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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/27/2006ACTION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA MARCH 27, 2006 C CALLED TO ORDER: 5:37 P.M. CITY HALL ROSS ANNEX FIRST FLOOR CONFERENCE ROM 1600 20 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA SANTA ANA COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Victoria Betancourt Don Cribb Harvey De La Torre, Vice Chairman (arrived 5:43 p.m.) James Gartner Christopher Leo, Chairman Tom Lutz Rigoberto Rodriguez COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: Jay Trevino, Ex. Dir., Plan. & Bldg. Agency Ben Kaufman, Chief Assistant City Attorney Karen Haluza, Planning Manager Martha Ramirez, Recording Secretary iJ C.~NSENT CALENDAR MOTION: Approve staff recommendations on the following Consent Calendar. Commissioner Lutz pulled Item C for further discussion. MOTION: Leo SECOND: Cribb VOTE: AYES: Betancourt, Cribb, De La Torre, Gartner, Leo, Lutz, Rodriguez (7) NOES: None ,(0) ABSTAIN: None (0) ABSENT: None (0) A. MINUTES RECOMMENDATION: Approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 13, 2006. Commissioner Rodriguez abstained from the Minutes of March 13, 2006. Chair Leo added comment to Item H -Discussion of Metro East Mixed-Use Zone. "Commission commented on concerns raised by City of Tustin." 1 B. RECORDING SECRETARY REPORT Pursuant to the Brown Act, the March 13, 2006 Agenda for the Regular Meeting was posted on the doer of the City Hall Council Chambers at 22 Civic Center Plaza on March 9, 2006 at 3:08 p.m. RECOMMENDATION: Instruct the Commission Secretary to enter posting into the minutes. Planning Commission Agenda 1 March 27, 2006 C. MINOR EXCEPTION NO.2006-01 Filed by Julian Valencia, requesting to allow a front yard fence that exceeds the City's standards in the Two-Family Residential (R2) zoning district located at 1316 North Jackson Street. RECOMMENDATION: Confirm the Zoning Administrator's action approving Minor Exception No. 2006- 01 as conditioned. Commissioner Lutz voiced concern with the height of the fence exceeding the 30 inch code requirement by 12 inches. Assistant Planner Carlos Rodriguez clarified the allowable fence height requirement per Section 41-610 SAMC and indicated that the Zoning Administrator allowed the fence height to exceed by six inches. Commissioner Lutz rescinded. MOTION: Confirm the Zoning Administrator's action approving Minor Exception No. 2006-01 as conditioned. MOTION: Lutz SECOND: Cribb VOTE: AYES: Betancourt, Cribb, De La Torre Gartner, Leo, Lutz, Rodriguez (7) NOES: None (0) ABSTAIN: None (0) ABSENT: None (0) D. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 2005-29 Filed by Priscilla Cisneros for the Moncho's EI Pescador Restaurant, to allow a Type 41 Alcohol Beverage Control license for the on-premise sale and consumption of beer and wine in the Community Commercial (C1) zoning district. RECOMMENDATION: Confirm the Zoning Administrator's action approving Conditional Use Permit No. 2005-29 as conditioned. MOTION: Confirm the Zoning Administrator's action approving Conditional Use Permit No. 2005-29 as conditioned. MOTION: Rodriguez SECOND: Betancourt VOTE: AYES: Betancourt, Cribb, De La Torre Gartner, Leo, Lutz, Rodriguez (7) NOES: None (0) ABSTAIN: None (0) ABSENT: None (0) *'~ * END OF £:O~fSEI~~` ~;rAI.,,ENDAR BUSINESS CALENDAR E. COMMISSIONER COMMUNICATIOPJ DISCLOSURE (REGARDING AGENDIZED PROJECTS) Chair Leo and Commissioner Cribb stated they spoke with SunCal representatives on different occasions regarding development on North Bristol Street. Planning Commission Agenda 2 March 27, 2006 WORK STUDY SESSION F. DISCUSSION OF COMPACT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CONCEPTS 1. Policy framework 2. Proposed project at Bristol Street north of Memory Lane Karen Haluza provided a presentation that included background on the City of Santa Ana's experience with small-lot residential development and the former R1-4,000 zone. Ms. Haluza also presented images of small-lot residential development and discussed positive and negative design elements. Ben Kaufman provided background on the changes that would be required to the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance should the Commission wish to explore reintroducing standards for compact residential development. Ms. Haluza introduced SunCal representative, Jim Magstadt who provided an introduction to the "Village Green" project proposed for property located on Bristol Street north of Memory Lane. Mr. Magstadt introduced KTGY Group, Inc. architects, Guy D. Farris and Marcel Vandersluis. Mr. Farris discussed the proposed project, which would include 380 new residential units in varying product types. These product types would include courtyard condominiums, attached townhouses and .detached single-family homes in a courtyard configuration. The project goals include: ^ Provide connectivity to the surrounding neighborhoods ^ Provide diversity of housing opportunities ^ Give priority to community open space ^ Establish a walkable community ^ Create an architecture of community ^ Create a sense of place Commission discussion ensued on policy issues that would require a change to the zoning with regard to the units/acre for housing iri single and multi family zones while maintaining consistency. Commissioner Lutz expressed a desire to see a continuation of the single-family residential ,located on the west side of Bristol Street (the Ryland Homes project) and, while he expressed interest in the proposed project, he also expressed concern that the project not create impacts relative to height and density on the adjacent neighborhood to the east. Commissioner Betancourt emphasized the importance of "delightful" details to create livable places, with less emphasis on a direct concern over the density. She commented that the Bristol edge of the project should be heavily landscaped, and that any alleyways should allow for landscaping. She again underscored the need to pay special attention to details. Vice Chair De La Torre questioned the potential impacts of deviating from the policy of allowing more dense residential development in locations removed from the Downtown. While he expressed interest in the project, he commented that he would want to fully understand the policy issues related to adopting new standards for compact residential development. He also commented that he would like to see more open space/pocket parks in the proposed project. Commissioner Cribb commented that the Bristol Street site is already densely developed and that the proposed project would replace existing apartments. He further stated that compact residential development, though not near the downtown, is appropriate for locations, such as the project site, that are near freeways. He commented that he would like to see the addition of curvilinear streets within the proposed project including the project entry that transitional Planning Commission Agenda 3 March 27, 2006 architecture and materials that show a more urban character are encouraged near the intersection of Bristol and Memory, and that loft product might be appropriate here. He commented that he was interested in the project and that it looked as though the developer had begun to address compatibility with the single-family neighborhood to the east. Commissioner Rodriguez commented that any consideration of a proposed project should be within the context of a more comprehensive policy that addresses higher density product. He stated that he would want to better understand if the project site was a good fit for the proposed product and expressed support for locating compact residential development within easy access to freeway interchanges. Chair Leo commented that the City needs to continue discussing the issue of housing density and to develop policies that address how best to address this issue. He also commented that the City needs to understand its overall product mix relative to rental vs. ownership housing stock and that compact residential development might provide an opportunity for new homebuyers. The Commission recommended that staff continue to evaluate the proposed project and return for further policy discussion regarding compact residential development. G. DISCUSSION OF NON-CONFORMING AUTO USES IN THE C-SM ZONE Senior Planner Vince Fregoso provided a presentation regarding the zoning standards for the Commercial South-Main zone, as well as the role that the City's non-conforming code plays restricting expansion of non-conforming uses in various zones. Mr. Trevino and Ms. Haluza provided further clarification on the role of the non- conforming code in changing uses in certain zones over time. Mr. Kaufman discussed legal issues, discussed grandfathering; and explained the concept of zoning amortization, a policy that Santa Ana does not currently use. The Commission discussed the efficacy of the City's existing non-conforming code for changing the character of specific zones over time, commented that a comprehensive General Plan update would help to better understand where future zone change decisions should be made, and expressed support for .retaining the current standards contained in the Commercial South Main (C-SM) zone. H. Recess to Council Chambers (7:14 p.m.) 1 Planning Commission Agenda 4 March 27, 2006 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 22 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA MARCH 27, 2006 ROLL CALL 7:18 P.M. Same staff and Commissioners present except Commissioner Rodriguez. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG -CHAIRMAN LEO PROCEDURAL RULES Pt,~ILIC IEAi1:N!i 1. ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO.2004-07 Filed by the City of Santa Ana to amend various sections to Chapter 41 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code pertaining to single family residential development, vending machines, second dwelling units, definitions, laundromats, and townhouse standards. PUBLISHED IN THE ORANGE COUNTY REPORTER: March 17, 2006 PUBLICLY NOTICED: March 17, 2006 RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that the City Council 1. Approve and adopt the Negative Declaration, Environmental Review No. 2004-231. 2. Adopt an ordinance approving Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2004- 07. Assistant Planner Lucy Linnaus presented the staff report and recommendation. Vice Chair De La Torre asked for definition of "bedroom." Ms. Linnaus provided information. Public hearing was opened. Mark Schumm requested "grandfather clause" for glacier water machines and commented on constraint that dealt with the visibility of the outside conduit wiring. Public hearing was closed. Associate Planner Melanie McCann stated that outdoor vending machines would not be eligible for grandfather clause. MOTION: Recommend that the City Council 1. Approve and adopt the Negative Declaration, Environmental Review No. 2004-231. 2. Adopt an ordinance approving Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2004-07. MOTION: Cribb SECOND: Lutz VOTE: AYES: Betancourt, Cribb, De La Torre, Gartner, Leo, Lutz (6) NOES: None (0) ABSTAIN: None (0) ABSENT: Rodriguez (1) Planning Commission Agenda 5 March 27, 2006 2. ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO.2006-01 Filed by the City of Santa Ana to amend sections of the Specific Development Plan No. 40 (Heninger Park) zoning district of the Santa Ana Municipal Code to establish new procedures for architectural review and adoption of the Heninger Park Architectural Design Guidelines. n PUBLISHED IN THE ORANGE COUNTY REPORTER: March 17, 2006 PUBLICLY NOTICED: March 17, 2006 RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that the City Council 1, Adopt an ordinance approving Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2006- 01. 2. Adopt a resolution approving the Heninger Park Architectural Design Guidelines. Assistant Planner Pedro Guillen presented the staff report and recommendation. Public hearing was opened. Beryl Wilson Viebeck, spoke in support of the proposed changes to the Heninger Park Guidelines; indicated changes would revitalize South Main Street. Public hearing was closed. 1 MOTION: Recommend that the City Council 1, Adopt an ordinance approving Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2006-01. 2. Adopt a resolution approving the Heninger Park Architectural Design Guidelines. Vice Chair De La Torre praised the hard work, encouraged using guidelines throughout city as a positive educational tool. Chair Leo recommended that the guidelines get translated into Spanish. Mr. Trevino confirmed guidelines will be translated. MOTION: Lutz SECOND: Cribb VOTE: AYES: Betancourt, Cribb, De La Torre, Gartner, Leo, Lutz, (6) NOES: None (0) ABSTAIN: None (0) ABSENT: Rodriguez (1) 3. VARIANCE NO.2005-06 Filed by Diep Ngoc Tran requesting a variance to allow the reduction in lot size in order to construct a new 1,000 square foot flower shop in the North Harbor Specific Plan (SP2) located at 101 South Gunther. PUBLISHED IN THE ORANGE COUNTY REPORTER: March 17, 2006 PUBLICLY NOTICED: March 17, 2006 RECOMMENDATION: r I~ Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 2005-06 as conditioned. Associate Planner Ann Ni presented the staff report and recommendation. Commission discussion ensued regarding landscape and the potential removal of the existing billboard. Staff clarified tf•~iat they had explored removal of the billboard with the applicant, but that it was not economically feasible. Public hearing was opened. Planning Commission Agenda 6 March 27, 2006 No one spoke during the public hearing. Public hearing was closed. MOTION: Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 2005-06 as conditioned. MOTION: Lutz VOTE: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: 4. Public Comment SECOND: Betancourt Betancourt, Cribb, De La Torre, Gartner, Leo, Lutz (6) None (0) None (0) Rodriguez (1) (for items not on the agenda) No comments were made. 5. Staff Comments STAFF AID CC~~~tz~il SION COMMENTS Officer McCoy advised those in attendance to avoid road closures resulting from the day's student demonstrations. 6. Planning Commission Comments Commissioner Cribb • Requested that management at the Rite Aid at First/Main Streets be notified, the trash enclosures on the east side are overflowing, look unsightly. • Requested an update regarding purchasing negotiations for Starbucks at Fairhaven/Grand. • Stated that City Place project activity would soon commence. • Commented on list of architects for new development projects. • Recommended discussion for elevating master plan of Museum District • Encouraged a sign program and increased visibility for the museum district. • Requested update on John Laing Homes on West Edinger. Karen Haluza provided information. • Suggested a field trip to Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. • Thanked staff for outstanding work on all projects. Vice Chair De La Torre • Appreciated on-gcing efforts to raise the standards with the current projects. Commissioner Betancourt • Encouraged by discussions tonight especially the zoning ordinance amendment that will provide input with second story dwellings additions. Commissioner Gartner • Encouraged by increase in number of developers taking interest in the City. • Commented on signage on office building on North Broadway. Commissioner Lutz • Extended a "Thank You" to Chief Walters for managing well the crowd of protestors and having cooperation from adjoining cities in providing additional police officers. Planning Commission Agenda 7 March 27, 2006 Chair Leo • Requested residential motel ordinance update. Karen Haluza provided information. • Suggested further review of the City's sign ordinance. • Suggested that Commissioner Cribb be the guide for the Melrose Street tour. • Regarding the Museum District and the sign program; recommended having that discussion timed with the opening of the Kennedy wing. • Asked for confirmation on reports that the Santa Ana Performing Arts Center building had been sold. • Requested status of vending truck ordinance. Mr. Kaufman provided information. 7. Excuse of Absences 8. Adjournment 8:14 p.m. Martha Ramirez Recording Secretary 1 1 Planning Commission Agenda 8 March 27, 2006