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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 06-26-00 MINUTES TUSTIN PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JUNE 26, 2000 THE MEETING SCHEDULED FOR 5:00 P.M., JUNE 26, 2000, AT MCAF-TUSTIN FOR A TOUR OF THE ORANGE COUNTY RESCUE MISSION WAS CANCELLED. CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 p.m., City Council Chambers PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Kawashima ROLL CALL: Chairman Kozak, Bell, Davert, Kawashima and Pontious Present: Chairman Kozak, Commissioners Bell, Davert, Kawashima and Pontious Staff: Elizabeth Binsack, Director of Community Development Karen Peterson, Senior Planner Doug Holland, Deputy City Attorney Lori Ludi, Associate Planner Eloise Harris, Recording Secretary PUBLIC CONCERNS: There were no public concerns. CONSENT CALENDAR: 1. Minutes of the June 12, 2000 Planning Commission Meetincj. Commissioner Davert moved, Commissioner Pontious seconded, to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion carried 5-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS: Conditional Use Permit 00-012 a request to install a modular structure for classroom use for an existing school for five (5) years. APPLICANT/ PROPERTY OWNER: TUSTIN FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH RECOMMENDATION That the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 3740 approving Conditional Use Permit 00-012 and Design Review 00-014. The Public Hearing opened at 7:01 p.m. Lori Ludi, Associate Planner, presented the report. Daniel Hebenstreit, architect and representative for the applicant, addressed Conditions 1.5 and 4.1. Mr. Hebenstreit indicated he had viewed the other site mentioned by staff, stressing the differences between that site and the requirement for the green screen on this site. Approximately 16 feet from the property line on the south side of the structure is a single-story carport with a solid roof and a 25-28 foot drive aisle before residential units begin. Therefore, screening of the south side seems unnecessary. The east Planning Commission Minutes June 26,2000 Page 2 edge is 190 feet from the right-of-way and screening in that location with plant material is not going to achieve the desired effect--screening the area from public view. Mr. Hebenstreit emphasized that the canvas structure is not really a tent but a shade over the children's lunch area. Approximately 120 feet from the street in front of this area is a chain link fence. Mr. Hebenstreit proposed using redwood slats or green PVC slats on the chain link fence and gate line to eliminate the public view of the covered lunch area, storage building and modular structure. He offered a photograph representing a view from the street as the area looks now. Mr. Hebenstreit also pointed out that this is the first phase of a planned expansion for the church and school. The goal is a two- story classroom building to allow the campus to grow to two classrooms per grade. The plan is for the modular to exist only two-three years until a permanent structure can be built. Chairman Kozak asked if the planned expansion would extend over a five-year period. Mr. Hebenstreit: Yes. The first phase is a classroom building where the modular structure is now, and the second phase will be a multi-purpose building adjacent to the existing parking lot. Chairman Kozak noted that the expected increase in enrollment is good for the church community and the City. Classes end at grade 5 now; sixth grade is being added. It appears the school will ultimately include 7'h and 8'~' grades. Mr. Heberstreit said the eventual goal is to have two classrooms per grade through the eighth grade. Chairman Kozak asked if the applicant anticipates returning with another modular structure for additional grades. Mr. Hebenstreit responded there is no such plan. In response to a question from Commissioner Davert, Mr. Hebenstreit indicated the modular structure will be approximately 50 feet behind the existing tent. Chairman Kozak requested staff comments. The Director noted that staff concerns with Condition 1.5 involve outdoor storage facilities in public view and suggested there might be other locations on the site for this facility. Regarding Condition 4.1, the staff concerns involve the growing number of tents in commercial and residential areas. These tents are considered structures for zoning purposes. Staff needs to be consistent in this regard and is willing to work with the applicant to find a more acceptable location. The Director offered modified language regarding Condition 4.1. The Commission agreed on the alternative wording, allowing more flexibility for the applicant to resolve this concern. Chairman Kozak stated that the chain link fence with slats will not aesthetically meet the goal. Therefore, he cannot support it as an alternative. The Director expressed appreciation for the direction and indicated that staff and the applicant can resolve this issue. Chairman Kozak agreed that this condition, as modified, will provide an opportunity to enhance the aesthetics at that end of the site because the proposed language gives the applicant flexibility, adding that he was at the site, saw two storage structures and asked if that language should be modified. Commissioner Pontious suggested changing Condition 1.5 to read "structures." Planning Commission Minutes June 26,2000 Page 3 Commissioner Davert stressed that it is important to be consistent with the requirements placed on previous applicants and pointed out there will be as many temporary structures as permanent structures on this site. However, the proposed language does provide enough latitude for this situation to be handled between staff and the applicant. Chairman Kozak agreed that the project should move forward. Commissioner Kawashima noted that it is a large site, allowing for alternatives in relocating the storage facilities. Commissioner Pontious voiced her concurrence with the Commissioners' comments as well as her support of the project. Mr. Hebenstreit asked for clarification of the screening requirement for the area south of the modular, pointing out that this is a 15' 6" area between the rear of the modular and the rear of a carport. Commissioner Davert suggested the adjacent residents cannot see the structure. The Director responded that staff will investigate the sight line. Chairman Kozak agreed that it is not the intent to impose screening unnecessarily and stated that unless there is expression of concern from the adjacent property owners about line of sight, the applicant's request to delete that requirement for the south- facing buffer should be accommodated. Mr. Hebenstreit said there are no windows facing this direction. The Director offered new language for this condition. Commissioner Davert suggested that since no adjacent residents appeared at the Public Hearing to voice concerns, this would not appear to be a problem. Chairman Kozak agreed that staff and the applicant can reach agreement on these items without having to come back to the Commission and asked if the changes in Conditions 1.5 and 4.1 were satisfactory to the applicant. Mr. Hebenstreit replied affirmatively. The Public Hearing closed at 7:21 p.m. Commissioner Davert moved, Commissioner Bell seconded, to adopt Resolution No. 3740 approving Conditional Use Permit 00-012, with the following modifications, and Design Review 00-014. Amend Condition 1.5 to read: "The tent and storage structures ...". Amend Condition 4.1 to read: "A dense landscape buffer, a "green screen," or other effective method of screening shall be installed adjacent to the east and, if necessary, south elevations (south faces apartments, east faces Newport). The landscape buffer shall be subject to review and approval by the Community Development Department prior to the issuance of building permits." Motion carried 5-0. REGULAR BUSINESS: There was no regular business. Planning Commission Minutes June 26, 2000 Page 4 STAFF CONCERNS: 3. Report on Actions taken at the June 16, 2000 City Council Meeting Presentation: Elizabeth A. Binsack, Director of Community Development - Reported the Council approved Tentative Parcel Map 2000-135 for Myford Avenue, consolidating two lots into one. Reported the Urgency Ordinance for Alcoholic Beverage Sales Establishment Guidelines went directly to Council rather than coming though the Planning Commission due to imminent need in areas such as planned communities, Specific Plan areas, and other planned industrial-type facilities. The prior Ordinance adopted in 1996 did not address those areas. - Noted the General Plan Amendment for Irvine Boulevard is going to the Council on July 3, 2000. - Reminded the Commissioners the Planning Commission interviews are scheduled for August 7, at 5:00 p.m. - Reminded the Commission there is a budget workshop before the second City Council meeting in July. Suggested the Planning Commission may go dark at the second meeting in July. Chairman Kozak indicated the second meeting will remain open until staff is assured there are no matters needing immediate attention. The Director reminded the Commission to adjourn to 5:00 p.m. at MCAS. Chairman Kozak asked the Deputy City Attorney Doug Holland if he had comments. There were none. The Chairman welcomed Mr. Holland to his first meeting of the Planning Commission. COMMISSION CONCERNS: Commissioner Bell Asked for update in status of the cell sites along the corridor. The Director reported staff participation in a meeting at which a vote was taken and passed, with two dissenting votes (Tustin and Mission Viejo), allowing the erection of the structures. The proposal is for five of the sites to be the Corten steel spires and Sites 12 and 19 (the latter being more critical to the City) to be some other architectural feature-- perhaps a bell tower. Balloons were flown at the height the spires will be; visibility from most sites in Tustin is negligible. Commissioner Davert inquired whether there is any negotiation regarding the location since there apparently is none regarding the design. The Director responded that such an attempt to negotiate was made, to no avail. Commissioner Bell indicated this information confirms what she had heard. Commented there were bright pink signs for Heritage Point Apartments in Irvine nailed into living trees and utility poles along Tustin Ranch Road/Irvine Boulevard. The Director indicated staff will follow up on this. Planning Commission Minutes June 26, 2000 Page 5 Commissioner Davert Commented he attended the opening of Joe's Garage last Thursday and shared his enthusiasm for the facility. Also attended Tustin Old Town Association meeting with Commissioner Kawashima. There was discussion regarding the National Main Street program with which all the Commissioners should become familiar. There is a large contingent in Old Town committed to developments in that area. Commissioner Davert also shared with TOTA Chairman Kozak's idea regarding the freeway signs and reported that TOTA appreciates the Commission's interest in Old Town. Commissioner Pontious No concerns. Commissioner Kawashima Noticed there was graffiti along the wall behind Mimi's. The Director responded that staff will follow up. Commissioner Pontious pointed out there has been graffiti on Mitchell for a week and a half. Commented that people are trying to drive through Wendy's although the facility is not yet open for business and asked about the strip of property at the far end of Wendy's which is full of weeds. The Director responded that is a Caltrans easement. Chairman Kozak asked if the plan for that parcel involves the widening of El Camino Real and what the time frame might be. The Director responded that staff will provide a copy of the Capital Improvement Program to members of the Commission. Chairman Kozak asked if this project is part of the 2000-01 budget. The Director indicated the budget has yet to be approved. Staff will also provide a copy of the budget to the Commissioners when it becomes available. Chairman Kozak offered the suggestion that the Commission may be able to offer comments on capital improvement projects in the planning phase and address possible issues in the community of which Commissioners are aware. Commissioner Kozak - Noticed over the weekend the construction fencing going up around the Von's at Larwin Square and asked if staff knows the construction schedule. The Director responded that staff understands there are still issues to be worked out between Von's and Larwin Square. The cleaners has moved over to make room for the Von's expansion and that is a good sign. Mentioned that last Saturday at Cedar Grove Park it was apparent there is insufficient trash capacity and/or infrequent collection. Every receptacle was overflowing. The Director noted that staff will alert Parks and Recreation. I Planning Commission Minutes June 26, 2000 Page 6 Thanked the staff for the letter to Caltrans on the freeway identification sign for Old Town. The Director informed the Commissioners that Rita Westfield will be retiring from the City and invited them to the reception being held in the Atrium on June 29, 2000, between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Commissioner Pontious requested that staff provide a card for Rita from the Planning Commission. ADJOURNMENT: Adjourn to 5:00 p.m., July 10, 2000, for a tour of the Orange County Rescue Mission at MCAF-Tustin before returning to City Council Chambers, 300 Centennial Way, Tustin, for the regularly scheduled meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m. Commissioner Kozak moved to adjourn at 7:35 p.m., seconded by Commissioner Pontious. Motion carried 5-0. SCph~ ~, Kozak Chairman El~abeth A~ Binsa/ck Planning Commission Secretary