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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 10-09-00 MINUTES TUSTIN PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 9, 2000 CALL TO ORDER: 7:04 p.m., City Council Chambers PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Bell ROLL CALL: Chairman Kozak, Commissioners Bell, Jennings, and Pontious Present: Chairman Kozak, Commissioners Bell, Jennings, and Pontious Staff: Elizabeth Binsack, Community Development Director Doug Holland, Deputy City Attorney Doug Anderson, Sr. Project Manager-Transportation Lori Ludi, Associate Planner Minoo Ashabi, Associate Planner Eloise Harris, Recording Secretary PUBLIC CONCERNS: There were no Public Concerns. CONSENT CALENDAR: 1. Minutes of September 25, 2000 Planning Commission Meeting. Commissioner Pontious moved, Commissioner Bell seconded, to approve the Consent Calendar with the following corrections: On page 5, Commissioner Jennings, referring to park restrooms: "appropriate" design, not "similar" design. On page 13, paragraph 4, line 5: "locking" devices, not "blocking" devices. Motion carried 4-0. COMMISSIONER REORGANIZATION: 2. Seating of Commissioner Bernard Miller. Bernard Miller was sworn in by the Director. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 3. Conditional Use Permit 00-025 a request for authorization to amend Conditional Use Permit 98-024 that established a master sign program for Endede Center. APPLICANT/ PROPERTY OWNER: EMS DEVELOPMENT CO. LOCATION: 17260 EAST SEVENTEENTH STREET Recommendation: That the Planning Commission take action as deemed appropriate. The Public Hearing opened at 7:10 p.m. Planning Commission Minutes October 9, 2000 Page 2 Lori Ludi, Associate Planner, presented the report. Ed Soltis, property manager of Enderle Center, indicated he met with the lease holder and City staff in an attempt to persuade the lease holder to cooperate with the City's request; stated he is in no position to speak for Mr. Allen; noted it was never his understanding that stone monument signs would have to be removed; requested that the El Torito, Zov's, and Chin's signs remain in place; and, requested input from staff regarding the other three signs on Enderle Center Drive. Commission Miller asked why Mr. Enderle was not in attendance. Mr. Soltis replied that Mr. Enderle is not well. Commissioner Miller asked if the Platinum Travel & Tours, Cavalcade Escrow, and Shoshana Spa · Salon signs were nonconforming when they were installed. Staff responded there was no record of sign permits for those signs and indicated the signs were installed prior to establishment of signage programs; present signage does not permit a monument sign allowing only one tenant identification. Mr. Soltis shared Mr. Allen's belief that he was "grand-fathered" in and requesting removal of the signs now presents an undue financial hardship; stated that perhaps something can be arranged with the owner/tenants at the time of lease renewal; and, stated that he has exhausted every negotiable avenue with Mr. Allen. Commissioner Miller stated his belief that the present signs should be allowed to remain to assist the small business owners. Chairman Kozak asked for clarification regarding the location of the El Torito sign. Mr. Soltis answered it is on 17th Street. Chairman Kozak, asked when lease renewals will occur for Platinum Travel & Tours, Calvalcade Escrow, and Shoshana Spa · Salon. Mr. Soltis responded that these signs are a matter to be decided between the City and Mr. Allen. Chairman Kozak asked if the Cavalcade Building is a separate pad and not a part of Enderle Center. Mr. Soltis answered that it is a separate pad, but it is also part of Enderle Center Commissioner Pontious asked for clarification regarding the timing of the lease renewal. Mr. Soltis indicated he does not have that information but can provide it for the City. John Feliciano, president of the Merchants' Association at Enderle Center, pointed out that the bridge closure at 17~h Street caused a 60 percent decrease in business at the Center during that time; the monument sign at 17th and Yorba was relocated due to traffic bypassing the Center; and, many tenants are still struggling to recoup losses incurred during those two years. Commissioner Miller asked Mr. Feliciano which business is his. Mr. Feliciano responded, Decker's Fine Gifts & Collectibles. Commissioner Pontious expressed concern regarding the number of signs and the probable negative impact; stated the major problem is the signs on the corner which distract from the image of the Center; and, suggested consolidating some of the other signs. Planning Commission Minutes October 9, 2000 Page 3 Mr. Feliciano explained that had been explored at the beginning, but no agreement could be reached with Mr. Allen. Chairman Kozak stated that it was the intent of the Commission in 1998 to remove sign clutter and improve exposure for the businesses by consolidating into a more modern sign consistent with the existing monument signs which were erected as part of the earlier conditional use permit. Commissioner Pontious suggested that Hof's Hut/El Torito and Zov's/Chin's (on Enderle Drive) be consolidated, pointing out that the earlier conditional use permit might not have been approved if decreased signage had not been included and stated the Commission is now asking for a good-faith attempt to fulfill the intent of that conditional use permit. Commissioner Jennings asked if Mr. Allen had been approached about a monument- type sign. Mr. Soltis responded affirmatively. Chairman Kozak asked, regarding the intent of the previous action and consistency regarding Signs 2, 3, and 4, what period of time would be required for a phasing schedule to keep the goal of consolidation in place. Mr. Soltis suggested his determining how long the ground lease has to run and approaching Mr. Allen about when the tenants' leases come up; providing that information to the City; and, perhaps the City can then contact Mr. Allen directly. Chairman Kozak brought the matter back to the Commission for discussion and formulation of an action. The Director suggested that, if the Commission continues this item, further deliberation should take place at that time. Chairman Kozak indicated that it was his intention to ask for a continuance. Commissioner Pontious asked that it be date specific to avoid re-noticing. Chairman Kozak asked staff for suggested dates. The Director suggested the second meeting in October if new information can be provided by Mr. Soltis by the end of this week; otherwise, the first meeting in November. Mr. Soltis requested the first meeting in November. Chairman Kozak moved, Commissioner Jennings seconded, to continue this matter to the November 14, 2000 Planning Commission meeting. Motion carried 5-0. The Public Hearing closed at 7:46 p.m. REGULAR BUSINESS: 4. Design Review 00-031 and Administrative Adjustment 00-002 a request for: 1) Approval of a technical site plan for pad development of fifty one (51) home sites (numbered Lots 17 through 65, 72, and 73 and lettered Lots J, K, L, M, N, O, CC, EE, and portions of a Tentative Tract Map 14396); 2) Approval of architectural design for four (4) two-story home styles; and, 3) Approval to increase the height of walls and pilasters at the secondary entrance gate from the allowable maximum height of seven feet six inches (7'-6") to nine (9) feet six (6) inches (9'-6"). Planning Commission Minutes October 9, 2000 Page 4 APPLICANT/ OWNER: STANDARD PACIFIC HOMES LOCATION: PHASE II OF TRACT 14396 NORTH OF PIONEER WAY Recommendation: That the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 3752 determining that the tiered Initial Study and Negative Declaration for the development of fifty one (51) home sites is adequate; That the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 3753 approving Design Review 00-031 for the technical site plan for fifty-one (51) residential units and architectural design of four models for Phase II development of Tustin Ranch Estates and Administrative Adjustment 00-002 for an increase in the permitted height of entry walls and pilasters to a maximum height of nine (9) feet. Minoo Ashabi, Associate Planner, presented the report, noting that the final sentence of Condition 2.5 should read "The applicant shall record all deed restrictions prior to recordation of the Final Map." Commissioner Miller asked if this phase is to be privately owned and maintained. Staff responded affirmatively. Chairman Kozak asked staff whether it would be appropriate to invite applicant to address the Commission. The Director responded affirmatively. Thomas A. Olson, representing Standard Pacific Homes, stated agreement with all the conditions imposed on the tract; indicated the builder's plan to work with staff to implement the conditions; and, asked for the Commission's approval of this project. Chairman Kozak suggested additional language be added to Resolution No. 3753, Finding L, which deals with secondary access, to provide consistency with recent Commission actions; correct "blocking" to "locking"; and, amend Condition 2.2, providing flexibility regarding open access when referring to the East Tustin Specific Plan. Commissioner Pontious concurred and suggested this be accomplished without applicant having to return to the Commission. Chairman Kozak requested language from the Director. Staff recommended the following modifications: Finding L should be corrected to read at line 2: "locking," not "blocking." Add at the end of the first sentence: "... in accordance with Condition 8.1.F.2 of Resolution No. 3539." Amend Condition 2.2, adding at the end of the second sentence: "unless an amendment to this Resolution or the East Tustin Specific Plan is approved. The applicant would be required to comply with any such amendment to the Plan." Chairman Kozak asked Mr. Olson if these suggestions were understood and accepted. Mr. Olson responded affirmatively. Commissioner Pontious moved to accept the staff recommendation adopting Resolution No. 3752 and Resolution No. 3753, as amended. Commissioner Bell seconded. Motion carried 5-0. Planning Commission Minutes October 9, 2000 Page 5 5. Freeway identification for Old Town Tustin. Recommendation: That the Planning Commission provide input as deemed appropriate. Justina Willkom, Associate Planner, presented the report. Commissioner Jennings asked if Caltrans requires that additional street signs be erected. Staff responded the proposed signs are designed to guide the motorists exiting the freeway. Commissioner Jennings asked if there is a possibility of unifying the designs since there are already two different signs pointing to Old Town. The Director responded that the two issues are related: The City would like the traditional brown sign seen in Old Town Orange but that requires Tustin be designated a state or federal histodc district. Staff can come back to the Commission with processes involved in that designation, but these signs are being offered now. Commissioner Pontious suggested accepting the current proposal because signs to guide motorists into Old Town are necessary, and this opportunity from Caltrans may be a first step to a more desirable end. The Director explained that the directional signs are not required but should be provided to facilitate the ease of directions and suggested the traffic engineer can provide information regarding the appropriate location of signs before taking the proposal to the City Council for authorization. Commissioner Jennings expressed delight in the City's receiving the $10,000.00 grant to redo the survey and inquired whether staff could determine requirements for making just the downtown portion of Old Town into a California Historic District. The Director responded that staff will report back to the Commission. Commissioner Bell suggested working with the Tustin Old Town Association on this matter. Commissioner Miller asked if more traffic is desired in Old Town. Other commissioners responded that the merchants asked for recognition of the historic area. The Director indicated the Cultural Resources Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for October 16, 2000, and this issue can be discussed with them. Chairman Kozak expressed his disappointment in the Caltrans rejection but suggested building on the alternate proposal; directed staff to ask for freeway signs at the 55 freeway and Irvine Boulevard; suggested working with the Tustin Old Town Association to incorporate a planning and design effort; suggested staff identify funding opportunities through grants and schedule a phasing plan to send to the City Council; suggested developing more aesthetically pleasing signs similar to the ones denoting "Glendora Village" on the 210 freeway; and, concurred with the idea of limiting the historic district to Old Town, which could perhaps lead to the brown historic signs. The Director noted that, through the City's Capital Improvement Program, a streetscape sign is being considered for the public right-of-way; the foregoing suggestions can be included in the overall proposal staff bdngs back to the Commission. The Planning Commission recommended accepting the Caltrans proposal but suggested staff request the same sign treatment at the 55 freeway and Irvine Boulevard as on the 5 Planning Commission Minutes October 9, 2000 Page 6 freeway at Red Hill and develop a plan that would include funding and a phasing plan for local street directional signs and the historic district designation. Staff noted the additional direction the Planning Commission provided. STAFF CONCERNS: 6. Report on Actions taken at the October 2, 2000 City Council Meeting Presentation: Elizabeth A. Binsack, Director of Community Development - Completed the first reading of the Sexually Oriented Business ordinance amendment. - Adopted a resolution approving a Certified Local Government $10,000.00 grant to update the City's historic survey. - Appointed Planning Commissioner Bernard Miller and Cultural Resources Advisory Committee member Gary Smith. Officials' Forum is The Director also reminded the Commissioners that the Planning scheduled October 12, 2000. COMMISSION CONCERNS: Commissioner Jennings None Commissioner Bell Reminded everyone to attend Tustin Tiller Days. Commissioner Pontious Stated there is a new business at 14145 Red Hill, but the sign has been empty for several months. Asked for laminated phone cards listing Council members, Planning Commissioners, and staff. The Director responded that these will be provided. Commissioner Miller Expressed appreciation regarding his appointment to the Planning Commission. Chairman Kozak - Welcomed Commissioner Miller. - Shared a booklet from Site Management Solutions with designs for wireless cell sites. - Asked if there was follow-up information regarding the Coco's roof color. The Director responded that code enforcement staff is working with the tenant. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Pontious moved, Commissioner Bell seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 8:18 p.m. Motion carried 5-0. Planning Commission Minutes October 9, 2000 Page 7 A regular meeting of the Planning Commission will be held on October 23, 2000, beginning at 7:00 p.m., City Council Chambers, 300 Centennial Way, Tustin. Elizabeth A. Binsack Planning Commission Secretary ~k