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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 11-09-98 MINUTES TUSTIN PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 9, 1998 CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 p.m., City Council Chambers PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Chairperson Pontious INVOCATION: Commissioner Browne ROLL CALL: Chairperson Pontious, Browne, Davert, Jones, Kozak Commissioners: Present: Chairperson Pontious Vice Chair Kozak Davert Browne Jones Absent: None Staff: Elizabeth A. Binsack Lois Bobak, Deputy City Attorney Doug Anderson, Traffic Engineer Karen Peterson, Acting Senior Planner Scott Reekstin, Associate Planner Bradley Evanson, Assistant Planner 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 October 26, 1998 Planning Commission Meeting. Commissioner Davert moved, Commissioner Kozak seconded, to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion carried 5-0. Planning Commission Minutes November 9, 1998 Page 2 PUBLIC HEARINGS: Variance 98-004 a request to construct a six (6) foot high wrought iron fence with two pedestrian access gates within the front yard setback. The project is located at 16661 McFadden Avenue within the Multiple Family Residential (R-3) zoning district. APPLICANT: PROPERTY OWNER: Recommendation JEAN CONKLIN SULLIVAN PROPERTIES MANAGEMENT INC. MANUEL E. COMIA That the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 3627 approving Variance 98-004. The Public Hearing opened at 7:03 p.m. Minoo Ashabi presented the subject report. Commissioner Jones asked what plant material would be used. Minoo responded that the applicant will be submitting a landscaping plan with trees to be a 5 gallon minimum. Commissioner Jones indicated his concern with the appearance of the fence and was desirous of a meandering fence. The Director responded that the cost would be raised for the applicant but staff can take a closer look at the landscaping plan to ensure a variety of plants and heights are used to soften the appearance. The Public Hearing closed at 7:06 p.m. Commissioner Kozak moved, Commissioner Jones seconded, to approve Variance 98-004 by adopting Resolution No. 3627 with Condition 2.2 revised as follows: "A landscaping plan shall be submitted subject to approval by the Community Development Department. The plan shall depict a variety of plant material at varying heights, but not limited to trees, shrubs and groundcover to soften appearance and add visual interest to the wrought iron fence. At a minimum, five (5) 15 gallon size trees and five (5) gallon shrubs at five feet on center shall be provided for the four foot area between the fence and sidewalk." Motion carried 5-0. Zone Change 98-002 a request to amend the official Tustin zoning map and apply the Cultural Resource Overlay District to the properties shown in Attachment A. The project consists of the residentially zoned properties on Mountain View Drive, "A" Street, "B" Street and "C" Street between First Street and Irvine Boulevard. The project is zoned for Single Family Residential (R-l) And Multiple Family Residential (R-3). APPLICANT: CITY OF TUSTIN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Planning Commission Minutes November 9, 1998 Page 3 Recommendation That the Planning Commission: a. Adopt Resolution No. 3625 recommending that the City Council approve the environmental determination for the project; and b. Adopt Resolution No. 3626 recommending that the City Council approve Zone Change 98-002. The Public Hearing opened at 7:08 p.m. Scott Reekstin presented the subject report. Irwin Gross, 125 N. B Street, spoke about first amendment issues and the fact that he would like to make improvements to his home but believed he would be restricted by the guidelines. Chairperson Pontious inquired if Mr. Gross had presented any plans to City staff. Irwin Gross stated his concerns about the commercial property next door. Linda Jennings, Cultural Resources Advisory Committee member and resident, stated her support for the expansion of the district to protect the City's historic resources. The Public Hearing closed at 7:16 p.m. Commissioner Davert indicated that he had researched the issue, spoke with the Cultural Resources Advisory Committee and is very enthusiastic about the project. Commissioner Browne stated that he did not support the project. Commissioner Kozak stated his support of the project and noted that the underlying zoning would not change. Commissioner Jones stated that he believed the regulations are flexible and supports the project. Chairperson Pontious stated her support for the project. Commissioner Davert moved, Commissioner Jones seconded, to adopt Resolution No. 3625 recommending that the City Council approve the environmental determination for the project. Motion carried 5-0. Commissioner Davert moved, Commissioner Jones seconded, to adopt Resolution No. 3626 recommending that the City Council approve Zone Change 98-002. Motion carried 4-1. Commissioner Browne was opposed. Conditional Use Permit 97-028 And Design Review 97-036 a request to demolish an existing bank building and establish a 4,000 square foot fast food restaurant with drive-thru operations within a commercial center. The project is located at 14601 Red Hill Avenue within the Central Commercial (C-2) zoning district. OWNE~ JILL RICHTER RICHTER FARMS TRUST APPLICANT: MASROOR A. BATLA BATLA FOOD GROUP Planning Commission Minutes November 9, 1998 Page 4 Alternative Recommended Actions a. Recommend approval of the Environmental Determination for the project to the City Council by adopting Resolution No. 3628 and recommend approval of Conditional Use Permit 97-028 and Design Review 97-036 to the City Council by adopting Resolution No. 3629; or, b. Direct staff to prepare a Resolution with appropriate findings recommending that the City Council deny Conditional Use Permit 97-028 and Design Review 97-036. The Public Hearing opened at 7:22 p.m. Bradley Evanson presented the subject project. Cora Newman, Government Solutions, noted changes to the site plan to address the residents' concerns and that the site plan is greatly improved. Chairperson Pontious asked for the ambient noise reading. Masroor Batla, applicant, responded that the average is currently 50. James Campbell, Tustin Greens resident, stated his concerns with traffic, odors and increase in accidents. Chairperson Pontious asked Doug Anderson if staff could re-examine the issue if the traffic pattern were to change. Doug Anderson, Traffic Engineer, answered affirmatively. Carla Brame, Tustin Greens resident, stated her opposition to the drive-thru and in particular she opposed the project due to traffic, noise and light. Suanne Honey, Tustin Greens resident, stated her opposition to the project due to noise and traffic. Janis Eason, Tustin Greens resident, stated her opposition to the project due to the increase in traffic and noise. Vicki Manley, Tustin Greens resident, stated her opposition to the project due to the close proximity to a residential development and will hurt the value of their homes. The Public Hearing closed at 8:02 p.m. Commissioner Kozak asked staff to address the residents' concerns about increased traffic. Doug Anderson responded that the project would create 1,050 new trips daily and staff looked at the worst case scenario and distributed all 1,050 trips to the driveway in question and traffic generated will not deteriorate the current level of service on Redhill Avenue. Commissioner Jones asked if the driveway adjacent to the wall was essential to on-site circulation and could it be used for inbound traffic only. Doug Anderson responded that the driveway could be inbound only but the only left-turn egress from the shopping center is at that location and the ability to make turning movements into and out of the shopping center would be inhibited. Planning Commission Minutes November 9, 1998 Page 5 Commissioner Davert noted that he met with the applicant and believes the new site plan addresses the concerns of the residents, the center needs investment and further noted that the previous bank building operated a 24-hour drive-thru atm. Commissioner Browne noted that he contacted the property manager about the possibility of relocating the project to the north and requested the manager to speak to this matter. The Public Hearing reopened at 8:09 p.m. Bill Garrett, representative of the property owner and property manager, stated that Ralphs' lease states that they have approval for any changes to the center and they would not approve such a change. The Public Hearing closed at 8:12 p.m. Commissioner Kozak stated that he believed the applicant had made much effort to mitigate the residents' concerns and the project would stimulate the center. Chairperson Pontious commended the applicant for their efforts. Commissioner Davert moved, Commissioner Jones seconded, to recommend approval of the Environmental Determination for the project to the City Council by adopting Resolution No. 3628 and recommend approval of Conditional Use Permit 97-028 and Design Review 97-036 to the City Council by adopting Resolution No. 3629. Motion carried 5-0. Conditional Use Permit 98-024 a request for approval of a master sign plan for Enderle Center including the addition of center identification monument signs and on-site directional signs. The project is located at 17260 East 17~ Street within the Planned Community Commercial zoning district. APPLICANT/ PROPERTY OWNER: EMS DEVELOPMENT CO. MAURICE ENDERLE Recommendation That the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 3630 approving Conditional Use Permit 98-024. The Public Headng opened at 8:17 p.m. Bradley Evanson presented the subject report. Commissioner Davert inquired if provisions were made to consolidate or remove old signs with this plan. Bradley Evanson responded that removal is only indicated when a sign is in a state of disrepair. Chairperson Pontious stated that this would be an opportunity to improve the signage and asked if there was a time constraint. The Director indicated that an additional condition of approval would be required to tie removal of the signs to the sign program. Commissioner Jones suggested that no new signage be put up until the old ones are removed. Planning Commission Minutes November 9, 1998 Page 6 Chairperson Pontious asked the applicant to respond. Ed Soltis, property manager, stated that the directional sign is for traffic going east on 17'h Street and removal of the other signs would be problematic for the major tenants. Chairperson Pontious stated that granting additional signage could be construed as granting a special privilege. Commissioner Kozak suggested a condition of approval for a consolidation plan. Commissioner Davert stated that he would like the signage to be more consistent. Commissioner Jones stated that he also would like to see more sign consistency and the proposed sign design is excellent. Commissioner Davert asked the property manager if they wanted the signs up in time for the holiday season. Ed Soltis stated that they wished to have the directional signs up in time for the November 19th open house. The Director stated that temporary signs would be allowed for the event. Commissioner Davert moved, Commissioner Kozak seconded, to continue the hearing to the November 23, '1998 Planning Commission meeting to allow staff and the property owner to discuss an amendment to the sign plan to allow for consolidation of existing signage. Motion carried 5.-0. REGULAR BUSINESS: STAFF CONCERNS: 6. Report on Actions taken at the November 2, 1998 City Council Meetinq Elizabeth A. Binsack, Community Development Director presented the subject report. COMMISSION CONCERNS: Commissioner Davert - Congratulated Councilmembers Doyle and Worley on their re-election to City Council. Commissioner Jones - Asked if the Public Works department examine driveways and medians along Redhill Avenue to improve traffic. Commissioner Kozak - Thanked staff for their efforts on the Cultural Resources Overlay District expansion report Commissioner Pontious - Noted that the former Pioneer Chicken restaurant was making changes to their signage. Planning Commission Minutes November 9, 1998 Page 7 The Director responded that staff would check and see if the change in signage was permitted. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Davert moved, Commissioner Kozak seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 8:43 p.m. Motion carried 5-0. A regular meeting of the Planning Commission will be held on November 23, 1998 beginning at 7:00 p.m., City Council Chambers, 300 Centennial Way, Tustin. "[_esl'ie A. Pontious Chairperson Elizabeth A. Binsack Planning Commission Secretary