HomeMy WebLinkAbout46 - PH-3 - Attachment 4 - 8/4/2015ATTACHMENT 4
PLANNING COMM/SS/ON
AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: JUNE 8, 2015
ITEM NUMBER: PH -4
SUBJECT: PLANNING APPLICATION PA -14-41: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR OPERATION OF
AN OUTDOOR FARMERS MARKET AT ST. JOHN THE DIVINE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
183 E. BAY STREET
DATE: MAY 29, 2015
FROM: PLANNING DIVISION/DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
PRESENTATION BY: ANTONIO GARDEA, SENIOR PLANNER
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: ANTONIO GARDEA (714) 754-5692
antonio.gardea@costamesaca.gov
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for the operation of a farmers market at an existing church
(St. John the Divine Episcopal Church) from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday mornings.
The parking lot area would be reconfigured and enlarged into the front lawn area, which is
approximately 17,000 square feet, to add 34 more parking spaces. On farmers market
days, 15 vendor stalls would be located in the new parking area. The existing mature trees
and landscaping would be removed and replaced.
APPLICANT
The applicant is the Reverend Philip DeVaul, Rector, representing the Bishop of the
Episcopal Church of Los Angeles for the Saint John the Divine Episcopal Church located at
183 E. Bay Street.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Planning Commission resolution approving the project, subject to conditions.
-2s--
PLANNING APPLICATION SUMMARY
Location 183 E. Bay Street Application: PA -14-41
(St. John the Divine E isco al Church)
Request: A Conditional Use Permit for the operation of a farmers market at an existing church from
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday mornings. The parking lot area would be reconfigured
and enlarged into the front lawn area, which is approximately 17,000 square feet, to add
34 more parking spaces. The existing mature trees and landscaping would be removed
and replaced. On farmers market days, 15 vendor stalls would be located in the new
parkina area.
SUBJECT PROPERTY:
Zone: PDR HD
. _...... -----------.....-.. _...
General Plan: High Density Residential
Lot Dimensions: Rectangular
Lot Area: 48,736 SF
Existing Development: Church
DEVELOPMENT STANDARD COMPARISON
Development Standard
SURROUNDING PROPERTY:
North: R1 — Single Family Residential
South: PDR HD — St. John Manor Senior Housing
East: R1 — Single Family Residential
West: R2 MD — Multi-Familv Residential
Required/Allowed
Pr000sedlProvided
I Setback Variance (R-79-15) from E. Bay Street granted 7/19/1982.
2 Setback Variance (ZE-84-112) from Laurie Lane granted 6/15/1984
3 Required Parking for Sunday Church services.
4 Required Parking for 15 vendors during farmers market events,
__ 2q
Maximum Density
(dwelling units per acre
35
18
_
Maximum Site Coverage
N/A
N/A
Perimeter Open Space per
Section 13-61 Perimeter Open
Space Criteria.
Open Space
Setbacks
Front (Orange Avenue)
Side (Bay Street
20 feet abutting all public rights-
of -way, excluding alleys.
42% of total site area, inclusive
of Perimeter Open Space
20 FT
20 FT
20 FT / 5 FT
42%
20 FT
5 FT'
Rear Laurie Lane
20 FT
0 FT2
Parkin
Church
1 space / 35 SF assembly area
553
80
Farmers Market
2 / Vendor
304
76
Signs
Total
45 SF
Freestanding_
_
Max. Area
30 SF
TBD
Max. Height
7 FT.
TBD
I Setback Variance (R-79-15) from E. Bay Street granted 7/19/1982.
2 Setback Variance (ZE-84-112) from Laurie Lane granted 6/15/1984
3 Required Parking for Sunday Church services.
4 Required Parking for 15 vendors during farmers market events,
__ 2q
BACKGROUND
Project Site/ Environs
The property is located at the southwest corner of Orange Avenue and East Bay Street. The
property also abuts Laurie Lane. The site is zoned PDR -HD (Planned Development
Residential - High Density) and is designated as High Density Residential in the General Plan
Land Use Element. The St. John's Manor senior housing complex that consists of 36 one
bedroom units is immediately to the south. The properties to the north and east are zoned
R1 and developed with single-family residences. The properties across Laurie Lane are
zoned as R2 -MD and developed with multiple -family residences.
The property is approximately 1.1 acres (48,736 SF) in size and is presently developed with
a church comprised of the chapel and ancillary facilities including the guild room with a
kitchen, classrooms, offices, and the surface parking lot. A total of 46 parking spaces are
provided. The Church has a large lawn (approx. 16,500 SF) that faces Orange Avenue. The
church and the senior housing complex are currently connected via a pedestrian walkway
and driveway between the parking lots. A minimum of 20 parking spaces are required for the
housing complex. An emergency preparedness storage container is kept on the premises at
the request of the City's Fire Department.
Previous Entitlements
Zoning Exception Permit ZE-78-188
On October 14, 1985, a conditional use permit was reactivated for operation of a daycare
center at the existing church. The daycare center was limited to a maximum of 50 children.
The hours of operation were from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays. The daycare center
had originally been established in 1972. The daycare center use is no longer in operation,
but the Church would like to retain the use permit at this time.
Variance #1341 Zoning Exception Permit ZE-82-88
The City Council approved Variance Application #134 to allow construction of the church
in 1955. At the time, a 50 foot setback from the centerline of Orange Avenue was required
for the parking area. The dedication of a 30 foot right of way from the center line of the
street results in a 20 foot front yard setback from Orange Avenue. A 40 foot setback was
required from the north property line in anticipation of the Bay Street dedicated.
Future Long -Term Church Expansion
St. John the Divine Episcopal Church is planning two improvement phases. The first phase
is a parking lot expansion and establishment of the farmers market. The second phase
involves building improvements. The parking lot expansion on its own would not entail
discretionary review but is subject to the City's development standards and code
requirements.
Parking Lot Improvements
The applicant intends to expand the existing parking lot into the front lawn area. The
parking lot would be reconfigured to add 34 more spaces for an overall total of 80 parking
spaces. Six existing trees on the front lawn would be removed. As part of the
improvements, the freestanding wood sign would also be removed and replaced. The
replacement sign will be submitted under a separate permit and is subject to a specific
sign provisions in residential zones. The vehicular connection to the St. John's Manor
parking lot would be closed but pedestrian access would remain.
The parking lot improvements are subject to the City Zoning requirements and
development standards. The PDR -HD zone requires a 20 -foot minimum, perimeter
landscaped setback. As mentioned above, a variance was granted to the church allowing
a five-foot setback along Bay Street; the proposal is consistent with the approved setback
along that frontage. The emergency preparedness bin would be relocated further to the
east and along the south side of the expanded parking area. The container would be
screened from view from Orange Avenue by landscaping but would be directly accessible
from the parking lot. A new trash enclosure would be constructed near the southeast
corner of the property and would also be accessible from the expanded parking lot area.
The parking lot expansion will need to meet the minimum landscape requirements; six
trees per each parking space are required, with at least half of the trees required to be
evergreen. Because of the number of new parking spaces and impervious surface area, a
water quality management plan has been submitted for review and approval by the Public
Services Department.
ANALYSIS
Farmers Market
The applicant proposes to establish an outdoor farmers market in conjunction with the
parking lot expansion. The farmers market would take place on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m.
to 3:00 p.m. on a weekly basis. A maximum of 15 vendors would be accommodated on
the proposed parking lot expansion area. According to the applicant, the farmers market
would support local, independent, and small-scale farmers and artisans selling high quality
fruits, vegetables and other products. The Episcopal Church is looking to bring the
community and farmers together to promote the value of locally sourced products.
Although proceeds will support Costa Mesa based charitable organizations, social
services, in terms of providing food or social services for the homeless, will not be provided
at the site as part of the farmers market activities.
The proposal is a typical outdoor farmers market open to the public and operated by a
nonprofit organization. The majority of the goods are farm products, sourced within a
specific distance of the site. As a condition of approval, the majority of the booths would
2i—
have to be dedicated to providing farm products from local sources. The other booths can
provide flowers and value added farm products such as baked goods, jams, and jellies.
The Episcopal Church of St. John the Divine would provide a venue for local farmers to
provide healthy and affordable goods while encouraging community building. As
proposed, the farmers market would not conflict with other Church activities, which take
place during evening hours and Sundays. Since the farmers market would take place
during regular daytime hours; no additional lighting, amplified noise or live music is
requested. The new trash bin would be located within close proximity to the vendor area
and would be accessible for efficient trash disposal. Church facilities (restrooms) would be
available for vendors and patrons.
Circulation & Parking
The farmers market would be self-contained in terms of parking and circulation. As
previously noted, the parking lot would be reconfigured and expanded into the existing
front lawn area. Four attendants would be present to direct traffic to the parking lot. An
attendant would be posted on site at each point of ingress/egress and one would be
assigned to handle parking lot management. Vehicles would be directed to enter on the
west driveway and exit from the east driveway. In an effort to be respectful of the
neighboring residents, the fourth attendant would direct farmers market customers to the
parking lot and encourage people not park on the north side of Bay Street. The vendors
would be visible from the intersection of Orange Avenue and East Bay Street. The Church
would encourage the neighboring residents to walk, bike or use other alternative methods
to get to the farmers market.
The vendor area would be located on the easterly portion of the expanded parking lot. A
ratio of two parking spaces per booth can be applied: A parking space would be required
for each vendor and one additional customer parking space. Two parking spaces per
vendor would be more stringent than applying the retail ratio of four spaces per 1,000
square feet of vendor area. The 15 vendor booths will each consist of a 10 foot by 20 foot
space (200 square feet) for a total vendor area of 3,000 square feet. Each vendor would
have a parking space immediately adjacent to their designated booth. A minimum of 30
customer parking spaces would be required. A total of 46 customer parking spaces would
be available on the existing parking lot.
Justifications for Approval
Pursuant to Title 13, Section 13-29(g), Findings, of the Costa Mesa Municipal Code, the
Planning Commission shall find that the evidence presented in the administrative record
substantially meets specified findings. Staff recommends approval of the proposed project,
based on an assessment of facts and findings which are also reflected in the draft resolution
as noted below:
• The proposed farmers market is a use that would be beneficial for surrounding
residents and would not adversely affect local businesses.
The proposed farmers market provides a venue for small and local farmers to provide
locally grown and affordable foods. The farmers market encourages community -
building and supports local agriculture and allows a venue for the small and
independent farmers. The proposed venue is relatively small in scale, and as
conditioned, would not allow sales of retail items or second hand merchandise. The
farmers market would be located in a residential neighborhood and would not
compete or adversely affect the businesses located on Newport Boulevard.
• Direct_ impacts of the _ farmers. _market on St. John's Manor are minimized tI u
conditions of approval.
To limit the scale of the proposed farmers market as a neighborhood venue, vendors
are required to set- up no earlier than 8:00 a.m., amplified sound is prohibited, and
motor vehicle engines are not allowed to idle to minimize noise. If the farmers market
expands the hours or days of operation, any temporary lighting is required to be
shielded and directed away from St. John's Manor to prevent light and glare impacts.
Limited weekday operations may be allowed as a minor amendment to the
Conditional Use Permit. Operational changes, such as adjustment to market days
times and the number of vendors, are required to be reviewed and approved by the
Development Services Director.
• The proposed farmers market is a compatible and supportive use for the Church,
The farmers market would be hosted on Church property that is located in a residential
area characterized by variety of single-family and multiple -family residential uses.
Complementary uses are permitted in the PRD -HD zone provided that adequate
parking exists to support the use and there are no land use compatibility issues. The
proposed farmers market is a use that can operate in harmony with the existing
Church and is compatible with the surrounding residential uses. The location of the
farmers market would be along a visible collector street with ample parking but also
readily accessible via alternate modes of transportation, including walking, biking and
a transit line. Conditions are included to ensure that access, parking circulation and
signage is controlled within private property and not impact adjacent communities.
• Limited weekday operations may be allowed as a minor amendment to the
Conditional Use Permit.
At this time, the success of the Farmer's Market as a Saturday event is unknown, and
the applicant has requested some flexibility to allow potential market events on a
weekday. A condition of approval is included to allow a minor amendment to allow
one additional week day event if requested.
_33—
• The Farmer`s Market will be limited to locally -sourced products and artisanal nods
to promote commerce of specialty items versus second-hand goods.
Vendors will be limited to those specialty providers and retailers of home grown
products, organic produce, and artisanal wares. To ensure that the farmers market
does not serve as a flea market of second-hand goods, a condition of approval
requires that the sale of used or second-hand items such as old bicycles, lawn &
garden equipment, electronics, and furniture shall be limited to no more than 5 of
the 15 vendors (about 33 percent). Additionally, as conditioned, alcoholic beverage
sales shall be limited to artisanal type of beverages (i.e. craft beers) subject to the
approval of an ABC license.
• Adequate parkiig will be provided to accommodate the farmers market based on off-
set hours of operation and availability of on-site parking
The farmers market would take place on Saturdays when no other church activities
are being held. Based on a parking ratio of two parking spaces per vendor booth, 30
parking spaces are required. A minimum of 46 on-site customer parking spaces would
be provided. In addition, a manager would be present to prevent spill over parking
onto the adjacent streets. Attendants would be present to direct and guide patrons
onto the site. Conditions are included that would require adjustment to number of
vendors or timing, if parking impacts are experienced.
• T17e ex ar7sior7 of the paLkLng lot will be sub'ect to landscape re uiremeMs.
Even though a portion of the landscaping will be replaced with the expansion of the
parking lot, the improvements will meet landscape requirements for parking lots. The
reconfigured parking lot is required to incorporate planting of native and drought
tolerant landscaping. A minimum of 14 new large trees shall be planted within the
expanded area of the parking lot and along the landscaped perimeter, half of which
will be evergreens.
GENERAL PLAN CONFORMANCE
The farmers market is in conformance with the following goals, objectives and policies of the
General Plan:
Objective LU -1A.1: Establish and maintain a balance of land uses throughout the
community to preserve the residential character of the City at a level no greater than
can be supported by the infrastructure.
o LU -1A.1: Provide for the development of a mix and balance of housing
opportunities, commercial goods and services, and employment opportunities
in consideration of the needs of the businesses and residential segments of
the community.
o LU -1A.5: Provide housing and employment opportunities within planned
development areas to the extent feasible.
Since the primary use of the site is a church and no additional facilities are proposed at this
time, the existing total building area remains unchanged. With the recommended conditions
of approval, the farmers market will be consistent with surrounding residential uses and
provides an imaginative use for the expanded parking lot. The farmers market would be a
complementary use to the church and housing complex and provides opportunities for
learning about the benefits of purchasing locally sourced and organic produce.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION
The project has been reviewed for compliance with the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA), the CEQA Guidelines, and the City environmental procedures, and has been
found to be exempt from CEQA under Section 15301 for Existing Facilities. If the project
is denied, it is exempt from the provisions of CEQA Section 15270(a) for Projects Which Are
Disapproved.
PUBLIC NOTICE:
Pursuant to Title 13, Section 13-29(d), of the Costa Mesa Municipal Code, three types of
public notification have been completed no less than 10 days prior to the date of the
public hearing:
1. Mailed notice. A public notice was mailed to all property owners within a 500 -foot
radius of the project site. The required notice radius is measured from the
external boundaries of the property. (See attached Notification Radius Map.)
2. On-site posting. A public notice was posted on each street frontage of the project
site.
3. Newspaper publication. A public notice was published once in the Daily Pilot
newspaper.
ALTERNATIVES
The Planning Commission has the following alternatives:
Approve the project with modifications. The Planning Commission may suggest specific
changes that are necessary to alleviate concerns. If any of the additional requested
changes are substantial, the item should be continued to a future meeting to allow a
redesign or additional analysis. In the event of significant modifications to the proposal,
should the Planning Commission choose to do so, staff will return with a revised resolution
incorporating new findings and/or conditions.
2. Deny the project. If the Planning Commission believes that there are insufficient facts
to support the findings for approval, Planning Commission must deny the application
and provide facts in support to be included in the draft resolution for denial. If the project
were denied, the applicant could not submit the same type of application for six months.
-35 __
CONCLUSION
Staff supports approval of the CUP for the establishment of a farmers market, given that the
venue will be subject to conditions of approval to minimize impacts to surrounding uses.
Based on the project description, the proposed use will not negatively impact uses in the
area.
A TO 10 GARDtA
Senior Planner
1
CLAIRE FLYNN, AICP
Asst. Director of Development Services
Attachments: 1 Draft Planning Commission Resolutions
2. Applicant's Project Description and Justification
3. Location Map
4. Site Photos
5. Plans
6. Radius Notification Map
cc: Director of Economic & Development / Deputy CEO
Sr. Deputy City Attorney
Public Services Director
City Engineer
Transportation Services Manager
Fire Protection Analyst
File (2)
St. John the Divine Episcopal Church
Attn: Father Philip DeVaul, Rector
183 E. Bay Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Bishop the Episcopal Church of Los Angeles
Cathedral Center of St. Paul
840 Echo Park Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Yenny Ng Designs, Inc. Architects
Attn: Ada Rose
1524 Brookhollow Drive, Ste. 6
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Srl`..j I I N g I I I+, I) I N-' I N It,
183 E. Bay Street
Costa Mesa Ca., 92627
949.548.2237
rector@stjohncm.org
May 19, 2015
City of Costa Mesa Planning Department
& Planning Commission Board Members
Re.: Farmers Market CUP application for 183 E Bay Street
Planning Dept. Staff and Board members:
St John the Divine Episcopal Church is planning two phases of improvements. Phase I is a parking
lot expansion (& landscape design) to accompany the proposed Farmers Market CUP application.
The larger parking lot will accommodate the growing size of the congregation and allow the church
to serve the community through programs such as the farmers market. The goal of the farmers
market is to provide locally sourced produce and goods to the neighborhood St. Johns serves in a
way that is affordable and convenient.
Phase II will be the building improvements to the church campus. The current facility is not
adequate for the congregation and its weekly activities. For example there is no room for youth
groups or study groups to meet concurrently on Sunday mornings. Office space is inadequate as
well. Phase II will replace the current one story office and classroom complex with a two story
building in the same footprint. The new building will provide increased classroom and office space
as well as updated and adequate restroom facilities. The current Guild room will be demolished
and in its place a new Guild/Public Meeting Room/Kitchen constructed in the current courtyard
location. The Chapel will be remodeled, adding approximately 300 -500 SF. The building
improvements will provide more room for our current congregation and allow for future growth.
Details of the Farmers Market operations are as follows: Market day will be Saturdays from 9am- 3
pm. This will be a weekly event throughout the year. We are planning on having (15) 10' X 20'
vendor booths. The vendors will park adjacent to their booths. On market day there will be 46
parking spaces available for customers. Four security and parking attendants are planned. Two will
be assigned to the driveways, one at the entrance and one at the exit. There will be one attendant
assigned to monitoring compliance for the "No Parking Zone" on the North side of E. Bay St. The
remaining attendant will be assigned to the parking lot management and vendor needs.
Proposed signage is as follows: Banners will be located on the West end of the classroom building
and on the corner at E. Bay St. and Orange Ave. Banners will state the dates and times for Market
day along with the contact number for further information. Signs will be placed at the entrance
and exit to the customer parking area. The West driveway will be "Entrance Only"; the East
driveway will be "Exit Only". Also "No Farmers Market Parking" signs will be located on the North
side of E. Bay St. directly across from the church. The signs will be spaced every 50' for 200', East
and West of our parking center line for a total 400' of "No Market Parking" on the North side of E.
Bay St. These are temporary signs to be put out and removed on Market days only. (Typical "A -
frame" reflective traffic control barricade.)
,3T-
In a previous meeting with the planning staff the parking needs of the church were discussed and it
was determined that the 80 proposed parking spaces would accommodate the congregation. (The
current number of parking spaces Is 46.)
There is no conflict in schedule between Church activities and the Farmers Market on Saturdays.
Therefore there is no additional demand for parking, other than the vendors and customers.
Sincerely,
Father Philip DeVaui
Rector, St. John the Divine Episcopal Church
-3s-
xT..1()IIN TI 114] 1)1\ 1N1,
183 E. Bay Street
Costa Mesa Ca., 92627
949-5484237
rector@sgohncm,org
May 18, 2015
Antonio Godes
Claire Flyn
Minoo Ashabi
City of Costa Mesa Planning Department
Re.: Signage and Traffic Control for proposed Framers Market
DearAntonio, Claire and Minoo:
We had been asked to outline our plans for signage and traffic control on market days (Saturdays, 9am-3pm).
Followingare our proposals:
Signage:
1. Banners to be located on the West end of classroom building and on the comer at E. Bay St. and Orange Ave.
Banners will declare dates and times for market activity along with contact numberfor further information.
2. "No Farmers Market Parking" signs to be located on North side of E.Bay Street directly across from the church.
Signs will be spaced every 50' for 200', East and West of our parking drive center line. Total 400'of "No Market
Parking" on North side of E. Bay St. These are temporary signs to be put out and removed on Market days only.
Typical "A "frame reflective traffic control traffic barricade. An example can be found at :
athttp://www.spoWbumpsandhumps.com/traffic-oontrol-and-saf` g/bariem-and-bar lcadosl000nocade-type-
1-barricade
3. Signs to be placed at entrance and exit to customer parking areas. West drive to be "Entrance Only". East drive to
be " Exit Only"
Marketday parking and crowd attendants are planned as well. We are proposing four attendants. Two will be assigned
to the drives, one at entrance and one at exit. There will be one attendant assigned to monitoring compliance for No
Parking zone on North side of E. Bay Street as well. The remaining attendant will be assigned to interior parking
management and vendor needs.
This should get us started. If any problems arise as we get going or if issues arise with our surrounding community, we
will of course adjust to needs as they evolve.
Sincerely,
Father Philip DeVaul
Rector, St. John the Divine Episcopal Church
The Eastside Farmer's Market
A proposal to the City of Costa Mesa
from St. John the Divine Episcopal Church
183 East Bay Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627-2145
(949) 548-2237
Father Philip DeVaul, Rector (rector@stjohncm.ora)
Jim Gatewood, PhD, Farmer's Market Committee Chair
(ivgatewood@yahoo.com
Mission Statement
The mission of the Eastside Farmers Market is to celebrate and support the activities of
local, independent and small-scale farmers and artisans selling the highest quality of
affordable fruits, vegetables and other products to neighbors and friends living in our
community. As an organization with deep roots in Costa Mesa, St. John the Divine
seeks to enhance the quality of life for our local community by promoting meaningful
relationships with the people who grow and make our food, to foster dialogue and
promote education about the value of locally sourced products, and to use proceeds
from the Eastside Farmer's Market to support a wide range of charitable activities that
promote the social good.
Overview
As part of its ongoing mission to serve the greater community of Costa Mesa, St. John
the Divine Episcopal Church proposes the development of a farmer's market to be held
on our church property at 183 East Bay Street, Costa Mesa, on Monday afternoons from
3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. throughout the calendar year. The Eastside Farmer's Market
would serve multiple purposes: it would provide a venue for farmers and vendors of
locally sourced goods to sell the highest quality of fruits, vegetables and artisan foods
to customers living and working in our surrounding neighborhoods, thus supporting
local businesses and promoting commerce within Costa Mesa; it would serve as an
important gathering point for our community, fostering a spirit of friendship,
cooperation and civic engagement among the men, women and children of Costa
Mesa, providing educational opportunities on the benefits of fruits and vegetables to
the American diet while also promoting relationships between consumers and the
farmers who grow their foods; and, most importantly, the revenue generated by St.
John the Divine from the Eastside Farmer's Market would be used solely for operational
expenses of the market and to support the work of several nonprofit organizations with
whom we are affiliated whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for Orange
County's homeless and working poor populations. In short, the Eastside Farmer's
Market would serve as a driving force for social good while also providing a valuable
service to our neighbors in Costa Mesa.
St. John the Divine, Eastside Farmer's Market, PropoWl to the City of Costa Mesa 1
,i0__-
l . jai v'j'.
183 E, Bay Street
Costa Mesa Ca., 92627
949.548-2237
rector@stjohncm.org
April 9, 2015
Claire Flyn
Minoo Ashabi
City of Costa Mesa Planning Department
Re.: Farmers Market CUP application for 183 E Bay Street
Dear Claire and Minoo:
Several questions regarding scope of work and scheduling have come up as we move forward with the
planning and permitting of our proposed Farmers Market and Building Improvements at St John The
Divine Episcopal Church. Below are our responses to those most recent questions asked by the City of
Costa Mesa Planning Department :
1. VIII Phases One (Parking Improvements/Farmers MerkeQ and Two ( Building construction) be subff ted at the
same time?
At this time we would like to consider only the CUP for the Farmers Market. As requested ,we are
however providing a project description for both phases.
2. There Is currently an approved CUP for Pre school adihrlgr at St. Johns. What Is Its status ?
There has not been a preschool operating at any time in the past and there are no plans for a preschool
facility at St. Johns at this time. We would like to see this as an option in the future. The classrooms are
currently utilized only for Sunday School activity and during worship, During the week there are daily
recovery group meetings taking place as well.
3 -What Is the Church actIft schedule as It relates to the operation of the Fanners Market?
Scheduling conflicts with Church activity and Farmers Market are minimal. The market is set to run on
Tuesdays from 3-7 PM. The only use of church facilities on that day and during those hours is the Tuesday
evening Alcoholics Anonymous meeting held in the guild room. The meeting starts at 7:OOPM, Meeting
will be moved to 7:30 PM.
4. What arethe details of the Farmers Market operations.
A.) We are planning on having (15) 10' X 20 ` vendor booths. This is well within the 4,OOOsf allotted.
B.) Market day will be Tuesday; hours are from 3 - 7 PM. This will be a weekly event, expected to be
active throughout the year
C.) Vendor parking spaces will be added to the site plan.
D.) The goal is to provide locally sourced produce and goods to the neighborhood St, Johns serves in a
way that is affordable and convenient.
5.) What are the details for the Phase Two building project
A.) Why are more classrooms being added?
Current facility is not adequate for the congregation and its weekly activity as it stands. For example
there is no room for youth groups or study groups to meet concurrently on Sunday mornings, Office space is
inadequate as well. The addition of classrooms will give us some room for our current congregation and allow
for some growth as well.
6.) Is the seating in the chapel fixed or loose?
The seating will not be fixed. This will allow greater flexibility as we envision this space as multipurpose not
just worship space. Loose seating gives us many options for offering this space to the community for its use as
well.
7.) On Sundays -outside of the Chapel, what other spaces are used?
We currently have three classrooms and the Guild room which are utilized on Sundays, along with the chapel.
Child care and K-6 Sunday school take place in the classrooms, The Guild hall is utilized for coffee etc.
between services.
8.) An overall project description?
The Phase two project, when completed, will result in the replacement of the current one story office and
classroom complex with a two story building in the same footprint. The new building will provide increased
classroom and office space as well as updated and adequate restroom facilities. The current Guild room will be
demolished and in its place a new Guild/Public Meeting Room/Kitchen constructed in the current courtyard
location. The Chapel will be remodeled, adding approximately 300 -500 SF,
Sincerely,
Father Philip DeVaul
Re or, St . John the Divine Episcopal Church
Signature
-1Z
"The mission of the Eastside Farmers Market is to celebrate and support the activities of local, independent
and small-scale farmers and artisans selling the highest quality of affordable fruits, vegetables and other
products to neighbors and friends living in our community. As an organization with deep roots in Costa
Mesa, St. John the Divine seeks to enhance the quality of life for our local community by promoting
meaningful relationships with the people who grow and make our food, to foster dialogue and promote
education about the value of locally sourced products, and to use proceeds from the Eastside Farmer's
Market to support a wide range of charitable activities that promote the social good."
Costa Mesa was incorporated in 1953. St. John the Divine began its ministry to Costa Mesa just two years
later. Over the last 60 years, the fortunes of both the church and the city have waxed and waned. At the
present moment, both are experiencing an exciting resurgence. As the housing market continues to
rebound in Costa Mesa, and younger families move in, and we see areas like 17th Street, West 19'x' St., and
Bristol & Baker, become centers of a new culture, in the meantime, the Episcopal church of St. John the
Divine has grown in attendance by over 50% in the last two years, and is entering a new, vibrant chapter of
its life and ministry to this city.
We find ourselves situated on the East Side - a neighborhood at the forefront of Costa Mesa's cultural and
economic ascent. We see statistics that show people desiring less mobility and more stable community
structures. In short, people want to have a neighborhood to call their own. They don't just want to live
somewhere - they want where they live to be their community. Meanwhile, we feel a deep calling based on
our Christian foundation to foster real community, friendship, neighborliness. It's in our DNA as the
Church to figure out positive and practical ways to transform the neighborhood around us into a more
loving, life-giving place to live. And we have a very obvious resource to aid us in our mission. We have open
space where people can gather.
Our desire is to create a farmer's market that will utilize our space for the purpose of bringing people
together, to support local small businesses (with a particular emphasis on Costa Mesa), to promote healthy
and sustainable food purchasing and eating, and to foster the kind of friendly, neighborly community the
East Side deserves.
In a recent study, Costa Mesa was listed as the 4°i most economically diverse city in the country. This means
that we have people with great resources, people with few resources, and everyone in between all living
together. The Church has a very explicit call to care for and work with the poor of this world. But how we
do that can oftentimes fluctuate between ineffectual and alienating to neighbors. The East Side Farmer's
Market will donate 25% of all sales to Costa Mesa based community outreach and development
organizations. Essentially we will be providing well -resourced people with a product that is beneficial to
them, while using a large portion of the money they spend to help fund organizations that work effectively
to alleviate homelessness and poverty in Costa Mesa, all the while supporting local small businesses. In this
way, the Farmer's Market will be a boon to people of every income level, whether they shop with us or not.
It will recognize and facilitate the need for community on the East Side, highlight some of the great up-and-
coming entrepreneurs of the city, and address the issue of homelessness in a thoughtful, pragmatic way.
This market has the potential to be a great marriage of the life of the city and the life of our church.
St. John the Divine — A Church Rooted in Community
St. John the Divine Episcopal Church broke ground in 1955, only two years after the
incorporation of Costa Mesa as a city. From its earliest inception when the congregation
worshipped, held Sunday School and celebrated parish activities in a modest one-story
building that now serves as our guild room, St. John the Divine has been actively
involved in the life of our city and its myriad community. -based organizations, working to
fulfill our mandate "to serve the needs of our community as an expression of God's love
through purposeful prayer, education, worship and service." We have a longstanding
history of service to our community, with a focus on providing assistance to the working
poor and homeless through programs and organizations such as Laundry Love, Share
Our Selves our Girls Friendly Society and the Daughters of the King. We envision the
Eastside Farmer's Market as another step forward in our church's history of service: we
want to bring healthy foods to our neighbors while at the same time generating
revenue that will support the endeavors of nonprofits working to address the challenges
of homelessness and hunger within Orange County.
Why a Farmer's Market?
The farmer's market is a natural outgrowth of our history of service in Costa Mesa.
Farmer's markets have enjoyed incredible popularity over the last several decades
because of their ability to bring products directly from the farm to the consumers'
tables, often providing fruits and vegetables that were picked only hours earlier.
According to the USDA's agricultural marketing service, there are currently over 8,100
farmers markets listed in its National Farmers Market Directory. This number reflects a
dramatic increase from just a decade ago when there were only 1,744 farmers markets
operating in the United States. Renewed interest in farmer's markets reflects a shift in
American attitudes toward the food we consume and a desire to make fruits and
vegetables a substantial part of our diets. "Farmer markets are a critical ingredient to
our nation's food system,' says former USDA Deputy Secretary and current director of
the George Washington University Sustainability Institute, Kathleen Merrigan. "These
outlets provide benefits not only to the farmer looking for important income
opportunities but also to the communities looking for fresh, healthy foods."' As a
church community, we see it as part of our mission to educate our community about the
benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables while also promoting the invaluable but
sometimes overlooked contributions made by the men and women who grow our
foods,
Farmer's markets benefit the communities they serve by strengthening social ties and
providing opportunities for men, women and children from diverse social backgrounds
' Tracie Cone, "Number of Farmers Markets in the United States Surges," Huffington Post
http;//www.huffi+iQ.tonpost,com/2Q12/08/0.3Jnumber-ofmus=feralrs,ti�ar n 1;Q---,htmf
accessed on August 3, 2014 at 3:00 pm
St. John the Divine, Eastside Farmer's Market. Pyroolposal to the City of Costa Mesa 2
_ Y-1
to come together in a spirit of friendship and cooperation. While farmer's markets exist
to sell goods and services to would-be consumers, they have the added benefit of
providing a space where friends can socialize, where people can discuss pressing
neighborhood issues, or where community-based organizations or local politicians may
come to speak with constituents. Farmer's markets play a role once occupied by public
squares in small towns and communities throughout our country. According to one
report authored by a coalition of farmer's markets in New York, customers frequently
cite the "experience" of visiting a farmer's market as their primary reason for shopping
in them. Farmer's markets are often venues of civic engagement; it is not unusual for
politicians or nonprofit organizations to visit farmer's markets and to raise awareness
about issues directly impacting our local government. The Eastside Farmer's Market
would serve as a viable community resource; we hope to utilize the experience and
expertise of individuals such as Jenny Ross, a member of our organizing committee and
proprietor/chef of Costa Mesa restaurant 118° Degrees, and others to provide
educational programming at our market to enhance individual understanding about the
added benefits of fruits and vegetables as part of our everyday diets.
While there are many excellent options from which to purchase fruits and vegetables in
Costa Mesa, few offer customers the opportunity to source all of their foods locally.
Larger retailers are often required to ship in fruits and vegetables from other states and
from other countries in order to provide their customers with a wide variety of produce;
food in the United States travels an average of 1,500 miles to get to consumers' plates.
Shipping foods from such long distances has a net negative environmental impact,
promoting the excessive use of fossil fuels, the use of pesticides and other preservatives
that ensure "freshness" and extra packaging necessary to sustain freshness. Farmer's
markets source entirely from farmers and vendors located within a relatively short
distance from the market. It is our intention at the Eastside Farmer's Market to source
from vendors within a 60 -mile radius, covering the greater Southern California area, and
to — whenever possible — use vendors who only sell organic goods free from pesticides.
Ultimately, and perhaps most importantly, the Eastside Farmer's Market would generate
revenue that would be allocated to organizations working to address the challenges of
homelessness in Orange County. We see a farmer's market as a win-win issue for our
community. We are able to provide our neighbors with a valuable service — fresh fruits
and vegetables and other locally produced goods — while at the same time raising
money for charities that are helping men, women and children in our county. This is no
small task; Orange County, the third largest county in California, is one of the least
affordable in the nation, with a general cost of living 63% above the national average.
Estimates of the homeless population vary from 12,000 to just over 18,000 adults and
some 28,000 school-age children, approximately 3.5% of all children attending schools
St. John the Divine, Eastside Farmer's Market, Proposal to the City of Costa Mesa 3
in Orange County.' We are already partnering with organizations whose mission is to
alleviate some of these problems (including the need for clean, low-income housing)
through individual parishioner contributions of food, clothing and money, but the
revenue generated from vendors' use fees and a percentage of their total profits from
goods sold at the Eastside Farmer's Market would provide a reliable, monthly source of
income to organizations such as Share Our Selves, Laundry Love, and the Project Hope
Alliance. It is not our intention to use the market as a venue for feeding or clothing the
homeless; instead, we would use money raised from the sale of produce and goods to
our neighbors to offer financial support to our partners. We see this as an important
aspect of our institutional mission and the farmer's market is a logical way for us to
support these efforts with sustained financial contributions.
How it Would Work — The Logistics of the Eastside Farmer's Market
Days and Hours of Operation
Of the 38 farmer's markets currently operating in Orange County, only two are located
in Costa Mesa: the farmer's market on the SOCO campus located at 3303-3323 Hyland
Avenue (operating on Saturdays) and the other located on the Orange County
Fairgrounds at 88 Fair Drive (operating on Thursday afternoons). The proposed Eastside
Farmer's Market would operate on Monday afternoons from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm.
Vendors would be able to set up their stalls at 2:00 pm and be required to vacate the
property at 8:00 pm.
Sourcing our Vendors
We would require that all vendor farms and businesses would be located within a 60 -
mile radius of Costa Mesa with vendors outside of this radius being considered by the
administrator of the Eastside Farmer's Market on a case-by-case basis. Our purpose in
limiting the radius in which our food is sourced is to ensure that we are indeed
providing "locally sourced" food grown in the larger Southern California region and to
especially promote goods produced in and around the Orange County region. Jenny
Ross is serving as our point person to contract vendors for the market should we receive
approval for a conditional use permit from the City of Costa Mesa. Her expertise and
extensive range of contacts will be an extraordinary asset as we move forward in this
endeavor.
The Kinds of Goods to be Sold at the Eastside Farmer's Market
Each vendor's application would clearly define the types/kinds of goods they would sell
at the market and at the time of application would provide current copies of any
2 Source: h /wamfpromiseoraanecounty orm�statistics/c19oy/w
accessed on August 8, 2014 at 11:19 a.m. See also David Montero, "More than 12,700
homeless in O.C., nonprofit's analysis says," Orange County Register, September 24,
2013 accessed online at http://www.ocregister.com/articles/homeless-527830-county-
people.html on August 8, 2014 at 11:21 a.m.
St. John the Divine, Eastside Farmer's Market, Proposal to the City of Costa Mesa 4
__I�
permits insurance and licenses applicable to the sale of their products. Any vendor
selling prepared foods and baked goods would require current Orange County Health
Department Food Worker Cards and applicable operating permits issued by the
Orange County Health Department and be required to display these permits at their
stall during the period of operation.
Products sold at the Eastside Farmer's Market would be limited to three categories,
listed below as A though C.
A. Fresh Farm Products:
Includes fresh fruit and vegetables, herbs, nuts, honey, dairy products, eggs, poultry,
mushrooms, meats and fish. Also included in this category are fresh grown flowers,
nursery stock and plants. All fresh farm products must be grown or produced by the
seller.
B. Value added Farm Products:
Includes preserves, jams and jellies, syrups, salsas, smoked or canned meats or fish,
dried fruit, flours, salad dressings and limited on-site processed farm food such as
roasted peppers and roasted peanuts, nursery stock and plants. All value added farm
foods must be made from raw products/ingredients, a majority of which are grown and
produced by the seller. Nursery stock and plants must have value added from original
state.
C. Processed Foods:
Includes juices, preserved foods, salad dressings, jams, pastries, pasta, granola,
cookies, muffins, breads, pies and related take home desserts. Vendor must be an
active owner/operator of the business and may not be operating under a franchise
agreement. Processed foods must be produced by the vendor from raw ingredients.
Vendors in this category are those who have cooked, baked or otherwise treated the
product they sell, No commercially prepared dough mixes, crusts, shells or fillings are
allowed. All processed foods must have the proper permits and must carry product
liability insurances. Copies of proof of insurance must be provided to market manager,
Operational Procedures
All vendors would need to be set up and ready to sell by the market's start time.
Vendors with vehicles would need to arrive at least 30 minutes to market opening, and
as early as one hour before market start time. Vendors with vehicles who arrive less than
30 minutes before the Market opens run the risk of having to load off from the parking
area and transport items to the assigned stall. Vendors who offload onto their stall must
remove their vehicle from the Market area within 30 minutes of start time.
Additionally, vendors would be asked to park their vehicles out of the customer parking
area to maximize the number of spots available to customers and neighbors living
St. John the Divine, Eastside Farmer's Market. -Proposal to the City of Costa Mesa
—/19—
within the area (see subsequent section on parking).
All vendors would be required to post a sign identifying the name of the farm/business
represented and where it is located. Signs would not be smaller that 24 -inches by 8 -
inches high. All goods for sale would be clearly marked with their prices. This can be
done individually or on a larger sign that is clearly readable. This is a critical component
of providing a reputable farmers market, allowing customers to refer to growers and
businesses by name and allowing us to handle any consumer complaints in a timely and
orderly fashion.
Vendors would required to clean up after themselves and to provide receptacles for
garbage from consumers. Vendor space must be maintained in a clean, safe and
sanitary manner. Vendors are responsible for taking away any trash or garbage that is
generated in or around their booths and sweeping up any product debris left on the
ground. Farmers would not be permitted to dispose of produce waste, overripe or
leftover produce or boxes in any onsite garbage cans or dumpsters.
Vendors who do not clean up at the end of the Market may receive a $25 fine and/or
termination of their contract with the Eastside Farmer's Market.
Parking
We are dedicated to being considerate neighbors who are mindful of any impacts that
our proposed farmer's market would have upon the surrounding community. As part of
the process of creating a farmer's market, we want to take seriously the need to provide
ample parking for our vendors/customers while at the same time not displacing our
neighbors who park in the immediate vicinity of the church. We will require all of our
vendors to park on Newport Boulevard, a large industrial road that parallels the 55
Freeway. There is always ample parking along this corridor from 2011 Street (to the west
of Bay) and 21` Street (to the east of Bay). While there is extensive street parking in the
neighborhoods surrounding St. John the Divine Episcopal Church (along E 2155 Street
toward Tustin Park; along E 20th Street toward Woodland Park; along Orange Avenue
from Bay all the way toward 17th Street; and along Fullerton Avenue from Bay to 17th
Street), we are actively pursuing additional options for overflow parking in the
immediate vicinity and plan to approach St. Joachim's Catholic Church and School
(located at 1964 Orange Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92627) among others to inquire
about the use of their parking lot during the period of our farmer's market.
We also plan to create a marketing campaign that will encourage people to walk/bike
to the market to reduce the flow of car traffic coming into the area. We will purchase
additional racks for bike parking and will adopt plans that will reward customers who
come by bike or on foot to the market (giveaways, raffle tickets, coupons, etc.)
St. John the Divine, Eastside Farmer's Market Proposal to the City of Costa Mesa 6
Compatibility with the General Uses of the Surrounding Neighborhood
We hope it is clear from the information above that our proposed farmer's market
intends to offer a valuable service to our surrounding neighbors and would not be
"materially detrimental to other properties in the same area." If anything, as a church
community, we want to foster collaboration, mutual respect, and fellowship with our
neighbors and will work closely with them to make this farmer's market a success. The
size, scope, date and time of the farmer's market, and desire to promote this as a
"neighborhood" endeavor generated by people within the surrounding community for
people within the surrounding community reflects our heartfelt wish to make this a
positive experience for everyone involved. To that end, we plan to meet with our
neighbors to discuss our farmer's market, to receive feedback and incorporate
suggestions/concerns into the actual week -to -week operation of the market.
Conclusion
We are excited to work with the City of Costa Mesa to secure a conditional use permit
for the development of the Eastside Farmer's Market. We believe this is an important
project that will be well received by our neighbors and by those who support the
causes this will ultimately go to support. We thank you in advance for your
consideration and look forward to speaking with you in greater depth about our
proposed market.
St. John the Divine, Eastside Farmer's Market, Proposal to the City of Costa Mesa 7
_.,IQ'
T I Cv VW I Ivirk"I W1
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FRESH FOOD. GOOD PEOPLE.
"The mission of the Eastside Farmers Market is to celebrate and support the
activities of local, independent, and small-scale farmers and artisans selling the
highest quality of affordable fruits, vegetables and other products to neighbors
and friends living in our community. As an organization with deep roots in Costa
Mesa, the Episcopal Church of St. John the Divine seeks to enhance the quality of
life for our local community by bringing our neighborhood together with the
people who grow and make our food, promoting education about the value of
locally sourced products, and supporting Costa Mesa based community
development organizations."
—5b,—
Costa Mesa was incorporated in 1953. St. John the Divine began its ministry to Costa Mesa just two
years later. Over the last 60 years, the fortunes of both the church and the city have waxed and waned.
At the present moment, both are experiencing an exciting resurgence, As the housing market continues
to rebound in Costa Mesa, and younger families move in, and we see areas like 17th Street, West 19th
St., and Bristol & Baker, become centers of a new culture, in the meantime, the Episcopal church of St,
John the Divine has grown in attendance by over 50% in the last two years, and is entering a new,
vibrant chapter of its life and ministry to this city.
We find ourselves situated on the East Side — a neighborhood at the forefront of Costa Mesa's cultural
and economic ascent. We see statistics that show people desiring less mobility and more stable
community structures. In short, people want to have a neighborhood to call their own. They don't just
want to live somewhere — they want where they live to be their community. Meanwhile, we feel a deep
calling based on our Christian foundation to foster real community, friendship, neighborliness. It's in
our DNA as the Church to figure out positive and practical ways to transform the neighborhood around
us into a more loving, life-giving place to live. And we have a very obvious resource to aid us in our
mission: We have open space where people can gather.
Our desire is to create a farmer's market that will utilize our space for the purpose of bringing people
together, to promote and support local small businesses (with a particular emphasis on Costa Mesa), and
develop a fuller sense of neighborhood on the East Side. We do this with good food, sourced or made
responsibly and creatively, And we do all of this conscientiously,
A recent article in the OC Weekly stated that Costa Mesa is the 4th most economically diverse city in
the country. This means that we have people of great means and people with little to no resources living
in the same city — along with everyone in between. One of the core priorities of the Church is to care for
the poorer members of our community. We seek to do this entrepreneurially through our Farmer's
Market. So 25% of all sales will go directly to local community development organizations — well
established non -profits focused on working with people on the margins to help bring them out of
poverty and work alongside them in order to get their lives back on track. So every vendor with which
we work is helping. Every costumer is lending a hand. This will be a Farmer's Market not only with a
conscience, but with a heart for this city and the people who live in it. Good food, good people, good for
all involved.
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PLANNING COMM/SS/ON
SUPPLEMENTAL MEMO
MEETING DATE: JUNE 8, 2015 ITEM NUMBER P H —�
SUBJECT: PLANNING APPLICATION PA -14-41: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR
OPERATION OF AN OUTDOOR FARMERS MARKET AT ST. JOHN THE DIVINE
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
183 E. BAY STREET
DATE: JUNE 3, 2014
FROM: ANTONIO GARDEA, SENIOR PLANNER
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: ANTONIO GARDEA (714)754-5692
antonio.gardea@costamesaca.gov
The objectives of this memo are to:
• Highlight modifications to the original proposal based on public comments.
• Provide an update of public comments at a neighborhood meeting on Monday,
June 2, 2015 and from correspondence received to date.
• Provide copies of all public comments.
Summary of Revised Proposal
(03-
ModifiedIssue Additional or
..
Hours of Operation
Hours of operation shall be during a window befinreen 10:00
New Proposed Start -Time
a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Commencement of market operations
of 9AM for set-up and
including but not limited to vendor set up, shall begin no earlier
10AM for Farmer's Market
than 9:00 a.m. and take-down shall end no later than 3:00 p.m.
(formerly BAM and 9AM
respectively)
Stop Sign & Crosswalk
Applicant shall not commence operations of the Farmer's
on Orange Avenue
Market until the Transportation Division completes a study to
determine if an all -way stop and addition of a new crosswalk
across Orange Avenue are warranted. This study is anticipated
to be completed leted in a four week time frame.
Emergency Vehicle
Prior to opening of the Farmer's Market, applicant shall submit
Access to St. John's
an emergency access plan approved by the Fire Chief to ensure
Manor
that direct access for emergency fire response/paramedic
vehicles to St. John's Manor remains unrestricted at all times.
Parking
Applicant shall install bike racks on the church property prior to
opening of the Farmer's Market for full operations. To ensure
that street parking is minimized, the applicant shall also provide
attendants to direct customers to the parking lot and shall post
temporary signs to discourage customers from parking along
the north side of Bay Street.
Parking Lot (night hours)
Applicant shall install a low wall or hedge along Bay Street
Applicant agreed to
frontage to minimize light and glare to neighboring properties.
additional landscaping
Special Event Permit
No Change. Applicant
versus Conditional Use
would like to proceed with a
Permit
CUP rather than apply for a
weekly Special Event
Permit.
(03-
Additional Weekday Delete the following condition: The applicant may submit a Applicant concurs with
Farmers Market in the request to the Development Services Director for the deletion.
Future approval of minor changes to the hours of operation of the
Farmer's Market. A minor amendment to the operations
would involve: (1) Adjustments of the operational hours on
Saturdays by no more than two hours; (2) Addition of one
weekday market event while church assembly is not
occurring; (3) Increase in the number of vendor booths by no
more than five additional booths.
Summary of Neighborhood Meeting
A town hall meeting was hosted at St. John Church on Monday, June 2, 2015. The Rev.
Philip DeVaul discussed the Church's plans to expand the parking lot to accommodate
the farmers market and future expansion plans. The meeting was attended by
approximately 40 people; many of which were residents of St. John Manor and the rest
included nearby community and City residents. The following issues were raised
regarding the proposed market and the expansion of the parking lot:
Traffic and parking:
• Issue: The farmers market is a commercial venture that will add trips on
Saturday mornings and increase traffic congestion on Orange Avenue, which
already receives overflow traffic from the 55 Freeway. A traffic study should be
conducted.
Response: The farmers market is proposed to take place on Saturdays
between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The proposed hours of operation
are during off-peak hours. It is not anticipated that the farmers market will be
adding substantial trips to Orange Avenue, which is a two-lane, collector street
with a year 2020 average daily capacity of 12,500 vehicles. The current volume
is approximately 6,000 vehicles. Typically, the average traffic volume on
residential streets is lower on weekends (Saturday) as compared to the
weekdays. The farmers market will add vehicles trips to the church site during
a time period which typically has low traffic along adjacent residential streets.
Additionally, during the proposed hours of operation of the farmers market
(Saturday morning) the church does not have any scheduled services which will
avoid any traffic and parking conflicts.
■ Issue: Orange Avenue is heavily traveled and this stretch has more speeding
violations than other sections of the street. There is too much cut through traffic
on Bay St and Orange Avenue. The intersection needs a stop sign and a
crosswalk should be painted to cross Orange Avenue.
• Response: The Transportation Services Department will conduct a traffic
analysis to ascertain if the conversion of this intersection to an all -way stop and
addition of a new crosswalk is warranted at this location. This analysis will be
conducted in the next four weeks.
• Issue: There is insufficient street parking on Bay Street. No parking should be
allowed off site.
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• Response: The parking for patrons of the farmers market is required to be
provided on-site and no parking should be allowed off-site. A minimum of two
parking spaces are required per vendor booth; one space for the vendor's
vehicle and one customer parking space. The expanded parking lot would
provide a total of 80 parking spaces. A minimum of 30 parking spaces would be
provided for the vendors and 46 for customers. In addition, the applicant will be
providing bike racks to encourage customers to ride bicycles to the site.
To ensure that street parking is minimized, the applicant will provide attendants
to direct customers to the parking lot and will post temporary signs to discourage
customers from parking along the north side of Bay Street.
Issue: The retirement facility generates a large number of emergency calls for
service. Would the farmers market hamper responses and block Fire Dept,
access to St. John's Manor?
Response: With the proposed site plan, adequate vehicular access, including
emergency vehicles, would be provided during the proposed farmers market.
As conditioned, attendants would be present to direct traffic within the parking
area. St. John's Manor also has direct access for emergency vehicles from
Orange Avenue. This access will not be restricted.
Operational Concerns:
• Issue: Vendors would set up early in the morning prior to the 9:00 a.m. start
time. The neighborhood is quiet on Saturday mornings and people don't want
to be disturbed.
Response: The applicant has agreed to modify hours of operation, or number
of vendors as deemed necessary. As conditioned, the vendors will be restricted
to arrive and start set up not earlier than 8:00 AM. The parking attendants will
need to make sure that no vendors arrive earlier than the designated time.
• Issue: The farmers market will generate trash and the produce will bring mice
and roaches.
Response: As conditioned, a manager will be required to ensure that the
property is maintained and that adequate trash facilities are provided to ensure
that trash is contained and collected in a timely manner.
Land Use / Compatibility:
Issue: The area is residential, not commercially zoned. Allowing the farmers
market at the Church sets a precedent to allow other commercial uses within
residential areas. The Church is also compensated for having recovery
meetings which is a business in the residential area.
Response: Pursuant to the Zoning Code, primary and incidental retail sales at
churches and other places of religious assembly would be subject to a use
permit in the PDR -HD zone. As a planned development zone, this zoning
district allows the following comparable retail uses subject to a Minor CUP:
— (IPzj
o Carts - outdoor retail sales in conjunction with an established business
o Flower stands
o Grocery stores
[Table 13-30, Land Use Matrix]
While the proposed Farmer's Market would involve incidental retail sales at St.
John's Church and outdoor retail sales may be allowed in the PDR -HD zone
subject to the approval of a MCUP, Code does not specify a "Farmer's Market"
in the land use matrix; Therefore, a CUP is required prior to the establishment
of the use. The PDR -HD zoning classification for the site encourages uses that
complement the existing residential and senior citizen housing complex. The
applicant intends to provide local and organic goods to neighboring residents.
As conditioned and with the limited number of vendors, the proposed farmers
market would be considered an ancillary and incidental retail use for the church.
• Issue: The farmers market would compefe with Growers Ranch and other
retailers in the area. Can a special event permit be issued to try it out first?
Response: The applicant would like to proceed with the CUP request due to
the commitment of resources and pre -planning required to implement a
Farmer's Market. As conditioned, the farmers market will be reevaluated in two
months. Adjustments may need to be made to address any issues that may
arise during this period such as adjustment to hours of operation and number of
vendors.
Parking Lot / Landscape Design:
Issue: Expanding the parking lot creates more impermeable surface area. The
intersection floods. Where is the additional runoff going? The storm drain
system is inadequate.
Response: A preliminary Water Quality Management Plan has been provided
and is under review by Engineering Division Staff. The applicant is required to
implement best practices to reduce runoff volume and may be required to install
an on-site detention basin.
Issue: If it is determined that the Farmer's Market is negatively impacting the
community due to noncompliance with the CUP, parking impacts, noise
impacts, lighting/glare issues, etc., what is the process/timing for CUP
revocation compared to a Special Event Permit?
Response: A 60 -day review of the operations is currently required pursuant to
a condition of approval. Applicants are typically given 30 days to rectify
violations. The CUP revocation process requires documentation of violations,
including all consistent infractions and negative impacts, and the CUP
revocation process may take 6 months to a year. This includes documentation
of incidents, revocation hearings, and appeal periods.
A Special Event Permit is allowed for a single event. A subsequent permit may
not be approved if negative impacts are eenurring and not being addressed.
Issue: California native plants should be used for the new landscaping.
Response: A landscape and irrigation plan is required for the parking lot
improvements. The plans are required to comply with the landscape standards
of the Costa Mesa Municipal Code Sections 13-101 through 13-108. The
Streetscape and Median Development Standards require be Arbutus marina
(Strawberry tree) and Pyrus calleryana (Ornamental Pear) trees to be planted
along Bay Street and Orange Avenue, respectively. Agonis flexuousa (Peppermint
tree) trees are recommended as shade trees for the parking lot.
Other Public Comments:
Eleven public correspondences (four in favor and seven opposed) have been received
to date.
Staff has also received a verbal complaint from a neighbor concerned with the expansion
of the parking lot along Bay Street and potential light / glare from the parked cars along
that frontage. The applicant has agreed to installation of a low wall or hedge along that
frontage to mitigate any light and glare that may be impacting the neighbors.
A response letter from Reverend Paul is also attached_
Attachments: Applicant's Response Letter
Correspondence received to date
Distribution: Director of Economic & Development/Deputy CEO
Assistant Development Services Director
Senior Deputy City Attorney
Public Services Director
City Engineer
Transportation Services Manager
Fire Protection Analyst
File (2)
St. John the Divine Episcopal Church
Attn: Rev. Philip DeVaul, Rector
183 E. Bay Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Bishop the Episcopal Church of Los Angeles
Cathedral Center of St. Paul
840 Echo Park Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Yenny Ng Designs, Inc. Architects
Attn: Ada Rose
1524 Brookhollow Drive, Ste. 6
Santa Ana, CA 92705
k3, -Xolkxn-
u`�'�3�'��'�rf, '-�,7%.x A,•.,•-1%.I�', �''Ls��.t/ "�J✓J !.
183 E. Bay Street
Costa Mesa Ca. 92627
a 949-548-2237
rector@stjohncm.org
June 5, 2015
Antonio Gardea
Minoo Ashabi
City of Costa Mesa Planning Department
Re.: Farmers Market CUP application for 183 E Bay Street
Dear Antonio:
Several questions and concerns were raised by our neighbors surrounding St. Johns at the Town hall
meeting held Monday night. During the discussion of our proposals for the Farmers Market and parking
expansion plans, it became clear there are concerns over the scope and execution of both. We would like to
respond to those concerns as follows:
• Issue: The farmers market is a commercial venture that will add trips on Saturday mornings
and increase traffic congestion on Orange Avenue, which already receives overflow traffic
from the 55 Freeway. A traffic study should be conducted.
Fair comment. The Market, however, has been limited to 15 vendor booths, so a small scale operation.. We
envision this as a word of mouth, neighborhood market that primarily draws foot and bike traffic from the
surrounding area.
Of course there will be cars. It would be unrealistic to say otherwise. We will contract with our Civil
Engineer, Coast Engineering, for the Traffic Study.
• Issue: Orange Avenue is heavily traveled and this stretch has more speeding violations than
other sections of the street. There is too much cut through traffic on Bay St and Orange
Avenue. The intersection needs a stop sign and a crosswalk should be painted to cross
Orange Avenue.
This is the current condition without added activity. We are willing to have this added to our
Conditions of Approval. Construction of ADA curb ramps, signage, and striping per city standard.
• Issue: There is insufficient street parking on Bay Street. No parking should be allowed off
site.
We addressed this issue originally to answer concerns voiced by planning staff as we developed the Site
Plan and parking lot improvements. This was also discussed openly with residents at our Monday Town
Hall meeting. The scope of the Market activity is bound by our ability to accommodate vendor and
customer traffic onsite. As part of our submittal we have also provided a plan for managing traffic utilizing
signage and attendants to insure compliance.
North side of Bay, 200 ft. either side of our drive to be posted "No Market Parking" and monitored by
parking attendant. Attendants placed at entry and exit points that will coordinate with attendant roving
parking area to facilitate flow and compliance.
• Issue: The retirement facility generates a large number of emergency calls for service.
Would the farmers market hamper responses and block Fire Dept. access to St. John's
Manor?
We spoke briefly with David Hollister, Fire Protection analyst for the City of Costa Mesa after this
concern was raised. We have scheduled a plan review meeting with him on Tuesday June 4, 2015 to
review our plans to ensure access compliance. Comments from this meeting will be incorporated into
the plans. My experience is that this would have been a typical component of our plan check process as
well.
■ Issue: Vendors would set up early in the morning prior to the 9:00 a.m. start time. The
neighborhood is quiet on Saturday mornings and people don't want to be disturbed.
Based on these concerns, the Market will set up at 9am and open at l Oam. This would be more
consistent with other noise abatement measures and start times. For example, those required for
residential Construction.
• Issue: The farmers market will generate trash and the produce will bring mice and roaches
Why would we leave, or allow to be left, vermin attracting debris? This facility is our home as well. We
worship here. We encourage community here. We are a part of this community and have a vested interest
in promoting and caring for it. We will ensure proper clean up and disposal of trash.
• Issue: The area is residential, not commercially zoned. Allowing the farmers market at the
Church sets a precedent to allow other commercial uses within residential areas. Other churches
could have ongoing rummage sales. The farmers market will be having a garage sale every
Saturday morning. The Church is compensated for having recovery meetings which is a business
in the residential area.
The area already has commercial enterprise compatible with the nature of the neighborhood. The
Preschool located on Orange Ave is a good example. The small scale of the market and emphasis on local
farmers and artisans is compatible with that. This is not a swap meet. This is not a flea market. It is
intended as a community gathering place. It is a resource. The expectation is that any other proposed
activity by others would be subject to the same review and permit process that we are engaged in.
Hosting recovery groups as a business model? The use of our facility by recovery groups is not a business,
again it is a service, and the donations to the church from the recovery groups account for less than 5% of
our church's annual expected income. It is the same for any community center, park, or other church
facilities. Compensation for use of facility is normal and expected.
(oq--
Issue: The farmers market would compete with Growers Ranch and other retailers in the area.
Can a special event permit be issued to try it out first
Let's address these separately:
1) We see a grocery store and a Farmer's Market as services with different goals. While both provide
produce, grocery stores are open daily and exist primarily to accommodate people running errands and
shopping. A Farmer's Market is meant as a way to build community through gathering, meeting farmers &
artisans face to face, and interacting with neighbors. Aside from this, if people decide that they would
rather go to Grower's Direct or Mother's, and that they are not interested in our Market, then we won't
succeed, and that will be that.
2) Our concern with a special event permit is twofold. In the first place, markets take time to build a
customer base and develop relationships and a reputation. And we will have a trial and error process,
tweaking things, working with vendors and neighbors, making sure we are creating a positive experience.
Trying it out as a special event will not prove that it's viable or workable in the long run. Secondly, if we
were to try to prove that it was workable and viable through a special event permit, we'd have to advertise
it as just that: A special event. But this would create an atmosphere that would not reflect the regular reality
of the market. We are seeking to create something that will'be a low-key, long-term part of the rhythm of
living on the East Side. We aren't trying to create events – we are trying to contribute to overall culture of
this developing neighborhood.
• Issue: Expanding the parking lot creates more impermeable surface area. The intersection
floods. Where is the additional runoff going? The storm drain system is inadequate.
Coast Engineering has completed our grading and parking construction plans. Our intent was to submit
these for plan check after the Market CUP decision is made. I have attached the plan sheet showing
drainage devices and detail. The plan as it stands now calls for the construction of a Stormceptor system
that will retain run off onsite.
• Issue: California native plants should be used for the new landscaping
This is our desire as well. We are reviewing bids for Landscape Design from several local
funis and will be contracting this design work within the next two weeks. Drought tolerance,
sustainability and use of native plant materials will be key components of the design.
—lo--