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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 10-26-92MINUTES TUSTIN PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 26, 1992 CALL TO ORDER: 7:06 p.m., Tustin Senior Center PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/INVOCATION ROLL C~LL: Present: Kasalek, Weil, Baker, Butler, and Stracker 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 October 12, 1992 Planning Commission meeting. Commissioner Baker moved, Weil seconded Calendar. Motion carried 5-0. to approve the Consent PUBLIC HEARINGS: 2. Conditional Use Permit 92-033 APPLICANT: CHEVRON U.S.A, INC. P.O. BOX 2833 LA HABRA, CA 90632 REPRESENTATIVE/ AGENT: GREER ENGINEERING CO. 2323 W. LINCOLN AVENUE #119 ANAHEIM, CA 92801 OWNER: IRVINE COMPANY 550 NEWPORT CENTER DRIVE NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660 LOCATION: 2740 BRYAN AVENUE ZONING: PLANNED COMMUNITY - MIXED USE DESIGNATION (PC-MU) AS PER THE EAST TUSTIN SPECIFIC PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS: THIS PROJECT IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT, PURSUANT TO SECTION 15303 (CLASS 3) Planning Commission Minutes October 26, 1992 Page 2 REQUEST: TO AUTHORIZE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A VSAT ANTENNA (COMMUNICATION DISH ANTENNA) WHICH CANNOT BE FULLY SCREENED FROM PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY VIEW Recommendation - It is recommended that the Planning Commission approve Conditional Use Permit 92-033 by adoption of Resolution No. 3096, as submitted or revised. Presentation: Joann Perry, Associate Planner Commissioner Weil asked if there was any response to notice. Staff replied that the only response was from the Association. Commissioner Butler asked if the VSAT antenna would affect television reception; if it could be built so that it was foldable when not in use; and if there was any provision for removal if it would affect reception. Staff replied that there has been no history of affecting television reception; that their goal is to have it blend as much as possible since it cannot be folded; and that there is no provision for removal at this time. The Director responded that the antenna is on a different wave length than television. Commissioner Kasalek asked if there were any previous complaints. Staff replied negatively. The Public Hearing was opened at 7:10 p.m. Joseph Marconi, 2050 Santa Cruz, Anaheim, representing Chevron, replied that there has not been any problems with the VSAT antennas throughout the state; that the information is beamed to a satellite and should not affect television reception. Commissioner Stracker asked why the antenna is located on the canopy. Mr. Marconi replied that the staff felt it was the best location; that it could be located on the ground, but that a visibility problem would then be created. Staff stated that the canopy is able to hide the antenna. April Anderson, 2732 Monza, Tustin, stated that she is unhappy with the planning of the area, with the addition of Costco and Chevron; and that this area has been planned as a revenue generator for the City, not residential. The Public Hearing was closed at 7:15 p.m. Commissioner Stracker agreed that he was not enthused with a service station in the area, but that the antenna would not affect the view. Commissioner Weil was in favor of the antenna, since it is only visible by 7 inches. Commissioner Baker stated that he has not noticed the antennas at other locations. Planning Commission Minutes October 26, 1992 Page 3 Commissioner Weil moved, Butler seconded to approve Conditional Use Permit 92-033 by adopting Resolution No. 3096 as submitted. Motion carried 5-0. OLD BUSINESS: 3. Status Report Commissioner Stracker asked if there would be extra landscaping at the Chevron station; if there would be maintenance performed; and the hours of operation. Staff replied that there would be considerable landscaping at this location; that the facility was for gas and convenience food only; and would be open 24 hours. The Director noted that auto service was permitted in the East Tustin Specific Plan; that the Planning Commission spent 2-3 meetings on design review of this station; and that the Commission added increased landscaping to the site. Commissioner Kasalek noted that an effort was made to buffer the station with color and landscaping. Commissioner Weil moved, Baker seconded to approve the status report. Motion carried 5-0. NEW BUSINESS: 4. Sign Code Exception 92-003 APPLICANT: LANDOWNER: LOCATION: ZONING: ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS: CHEVRON U.S.A, INC. P.O. BOX 2833 LA HABRA, CA 90632 MR. ZOLTON CZIK P.O. BOX 4735 PALM SPRINGS, CA 92263 14001 NEWPORT AVENUE CENTRAL COMMERCIAL (C-2) DISTRICT THIS PROJECT IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT, PURSUANT TO SECTION 15311 (CLASS 11) REQUEST: 1. TO PERMIT THE INCREASE OF THE MAXIMUM SIGN HEIGHT FOR THE BUSINESS IDENTIFICATION MONUMENT FROM THE PERMITTED (SIX) 6 FEET TO NINE (9) FEET; AND TO ALLOW THE REDISTRIBUTION OF THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE SQUARE FOOTAGE OF SECONDARY BUSINESS IDENTIFICATION WALL OR CANOPY SIGNS. Recommendation: Pleasure of the Planning Commission Presentation: Joann Perry, Associate Planner Commissioner Butler asked if it was redistribution of square footage. a common request for Staff replied that the station at Irvine and Newport was approved for redistribution due to existing configuration of canopy. Planning Commission Minutes October 26, 1992 Page 4 Commissioner Baker asked if the nine (9) foot monument sign was due to visibility being blocked by the planter and bench; and noted that the height could be reduced by trimming plants. Staff affirmed that those were viable options; and that the corner has been placed by the City for improvement with Redevelopment funds. The Director noted that another option would be to modify the pole sign to accommodate both businesses, as opposed to a monument sign. Commissioner Stracker suggested redesigning the entire corner. The Director replied that the property owner has been an impediment. Commissioner Weil asked if Tustin Transmission was part of the site. Staff replied that it is one site, with Tustin Transmission leasing the rear and Chevron the front. Commissioner Kasalek asked the height of the tree. Staff replied that the base of the canopy is 9-10 feet above ground; and that the planter and bush heights could vary. Commissioner Stracker stated that there are at least five Chevron stations in the City; and suggested a commitment between Chevron and the City to provide a beautification program for the intersection. Greg Hone, Chevron representative, 1300 S. Beach Blvd., La Habra, stated that Chevron does not own or operate the property, only supplies gas and signs; that Mr. Zolton Czik, the property owner, is concerned about keeping the pole sign as is; that they have been working on this project for one year. Commissioner Kasalek asked if a shared monument had been discussed. Commissioner Weil was concerned about the visibility around a nine (9) foot monument sign. Mr. Hone replied that the owner wants only the pole sign; that they were trying to work with the City regarding improvements on the site; and that Chevron will not be a subordinate to another business on the same sign. The Director stated that the Commission has the ability to impose conditions if related. Staff noted that there is an option to replace the existing planters with ground cover, but that the City bench would remain; and that the bushes screen the parking area. Commissioner Baker asked where it would be easiest to see the prices from. Mr. Hone replied on the monument. The Director stated that the applicant could normally apply for a sign code exception for pricing signs on each street frontage; that there is not adequate frontage for visibility, and minimum driveway space on the subject site. Planning Commission Minutes October 26, 1992 Page 5 Commissioner Weil stated that if the applicant replaced the shrubs with ground cover it would reduce the City's maintenance costs and the monument sign could be reduced by about one (1) foot. Commissioner Kasalek asked if the monument could be lowered more than one (1) foot with change in shrubbery. Staff replied that they could work with the applicant and Public Works Department regarding maintenance requirements and options. Tom Otjen, General Manager of G & M Oil, stated that the owner did not want the freeway sign to be removed; that they are trying to improve the property; and it will improve with removal of the second sign. Commissioner Weil asked if there was any possibility of replanting. Mr. Otjen replied that they would do whatever necessary to get the Chevron sign. Commissioner Stracker suggested redeveloping the corner but keeping the pole sign; installation of berm with the monument on top, at no cost to the City. Commissioner Baker suggested removing the can; bringing the monument sign as low as possible; keeping the sign on an angle for visibility; and suggested the curb be redesigned or a barrier placed so people do not drive off. Commissioner Butler stated that the pole sign was valuable to the business and that the Commission should not be hurting businesses, now; and that removal of the can will help. Commission Kasalek received a consensus on the pole sign. The Director suggested Public Work provide a report on their opinion of landscaping and monument sign. Commissioner Butler asked if some approval could be given to the applicant. The Director replied that there would be no action this evening. Commissioner Weil noted that the square footage is less than allowed and tastefully done. Commissioner Kasalek received a consensus on the monument sign. Commissioner Butler asked if a condition could be imposed that the applicant not be allowed to replace the box on the pole sign with another. The Director noted that Chevron has been working with the applicant for one (1) year, but not with the City. At next Commission meeting, staff will present a resolution with conditions which will reflect the changes made by the Commissioners concerning this sign code exception. The Commission wishes to approve the redistribution of secondary signage, permit the pole sign to remain and additionally explore the height of the monument sign. Planning Commission Minutes October 26, 1992 Page 6 Se Modification to the City of Tustin Landscaping and Irrigation Desiqn Standards and Submittal Requirements. Recommendation: - It is recommended that the Planning Commission take the following actions: Approve modifications to the Landscape and Irrigation Guidelines by adopting Resolution No. 3098, as submitted or revised; and Recommend City Council approval of Ordinance No. 1099 by adoption of Resolution No. 3099. A page by page analysis was held by the Planning Commission and the Director with the following specific items being discussed: That the site analysis was creating a financial burden for developers and was not part of State's water conservation mandate; That the site analysis be removed from the report and only submit the irrigation standards; Miscellaneous typographical and technical revisions were made. Commissioner Baker moved, Butler seconded to approve Resolution No. 3098 with revisions made on record by Commissioners. Motion carried 5-0. Commissioner Baker moved, Weil seconded to recommend City Council approve Ordinance No. 1099 by adopting Resolution No. 3099 as revised. Motion carried 5-0. STAFF CONCERNS: Report on actions taken at October 19, 1992 City Council meeting CO~ISSION CONCERNS: Commissioner Butler - Stated he was sorry he missed last meeting and congratulated Chairperson Kasalek on her appointment. Commissioner Baker - Stated that he felt Chairperson Kasalek was doing a job. fine - Noted that he observed the tiles for the Civic Center project are made of fiberglass and he was surprised they were not stone. Staff explained that this facade stone look was chosen for this location as a safety factor against the dangers of falling stone should an earthquake occur. The material is actually a mixture of stone and fiberglass. Commissioner Stracker - Had no comments or concerns at this time Planning Commission Minutes October 26, 1992 Page 7 Commissioner Weil - Expressed concern about a confusion she was experiencing regarding the pole sign situation on Red Hill and E1 Camino Real. She noted that the non-conforming sign regulations state that any pole sign left abandoned for more than 90 days was to be removed, yet several months ago the applicant of the Red Hill and E1 Camino site stated that he had been working on this project for over one year. - Concerning the pole sign at the Red Hill and E1 Camino site which was brought up at a previous meeting and which was causing confusion to Commissioner Weil, it was explained that this situation had been presented to the Commission and that they themselves had granted an extension of enforcement on the abatement issue. Commissioner Kasalek - Expressed concern as to the tile laying all over the ground at the new PD facility. Staff explained that in going through the punch list, certain of these tiles were being replaced by the contractor. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Weil moved, Baker seconded to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m. Motion carried 5-0. The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission is on November 10, 1992 at 7:00 p.m. in the Tustin Area Senior Center, 200 South "C" Street, Tustin. Cha irpers~n Kathleen ncy ., Secretary ~