HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 01-25-99 MINUTES
TUSTIN PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 25, 1999
CALL TO ORDER:
7:00 p.m., City Council Chambers
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Chairperson Pontious
INVOCATION:
Commissioner Jones
ROLL CALL:
Chairperson Pontious, Browne, Davert, Jones, Kozak
Commissioners:
Present:
Chairperson Pontious
Vice Chair Kozak
Browne
Davert
Jones
Absent:
None
Staff:
Elizabeth A. Binsack, Director
Lois Bobak, Deputy City Attorney
Karen Peterson, Acting Senior Planner
Douglas Anderson, Traffic Engineer
Minoo Ashabi, Assistant Planner
Kathy Martin, Recording Secretary
PUBLIC CONCERNS: (Limited to 3 minutes per person for items not on the agenda.)
No Public Concerns were expressed.
IF YOU REQUIRE SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS, PLEASE
CONTACT THE PLANNING COMMISSION SECRETARY AT
(714) 573-3106.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
(ALL MATTERS LISTED UNDER CONSENT CALENDAR
ARE CONSIDERED ROUTINE AND WILL BE ENACTED BY
ONE MOTION. THERE WILL BE NO SEPARATE
DISCUSSION OF THESE ITEMS PRIOR TO THE TIME OF
THE VOTING ON THE MOTION UNLESS MEMBERS OF
THE COMMISSION, STAFF OR PUBLIC REQUEST
SPECIFIC ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED AND/OR REMOVED
FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR FOR SEPARATE
ACTION.)
CONSENT CALENDAR:
1. Minutes of the January 11, 1999 Planninq Commission Meeting.
Commissioner Davert moved, Commissioner Jones seconded, to approve the
Consent Calendar. Motion carried 5-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Conditional Use Permit 98-033 a request to establish a counseling service for
Alcoholics Anonymous in an office building. The project is located at 215 W. First
Street, Suite 202, 203 & 204. The project is located within the First Street Specific
Plan.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 25, 1999
Page 2
APPLICANT:
GRUPO A. A. CENTRO AMERICA
CARLOS A. RODRIGUEZ
PROPERTY
OWNERS:
CHUNG LIN
GOLDEN WEST INVESTMENTS
Recommendation
That the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 3648 approving
Conditional Use Permit 98-033.
Use Determination 98-001 and Conditional Use Permit 98-034 a request to
operate a driving school that conducts off-site driving lessons and on-site
academic driving school for minors ages 15-17 in an office building. The project is
located at 215 W. First Street, Suite 201 and 205 within the First Street Specific
Plan.
APPLICANT:
OSCAR MONTALVO
AMERICAN DRIVING SCHOOL
PROPERTY
OWNERS:
CHUNG LIN
GOLDEN WEST INVESTMENTS
Recommendation
That the Planning Commission adopt Resolution Nos. 3649 and 3450
approving Use Determination 98-001 and Conditional Use Permit 98-034 to
allow an instructional facility with approval of a Conditional Use Permit
within the Office as Primary Use designation of First Street Specific Plan
(FSSP).
Conditional Use Permit 98-035 a request to operate a contractor's office in an
office building. The project is located at 215 W. First Street, Suite 207 within the
First Street Specific Plan.
APPLICANT:
NATIONAL RAIN GUTTER
PROPERTY
OWNERS:
CHUNG LIN
GOLDEN WEST INVESTMENTS
Recommendation
That the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 3651 approving
Conditional Use Permit 98-035.
The Public Hearings for Items 2, 3 and 4 were all opened at 7:03 p.m.
Minoo Ashabi presented the subject reports and amended conditions as follows:
Resolution No. 3648 - Condition 1.6 was revised to read: "As determined by a City
code enforcement officer, any violation of any of the conditions imposed by this
Resolution is subject to the imposition of a civil penalty of $100.00 on the property owner
and/or operator for each violation and each day the violation exists."
Resolution No. 3649 - the word "conditionally" was misspelled in the subject paragraph
Resolution No. 3650 - Condition 2.1 was revised to read "The number of students shall
be limited to 20 students per day at any one time.
Planning Commission Minutes
Janua~ 25,1999
Page 3
Add new Condition 2.7 to read "The number of company owned passenger vehicles
parked on-site shall be limited to four (4). All passenger vehicles shall be stored on site in
designated stalls as shown on Exhibit B. Passenger vehicles shall not be picked up or
returned to the site before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and before
9:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. on Saturday."
Condition 1.6 was revised to read: "As determined by a City code enforcement officer,
any violation of any of the conditions imposed by this Resolution is subject to the
imposition of a civil penalty of $100.00 on the property owner and/or operator for each
violation and each day the violation exists."
Resolution No. 3651 - Condition 1.3 was deleted
Two new conditions added as follows: 2.5 - "Construction vehicles parked on-site shall
be limited in size to two axles and may not extend beyond the length or width of the
standard parking stalls. All construction vehicles shall be stored on site in designated
stalls as shown on Exhibit B. Any materials stored in said vehicles shall be fully enclosed
and not visible from the public right of way." 2.6 - "All construction vehicles shall be
stored on site in designated stalls as shown on Exhibit B."
Condition 1.7 was revised to read: "As determined by a City code enforcement officer,
any violation of any of the conditions imposed by this Resolution is subject to the
imposition of a civil penalty of $100.00 on the property owner and/or operator for each
violation and each day the violation exists."
Manuel Ysais, Grupo AA Centro America, stated the group serves this region and is in
agreement with all the conditions.
Steve Montalvo, American Driving School, stated they park their cars as far as possible
from Mr. Gross' home and are in agreement with all the conditions.
Chuck Spearman, National Rain Gutters, stated that Mr. Gross has attacked his
character, several neighbors rescinded signing Mr. Gross' petition and he is in agreement
with the conditions.
Raul Castenada, Grupo AA Centro America, stated that the group provides a service for
Tustin residents at no charge and would also like to meet for administrative purposes one
Sunday a month from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Commissioner Davert inquired if they could meet at another time.
Raul Castenada, Grupo AA Centro America, stated they could possibly meet on Sunday
morning.
Irwin Gross, 125 N. "B" Street, noted the documents he submitted for the Commission's
consideration and stated his concerns about noise from the neighboring businesses and
that a wall is required by law.
Natalie Wilcoxon, former employee National Rain Gutters, stated that she was appalled at
the attack on Mr. Spearman's character and business.
Chung Lin, property owner, stated that he has tried to accommodate Mr. Gross'
complaints by adding a gate on the trash enclosures, increasing trash pick-up and
adjusting the lighting. He noted that his tenants will comply with the conditions.
Commissioner Davert asked the property owner if he had investigated building a wall.
Chung Lin responded that he would share the cost of building a wall with Mr. Gross.
Commissioner Davert inquired if the owner had any future plans for the building.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 25,1999
Page 4
Chung Lin replied that he did not have any future plans for the building.
Chairperson Pontious inquired if there was any thought to raising the hedge.
Chung Lin responded that they do not trim the top of the hedge, only the sides.
David Grant, 130 N. "C" Street, stated that he has never experienced a great amount of
noise due to the commercial businesses.
Randy Solomon, tenant at 215 W. First St., stated that Mr. Gross is irrational and he does
not wish to see Mr. Lin pay for a wall.
Alvaro Perez, Grupo AA Centro America, stated his fear that the group may need to
exceed the 30 person limit.
Angela Renderos, Grupo AA Centro America, stated her concern that the group may
exceed the 30 person limit in the future for special events.
Chuck Spearman inquired if he could go to his office outside of the regular business
hours.
· Chairperson Pontious stated that staff will address those questions.
The Public Hearings closed at 7:52 p.m.
The Director addressed the questions as follows:
The First Street Specific Plan requires a wall for new developments when a
residence ajoins a commercial development; however, this building was
developed prior to the adoption of the Specific Plan. Staff does not feel there
are findings to warrant building a wall; but if after the public hearing, the
Commission feels there are findings, they may require the wall.
The occupancy limit is based on square footage, type of uses and number of
parking spaces on the site. While the building code might allow for larger
occupancy, staff does not feel it is warranted. If, in the future, the businesses
would like to modify the limit, they can make that request to the Planning
Commission. Conversely, if there is a problem, staff can bring the conditional
use permit application before the Commission to reduce the occupancy.
The applicant may not exceed the occupant load established by the Uniform
Building Code but they may request a temporary use permit for a special event
to exceed the established occupant load.
· With respect to contractor related functions, individuals cannot perform
construction related activities until after 7:00 a.m.
Chairperson Pontious asked if the applicant could go into the office to do office work.
The Director stated that the resolution makes that distinction by using the term
"construction-type vehicle", passenger vehicles would be permitted. The zoning
ordinance currently does not impose those restrictions on any office use, much like a
residence.
Randy Solomon indicated that he felt it was the tenant's right to start their vehicles before
7:00 a.m.
The Director stated that this is a discretionary action and one reason why contractor's
offices are of concem and are a conditionally permitted use in these kinds of zones, is
that often they contain larger trucks with equipment and contracting related materials. If a
National Rain Gutter car the size of a sports utility vehicle were brought onto the site with
no equipment or construction related materials, that would not be a problem.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 25,1999
Page 5
Commissioner Jones asked for confirmation that National Rain Gutter has off-site storage
of construction materials.
The Director answered affirmatively.
Commissioner Davert noted that Commission is not a penal body and the past is not
relevant.
Commissioner Jones stated that Grupo AA Centro America is an important community
service and noted willingness of applicant to comply with the conditions.
Chairperson Pontious noted that her grandfather was a co-founder of AA in Columbus,
Ohio.
Commissioner Davert stated that he is pleased to see these businesses come into
compliance and remain in the City of Tustin.
Commissioner Kozak noted willingness of applicant to bring their operation into
compliance; thanked the property owner for attending the meeting and agrees with staff's
recommendation.
Commissioner Jones appreciates the applicant's willingness to comply with conditions
and asked if Condition 2.3 on Exhibit A was acceptable to the applicant.
Chuck Spearman stated he has no plans to get any larger vehicles since he cannot
operate his business with a larger vehicle and further stated he does not have a problem
with the condition.
Commissioner Davert stated that he has read the documents and heard the tape that was
submitted and he is outraged by the personal attacks on the applicants and hopes the
Gross' will try to mend fences.
Commissioner Davert moved, Commissioner Jones
Conditional Use Permit 98-033 by adopting Resolution
Motion carried 5-0.
seconded, to approve
No. 3648, as revised.
Commissioner Davert moved, Commissioner Jones seconded, to approve Use
Determination 98-001 and Conditional Use Permit 98-034 by adopting Resolution
Nos. 3649 and 3450, as revised. Motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner Jones moved, Commissioner Davert
Conditional Use Permit 98-035 by adopting Resolution
Motion carried 5-0.
seconded, to approve
No. 3651, as revised.
The Director explained the appeal process.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
5. Status Reports
Karen Peterson, Acting Senior Planner presented the subject report.
Commissioner Davert moved, Commissioner Kozak seconded, to receive and file.
Motion carried 5-0.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 25,1999
Page 6
STAFF CONCERNS:
Report on Actions taken at the January 19, 1999 City Council Meeting
Elizabeth A. Binsack, Community Development Director presented the
subject report.
Commissioner Davert moved, Commissioner Kozak seconded, to receive and file.
Motion carried 5-0.
COMMISSION CONCERNS:
Commissioner Jones
Inquired about the status of the Irvine Boulevard widening project.
The Director responded that staff would contact the County for the widening
schedule.
Commissioner Kozak
Thanked staff for the opportunity to attend the League of Cities Planning
Commissioners Orientation Workshop last Friday and noted that he had
literature from the workshop to share with the other Commissioners.
Commissioner Davert
Noted that graffiti is on the rise and wished to give staff and the public a
heads up to contact the graffiti hotline when they see graffiti.
Stated that he drove out to the Tustin Ranch Estates and the lots are
graded and look great.
Reminded the Commission to be cautious when speaking to applicants as
comments can be misconstrued.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Browne moved, Commissioner Davert seconded, to adjourn the
meeting at 8:24 p.m. Motion carried 5-0.
A regular meeting of the Planning Commission will be held on February 8, 1999
beginning at 7:00 p.m., City Council Chambers, 300 Centennial Way, Tustin.
/Le~l~ ~,. Pontious
Cha~?lSerson
Planning Commission Secretary