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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 09-24-017:04 p.m. Given Present Absent Staff present Approved, as corrected Adopted Resolution Nos. 3803 and 3804, as amended MINUTES TUSTIN PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 24, 2001 CALL TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chairperson Pro Tem Davert asked for a moment of silence following the Pledge to honor the victims of the terrorist attacks on the Wodd Trade Center and the Pentagon and the victims of the plane crash in Pennsylvania. ROLL CALL Commissioners Davert, Hamilton, Jennings, Kozak Chairperson Pontious Elizabeth Binsack, Community Development Director Doug Holland, Deputy City Attorney Doug Anderson, Senior Project Manager-Transportation Karen Peterson, Senior Planner Lori Ludi, Associate Planner Matt West, Assistant Planner Eloise Harris, Recording Secretary PUBLIC CONCERNS -- None CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes of September 10, 2001, Planning Commission meeting. It was moved by Jennings, seconded by Kozak, to approve the Consent Calendar, with a correction requested by Commissioner Jennings--replacing "soil and wateF' with "herbicides" in her question regarding Condition 3.5. Motion carried 4-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 01-024 AND DESIGN REVIEW 01-030 A REQUEST: 1) TO CONSTRUCT A 9,156 SQUARE FOOT BUILDING; AND 2)TO ESTABLISH A MAIL ORDER USE AND APPLY A WAREHOUSE AND INDUSTRY PARKING RATIO. THIS PROJECT IS LOCATED AT 155 EL CAMINO REAL IN THE CENTRAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT (C-2P); CULTURAL RESOURCE OVERLAY DISTRICT; TOWN CENTER REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA. RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission 1. Adopt Resolution No. 3803 approving the environmental documentation for the project. Minutes - Planning Commission September 24, 2001 - Page 1 Adopt Resolution No. 3804 approving Conditional Use Permit 01-024 and Design Review 01-030. 7:06 p.m. The Public Hearing opened. Ludi Presented the staff report. Jennings Asked if there are to be two divided retail spaces. Ludi Answered affirmatively; and, added the plan is similar to the one previously submitted. Hamilton Asked for clarification regarding two retail spaces. Ludi Indicated there will be a side entrance to a retail space at the rear of the building; this space could be used for a retail use on the first floor. Jennings Asked what detailing besides the mansard roof and the siding will be added. Ludi Answered there are no other plans for detailing. Director Stated the copper (or a similar metal) roof material and transom windows on the first floor were proposed by the Redevelopment Agency. Guy Stivers, speaking as an interested business neighbor Stated his business is across the street from this project; he is the Vice President of the Tustin Old Town Association but was only in attendance to state his opinion that this business will be a long-term asset to the Old Town business community and will serve as the primary business anchor for the north entry at El Camino Real; and, encouraged the Commission to approve the project. Leason Pomeroy, architect for the project Stated he inherited this project after the previous application expired; he concurs with Conditions 2.1 and 2.2 requiring the architecture to continue around the building even though the original approval did not include that requirement and doing so will be an added financial burden; the copper roof would not be as suitable for the Craftsman style as a slate, shingle-type roof similar to the sample provided by the applicant at the Planning Commission meeting; copper gutters, downspouts, leaders, and other aspects of the Craftsman style will remain; it seems futile to add windows on the north side where they will not be seen because of the 6 foot 8 inch block wall; that part of the retail space on the first floor will contain book stock and any windows would have to be fake; the wall next the property line being a one hour wall, requiring that any opening would need a fire shutter, creates a problem; if the house on that property somehow goes away, it is applicant's intention to acquire the land or have the tenant expand into the development that might occur on that land in order to add onto this building; if that happens, the windows would be eliminated at that time which makes it prudent to eliminate that requirement now; the stone base referred to in Condition 2.5 will not be river rock but ledger stone which is a better material--this is something that can be resolved with staff; the tenants have commissioned a woodcarver to create a pair of doors to be carved which consist of an oak tree, the trunk of which is the dividing point between the two doors with a Minutes - Planning Commission September 24, 2001 - Page 2 Director Davert Kozak Director Jennings Director Kozak Director Davert Director Davert Director Hamilton line going up the trunk where the two doors meet; the space between the branches of this tree will be glass with carving on both sides of the door; the door is in an arch configuration, but the applicant proposes working with staff to include a rectangular frame around the door; Condition 2.7 requests paving across the curb cut to a garden across the driveway; this is an interpretive garden where children will be taken to learn about plant material; the applicant's concern is the safety of the children because a car could be maneuvering into the site at this location; leaving the paving as it was approved before with the paving only at the entry under the canopy would be a better alternative. Stated that the slate roof would be acceptable; the four- sided architecture was included as a condition because it is staff's desire to provide consistency in the architecture of Old Town. Suggested that Conditions 2.1 and 2.2 will provide a better look than originally approved. Referring to Condition 2.2, asked if the detailing will include horizontal or vertical reveals to break up the mass. Responded that will depend upon the details agreed to between the architect and staff. Asked whether or not the transom windows on the lower floor will be out of sight behind the wall. Answered the windows would not be visible from the right- of-way; Condition 2.5 can be modified to include ledger stone or similar material; the architect, in a prior conversation with staff, ensured that the door can be set within a rectangular frame; the decorative paving is desirable because it breaks up the concrete area; if the Commission does not feel it is necessary, that condition can be removed. Asked, regarding the paving referred to in Condition 2.7, if the location could be clarified on the site map. Pointed it out on the plan as adjacent to the westerly property line along El Camino Real; and, indicated the Redevelopment Agency suggested carrying the material over. Asked if the pavement would be similar to that planned for the streetscape main intersections. Stated the specific materials have not yet been presented. Clarified that his concern was that this project should be consistent with what is being done elsewhere up and down El Camino Real. Stated it is staff's hope that whatever is proposed will be complementary with the streetscape. Suggested that decorative paving would create a crosswalk effect. Minutes - Planning Commission September 24, 2001 - Page 3 Mr. Pomeroy Kozak Mr. Pomeroy Kozak 7:31 p.m. Jennings Hamilton Kozak Davert Jennings Davert Mr. Pomeroy Jennings Stated that the tenant would like to see flagstone or another natural product but this would create the burden of keeping the area clean and unbroken in what will be a turning point for cars. Asked if there are interlocking paver materials that could be used. Answered there are such materials, but the idea here is to carry the same material inside the building and that will require a very rich stone that complements the hardwood floor in the sales area. Referred to the carwash project which required the same application of natural materials to break up the concrete mass; this project seems similar in terms of introducing natural materials into what would be a mass of asphalt or concrete. The Public Hearing closed. Responding specifically to Mr. Pomeroy's points: 1) likes the slate roof better than copper; 2) agrees with leaving off the transom windows on the north side; 3) would like to see the rectangular opening at the door; 4) would like the Director and architect to work out the details of the decorative paving; and, stated her enthusiasm for the project as the best design possible. Stated his dislike of compact car parking spaces; noted that his calculations resulted in 32 spaces; asked if more interpretive space could be added or parking spaces made larger; stated that compact spaces are typically not properly utilized; noted he would like to see decorative paving across the lot to the garden; and, stated he likes the project. Suggested compatible paving with the other natural materials across the entry; and, added his support of the project with the various accommodations and modifications. Expressed his appreciation to the Rigbys and Prescotts for coming back with this applicant; agreed with fellow Commissioners regarding relief on the roof and the transom windows and allowing flexibility to accommodate the doors with a rectangular look; regarding Condition 2.7, stated concern that material for inside and outside may be difficult to find and suggested leaving the condition but modifying it to allow the Director's discretion to eliminate the condition if something suitable cannot be found; and, concluded he would like to see the project approved. Asked if the interior floor is intended to be wood. Stated his understanding that a portion of the stone would extend into the entryway. Indicated that the stone runs to the entry and the balance of the sales area is wood. Asked if perpendicular parking runs along the front of this building on El Camino Real. Minutes - Planning Commission September 24, 2001 - Page 4 Anderson Jennings Anderson Director Kozak Director Davert Kozak West Kozak Responded affirmatively. Suggested that on-street parking will provide another four to six parking spaces. Stated that street parking is not counted as part of the parking calculation. Noted the Commission seemed to have reached a consensus and suggested the following modifications: Conditions 2.1 and 2.2 remain the same; Condition 2.3 to read, "The roof material shall be of a slate material..."; Condition 2.4 will be removed; Condition 2.5 will provide that the stone base for the pilasters will be constructed with ledger stone, not a simulated veneer; Condition 2.6 will be modified to read, "The entry door shall be redesigned to create a rectangular element..."; Condition 2.7 can be modified to read, "Decorative paving shall be continued from the front entry across the drive aisle to the landscape planter subject to review and approval by the Community Development Director." The parking stall count was based upon the various ratios, typically rounding up to the next whole parking space number; the parking has been reduced to minimal levels, given the square footage of the building; the compact parking is intended for the employees of Acorn Naturalists and the larger spaces for the customers. Asked if staff envisions the compact spaces being grouped and located on the east side toward the back. Answered affirmatively. Noted that discussions of compact spaces are not uncommon because no one likes them; however, setting a precedent on this project is not a good idea. Agreed that this site requires some accommodations. It was moved by Jennings, seconded by Kozak, to adopt Resolution Nos. 3803 and 3804, as amended. Motion carried 4-0. REGULAR BUSINESS 3. Project Summary. The summary focuses on the status of projects that the Planning Commission, Zoning Administrator, or Community Development Director approved, major improvement projects, and other items of interest. Pointed out the Heritage Plaza senior housing 54-unit project was submitted into plan check September 6~; the batting cages at Columbus Park are completed and in use; the mobilization of the Edinger Avenue widening project between Jamboree and Red Hill began today. Remarked it is good to see the project summary not only to provide information for the Planning Commission but also for the press and members of the public; noted there are four stealth wireless communications facilities shown. Minutes - Planning Commission September 24, 2001 - Page 5 Director reported Hamilton Anderson Kozak Hamilton Director Kozak Jennings Director Jennings STAFF CONCERNS Report on Actions taken at the September 17, 2001, City Council meeting. The City Council adopted Resolution No. 01-84 approving plans for the Old Town streetscape. The City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1235 relating to disaster emergency services and assuring compliance with the Califomia Standardized Emergency Management System. The City Council introduced Ordinance No. 1244 for approval of permit parking in an attempt to encourage residents to use their garages rather than street parking. COMMISSION CONCERNS Asked if the Planning Commission could address the issue of street sweepers mitigating environmental effects. Indicated that Tustin Pride has asked the City Council to investigate altemative street sweeping; recommendations will be presented at the October Tustin Pride meeting. Asked Commissioner Hamilton if it was his desire that the Planning Commission review and comment on that process. Answered affirmatively. Stated that staff can bring the Tustin Pride information back to the Planning Commission as an informational item; the Commission does not normally get involved in fee issues involving the public right-of-way. Noted the distance between the two drive-through mailboxes installed on Prospect are so close together that two cars cannot drop mail at the same time; and, asked if staff could suggest to the Post Office that the separation between those mailboxes be increased. Suggested that tonight's meeting be adjourned in memory of the victims of the September 11, 2001, attack and in honor of the rescuers who were lost and the ones who continue the recovery efforts. Stated the mailboxes on Prospect are not only too close together, but also are designed so that one almost has to exit one's car in order to drop mail into the boxes. Stated she had a meeting with Tim Serlet to make up for missing the workshop and now feels much better informed. Asked if there is anything that can be done about the Home Life signs around Tustin Market Place. Answered that individuals have been cited for signs that were placed in the City; staff will contact the City of Irvine to see if further restrictions are possible. Asked if those signs are legal in the City of Irvine. Minutes - Planning Commission September 24, 2001 - Page 6 Director Jennings Davert Anderson Davert Director Kozak 7:59 p.m. Responded that the signs may be legal in Irvine. Thanked staff for the work on Acom Naturalists. Stated the Old Town streetscape plan is beautiful. Noted that the Tustin Old Town Association continues to grow and has opened a small office behind Rutabegorz. Asked the Traffic Engineer about the car counters along Amaganset. Responded that the City is investigating the possible impact of removing the signal at Amaganset and Yorba; and, noted the entire City is counted during the months of October and November. Stated that several years ago there was an opportunity to tour the County Emergency Operations Center; and, given the events of September 11, suggested, in light of recent events, it might be worthwhile to arrange another tour of that facility. Indicated that staff can make those arrangements through the Emergency Services Coordinator. Encouraged everyone to attend Tustin Tiller Days. ADJOURNMENT: The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission is scheduled for Monday, October 8, 2001, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at 300 Centennial Way. Elizabeth A. Binsack Planning Commission Secretary k~slie A. Pontious/ Chairperson Minutes - Planning Commission September 24, 2001 - Page 7