Planning commission grants 3‑year extension for Avenue of the Arts hotel master plan
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Summary
The commission unanimously approved a three‑year time extension for the Avenue of the Arts Hotel master plan (ZA‑22‑08), extending vesting to November 2028; applicant cited high interest rates and supply uncertainty for the delay.
The Costa Mesa Planning Commission on Jan. 26 approved a three‑year extension of time for ZA‑22‑08, the major amendment to the Avenue of the Arts Hotel master plan (PA‑16‑50) at 3350 Avenue of the Arts, voting 6–0 to allow the applicant more time to secure financing.
Senior planner Chris Yaeger told commissioners the approved master plan includes 388 hotel rooms, 249 permanent parking spaces plus 78 valet spaces, a maximum height of 115 feet and a 2.1 floor‑area ratio; the most recent approval was by the Zoning Administrator in November 2023. The project was previously covered by an adopted EIR and associated addenda.
Applicant Paul Sanford said the hospitality market and financing conditions (record interest rates and tariff‑driven supply uncertainties) had prevented the project from moving forward as planned. Sanford said the development team expects market conditions to improve and requested the three‑year extension; staff recommended approval.
Commissioner Martinez moved to adopt a resolution approving the extension and determining that no subsequent or supplemental EIR was required under CEQA Guidelines §15168(c); the motion carried 6–0. If building permits are pulled during the extension period, the project would become permanently vested and the approvals would remain valid. The commission’s decision is appealable to City Council within seven days.
