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PUBLIC HEARINGS rnrnvru rusr,ruFUc PUBLIC HEARINGS COUNCIL CHAMBERS OCTOBER 26, 1998 22 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA ROLL CALL x;00 p,rn, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG ' PROCEDURAL RULES 1. VARIANCE NO. 98-11 Filed by Discovery Science Center to allow modifications to the landscaping standads and to allow roof mounted equipment to be visible from the public street at the Discovery Science Center located at 2500 North Main Street in Specific Development 65 zoning district. LEGALLY NOTICED: October 11, 1998 PUBLICLY NOTICID: October 13. 1998 RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution denying Vaziance No. 98-11. Commissioner Nalle stated that he would abstain from the discussion and action. Ms. Marta Crane displayed slides of the Center, presented the staff report and recommendation. Mr. Robert Smith, representing Discovery Science Center, submitted a letter from the architect and displayed a picture of the site. He indicated the applicant was requesting to paint the mechanical equipment ' the same color as the building. Mr. Smith stated that the visibility was limited, given that the equipment was only visible from Broadway fly over. He further stated that there was a misunderstanding between the applicant and staff regazding the date palm trees; that the applicant had wanted Washington palm trees. The applicant was planning to begin Phase II of the project in approximately three years and felt it would not be feasible to purchase and plant the trees when they would just have to be removed for the Phase II construction. In addition, he recognized that the code required that the roof-mounted equipment be screened but stated that the Discovery Science Center was a unique building with unique circumstances justifying that the requirements to be waived. Commissioner Cribb asked what trees were shown on the original renderings. Mr. Smith estimated that they were date palms. Commissioner MacDowell asked if the applicant had considered to place the date palms inside crates and transplant after or during Phase II. Mr. Smith responded that he had not investigated placing the trees in crates but expressed that it may be hazardous and he did not feel it was an acceptable solution. Commissioner Solorio expressed his frustration with the project and stated that the applicant had come before the Commission several times, received approval of the requests, and yet was coming back again for modification from the approvals. Mr. Mel Vernon, local resident, stated that he had nothing but successful hopes for the project but had many concerns with the request, as well as pazking concerns, and indicated that he was opposed to the request. ' Commissioner Mondo stated that he would like to split the requests of the applicant in order to allow the Commission the ability to investigate the roof equipment. Motion to adopt a resolution denying Variance No. 98-II requesting modification to the landscape standards. MOTION: Mondo SECOND: Solorio AYES: Verino, MacDowell, Mondo, Doughty, Solorio, and Cribb NOES: None ABSEN'T': None ABSTAIN: Nalle 3