San Clemente Planning Commission OKs Miramar courtyard changes, requires material and landscape conditions

The San Clemente Planning Commission on Dec. 17 approved amendments to the Miramar Event Center’s Core Cultural Heritage Permit (PHP 25‑5 to 7; CH‑P16376) that allow portions of the interior courtyard fence to be infilled and a freestanding fountain to be added, while imposing conditions on materials, landscape and follow‑up lighting plans.

Staff senior planner Jonathan presented the proposal and staff’s recommendation to adopt the changes as categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), citing the work as minor alterations to an existing facility. The applicant, represented by Roger Cellini of Wedgwood Weddings, said the changes are intended to create a more intimate, private space for ceremonies and cocktail hours and to screen the view of a used‑car lot across El Camino Real. "We want a place of privacy for our clients," Cellini said, adding the fountain would be freestanding and that the applicant is open to using materials that match the site.

Public commenters urged caution. Amanda Quintanilla told the commission that the Secretary of the Interior standards call for retention of historic visual relationships and warned that solid stucco would "obstruct the view of the historic building" and change its character. Larry Culbertson said the two infill sections were originally required as wrought iron "to allow views into the site" and described solid stucco as giving a "prison‑like look."

Commission discussion focused on five specific items in the staff resolution: converting three arched openings along the alley to recesses; converting the Boca De La Playa courtyard openings from partial wrought‑iron to full stucco (the most contested item); adding a courtyard fountain feature; allowing removal of certain raised planter beds while retaining required tree wells and any water‑quality treatment device; and follow‑up on courtyard lighting and exterior wall landscaping.

Staff noted the fountain as proposed included stone as a primary surface; GPA consulting recommended that the fountain’s primary visible materials be extant on site (for example, stucco, tile or similar) rather than new stone. Staff also said one corner planter contains a required water‑quality treatment device and therefore cannot be removed. Jonathan recommended and the commission adopted language that the fountain be "date‑stamped" with its installation date and that primary materials be extant materials.

Chair moved and the commission unanimously voted to: declare the project CEQA‑exempt (Class 1); adopt Resolution PC 25‑02 approving PHP 25‑5 to 7 amending CH‑P16376 with staff modifications, including (1) removing the faux arch reference, (2) specifying the fountain be date‑stamped and primarily use extant materials such as tile or stucco, (3) allowing the applicant discretion to modify courtyard landscape features (noting that at least the treatment device area must remain), and (4) requiring the applicant to follow up with staff for administrative approval of a courtyard lighting plan and an exterior wall landscape plan.

The commission also directed the applicant and staff to consider landscape softening — commissioners suggested bougainvillea as one option — and asked staff to evaluate lighting that is dark‑sky respectful and that does not cast off‑site glare. The motion passed unanimously.

The resolution and its conditions will be added to the project record and enforced through the city’s permit and inspection process. The commission closed the public hearing and moved on to other agenda items.

What's next: The applicant is to coordinate with staff on the courtyard lighting and wall landscaping plans for administrative approval and must ensure any required water‑quality treatment device remains functional during alterations.