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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC MINUTES 04-24-18 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING TUSTIN PLANNING COMMISSION APRIL 24, 2018 7:05 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Smith INVOCATIONIPLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE All present. ROLL CALL: Chair Smith Chair Pro Tem Kozak Commissioners Lumbard, Mason, Thompson The Commission 1. PLANNING COMMISSION REORGANIZATION reorganized as follows: As a matter of standard procedure, the Planning Commission reorganizes once per year by appointing a new Chairperson and Chair Lumbard Chairperson Pro Tem. Chair Pro Tem Kozak RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission elect a Chairperson and Chairperson Pro Tem pursuant to standard procedures. Motion: Kozak nominated Lumbard as Chairperson. It was seconded by Thompson. It was moved by Smith, to appoint Lumbard as Chairperson. Motion carried 5-0. Motion: 1) Lumbard nominated Kozak as Chair Pro Tem 2) Smith nominated Mason as Chair Pro Tem. Per the first motion, it was seconded by Thompson to appoint Kozak as Chair Pro Tem. Per the second nomination, it was seconded by Kozak to appoint Mason as Chair Pro Tem. Bobak Bobak advised the Commission to take a vote on the first motion and if it passes, then the second motion would be assumed to fail. Motion: Per the first motion, the votes were as follows: Ayes — Kozak, Lumbard, Mason, Thompson 1 Nay—Smith. Motion carried 4-1. As a result of the first motion, the second motion failed. PUBLIC CONCERNS CONSENT CALENDAR: Approved the 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES--APRIL 10, 2018 Consent Calendar. RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission approve the Minutes of the April 10, 2018 Planning Commission meeting as provided. Minutes—Planning Commission April 24,2018—Page 1 of 10 3. SUMMARY OF PROJECTS Received and The following report provides a summary of projects and activities since filed. the 'year in review report was presented at the January 23, 2018, Planning Commission meeting. The report focuses on the status of projects that the Planning Commission, Zoning Administrator, or staff approved; major improvement projects; Certificates of Appropriateness; Code Enforcement activities; and, other items which may be of interest to the Commission. RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission receive and file this item. Motion: It was moved by Thompson, seconded by Smith, to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion carried 5-0. Lumbard requested that Item #5 be moved ahead of Item #4 due to there being several speaker forms and supplemental items brought to the dais for discussion of Item #4. 7:93 p.m. Opened the Public Hearing Item #5. Lumbard requested confirmation from staff that there was a request from the applicant to continue the item to the next regular meeting of May 8, 2018. Binsack Binsack confirmed that the applicant did submit a request for continuation of the item (via email) to Huffer the day prior to the meeting. An updated staff report was also provided to the Commission with the packets provided. 7.14 p.m. Opened/Closed the Public Comments Section. PUBLIC HEARING: 5. DESIGN REVIEW 2018-00007 Item continued to A request to store a recreational vehicle on the existing residential the May 8, 2098 driveway in front of the attached garage and install a vinyl gate across Planning the driveway to screen the recreational vehicle from public view. Commission meeting. APPLICANT/ PROPERTY OWNER: Christine Coursen P.O. Box 4087 Tustin, CA 92781 LOCATION: 1461 Garland Avenue Minutes--Planning Commission April 24, 2018—Page 2 of 10 ENVIRONMENTAL: This project is categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15270 of the California Environmental Quality Act. RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 4364 denying Design Review (DR) 2018-00007 to authorize installation of a vinyl gate to screen recreational vehicle storage in front of the garage from public view. The subject property is located at 1461 Garland Avenue. Motion: It was moved by Lumbard to continue the item, as requested by the applicant, seconded by Mason, to the May 8, 2018 Planning Commission meeting. Motion carried 5-0. Adopted Reso. 4. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING ITEM: ORDINANCE NO. 1497 No. 4363. APPROVING ZONE CHANGE (ZC)-2018-00002 FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL CORE SPECIFIC PLAN (SP- 12), AMENDMENT OF THE TUSTIN CITY CODE, RECISION OF THE FIRST STREET SPECIFIC PLAN (SP-10) AND CERTAIN PLANNED COMMUNITIES AND, AMENDMENT OF THE CITY OF TUSTIN ZONING MAP; GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT (GPA)-2018-00001 INCLUDING TEXT AMENDMENTS AND AMENDMENTS TO CERTAIN EXHIBITSIMAPS; FINDING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT PREPARED FOR THE PROJECT AS ADEQUATE REQUEST: The Tustin City Council directed that the Downtown Commercial Core Specific Plan (DCCSP) be prepared to provide a new regulatory framework for existing and future land development in the Specific Plan area. The DCCSP would replace the existing zoning and general plan designations on the properties within the Specific Plan area. The DCCSP is intended to establish the long-term vision with goals and objectives to create a vibrant, cohesive, connected, livable, and memorable city core. The key components include: establishing commercial and mixed-use (residential and commercial) land use regulations for the area, promoting pedestrian-oriented commercial first floor development to invigorate the area and expand walkability; transforming streets through future streetscape, roadway, pedestrian and bicycle-oriented improvements; drawing more patrons to Old Town by embracing, preserving and promoting its unique historic character; maintaining a commercial emphasis for the project area; and introducing the possibility for high-quality integrated residential mixed- use and focused multi-family development. ENVIRONMENTAL: An Environmental Impact Report has been prepared for the project and is attached to the report. Minutes—Planning Commission April 24, 2018—Page 3 of 10 RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 4363) finding: 1) that the Environmental Impact Report prepared for the project is adequate; 2) that General Plan Amendment (GPA)-2018- 00001 be approved, including text amendments and amendments to certain exhibits/maps; and, 3) that the Tustin City Council adopt Ordinance No. 1497 approving Zone Change (ZC)-2018-00002 including adoption of the Downtown Commercial Core Specific Plan (SP-12), amendment of the Tustin City Code, rescission of the First Street Specific Plan (SP-10) and certain planned communities and, amendment of the City of Tustin Zoning Map. Thompson recused himself from discussion of the item since he owns property in the Downtown area. Binsack Binsack identified the individuals involved in providing their input and review relating to the project documents, along with identifying the numerous people involved in the project (i.e. Public Works, Tustin Police Department, Orange County Fire Authority, City_ Planning staff). She also provided the background history on the project. She introduced Mr. Krout, EPD Solutions, to provide information regarding the Specific Plan portion of the item and Ms. Dobreva, EPD Solutions, to provide information regarding the Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Ogdon, Jeremy Dana Ogdon, Assistant Director — Building, Mr. Jeremy Krout, and Ms. Krout, and Konnie Konnie, Dobreva, EPD Solutions, provided a PowerPoint presentation, Dobreva which included an overview of the project to the Commission. Presentation Ogdon provided responses to the concerns from a letter dated April 23, given. 2018, which was received after the review period, and was provided at the dais. An errata was also provided at the dais which included a number of comment letters and emails received since advertisement of the documents, along with responses to those comments that were received after the Planning Commission packets were distributed. Binsack Binsack recommended to the Commission that the Chair open the Public Hearing portion of the item in order to take in the public comments on the item. 8:07 p.m. Public Comments Section Opened. Mr. Thomas Penna's, business owner in the Downtown area, comments/concerns generally included: parking (short/long term); parking needs good management during Old Town growth; supports diagonal parking; thanked City staff for discussing his concerns with parking; and expedite the one-way construction to increase parking spots. Minutes—Planning Commission April 24,2018--Page 4 of 10 Mr. Mark Wendel's, Kimco Realty, comments/concerns generally included: provided a letter to staff on April 24, 2018 for the Commission to consider; interested and in support of the DCCSP and mixed-use; provided recommendations to staff; supports diagonal parking on First Street; commented on funding sources and hopes for a balanced approach to funding with the City participating financially; and would like to work with the City to find a balance between public/private funds. Ms. Pam Neil's comments/concerns generally included: felt notification was not adequate; and pedestrian oriented environment may not be conducive with existing uses in the Specific Plan area. Mr. Guy Castillo, owner of Procon Development, spoke on the economic opportunities within the City to increase jobs and revenue, especially for the business owners and home owners and he was in support of the project. Mr. Alfio Rosetti, Roma D'Italia restaurant owner, voiced his concerns as follows: spoke of impracticality of the plan; referred to the City of Lancaster's downtown plan from ten (10) years ago and financial analysis and lack thereof for the DCCSP; did not think there has been enough of an analysis on the plan; he desired to hear from other professionals, other than Planning staff, on the plan; and he referred to the City of Pasadena's "road diet plan". Mrs. Kimberly Wilson stated she would like impacts to be analyzed beyond project boundaries (i.e. traffic) because she felt the neighborhoods will be impacted with traffic and parking. Mr. Bruce Wilson would like the DCCSP to be developed in phases because the streets are already congested and he voiced his concern with the larger developers. Ms. Gwen Masters', owner of Scooter's, concerns were as follows: impact to delivery trucks; referred to the Storytime article from the Tustin News; she asked if a budgetary impact study was done; the City should work with the Chamber of Commerce to make a more business friendly city; and "promoting the existing enterprises to grow and find current sales opportunities is more valuable than having a uniform look similar — "if we wanted to live in Irvine, we would move to Irvine". Mr. Mark Masters, owner of Scooter's, voiced his concern with diagonal parking and he suggested keeping the parallel parking in order for people to be able to see oncoming traffic. Mr. Arnold Surfas, Surfas LTD Furriers business owner, generally commented on the following: likes the friendly look to the Downtown area; concern with diagonal parking; suggested Class 3 bike lane; referred to Belmont Shore and Santa Ana's bike lane and narrowing of the streets; he asked how many spaces would be gained with diagonal parking, handicap, and loading zones; and he asked what the physical impact to street Minutes—Planning Commission April 24,2018—Page 5 of 10 reclassification would be. Ms. Tammie Bullard's comments/concerns generally included: dynamics along First Street and types of existing businesses along First Street; people need their cars to drop off/pick up due to the types of businesses on First Street and the businesses are not pedestrian oriented; will create major traffic and incidents; and safety concerns with emergency vehicles. Mr. Feinstein's comments/concerns generally included: he shared the City's enthusiasm in the growth and success of Downtown businesses, visitors, patrons, etc.; he stated he was concerned with parking in the Downtown area during weekdays and added that parking is deficient and there needs to be solutions; and increasing walkability and pedestrian friendliness seems like worthwhile goals. Mr. Eric Perez's favorable comments included: in favor of the DCCSP; the DCCSP will increase businesses and property values of homes; referred to the cities of Orange and Anaheim and their downtown areas and how successful their businesses and homes have done; this project will help other businesses; and he commented that Downtown area should not be a ghost town after dark. Ms. Nancy Schumar's, Saddleback Chapel, comments/concerns generally included: main concern about the median strip; traffic would prevent oncoming traffic from entering the public parking area and her patrons frequent local stores, bars, etc.; traffic will be impacted along EI Camino; what data is being used to determine the reconfiguration of pedestrian/bike pathways; parklets and gathering areas; and concern with the impact to residential area. Mr. Lindburgh McPherson's favorable comments included: he was in favor of the overall DCCSP; move the item forward to get the ball rolling; good for the community and for Tustin; and a step in the right direction. Ms. Colly Van Dyken, business owner of EI Camino Pet Grooming, wants the yellow curb retained in front of her store, which helps with her elderly customers. She also asked how the diagonal parking would affect her customers. 8:45 p.m. Closed the Public Comment Section. Mason Mason asked about the following, in general: what the Specific Plan does and why this Specific Plan; she wanted confirmation that when developers come to the City with plans that there is an opportunity to review those plans (i.e. Planning Commission); she asked if the Specific Plan would regulate parking; did the Tustin Police Department and Orange County Fire Authority reviewed this plan; and if staff would elaborate on the impact to the Cultural Resources District. Minutes—Planning Commission April 24,2018—Page 6 of 10 Binsack In response to Mason's question regarding what the Speck Plan does, Binsack stated the following, in general: the City has been approached by various business owners asking the City to infuse more revitalization into the Downtown area; the City has conducted a piecemeal approach (i.e. landscape improvements, diagonal parking, signage, street fairs, improvements with trees, etc.); the City's desire here is to address the matter in a more comprehensive approach; early on in the process (i.e. workshops), many residents/business owners claimed they needed help with their business (due to the lack of); and expanded the boundary area; in response to why this Specific Plan, Binsack stated the following: the DCCSP does not approve a specific development plan but, if approved by the City Council, it would certify an EIR which is a significant proposal; it does not modify the underlying zoning of any of the lands — all will still remain commercial; it proposes the opportunity for residential, where residential never existed before; she referred to the Vintage project, which received a significant benefit — GeneraI Plan Amendment and a Zone Change and the City of Tustin is benefitting from that; the DCCSP proposes to allow flexibility along First Street and Newport Avenue; at this point in time, there is no shortage of public parking currently in Downtown area and allows flexibility along First Street, EI Camino and Main Street; maintenance fee for parking in the Downtown area;'the technical advisory committee did review the plan; the plan is not intended to promote a City of Irvine experience, as previously stated by Ms. Masters, and that the Cultural Resources District proposes the same guidelines, to ensure the sensitivity particularly in the near historical heart of the Downtown area; and standards may be slightly different along Newport Avenue, Centennial Way, First Street, etc. Smith Smith invited Lt. Manny Arzata to speak on the topic of traffic review. He also asked staff what the timeline is for the DCCSP to "roll out' if approved and if there were any comments on "road diets". Lt. Manny Arzate Lt. Manny Arzate, North Area Commander, stated that in the discussions with staff and the traffic supervisor, it is the Tustin Police Department's opinion that the proposed project will not affect response times. The City of Tustin has one of the lower response times in the County which is approximately four (4) minutes compared to the national standard which is ten (1 0) minutes. He added that one of the advantages is the proximity of the Downtown area to the Tustin Police station which helps keep response times down. Arzate's final comment was that the DCCSP will impact Tustin Police Department very minimally, as far as response times. Smith Smith asked Binsack if the DCCSP is approved, would the City undertake a subsequent parking plan that will specifically address the roll out of the pacing of how the City is going to conduct the parking changes or if it is going to be handed off to staff, in the next five (5) years. Smith also asked the consultants what the typical timeline would be for a project like this to roll out. He also asked if there were any negative comments regarding road diets, in other cities, where they have failed or succeeded. Minutes—Planning Commission April 24, 2018—Page 7 of 10 Binsack In response to Smith's questions, Binsack referred to the Conceptual Plan — the City has undertaken a more significant design and analysis of the narrowing and modification of Main Street. She added that with respect to First Street, it is very conceptual in nature at this point in time, as well as the one way streets. Binsack also added that City staff can take into consideration comments made and reach out to those individuals, with regards to those design plans, as well. She also stated that the City can take a look at the reference to the yellow curb loading areas, etc. at that time as well. In response to Smith's questions, Jeremy Krout, EPD Solutions stated that it is going to be a -variable situation. It could be a 20 year build out, depending on the real estate market, any development process, typically, without a plan like this, is risky, time consuming and often fought with problems. Krout added that if the real estate market continues to improve, there isi a good foundation for build-on so the DCCSP could take five (5) to ten (10) years or sooner. Per the road diets, Krout stated he was not involved with the City of Pasadena so he could not speak on the topic. He referred to his experiences, specifically with the City of San Luis Obispo, where he grew up, and the changes made to that downtown area, were positive. With the DCCSP being presented, the overall long-term improvements to the DCCSP area would be positive. Kozak Kozak's final comments generally included: he thanked everyone in attendance along with their input and concerns; he added that this is a long-term vision plan with goals and objectives to revitalize Tustin's traditional commercial core and create a vibrant, cohesive and livable commercially oriented downtown; Kozak added that the workshops previously conducted generated the vision, goals and objectives that were articulated by the attendees and included by the Planning staff into the DCCSP; any project that comes through to the City will have to go through the design review process and will have to follow the guidelines within the Specific Plan; and this plan is in the best interest of Tustin and the Downtown Commercial Core. Mason Mason reiterated her support of the DCCSP and that staff should continue to work with the community. She added that it is apparent, by those present, that there is love for the City and that everyone wants to do what is right. Mason would like to see more businesses in the Downtown area and she made favorable comments about the Downtown area. She made a motion to approve the item as recommended by staff. Lumbard Lumbard reiterated comments/concerns previously mentioned by the speakers, which generally included: parking; drivability to businesses that rely on those customers; public safety; funding — who is paying for all of this; First Street existing businesses and whether or not the City is trying to replace those businesses; median strips; yellow curbs; bicycle lanes; diagonal parking, and park lets and who is going to occupy those park lets. All of these concerns go into the implementation of the plan and how the City rolls out and the goals set in this plan. Lumbard thanked the public speakers for their feedback and shares their concern with parking. He was Minutes—Planning Commission April 24,2018—Page 8 of 10 in support of the project and he reminded the audience that this was a City Council initiated effort in order to make Tustin better, and this plan does just that. Motion: It was moved by Mason, seconded by Kozak to adopt Resolution No. 4363. Motion carried 4-0-1. Thompson abstained from the vote. Binsack Binsack informed the audience that the item would again be noticed for a public hearing and will likely go to the City Council at the second meeting in June. She added that City staff wants to reach out to those individuals that provided public interest. Also, Binsack stated that staff may be able to make some modifications that are not substantive, due to the errata brought forward to the Commission. Binsack added that staff will also be posting the notice on the City's website. Lumbard Lumbard also asked that the notice be emailed to those speakers present, if they provided emails. Binsack Per Binsack, anybody who has shown public interest, that is not within the public notification, is not on the list, or if they want to provide that information separate and apart from what staff has received that evening, staff will reach out to them. Kozak Kozak asked if the comments/concerns previously made would be addressed at the June City Council meeting. Binsack Per Binsack, many of the comments were received last minute and staff will provide comprehensive responses for the City Council's meeting. Staff will also identify additional concerns identified by the Planning Commission as well. 9:96pm Lumbard requested a five (5) minute recess. 9:23pm Meeting reconvened. None. REGULAR BUSINESS. Binsack Binsack had no staff concerns. COMMISSION CONCERNS: Mason Mason had the opportunity to travel to the Middle East. Parking should be a topic of discussion in all future discussions. Thanked former Chair Smith and the newly appointed Chair Lumbard. Kudos to Chair Pro Tem Kozak! Smith Smith appreciated and thanked his fellow Commissioners with regards to the diversity of viewpoints. Minutes—Planning Commission April 24,2018--Page 9 of 10 Kozak Kozak thanked' staff and the consultant team for doing a terrific job with regards to,the Program EIR ands Traffic Study, He attended the following: * 3/31 Annual Easter Egg Hunt 0 4/17 OCTA Citizens Advisory LumbarLumbard attended the following events: * 4/11 The Flight Open House * 4/12-14 Solvang trip with, his family, (beer gardens, wineries wallkable community) * 4/17 Principal for a Day at Columbus Tustin Middle School * 4/18 ATEP Campus ribbon cutting * 4/22 Earth Day Upcoming event: 4/29 Blue Buoy Swim School -Water Safety Challenge, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Congratulations for Chair Pro Tern Kozak and thank you to former Chair Smith for your year of service, 9.-30 PM, ADJOURNMENT: The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, May 8, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at 300 Centennial Way. Thompson requested that the meeting be closed in honor of his Aunt Faye Frederickson's 9ebirthday, which was on April 23, 2018. ; USTIN LbM6ARD Chairperson ELIZABETH A. RANSACK Planning Commission Secretary Minutes—Planning Commission AprR 24, 2018—Page 10 of 10