HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/27/2000ACTION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
CITY OF SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA
PLANNING COMMISSION
November 27, 2000
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CALLED TO ORDER City Hall Council Chambers
22 Civic Center Plaza
5:45 p.m.
ATTENDANCE: Glenn Mondo, Chairman
Alexander Nalle, Vice Chairman
Molly Doughty
Lynnette Verino
Don Cribb
ABSENT:
Jose Solorio
Robert Richardson
STAFF PRESENT: Cynthia Nelson, Deputy City Manager
Kenneth Adams, Planning Manage
Gary Sheatz, Chief Assistant City Attorney
Joyce Amerson, Public Works Agency
Mike McCoy, Police Department
Jeffry Rice, Principal Planner
Joseph Edwards, Principal Planner
Sharon McCain Johnson, Commission Secretary
CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Approval of the Minutes from the regular meeting of November 13, 2000.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the minutes from the meeting of November 13, 2000.
B. Recording Secretarv Report
The November 9, 2000 Agenda was posted at the City Hall Council Chambers on
October 6, 2000 at i:30 p.m.
C. NEIGHBORHOOD PROJECT REVIEW NO.00-04
Filed by Mr. Guillermo Zavala to allow the construction of asingle-family residence with
detached garage located at 915 North Lacy Street in Specific Development 19 zoning
district.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a resolution approving Neighborhood Project Review No. 00-04.
**** END OF CONSENT CALENDAR***
Motion to approve Consent Calendar.
MOTION: Nalle SECONDED:
AYES: Mondo, Nalle, Doughty, Verino, and Cribb
NOES: None
ABSENT: Sea~}r ~" `" and Richardson
ABSTENTION: None
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Doughty
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WORK STUDY SESSION
D. Discussion of Commercial Vehicle Ordinance.
Chairman Mondo indicated that he requested an additional discussion concerning the
commercial vehicle ordinance because he believed the action taken at the previous
meeting allowing commercial vehicles to park in side yards, if not visible from the street
may cause problems in the future. Specifically, the areas of concern were the definition
' of side yard, visible from the street, what would define screened; and screening
materials.
Commissioner Verino indicated that she was in favor of the vehicles not being visible
from the street; however, she emphasized that she was supportive of property owners
parking their vehicles on side yards, if available, rather than parking in the front yards or
on the street.
The following members from the public offered comments:
Mr. Ray Gawronski, local resident, commented that the code prohibited the storage of
vehicles for any length of time and he requested clarification concerning the ordinances.
Ms. Julie Stroud, local resident, commented that she would like to discuss how the
vehicles would enter into the back yards.
Mr. Michael Rudolph, local resident, inquired as to the problems of vehicles under 10,000
being parked out of view.
Mr. Ben Kauffman, Chief City Attorney, expressed concerns regarding the enforcement of
vehicles not visible from the street; acceptable screening materials; and potential impacts
on neighbors.
' Chairman Mondo indicated that he would be requesting a reconsideration of the action
taken at the previous meeting to address concerns related to the ordinance.
E. Recess.
The afternoon session recessed at 5:35 p.m.
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PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA
NOVEMBER 27, 2000
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
22 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA
SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA
ROLL CALL 6:00 p.m.
' PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
PROCEDURAL RULES
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1.
Chairman Mondo informed the Commission that he was requesting a reconsideration of
the action taken on the commercial vehicle ordinance because of his belief there were
some technical issues that the Commission had not taken into account and he felt the
action may not have reflected what the Commission wanted to accomplish.
Motion to reconsider the action taken concerning the commercia! vehicle
ordinance (Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 00-1 i and Ordinance Amendment
Na. 00-03).
MOTION: Mondo
SECOND: Nalle
' AYES: Mondo, Nalle, Doughty, Verino, and Cribb
NOES: None
ABSENT: Solorio and Richardson
ABSTENTION: None
• ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO.00-11 AND ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO.
00-03
Chairman Mondo expressed opinion that the issues of concern were the size of the
vehicles to be permitted in side yards (over or under 10,000 pounds); how "side
yard" was defined; how one would decide what was appropriately screened; and
how one would define appropriate screening materials. He believed the addition to
the original ordinance made by the Planning Commission on November 13, 2000,
"visible from the street" caused potential problems and he would like to delete that
addition to the ordinance.
Motion to modify Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 00-11 removing visible from
the street (Sec 41-60T (h)).
MOTION: Mondo
SECOND: Doughty
' AYES: Mondo, Doughty, and Cribb
NOES: Nalle and Verino
ABSENT: Solorio and Richardson
ABSTENTION: None
2. VARIANCE NO. 00-15 AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 00-26. AND SITE PLAN
REVIEW NO.00-03
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Filed by Pacific Hospitality Group to allow the construction of a Doubletree Hotel;
reduction in the required landscape setbacks; and allow a Type 47 Alcohol Beverage
Control License located at 2 Imperial Promenade.
(Continued by the Planning Commission from November 13, 2000 to November 27,
2000)
PUBLISHED IN THE REGISTER: November 3, 2000 and November 17, 2000
' PUBLICLY NOTICED: November 16, 2000
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Approve and certify the Negative Declaration for Environmental Review 00-151.
2. Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 00-15 as conditioned. c/
3. Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 00-26 as conditioned.[i
4. Adopt a resolution approving Site Plan Review No. 00-03. /
Mr. Vince Fregoso, Senior Planner, presented the staff report and provided an overview
of the proposed hotel.
Commissioner Cribb inquired as to the type of tree being proposed on the street and
asked if the current trees would remain at the existing site. Mr. Fregoso indicated that
the ficus trees would be removed and replaced.
Chairman Mondo inquired regarding Planning Division, condition number 3 as it related to
the stone or stone like material and asked what the applicant planned to incorporate in
the exterior finish of the hotel and he inquired regarding condition number 8(r) referencing
' an office tower instead of a hotel. Mr. Fregoso indicated that staff had not been informed
of the chosen stone material and that condition number 8(r) was a mitigation measure of
the originally approved Environmental Impact Report and could not be modified,
however, the Commission could add a new condition of approval clarifying a hotel rather
than an office tower.
Ms. Vicki Uehli, Community Development Agency, provided an overview of the Owner
Participation Agreement for the hotel.
Commissioner Cribb offered comments regarding the proposal and provided comments
as to his perspective concerning the floor plans; his preferred use of stone rather than
stone like materials in construction; and the hotels possibilities for marketing and sales.
Mr. George Medak, representing Doubletree, expressed his appreciation to staff and
introduced members of his team that worked on the project.
Ms. Andrea Cohen, representing Doubletree, presented an overview of the proposed
design, material, and floor plans of the hotel.
Mr. John Savage, President of Pacific Hospitality, provided comments in support of the
proposed project.
' Chairman Mondo opened the public hearing at 6:47 p.m.
There were no comments.
Chairman Mondo closed the public hearing at 6:48 p.m.
Motion to 1) approve and certify the Negative Declaration for Environmental
Review No. 00-151; 2) adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 00-15 with
modifications to the conditions of approval requiring a study considering the
impacts of dewatering for the hotel and prohibiting construction prior to 8:00 a.m.
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on Saturdays; 3) adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 00-26
with modifications to the conditions of approval requiring a study considering the
impacts of dewaterfng for the hotel and prohibiting construction prior to 8:00 a.m.
on Saturdays; and 4) adopt a resolution approving Site Plan Review No. 00-03.
3.
MOTION: Nalle
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTION:
SECOND: Mondo
Mondo, Nalle, Doughty, Verino, and Cribb
None
Solorio and Richardson
None
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Filed by Ms. Pamela Sapetto to amend the General Plan designation from Professional
and Administrative Office (PAO) to General Commercial (GC), to change the zoning
district from Professional (P) to Community Commercial (C1) in order to establish a lodge
at an existing structure with a reduction in parking requirements located at 1421 East
Seventeenth Street.
(Continued by the Planning Commission November 13, 2000 to November 27, 2000)
PUBLISHED IN THE REGISTER
LEGALLY NOTICED:
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommend that the City Council:
November 3, 2000
October 29, 2000
Deny General Plan Amendment No. 00-06.
2. Deny Amendment Application No. 00-13.
3. Adopt a resolution denying Variance No. 00-23 as conditioned.
4. Adopt a resolution denying Conditional Use Permit No. 00-10 as conditioned.
Several Commissioners asked if the parking issues had been resolved during the two
week continuance.
Mr. Tom Conrad, indicated that there were 46 parking spots available and referenced a
letter from the adjacent property owner.
Ms. Pamela Sappetto, representing the applicant, indicated that at its last meeting, the
Planning Commission requested the applicant meet with the neighborhood and the
applicant met with Mr. Winston Covington and provided him an overview of the project.
Chairman Mondo stated that the public hearing had been opened and closed at the
previous meeting, however, he would allow additional public comments and he re-opened
the public hearing at 6:55 p.m.
Mr. Winston Covington, President of Portola Park Neighborhood Association, stated that
he did have a late conversation with the representatives for the applicant; that he was
opposed to the project; requested the Planning Commission deny the request; and he
referenced several letters from residents in opposition to the project. He further
commented that the Moose was a good applicant, however, he didn't believe the location
was suited for the use and that everyone he spoke to located on 18`h Street was opposed
to the project due to the potential impacts.
The following public members spoke in opposition to the project and expressed concern
regarding traffic, lighting, and the potential impacts to the area if the lodge was allowed:
Harve Tasch
Donna Lear
Several Commissioners commented that the property was zoned Professional and asked
staff if the site could be used as a restaurant. Mr. Kenneth Adams, Planning Manager,
stated that a restaurant would be permitted by right.
Mr. Tom Conrad, informed the Commission that the applicant had spent a great deal of
time and money improving the building to comply with current code standards.
Mr. Larry Thrasher, representing the applicant, spoke in support of the project and stated
that he would be willing to work with the neighbors and people of the community.
Chairman Mondo closed the public hearing at 7:15 p.m.
Chairman Mondo commented that he understood the neighborhood concerns; that he
was concerned about the parking issues; that the letter agreement could be pulled at any
time; and that the neighborhood may want to look into permit parking for the area. He
further indicated that if the Commission approved the proposal That he would like to
condition the project to have a 60 day review of the conditional use permit, and if
necessary, place additional conditions of approval to minimize impacts to the adjacent
neighborhoods.
After further discussion, the Commission agreed to continue the proposal and requested
staff educate the neighborhood concerning the proposed project and establish conditions
of approval for the use; and requested the applicant put together a plan on how
operations would be conducted at the lodge.
Motion to continue General Plan Amendment No. 00-06, Amendment Application
No. 00-13, Conditional Use Permit No. 00-23, and Variance No. 00-10 for 60 days
(January 22, 2000).
MOTION: Doughty
Motion withdrawn.
MOTION: Mondo
Motion to continue General Plan Amendment No. 00-06, Amendment Application
No. 00-13, Conditional Use Permit No. 00-23, and Variance No. 00-10 to December
1 i, 2000.
SECOND: Cribb
SECOND: Nalle
AYES: Mondo, Nalle, Doughty, Verino, and Cribb
NOES: None
ABSENT: Solorio and Richardson
ABSTENTION: None
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4. VARIANCE NO.00-14
Filed by WF Construction, Inc. to allow a reduction in setback requirements in order to
construct an industrial building located at 1038 East Fourth Street in the Heavy industrial
(M2) zoning district.
PUBLISHED IN THE REGISTER: November 17, 2000
PUBLICLY NOTICED: November 16, 2000
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Approve and certify the Mitigated Negative Declaration for Environmental Review
No. 00-138.
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2. Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 00-14 as conditioned.
Ms. Ann Ni, Associate Planner, presented the staff report and recommendation; and
requested modifications to the conditions of approval .
Chairman Mondo opened the public hearing at 7:43 p.m.
Mr. Ron Busante, representing WF Construction, spoke in support of the project and
stated that he had no objections to the conditions of approval.
Chairman Mondo closed the public hearing at 7:45 p.m.
Motion to: 1) approve and certify the Mitigated Negative Declaration for
Environmental Review No. 00-138; and 2) adopt a resolution approving Variance
No. 00-14 with modifications to the conditions of approval number 13 (a) and (b)
removing the words east.
MOTION: Verino SECOND: Cribb
5.
AYES: Mondo, Doughty, Verino, and Cribb
NOES: None
ABSENT: Solorio and Richardson
ABSTENTION: Nalle
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO.00-01
Filed by the City of Santa Ana to update the Housing Element of the General Plan.
November 17, 2000
November 16, 2000
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PUBLISHED IN THE REGISTER:
PUBLICLY NOTICED:
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommend that the City Council:
1. Adopt a resolution approving General Plan Amendment No. 00-01.
2. Adopt a resolution approving General Plan Amendment No. 00-01.
Ms. Maya DeRosa, Senior Planner, presented the staff recommendation and discussed
the issues concerning the REHNA Appeal.
Chairman Mondo opened the public hearing at 7:55 p.m.
Mr. Jaime Vega, local resident, stated that he was in support of Housing Element and
commented that he was interested in more affordable housing in the City.
Chairman Mondo closed the public hearing at 8:00 p.m.
Motion to recommend that the City Council: 1) approve the Negative Declaration
for Environmental Review No. 00-19; and 2) adopt a resolution approving Genera!
Plan Amendment No. 00-01.
MOTION: Cribb
SECOND: Doughty
AYES: Mondo, Nalle, Doughty, Verino, and Cribb
NOES: None
ABSENT: Solorio and Richardson
ABSTENTION: None
Comments from the Deputy City Manager.
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There were no comments.
7. Comments from the Planning Manager and staff.
There were no comments.
8. Comments from the Assistant City Attorney.
Mr. Gary Sheatz, Assistant City Attorney, informed the Commission that he had
accepted a position with the City of Orange; and expressed his thanks and
appreciation to the Commission.
9. Comments from the Planning Commission.
Commissioner Cribb
• Requested a study session concerning stone versus similar stone materials
and commented that he was interested in approving the best product for
proposed projects.
Commissioner Nalle
• Inquired as to the status of the 17 acre site on North Main. Staff informed
the Commission that they would be meeting with Opus to discuss possible
site plans.
• Inquired as to the status of Civic Center area improvements. Mr. Jeffry Rice
indicated that a consulting firm had been obtained to prepare a master plan for
the area and the process would take approximately 18 months.
Commissioner Cribb requested that the Commission be provided an
opportunity to participate in the planning process.
Commissioner Doughty
• Informed staff and the Commission that she had counted 24 shopping carts
along 17`" Street, Ross Street, and Civic Center Plaza and requested staff and
the Commission to call for the removal of the carts when then noticed them
along the streets.
10. Excuse of absences.
Commissioner Cribb moved to excuse the absence of Commissioners Solorio and
Richardson. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nalle and unanimously
passed.
11. Adjournment.
The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
S aron McCain Johnson
Secretary to the Planning Commission
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