NEWPORT BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION PREVIEW

Here are some items the planning commission will consider today.

MASSAGE BUSINESS

A new acupuncture and wellness center got a permit to add an independent massage service at its San Miguel Drive facility, but the operator of an existing business that also offers massages objected. The appeal was based on a rule that massage businesses can’t be within 500 feet of each other.

The problem is that the 500-feet rule wasn’t written to prevent economic competition -- it’s a throwback to when massage businesses would frequently offer other, more intimate -- and illegal -- services. The rule can be waived under certain conditions, which planning staff members think the proposed business meets.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The council is likely to reject the appeal and allow the new massage business, because the city code isn’t intended to protect existing businesses from competition.

REHAB CENTER

PERMIT

Operators of Sober Living by the Sea have gone to the commission several times in recent months seeking a permit for their hub facility in Cannery Village. The facility offers a computer lab, counseling, lectures and administrative services to a collection of 17 smaller, residential drug and alcohol rehab homes.

Some neighbors have complained that the facility’s clients litter and make too much noise. Some also claim that because parking in the area is already limited, the city shouldn’t waive some of the facility’s parking requirements, as the permit would do.

Sober Living’s operators say many neighbors support their activities as a benefit to the community. They also say they won’t worsen parking troubles because their clients ride bicycles and because they plan to add more employee parking.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Planning staff members recommend approval of the permit, but the commission tried and failed to approve it in January. More public testimony is likely, both for and against the permit.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Newport Beach planning commission meeting

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. today

WHERE: City Council chambers, City Hall, 3300 Newport Blvd.

INFO: (949) 644-3200 or www.city.newport-beach.ca.us

-- Compiled by Alicia Robinson