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Home My WebLink About11-14-2005ACTION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA NOVEMBER 14, 2005 1 CALL TO ORDER: 5:03 P.M. ATTENDANCE: COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Christopher Leo, Vice Chairman Victoria Betancourt Don Cribb Harvey De La Torre James Gartner Tom Lutz Rigoberto Rodriguez City Hall Ross Annex First Floor Conference Room 1600 20 Civic Center Plaza STAFF PRESENT: Jay Trevino, Ex. Dir., Plan. & Bldg. Agency Ben Kaufman, Chief Assistant City Attorney Karen Haluza, Principal Planner Martha Ramirez, Recording Secretary 1 CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION: Approve staff recommendations on the following Consent Calendar. Commissioner Cribb pulled Item E for further discussion. MOTION: Cribb VOTE: AYES: SECOND: De La Torre Cribb, Betancourt, De Rodriguez (7) None (0) None (0) None (0) La Torre, Gartner, Leo, Lutz, NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: A. MINUTES RECOMMENDATION: Approve the minutes of the regular meeting of October 10, 2005. Commissioner Lutz abstained on the Minutes of October 10, 2005 B. RECORDING SECRETARY REPORT Pursuant to the Brown Act, the October 10, 2005 Agenda for the Regular Meeting was posted on the door of the City Hall Council Chambers at 22 Civic Center Plaza on October 6, 2005 at 7:44 a.m. Pursuant to the Brown Act, the October 24, 2005 Cancellation Notice was posted on the door of the City Hall Council Chambers at 22 Civic Center Plaza on October 20, 2005 at 7:52 a.m. RECOMMENDATION: Instruct the Commission Secretary to enter posting into the minutes. Planning Commission Minutes 1 November 14, 2005 C. Filed by Oscar Mora to allow an addition to an existing single family residence in the Specific Development 40 zoning district at 506 South Garnsey Street. i~ u D. F. E. NEIGHBORHOOD PROJECT REVIEW NO. 2005-01 (Carlos Rodriguez) (Continued by Planning Commission: October 10, 2005 to October 24, 2005) RECOMMENDATION: Continue item to November 28, 2005 per applicant's request. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 2005-25 (Verny Carvajal) Filed by Wong Fu's Noodle House, Inc. to request a Type 41 (on-sale beer and wine) license at Mama Fu's Asian House in the General Commercial (C2) zoning district at 3611 South Bristol Street, Suite C. RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file the staff report approving Conditional Use Permit No. 2005-25 as conditioned. AMENDMENT TO CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 2004-01 Filed by Justin Reuter to allow the sale of beer, wine and distilled spirits for on- premise consumption at the Pangea Restaurant at 211 West Second Street. RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file the staff report amending Conditional Use Permit No. 2004-01 as conditioned. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 2005-26 (Lucy Linnaus) Filed by John D. Pierce, to allow a 3,911 square foot Laundromat in the Community Commercial (C1) zoning district at 702 West Seventeenth Street, Suite B. RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file the staff report approving Conditional Use Permit No. 2005-26 as conditioned. MOTION: Set for public hearing on November 28, 2005. MOTION: Cribb SECOND: Betancourt VOTE: AYES: Cribb, Betancourt, De La Torre, Leo, Lutz, Rodriguez (6) NOES: None (0) ABSTAIN: Gartner (1) ABSENT: None (0) * * * END OF CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS N WAS TAKEN OUT OF ORDER Planning Commission Minutes 2 November 14, 2005 WORK STUDY SESSION N. DISCUSSION OF EXTENDED-STAY BUSINESS HOTELS WITHIN SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT NO. 12 (SD-12) Karen Haluza discussed long-term stay business hotels and whether the use would be appropriate within Hotel Terrace (Specific Development No. 12). Long- term stay business hotels are not currently permitted in SD-12 so a zoning ordinance amendment would be required to permit the use with a conditional use permit. A history of the City's hotel standards and design guidelines was presented. A general discussion ensued about the Hotel Terrace area. The Commission would like to attract full service hotels that cater more to vacationers and leisure travelers and is reluctant to change the focus of the area to long-term stay business travelers. The addition of kitchens to hotel rooms was not viewed as an upgrade and could have negative impacts to the Hotel Terrace area and to the City's ability to attract future full service hotels to the area. Mr. Trevino emphasized that long-term stay hotels would only be allowed in Hotel Terrace if a zoning ordinance amendment were approved to allow the use. 1 1 O. RECESS TO COUNCIL CHAMBERS 5:46 p.m Planning Commission Minutes 3 November 14, 2005 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 22 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA November 14, 2005 ROLL CALL 5:51 P.M. Same staff was present PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG -Vice Chairman Leo BUSINESS CALENDAR ITEM H TAKEN OUT OF ORDER: H. SERVICE RECOGNITION FOR ALEXANDER NALLE Issue a proclamation honoring the service of Alexander Nalle to the Planning Commission. Vice Chairman Leo presented the certificate of recognition to Mr. Nalle who expressed his gratitude to the City personnel. G. COMMISSIONER COMMUNICATION DISCLOSURE (REGARDING AGENDIZED PROJECTS) Commissioner Betancourt spoke with the Laing Homes representatives regarding vinyl windows, back splashes, and the design selection for the shape of the windows that should be consistent. Commissioner Gartner spoke with the Laing Homes representatives. Commissioner Lutz held a conversation with Mr. Rodine at the Woolley Petite Suites. Commissioner Rodriguez met with Pat McGuigan and the John Laing Homes representatives. Commissioner Cribb met with John Laing Homes representative to discuss landscape, water rights and also met with the Shea Homes representatives to discuss the selection of the street names. Vice Chairman Leo spoke with the Laing Homes representatives. GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2005-01. TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 2005-07. VARIANCE NO. 2005-53. VARIANCE NO. 2005-54. VARIANCE NO. 2005-55 AND VARIANCE NO. 2005-56 (Continued by Planning Commission September 12, 2005 to October 10, 2005. Public Hearing closed on September 12, 2005. Continued by Planning Commission October 10, 2005 to November 14, 2005) Filed by John Laing Homes to allow for a General Plan Amendment to change Tentative Tract Map for condominium ownership, and allowing variances from the required site development standards fora 44-unit town home development at 2823-2929 West Edinger Avenue in the Two-Family Residential Zone (R2). RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that the City Council: 1. Approve and adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring Program, Environmental Review No. 2004-198. 2. Adopt a resolution approving General Plan Amendment No. 2005-01. 3. Adopt a resolution approving Tentative Tract Map No. 2005-07 as conditioned. 4. Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 2005-53 from number of required parking spaces as conditioned. 5. Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 2005-54 from maximum Planning Commission Minutes 4 November 14, 2005 allowable height as conditioned. 6. Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 2005-55 from required front landscaped setback as conditioned. 7. Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 2005-56 from floor plan configuration as conditioned. Associate Planner Verny Carvajal recapped the staff report and recommendation based on the changes since the last Commission meeting. Commission discussion ensued regarding differences between square footage for 2-story and 3-story plans, and design features. Public hearing was opened. Public speaking in support of the project: Fred Richmond, Coalition of Orange County Community Clinics; Dale Ward, Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, Desi Reyes; Steve McGuigan, Patricia Michel and Barbara Lamere Mr. Kaufman mentioned the written communications received prior to the hearing in support of the project from: John Laing Homes, Debra Pember; A & D Company, Inc., Haans Wong; Maggie Brown, resident; Seven Gables Real Estate, Phil Schaefer; Ruby Gonzales Woo, Artesia Pilar Neighborhood Association and Guaranty Chevrolet, Bruce Hamlin. Applicant commented on the project and thanked the planning staff for their coordination of the project. Commissioner Betancourt commented on vinyl material for windows, landscape, vertical window design, and colors for contrast with building and window frame. Mr. Trevino addressed the quality and Laing's efforts to continue to work with staff to address the window design. Commission thanked Laing Homes for their outreach efforts with the neighborhood association, quality of product materials and thanked staff and developer for great project and also discussed the washer/dryer option. MOTION: Recommend that the City Council: 1. Approve and adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring Program, Environmental Review No. 2004-198. 2. Adopt a resolution approving General Plan Amendment No. 2005-01. 3. Adopt a resolution approving Tentative Tract Map No. 2005-07 as conditioned. 4. Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 2005-53 from number of required parking spaces as conditioned. 5. Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 2005-54 from maximum allowable height as conditioned. 6. Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 2005-55 from required front landscaped setback as conditioned. 7. Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 2005-56 from floor plan configuration as conditioned. MOTION: Cribb SECOND: Lutz VOTE: AYES: Cribb, Betancourt, De La Torre, Gartner, Leo, Lutz, Rodriguez (7) NOES: None (0) ABSTAIN: None (0) ABSENT: None (0) Planning Commission Minutes 5 November 14, 2005 J. STREET NAME NO.2005-01 (Continued by Planning Commission: October 10, 2005 to November 14, 2005. Public Hearing closed on October 10, 2005.) Filed by Shea Homes to name three streets fora 36-unit residential development at 2800 North Farmers Drive. RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution approving Street Name No. 2005-01. Assistant Planner Lucy Linnaus presented the staff report and recommendation for the name changes: Stone Pine Glen, Pepper Tree Lane and Aster Place. MOTION: Adopt a resolution approving Street Name No. 2005-01. MOTION: De La Torre SECOND: Cribb VOTE: AYES: Cribb, Betancourt, De La Torre, Gartner, Leo, Lutz, Rodriguez (7) NOES: None (0) ABSTAIN: None (0) ABSENT: None (0) K. MODIFICATIONS TO SITE PLAN ON CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 1993- 04 Filed by Daly International for Verizon Wireless to modify antennas on an existing cell tower at 3011 West Warner Avenue. RECOMMENDATION: Approve site plan modifications to Conditional Use Permit No. 1993-04. Landscape Development Associate Marvin Ellenbecker presented the staff report and recommendation, specifically proposing to remove one of the horns on the tower and replace it with microwave smaller antennas. MOTION: Approve site plan modifications to Conditional Use Permit No. 1993-04. MOTION: Lutz SECOND: Betancourt VOTE: AYES: Cribb, Betancourt, De La Torre, Gartner, Leo, Lutz, Rodriguez (7) NOES: None (0) ABSTAIN: None (0) ABSENT: None (0) L. REVIEW OF LANDSCAPE AND AMENITY DECK PLANS FOR THE MACARTHUR PLACE SOUTH PROJECT RECOMMENDATION: 1. Approve the landscape plan for MacArthur Place South. 2. Approve the amenity deck plans for MacArthur Place South. Associate Planner Ann Ni presented the staff report and recommendation. Applicant, Jim Ridge reviewed refinements made to the landscape plans, including the Cinema site, tree selections, restaurant space, retail, water element, and pot planters. Planning Commission Minutes 6 November 14, 2005 Commission discussion ensued regarding concern with overgrown trees hindering retail businesses, trees along entry providing a balance between greenery and lighting, sufficient protection for patio for outdoor opportunities, the open space/parking court, landscaping on the northwest corner of the Lake Tower; plant containers, and upscale amenities with hardscape. 1 MOTION: 1. Approve the landscape plan for MacArthur Place South. 2. Approve the amenity deck plans for MacArthur Place South. MOTION: Cribb SECOND: De La Torre VOTE: AYES: Cribb, Betancourt, De La Torre, Gartner, Leo, Lutz, Rodriguez (7) NOES: None (0) ABSTAIN: None (0) ABSENT: None (0) M. CONSIDERATION OF CITYWIDE DESIGN GUIDELINES Filed by the City of Santa Ana to consider the adoption of the Citywide Design Guidelines. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that the City Council adopt a resolution approving the Citywide Design Guidelines. Senior Planner Vince Fregoso presented the staff report and recommendation. He commented on the support received from the Historic Resources Commission and Comm-Link. 1 1 Commissioner Lutz commented on Historic Commission's suggestion to have Commission review the document after the first year of enactment. Regarding the arts component, Commission would like more discussion at Planning Commission level to discuss subsequent public art for commercial projects. Mr. Trevino discussed the quality of materials, new requirements, costs of art contribution, and understanding the proposed policy. MOTION: Recommend that the City Council adopt a resolution approving the Citywide Design Guidelines with the exception of Chapter 15 (Public Art) and ask staff to bring art policy back to Planning Commission within 90 days. MOTION: Leo VOTE: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: PROCEDURAL RULES SECOND: Lutz Cribb, Betancourt, Rodriguez (7) None (0) None (0) None (0) ITEM 4 TAKEN OUT OF ORDER De La Torre, Gartner, Leo, Lutz, PUBLIC HEARINGS 4. AMENDMENT APPLICATION NO. 2005-08 Filed by the City of Santa Ana to change the zoning district from Community Commercial (C1) to Single Family Residence (R1) for 16 properties along West Santa Ana Boulevard between Raitt Street and Hesperian Street: 1402, 1416, 1418, 1422, 1602, 1604, 1606, 1614, 1618-1618 '/2, 1626 1630, 1702, 1710, Planning Commission Minutes 7 November 14, 2005 1714, 1720 A & B, and 1731 West Santa Ana Boulevard, 312 North Hesperian Street, and 312 North Western Avenue. PUBLISHED IN THE ORANGE COUNTY REPORTER: November 4, 2005 PUBLICLY NOTICED: November 4, 2005 1 RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that the City Council adopt an ordinance approving Amendment Application No. 2005-08 excluding properties located at 1725 West Santa Ana Boulevard and 312 North Forest Avenue. Associate Planner Melanie McCann presented the staff report and recommendation. Commissioner Cribb clarified that those excluded properties would remain Commercial. Mr. Trevino reviewed the overlay districts and zoning that would allow for a variety of uses and long-term solutions. Public hearing was opened. No one spoke during the public hearing. Public hearing was closed. 1 MOTION: Recommend that the City Council adopt an ordinance approving Amendment Application No. 2005-08 excluding properties located at 1725 West Santa Ana Boulevard and 312 North Forest Avenue, staff will continue to seek residents approval. MOTION: Cribb VOTE: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: SECOND: De La Torre Cribb, Betancourt, De Rodriguez (7) None (0) None (0) None (0) La Torre, Gartner, Leo, Lutz, 1. VARIANCE NO. 2005-06 (Ann Ni) (Continued by Planning Commission: July 25, 2005 to August 8, 2005, August 8, 2005 to September 12, 2005; September 12, 2005 to September 26, 2005, September 26, 2005 to October 24, 2005) Filed by Diep Ngoc Tran to request a variance to allow reductions in the lot size, side yard setback, landscape buffer requirements and to allow dead-end drive aisles at 101 South Gunther located in the North Harbor Specific Plan (SP-2) zoning district. PUBLISHED IN THE ORANGE COUNTY REPORTER: PUBLICLY NOTICED: RECOMMENDATION: Continue to January 9, 2006 per applicant's request. September 16, 2005 September 16, 2005 MOTION: Continue item to January 9, 2006 per applicant's request. MOTION: Mondo VOTE: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: SECOND: Cribb, Betancourt, Rodriguez (7) None (0) None (0) None (0) De La Torre, Gartner, Leo, Lutz, Planning Commission Minutes 8 November 14, 2005 2. TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO. 2005-08 (COUNTY MAP NO. 2004-178) AND VARIANCE NO. 2005-61 (a) VARIANCE NO. 2005-61 (bl AND VARIANCE NO. 2005-61 (c) (Continued by Planning Commission: October 10, 2005 to October 24, 2005) (Ann Ni) 1 Filed by Robert H. Elsner/RHE Investments to request a tentative parcel map to subdivide the property into two parcels and a variance to allow reductions in parking, setbacks and landscaping requirements in the Arterial Commercial (C5) zoning district at 2106-2230 North Tustin Avenue. PUBLISHED IN THE ORANGE COUNTY REPORTER: September 16, 2005 PUBLICLY NOTICED: September 16, 2005 RECOMMENDATION: Continue item to November 28, 2005 per applicant's request. 1 MOTION: Continue item to November 28, 2005 per applicant's request. MOTION: De La Torre VOTE: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: SECOND: Cribb Cribb, Betancourt, Rodriguez (7) None (0) None (0) None (0) De La Torre, Gartner, Leo, Lutz, 3. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 2005-24 Filed by Starbridge Communications for Sprint PCS to construct a 60-foot high cellular antenna in the Industrial zone at 1316 3/ East Warner Avenue. PUBLISHED IN THE ORANGE COUNTY REPORTER: November 4, 2005 PUBLICLY NOTICED: November 4, 2005 RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 2005-24 as conditioned. Landscape Development Associate Marvin Ellenbecker presented the staff report and recommendation. II~_ L MOTION: Adopt a resolution approving the Conditional Use Permit No. 2005-24 as conditioned. MOTION: Lutz VOTE: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: SECOND: Cribb Cribb, Betancourt, Rodriguez (7) None (0) None (0) None (0) De La Torre, Gartner, Leo, Lutz, 5. Public Comments (for items not on the agenda) No comments were made. STAFF AND COMMISSION COMMENTS 6. Staff Comments Mr. Trevino expressed his appreciation with the Planning staff on their work with the Design Guidelines. Planning Commission Minutes 9 November 14, 2005 Ms. Haluza announced the cancellation of meetings on December 12 due to lack of items and December 26, due to City Holiday. She mentioned plans for a party on November 28 for the Commission. Mr. Kauffman thanked the Commissioners for their noted disclosures. 7. Planning Commission Comments Commissioner Rodriguez • Thanked staff for the study session and information. Ms. Haluza provided additional information for the schedule of events prior to review by the Commission. Commissioner Lutz • Welcomed Commissioners Betancourt and Rodriguez • Commented on activity at Washington Square: graffiti increase at the southwest corner of Olive and 15th Street, suggested Police and/or Public Works monitoring the neighborhood; individuals hitting Palm trees on 15th Street • Commented on unauthorized chain link fence on Memory Lane during street widening; City not abiding by ordinance to prohibit chain link fence. • Requested update on structure located north of Palm Court, no activity in the past three months. Commissioner Gartner • Commented on importance for discussion of materials on upcoming projects. Commissioner Betancourt • Thanked Commissioner Lutz for his welcome. • Commented on activity at Broadway/20th increase in graffiti tagging, and on Main Street at the Chiropractic office in Wilshire Square. Commissioner De La Torre • Requested a general plan update; Ms. Haluza provided timeline information and Mr. Trevino commented on the budget cutbacks. Commissioner Cribb • Inquired about expense deductibles for Commissioner's paying their own way for off-site conferences. • Thanked Ms. Linnaus and Mr. Fregoso for their efforts on Street Names and overall Laing Homes project. • Requested update on Geneva Commons, update on East Fourth Street, Santa Ana Boulevard, and election of officers. • Suggested the use of Commission meetings without items as a study session opportunity. Vice Chairman Leo • Thanked staff for quarterly list of projects update. • Recommended a study session on condo conversions. • Commented on Court of Appeals update, indicated architect is top-notch. • Inquired about the number of nuns left at the St. Francis Convent. Staff will investigate. • Requested an update on South Main Street's empty store fronts, south of Lathrop. • Announced opening of Santiago Lofts on Saturday, November 19. • Wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. • Commented on Santa Ana's prior bottled water. Mr. Kaufman stated the Metropolitan Water District grant expired. Planning Commission Minutes 10 November 14, 2005 Commissioner Betancourt would like to have Commissioner's packets delivered by Wednesday, 11/23, for the November 28 meeting due to holiday vacations. r-! 8. Excuse of Absences 9. Adjournment 7:51 p.m. Martha Ramirez Recording Secretary 1 L' Planning Commission Minutes 11 November 14, 2005