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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 07-11-94CALL TO ORDER= ROLL CALL= PUBLIC CONCERNS= CONSENT C&LENDAR= MINUTES TUSTIN PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JULY 11, 1994 7:00 p.m., City Council Chambers Present: Weil, Butler, Kasalek Absent: None Baker, Stracker and (Limited to 3 minutes per person for items not on the agenda.) At this time members of the public may address the Commission regarding any items not on the agenda and within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Commission (NO action can be taken off-agenda items unless authorized by law). IF YOU WISH TO ADDRESS THE COMMISSION ON ANY MATTER, PLEASE FILL OUT ONE OF THE CARDS LOCATED ON THE SPEAKER'S TABLE SO THAT YOUR REMARKS ON THE TAPE RECORDING OF THE MEETING CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO YOU. WHEN YOU START TO ADDRESS THE COMMISSION, PLEASE STATE YOUR FULL NAME AND ADDRESS FOR THE RECORD. (ALLMATTERS 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.) 1. Minutes of the June 27, 1994 Planninq Commission Meetinq. Commissioner Kasalek moved, Baker seconded to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion carried 5-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS: IF YOU CHALLENGE AN ITEM CONSIDERED AT A PUBLIC HEARING IN COURT, YOU MAY BE LIMITED TO RAISING ONLY THOSE ISSUES YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE RAISED AT THE PUBLIC HEARING DESCRIBED IN THIS AGENDA, OR IN WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE DELIVERED TO THE CITY OF TUSTIN AT, OR PRIOR TO, THE PUBLIC HEARING. 2. Desiqn Review 94-018 And Variance 94-007 APPLICANT: LANDOWNER: LOCATION: ZONING: MR. LEASON F. POMEROY III, FAIA LPA ONE VENTURE, SUITE 300 IRVINE, CA 92718 MACPHERSON PROPERTIES c/o MR. JOE MACPHERSON 21 AUTO CENTER DRIVE IRVINE, CA 92718 44 AUTO CENTER DRIVE MACPHERSON TOYOTA PLANNED COMMUNITY-COMMERCIAL (PC-C) DISTRICT Planning Commission Minutes July 11, 1994 Page 2 ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS: REQUEST: THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN DETERMINED TO BE CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT (CLASS 1) PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 15301 OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT. 1. TO AUTHORIZE THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ADDITIONAL SIX (6) SERVICE BAYS IN CONNECTION WITH AN EXISTING FACILITY; AND 2. FOR A VARIANCE FROM SECTION VIIIF.2 OF THE EAST TUSTIN AUTO CENTER PLANNED COMMUNITY REGULATIONS TO PERMIT THE LENGTH OF THE EXISTING 14 FOOT TALL SERVICE BUILDING AND PROPOSED SERVICE ADDITION TO EXCEED THE ALLOWED MAXIMUM LENGTH OF 50% OF THE REAR PROPERTY LINE FOR A BUILDING CONSTRUCTED ALONG THE PERIMETER PROPERTY LINE OF THE AUTO CENTER. Recommendation -It is recommended that the Planning Commission approve Design Review 94-018 and Variance 94-007, by adopting Resolution Number 3284, as submitted or revised. Presentation: Daniel Fox, Senior Planner Commissioner Baker asked if the legal noticing had been sent to the Merchants Association also. Staff indicated it had. Leason F. Pomeroy, Architect for MacPhearson, stated that his firm had done the best they could on this project and asked if the Commission had any questions of him. The Public Hearing opened at 7:05 p.m. The Public Hearing closed at 7:05 p.m. Commissioner Weil stated that Mr. Pomeroy has done a beautiful job in the past and everyone has a lot of confidence in him. Commissioner Baker stated that he was glad to see that they have enough business out there to warrant this project. Commissioner Butler moved, Kasalek seconded, to approve Design Review 94-018 and Variance 94-007, by adopting Resolution No. 3284 as submitted. Motion carried 5-0. Modification to Conditions of Approval to Allow Time Extensions for Design Review 88-70 and Variance 89-19 Recommendation -It is recommended that the Planning Commission approve a modification to Condition No. 1.1 of Resolution No. 3232 to allow a six-month extension of Design Review 88-70 and Variance 89-19 by adopting Resolution No. 3286, as submitted or revised. Presentation: Daniel Fox, Senior Planner The Public Hearing opened at 7:07 p.m. The Public Hearing closed at 7:07 p.m. Commissioner Baker stated that the property is more valuable with the entitlements and he would like to see them go with the property in the event there is an opportunity to sell the property. Planning Commission Minutes July 11, 1994 Page 3 Commissioner Weil commented that there were no changes to the project and that the Commission had received a very nice letter of request for it and she felt that whatever the Commission could do to help out in this economy they were glad to do. Commissioner Baker moved, Stracker seconded, to allow a six-month extension of Design Review 88-70 and Variance 89-19, by adopting Resolution No. 3286 as submitted. Motion carried 5-0. REGULAR BUSINESS: 4. Old Town Residential Design Guidelines APPLICANT: LOCATION: ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS: REQUEST: CITY OF TUSTIN 300 CENTENNIAL WAY TUSTIN, CA 92680 CULTURAL RESOURCES DISTRICT, OLD TOWN TUSTIN THE DESIGN GUIDELINES AS A "NON-PROJECT" ARE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT. ADOPTION OF RESIDENTIAL DESIGN GUIDELINES Recommendation - It is recommended that the Planning Commission recommend that the City Council adopt the Residential Design Guidelines by Resolution. Presentation: Rita Westfield, Assistant Director, Community Development Department Commissioner Kasalek asked what would happen with the guidelines from this point and would they be made available to everyone living in the district. She asked if a letter could be sent to the people in the district informing them of the availability of the guidelines. Staff stated that there had been extensive advertising for the workshops and several copies were available at the Community Development Department counter which are able to be checked out on a weekly or monthly basis and copies are for sale at printing cost only and that there is a copy at the library. The Director pointed out that a letter and user brochure is being prepared on the benefits of being in the Cultural Resources District and the goal is also to publish the release and availability of this document and brochure. Also there is a provision in the Code allowing for individual properties that have a significant meritorious or compelling historical value to be designated on a local historical registry approved by the Cultural Resources Committee and City Council, if that designation process is requested. This information is also going out to those properties that may be of higher ranking and consideration for historic value. Jeff Thompson, Chairman of the Cultural Resources Advisory Committee, stated that this is a milestone effort and the first since 1990 when the survey was done for the residential areas. He feels that the document is a good representation and is balanced as a guide. Commissioner Butler asked if any controversial subjects had ever come up during the discussions and appreciated all the hard work which had been done by the committee. Jeff Thompson said "no" that there was a lot in common among the members of the public who did attend the discussions and there was not a lot of controversy. Planning Commission Minutes July 11, 1994 Page 4 Commissioner Stracker as a point of clarification under the "Certificate of Appropriateness" section asked if the Utt Juice Company were required to have one. Staff stated that there is one exemption clause in the Cultural Resources Ordinance which states that when a building has been condemned or determined to be substandard by the Building Official, a certificate is not required. The rear buildings (wood sheds) have been condemned. The front buildings, in the Notice and Order which was adopted by the Planning Commission, would require that there be seismic retrofit and exterior modifications and prior to issuance of any of those permits a Certificate of Appropriateness will have to be issued. Commissioner Weil asked how many people had attended the workshops and what was the strength of the document. She thought that the document was excellent and a tremendous resource. Staff stated that there were 9 or 10 people and that a mailing of 400 was made to everyone in the District. Staff noted that these were guidelines but that there was information in the manual which reinforces City Code provision requirements. The guidelines do not alleviate or take away an obligation to comply with code. Tom Scaqlione, 265 Pasadena, Tustin, asked how many of the letters that were sent went to known homeowners. He stated that he has done extensive remodeling according to the guidelines and his concern is that other homes in the area have fallen into disrepair and asked if the City could do anything about code enforcement on them. Staff stated that the City has a code enforcement process which has responded to 1400 citywide complaints so far this year. Because of limited resources concentrated efforts have only been in the southwest neighborhoods. Recently the City has hired a second Code Enforcement officer which will help to expand coverage citywide as well as the downtown area. Besides immediate health and safety issues the new property maintenance ordinance will also be enforced. Commissioner Baker asked if there were avenues open to people who may have deferred maintenance issues and may not be able to afford them. Staff stated that the City is currently participating with the county in a rehabilitation loan and grant program for those qualified by certain income classifications and that after the county program terminates in the next year, the City will be looking at expanded rehabilitation programs citywide. The City has also begun participating in an MCC tax credit program where first time home buyers are assisted. Paula Rankin, Community Development Grant Planner and Rick Zimmer, Redevelopment Agency planner are available at the City with resource information. Commissioner Kasalek stated she was impressed with the document and felt it was a resource that many people will benefit from. Linda Smith, 540 W. 3rd Street, Tustin, stated that she lives in the home pictured on page 11 of the guidelines and has been there since September 1993. She stated that she had not received any information on any of the workshops. She asked if the document contained any seismic retrofit information and were resources available on this subject. She also asked if there were funds available. Planning Commission Minutes July 11, 1994 Page 5 Staff stated that the county assessor tax rolls were used for the mailings and the information would have been sent to whomever was listed as the property owner as of April 15, 1993. Staff stated that on page 22 there was a brief narrative on seismic retrofit and the document also suggests that a structural engineer be contacted in each case due to varied problems. The document contains an appendix which lists books and reports as resource information. Staff suggested that Ms. Smith call the Community Development Department office for referral to the proper agency for funding. Commissioner Baker thought that since parts of the county had been listed as a disaster area there might be federal funds available through FEMA. Staff stated that the deadline for FEMA application processing had passed but that Ms. Smith might call the local FEMA office to see if the deadline had been extended. Staff also noted that there does not have to be actual earthquake damage and that Ms. Smith might be eligible if she had been put in an unsafe position by the earthquake. Don LeJeune stated that he agreed with everything in the document and felt it was a very comprehensive and well done document. He felt the Cultural Resources Overlay committee was to be commended since they had also produced a video and cataloged the houses. He said he was proud to be a part of it and happy to live in the neighborhood. Commissioner Butler moved, Baker seconded, to recommend that the City Council adopt the Residential Design Guidelines by Resolution. Motion carried 5-0. STAFF CONCERNS: 5. Report on Actions taken at July 5, 1994 City Council Meeting Staff reported on the subject agenda. The next meeting of the Commission will include the new appointments and staff thanked out going members Stracker and Butler for the service they had given during their terms. Staff encouraged their continued involvement in the community through joining in some of the other volunteer groups which serve the City. Staff suggested that prior to the beginning of the next Commission meeting a reception for Commissioners be held, beginning at 6:15 p.m. in the Chamber conference room, in order to get acquainted with the newly appointed members. COMMISSION CONCERNS: Commissioner Kasalek Thanked Commissioners Butler and Stracker and wished them well adding that they had been outstanding professionals with a positive influence on the Commission and that she was sorry to see them go. Planning Commission Minutes July 11, 1994 Page 6 Commissioner Stracker Stated that he had appreciated his time on the Commission and added that he thought the City had an excellent and very professional staff which he found always able to answer his questions even if they were at times probing. He thanked staff, the community and the council for the support that had been given to him. Commissioner Baker - No comments. Commissioner Butler Asked for clarification on the Ail Star Lube and Tune property right-of-way acquisition. Staff will recommend the required dedication along E1 Camino Real. City Council has asked staff to try to reach an acceptable compromise with the applicant. It seems possible that elimination of dedication requirements on Red Hill Avenue might be justified. Acquisition of Red Hill Avenue would not need to be negotiated at this time until a construction project moved forward, since the site plan accommodates and preserves the right-of-way without actually having to take the dedication now. Thanked staff and expressed enjoyment in working with everyone. He stated that he would be applying as a Planning Commissioner in the future since he has enjoyed doing the job. Commissioner Weil Stated that she felt the feeling was mutual on the part of everyone and that both Commissioner Stracker and Butler would be missed. Noted that there was tall grass and weeds in the strip between Pepper Tree and Tustin Meadows. Staff noted that Irvine Company was the owner and that they were on a quarterly maintenance program. Staff will have the Public Works Department contact them. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Baker moved, Stracker seconded, to adjourn the meeting at 7:54 p.m. Motion carried 5-0. The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission is on July 25, 1994 at 7:00 p.m. in the city Council Chambers at 300 Centennial Way, Tustin. Secretary Chairperson