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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-25-2005ACTION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA JULY 25, 2005 CALL TO ORDER: 5:09 P.M. City Hall Council Chambers 22 Civic Center Plaza PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG ATTENDANCE: COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Don Cribb Harvey De La Torre Christopher Leo, Vice Chairman Tom Lutz Glenn Mondo, Chairman Alexander Nalle COMMISSIONER ABSENT: James Gartner STAFF PRESENT: Steve Harding, Deputy City Mgr for Dvlpmnt Svs Jay Trevino, Ex. Dir., Plan. & Bldg. Agency Ben Kaufman, Chief Assistant City Attorney Karen Haluza, Principal Planner Martha Ramirez, Recording Secretary CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION: Approve staff recommendations on the following Consent Calendar. MOTION: Nalle SECOND: Cribb VOTE: AYES: Cribb, De La Torre, Lutz, Mondo, Nalle (5) NOES: None (0) ABSTAIN: Leo (1) ABSENT: Gartner (1) A. MINUTES RECOMMENDATION: Approve the minutes of the regular meeting of July 11, 2005. B. RECORDING SECRETARY REPORT Pursuant to the Brown Act, the July 11, 2005 Agenda for the Regular Meeting was posted on the door of the City Hall Council Chambers at 22 Civic Center Plaza on July 08, 2005 at 9:33 a.m. 1 RECOMMENDATION: Instruct the Commission Secretary to enter posting into the minutes. * * '" END OF CONSENT CALENDAR * '" BUSINESS CALENDAR C. COMMISSIONER COMMUNICATION DISCLOSURE (REGARDING AGENDIZED PROJECTS) Planning Commission Minutes - 1 - July 25, 2005 Cribb had a conversation with Mr. Bisno regarding street name considerations for Item D. Commissioner Lutz in his capacity as a Historic Resources Commissioner received a letter from Peter Keller regarding Item 1. D. STREET NAME NO. 2005-02 (Continued by Planning Commission: July 11, 2005 to July 25, 2005) Filed by Main Street Concourse LLC, Bill Hammerstein, requesting to name two private streets in the Specific Development No. 59 (SD-59) zoning district at 2775 North Main Street. RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution approving Street Name No. 2005-02. Senior Planner, Sergio Klotz presented the staff report and recommendation for the continued item. Mr. Hammerstein presented an update on the project, sales and retail tenants. MOTION: Adopt a resolution approving Street Name No. 2005-02. MOTION: Cribb SECOND: De La Torre VOTE: AYES: Cribb, De La Torre, Leo, Lutz, Mondo, Nalle (6) NOES: None (0) ABSTAIN: None (0) ABSENT: Gartner (1) E. FIRST AND FOURTH STREET OFFICE CORRIDORS LAND USE STUDY Filed by the City of Santa Ana for consideration of a conceptual vision plan and development framework for properties located generally east and north of the 5 Freeway, west of Tustin Avenue, and south of Parkcourt Place and Fruit Street. RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file report. Principal Planner, Karen Haluza presented an overview and indicated the purpose of this document was to serve as a strategic guide for decisions regarding development proposals, general plan updates, and zone changes. Ms. Haluza discussed the upcoming Fourth Street Corridor Design Charette with Shea Homes scheduled for Wednesday, July 27 to further refine the proposed design based on the land use study's guidelines. She also recommended appointment of an Ad Hoc Committee to participate in the Charette. Commission discussion ensued regarding the height parameters and consideration of the medical center. Mr. Kaufman reminded Commission that their approval tonight would be only to receive and file the report. MOTION: Receive and file the report. Appoint Ad Hoc Committee consisting of Commissioners Mondo, Cribb, and Nalle. ~- MOTION: Nalle SECOND: Lutz VOTE: AYES: Cribb, De La Torre, Leo, Lutz, Mondo, Nalle (6) NOES: None (0) ABSTAIN: None (0) ABSENT: Gartner (1) F. RECESS TO COUNCIL CHAMBERS 5:40 p.m. Planning Commission Minutes - 2 - July 25, 2005 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 22 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA JULY 25, 2005 ROLL CALL 5:50 P.M. Same staff was present. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG PROCEDURAL RULES PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. AMENDMENT APPLICATION NO. 2005-04 AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 2005-20 Filed by The Bowers Museum c/o John Grace (Lutzky and Associates), to change zoning from Community Commercial-Museum District to Specific Development No. 78 (SD-78) and to allow a banquet facility within SD-78 at 2032 North Main Street. PUBLISHED IN THE ORANGE COUNTY REPORTER: July 15, 2005 PUBLICLY NOTICED: July 15, 2005 RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that the City Council 1. Approve and adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring Program, Environmental Review No. 2005-45. 2. Adopt an ordinance approving Amendment Application No. 2005-04 and Specific Development Plan No. 78 (SD-78). 3. Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 2005-20 as conditioned. Sergio Klotz presented the staff report. Commission discussion ensued regarding the parking lot parameters and the logistics for the two concurrent projects, the north elevation design and the elimination of an existing building to accommodate expansion. The public hearing was opened. Architect Robert Coffee recapped the overall design of the property expansion and development projects stressing the entries, landscape, sidewalks and parking modifications. Modifications are respectful of the 1932, 1992 and the new 2005 image. Signage changes were also reviewed. Commission discussion ensued regarding materials on the north elevation, reconsideration for legitimate stone, arched entry treatment, and the auditorium multi-purpose facility. Commission also encouraged the return of the water fountain to the courtyard. No public comments were made. The public hearing was closed. Planning Commission Minutes - 3 - July 25, 2005 MOTION: Recommend that the City Council 1. Approve and adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring Program, Environmental Review No. 2005-45. 2. Adopt an ordinance approving Amendment Application No. 2005-04 and Specific Development Plan No. 78 (SD-78). 3. Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 2005-20 as conditioned. 4. The Planning Commission added conditions allowing Planning staff to review a redesigned architectural treatment to the proposed northern secondary entry along the Main Street (east) elevation and walls on a ramp along the north elevation to ensure appropriate building materials and design and to review the use of fake stone. MOTION: Nalle VOTE: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: 2. VARIANCE NO. 2~ SECOND: Cribb Cribb, De La Torre, Leo, Lutz, Mondo, Nalle (6) None (0) None (0) Gartner (1) X05-06 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: July 15, 2005 PUBLICLY NOTICED: July 15, 2005 RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 2005-06. 1. Denying Variance No. 2005-06 (a) to allow a reduction in lot size. 2. Denying Variance No. 2005-06 (b) to allow a reduction in side yard setback. 3. Denying Variance No. 2005-06 (c) to allow a reduction in landscaping. 4. Denying Variance No. 2005-06 (d) to allow a reduction in dead-end drive aisles. MOTION: Continuance to August 8, 2005 Planning Commission public hearing per applicant's request. MOTION: Nalle SECOND: Leo VOTE: AYES: Cribb, De La Torre, Leo, Lutz, Mondo, Nalle (6) NOES: None (0) ABSTAIN: None (0) ABSENT: Gartner (1) 3. VARIANCE NOS. 2005-13, 2005-17, 2005-18, 2005-19, 2005-20, AND 2005-21 Filed by Elder Avenue Residents, c/o Pedro Picon, to allow a second drive and wider driveways at 2305, 2225, 2229 2301, 2306 and to allow a second driveway at 2302 West Elder Avenue in the Single Family Residential (R1) zoning district. PUBLISHED IN THE ORANGE COUNTY REPORTER: July 15, 2005 PUBLICLY NOTICED: July 15, 2005 RECOMMENDATION: Adopt resolutions denying: Planning Commission Minutes - 4 - July 25, 200 1 1. Variance No. 2005-13 (a) to allow a second driveway at 2305 West Elder Avenue 2. Variance No. 2005-13 (b) to allow a wider driveway at 2305 West Elder Avenue 3. Variance No. 2005-17 (a) to allow a second driveway at 2225 West Elder Avenue 4. Variance No. 2005-17 (b) to allow a wider driveway at 2225 West Elder Avenue 5. Variance No. 2005-18 (a) to allow a second driveway at 2229 West Elder Avenue 6. Variance No. 2005-18 (b) to allow a wider driveway at 2229 West Elder Avenue 7. Variance No. 2005-19 (a) to allow a second driveway at 2301 West Elder Avenue 8. Variance No. 2005-19 (b) to allow a wider driveway at 2301 West Elder Avenue 9. Variance No. 2005-20 to allow a second driveway at 2302 West Elder Avenue 10. Variance No. 2005-21 (a) to allow a second driveway at 2306 West Elder Avenue 11. Variance No. 2005 -21 (b) to allow a wider driveway at 2306 West Elder Avenue Associate Planner Bill Apple presented the staff report Commission discussion ensued regarding permits issued during 1980s, outreach efforts with neighborhood, option of one curb cut per residence, and the substantial costs involved to construct atwo-car garage in the rear of the property. Staff indicated that New Horizons Neighborhood Association was involved and that staff held outreach with the residents. Commission inquired about whether a circular driveway would be in conformance; staff indicated that over 60 feet of street frontage would be required. The public hearing was opened. Public that spoke against the proposal citing safety and inconvenience of parking multiple cars in the street: Pedro Picon, 2305 W. Elder, Gregoria Sanchez, 2225 W. Elder, Jose Gomez, 2301 W. Elder, Wenceslao Montes, 2218 W. Elder, Veronica Ariza, 2229 W. Elder, Felipe Perez, 2205 W. Elder, Roberto Sanchez, 2313 W. Elder and Joe Calderon, 1238 W. Elder. Public in support of proposal: Julie Stroud and Glen Stroud discussed the negative precedent of allowing second driveways. Tomas Perez, Public Works representative, confirmed that the neighborhood association was contacted, and discussed the neighborhood's perception that rolled curb was detracting from the neighborhood. He indicated that the residents poured concrete for additional driveway, no curb cut was needed because of the rolled curb. 1 The public hearing was closed. Commissioner Lutz voiced concerned with pursuing alternatives to work with neighborhood services and police department to discuss parking permits program. Commissioner expressed understanding of resident's parking concerns. Tomas Perez, stated that the project has been bid and awarded to start; if put on hold, contractor would submit a change, which could result in increased costs. Planning Commission Minutes - 5 - July 25, 2005 Commissioner Leo expressed concern over precedent that could be set for other neighborhoods. Commissioner De La Torre suggested that the item be tabled to allow staff to continue to review the parking issue with the residents. He expressed concern over the larger policy issue of allowing second driveways. He asked staff to look for creative solutions to help residents comply. He stated that fences designed to accommodate second driveways may also need to be reviewed. Chair Mondo inquired as to when construction would commence. Mr. Perez stated work begins with Borchard Avenue, then Elder Avenue, before August 8. Commissioner Nalle stated that disallowing second driveways may encourage people to park on their lawns. Commission expressed concern with additional inconvenience to residents as well as incurring additional costs. Chair Mondo stated that home owners bought homes without knowledge of existing permits on the property but that was not reason to approve the variance. Majority of the homes can accommodate three cars off of the street if wider driveways are allowed. He is concerned with the aesthetic issues at the driveways and the costs. He encouraged the issue to be resolved with the neighborhood and the police department. MOTION: Continue the public hearing to August 22, 2005 Planning Commission public hearing. MOTION: Nalle SECOND: Lutz VOTE: AYES: Cribb, De La Torre, Leo, Lutz, Mondo, Nalle (6) NOES: None (0) ABSTAIN: None (0) ABSENT: Gartner (1) 4. TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO.2005-06 (COUNTY MAP NO. 16836) Filed by Susan Street Partners, LLC c/o Voit Development Company, to allow the subdivision of an existing industrial building into five individual condominium units in the Light Industrial (M1) zoning district at 2100 South Susan Street. PUBLISHED IN THE ORANGE COUNTY REPORTER: July 15, 2005 PUBLICLY NOTICED: July 15, 2005 RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution approving Tentative Tract Map No. 2005-06 (County Map No. 16836) as conditioned. Associate Planner Ann Ni presented the staff report indicating the applicant's desire to modify their original request and removal of Condition No. 11. Staff requested a break to clarify the applicant's proposal. Chairman Mondo granted break at 7:49 p.m. The public hearing resumed at 8:00 p.m. Ms. Haluza referenced page 202, Item 11 and indicated that applicant was in agreement with condition as stated on staff report and that no modifications to the original application were being requested. The public hearing was opened. Applicant Jim Camp discussed the building rehabilitation that would also occur as part of the project. Planning Commission Minutes - 6 - July 25, 2005 The public hearing was closed. MOTION: Adopt a resolution approving Tentative Tract Map No. 2005-06 (County Map No. 16836) as conditioned. Mr. Trevino indicated that the site improvements should be brought up to City standards prior to recordation, in particular Conditions 6 and 9. MOTION: Cribb VOTE: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: 5. Public Comment~ SECOND: Nalle Cribb, De La Torre, Leo, Lutz, Mondo, Nalle (6) None (0) None (0) Gartner (1) (for items not on the agenda) No public comments were made. 6. Staff Comments STAFF AND COMMISSION COMMENTS Mr. Kaufman provided an update on recent case law regarding Commissioner behavior during public hearings. 7. Planning Commission Comments Commissioner Lutz • Commented that the Planning Commission should be included with the Mayor's State of City Address on August 3, 2005. • Received several telephone calls in Washington Square for a lot of trash pickers in the area; would like additional enforcement to prevent this. • Thanked Commissioners for their support. Commissioner Nalle • No comments Commissioner Leo • Requested an update on Court of Appeals. Mr. Kaufman provided the information. • Commented that BIA did not know how innovative City of Santa Ana has been, we need to market and educate other communities about City's progress. Commissioner Cribb • Stated that buildings at Bristol Marketplace should be painted to match and that lights need to be replaced. Also mentioned that Ralphs may be expanding the market. • Requested an inspection at Greenville and MacArthur, northeast corner, part of the Segerstrom High School, there is a 12' chain link fence that needs landscape. • Requested inspection at MacArthur and South Bristol, at the In and Out Burger behind the Goodyear tire store, to the east, alley behind Starbucks has shopping carts that need to be removed. • Commented on Riverview and Wilshire Square's inadequate window treatments, there are window change outs without any articulation, verify existence of a policy to articulate the window. Mr. Trevino stated guidelines due back from Commission will address window modifications. • Inquired about a bicycle rack policy at the City Place project. Staff will advise. Planning Commission Minutes - 7 - July 25, 2005 Commissioner De La Torre • Commented on banners at the walkup to the Ross Annex Building dated 2001 that should be replaced. Ms. Haluza indicated there is a selection of banners that are an archive of old banners, staff will inquire about replacements. • Inquired if the City has taken a position with the proposed casino in Garden Grove. Commissioner Leo provided information. Chair Mondo • Requested inspection of temporary construction on OCTA bus turnout at MacArthur west of Harbor; someone used blacking to take out old stripes, creating traffic confusion. • Commented on Public Works timing for contracting on variances, opening up City to potential claim, would like to avoid situation in the future. • Announced that he was elected as Superior Court Commissioner, will step down from Planning Commission Chair as of August 22, 2005. 8. Excuse of Absences Moved by Commissioner Lutz to excuse the absence of Commissioner Gartner, Seconded by Commissioner Cribb and unanimously approved by the Commission. 9. Adjournment 8:21 p.m. Martha Ramirez Recording Secretary 1 Planning Commission Minutes - 8 - July 25, 2005