NO. 3 - City of Laguna Beach

CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA ITEM:
NO. 3 - CONSENT
TO:
PLANNING COMMISSION
CASE:
Conditional Use Permit 07-44
APPLICANT:
Veronica Nouel
LOCATION:
8 13 Laguna Canyon Road
ENVIRONMENTAL
STATUS:
Categorically Exempt, Class 1
PREPARED BY:
Wendy Jung, Assistant Planner
DATE: 10124107
REQUESTED ACTION: The applicant requests approval to establish and operate a retail home
dtcor and furnishings store specializing in unique accessories and furniture made by artisans and
imported from Latin America, at 8 13 Laguna Canyon Road.
BACKGROUND: The proposed project site is located within the Civic Art District of the
Downtown Specific Plan. The 712 square-foot tenant space is located within a multi-use facility
(Bartlett Center) and was previously occupied by a temporary custom furniture design and sales
studio and construction office use until March 30, 2000. Prior to the adoption of the Downtown
Specific Plan, the suite was occupied by Alvarez studio gallery. Parking at the site is legal, nonconforming with no intensification of use proposed.
STAFF ANALYSIS: According to the applicant the proposed use is a retail store offering
unique home accessories and home furnishing details by Latin American artists and artisans.
The imported merchandise would include pieces made using modem and ancient techniques and
made from the following materials, but not limited to fine woods, clay, gold, bronze, silver and
iron. The applicant indicates these are one-of-a-kind or numbered, limited edition artistic pieces.
Approximately 90% of the merchandise will be home accessories including, but not limited to
candleholders, vases, trays, plates, lamps, mirrors and wall art. The remaining 10% will be
artistic furniture pieces including, but not limited to tables, credenzas, chairs and china cabinets.
Examples of the types of merchandise are included in Exhibit A and a color brochure is available
for review in the project file located at the Community Development Department. The proposed
hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday.
According to the Downtown Specific Plan, the purpose of the Civic Art District is to link the
festival areas with the downtown shopping area through a mix of civic, cultural, social and
recreational facilities and the land use emphasis is to be on resident- and visitor-serving uses that
Conditional Use Permit 07-44
October 24,2007
Page 2
are compatible with the art festivals. Staff believes the proposed retail would complement the art
festivals in that the proposed use would provide a unique, international retail experience. The
use is consistent with the goals and policies of the Downtown Specific Plan in that it will
maintain the balance of resident- and visitor-serving uses and contribute to the diversity and
character of the downtown.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve
Conditional Use Permit 07-44, subject to the conditions in the attached resolution.
ATTACHMENTS: Exhibit A: Application
Exhibit B: Location MapISite Plan
Resolution
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CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH
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CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
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Briefly describe the specific use(s) proposed. Include information about proposed merchandise and services, menu items, pro~osed
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JUSTIFICATION:
1. Is this site appropriate for the proposed use in terms of size, parking, storage, lrash, etc.?
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AFFIDAVIT:
ation contained in this application is,
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Business Description
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Casa C a r o ~is a start-up retail enterprise whose mission is to identify, procure
and re-sale fine and unique home accessories and home furnishing details. The
source of the artist and artisans is principally Latin America.
Our intention is to bring the latest artistic trends in terms of home hrnishing,
with pieces that are produced at a very small scale, using modem and ancient
techniques and the finest materials, which include fine woods, clay, gold,
bronze and silver, iron, among others.
The pieces we will be importing are rare, high value ornaments that will cater to
the most demanding tastes. These pieces are not mass produced, and some of
them only exist in limited, numbered quantities. People seeking for
individuality, value and exclusivity will find in our products great artistic pieces
that fulfill these needs and that will enhance any environment.
The majority of Casa Caroni's pieces will be candleholders, vases, trays and
plates, lamps, mirrors, wall art, among many others. We will also have some
furniture items as tables, credenzas, chairs, china cabinets and more.
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We have already established relationships with many artist workshops and have
secured a lot of the merchandise to be retailed.
Who is Casa Caroni?
Casa Caroni is owned by Veronica Nouel , the Owner and President, who is
seconded by Javier Itriago, the Operations Manager.
Veronica holds a Bachelor's
degree in Industrial Engineer, an MBA in
International Business and a Certificate of Interior Designer. Veronica is
currently a member of the ASID (American Society of Interior Designers).
Veronica's last position was a Store Manager for a major high end furniture
retailer (more that $lM in yearly sales) in Riverside, California, where her
primary role was to streamline and modernize the whole business process (from
procurement to inventory management, oversee the sales team and provide
interior design services to clients. Before that, Veronica has also worked for
two major Fortune 500 companies, The Home Depot and Peoplesoft, both jobs
at the Headquarter offices.
Veronica was born in California but grew up in South America were she
learned to value and love the high level of artistry, the fervor of the artists and
the fine arts that were, and are being produced in this continent. Veronica's
mission is to expose her customers to some of her most precious findings and to
highlight the beauty, passion and refinement of South American decorative arts.
Javier holds a Bsc in Civil Engineering , two Master Degrees in Engineering
(obtained in the Netherlands) and a partially completed MBA in logistics from
California State University at the East Bay (Hayward). Javier is currently a
Principal Port Engineer for a major multi-national engineering firm (the biggest
Port and Maritime Engineering Firm in the world with 6,000-t engineers) and
has been involved in the design and consulting of major maritime terminals and
ports around the world. Among his achievements are included the Project
Management of the Master Plan of what will become the biggest cargo port in
the world. Javier will use his extensive, global know-how to provide logistic
support and financial advice and strategy for Casa Caroni.
Javier shares the same artistic passions as Veronica.
Page 1 of 1
Jung, Wendy CD
From:
Veronica Nouel [vnouel@casacaroni.com]
Sent:
Wednesday, October 17,2007 8:23 PM
To:
Jung, Wendy CD
Subject:
Casa Caroni's Product Description
Attachments: Casa Caroni Products.doc; ATT362898.htm
Hi Wendy,
Per our last conversation I am sending attached a little text that explains how we can assure that the
items that we are selling are actually coming from Latin America. Hope this helps!
Please let me know if you need anything else from us.
Best regards,
Veronica Nouel
Casa Caroni
951 5207652
vnouel Qcasacaroni.com
OCT 1 8 5007
Casa Caroni Products
Casa Caroni will showcase home decorative elements made and designed by Latin
American artisans. The idea is to allow our customers to discover the richness of ideas
and the ingenuity of the designs of these artists and to provide unique fine home
decorative pieces that will impress beauty to any home. We will focus on the
contemporary interpretation of Latin American fine art and use of superior materials,
usually worked by hand.
Casa Caroni owners are assiduous travelers and art lovers, who have an in-depth
knowledge of Latin America and its culture. This has allowed us to established contact
and relationships with a considerable amount of the artists and workshops in Latin
America from where we will be importing our focus merchandise.
We are also intimately familiar with decorative arts and space planning. We will apply
this knowledge to continually identify and find the stunning, exclusive, first-rate
decorative items will be at the core of Casa Caroni's product inventory. We will depart
from mass produced merchandise, as we are fully aware how the detract from the sense
of exclusivity that many people are after. This is our commitment.
RECORDING REQUESTED BY
c I m OF LAGUNA BEACH
AND WHEN RECORDED MAIL TO:
CITY CLERK
CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH
505 FOREST AVENLE
LAGUNA BEACH, CA 92651
(Fee Exempt per Govt. Code 6103)
I
THIS SPACE RESERVED FOR RECORDING
RESOLUTION NO. 07-44
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH
APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 07-44
WHEREAS, an application has been filed by the prospective tenant of property located at
8 13 Laguna Canyon Road requesting a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with the provisions of
Municipal Code Section 25.05.030 to establish and operate a retail home dCcor and furnishings store
specializing in unique accessories and furniture made by artisans and imported from Latin America;
and
WHEREAS, the owner of the subject property has authorized in writing the submittal of the
application for a Conditional Use Permit; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Laguna Beach, acting in accordance
with the provisions of Municipal Code Section 25.05.030, conducted a legally noticed public
hearing regarding this proposal on October 24,2007; and
WHEREAS, the Plannini Commission carehlly considered the oral and documentary
evidence and arguments presented at the hearing; and
WHEREAS, the proposed project is exempt from the provisions of the California
Environmental Quality Act in accordance with Class 1, Existing Facilities; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has made the following findings:
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Conditional Use Permit 07-44
October 24,2007
Page 2
1. The site is adequate to accommodate the use without adverse impact on abutting property or on
parking or traffic circulation in the downtown area in that the parking is legal, non-conforming with
no intensification of use proposed; and no additional traffic will be generated and existing
conditions are adequate.
2. The proposed use will maintain a balanced mix of uses that serves the needs of both local and
non-local populations in that the use offers merchandise to both residents and visitors, not currently
available in the downtown.
3. The granting of the Conditional Use Permit will not produce an incremental effect of similar
uses that would be detrimental to the City in that the use is unique providing one-of-a-kind, art
quality home decor and furniture and contributes to the diversity of uses in the downtown area.
4. The proposed use is consistent with the intent and purpose of the Civic Art Zoning District, in
which it is located, and the goals and policies of the Downtown Specific Plan and the City's General
Plan.
5. The Conditions stated in the decision are necessary to protect the public health, safety and
general welfare to assure continued land-use compatibility.
6. A substantial portion of the merchandise shall be original or numbered, limited edition artwork.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Conditional Use Permit 07-44 is hereby
granted to the following extent:
Approval to establish and operate a retail home decor and furnishings store specializing in
unique accessories and furniture made by artisans and imported fiom Latin America.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the following condition(s) are set forth to protect the
Conditional Use Permit 07-44
October 24, 2007
Page 3
health, safety and welfare of the community and to assure the intent and purpose of the regulations:
1. The Conditional Use Permit shall be subject to review if written complaints are received, and
shall be subject to administrative review one (1) year after issuance of the certificate of use to
determine if the approved conditions of approval are in compliance. These reviews may result in a
formal noticed public hearing before the Planning Commission. After the public hearing on the
matter, the Planning Commission may require immediate condition compliance, amend the
conditions of approval or proceed with revocation of the Conditional Use Permit as specified in
Municipal Code Section 25.05.075.
2. It is understood that the conditions of approval apply herein to any W r e owners or lessees
operating under this Conditional Use Permit. This means in legal terms that the conditions of
approval for the Conditional Use Permit shall be and hereby are obligations of and binding upon the
applicant and hislher heirs, successors, assigns, agents and representatives. The conditions shall
constitute a covenant running with and binding the land in accordance with the provisions of
California Civil Code Section 1468. Failure to comply with such conditions, and each of them, and
any other related federal, state and local regulations may be grounds for revocation of the
Conditional Use Permit, in addition to other remedies that may be available to the City.
3. Applicable Certificate of Use andlor Certificate of Occupancy shall not be issued until City staff
has verified compliance with all conditions of approval.
4. This Conditional Use Permit shall not become effective until any required Design Review
approval has been obtained.
5. This Conditional Use Permit shall not become effective until the owner of the subject property
Conditional Use Permit 07-44
October 24,2007
Page 4
has signed an affidavit in the form attached to this Resolution, whereby the property owner
acknowledges and consents to the imposition of the conditions set forth in this Resolution, and
agrees that such conditions shall constitute restrictions running with the land and shall be binding
upon the property owner and their heirs, successors and assigns. If the applicant is different than the
owner of the subject property, then this Conditional Use Permit shall also not become effective until
the applicant has signed an affidavit in the form attached to this Resolution, whereby the applicant
acknowledges and consents to the imposition of the conditions set forth in this Resolution, and
agrees that such conditions shall be binding upon the applicant and their heirs, successors and
assigns.
6. This Conditional Use Permit shall lapse and automatically become void two years following the
effective date unless: a) the privileges authorized are established; or b) a building permit is issued
and construction is begun and diligently pursued to completion; or c) an extension of time is granted
pursuant to Municipal Code Section 25.05.030 (I).
7. If the use authorized under this Resolution and Conditional Use Permit is abandoned or
terminated for any reason for a period of at least one year, the Conditional Use Permit shall
automatically expire and become void.
8. In the absence of specific provisions or conditions herein to the contrary, the application and all
plans or exhibits attached to the application are relied upon, incorporated and made a part of this
resolution. It is required that such plans or exhibits be complied with and implemented in a
consistent manner with the approved use and other conditions of approval. Such plans and exhibits
for which this Conditional Use Permit has been granted shall not be changed or amended except
Conditional Use Permit 07-44
October 24, 2007
Page 5
pursuant to a subsequent Conditional Use Permit or Variance as might otherwise be required or
granted pursuant to the terms of Title 25 of the City of Laguna Beach Municipal Code.
9. No additions or enlargements of structures upon property for which this Conditional Use Permit
has been granted shall be allowed except pursuant to a subsequent Conditional Use Permit or
Variance as might otherwise be required or granted pursuant to the terms of Title 25 of the City of
Laguna Beach Municipal Code.
10. The sale of tee-shirts, bathing suits, jewelry and ivory of any kind shall be prohibited.
11. Outdoor display or outside seating of any kind shall be prohibited, unless approved as an
amendment to this Conditional Use Permit. Application for such an amendment may only be
accepted for processing, if outdoor display andlor outside seating are permitted use(s) in the
applicable zoning district.
12. A City business license shall be obtained prior to the operation of any business use permitted by
this Conditional Use Permit.
13. No proposed change or modification to the specifically permitted use of a retail home decor and
b i s h i n g s store specializing in unique accessories and h i t u r e made by artisans and imported
from Latin America. shall be allowed except pursuant to a subsequent or amended Conditional Use
Permit granted pursuant to the terms of Title 25 of the City of Laguna Beach Municipal Code.
14. The applicant shall not allow, act, cause or permit any lessee, agent, employee, exhibitor or
concessionaire any "prohibited discharge" (as defined in Municipal Code Section 16.01.020) into
the City's storm water drainage system.
15. The applicant (and the applicant's successors or assigns) shall defend, indemnify and hold
Conditional Use Permit 07-44
October 24, 2007
Page 6
harmless the City and its officers, employees and agents fiom any claim, action, proceeding,
demand, damage, loss or liability arising out of or resulting from (a) the approval of this
Conditional Use Permit and (b) the use and occupancy of the subject property in accordance with
the project approval.
16. The required parking shall be available free of charge to the tenants and customers of the
proposed business during the approved hours of operation.
17. The hours of operation shall be limited to 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., seven days a week.
18. The merchandise shall be original art, furniture, and dCcor exclusively made by artisans and
imported fiom Latin America.
19. A substantial portion (90%) of artistic pieces will be original or numbered, limited edition.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the above decision was rendered on October
24,2007.
ADOPTED this 24thday of October, 2007.
AYES:
Commissioner(s)
NOES:
Commissioner(s)
ABSENT:
Commissioner(s)
ATTEST:
Chairperson, Planning Commission
City of Laguna Beach, California
Director/CornrnunityDevelopment