HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 05-23-94MINUTES
TUSTIN PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 23, 1994
CALL TO ORDER:
ROLL CALL:
7:00 p.m., City Council Chambers
Present: Weil, Butler, Kasalek
Stracker
Absent: Baker
and
PUBLIC CONCERNS:
(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.
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.)
1. Minutes of the May 9, 1994 Planning Commission Meetinq.
Commissioner Kasalek moved, Stracker seconded to approve the
Consent Calendar. Motion carried 4-0.
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. Conditional Use Permit 94-006
APPLICANT:
OWNER:
LOCATION:
ZONING:
ENVIRONMENTAL
STATUS:
RAY TADJBAKHSH
4222 RAFAEL STREET
IRVINE, CA 92714
EDGAR PANKEY
320 MAIN STREET
TUSTIN, CA 92680
13812 RED HILL AVENUE
RETAIL COMMERCIAL (C-i)
THIS PROJECT HAS
CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT
BEEN DETERMINED TO
(CLASS 3) PURSUANT
BE
TO
Planning Commission Minutes
May 23, 1994
Page 2
REQUEST:
PROVISIONS OF SECTION 15303 OF THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT.
AUTHORIZATION FOR THE ON-SITE SALE OF BEER AND WINE
(ABC LICENSE TYPE "41") FOR CONSUMPTION ON THE
PREMISES AT 13812 RED HILL AVENUE.
Recommendation - It is recommended that the Planning Commission
approve Conditional Use Permit 94-006, requesting authorization for
the on-site sale of beer and wine (ABC License Type "41") for
consumption on premises only, by adopting Resolution No. 3265, as
submitted or revised.
Presentation: Daniel Fox, Senior Planner
Commissioner Kasalek asked if there had ever been any problem with
the facility when it had been known as Chuck's Pizza.
Staff answered, "no".
Commissioner Stracker asked if the applicant was going to improve
the interior.
Staff is not aware of any improvements to the interior.
The Public Hearing Opened at 7:05 p.m.
Mr. Ray Tadjbakhsh, applicant, stated that interior improvements
included fresh paint and renovation of the restrooms.
The Public Hearing Closed at 7:07 p.m.
Commissioner Butler asked how many video games would be allowed.
Staff noted that the applicant has two video games at present but
would be allowed up to five.
Commissioner Butler moved, Stracker seconded, to approve
Conditional Use Permit 94-006, requesting authorization for the on-
site sale of beer and wine (ABC License Type t'41") for consumption
on premises only by adopting Resolution No. 3265 as submitted.
Motion carried 4-0.
Vestinq Tentative Tract Map 14883, Design Review 93-043
and Zone Change 93-005
APPLICANT/
LANDOWNER:
LOCATION:
ZONING:
ENVIRONMENTAL
STATUS:
REQUEST:
JOHN LAING HOMES
23382 MILL CREEK DRIVE, SUITE 105
LAGUNA HILLS, CA 92633
LOT 12, L and N of TRACT 12870, SOUTHEAST CORNER OF
GREENWAY DRIVE AND TUSTIN RANCH ROAD
PLANNED COMMUNITY RESIDENTIAL (MEDIUM-HIGH DENSITY
RESIDENTIAL - EAST TUSTIN SPECIFIC PLAN)
THIS PROJECT IS COVERED BY A PREVIOUSLY CERTIFIED
EIR (85-2) FOR THE EAST TUSTIN SPECIFIC PLAN. NO
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION IS REQUIRED.
1. AUTHORIZATION TO SUBDIVIDE 14.616 GROSS ACRES
INTO ONE NUMBERED LOT AND FOUR LETTERED LOTS
TO ACCOMMODATE 223 CONDOMINIUMS;
2. APPROVAL OF THE SITE PLAN AND ARCHITECTURAL
DESIGN OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT;
3. AMENDMENT TO THE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
CONTAINED IN SECTION 3.6.3.A2.4 (BUILDING
Planning Commission Minutes
May 23, 1994
Page 3
SETBACKS FOR MULTIPLE FAMILY AND CONDOMINIUM
DWELLINGS) OF THE ETSP; AND
APPROVAL OF TEMPORARY USE PERMIT EXTENSION 94-
002 FOR A TEMPORARY SALES TRAILER.
Recommendation - It is recommended that the Planning Commission
take the following actions:
Approve the Environmental Determination for the project by
adopting Resolution No. 3261;
Either approve or deny Zone Change 93-005 by adoption of
Resolution 3264, as submitted or revised, for approval; or an
alternate resolution for denial;
Approve Design Review 93-043 by adopting Resolution No. 3262,
as submitted or revised;
Recommend to the City Council approval of Vesting Tentative
Tract May 14883 by adopting Resolution No. 3263, as submitted
or revised; and
5. Approve Temporary Use Permit Extension 94-002 by Minute Order.
Presentation: Becky C. Stone, Assistant Planner
Commissioner Stracker asked if this was a gated community and what
was the width of the second access roadway.
Staff noted that it is not a gated community and that the width was
36 feet curb to curb.
Commissioner Stracker asked how the kumquat trees would be planted
and what the planting base material would be.
Staff replied that the trees would be planted in boxes and the base
material would be crushed gravel.
The Public Hearing opened at 7:18 p.m.
Terry Crowther, representative of John Laing Homes, stated that the
kumquat grove idea, which was originally suggested by their
Landscape Architect, was something either liked or not by
individual taste. He noted that he personally had enjoyed driving
through the Tustin orange groves in the past. To experience the
effect there had to be enough space dedicated to this use. The
density is low and there is a two acre park across the street which
the residents must support. If active recreation was installed
behind the units instead of the orchard idea he believes that it
would actually depreciate the value. He asked to have Condition
three removed.
Commissioner Butler asked if it were true that there was no pool,
spa or clubhouse within the boundaries of this project.
Mr. Crowther affirmed also stating that the park across the street
contained a pool, tennis court, open grass area and tot lot which
can be used by this project.
Commissioner Butler asked if grass was given any consideration as
a base material for the kumquat trees instead of gravel and if the
developer has a similar product planted with use of the gravel.
Planning Commission Minutes
May 23, 1994
Page 4
Mr. Crowther stated that grass had been considered but due to the
conflict in watering needs between the trees and grass coupled with
the fact that the use of gravel will save water they had discounted
the idea. He also stated that no one has an orchard concept
planted anywhere that he knows of.
Commissioner Stracker asked the ownership of the park and will the
recreation use be carried on for the owners of this project.
Mr. Crowther stated that the owner was the Ventana Project and that
they were in the audience to speak in favor of this project.
Staff noted that a separate Tustin Ranch 111 master association
owns and maintains this private park which the units in this
property are required to be members of.
Commission Kasalek asked if the master association or the Orchard
association will be paying for the upkeep of these trees.
Mr. Crowther stated that the homeowners would have full control
over the orchard and it's use so that if some time in the future
the concept was not wanted these homeowners could change it through
their own association.
Commissioner Kasalek asked if Mr. Crowther foresaw a security
problem.
Mr. Crowther stated that at first they had concerns as did the
Police Department, but investigated and given the nature of the
trees as being a dwarf variety, slow growing and easily pruned,
they see no problem. He also stated that the developer has
provided an alternate landscape plan which would maintain the
orchard through the entry only if the Commission feels that the
Police Department concerns are an issue.
Staff noted that as a point of information, all the departments of
the design review committee had an opportunity to view the sample
trees and it was under those circumstances that the departments
gave addition clarification of concerns which include the Police
Department.
Commissioner Stracker asked if the developer had met with the
Police Department to resolve some of the concerns they had.
Mr. Crowther stated that the Police Department concerns were in the
first staff report but not in the second so he assumed they were no
longer concerned and did not contact them.
Commissioner Stracker does not want to saddle the homeowners with
the maintenance of these trees and wanted to know how long a time
the developer would be responsible for the maintenance until it is
known if the concept will work.
Mr. Crowther stated that the developer would most likely be
responsible for at least a two year period until units are sold and
the homeowners association accepts it and has it turned over to
them.
Commissioner Kasalek asked if the kumquat fruit would be available
to the homeowners.
Mr. Crowther replied "yes", but if the growth of the kumquats ever
became a problem, the trees can be sprayed so that they do not bear
fruit.
Planning Commission Minutes
May 23, 1994
Page 5
Commissioner Weil stated that she personally does not like grass
since it is too costly to maintain and was in favor of the trees.
Mr. Merle Ogle, 2326 Dunes, Tustin, spoke in favor of the project.
He noted that he lives directly across from the entrance in the
Ventana project and was on the Board of both Ventana and Tustin
Ranch 1. He stated that he would enjoy looking out at an orchard ·
and was pleased with the density and felt the project to be a good
neighbor.
Commissioner Butler asked if he had spoken to others in his
association.
Mr. Ogle stated that he had and all those he spoke to were in favor
of it.
The Public Hearing was closed at 7:45 p.m.
Commissioner Weil commented that both she and Commissioner Kasalek
had visited the Vineyards at Foothill Ranch on the suggestion of
the builder and that they both liked the project, and felt that
this unique project warranted a chance.
Commissioner Kasalek concurred.
Commissioner Stracker stated that even though he liked the concept
of an orchard he was not in favor of the project since he feels
that replacement of the trees, if this concept does not work, will
be too costly for owners. He suggested putting in less trees and
was concerned about maintenance due to wind and dust damage. He
was also concerned about safety issues for children crossing
Greenway Drive to get to the park.
Commissioner Butler asked if there could be a condition included to
require a weed barrier to be put under the gravel. As a personal
request he also asked if the developer could mix up the roof colors
so that the project does not look all the same. He was concerned
with the use of individual trash cans but would go along with it.
He wished to make sure the conditions included measures to ensure
that the association could use the alternate landscaping plan if
they wished to without having to come back to the Planning
Commission for approval.
The Public Hearing was opened at 8:02 p.m.
Elizabeth Leland, Fennell and Associates, Landscape Architects for
John Lainq Homes, stated that maintaining grass is more expensive,
than maintaining the groves. Grove maintenance would be less than
half of that cost in maintenance and water savings. The base
material is decomposed granite and under it, protected and sprayed
for weeds.
Commissioner Stracker asked what the survival rate was for these
trees and if they were susceptible to blight.
Ms. Leland stated that these trees were very tough and could also
handle winds.
Commissioner Butler wanted to add a condition to ensure that a
strong protective weed barrier would be installed. He also
inquired about the irrigation.
Ms. Leland stated that there would be planting area drains.
Planning Commission Minutes
May 23, 1994
Page 6
Staff noted that at submittal of final grading plans a complete
hydrology plan would be required to include paved surfaces and non
open spaces which would be checked by the City's civil engineer
plan checker to ensure proper drainage.
The Public Hearing closed at 8:10 p.m.
The Public Hearing opened at 8:10 p.m.
Commissioner Stracker asked the dimensions of the bedrooms and if
the units would have ADA requirements.
Staff noted that they were 2/3 bedroom units ranging from 1033 to
1350 square feet and were good sized units and that all of the
public areas are covered under ADA requirements and would be
checked for that. The units themselves would be modified according
to individual ownership as need arises.
The Public Hearing was closed at 8:11 p.m.
Commissioner Butler asked for comments from the traffic engineer
on the curve located close to the westerly entrance.
Doug Anderson, City Traffic Engineer, stated that there were some
concerns but that the applicant had eliminated parking at that
location to provide additional site distance for that entry.
Commissioner Kasalek asked if speed along the interior drive would
be a problem.
Staff noted that the association would regulate this since it is a
private street.
Commissioner Butler moved, Kasalek seconded, to approve the
Environmental Determination for the project by adopting Resolution
No. 3261 as submitted. Motion carried 4-0.
Commissioner Butler moved, Kasalek seconded, to approve Zone Change
93-005 by adoption of Resolution 3264 as submitted. Motion carried
3-1. Commissioner Stracker voted against.
Commissioner Butler moved, Kasalek seconded, to approve Design
Review 93-043 by adopting Resolution No. 3262 revised as follows.
Exhibit A, page 7, Condition 4.11 removed and replaced with, "A
weed barrier shall be placed below the dwarf kumquat grove wherever
gravel is utilized as a planting base around the kumquat trees
subject to the approval of the Community Development Department".
Condition 4.12 is to be added to read, "At any future point in
time as determined by the developer or future Homeowner's
Association, the alternate landscaping plan provided as Attachment
D in the Planning Commission staff report dated May 23, 1994, may
be implemented without the need for any additional design review,
subject to issuance of any permits required by the Uniform Building
Code. Motion carried 4-0.
commissioner Butler moved, Kasalek seconded, to recommend to the
city Council approval of Vesting Tentative Tract Map 14883 by
adopting Resolution No. 3263, as submitted. Motion carried 4-0.
Commissioner Butler moved, Kasalek seconded, to approve Temporary
Use Permit Extension 94-002 by Minute Order. Motion carried 4-0.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
Planning Commission Minutes
May 23, 1994
Page 7
4. Sign Code Exception 94-001
APPLICANT/ TUSTIN TIRE AND BRAKE
OWNER: 135 SO. PROSPECT
TUSTIN, CA 92680
REPRESENTATIVE/
AGENT: AWARD SIGN COMPANY
16842 MILLIKEN AVENUE
IRVINE, CA 92714
LOCATION: 135 SOUTH PROSPECT AVENUE
ZONING: COMMERCIAL AS PRIMARY USE DESIGNATION OF THE FIRST
STREET SPECIFIC PLAN
ENVIRONMENTAL: THIS PROJECT IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT (CLASS 11)
PURSUANT TO SECTION 15311 OF THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
REQUEST: TO MODIFY THE SIZE, NUMBER AND LOCATION OF PRIMARY
AND SECONDARY BUSINESS IDENTIFICATION SIGNS, TO
PERMIT A MONUMENT SIGN ON A PROPERTY WITH LESS THAN
THE REQUIRED STREET FRONTAGE AND TO PERMIT A BRAND
NAME ON A SIGN WHEN NOT PART OF THE BUSINESS NAME.
Recommendation - It is recommended that the Planning Commission
approve Sign Code Exception 94-001 by adopting Resolution No. 3266,
as submitted or revised.
Presentation: Daniel Fox, Senior Planner
Commissioner Kasalek asked if the name would be maintained on the
current monument sign.
Staff affirmed.
Pepper Gomez, Award Sign Company, stated that they concurred with
most of the findings with one exception. They would like to keep
the words "Tustin Tire" on the Building #2, north elevation.
Staff noted that Condition 1.8 states that the existing sign on the
north elevation building shall be removed prior to final
inspection.
Commissioner Weil asked the size of the existing sign.
Staff noted that it was about 50 square feet in size.
Commissioner Kasalek noted that there was quite a lot of signage
and asked if the owner thought the public perception was that these
two buildings did not belong together.
Steven Paquette owner of Tustin Tire and Brake, noted that the sign
on the west side of building #2 included building identification
only, as required by the Fire Department. He stated that at the
First Street and Prospect entrance people do ask if the two
buildings belong to the same business.
Mr. Paquette stated that all he needs is identification of Tustin
Tire on Building #2 north elevation and he does not wish to cut
down the size of sign "D". He proposed using 30 square feet for
sign "D" and 20 square feet, using the words "Tustin Tire and
Brake" in the space designated for the existing sign removal.
Building #2 sign is hidden by the rooftop of building #1.
I i I!-[ .....
Planning Commission Minutes
May 23, 1994
Page 8
Staff noted that if 25 square feet were used for sign "D" and sign
"G" stays as proposed, it would be only 4 square feet above what
code would permit and still meet the intent of the code. If the
owner would remove 48 square feet from "D" it could be supported by
staff as proposed.
Commissioner Kasalek asked the applicant if he would remove the
banners and other violations of code if the Commission allowed all
this new signage.
Mr. Paquette stated that the banners and tire racks had only been
used because he did not have what he considered proper signage and
that yes they would be removed.
Commission Butler asked what resolution to the Code Enforcement
violations the City had so far met with at this location.
Staff stated that the experience has been that banners have never
come down and that tire racks were removed on request but put back
out the following day.
Commissioner Butler asked the applicant that if signs were allowed
what assurance would the Commission have that violations would
stop. He feels that there is too much signage already and he asked
if the word "Goodyear" was to be removed from the signage. He is
concerned with a precedent being set.
Staff stated that Code Enforcement could cite the applicant and
that the Commission had so far taken no action on the word
"Goodyear". Goodyear had forwarded a letter stating that the
applicant could use the name.
Commissioner Kasalek asked if the Goodyear Company had seen the
sign copy.
Mr. Paquette affirmed and stated that it was Mr. Gomez who handles
all of the Goodyear signage. Mr. Paquette stated that he was in
full agreement with Commissioner Butler and does not like the tire
racks out but that he needs identification as a Goodyear dealer.
Commissioner Kasalek agreed that it was important to allow the
applicant to use the Goodyear copy.
Commissioner Weil stated that a good deal of time went into the
setting up of the Sign Ordinance and one of the thoughts was that
business identification signs were to identify the business only
not the products the business sells. She is against allowing the
name "Goodyear" to appear.
Mr. Paquette stated that he is a G-110 Goodyear dealer and as such
pays fees to Goodyear just like a franchise. The Goodyear logo has
been around since 1901 and he emphasized that it was very important
that he be identified as a Goodyear dealer not that he carries
Goodyear products. He noted that the Goodyear signs below to
Goodyear, they are not his and if he violates any agreement with
Goodyear they have a right to remove them. He stated that there
are only two Goodyear dealers in Tustin and the other has the same
G-il0 designation and that "Goodyear" is used for identification of
that business.
Staff noted that this situation is similar to that of gasoline
stations which use the name of the product as identification but
are not necessarily owned by the gasoline company.
Planning Commission Minutes
May 23, 1994
Page 9
Commissioner Kasalek moved, Butler seconded, to approve Sign Code
Exception 94-001 by adopting Resolution No. 3266 revised as
follows. Exhibit A, Page Z, Condition of Approval 1.8 is to be
removed. Condition of Approval 2.2 shall be changed to read, "Sign
"E" shall be eliminated. In addition, one of the Sign "C" on the
west side of Building #1 shall be removed and Sign "B" may be
increased in size up to a maximum of 24.25 square feet." Motion
carried 4-0.
5. Status Reports
Receive and File
Commissioner Kasalek moved, Stracker seconded, to receive and file
the status reports. Motion carried 4-0.
STAFF CONCERNS:
6. Report on Actions taken at May 16, 1994 City Council Meeting
Staff reported on the subject agenda highlighting two items of
specific importance to the Commision. Following discussion on
Vesting Tentative Tract 14447 the Council suggested that a
general discussion on parking be brought back before the
Commission and this will be scheduled for late June.
A housing strategy workshop with the Council will be scheduled
for early August to go through the Redevelopment strategy in
the south central project area. The Commission will be
informed as soon as a date is decided upon.
COMMISSION CONCERNS:
Commissioner Kasalek
Requested that staff update the various Homeowner's
Associations on cable facility placement data.
Staff noted that a provision was found in the Franchise
Ordinance which was adopted for cable services stating
that all cable facilities are to be underground, unless
the Planning Commission determines that above ground
service should be provided. To have their cable above
ground the cable companies must put together a proposal
which would ultimately come before the Commission for
decision. Letters have gone out to the cable companies
which may prompt them to lobby the commissioners. Staff
will generate a letter to the Presidents of the
Homeowner's Associations with technical data in support
of putting cable underground.
Asked if staff would look into the Jack In The Box site
at the corner of Edinger and Jamboree. The fence is no
longer there and there is a lot of illegal dumping
because of it.
Staff will investigate.
Inquired as to the driveway at the Beacon Bay car wash
since it appears to allow two way traffic.
! -I- H] ..........
Planning Commission Minutes
May 23, 1994
Page 10
Staff noted that an interim situation exists at present
while they are working with Home Depo to completely re-do
the rear area due to their experience with delivery
trucks liability. A separate driveway will redefine
driveway width, improve loading area and expand the
garden area to the west.
Commissioner Butler
Asked if all current members of the Planning Commission
are up for review.
Staff noted that under the terms of the Ordinance,
members of the Planning Commission serve at the pleasure
of the City Council. The Commissioners were reminded
that the deadline for submitting application and
information for term continuance is Wednesday, May 25th.
Asked if the draft ordinance for term limits pertained to
appointed positions within the City.
Staff noted that the City Council had asked for the draft
ordinance to be agendized for the June 6th meeting.
Commissioner Stracker
Asked if the traffic signal left turns at Park Center and
Heritage at Tustin Ranch Road had a time extension added
to them since they appear to be very long.
Staff stated that no time extension has been added but
that it will be investigated.
Said he had noticed that all of the eucalyptus trees at
the site of the Arco car wash on Red Hill had been taken
out and if staff knew the reason.
Staff will investigate.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Kasalek moved, Stracker seconded, to adjourn the
meeting at 9:20 p.m. Motion carried 4-0.
The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission is on June 13,
1994 at 7:00 p.m. in the city Council Chambers at 300 Centennial
Way, Tustin.
None
arbara Reye~
Secretary
Kathy W~il
Chairperson