay Zone shall
comply with the development standards set forth in Division 3 (Development Standards) of Article
X (Nonresidential Uses) of Chapter 26 (Zoning). The provisions set forth in this Division (Division
4 Auto Plaza Overlay) shall prevail if any conflicting standards exist.
SECTION 4: The City Clerk shall certify to the passage of this ordinance and shall cause
the same to be published as required by law.
SECTION 5: This ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days from and
after the date of its passage.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this __ day of , 2021.
APPROVED AS TO FORM
Thomas P. Duarte
City Attorney
Letty Lopez-Viado
Mayor
ATTEST
Lisa Sherrick
Assistant City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES )
CITY OF WEST COVINA )
I, Lisa Sherrick, Assistant City Clerk of the City of West Covina, do hereby certify the
foregoing Ordinance, being Ordinance No. , was introduced at the , 2021 regular Council
meeting and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council on , 2021, by the following roll
call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAINED:
Lisa Sherrick
Assistant City Clerk