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Home My WebLink About09-12-2005ACTION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA September 12, 2005 1 CALL TO ORDER: 5:36 P.M. CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 22 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA SANTA ANA ATTENDANCE: COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Don Cribb Harvey De La Torre James Gartner Christopher Leo, Vice Chairman Tom Lutz COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Alexander Nalle STAFF PRESENT: Jay Trevino, Ex. Dir., Plan. & Bldg. Agency Ben Kaufman, Chief Assistant City Attorney Karen Haluza, Principal Planner Martha Ramirez, Recording Secretary CONSENT CALENDAR 1 ITEM E TAKEN OUT OF ORDER E. RECOGNITION OF SERVICE FOR GLENN MONDO Vice Chairman Leo Issued a proclamation honoring the service of Glenn Mondo with the Planning Commission. MOTION: Approve staff recommendations on the following Consent Calendar. MOTION: Cribb SECOND: Lutz VOTE: AYES: Cribb, De La Torre, Gartner, Leo, Lutz (5) NOES: None (0) ABSTAIN: None (0) ABSENT: Nalle (1) A. MINUTES RECOMMENDATION: Approve the minutes of the regular meeting of August 22, 2005. 1 B. RECORDING SECRETARY REPORT Pursuant to the Brown Act, the August 22, 2005 Agenda for the Regular Meeting was posted on the door of the City Hall Council Chambers at 22 Civic Center Plaza on August 19, 2005 at 2:54 p.m. RECOMMENDATION: Instruct the Commission Secretary to enter posting into the minutes. Planning Commission Minutes - 1 - September 12, 2005 C. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 2005-23 Filed by Lehang Phan to allow a Type 41 (off-sale beer and wine license) liquor license for the Saigon Cuisine Restaurant in the Commercial Residential (CR) zoning district at 3930 South Bristol Street, Suite 109. RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file the staff report approving Conditional Use Permit No. 2005-23 as conditioned. * * * END OF CONSENT CALENDAR BUSINESS CALENDAR D. COMMISSIONER COMMUNICATION DISCLOSURE (REGARDING AGENDIZED PROJECTS) Commissioner Cribb spoke with John Laing Homes representatives, Item 3. Commissioner De La Torre spoke with John Laing Homes representatives, Item 3. Commissioner Gartner spoke to John Laing Homes representatives, Item 3. Commissioner Lutz met with John Laing Homes representative, Item 3 and had a telephone conversation with Brian Lucas, Steadfast Properties, Item 4. Vice Chairman Leo met with John Laing Homes representatives, Item 3. PROCEDURAL RULES PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. VARIANCE NO. 2005-06 (Continued by Planning Commission: July 25, 2005 to August 8, 2005, August 8, 2005 to September 12, 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. RECOMMENDATION: Continue the item to September 26, 2005 per applicant's request. MOTION: Continue the item to September 26, 2005 per applicant's request. MOTION: Cribb SECOND: Lutz VOTE: AYES: Cribb, De La Torre, Gartner, Leo, Lutz (5) NOES: None (0) ABSTAIN: None (0) ABSENT: Nalle (1) 2. AMENDMENT APPLICATION NO. 2005-05 Filed by Silvercreek Properties to change the zoning designation from Single- Family Residence (R1) to Arterial Commercial (C5) in order to construct a new 2,700 square foot commercial building at 2701 North Grand Avenue. Planning Commission Minutes - 2 - September 12, 2005 RECOMMENDATION: Continue the item to September 26, 2005 per applicant's request MOTION: Continue the public hearing to September 26, 2005 per applicant's request. MOTION: De La Torre SECOND: Cribb VOTE: AYES: Cribb, De La Torre, Gartner, Leo, Lutz (5) NOES: None (0) ABSTAIN: None (0) ABSENT: Nalle (1) 3. 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 Filed by John Laing Homes to allow for a General Plan Amendment to change from Low Density Residential (LR-7) to Medium Density Residential (MR-15), a 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). PUBLISHED IN THE ORANGE COUNTY REPORTER: September 2, 2005 PUBLICLY NOTICED: September 2, 2005 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 as conditioned. 5. Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 2005-54 as conditioned. 6. Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 2005-55 as conditioned. 7. Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 2005-56 as conditioned. Senior Planner Vince Fregoso presented the staff report and recommendation. Commission discussions ensued regarding front wall (solid versus articulated with wrought iron); enhanced rear landscaping and interior fireplaces. The public hearing was opened. Commission Secretary noted receipt of written communication from Cathy Godoy prior to the public hearing. John Laing Homes Project Manager Rick Puffer reviewed the rear landscape planter, height modifications, the high wall, the types of trees being proposed with additional trees along Edinger Avenue to blend with Centennial Park in height and consistency. Mr. Puffer also asked to modify 1. Condition No. 6 - requested allowing white porcelain the counter tops, a standard appliance package which does not include washer or dryer; interior drywall finish would be light orange peel finish and a smooth exterior finish 2. Condition No. 12 -does not want to provide trash receptacles, as regular maintenance is provided. Also concerned that large items may be dumped if receptacles are nearby. 3. Condition No. 16 -proposed vinyl windows. Planning Commission Minutes - 3 - September 12, 2005 Mr. Puffer indicated chimneys are faux and confirmed there are no interior fireplaces. Commission discussion continued regarding landscape buffer upgrades along north wall to protect adjoining neighbors and inquired about consideration for water element. Mr. Puffer indicated placement of a 60-inch box Pepper tree and enhanced paving at the entry, but no water feature because it would attract kids from the park and create a maintenance concern. The following members of the public spoke in support of the project: Maggie Brown, Betsy Benton The following members of the public expressed concerns about the project's height, spillover lighting, visitor parking, traffic, noise, air quality impacts, privacy and variances: Cathy Godoy, Horacio Correa, Ofelia Lara, Barbara Lamere, Patricia Michel, Roy Melcher, Beatrice Calderon Rick Puffer reviewed the neighbors concerns with density, landscape and architecture; indicated project would meet demand for housing in the City, also mentioned community outreach efforts and indicated that traffic studies were conducted. Commission discussion ensued regarding the spillover lighting from the visitor parking, the concern that the neighborhood was unaware of the modifications to the project and recommendation for continuance of the item. Mr. Puffer reviewed the lighting features and noted meetings held with Neighborhood Association in July, another one scheduled for September 13 to meet with community to update neighborhood with changes to resolve some their concerns. Mr. Puffer stated this was a "for sale" project and that literature was given to the community. Vice Chairman Leo indicated there are too many issues pending regarding parking, lighting, landscape, noise, height of wall, density, construction and number of variances. The public hearing was closed. MOTION: Continue public hearing to Planning Commission on September 26, 2005. Ms. Haluza proposed four weeks continuance in order to adequately address the Commission's concerns. SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Continue item to October 10, 2005 Planning Commission, Business Calendar. MOTION: Leo SECOND: Cribb VOTE: AYES: Cribb, De La Torre, Gartner, Leo, Lutz (5) NOES: None (0) ABSTAIN: None (0) ABSENT: Nalle (1) VICE CHAIRMAN LEO CALLED FOR A RECESS AT 6:51 P.M.; THE MEETING RESUMED AT 6:59 P.M. 4. AMENDMENT APPLICATION NO. 2005-07, TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 2005-08 AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT NO. 2005-03 AND SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 2005-03 Filed by Steadfast Residential Properties to change the zoning from Community Commercial-Museum District (C1-MD) to Specific Development No. 79 (SD-79) Planning Commission Minutes - 4 - September 12, 2005 and to allow the construction of 45 residential condominiums with up to approximately 4,000 square feet of commercial space at 1900 North Main Street. PUBLISHED IN THE ORANGE COUNTY REPORTER: September 2, 2005 PUBLICLY NOTICED: September 2, 2005 RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that the City Council 1. Approve and adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring Program, Environmental Report No. 2005-18. 2. Adopt an ordinance approving Amendment Application No. 2005-07. 3. Adopt an ordinance approving Development Agreement No. 2005-03. 4. Adopt a resolution approving Tentative Tract Map No. 2005-08 as conditioned. 5. Adopt a resolution approving Site Plan Review No. 2005-03. Senior Planner Klotz presented the staff report and recommendation. The public hearing was opened. Steadfast representative, Brian Lucas highlighted the project and introduced the architect, Stefano Polyzoides who reviewed the architectural designs and amenity features for the project. Stephanie Francis, Executive Director at St. Joseph Ballet, discussed her concerns regarding the loss of parking for St. Joseph's Ballet as well as potential for increased traffic on alley behind the building. The following members of the public expressed their support for the project: Greg Ashbaugh and Ellen Diamond. Ms. Diamond requested that dust and noise be controlled during construction. Commission discussion ensued regarding clarification for the vehicular access from 20th Street; parking for visitors, courtyard, water fountains, fireplaces and timing of the project. The public hearing was closed. Mr. Trevino clarified that the City is currently in negotiations with St. Joseph's Ballet to find replacement parking. MOTION: Recommend that the City Council 1. Approve and adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring Program, Environmental Report No. 2005-18. 2. Adopt an ordinance approving Amendment Application No. 2005-07. 3. Adopt an ordinance approving Development Agreement No. 2005-03. 4. Adopt a resolution approving Tentative Tract Map No. 2005-08 as conditioned. 5. Adopt a resolution approving Site Plan Review No. 2005-03. MOTION: Lutz VOTE: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: 5. Public Comments SECOND: Cribb Cribb, De La Torre, Gartner, Leo, Lutz (5) None (0) None (0) Nalle (1) (for items not on the agenda) No comments were made. Planning Commission Minutes - 5 - September 12, 2005 STAFF AND COMMISSION COMMENTS 6. Staff Comments Karen Haluza announced the Planning Commissioners Forum scheduled for September 15, 2005 in Brea at the Embassy Suites Hotel. 7. Planning Commission Comments Commissioner Lutz • Requested status of Memory Lane Bridge. • Requested status of Minter House, west on Memory Lane over the Santa Ana River, commented on removal of Eucalyptus trees during the widening of the street and installation of a chain link fence. • Commented on land use on southeast corner on Bush/17th Street, old gas station lot paved and being used as parking lot. Ms. Haluza provided information. • Requested clean up of pole sign that is filled with "for rent" signs on South Main and Bishop at the R Ranch Market. Commissioner Gartner • Thanked Commissioner Cribb for comments supporting Santa Ana. Commissioner Cribb • Commented on corner at Greenville and MacArthur at Segerstrom High School, suggested speaking with Rob Richardson to improve landscaping. • Requested permit verification for the construction at Bush/Edgewood, rear of house, west facing elevation. • Requested clean up of litter at North Main Street at the Edgewood off- ramp. • Requested graffiti removal at MacArthur and Ramona, northwest corner. • Suggested that the City study ways to improve circulation. • Thanked Mr. Trevino and staff for their efforts with the Steadfast project. Commissioner De La Torre • No comments Vice Chairman Leo • Stated that the County is pursuing signal synchronization. 8. Excuse of Absences Commissioner Cribb moved to excuse the absence of Commissioner Nalle, motion was Seconded by Commissioner De La Torre; the motion was unanimously approved by the Commission. 9. Adjournment 7:59 p.m. Martha Ramirez Recording Secretary Planning Commission Minutes - 6 - September 12, 2005