What is the purpose of Seal Beach For Two Stories?
We want to keep a two-story height limit of 25 feet in Old Town. We want to prevent additional three-story buildings from ruining the character of our charming town.
Who are we?
We are unpaid volunteers from all parts of Seal Beach who want to protect historic Old Town and keep our beachtown village atmosphere.
Who finances Seal Beach For Two Stories?
We are financed entirely by local Seal Beach residents who volunteer their time and money. No outside money is accepted from organizations or individuals.
How do most Old Town residents feel about the third story?
A vast majority of Old Town residents do not want any more three story buildings. A third story invades privacy, blocks sunlight, and limits ocean breezes.
Where is Old Town?
Old Town is bounded by Pacific Coast Highway, Seal Beach Boulevard, Ocean Avenue, First Street, and Marina Drive. Old Town is about a mile square and has approximately twelve hundred lots. Old Town is where the City of Seal Beach began in 1915.
Why can’t Old Town residents alone vote on this?
The city laws of Seal Beach require a citywide vote on ballot measures.
Why should I care about Old Town when I live elsewhere in Seal Beach?
The charm of Old Town is a Seal Beach treasure that we all enjoy regardless of where we live.
Can’t everyone build a third story in Old Town?
No. Only about one-third of the lots in Old Town are wide enough to build a third story. The remaining lots have always been limited to two stories.
Why are the smaller, narrower lots allowed to build only two stories and the larger lots allowed to build three stories?
This is an inequity that came about years ago when zoning changes were made in 1974. A tall third story actually reduces the property value of neighbors because the larger building overwhelms a smaller house. Sometimes a single-story house sits next to a three- story house.
How is parking affected?
Parking is already limited and difficult in Old Town. Three story buildings with more bedrooms will eventually draw more residents, and more residents mean more cars on our already crowded streets.
Will a two-story limit raise my taxes?
No. Your property taxes will not go up when new construction in Old Town is kept to two stories. Your city utility taxes will not go up either.
How will property values be affected?
Property values will increase because the quality of life in Old Town will increase. Property values will not go down.
Is it possible for property values to go down?
When the quality of life worsens property values will be affected. As houses are shadowed by three stories, privacy is invaded, then parking becomes even more difficult with an increased population density, and finally, property values will be affected adversely.
What about property rights?
Property rights extend to neighbors too. No one has unlimited rights to build anything and damage the community. The community determines the use of property and the quality of life. Property rights are reasonable and change with the times.
Are property rights being denied outright?
Anyone who owns just a small lot in Old Town can build a house with thousands of square feet and have three bedrooms, two baths, and a two-car garage. There is no denial of property rights.
Is denying a third story a use of “eminent domain” and thereby setting a dangerous precedent?
No. Eminent domain is used to create public facilities such as freeways, highways, or schools. No property is being condemned through eminent domain in any part of Seal Beach.
Is property being taken?
No. Property takings – a legal term – means that the property is substantially reduced in value so that it cannot be used for profit. When taking into consideration the size of lots in Old Town, an owner in Seal Beach can build a house that is still much larger than in almost any other community.
If a third story can’t be built, isn’t that a reduction in property value?
Currently, third stories can only be built on the larger lots, which make up about one-third of Old Town lots. Larger lots will always be worth more than smaller lots because they are bigger and a larger “footprint” can be built.
Do Old Town residents need more living space and therefore need a third story?
Old Town families are likely to be smaller families because there are few yards in Old Town for children to play. This is especially true when larger houses are built. This is a question for each individual to answer.
Do big houses make for a better quality of life for families?
When a large house is built, furnished, heated, and cleaned, more time and energy come from the family. This is a question for each individual to answer.
How does the city get additional tax money for needed services such as fire and police protection?
The City of Seal Beach is getting millions of dollars in new taxes – higher amounts than expected – from the recently developed shopping centers along Seal Beach Boulevard north of the 405 Freeway.
Doesn’t the city receive my property tax money too?
Almost every city depends on commercial and industrial development tax revenue for a great majority of income to the city, just as we do with our shopping centers in Seal Beach. Most of our residential property taxes go directly to the State of California. After that, only a fraction of our property tax is returned to Seal Beach.
Shouldn’t everyone be allowed to build a third story anywhere in Seal Beach?
This is an issue for each neighborhood in Seal Beach to determine.
Why are more third story buildings being built?
Some individuals want five thousand square feet or more of living space. For speculators – who build and then sell – bigger buildings mean bigger short-term gains. These short-term one-time gains come at the expense of the neighbors.
What can I do to protect Old Town from being overrun with three story buildings? How can I help save historic Old Town and preserve the charm, atmosphere, and character of our delightful beachtown?
Contact us through our website, or phone 598-2269 and ask what needs to be done to support the citywide campaign for the November 4 election.
