HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/24/2001ACTION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA
SEPTEMBER 24, 2001
CALLED TO ORDER 6:08 P.M.
' City Hall Ross Annex
First Floor Conference Room 1600
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, California
ATTENDANCE COMMISSIONERS Present:
Glenn Mondo, Chairman
Alexander Nalle, Vice Chairman
Don Cribb
Molly Doughty (6:14 p.m.)
Christopher Leo
Robert Richardson
COMMISSIONERS Absent:
Lynnette Verino, Pro Tem
STAFF PRESENT Cynthia J. Nelson, Deputy City Manager
Christopher Norman, Assistant City Attorney
Charles View, Planning Manager
Jeffry Rice, Principal Planner
Joyce Amerson, Public Works
Mike McCoy, Police Department
Yolanda Pena, Police Department
' Rosa Barela, Acting Recording Secretary
CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion to approve staff recommendafions on the following Consent Calendar items.
MOTION: Nalle SECOND: Leo
AYES: Cribb, Leo, Mondo, Nalle (4)
NOES: None (0)
ABSENT: Doughty, Verino (2)
ABSTENTION: Richardson (1)
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the minutes from the regular meeting of September 10, 2001.
B. RECORDING SECRETARY REPORT
RECOMMENDATION:
Instruct the Commission Secretary to enter into the minutes.
The September 10, 2001 Agenda was posted at the City Hall Council Chambers on
September 7, 2001 at 10:38 a.m.
* * * END OF CONSENT CALENDAR * * *
BUSINESS CALENDAR
C. PLANNING COMMISSION BYLAWS
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a resolution approving amendments to the bylaws for the Santa Ana Planning
Commission.
' Christopher Norman, Assistant City Attorney, reviewed the bylaws and recommended
modifications.
Motion to adopt a resolution approving amendments to the bylaws for the Santa
Ana Planning Commission with modificafion to the language on Section 6.e. to
clarify it fs not mandated to go in that order.
MOTION: Nalle SECOND: Mondo
AYES: Cribb, Doughty, Leo, Mondo, Nalle, Richardson (6)
NOES: None (0)
ABSENT: Verino (1)
ABSTENTION: None (0)
WORK STUDY SESSION
D. DISCUSSION OF DENSITY BONUS ORDINANCE
Joseph Edwards, Principal Planner, noted the City Council approved an update of the
housing element to submit to HCD for review and noted that state law requires the City
to adopt a density bonus ordinance. The implementation plan in the element stated this
' would be accomplished by the end of the year.
Lucy Linnaus, Assistant Planner, provided a presentation and background information
on the density bonus program.
Discussion ensued on affordable housing, financing and monitoring of programs.
E. DEVELOPMENT PROJECT UPDATE
Bill Apple, Associate Planner, provided an update on projects in Project Area III which
include: Euclid Pacifica for the construction of four single family homes; Fix Auto Repair
proposal to build an auto repair facility; Brookhollow proposal to divide the office park
into 24 separate parcels; Leed Warner proposal to add industrial building to existing site;
Latter Days Saints Religious Study proposal to build a parking lot; Kitchen Shin
Japanese Restaurant's request for ABC License; Expiritu Guest Home proposal to build
a care home facility for the elderly; Extended Stay America which will be brought to
Council at the next meeting; Walgreens which is currently under construction; EI Pollo
Loco Restaurant at PacifiCenter which is under construction; Los Amigos Restaurant's
request for ABC License; Gallade Chemical Warehouse proposal to add to existing
industrial building; Regent West Restaurant proposal to convert to restaurant; Pickens
CNG Fueling Station proposal for a a{ternative fuel site for fleet vehicles; S&J
Transportation request for warehouse addition; Moose Lodge's site improvements which
are complete and a certificate of occupancy was issued; Burke Development in final
stages of completion; Willowick Golf Course's proposed improvements; and the Orange
County Federal Credit Union at the PacifiCenter noting they have hired new architects
and engineers for the project.
F. ADJOURN TO CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS. 22 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA
The afternoon session recessed at 7:07 p. m.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 2 SEPTEMBER 24, 2001
ACTION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
22 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA
SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA
SEPTEMBER 24, 2001
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PROCEDURAL RULES
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 00-04
7:15 P.M.
Filed by the City of Santa Ana to modify procedural provisions of the subdivision
ordinance authorizing the City Engineer to approve Final Maps and clarifying public
hearing approval bodies.
PUBLISHED IN THE REGISTER: September 14, 2001
RECOMMENDATION:
Continue to October 8, 2001.
Motion fo continue Ordinance Amendment No. 00-04 to October 8, 2001.
J
MOTION: Nalle
SECOND: Leo
AYES: Cribb, Doughty, Leo, Mondo, Nalle, Richardson (6)
NOES: None (0)
ABSENT: Verino (1)
ABSTENTION: None (0)
2. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 01-26
(Public hearing held and closed on Augusf 23, 2001; public hearing re-opened and
closed on September 10, 2001. Continued from September 10 to September 24, 2001.)
Filed by Orange County Worship Center to allow the Orange County Christian Academy
to operate a K-6 grade elementary school located at 1440 East Santa Clara.
PUBLISHED IN THE REGISTER: August 17, 2001
PUBLICLY NOTICED: August 15, 2001
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 01-26 as conditioned
Vince Fregoso, Senior Planner, noted that due to the tie vote at the last meeting, the
' applicant had chosen the option to come back to the Commission for reconsideration.
The Applicant proposed three changes to their plans: 1) reduce the number of students
from 300 to 198; 2) eliminate the playground from the parking lot; and 3) agreed to
periodic meetings with the Portola Neighborhood Association. Staff reviewed the new
proposal and recommended approval subject to added conditions.
Mr. Rice noted deletion of Condition No. A.2. as the playground has been moved to the
grass area from the parking lot.
Commissioner Cribb inquired if a traffic study has been conducted. Mr. Fregoso noted
that Condition No. B.1. requires that a traffic study be conducted within one month of
approval. Ms. Joyce Amerson noted there is not a current study and anticipates
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 3 SEPTEMBER 24, 2001
conducting one in the next couple of months. Commissioner Cribb noted concern for
traffic impacts on Santa Clara.
Commissioner Richardson requested in addition to Condition No. A.5. to establish a
working group so the school operation may be reviewed annually by the Planning
Commission.
Chairman Mondo re-opened the public hearing at 7:24 p.m. and noted a petition signed
by 28 residents from Harlan Ronksley.
Pastor Albert Vaters, Applicant, noted amendments submitted; added they would close
off Wright Street entrance to school; and noted they would be happy to meet with the
neighbors adding they wish to be good neighbors.
Harlan Ronksley, resident, noted petition with 28 signatures of neighbors in opposition of
project; noted residents on Wright Street commented they are unable to back out of their
driveways at 7:30 a.m.; noted concern on increased traffic on Santa Clara for residents
turning left towards Grand; noted that the relocation of the playground would not reduce
the noise level; noted the reduction of class size would not make a difference; and noted
petition was signed by every resident on Avalon Street.
Winston Covington, Chairman of Portola Park Neighborhood Association, spoke in
support of the project noting the church has been a positive neighbor.
Chairman Mondo closed the public hearing at 7:32 p.m
Motion to adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 01-26 as
conditioned.
MOTION: Doughty SECOND: Nalle
Commissioner Doughty noted the petition was presented over iwo weeks ago and that
the neighbors have not been updated to the talks that have taken place; and feels the
church is acting in good faith and would be a good neighbor.
' Commissioner Richardson noted he would support motion if a condition is added to
include that the Planning Commission is one of the reviewing entities annually each July.
Commissioner Cribb inquired on the storage sheds. Mr. Rice noted the condition as
drafted requires the applicant to remove them. Commissioner Cribb added he would
not support the motion unless a traffic condition is added to restrict entrance/exit for the
school to Wright Street.
Pastor Vater noted they would chain off the parking lot off of Wright Street and instruct
families to pick-up and drop-off children on Santa Clara during the school hours. Ms.
Amerson noted this is a temporary fix adding the applicant will be responsible for
implementing any mitigation measures as a result of the traffic study.
Vice Chair Nalle requested to add condition to prohibit ingress and egress on Wright
Street to the site during the hours that the school is in operation. Commissioners
Doughty and Cribb noted they would support amendment.
Amended motion to adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 01-
26 as conditioned; with the additional conditions for the Planning Commission to
annually review each July; and to prohibit ingress and egress on Wright Street to
the site during hours of operation.
' MOTION: Doughty SECOND: Nalle
AYES: Cribb, Doughty, Leo, Mondo, Nalle, Richardson (8)
NOES: None (0)
ABSENT: Verino (1)
ABSTENTION: None (0)
3. VARIANCE NO. 01-06
(Continued from September 10, 2001 to September 24, 2001.)
Filed by Pacific Neon Company for approval of a variance to allow secondary wall
signage and non-conforming monument signage to remain at a Target store located at
1330 East Seventeenth Street.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 4 SEPTEMBER 24, 2001
PUBLISHED IN THE REGISTER: September 14, 2001
PUBLICLY NOTICED: September 7, 2001
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 01-06 as conditioned to allow relief
from Section 41-863(a) of the Santa Ana Municipal Code.
' 2. Adopt a resolution denying Variance No. 01-06 to deny relief from Section 41-
862(c)(2) of the Santa Ana Municipal Code.
Vince Fregoso, Senior Planner, presented the staff report and recommendation.
Chairman Mondo opened the public hearing at 7:46 p.m.
David Randolph, representing Applicant, spoke in support of request and noted they
would accept staff's recommendation for approval.
Chairman Mondo closed the public hearing at 7:47 p.m.
Mofion to:
1. Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 01-06 as conditioned to allow
relief from Secfion 41-883(a) of the Santa Ana Municipal Code.
2. Adopt a resolution denying Variance No. 01-08 to deny relief from Secfion
41-882(cJ(2) of the Santa Ana Municipal Code.
MOTION: Richardson SECOND: Nalle
AYES: Cribb, Doughty, Leo, Mondo, Nalle, Verino (6)
NOES: None (0)
' ABSENT: Verino (1)
ABSTENTION: None (0)
4. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 01-27
Filed by Hi-Speed Oil Inc. to obtain a conditional use permit to allow the construction of a
new Chevron gas station with mini-mart located at 702 South Harbor Boulevard in the
SP2 (North Harbor Specific Plan) and operating between 12:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.
PUBLISHED IN THE REGISTER: September 14, 2001
PUBLICLY NOTICED: September 7, 2001
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Approve and adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Monitoring Program,
Environmental Review No. 00-208.
2. Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 01-27 as conditioned.
Ann Ni, Associate Planner, presented the staff report and recommendation.
Chairman Mondo opened the public hearing at 7:46 p.m.
' Kimberly Adessian, representing Applicant, spoke in support of the project.
Chairman Mondo advised applicant that he would not be in favor of any future request
for an ABC license. Ms. Adessian noted they would like to get station built as it currently
is with no ABC license.
Mike McCoy clarified that the applicant initially requested an ABC license and noted that
SAPD would recommend denial and the applicant then withdrew that request.
Dave Lopez, Riverview West Neighborhood Association, inquired if applicant is the
same owner of the previous station adding the previous owner requested an ABC
license, and requested that the dumpsters be hidden. Ms. Adessian noted it was the
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 5 SEPTEMBER 24, 2001
same owner and Ms. Ni noted the dumpsters will be enclosed. Mr. Lopez then noted
support of project.
Chairman Mondo closed the public hearing at 7:58 p.m.
Moffon to:
1. Approve and adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Moniforing
Program, Environmental Review No. 00-208.
2. Adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 01-27 as
conditioned.
MOTION: Doughty SECOND: Leo
AYES: Cribb, Doughty, Leo, Mondo, Nalle, Richardson (6}
NOES: None (0)
ABSENT: Verino (1)
ABSTENTION: None (0)
5. VARIANCE NO. 01-OS
Filed by Pacific Planning Group to allow a second wall sign on the east building
elevation of Public Storage located at 2200 East McFadden Avenue.
PUBLISHED IN THE REGISTER: September 14, 2001
PUBLICLY NOTICED: September 11, 2001
RECOMMENDATION:
Deny Variance No. 01-08 for a secondary wall sign facing the freeway per attached
findings.
Lynnette Perry, Associate Planner, presented the staff report and recommendation.
Chairman Mondo opened the public hearing at 8:02 p.m. and noted letter handed to
Commissioners from C.J. Amstrup of Pacific Planning Group.
C.J. Amstrup, representing Applicant, spoke in support of the variance, discussed the
proposed sign variance application and findings adding they do not believe sign would
provide signage clutter.
Chairman Mondo closed the public hearing at 8:13 p.m.
Mofion to deny Variance No. 01-08 for a secondary wall sign facing the freeway
per attached findings.
Vice-Chair Nalle noted he would not support motion noting there was no rationale for not
allowing a 45 square foot sign.
MOTION: Richardson SECOND: Doughty
AYES: Cribb, Doughty, Leo, Mondo, Richardson (5)
NOES: Nalle (1)
ABSENT: Verino (1)
ABSTENTION: None (0)
COMMENTS
' 6. Public Comments -None
7. Comments from the Staff -None
8. Comments from the Planning Commission
Commissioner Leo
• Noted he represented the Planning Commission at an affordable housing forum as a
panelist along with representatives from Irvine, Brea, County of Orange and non-
profit organizations, and discussed ways to provide affordable housing throughout
the County.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 6 SEPTEMBER 24, 2001
Announced there would be a public hearing of the State Assembly on Friday,
September 28 to discuss rights-of-ways and how telecommunication companies use
them on state, city and county properties regulated through the P.U.C.
Commissioner Richardson
• Noted he was happy to be back.
• Noted in minutes from previous meeting Commissioner Verino's comments about the
swap mall on West First Street adding that when the swap mall was approved, there
was a conditional use permit that accompanied the project and might be worthy of
' research.
• Requested update on his request to place Camphor trees on the south side of Santa
Ana Boulevard from Grand Avenue to the railroad tracks.
Commissioner Cribb
• Requested staff investigate traffic signal at MacArthur Boulevard and Imperial
Promenade noting on weekends the light does not turn green for those coming south
on Imperial Promenade to MacArthur.
• Requested an inspection of BRE Project noting the opening has been delayed from
October 16 until October 27 which has caused a negative impact on their ability to
lease property.
• Requested that staff encourage BRE to place the panels on all four sides of the
columns on the ground level of the condominium units, which currently has the
panels placed on three sides only.
• Inquired on status of discussion on retail uses at Hutton Centre. Ms. Nelson
answered that staff will be processing a zone change that will be presented to the
Commission in January 2002.
9. Excuse of Absences
Motion by Commissioner Cribb and seconded by Commissioner Doughty to excuse the
absence of Commissioner Verino and approved unanimously by a vote of 6:0.
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:23 p. m.
L~ ,q
Rosa Barela J~/~`/~
Acting Recording Secretary
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 7 SEPTEMBER 24, 2001