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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 02-10-03MINUTES TUSTIN PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 10, 2003 7:03 p.m. Given All present Staff present None Approved Adopted Resolution No. 3859 7:05 p.m. Ashabi 7:09 p.m. Nielsen Jennings Kozak CALL TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL Elizabeth Binsack, Community Development Director Doug Holland, Assistant City Attorney Karen Peterson, Senior Planner Minoo Ashabi, Associate Planner Matt West, Assistant Planner Eloise Harris, Recording Secretary PUBLIC CONCERNS CONSENT CALENDAR o APPROVAL OF MINUTES - JANUARY 13, 2003, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING. It was moved by Jennings, seconded by Denny, to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion carried 5-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS , CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 02-024 REQUESTING AUTHORIZATION TO OPERATE A MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO LOCATED AT 624 EAST FIRST STREET WITHIN THE COMMERCIAL AS PRIMARY LAND USE DESIGNATION OF THE FIRST STREET SPECIFIC PLAN. RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 3859 approving Conditional Use Permit 02-024 to allow a martial arts studio within the (Commercial as Primary) land use designation of the First Street Specific Plan (FSSP). The Public Hearing opened. Presented the staff report. The Public Hearing closed. Stated the location is a good one for a martial arts studio, being on the back part of the center; the location has better parking access than some of the other units; and, this is a good use of the facility. Indicated her agreement with Commissioner Nielsen regarding the parking. Noted this is a good proposal for the vacant space; it is good to see the occupancy go up in Larwin Square; and, added his support of the application. Minutes- Planning Commission February 10, 2003 - Page 1 Denny Ashabi Hamilton Director Holland 7:13 p.m. West Adopted Resolution No. 3858, as amended Jennings West Peterson Nielsen West Peterson Denny Regarding the reference in Condition 1.4 to a notarized agreement to conditions imposed, stated he did not recall seeing this condition in previous conditional use permits; and, asked if that is a standard condition. Answered in the affirmative. Stated this project looks like a good one for the community; and, added his support. Suggested that staff provide a copy of the "Notice of Discretionary Permit Approval and Conditions of Approval" forms, referred to in Condition 1.4, for the Commissioners' reference. Reminded the Commissioners that the conditions of approval in a conditional use permit run with the land; the purpose for recording a notice is to put future owners on notice that there are obligations associated with the land. It was moved by Jennings, seconded by Hamilton, to adopt Resolution No. 3859. Motion carried 5-0. The Public Hearing opened. Presented the staff report. , CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 01-037 REQUESTING INSTALLATION OF A FORTY-TWO (42) SQUARE FOOT MONUMENT SIGN WITH A TWENTY (20) SQUARE FOOT, DOUBLE-SIDED MANUAL CHANGEABLE COPY AREA. THIS PROJECT IS LOCATED AT 1301 SYCAMORE AVENUE IN THE PUBLIC AND INSTITUTIONAL (P&I) ZONING DISTRICT. RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 3858 approving Conditional Use Permit 01-037. Asked if "church-related functions" would include a Bible verse or a quote without violating that condition. Answered in the affirmative; and, added the condition is intended to prohibit commercial advertising. Noted there was a sentence missing from the staff report relating to Condition 3.3, which states the use of the sign is authorized as long as the facility remains a religious facility or church; if the use changes, the owner could amend the use permit for the sign or remove the sign. Asked if the change in slumpstone height from six-inch to three- inch takes into consideration the block on the building. Indicated the applicant changed to slumpstone rather than using the existing block on the building; staff recommended cutting the slumpstone to be consistent with the size of the bricks on the building; the proposed colors are consistent with the building. Added that the Building Official confirmed that cutting the slumpstone would not change the structural integrity of the sign. Asked if the original material is unavailable or too expensive for the applicant. Minutes - Planning Commission February 10, 2003 - Page 2 West Responded that both availability and expense were involved in the applicant's proposal. Denny Asked if the original material is unavailable. West Suggested that the difficulty in obtaining the original material contributed to the cost restraint. Denny Asked what the additional cost will be for cutting the slumpstone. West Answered that staff does not have that information. Kozak Asked if the applicant reacted favorably to the requirement to cut the bricks. West Suggested that was a question for the applicant; and, noted this condition was added during the review process, which was expedited at the applicant's request. Lou Escobar, applicant Stated he is the financial administrator at St. Cecilia Church; on behalf of the 4,000 registered families at the church, asked for approval of the project; and, indicated the applicant has no problem with staff's request to cut the brick. Denny Asked what the preferred alternative would be: having stone that matches the building or cutting the bricks. Mr. Escobar Replied that two issues were involved: the 40-year-old brick and new brick color might not match, and the cost would be approximately $2,000 more; since the church is a non-profit organization, keeping the cost at a minimum was the applicant's goal. 7:24 p.m. The Public Hearing closed. Hamilton Suggested amending Condition 3.1, regarding the "church-related functions" requirement for the changeable copy on the sign, to include "and messages." Director Replied in the affirmative. Denny Referred to the school on-site; and, asked if the school would be allowed to have copy on the sign. Director Answered in the affirmative. Nielsen Requested verification that the purpose of the condition is to prohibit commercial signage; and, suggested that fundraising would fall in the church uses category. Director Answered that as long as the information relates to functions held at the church facility for non-profit purposes, such messages would be allowed. Nielsen Stated that St. Cecilia Church is a good neighbor with great programs in a great facility; and, added he is in favor of approving the project. Kozak Added his support to the proposed project; and, suggested the cutting of the bricks will provide a look similar to the building. It was moved by Denny, seconded by Jennings, to adopt Resolution 3858, as amended. Motion carried 5-0. Minutes - Planning Commission February 10, 2003 - Page 3 None REGULAR BUSINESS Director reported Nielsen West Nielsen Director Denny Jennings Director STAFF CONCERNS o REPORT OF ACTIONS TAKEN AT THE JANUARY 21 AND FEBRUARY 3, 2003, CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS. The pre-annexation of the City's only county island was adopted at the meeting of January 23; the annexation will go forward. Two Ordinances were introduced and adopted: the Uniform Fire Code, with the associated amendments, and the MCAS-Tustin Specific Plan; submittals have been received from John Laing Homes on the first parcel; these proposals should be coming before the Planning Commission soon. The first Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) committee meeting took place February 5; while the larger committee was appreciated, the modified number of members on the committee reduced staff time and streamlined the procedure; the committee made recommendations for the City Council's consideration; the City received under $1 million for the next fiscal year. The City Council has scheduled interviews at 5:30 p.m., February 18, for Board and Commission vacancies; there are three vacancies on the Planning Commission. COMMISSION CONCERNS Congratulated Commissioner Kozak on his appointment to the Measure G Oversight Committee. Asked if there has been any activity regarding the old dairy property on Newport Avenue between Mitchell and Nisson. Indicated the property owner has made inquiries, but no formal application has been submitted; development was contingent upon the environmental clean-up, which has been completed. Asked if any notification is made to residents regarding traffic congestion due to the capital improvement projects. Suggested that the Public Works Department provides public outreach on a case-by-case basis, depending on what the project is; and, added she will ask for a report from Public Works specifying their notification plans regarding the recently approved projects. Congratulated Commissioner Kozak on his appointment to the Measure G Oversight Committee. Wished everyone Happy Valentine's Day. Suggested the School District should be congratulated for having the foresight to select Commissioner Kozak for the Measure G Committee. Indicated things are looking better at 140 South A Street and assumes progress is being made. Stated that most of the demolition has been accomplished; a contractor was retained to proceed with the building plans that were submitted and for which a building permit was issued; the City entered into a stipulated agreement with the property owner, Minutes - Planning Commission February 10, 2003 - Page 4 Jennings Director Jennings Kozak Hamilton 7:37 p.m. including stringent timeframes within which certain things need to be accomplished regarding the foundation, framing, etc. Asked if there are any plans for the old Wells Fargo Bank building at 300 El Camino Real. Answered none that staff is aware of. Stated that during the Christmas season, she saw a man decorate a post outside the Post Office with green wrapping paper, candy cane, and ribbons; the decorations are still there and should be removed before the rain arrives. Noted that Patterson Jewelers still does not have a sign up and the signboard looks unattractive. Wished everyone Happy Valentine's Day. Stated he participated in the CDBG committee meeting; the process is much improved; the staff presentation was excellent as was the participation by various Board and Commission representatives; the committee was chaired by Councilmember Bone; the review of the projects has become more efficient through the reconfiguration of the committee. Indicated the red light is burned out on the left-hand turn pocket, heading north at Newport and Holt. Wished everyone Happy Valentine's Day. Congratulated Commissioner Kozak on his appointment to the Measure G committee. Noted the leaning tree on El Camino Read that was mentioned at the last Planning Commission meeting has been remedied; and, thanked City staff for their response. ADJOURNMENT The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission is scheduled for Monday, February 24, 2003, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at 300 Centennial Way. Elizabeth A. Binsack Planning Commission Secretary /Steph~'n~/. Kozak Chairp~son Minutes- Planning Commission February 10, 2003- Page 5