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Home My WebLink About07/24/2006ACTION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA JULY 24, 2006 CALLED TO ORDER: 5:39 P.M. CITY HALL ROSS ANNEX CONFERENCE ROOM 1600 20 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA SANTA ANA COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Victoria Betancourt Don Cribb Harvey De La Torre, Vice Chairman Christopher Leo, Chairman COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: James Gartner Tom Lutz STAFF PRESENT: Jay Trevino, Executive Director Plan. & Bldg. Agency Ben Kaufman, Chief Assistant City Attorney Vince Fregoso, Senior Planner Martha Ramirez, Recording Secretary CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION: .Approve staff recommendations on the following Consent Calendar. Commissioner Cribb modified one of his comments, changed to Enderle Center not Beverly Center. MOTION: Cribb SECOND: Betancourt VOTE: AYES: Betancourt, Cribb, De La Torre, Leo (4) NOES: None (0) ABSTAIN: None (0) ABSENT: Gartner, Lutz (2) A. MINUTES RECOMMENDATION: Approve the minutes of the regular meeting of July 10, 2006. B. RECORDING SECRETARY REPORT Pursuant to the Brown Act, the July 10, 2006 Agenda for the Regular Meeting was posted on the door of the City Hall Council Chambers at 22 Civic Center Plaza on July 6, 2006 at 12:55 p.m. RECOMMENDATION: Instruct the Commission Secretary to enter posting into the minutes. * * * END OF CONSENT CALENDAR Planning Commission Agenda 1 July 24, 2006 BUSINESS CALENDAR C. COMMISSIONER COMMUNICATION DISCLOSURE (REGARDING AGENDIZED PROJECTS) Commissioner Betancourt disclosed that she spoke with Brian Lucas regarding Item 3. Commissioner Cribb disclosed that he spoke with Brian Lucas regarding Item 3. PROCEDURAL RULES PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. AMENDMENT APPLICATION NO. 2006-01 (Continued by Planning Commission: June 26, 2006 to July 24, 2006) Filed by Kelly's Body Shop to rezone two parcels to allow the expansion of Kelly's Auto Body at 2041 South Main Street. PUBLISHED IN THE ORANGE COUNTY REPORTER: June 16, 2006 PUBLICLY NOTICED: June 15, 2006 RECOMMENDATION: Continue the item to August 28, 2006 per applicant's request. MOTION: Applicant requested atwo-week continuance; continue the item to August 14, 2006. MOTION: Betancourt SECOND: De La Torre VOTE: AYES: Betancourt, Cribb, De La Torre, Leo (4) NOES: None (0) ABSTAIN: None (0) ABSENT: Gartner, Lutz (2) ITEM 3 TAKEN OUT OF ORDER; DISCUSSED PRIOR TO ITEM 2. 3. AMENDMENT APPLICATION NO. 2006-03 AND GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2006-01 Filed by Chris Miller, to change the zoning from Professional (P) to Single Family Residence (R1) and the General Plan designation from Professional and Administrative Office (PAO) to Low Density Residential (LR-7) to allow a new house at 407 North McClay Street. PUBLISHED IN THE ORANGE COUNTY REPORTER: July 14, 2006 PUBLICLY NOTICED: July 14, 2006 RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that the City Council: 1. Deny Amendment Application No. 2006-03. 2. Deny General Plan Amendment No. 2006-01. Assistant Planner Carlos Rodriguez provided the staff report and recommendation. Commission discussion ensued regarding conversion of residential to professional uses that require Planning Commission approval of a zoning change and allowable parking. Commissioner Cribb supports corridor as professional district. Mr. Trevino recommended that Commission approve zoning changes as Planning Commission Agenda 2 July 24, 2006 they pertain to one lot if they are consistent with a larger policy. Discussion continued regarding the long-term use of Fourth Street as a professional district. The public hearing was opened. Julie Stroud spoke in opposition to the project. Applicant's architect, Scott Hungins, spoke in support of the project indicating that the arterial was surrounded by professional uses on all sides; the size, height and design are consistent with the surroundings. He indicated the floor plan and layout that was presented, met the neighborhood requirements. Chris Miller stated he obtained the neighborhood support. Mr. Miller commented on the number of signatures received in support of the project. Chair Leo inquired that as currently zoned, a structure can be built for professional use. Staff concurred. The public hearing was closed. Commission commented that the two parcels could eventually be consolidated or each house could be converted to professional use. Chair Leo commented on the school that is across the street, would prefer after school programs. Recommend that the City Council: 1. Deny Amendment Application No. 2006-03. 2. Deny General Plan Amendment No. 2006-01. MOTION: Cribb SECOND: Betancourt VOTE: AYES: Betancourt, Cribb, De La Torre, Leo (4) NOES: None (0) ABSTAIN: None (0) ABSENT: Gartner, Lutz (2) 2. ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 2006-03 (Continued by the Planning Commission: July 10, 2006 to July 24, 2006) Filed by the City of Santa Ana to amend Chapter 41 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code to establish new regulations for the Superstore retail uses. PUBLISHED IN THE ORANGE COUNTY REPORTER: June 30, 2006 RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that the City Council: 1. Approve and adopt the Negative Declaration for Environmental Review No. 2006-074. 2. Adopt an ordinance approving Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2006- 03. Associate Planner Hally Soboleske presented the staff report and recommendation. Commission discussion ensued regarding zoning and stipulations of superstores. Staff indicated that superstores are on large lots and affect the aesthetics and have an economic impact. Commission reviewed the eligibility for a type of superstore, and the impact upon neighboring land uses. Mr. Kaufman commented that there is no sales tax generated to the City by part of the operation of superstores. Commissioner Betancourt commented that superstores are not pedestrian friendly and encourage exclusion from downtown. Ms. Soboleske indicated that the co-locate feature in local malls is one reason that a conditional use permit would establish both location and development standards. The public hearing was opened. Planning Commission Agenda 3 July 24, 2006 No comments were made. The public hearing was closed. 1 MOTION: Recommend that the City Council: 1. Approve and adopt the Negative Declaration for Environmental Review No. 2006-074. 2. Adopt an ordinance approving Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2006- 03. MOTION: Cribb VOTE: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: 4. Public Comment` Richard Kirwan spoke in opposition to the Village Green project. Voiced concerns with density, loss of privacy to current homes, objected the opening of Orange Road into the neighborhood, traffic impacts in Morrison Park, and parking issues around the park. Dave Hoen, Morrison Park Neighborhood Association, voiced concern with Village Green development due to density, loss of privacy to existing residences, issues with existing apartment school buses, drainage and parking impacts. Edgar Medina opposed the Village Green project due to density, apartment issues, parking and the Orange Road access into the neighborhood. 5. Staff Comments No comments were made. 6. Planning Commission Comments Commissioner Cribb • Commented on coffee shop in the train depot, stated the depot should have upscale tenants and focus as a transportation center • Commented on Grand Avenue Design District's lack of marketing efforts to promote area 1 • Requested an update on the entry monuments for the project at MacArthur/Main Street • Recommended a study session to consider allowing for large development signage for such projects as City Place and Skyline at MacArthur • Recommended a study session for creative uses of alley ways and parking lots to promote pedestrian oriented environments • Commented on Discovery Science Center regarding the dinosaur displays, lighting, and lack of space for other events to be held at site SECOND: De La Torre Betancourt, Cribb, De La Torre (3) Leo (1) None (0) Gartner, Lutz (2) (for items not on the agenda) STAFF AND COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner De La Torre • Thanked the Morrison Park residents for their comments • Commented that the entry ways to the city should be better highlighted • Agreed with Commissioner Cribb regarding Discovery Science Center and indicated that the landscape along the freeway needs to be visually appealing Planning Commission Agenda 4 July 24, 2006 Commissioner Betancourt • Appreciated Commissioner Cribb's comments regarding Discovery Science Center Thanked the Morrison Park residents for their comments • Recommended more discussion on superstores, as the ordinance did not go far enough to address the uses • Recommended a study session regarding green architecture Chair Leo • Suggested that we need to meet with Garden Grove to review their projects along our shared borders Requested an update on Starbucks that was approved on corner of Fairhaven/Grand • Inquired about completion date of the parking structure for the Court of Appeals. Mr. Trevino stated parking structure is due for completion by December 2006. • Inquired about future plans for industrial users affected by Renaissance Plan. Mr. Trevino provided information. • Inquired about future activity along Santa Ana River and City's uses with appropriated funding. Mr. Trevino stated that the City Council appointed a River Task Force. Chair Leo requested a copy of the report. Mr. Kaufman indicated that the City Council will review the item in August. • Requested status of Olson project in Artists Village. 7. Excuse of Absences Commissioner Betancourt made a motion to excuse the absences of Commissioners Gartner and Lutz. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cribb and unanimously approved by the Commission. Chair Leo acknowledged the resignation of Commissioner Rigoberto Rodriguez. 8. Adjournment 7:06 p.m. a a Ramirez Recording Secretary 1 Planning Commission Agenda 5 July 24, 2006