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Home My WebLink About01 PC Minutes 09-11-12 Item #1 SPECIAL MEETING CITYWIDE PROJECTS TOUR – 5:30 p.m. CANCELLED MINUTES REGULAR MEETING TUSTIN PLANNING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 11, 2012 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER INVOCATION/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Chair Pro Tem Thompson ROLL CALL: Present: Chair Kozak Chair Pro Tem Thompson Commissioners Eckman and Moore Staff Present Elizabeth A. Binsack, Director of Community Development Dana L. Ogdon, Assistant Director of Community Development Justina Willkom, Principal Planner Scott Reekstin, Senior Planner Amy Stonich, Senior Planner Terry Lutz, Principal Engineer Adrianne DiLeva, Recording Secretary None PUBLIC CONCERNS CONSENT CALENDAR: Approved 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – AUGUST 28, 2012, PLANNING COMMISSION. RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission approve the minutes of the August 28, 2012, meeting as provided. Motion: It was moved by Eckman, seconded by Thompson, to move the consent calendar. Motion carried 4-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS: Adopted Resolutions 2. GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT (GPA) 2012-002, ZONE 4202, 4203, and 4204 CHANGE (ZC) 2012-001, AND CONDITIONAL USE as amended PERMIT (CUP) 2012-08. The request is for Planning Commission recommendation of approval of GPA 2012-002, ZC 2012- 001 and CUP 2012-08 to change the General Plan Land Use designation of seven residential properties on Red Hill Avenue and Melvin Way from Low Density Residential to Public/Institutional; change the zoning designation of three residential properties from Single Family Residential (R1) to Public and Institutional; and obtain a Conditional Use Permit to allow a church storage area at 13162 and 13232 Red Hill Avenue and an assembly use at 1552 Melvin Way, and to use the remaining six residences as church housing/parsonages. APPLICANT: Joel Kelly Red Hill Lutheran Church 13200 Red Hill Avenue Tustin, CA 92780 PROPERTY OWNERS: Red Hill Lutheran Church Trust 13200 Red Hill Avenue Tustin, CA 92780 Red Hill Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tustin 13200 Red Hill Avenue Tustin, CA 92780 PROJECT LOCATION: 13152, 13162, and 13232 Red Hill Avenue 1532, 1542, 1552, and 1562 Melvin Way ENVIRONMENTAL: This project has been determined to be exempt pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Section 15061(b)(3) in that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. If adopted, the proposed General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, and Conditional Use Permit would ensure consistency between the General Plan and Zoning Designations and would allow existing uses related to the Red Hill Lutheran Church. The proposed project has no possibility for significant effect on the environment; therefore, the project is not subject to CEQA. Agenda – Planning Commission September 11, 2012 – Page 2 of 6 RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission: 1. Adopt Resolution No. 4202 recommending that the City Council approve General Plan Amendment 2012- 002 to change the General Plan Land Use designation of seven residential properties on Red Hill Avenue and Melvin Way from Low Density Residential to Public/Institutional. 2. Adopt Resolution No. 4203 recommending that the City Council adopt Ordinance No. 1419 (Zone Change 2012-001) changing the zoning designation of three residential properties from Single Family Residential (R1) to Public and institutional (P&I). 3. Adopt Resolution No. 4204 recommending that the City Council approve Conditional Use Permit 2012-08 to allow a church storage area at 13162 and 13232 Red Hill Avenue and an assembly use at 1552 Melvin Way, and to use six residences as church housing/parsonages. Gave a presentation on the item. Reekstin The Director provided additional background information, stating the City has been working with Red Hill Lutheran Church for approximately five years on various projects at the site. The current proposal reflects a plan which is the result of collaborative efforts between the City and the Church during this time. Stated staff believes that the proposal ensures the orderly and safe operations of the multiple uses at the site, it also ensures the safe use of the buildings, and it provides flexibility for the Church and the City to work together to address changing needs over time. Stated the proposal before the Commission is a true reflection of how the site has already been operating for years, and the Conditions of Approval for the project ensure that there is a smooth integration for each of the uses into the Community. Agenda – Planning Commission September 11, 2012 – Page 3 of 6 Planning Commission questions included: prior code enforcement action/complaints at the site; General Plan versus Zoning Code consistency; right-of-way dedication and the impact on the properties as existing today; processes for working with the Transportation Corridor and Sanitation District on site improvements; repercussions if the Church sold a property on the site after the Zoning Code has changed; parking impacts in the area; traffic circulation; screening on site; and screening/location of the storage sheds. The public hearing opened at 7:32 p.m. The applicant, Pastor Joel Kelly stepped forward to speak. Pastor Kelly thanked City staff for working with him on the project. Assured the Commission that he heard their concerns and wants to be a good neighbor to the surrounding residences as well as be in compliance with City codes. Responded to Commission questions and concerns. Steve Ciminella stepped forward to express concerns regarding ongoing traffic impaction on Melvin Way. His residence is across the street from the Church property, and he stated he is unable to pull into his driveway at times, and there are frequently cars parked in front of his residence. Encouraged the Commission to visit the site during the week when school is in session to see the traffic impaction in the area. Feels that the Church using the residences for institutional uses will lower the value of his own property. The public hearing closed at 7:39 p.m. The Commission entered deliberation of the project proposal. Eckman Stated he had initial concerns regarding prior code violations at the property as well as the letter of opposition received from a neighbor to the property. Hopes that the Church can outreach with their neighbors to resolve these concerns, and proposed permit parking on Melvin way as a solution. Believes this application is a great opportunity for the Church and thanked them for working with the City on the project. Is in support of the proposed project. Agenda – Planning Commission September 11, 2012 – Page 4 of 6 Moore Requested to speak with Pastor Kelly once more. Asked how the current use of the parsonages on Melvin way would be different after the zone change, if at all. Wants to ensure that parking and drop-off to Peter’s Parish is conducted behind the property. Kozak Asked whether there were volunteers from the Church to monitor traffic during peak hours. The public hearing was reopened at 7:41 p.m. Pastor Joel Kelly responded stating that there should not be any noticeable difference in the use before and after the zone change. Peter’s Parish on Melvin Way is meant to look and feel like a residence, with entry and loading/unloading for assembly use happening behind the property. Reassured the Commission that the other parsonages on Melvin Way were, and will, continue to be used as single family residences. Pastor Kelly responded to Chair Kozak’s inquiry regarding traffic control, by stating that there are traffic monitors for special events at the church, but not during school days; however, drop-off times for school days are staggered and there is additional signage to direct traffic flow. The public hearing closed at 7:48 p.m. Thompson Proposed a change to Condition 2.7 to add that parking shall be limited to the Church property frontages along Melvin Way. Requested a report back from staff regarding the Circulation and Access Plan from the Red Hill Lutheran School CUP. Requested that Condition 1.6 be modified to state “as often as necessary” for the review period. Proposed adding the statement “and pay appropriate fees as necessary” in Conditions 4.2 and 4.3. Moore Suggested expanding Condition 2.4 to include the addresses of all the Church properties with frontages on Red Hill and Melvin Way. Would like to specify that the residences are single-family parsonages in Condition 2.5. Suggested an addition to Condition 2.1 that the screening be Kozak maintained in good condition at all times. Thanked the members of Red Hill Lutheran Church who attended the meeting. Supports the project as amended by the Commission. Motion: It was moved by Thompson, seconded by Eckman, to adopt Resolutions 4202, 4203, and 4204 as amended. Motion carried 4-0. Agenda – Planning Commission September 11, 2012 – Page 5 of 6 None REGULAR BUSINESS STAFF CONCERNS: The Director reported as follows:  Mayor Nielsen will be holding a Town Hall meeting and the Commission is welcome to attend;  An appeal was received for the Goodwill establishment which was considered by the Commission at their prior meeting. The item will be heard at the first City Council meeting in October. COMMISSION CONCERNS: Eckman  Attended the 9-11 remembrance ceremony and stated it was a beautiful event. Moore  Stated his heart goes out to those who lost loved ones on th September 11. Thompson  Attended the OCTA Bus Fare Workshop which provided input to OCTA regarding adjusting bus fares;  Attended the OCBC Infrastructure Committee meeting where the topic of discussion was water use. Commented that water use has dropped approximately 20% in recent years;  Thanked the City for facilitating the 9-11 remembrance ceremony. Kozak  Attended the 9-11 remembrance ceremony. Recognized Mayor Pro Tem Murray for speaking at the event and singers from Beckman High School for performing;  Announced that the Tustin Community Foundation will nd hold the 2 Annual Divine Wine Affair;  Would like to adjourn with remembrance for those who lost their lives in 9-11 and in the continuing war against terrorism. 8:05 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, September 25, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at 300 Centennial Way. Closed in Honor and remembrance of those who lost their lives in 9-11 and in the continuing war against terrorism. Agenda – Planning Commission September 11, 2012 – Page 6 of 6