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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 11-25-91MINUTES TUSTIN PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 25~ 1991 CALL TO ORDER: 6:58 p.m., City Council Chambers PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/INVOCATION ROLL CALL: Present: Baker, Kasparian, Kasalek and Weil Absent: Le Jeune 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: (ALLMATTERS LISTED UNDER CONSENT CALENDARARE 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 November 12, 1991 Planning Commission meeting. Commissioner Kasparian moved, Weil seconded to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion carried 4-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 2. Amendment No. 3 to Conditional Use Permit 88-8 APPLICANT: CITY OF TUSTIN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT 15222 DEL AMO AVENUE TUSTIN, CA 92680 OWNER: LOCATION: ZONING: ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS: REQUEST: MANCHESTER DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 2100 S.E. MAIN ST, SUITE 400 IRVINE, CA 92714 ATTENTION: MR. WILLIAM IMPARATO 17582, 17592, 17602 AND 17612 E. SEVENTEENTH STREET PLANNED COMMUNITY (COMMERCIAL) (PC-C) THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN DETERMINED TO BE CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT (CLASS 1) PURSUANT TO SECTION 15301 OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT AUTHORIZATION TO AMEND CONDITION NO. 1.3 OF PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 2710, REDUCING THE NUMBER OF REQUIRED PARKING SPACES FROM 273 TO 264, Planning Commission Minutes November 25, 1991 Page 2 BASED UPON A PARKING DEMAND ANALYSIS, AND MODIFY SITE DEVELOPMENT PLANS TO ACCOMMODATE A CITY WELL SITE Recommendation - It is recommended that the Planning Commission approve Amendment No. 3 to Conditional Use Permit 88-8 by adopting Resolution No. 2979, as submitted or revised. Presentation: Daniel Fox, Senior Planner Commissioner Kasparian asked if there was anything on the well site that would interfere with parking; and where the access for maintenance would be; and if the action would be null and void if there was any problems with the action. The Director replied that the current well site would be the only area needed by the City and that there would be a construction easement for access for improvements; that it would be gated with a small building in a walled area; that it would be accessed through the parking lot and maintained from Vandenberg; a purchase agreement has been executed; and that there is a termination clause in the ordinance. Commissioner Weil asked why the landscaping restoration was not in the conditions. Staff replied that the since the City is doing the construction, it is part of the purchase contract. The Public Hearing was opened at 7:08 p.m. The Public Hearing was closed at 7:09 p.m. Commissioner Kasparian noted that he has never seen the parking lot overcrowded. Commissioner Kasparian moved, Kasalek seconded to approve Amendment No. 3 to Conditional Use Permit 88-8 by adopting Resolution No. 2979, as submitted. Motion carried 4-0. 3. Desiqn Review 89-44 and Variance 90-1~ APPLICANT: OWNER: LOCATION: ZONING: ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS: REQUEST: MR. AMAURI NICASIO 13651 GREEN VALLEY TUSTIN, CA 92630 MR. AMAURI NICASIO 13651 GREEN VALLEY MULTIPLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (2,700-SQUARE FOOT) (R-3) DISTRICT CLASS 3 CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION TO ALLOW A VARIANCE FROM TUSTIN CITY CODE SECTION 9271(Q) TO REDUCE THE MINIMUM BUILDING SITE AREA FOR MULTIPLE-FAMILY DWELLINGS FROM 7,000-SQUARE FEET TO 6,783-SQUARE FEET TO ALLOW THE DEVELOPMENT OF TWO (2) DETACHED RESIDENTIAL UNITS ON THE SUBJECT SITE WHICH IS SUBSTANDARD IN SIZE. Recommendation - It is recommended that the Planning Commission continue Design Review 89-44 and Variance 90-11 by minute motion. Presentation: Joann Perry, Associate Planner Planning Commission Minutes November 25, 1991 Page 3 Commissioner Weil moved, Kasalek seconded to continue Design Review 89-44 and Variance 90-11 to the December 9, 1991 Planning Commission meeting by minute motion. Motion carried 4-0. 4. Vesting Tentative Tract Map 14371 and Desiqn Review 91-~1 APPLICANT: LANDOWNER: GLENCREST 23696 BIRTCHER DRIVE EL TORO, CA 92630 SAN RAMO 23696 BIRTCHER DRIVE EL TORO, CA 92630 LOCATION: ZONING: ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS: REQUEST: LOTS 26 OF TRACT 13627 LOW 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 CREATE 55 NUMBERED AND THREE LETTERED LOTS FOR SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES. 2. APPROVAL OF SITE PLAN ANDARCHITECTURAL DESIGN OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT. Recommendation - It is recommended that the Planning Commission take the following actions: 1. Approve the Environmental Determination for the project by adopting Resolution No. 2980; 2. Approve Design Review 91-11 by adopting Resolution No. 2981, as submitted or revised; 3. Recommend City Council approval of Vesting Tentative Tract Map 14371 by adopting Resolution No. 2982, as submitted or revised. Presentation: Becky Stone, Assistant Planner Commissioner Weil asked if there was response to notice; and how many long driveways are in the project. Staff replied that there was one call that has since been discussed with the Irvine Company; that some driveways have an L-turn drive, some have 20 foot straight drives, about 10% are less than 19 feet long, and the 34 guest spaces are longer than 20 feet. Commissioner Kasparian asked for a clarification of the front yard setback specifications as noted in Attachment A of Exhibit A; that he liked the emphasis on the 5 foot meandering sidewalk and the judicious placement of utility boxes. Staff replied that the property line is taken from behind the sidewalk; that some plans allow for a 5 foot setback for the garage and a 20 foot setback for the living space. Commissioner Kasparian asked for a clarification of the landscaping requirements of the models as noted on Page 6 of Resolution No. 2981. Staff responded that the identifying items requiring permits are listed for contractors who landscape across property lines on the models. Commissioner Weil asked for a clarification of the discussion regarding mailboxes; and if they would be normal size to accommodate large amounts of mail. Planning Commission Minutes November 25, 1991 Page 4 Staff replied that aluminum mailboxes without decoration have not been approved; that staff wants them with more decoration; that this can be approved at Plan Check; and that size is at the discretion of Community Development. The Director stated that the Postal Service requires a curbside grouping; that what is proposed is not the degree of quality that the project requires; that staff wants a redesign which will be approved at plan check. The Public Hearing was opened at 7:24 p.m. Judy Almquist, 2281 Pavilion, President of the Committee for Compatibility, was concerned about the berm's impact on the privacy of the existing homes; that 9 months ago they met with the builder who has rectified most of their concerns; that they are concerned about the homes with wrought iron fencing with a direct view of the existing backyards; that they would like the Commission to address the issue of windows, balconies and fencing; and asked for a postponement of the item to allow time for seeking legal counsel. Commissioner Kasparian asked the location of Mrs. Almquist's home. Mrs. Almquist replied that she is representing the owners along the berm and that she is at the very edge of the berm. Robert Frakes, representing the developer, stated that they tried to accommodate the residents by lowering the height of homes and switched living quarters to the front of properties; that the berm was installed as a temporary drainage device and would be reduced; that the slump wall is 2 feet high so as not to eliminate the views for the new residents; that they adjusted the driveways to vary from 5 feet to 20 feet to vary the street scene; that they would change the mailbox design; and that they would not like to postpone the project. Commissioner Kasparian asked how the applicant created 76 additional parking spaces; and asked what the steepest grade was from the homes to the lot line. Mr. Frakes replied that it was from the street count and third car garage; and that there is no slope greater than 2:1. Commissioner Baker asked if Mr. Frakes was part of the group that met at the tennis club; and noted that he was concerned about preserving compatibility with the existing neighborhood. Mr. Frakes replied negatively, and that he has not met with a homeowner group. Staff replied that this project was not within the hillside district and is a different project than what was subject to the community meeting. The Director noted that notices were sent to homeowners associations and residents voicing concerns regarding the hillside areas at previous meetings. Thomas Crosby, 2211 Pavilion, asked the Commission to rethink the project in view of the recent fire in Northern California due to a decaying forest of eucalyptus trees; that the area was built with pines and eucalyptus and is a "bom~ ready to explode"; that the Irvine Company is indifferent to the risk; asked why they were allowing new homes to be built before the area is cleaned of Planning Commission Minutes November 25, 1991 Page 5 debris; that the new homes are being built next to the eucalyptus grove; asked why they are repeating the same mistake of allowing similar trees to be installed with all of the shake shingle roofs still remaining. He continued with stating that he fears that the proposed wall will limit his access to the wooded area; and suggested 28 foot setbacks to allow access along the drainage ditch. Norm Smith, Irvine Company, stated that they worked at length with the owners and that fair and reasonable changes were made; that they share the concern about the fire danger and that there is a plan with the Community Development Department to clear debris and plant with fire resistant trees. Commissioner Weil asked if the trees eluded to were on the Irvine Company property. Mr. Smith affirmed. Commissioner Baker asked their plans for replanting. Mr. Smith replied that they would replace with a reforestation of eucalyptus which would be in irrigated areas and maintained by homeowners associations. The Public Hearing was closed at 7:53 p.m. The Director stated that the applicant has complied with every agreement made with the community; that the berm was installed for temporary drainage and would be reconfigured when the storm drain was completed; that there will be a wall/wrought iron fence along the southerly property line on the project; that the units have been directed away from other units; that they will be large units needing window coverage with vantage points to the south; that the site was allowed to have 5 units per acre, but the Irvine Company reached a written agreement with the owners for 4 units per acre with single story buildings along the western boundary; that the project exceeds the East Tustin Specific Plan; and that every concession agreed to with adjacent residents and the Racquet Hill Homeowners Association has completed. She continued with stating that the Irvine Company is working on reducing the fire risk by removing the dead and decayed trees; that irrigated eucalyptus is not a fire hazard and that the new trees being installed to the north will be irrigated and maintained by a future homeowners association; and that each concern was adequately considered. Commissioner Kasparian asked which homes would be single-story. The Director replied that lots 14-25 were single-story; that the units that look to the south will have view opportunities; that they will not look directly into any yards; that all units are below adjacent County elevations; and that the written agreement required that there be no access into this project from Racquet Hill and that commitment has been complied with. Commissioner Weil asked for a clarification of the berm; and that this applicant has shown tremendous sensitivity to the neighbors. The Director replied that the berm was created to eliminate sheet flow of water until infrastructure was installed. Commissioner Kasparian stated that the concessions were considerable; and that he hoped that the homeowners would be Planning Commission Minutes November 25, 1991 Page 6 satisfied even though they did not get everything they were seeking. Commissioner Weil moved, Kasa~ek seconded to approve the Environmental Determination for the project by adopting Resolution No. 2980. Motion carried 4-0. Commissioner Weil moved, Kasalek seconded to approve Design Review 91-11 by adopting Resolution No. 2981, as submitted. Motion carried 4-0. Commissioner Weil moved, Kasalek seconded to recommend City Council approval of Vesting Tentative Tract Map 14371 by adopting Resolution No. 2982 as submitted. Motion carried 4-0. OLD BUSINESS: NEW BUSINESS: 5. Design Review 91-49 APPLICANT: OWNER: LOCATION: ZONING: ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS: REQUEST: CONTINENTAL SIGNS 7541 SANTA RITA CIRCLE - D STANTON, CALIFORNIA 90680 TUSTIN AUTO SPA, INC. 11980 RED HILL AVENUE SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA 92705 1501 NISSON ROAD, TUSTIN CG (COMMERCIAL GENERAL) THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN DETERMINED TO BE CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT (CLASS 11) PURSUANT TO PROVISIONS OF SECTION 15311 OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT TO APPROVE THE DESIGN OF A SECONDARY IDENTIFICATION WALL SIGN WITH EXPOSED NEON TUBING AND A SUPPLEMENTAL WALL SIGN FOR THE NEWLY CONSTRUCTED CAR WASH AT 1501 NISSON ROAD Recommendation - It is recommended that the Planning Commission approve Design Review 91-49 by adopting Resolution No. 2983, as submitted or revised. Presentation: Paula Rankin, Associate Planner Commissioner Weil asked if the applicant reviewed a copy of the new Sign Code. Staff affirmed and noted that he was fully aware it. Commissioner Kasparian noted that the applicant wants "hand car wash" on freeway side and "Cafe Auto Spa" on Nisson and asked if that was why the freeway side was identified as the primary side; asked about the depth of the neon signs. Staff replied that the applicant requested switching the primary and secondary signage; that the issue was with the supplemental sign area and that they are allowed 25%; that they could include Cafe Auto Spa and Hand Car Wash in a 75 square foot sign. Staff continued with noting that the mounting detail of the sign can was unusual; that staff is proposing that the sign cans be textured and treated as part of the building. Planning Commission Minutes November 25, 1991 Page 7 The Director stated that they can successfully embellish textured cans with detail. Commissioner Weil noted that Item 1.5 of Exhibit A allows the applicant to add 56 square feet of signage, and asked if the conditions in Exhibit A would apply to the new sign. Staff affirmed. Nancy Gemaehlich, Continental Signs, stated that they have complied with staff's direction; that they suggest a full size box with texcoat treatment; that they would like to not install the moulding; and would like to make them solid as part of the building. Richard Gall, Jacuzzi Development Company, noted that Item 1.7 b should be eliminated. Commissioner Weil commended the applicant on the approach to the project. Mr. Gall stated that his brother and Gene Tutt are the owners of the project and are very happy with it. Commissioner Kasparian moved, Baker seconded to approve Design Review 91-49 by adopting Resolution No. 2983 revised as follows: Exhibit A, delete Condition 1.7 B. Motion carried 4-0. STAFF CONCERNS: Se Report on actions taken at November 18, 1991 City Council meetinq Staff reported on the subject agenda. COMMISSION CONCERNS~ Commissioner Weil -Commended Christine Shingleton and Daniel presentation of Item No. 4. Fox on the -Asked about why conditions regarding the landscaping on Item #2 were not included in the resolution. Staff replied that the conditions regarding the landscaping were already part of the purchase agreement. Commissioner Kasparian -Asked about the status of the Catellus project. -Asked if staff could keep the Planning Commission informed of the status of the Marine Base Closure. Commissioner Kasalek -Wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Chairman Baker -Thanked staff for drafting the letter to the Public Works Department regarding Planning Commission meeting attendance. Planning Commission Minutes November 25, 1991 Page 8 -Voiced concern about Planning Commission signage Centennial Way during the civic center renovation at i~D~OURNNEN~: Commissioner Weil moved, Kasparian seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m. Motion carried 4-0. The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission is on December 9, 1991 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 300 Centennial Way, Tustin. Chairman / /z_~ ~ ~ L ~ ~ ~, '~. Kathleen Clancy Secretary