ON THE AGENDA -- Newport Beach City Council preview

GREENLIGHT GUIDELINES

The Newport Beach City Council today is expected to take a straw vote

on guidelines to put the slow-growth Greenlight initiative to work.

Although the measure’s “look-back provision” has caused the most

controversy so far, other areas for definition include “trip rates” and

“floor areas.”

What to expect: Since the discussion will take place during a study

session, council members won’t officially vote on the guidelines until

their Feb. 13 meeting at the earliest. Greenlight, which was approved

overwhelmingly by voters in November, requires citywide elections on any

general plan amendment for a project that adds more than 100 peak-hour

car trips or dwelling units, or 40,000 square feet more than the plan

allows.

STARBUCKS EXPANSION

Council members will consider an appeal by Starbucks of a Planning

Commission decision that more than five additional parking spots should

be required for expansion of the chain’s coffeehouse in Corona del Mar.

The commission, however, did not specify how many additional spaces

should be required. The project includes adding nine seats to 12 existing

ones indoors and four to the existing eight outdoors. By renting a vacant

store next door, the coffeehouse also would add separate bathrooms for

men and women.

What to expect: City staff members have recommended that the council

deny the appeal and uphold the commission’s decision.

JIFFY LUBE SIGNAGE

Council members will review the proposed signage for a Jiffy Lube

facility under construction along Mariner’s Mile. Councilwoman Norma

Glover called up the item for review from the Planning Commission, saying

a sign the company proposed earlier does not appear to comply with the

Mariner’s Mile design framework that council members approved last year.

What to expect: Council members can either approve the proposed

signage or reduce it in size.

FYI

* What: Newport Beach City Council meeting

* When: 7 tonight; a study session that includes discussion of

Greenlight guidelines will begin at 3 p.m.

* Where: Newport Beach City Hall, 3300 Newport Blvd.