NEWPORT BEACH : Property Owners Want Zoning Change

Property owners on Newport Avenue are again asking the City Council to amend commercial-only zoning in the area to allow residential uses.

The group, whose members own property on the west side of the road, wants the city to allow both residential and commercial uses, similar to zoning on the east side of the street. The property owners say it would improve the somewhat dilapidated area and give them additional opportunities for developing their land.

“We want our side of the street to have equal status with the other side,” owner Owen Minney told the council this week. “It’s not just property owners” who are in favor of the change, “it’s the neighbors, too.”

The street runs parallel to Newport Boulevard between Orange and Westminster avenues. Minney presented the council with about 160 signatures from residents and homeowners who he said support the zoning change.

At Monday’s meeting, the council agreed to look into creating a specific area plan, which establishes the area as a type of planned community that would allow mixed residential and commercial uses.

The proposal is being supported by Councilwoman Evelyn R. Hart, whose district includes the area. Others on the council, however, have been skeptical of adding residential homes to a commercial area, pointing to problems with traffic and noise that the residents may experience.

Residents and property owners approached the city with a similar rezoning plan about 18 months ago. The proposal won approval from the Planning Commission, but was denied by the council when it came up for final approval.

Planning Director James Hewicker said that the city may want to include the residential area west of Westminster Avenue in the plan, and convert that area to a mixed commercial and residential zone as well.

The council will decide at its next meeting whether to go forward with such a plan.