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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/10/2001ACTION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA SEPTEMBER 10, 2001 CALLED TO ORDER 6:09 P.M. City Hall Ross Annex First Floor Conference Room 1600 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, California ATTENDANCE COMMISSIONERS Present: Glenn Mondo, Chairman Lynnette Verino, Pro Tem Alexander Nalle, Vice Chairman Don Cribb Molly Doughty Christopher Leo COMMISSIONERS Absent: Robert Richardson 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 recommendations on the following Consent Calendar items. MOTION: Doughty AYES: Cribb, Doughty, Leo, NOES: None (0) ABSENT: Richardson (1) ABSTENTION: None (0) SECOND: Verino Mondo, Nalle, Verino (6) A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES RECOMMENDATION: Approve the minutes from the regular meeting of August 27, 2001. n B. RECORDING SECRETARY REPORT RECOMMENDATION: Instruct 4he Commission Secretary to enter into the minutes. The August 27, 2001 Agenda was posted at the City Hall Council Chambers on August 24, 2001 at 2:00 p.m. C. NPR 00-10 Filed by Rafael Garcia to permit construction of a residential addition and a new detached two-car garage located at 915 South Flower Street in the Specific Development 40 zone (Heninger Park). RECOMMENDATION: ' Adopt a resolution approving Neighborhood Project Review No. 00-10 as conditioned. * * * END OF CONSENT CALENDAR * * * WORK STUDY SESSION D. PLANNING COMMISSION OBJECTIVES REVIEW Charles View, Planning Manager, noted that the objectives will be aligned with the city budget fiscal year which runs from July through June of each year. Mr. View then reviewed and provided updates on the objectives. PLANNING COMMISSION OBJECTIVES For the Year 2001-2002 1. 55-Freeway Corridor Study PC August 2001 2. South Bristol Improvement Plan PC Pending 3. Non-Conforming Code (Multi-Tenant Centers) PC June 2002 4. RTC/Santa Ana Boulevard Plan PC A ri12002 5. B laws U date CA/Staff Se tember 24, 2001 6. Annexation Tustin/Seventeenth Coun Ma 2002 7. SD for Hutton Center Staff January 2002 Housing Element Staff -December 2001 8. -LMR Review Staff -October 8, 2001 -Densi Bonus Conce t Mr. View then reviewed the pending Zoning Ordinance Amendments. ~ • • -~ ~ PROJECT PLANNER DESCRIPTION ESTIMATED PC HEARING DATE 1. On-Site Landscape GuiIILn Provide a landscape strip on 7123101 Improvements for Street private property as part of Widening Projects public workslstreet widening projects to ensure streetscape continuit . 2. Eliminate Temporary Linnaus Eliminate temporary banners 8113101 Banners Citywide citywide except for business grand openings and city- s onsored events. 3. Public Storage Uses Ni/Carvajal Allow mini-storage and 10/22!01 warehouse uses in industrial areas subject to approval of a CUP, specific criteria and develo ment standards. 4. Youth Amusement Guill~n Permit youth amusement rides 10/22/01 Rides as ancillary uses for specified commercial establishments subject to approved develo ment standards. 5. Exterior Pay Phones - St. Paul Amend the code to include the 11/13/01 Development Standards applicable development standards for exterior pay hones cit wide. Commissioner Cribb requested the following objectives be added: 1) Land use analysis of First Street between Grand Avenue and 55 Freeway; and 2) Mixed-use town center development near Harbor and McFadden. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 2 SEPTEMBER 10, 2001 E. DEVELOPMENT PROJECT UPDATE Continued to September 24, 2001. 7 F. ADJOURN TO CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS. 22 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA The afternoon session recessed at 6:53 p.m. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 3 SEPTEMBER 70, 2007 ACTION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 22 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA SEPTEMBER 10, 2001 ROLL CALL 7:01 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PROCEDURAL RULES PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. VARIANCE NO. 2001-06 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. RECOMMENDATION: Continue to September 24, 2001 Staff requested that item be continued to the next meeting. Motion to continue to September 24, 2001. MOTION: Mondo AYES: Cribb, Doughty, NOES: None (0) ABSENT: Richardson (1) ABSTENTION: None (0) SECOND: Verino Leo, Mondo, Nalle, Verino (6) 2. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 2001-26 (Public hearing held and closed on August 27, 2001. Continued by the Planning Commission to September 10, 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. 2001-26 as conditioned. Charles View noted at the direction of Commission staff met with adjacent neighbor, Harlan Ronksley; representatives from Orange County Christian Academy, Pastors Vaters and Kohler; and Portola Park Neighborhood Association Chairman Winston Covington. Mr. View noted a new proposal to modify the play area in the parking lot and discussion took place regarding noise, traffic, hours of school and day care, and hours for church services. Staff recommendation for approval remains as conditioned. Commissioner Doughty inquired if the neighbors at the meeting were supportive of what the church is proposing. Mr. View noted that the neighbors do not desire additional noise and traffic with noise being a more critical issue. Chairman Mondo re-opened the public hearing at 7:08 p.m. Pastor Albert Vaters, Pastor of Orange County Worship Center, spoke in support of the project noting he has the support of the neighborhood association. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 4 SEPTEMBER 10, 2001 Harlan Ronksley, Resident, noted petition of 26 signatures from neighbors in opposition to the project with concerns of noise and traffic. Winston Covington, Chairman of Portola Park Neighborhood Association, spoke in support of project and offered to coordinate a committee with representatives from the neighborhood and the Worship Center to deal with issues and help arbitrate. Mr. Covington noted he was not aware of the petition until the previous week and had not been approached by anyone from the neighborhood. ' Mr. Ronksley supported Mr. Covington's suggestion to form a committee to allow the neighbors an opportunity to discuss concerns as they may arise. Chairman Mondo closed the public hearing at 7:17 p.m. Commissioner Doughty noted concern of neighborhood on the noise issue while adding the church has been there for years and it is a plus to the neighborhood. Motion to adopt a resolution approving Conditional Use Pem-it No. 2001-26 as conditioned. MOTION: Doughty Motion died for lack of second. Commissioner Leo noted he would support the motion if amended to require the creation of a working group comprised of the adjacent neighbors, neighborhood association and applicant in order to address issues. Amended motion to adopf a resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 2001-28 as conditioned and to add Condition No. 4 for applicant to create a working group with adjacent neighbors and neighborhood association to meet a minimum of twice a year to discuss issues of common concern including but not limited to noise and traffic. MOTION: Leo SECOND: Doughty Chairman Mondo noted concerns of the facility including the size and placement of the play lot in the parking lot and close to neighbor backyards. Substitute motion to deny Conditional Use Permit No. 2001-2B as conditioned. MOTION: Mondo SECOND: Cribb Commissioner Cribb noted the petition signed by 26 neighbors needs to be taken seriously adding he does not support expanded use of site. Commissioner Verino noted support for Chairman Mondo's motion with same concerns of noise and safety and placing children on asphalt to play. Commissioner Doughty stated she will not support substitute motion, added her support to create a committee, and noted Mr. Vater commented he would support creation of a committee. Vice Chair Nalle noted he would not support substitute motion noting traffic studies have been performed, added that the amount of children may be reduced and perhaps a sound retention wall be built on south boundary far noise; however, would support original amended motion. ' Vote on substitute motion to deny: AYES: Cribb, Mondo, Verino (3) NOES: Doughty, Leo, Nalle (3) ABSENT: Richardson (1) ABSTENTION: None (0) Vote on amended motion to approve with creation of working group: AYES: Doughty, Leo, Nalle (3) NOES: Cribb, Mondo, Verino (3) ABSENT: Richardson (1) ABSTENTION: None (0) PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 6 SEPTEMBER 10, 2001 Due to the tie vote, Chairman Mondo questioned Pastor Vater if he would prefer the item to be forwarded to the City Council for denial without a public hearing or have it continued to the next Planning Commission meeting; and requested an answer by close of business day on Wednesday, September 12. 3. Pastor Vater responded he would contact staff by Wednesday with his preference. Filed by Extended Stay America (ESA) to amend the General Plan to permit a floor area ratio of 0.7, to amend Specific Development Plan No. 8 to allow long-term stay hotels with a CUP subject to design standards, to conditionally permit along-term stay hotel, and to allow anine-space parking reduction for the proposed project located at 1580 East Warner Avenue. PUBLISHED IN THE REGISTER: August 31, 2001 PUBLICLY NOTICED: August 24, 2001 RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that the City Council: 1. Deny Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2001-06. 2. Deny General Plan Amendment No. 2001-01. 3. Deny Conditional Use Permit No. 2001-21. 4. Deny Variance No. 2001-07. Bill Apple, Associate Planner, presented the staff report and recommendation. Commissioner Leo inquired if the requirement for a grease interceptor will be added to the city code in the future. Mr. Rice noted that based on a current investigation by the Grand Jury, the building division has developed a standard condition to require a grease interceptor to be applicable to all projects that have large commercial kitchens or multiple family projects with multiple kitchens. Chairman Mondo opened the public hearing at 7:46 p.m. Chairman Mondo and Commissioners Nalle, Cribb and Leo noted that they had previous comments with Pamela Sapetto and David Rose. Pamela Sapetto, representing applicant, spoke in support of the project; passed out information to Commissioners of the locations, rates and reservations of ESA's in California; and provided a power point presentation providing background information on the proposed project. David Rose, representing applicant, noted proposed mod cations to the matrix on page 5 of the staff report which noted the deviations from the recently adopted design standards for long-term stay hotels: Issue Pro osal Buildin Landsca in Will meet 5 ft. r uirement next to round floor units Kitchen Will rovide kitchen sink with dis osal Lobby Proposing to have 850 sq. ft. lobby with approx. 610 ft. havin 12 foot ceilin hei ht These modifications would meet requirements for the 18', 4~' and 5'" conditions. Then proceeded to discuss further modifications. Issue Pro osal Project Amenities Is proposing to provide pool and spa; providing business services including rooms with fax machines and data ports with two phone lines. Due to liability reasons, would not rovide trainin workout rooms. Pedestrian Walkways Proposing 7 ft. 6 in. primary walkway at east side of building coming from Brookhollow Drive to main entrance with enhanced landscaping. Proposing enhanced landscaping wherever they don't meet walkway requirement. Exceeds 4 ft. re uirement for seconds walkwa s. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 8 SEPTEMBER 10, 2001 Discussion ensued on the pedestrian walkways. Dan Hunter, general partner of Dyer Hollow Partners, owner of the site, spoke in support of the project noting he had met with staff to confirm acceptable site for ESA and during the process, staffs recommendation changed; noted they do have support from Brookhollow and has a letter in favor of this use; and added that Birtcher, who per CC&R's has final approval rights, has supported request. Craig Bums, property owner west of site, spoke in support of project. Chairman Mondo closed the public hearing at 8:25 p.m. Chairman Mondo inquired if proposed design standard modifications that were presented has changed staffs recommendation. Mr. Rice noted staff has had no opportunity to consider proposed modifications, adding fundamental question is land use issue and based on recent discussions and actions by the Commission regarding the 55 Corridor staff recommends denial. Mofion to recommend fhat the City Council: 1. Deny Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2001-06. 2. Deny General Plan Amendment No. 2001-01. 3. Deny Conditional Use Permit No. 2001-21. 4. Deny Variance No. 2001-07. MOTION: Doughty SECOND: Verino Vice Chair Nalle noted he will not vote in favor of motion adding businesses in the area are in favor of the project. Commissioner Cribb noted support for the motion noting the property is in a strategic location stating he is willing to support the idea and concept at another location; and added he will support the highest and best use for this particular site and other sites. Commissioner Leo noted he is opposed to the motion stating ESA is providing landscaping and visual aesthetics to those who drive by the 55 Freeway; commented that Birtcher has approved use and should have the final say; and noted belief that a recession may come upon us and should not turn away an opportunity to develop property and wait 10 years for development and look at trash along the freeway. Chairman Mondo noted concerns of type of use in terms of policy adding biggest concern is the long-term use; noted this was a difficult decision but will support because new construction should meet development standards. AYES: Cribb, Doughty, Mondo, Verino (4) NOES: Leo, Nalle (2) ABSENT: Richardson (1) ABSTENTION: None (0) COMMENTS 4. Public Comments There were no public comments. 5. Comments from the Staff Jeffry Rice noted that staff had a tour of the North Broadway area with the Historic Resources Commission (HRC) on September 7 with the purpose to continue the dialogue related to the creation of a historical district along the corridor. After the tour, a study session was held on the existing standards for the North Broadway Design Standards, the Midtown Specific Plan, and standards in the urban design element and professional zoning district. The HRC has recommended minor modifications to the North Broadway Design Standards and professional zoning district which will be brought to the Commission for recommendation to Council. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 7 SEPTEMBER 10, 2007 6. Comments from the Planninst Commission Commissioner Leo • Noted concern in the new Chamber of Commerce Directory under the "Apartments - A Place to Rent" section noting one of featured projects is the lofts in downtown adding it is advertised that the lofts have been approved, will be affordable, and a place to rent -not ownership. Noted it is misrepresenting what is planned and is a project that has not been approved by this Commission. • Inquired how the new Doubletree Hotel will handle parking for larger meetings. Mr. Rice noted the project has a large parking structure underneath and also has some shared parking with the Pinnacle project adding it satisfies code requirements. • Requested that hours of parking meters on the street close to the International Business Center be changed from 8 p.m. to 6 p.m. due to accommodate businesses working past 6 p.m. Chairman Mondo noted staff may want to look also at the meters near restaurants on Fourth Street. • Requested an update on creating a task force to address motel residents that will be affected by design standards for motels that was recently approved. Commissioner Verino • Noted she was approached to purchase drugs, green cards and pawned jewelry at a visit to the Bristol Street Swap Mall adding she is extremely dissatisfied with the center with the blight and the need to determine how to enhance and beautify the area. Requested police enforcement of the area and with the Bristol Street Widening project to set some goals for the center. Vice Chair Nalle • Inquired how staff will prevent individuals from renting the lofts. Mr. View noted staff is working with City Attorney's Office and the Olson Company relative to a covenant that the property be a primary residence for those who purchase. Staff will also address this issue when this project comes to the Commission. • Supported Commissioner Leo's request to create a committee for motel residents that will be affected by design standards. Ms. Nelson noted that the task force will be organized as the effective date of the ordinance approaches the one year window. • Inquired if the sound attenuation walls are viewed as being effective. Chairman Mondo noted studies that sound walls do reduce but not eliminate noise. Commissioner Cribb • Noted concern on the Chamber of Commerce directory regarding the artists lofts. Ms. Nelson noted a number of staff reviewed several drafts and did bring to their attention and requested they remove from rental page. • Noted he spoke with PWA Executive Director Jim Ross, Park Superintendent Mike Lopez, Mary Gonzales of the PWA Tree Division, and neighborhood representative on the landscaped treatment at the 1-5 Freeway sound wall along Bush Street, south of Edgewood and was informed that CalTrans will only provide vine on the wall. He noted there should be larger trees at the north side and cypress trees along the side for both site and sound mitigation and requested staff look at other areas in the County including Irvine where there are various types of trees planted along the sound walls. Requested Ms. Nelson encourage this be revisited. Commissioner Doughty • Noted parking by Guarantee Chevrolet employees on Santiago north of 17"' Street and inquired how staff is handling. Ms. Nelson noted a complaint had been received from the neighborhood association and that the street is not posted to prohibit ' parking adding that the neighborhood may need to initiate parking permit or red curb. Chairman Mondo • Noted concern on the adult soccer leagues that were "temporarily" relocated to Lilly King Park from Dan Young Soccer Field due to renovations; added that aport-a- potty was brought in for leagues were never removed; reported that the neighborhood had previously voted against having the port-a-potty in the park; and commented there is an impact to the neighborhood in terms of conduct. Requested that Parks and Recreation meet with the neighborhood if they desire to have this use in the park and have discussion on issues. PLANNING COMMISSION MiNUTE3 S SEPTEMBER 10, 2001 Excuse of Absences Motion by Commissioner Doughty and seconded by Commissioner Cribb to excuse the absence of Commissioner Richardson and approved unanimously by a vote of 6:0. 8. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m. ---~ ~ /, Rosa Barela, Recording Secretary RB PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 9 SEPTEMBER 10, 2001