HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 03-03-80 TUSTIN PLANNING AGENCY
Minutes of Regular and Continued Meetings
March 5, 1980
The Planning Agency held a regular meeting Monday, March 3, 1980, in the
Council Chambers of the Tusfin City Hall, 300 Centennial Way, Tustin, Cali-
fornia.
The meeting was called fo order at 3:03 p.m. by Chairman Schuster.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Mrs. Kennedy and the invocation
was given by Mr, Saltarelli,
ROkk CALL
Present:
Chairman Schuster; Agency members: Salfarelli, Kennedy, Welsh,
and Sharp
Absent: None
Also present:
Dan Blankenship, City Administrator
Mike Brotemarkle, Community Development Director
Alan Warren, Senior Planner
James Rourke, City Attorney
Midge Mehl, Recording Secretary
Other staff members: 2
General audience: 10
MI NUTES
The minutes of the regular meeting held February 19, 1980 were approved as
revised (page 10), and with the waivin9 of readin9 same.
CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARINGS
Use Permit 80-3
Applicant:
Location:
Request:
Burnett-Ehline
Southeasterly corner of Irvine Boulevard and Holt Avenue
Authorization for construction of an office building.
Mr. Brotemarkle said this request was for a 45,OOO square foot office building
and had been continued in order fo allow the applicant fo redesign 1he buildin9
fo meet the concerns voiced by the Plannin9 Agency. The original request was
for four stories in height and over 60' in height. The current plan would re-
fain the same architecture, however, the height has been reduced fo 46' fo top
of the third story, in lieu of four stories. The 46' would not include the
mechanical equipment which would be another 4 fo 8 feet in height. The parkin9
plan would afford an additional 8 spaces. The applicant had only one request
on the conditions; fhaf if the Agency were fo approve this request that condi-
tion ~11M of Resolution No. 1875 be modified to sfipu-late that the project
would be approved subject fo final development plans bein9 reviewed by the
Community Development Department for substantial conformance fo plans, as
approved at this meefin9.
The Agency asked questions about the present code height limit; investigation
of re-doing the entire parcel, including the Don Josg Restaurant; consideration
to relocating the proposed building in regard to setbacks; and total number of
parking spaces.
Mr. Brotemarkle explained the setback had been discussed with the applicant
and due fo the Iong-sfandin9 lease lines which come right up fo the proposed
strucutre, they have no ability to cross that lease line without a negotiated
agreement with Don Jose~ The only agreement with the restaurant concerns the
parkin9 bein9 mutually utilized by both properties. They are practically cover-
in9 their entire Iol with the buildin9 and they have no additional property fo
relocate the buildin9.
Mr. Schuster asked if the flower shop dispute had been settled.
Mr. Brotemarkle said fhaf would be primarily a relationship between the tenant
and landlord which the City would not be involved in and was not current y
Planning Agency
Minutes - March 3, 1980
page 2.
finalized.
Chairman Schuster :eclared the continued hearing open and asked if there was
anyone who wished to speak in favor or opposition.
Mr. Phillip Schwartze, representing Burnett-Ehline, said they felt they had
responded fo the concerns of the Agency. The proposed parkin9 was in excess
of code requirement; traffic circulation is 9ood; and he would like fo dis-
play some additional drawings at this time. The flower shop, he said, would
continue to be free-standin9 durin9 construction and when the flower shop
moved in their exisfin9 buildin9 would be demolished.
Mrs. Kennedy asked if the square footage of the flower shop building had been
included in the square footage and if there was some protection fhaf the build-
ing would come down upon completion of the proposed building.
Mr. Brofemarkle said if would be brought back fo the Agency to see if we have
sufficient parking fo meet the needs of both uses, if the shop were not re-
moved. The existing flower shop is not as large as the one proposed in the new
structure, so if would tend fo push them right fo code rather than have excess
parking spaces. However, if the existing 2,000 square feet were utilized
for office rather than commercial, as proposed, fhaf would also reduce their re-
quired parking. It is hoped that the flower shop will relocate info the new
building and the free-standing older building would be demolished.
Mr. Saltarelli said he felt that should be a stipulated condition.
Ms. Barbara Parker said she was the tenant of the flower shop in question and fo
date they had not reached an agreement and she had not given up her lease fo the
flower shop.
There being no one else who wished to speak, Chairman Schuster declared the
public hearing closed.
Mr. Sharp questioned condition #11M in the resolution.
Mr. Brotemarkle said that condition was imposed as staff did not have a final
height plan for review. Therefore~ the condition now reads that the final site
plan would come back to the Agency for review.
Mr. Sharp asked if there would be any problem with the condition remaining as
if now reads.
Mr. Brotemarkle said no, there would be no problem.
MOTION by Salfarelli, SECONDED by Sharp, to approve Use Permit 80-3 as pre-
senfed with the following stipulations: fhaf the condition II M remain as
now written, with the Planning Agency fo have final approval of the site plan
including that the parking lot design shall be approved by the Planning Agency,
and an additional condition fo state that an agreement concerning removal of
the existing flower shop be developed for review by the Agency prior fo issu-
ance of permits.
Mr. Saltarelli said he undersl'ood the problem between the renan[ and landowner,
but felt the City needed a protective clause if fhaf free-standing Flower shop
building was to remain there; that the proposed new building should have an
equivalent reduction from the approved plan of say 1,200 square feet. He said
he would like to see that building removed~ but he realized that was a civil
matter.
Mrs. Kennedy said she was still concerned about the 46' height, the size of
the lot, the way if sits on the edge of the property, and she would like ad-
ditional time to review this site plan which she had just received this after-
noon. She said she would like fo offer a substitute motion fo continue Use
Permit 803 for one more meefin9 so the Agency could review these site plans.
There was no second to the motion.
Planning Agency
Minutes - March 5, 1980
page 3.
Mr.Welsh voiced his concern on the height of the building and the architectural
design, and said if was not compatible with the character of Tusfin.
Chairman Schuster asked the pleasure of the Agency on the motion.
AYES:
NOES:
Sharp, Salfarelli, and Schuster
Kennedy and Welsh
Variance 80-2
Applicant:
Location:
Request:
Tune-Up Masters
695 El Camino Real
Vary with sign ordinance for three additional wall signs.
Mr. Brofemarkle said this variance request had been continued three times
since the initial hearin9 January 21, 1980; the request is fo authorize the
retention of three non-conformin9 signs, three moFe than permitted by code and
over the permitted sign area by ninety square feet.
Chairman Schuster declared the continued hearing open and asked if there was
anyone who wished fo speak in favor or opposition.
Mr. Floyd Wheeler said the applicant could not appear, again, due to an ex-
tensive fravelin9 schedule and he regretted fhaf he was unable fo appear at
the last meeting. He said Tune-Up Masters, the leader in this field, had been
in business for 20 years and they needed the requested identification due to
the location of their shop. He said the present signing is minimal and the
request was vital fo their business. We have 50% less signin9 than we would
normally install at such a facility.
There being no one else fo speak Chairman Schuster declared the public hearing
closed and asked the pleasure of the Agency.
Mr. Welsh asked if this request was for signs which had already been placed
on the business, and not in conformance with the Sign Code.
Mr. Brofemarkle said that was correct.
MOTION by Welsh, SECONDED by Kennedy, to deny Variance 80-2.
AYES:
NOES:
Sharp, Salfarelli, Kennedy, Welsh, and Schuster
None
Varijnc~ 80-4
Applicant:
Location:
Request:
Mark Szeber on behalf of Sfeelcase, Inc.
1123 Warner Avenue
Vary with sign ordinance fo permit two (2) 444 sq. ff. wall signs
in lieu of the authorized 64 sq. ff.
Mr. Brotemarkle said this request was continued because of a tie vote at the
last meeting due fo the absence of one Agency member and if was the decision
of the Agency fo hear this matter before a full Agency. He said the Agency
also wanted fo learn what the Irvine Company's requirements would be in relation
fo a sign of this size. He said their maximum size would be 200 square feet
under their CC&Rs. However, there are other factors fo be considered such as
the removal of two 141 square foot legal non-conforming signs as proposed by
the applicant. To approve this request, as submitted, could be construed that
the City has proposed to abrogate a private party agreement between the seller
of the property and the uses contained in their CC&Rs. The Irvine Code was
intended so that one major user would not monopolize major signage in the area
fo the detriment of adjacent uses which could not have such substantial sign
areas. He showed slides of existing signage at Steelcase and the size of the
buildings For which the applicant is requesting new signage. He said staff would
not recommend establishing new ordinance provisions permitted such large signs,
but fo continue fo look at them under a special exception basis for such large
users.
Mr. Brofemarkle said in light of the Irvine Industrial Complex Code and the
question of non-conform~n9 signs, perhaps there is some answer that would be
available between the city's 64 foot sign restriction and lhe applicant's
Planning Agency
Minutes - March 3, 1980
page 4,
proposal of 444 sq. fi. for two signs or almost a fetal of 900 sq. ft.
Mr. Sharp said that earlier this week he had received a letter from the
city attorney, asking that, since he was absent from the last meeting, that
he listen to [he tape and reveiw other materials pertaining fo this request.
He did that and if seemed to him that tho public hearing was closed, with a
2 to 2 vote, necessitating some action on his part fo change that situation.
He asked if that was correct.
Mr. Rourke said the public hearing was closed; the hearing could be reopened
or not, as soon fit by the Agency. His advice fo Mr. Sharp was simply that
if he were fo be able to vote he would need to familiarize himself with the
material and testimony pret;enfed at the last meeting. He has done this and
now the Agency can discuss the matter; vote on if; reopen if and fake further
evidence before voting, or whatever tho Agency desires. Mr. Sharp is now
able fo participate, if he so chooses.
Mr. Sharp asked if the Agency would accept a MOTION to grant a sign on each
frontage not to exceed 200 square feet in keeping with Irvine Code and the
City Code, which says signs shall be consistent with limitations on other
properties in the vicinity. If was his understanding that the Irvine Company
indicates that any prelect in that complex, by the CC&Rs, would not have a
sign larger than 200 square feet. His motion would be that signs for the
Sfeelcase prelect not exceed 200 sq. ft. on each elevation, consistent with
the limitations upon other properties in the vicinity, and in conformance with
the Irvine Company sign requirements.
Mr. Saltarelli SECONDED the motion.
Mr. Blankenship asked iF that would be in addition fo the existing signs on
other buildings.
There followed a discussion regarding the existing signs and whether or not
they would remain or have fo be removed.
Mr. Sharp said it seemed to him that since the Irvine Company had controls
which limited signs to 200 square feet, that his motion was fo adop[ those
same controls. This would have the same general consideration.
Chairman Schuster recognized Mr. Klaus Sarrach, representing the Steelcase
Company, and asked if he wished fo make a statement.
Mr. Sarrach displayed a sketch showing the 450 foot sign. He said they still
felt tho 9' letters would be best, and he felt the maximum they could reduce
the size of letters would be 7' and this would be over the 200 Feet mentioned
in Mr. Sharp's motion.
Discussion was held on the relative size of business enterprises and the amount
oF signage permitted.
Mr. Welsh asked if whab was proposed in Mr. Sharp's motion was compatible with
the Irvine Industrial Sign Code presently enforced by the Irvine Company.
Mr. Brotemarkle said that was correct. They have a proportional sign code in
which they say that a sign may be equivalent to 10% of the wall surface area,
but not in any case to exceed a maximum of 200 ~quare feet.
Mr. Sarrach said the 9' high letters would give them a much better sign than
a 4' high letter. Even though we feel that the 9' high letter would better
suit our needs we could live with a 7' high letter. This would spread over
37' in length which would give us 260 square feet of sign area. We would like
to remind you that we would be removing two 14~ square feet of signs that are
presently mounted with the old logo style. He requested that the Agency approve
the 7' high letter which would still give them a viewing distance of about 3,000
feet.
Planning Agency
Minutes - March 3, 1980
page 5.
Mr. Salfarelli asked if the request would still include removing the two
square foot signs.
Mr. Sarrach said that was correct.
Mr. Salfarelli said he would agree with that.
Mrs. Kennedy said she simply tried to give every business the same crack at
signing so she coldn'f make allowances for each business unless if did show
legitimate hardship. Currently, you have about 500 square feet of signing
and you are willing to give up 282 to gain about 600 square feet.
Mr. Sarrach said they would like to identify to Red Hill Avenue and the New-
port Freeway and to do that they felt it took at least a 7' high letter.
Mr. Welsh said perhaps if would be appropriate fo ask if the applicant did not
remove the existing signs, would they be in conformity with Irvine Company
Sign Code.
Mr. Brofemarkle said af this point he thought they would be in conformance
as these are legal non-conforming signs, but the Irvine Company administers
their sign regulations separate from the City.
Mr. Schuster said he was in favor of the motion, but fo let them keep the
signing they presently have.
Mrs. Kennedy said she couldn't support the motion.
Mr. Welsh said perhaps they could make a proviso fo the motion that all signs
be in conformity with the Irvine Company requirements.
Mr. Sharp said that was the intent of his motion.
Chairman Schuster asked for a vote on Mr. Sharp~s motion.
AYES:
NOES:
Sharp, Salfarelli, Welsh, and Schuster
Kennedy
INITIAL PUBLIC HEARIN~
Use Permit 80-7
Applicant:
Location:
Request:
Stewart Development Company IV
14742 Newport Avenue
Construction of 18,848 square feet office building.
Mr. Brotemarkle said this concerned property on the southeasterly corner of
Newport and Sycamore Avenues. The proposal meets all of the development
standards for an office complex. On the Sycamore Avenue frontage they may
reduce the setback fo fifteen feet, as required by code, since the Newport
Avenue frontage would require a fifteen foot setback. The square footage of
the structure would not change and the plan would still be within the develop-
menf standards. The staff would like fo bring out that the initial environ-
mental study had not addressed a number of orange trees and three large specimen
trees ~,hich would have fo be removed to permit development. If if were fo
appear fo the Agency that the removal of these trees would not create a sub-
sfanfial environmental impact, then a Negative Declaration could be forwarded
and staff's recommendation would be for approval. If, however, the Agency's
determination was that this would be a significant impact and the frees should
either be relocated or possibly a redesign pursued which would save lhe maxi-
mum number of frees then we would recommend continuance of the item to con-
sider the environmental impact.
Mrs. Kennedy said she did not have a copy of the initial environmental study
and she asked if Mr. Brotemarkle had a copy.
Mr. Brofemarkle said he did not. The question is whether the issue should be
included as the other environmental impacts that were noted were all construed
to be not significant. The initial study form does not address that concern
in depth.
Mrs. Kennedy said she had no information on the age, size, or variefy...how
Planning Agency
Minutes - March 3, 1980
page 6
was she supposed to know.
Mr. Brotemarkle said the staff did not have this information either. That is
the question; whether the issue should be so expanded to include such information.
If, however, it is not considered fo be a major concern, from an environmental
slandpoint, then the Agency may go ahead and act upon the use permit request.
Chairman Schuster declared the public hearing open and asked if there was any-
one who wished fo speak in favor or opposition fo Use Permit 80-7.
Mr. Sherman Ellis, representing the Stewart Development Company, said their
environmental impact assumed that we would have fo remove the existing trees.
A landscape plan had been prepared for review by the Agency. He said of the
three frees in question, the walnut tree would wind up in the sidewalk area
if not removed and is not a viable free for consideration. There are two other
frees involved which would be removed by construction. Experience is that
orange trees in a landscape environment tend fo die and there are flies and
rotting fruit. Other frees are more suitable than orange frees.
Mr. Scotr Peterson, a landscape-architect with Richard Prior and Associates,
displayed a sketch showing the location of the existing trees and the I o-
cation of trees they proposed fo replace these trees with. He explained that
two of the trees were diseased and not salvageable and the big cedar tree would
cost about $5,000 fo box and move and then there is doubt if could survive.
He said the large orange circles on the plan indicated the trees they proposed
to substitute for those which they would remove.
Mr. Brofemarkle said the planting proposed is a substantial mitigating measure
and is in excess of what we would normally require. Had the property been
vacant we would not have achieved such substantial landscaping as six 36-inch
boxes, a large number of pines, and a complete boundary of Eucalyptus trees.
He said if the Agency were fo decide this was a substantial mitigating measure
deserving a Negative Declaration, such would be incorporated into the reso-
lution and appropriate conditions imposed.
There being no one else who wished fo speak Chairman Schuster declared the
public hearing closed and asked the pleasure of the Agency.
MOTION by Welsh, SECONDED by Saltarelli, to approve Use Permit 80-7 in accord-
ance with staff recommendation and direct that a resolution be prepared.
Mr. Welsh asked if there would be any problems with the second story in re-
lation to the residential area..
Mr. Brofemarkle said a condominium abutted this property which has very few
windows and all ifs parking between the project and the subject site, so the
screening is not considered a major factor,
Mrs. Kennedy said she could not make a judgment on the trees because she had
no information; no estimate of cost, etc. She could not judge the value of one
or all three of these trees.
Chairman Schuster asked the pleasure of the Agency on Mr. Welsh's motion.
AYES:
NOES:
Sharp, Saltarelli, Welsh, and Schuster
Kennedy
Mr. Brotemarkle said the staff would prepare a resolution of approval and
bring back fo the Agency at their next meeting.
PUBLIC CONCERNS
None
OLD BUSINESS
None
Planning Agency
Minutes - March 3~ 1980
page 7.
NEW BUS I NE~;$
None
CORRESPOND~NC~
None
STAFF CONCERNS
None
AGENCY CONCERNS
pantry Parking Lot
Mr. Saltarelli asked if any members of the Agency viewed the parking lot at
the Pantry Shopping Center~ as he had requested they do.
Mr. Schuster said he had.
Mr. Saltarelli said he wished they would do so, so they could see the problem.
He said with the number of medians and landscaped areas, probably 20% of the
parking has been removed. Two rows of diagonal parking are no longer there.
That, coupled with the more intense use of the Center, which comes after im-
provement, has already created traffic problems. He would like the staff to
review and bring the Agency recommendations for modifications relative to our
requirmenfs for setbacks on parking lots and bring parking lot approval of
final design to the Planning Agency. He felt some mistakes were causing hazards
and inconvenience fo residents. He said we did not need less parking and more
landscaping; we need more parking and as much landscaping as we can get. He
wanted staff to review the ordinance for possible modification,
Mr. Schuster said he agreed; Mrs. Kennedy said she disagreed; and Mr. Welsh
said he had always felt there was a certain amount of give and take between
traffic safety and adequate parking and aesthetics. There was no objection to
staff coming up with research on the matter, After we have a report from staff
then we should discuss whether we should change our ordinance, Mr, Sharp said
he would agree fo a study.
The Chairman so ordered.
Mr, Saltarelli said his second concern was the basic parking requirements for
professional and commercial developments; he felt they were too lenient. He
said a case in point is the new shopping center where the Irvine Ranch Market
is located at Irvine and Newport.
Mr. Schuster and Mrs, Kennedy agreed,
Mr. Salfarelli said he felt the basic parking requirements need to be changed.
He said he would also like a study on the parking requirements.
Mr. Schuster said he had received numerous calls regarding what appears to be
inadequate parking at the Packers Square Shopping Center. He said if should be
investigated. He directed that this study be made soon as possible in con-
junction with the previous study.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Agency at this time Chairman
Schuster declared the meeting adjourned at 5 p.m.~ to meet again af 7:30 this
date for the continued meeting.
Planning Agency
Minutes - March 3, 1980
page 8.
The Planning Agency reconvened af 7:36 p.m. All members were present and
there were approximately 85 general audience in attendance.
Chairman Schuster stated that the Agency would now hear the continued hearing
on Variance 80-3.
Variance 80-3 and Tentative Tract Mae No. ~Q87~ (continued)
Applicant:
Location:
Request:
Acacia Equities
15851 Pasadena Avenue
To vary with the provisions of converting apartments to condo-
miniums for Tustin Arms II Apartments.
Mr. Brofemarkle explained that the applicant had filed this request in antici-
pation of possible code amendments addressing the concerns of the open space
and the need for Iow-cost housing. The developer has requested consideration
of concepts in providing alternative ways that some of these code amendments
could possibly be pursued and these range from the possible development of a
condominium complex in conformance fo the existing code with ('he loss of up
to 42 units [hrough demolition to essentially an opposite extreme which v~uld
be proving all 42 units as affordable housing and the utilization of roof-top
areas on a parking structure as open space. It would appear to staff that a
conceptual decision is needed so the developer may pursue the particular con-
cept which is most acceptable. The applicant has submi[fed additional information
concerning affordable housing and has now indicated a program fo provide such
housing essenlially in perpetuity. Both staff and the developer would request
this item be continued.
Chairman Schuster declared the continued hearing now open.
Mr. James Manning, representing Acacia Eqifies, showed plans depicting the
various alternatives. He said in all cases the residents of record on the
date of the official notification to convert would have at least ninety days
fo decide if they want to buy their unit or any other available unit. All
alternatives can conform to the parking requirmenfs without fearing down build-
ings. If granted a variance on open space units not removed would be offered
fo qualifying seniors at a price of $37,000 for a one-bedroom unit and a
$47,000 price for a two-bedroom unit. He said he didn't think anyone wanted
to fear down valuable living units as it would mean that 42 families would not
have a chance fo have affordable housing in Tusfin. He said that affordable
housing for seniors only was a concept based on housing for those most directly
impacted by high housing costs; however, other options, fo expand to other house-
holds such affordable units if desired, could be pursued. Another question the
Agency had, af the last meeting, was how long would units remain controlled
as affordable housing and who was going fo administer this program. Acacia
can offer that service and as indicated, for a period of time, as long as
determined necessary. Perpetuity is one concept and if there is a county or
city housing agency that can perform the service, it should be involved.
Mr. Manning explained the various alternatives: (1) with the parking structure
and removal of two buildings; (2) with four buildings removed; (3) two large
buildings and two small buildings removed with 72 living units remaining fo
be sold and the removal of 42 units; and (4) a plan with no units removed, the
existing situation with realigned parking and interior modifications reducing
120 living units fo 106 (giving two parking spaces per unit). In the last
alternative units would be Iow- to moderate-income housing for seniors or other
people in town. What we are asking is conceptual direction~ so we can sl'arf
developing detailed answers to ques[ions you may have about a specific plan.
There followed a discussion concerning the parking structure, loss of units,
landscaping, tenant concerns, demolition of units, and the price of the units.
Mr. Manning said Tustin Arms II has experienced a 62% turnover; this is not a
fixed residential area. We have agreed to pay the assistance and give more
time and help with moving, but we do have a point where there are property
Planning Agency
Minutes - March 3, 1980
page 9.
rights also. An owner has purchased property, developed it, provided a good
product for' years and now intends fo do something else with it. We believe
fhaf those are also rights that need fo be considered. The management of
Acacia and Tustin Arms II is willing fo provide every possible assistance to
our tenants. Alternative schemes and variables of pricing, demolition, who
benefits, right of first refusal for tenants, new construction costs, rate of
return, advantages of conversions fo home buyers, and tenant relocation were
discussed.
Mr. Saltarelli said if the average or mean price was say $80,000 with every-
thing included, would if be any different if we had you remove the 42 units
and go with the full open space plan and if so, by how much?
Mr. Hardy, President of Acacia, said the difficulty with pricing is with some
alternatives there are extensive trade-offs. Where we keep more units, but
build an expensive parking structure, prices go up. The plan without a parking
structure allows us to price some of the units at a below market price as we
have saved a substantial amount of units that would otherwise be demolished so
that those are in effect bonus units and eliminate the cost of a parking
structure.
Ms. Leslie Walters said she was a tenant at Tustin Arms II and wanted to know
the selling prices and if gas or wafer would be individually metered.
Chairman Schuster asked Mr. Manning if there would be separate metering.
Mr. Manning said the electric meters are individual now; the gas meters de-
pend on the requirements of the gas company and whether if is an advantage on
energy for individual meteres; and water is normally not a separate meter.
However, there would be separate shut-offs.
Ms. Walters said the tenants of Tusfin Arms II had a petition which she would
like fo submit at this time, which contained approximately 103 signatures of
tenants against the conversion.
Ms. Elizabeth Sfraub said she was also a tenant and the majority of the people
residing there are young adults with one bedroom units which might sell for
$60,000. Just for principal and interest, fhe..paymenfs would be $682.81 with
a 15% interest rate, not including association fees. That's double current
rent and she didn't think many young adults could afford that.
Linda Holtkamp said she was also a resident and there was a Icl of talk about
affordable housing and as far as she was concerned Tusfin Arms II was afford-
able the way it is; not as a condominium. Housing is housing, whether it's
rental or whether you buy if.
Ms. Carol Dailey said she was a resident of Tusfin Arms II and had received
a letter, last week, informing her of this meeting tonight. In that letter
was a questionnaire asking if she would consider buying one of the units,
and she didn't know what she would be buying. In this letter if stated they
would like fo convert these within two years, and yet in the last month she had
seen more people going through Tusfin Arms II than she had ever seen in the
four years she had lived there. They are measuring and preparing estimates, etc.
in preparation for conversion now and she didn't think there was going fo be
foe much consideration given to the tenants. She complained about the piping
and bad sewers and said she didn't see them measuring to fix them. These units
are Z4 years old and should Hot be selling for $~17,000, which her unit would
cost. You could buy a new home for that.
Mr. John Wilson said he was a tenant at Tusfin Acres and he wanted to tell the
Tustin Arms II people that they would be promised the world, but forget it.
He said his unit would cost him, if he were fo buy if, $780 a month. Young
people can't afford payments like that. Where are we supposed fo move fo?
Mr. Saltarelli said the problem is political because eight years ago hundreds
of people were saying we have too much density in Tustin; do away with apart-
ment zoning; don't build apartments; keep Iow income people from coming into
Tusfin; and don't let all that traffic and congestion happen. City govennmenfs
throughout the county stopped giving zoning to build apartments, constricting
the supply of apartments and rents have been going up dramatically. We have
a Icl of young people that would like fo buy fo build some equity and others
Planning Agency
Minutes - March 3, 1980
page 10.
who want rental unils, but it's not always going to happen both ways. The
answer is not ]usf whether fo convert or not fo convert; [hat's lust part of
a whole big problem.
Mr. Ron Hoesferey said his questions were not so much for the developer as they
were for the Planning Agency. He said based upon what he heard the proposed
variance is now down fo two options, if he heard correctly. The destruction of
units with the addition of a parking garage fo meet code provisions or waiving
open space requirements to allow units which would have been demolished, fo
be sold as affordable housing. So basically the question now becomes what
are the goals of the City and what are the short term versus long term trade-
offs for such a decision.
Mr. Salfarelli asked Mr. Hoosterey what he suggested.
Mr. Hoesferey said such would be inappropriate af this time. He said if was
something ho would like the Agency fo consider and review in this proposal.
He said he wouldn't attempt to answer in two minutes a problem the Agency had
been working on for a long period of time.
Mr. Craig Mole[f said he lived af 15851 Pasadena Avenue and he wished to speak
to the comment about the 62% turnover. During fha1 two year period there have
been a number of people living there in excess of four years, however, military
personnel make up a major portion of the population and are sub]ecl fo relocation
or transfer on a regular basis. Apartments are meant for those people who do
not want or cannot afford fo buy housing; or prefer apartment living.
There being no one else to speak Chairman Schuster declared the public hear-
ing closed.
Mrs. Kennedy said this was a very difficult situation. She could find no hard-
ship in this instance; it's not compatible with City code; it could destroy good
housing; and she felt if should remain an apartment complex.
Mr. Salfarelli said he didn't feel that the applicant could prove a hardship
and should not be granted a variance, but could pursue an alternative conforming
fo conversion standards.
Mr. Welsh said the difference is simple. If is one thing for the Agency,
representing the public, to set up a criteria which they feel is good for the
fetal community. This, he felt, was necessary for a fetal balance in the com-
munity. Balance is a prerequisite fgr a good community. The issue that is be-
fore the Agency, fo propose standard and enforce that standard, is philosophi-
cally supportable from his position, but to change from that standard to a
position of dictating what a person can do with their property over and above
that standard is an entirely different issue which he found difficult to support.
MOTION by Kennedy, SECONDED by Welsh, to deny Variance 80-3.
AYES:
NOES:
Sharp, Salfarelli, Kennedy, Welsh, and Schuster
None
Mr. Brotemarkle said he would like clarification. Has Variance 80-3 been
completely denied and ~he applicant needs fo re-file for concepts meeting the
ordinance, or aremerely the variance portions of this application denied and
the subject matter continued as part of this application?
Mr. Rourke said he had not seen the application, but it was his understanding
from the agenda materials this was lust an application for a variance.
Mr. Brotemarkle said as part of the variance the applicant submitted four
scenarios. One proposal being adherence fo use permit guides; the second
being one with a parking structure to meet use permit guidelines; the other
two requiring variance approval. So, rather than just submitting two appli-
cations, one for a conditional use permit and one for a variance with two sets
Planning Agency
Minutes-March 5, 1980
page 11.
of options, it was submitted as a single proposal.
A discussion was held on the intent of the action. It was determined the appli-
cant shall file a new application covering the requested action, on a use permit,
not requiring a new filing fee. This would clearly separate the concepts.
MOTION by Salfarelli, SECONDED by Welsh, that af the discretion of the city
attorney, Variance 80-3 may be reagendized at a subsequent meeting, either as
a new use permit application or an application for consideration of items 2 and
4 under this original application, and that additional fees be waived. That
would not be a continuance of this hearing, but would be a new application
and a newly advertised hearing.
AYES:
NOES:
Sharp, Salfarelli, Kennedy, Welsh, and Schusfer
None
ADJOURN/~NT
There being no further business to come before the Planning Agency, Chairman
Schuster declared the public hearing adjourned af g:05 p.m., fo meet again
for a regular meeting fo be held March 17, 1980 in the Council Chambers of the
Tusfin City Hall.
Stephe¢~ L. Schusfer
Cha i rman
M.I. Mehl
Recording Secretary