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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes 06-28-04 7:01 p.m. Given Menard absent Staff present None Approved Adopted Resolution 3. No. 3918,as amended Amante MINUTES TUSTIN PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING - 7:00 P.M. JUNE 28, 2004 CALL TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL Elizabeth A. Binsack, Community Development Director Doug Holland, Assistant City Attorney Chad Ortlieb, Associate Planner Eloise Harris, Recording Secretary PUBLIC CONCERNS CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - JUNE 14, 2004, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING. STAFF'S MEMORANDUM TO THE PLANNING COMMISSIONERS RECAPITULATING THE PLANNING COMMISSION'S DIRECTION ON OFFICE USE PROVISIONS IN OLD TOWN TUSTIN. 2. It was moved by Pontious, seconded by Nielsen, to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion carried 4-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 04-013 REQUESTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MASTER SIGN PROGRAM FOR THE GATEWAY VILLAGE COMMERCIAL CENTER WHICH IS LOCATED ON CURRENTLY VACANT PROPERTY AT 1621 EDINGER AVENUE AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF EDINGER AND RED HILL AVENUES. THIS PROJECT IS LOCATED IN THE INDUSTRIAL (M) ZONING DISTRICT. RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission approve Conditional Use Permit 04-013 by adopting Resolution No. 3918. Stated he had a conflict of interest regarding this property and excused himself from the hearing; Chairperson Pro Tem Pontious took the gavel. Minutes - Planning Commission June 28, 2004 - Page 1 7:03 p.m. Ortlieb Nielsen Ortlieb Floyd Director Pontious Connie O'Connor, representing Ultrasigns 7:20 p.m. Nielsen Pontious Ortlieb The Public Hearing opened. Presented the staff report. Asked for clarification regarding signage on the rear of Building A. Responded that non-illuminated secondary signs would be allowed. Asked why the applicant needs an eight foot sign. Answered that the sign face proposed for the monument sign is within the requirements of the Tustin Sign Code; the applicant requested the sign because of the center's configuration; the architectural embellishments create a more attractive sign that staff is more inclined to support than a basic large, tall sign. Suggested that, if the self-storage were developed separately, a third sign would have been included legally and not have required any action on the part of the Planning Commission; perhaps the Findings should be modified to include information that the self- storage could have been developed separately, making this approval as unique as possible to avoid complications with future applicants; the unique shape and size of the property makes the granting of the variances acceptable. Chairperson Pro Tem Pontious asked the applicant's representative ìf she was in agreement with everything that had been presented. Answered that the applicant worked very hard with staff to develop an acceptable project; noted that everything along Edinger will be covered with landscaping, making the extra signage necessary; and, thanked staff and the Commission for their support and help. The Public Hearing closed. Agreed that the property is unique; however, a buffer is needed for the residents of Tustin Meadows; signage should be eliminated on the north-facing back walls; the monument sign on Red Hill is not necessary; the commercial and retail areas around this site have muted signage. Indicated the vegetation proposed behind the building might preclude signage. Reiterated that only non-illuminated, secondary signage is being proposed for that wall. Minutes - Planning Commission June 28, 2004 - Page 2 Nielsen Director Nielsen Pontious Floyd Nielsen Director Amante Ortlieb presented Pontious Stated that any signage on that wall will be unsightly for the residents of Tustin Meadows. Indicated there would be limited visibility from Red Hill; and, stated this is a discretionary action which the Planning Commission has the ability to modify. Restated his request that the wall signage and second monument sign be eliminated. Stated she would support the elimination of the wall signage but would not support the elimination of the additional monument sign because, as stated earlier, three monuments would be allowed if the property were developed separately. Agreed with Chairperson Pro Tem Pontious. Stated his primary concern was for the residents of Tustin Meadows not being exposed to unnecessary signage while entering their tract. Provided the language modifying the resolution as follows: Add Finding 13 to read: "Due to the unique shape and configuration of the property and the number of uses, the granting of additional signage will not grant a special privilege that other properties under similar zoning designations enjoy." Modify Condition 2.1 by adding another bullet point as follows: "The signage along the northerly elevation of Building A shall be eliminated." It was moved by Floyd, seconded by Pontious, to adopt Resolution No. 3918, as amended. Motion carried 2-1. Returned to the dais. REGULAR BUSINESS 4. Project Summary. The summary focused on the status of projects that the Planning Commission, Zoning Administrator, or Community Development Director approved, major improvement projects, and other items of interest. Asked if Heritage Plaza appears to be moving forward expeditiously. Minutes - Planning Commission June 28, 2004 - Page 3 Director Answered in the affirmative. Floyd Asked if there is any information regarding what businesses will be going in at the former Barn site (tonight's item). Ortlieb Responded that staff has no such information at this time. Nielsen Asked what business is at 14141 Red Hill Avenue. Pontious Suggested that business would be the Mexican restaurant at the corner by Stater Bros. Floyd Asked if the Tustin Ranch golf course expansion involves the banquet facility. Ortlieb Answered in the affirmative. Amante Asked if there is any update regarding how long Bedrosian's banner sign will exist. Director Indicated that staff would follow up on that question. Floyd Asked if the water feature at Pioneer Road Park is now up and running. Pontious Stated that the Tustin News reported that feature is operational. Amante Asked where the City is regarding the Red Hill Avenue widening project. Staff Indicated the City has submitted its application to Caltrans, but the application was not approved; the application was recently resubmitted to address the prior concerns of Caltrans. Amante Expressed interest in whether or not this involves a funding problem or a project glitch; and, asked if staff could investigate. Director Stated staff will do so and report back to the Commission. Amante Stated it would be good to get that project going during the summertime when students will not be jeopardized. Nielsen Asked if there was coordination with the Orange County Sanitation District and Public Works regarding the sewer line improvements along Newport Avenue and EI Camino Real and whether or not the recent street improvements will now be torn up. Ortlieb Indicated staff would need to get that information from the Public Works Department and provide it on the next summary report. Minutes - Planning Commission June 28, 2004 - Page 4 Amante Director Amante Director Amante Floyd Directo Floyd Director Amante Director Director reported Commissioners Amante Nielsen Asked if planning areas are numbered based on the developers who own them rather than sequentially. Indicated the numbering follows the Specific Plan, which identifies the planning areas for the Legacy. Asked if those numbers were pre-designated. Answered in the affirmative. Noted these updates are useful in keeping the Commission refreshed on the items that have come before them, and it is always good to see the different projects that are going on in the City. Asked what is happening with the Tustin Auto Center signage. Indicated some dealers have come forward to take advantage of the modified sign program. Stated he was more interested in the LCD signage. Answered that staff is not sure that will be happening; that would be a decision of the Auto Center dealerships. Asked if the same is true for the entry monument signs. Indicated that is very likely. STAFF CONCERNS 5. REPORT OF ACTIONS TAKEN AT THE JUNE 21, 2004, CITY COUNCIL MEETING. The City Council held a budget workshop on June 21, 2004; the budget has been set for public hearing on July 6, 2004; the seven- year Capital Improvement Program will be a part of that budget; staff will provide the Planning Commission with a copy and invite Tim Serlet to come before the Commission with a presentation of the major projects. Agreed that such a presentation would be very helpful. Added that future updates on those nights when the Planning Commission has a light agenda will be appreciated. COMMISSION CONCERNS Thanked staff for the good job on tonight's items. Minutes - Planning Commission June 28, 2004 - Page 5 Nielsen continued Encouraged everyone to attend the Fourth of July fireworks extravaganza at Tustin High School. Noted it is always nice to see how the City is progressing, especially at Tustin Legacy. Floyd Thanked staff for their work on tonight's items. Pontious Added her thanks to the staff for their hard work; and, agreed with Chairman Amante that future updates will be helpful and welcome. Amante Noted there will be a Fourth of July parade at Tustin Meadows and a 70s disco boogie band later at the high school stadium; and, encouraged everyone to have a good time celebrating America's birthday. 7:55 p.m. ADJOURNMENT The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission is scheduled for Monday, July 12, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at 300 Centennial Way. Ø~f,~A~~ Elizabeth A. Insack Planning Commission Secretary Minutes - Planning Commission June 28, 2004 - Page 6