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Home My WebLink About12-12-2005ACTION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA DECEMBER 12, 2005 CALLED TO ORDER: 5:02 P.M. CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 20 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA SANTA ANA COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Victoria Betancourt Don Cribb Harvey De La Torre James Gartner Christopher Leo, Vice Chairman Tom Lutz Rigoberto Rodriguez STAFF PRESENT: Jay Trevino, Ex. Dir., Plan. & Bldg. Agency Ben Kaufman, Chief Assistant City Attorney Karen Haluza, Principal Planner Martha Ramirez, Recording Secretary PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG: Vice Chairman Leo CONSENT CALENDAR 1 MOTION: Approve staff recommendations on the following Consent Calendar. MOTION: Cribb SECOND: Betancourt 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 November 28, 2005. Commissioner De La Torre abstained from the Minutes of November 28, 2005. B. RECORDING SECRETARY REPORT Pursuant to the Brown Act, the November 28, 2005 Agenda for the Regular Meeting was posted on the door of the City Hall Council Chambers at 22 Civic Center Plaza on November 23, 2005 at 5:32 p.m. RECOMMENDATION: Instruct the Commission Secretary to enter posting into the minutes. C. NEIGHBORHOOD PROJECT REVIEW NO.2005-01 (Continued by Planning Commission: October 10, 2005 to October 24, 2005, November 14, 2005 to November 28, 2005, November 28, 2005 to December 12, 2005) Planning Commission Minutes 1 December 12, 2005 Filed by Oscar Mora to allow an addition to an existing Single Family Residence (R1) in the Specific Development 40 (SD-40) zoning district at 506 South Garnsey Street. RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution approving Neighborhood Project Review No. 2005-01. * * * END OF CONSENT CALENDAR * * * BUSINESS CALENDAR D. COMMISSIONER COMMUNICATION DISCLOSURE (REGARDING AGENDIZED PROJECTS) No comments were made. WORK STUDY SESSION E. DISCUSSION OF CONDO CONVERSIONS Karen Haluza provided the Commissioners with a copy of the Santa Ana Municipal Code Section 34-337 and Housing Element Policy 2-4.3 which address condominium conversions. Mr. Kaufman discussed state law regarding vesting of finals maps for purposes of condominium conversion. The courts have found that having a final map is not enough to prove vesting if no units were sold and that the report from the Department of Real Estate must be kept current each year. Mr. Trevino provided additional information on policy issues. He discussed the problems with creation of ownership opportunities coupled with income; and considerations of rental versus for-sale housing. Commission discussion ensued regarding the pros and cons with ownership housing, undesirability of condo conversions that lack amenities, concerns about the ability of condo conversions to be as well maintained over time as a single owner of an apartment complex, and the adequacy of the existing laws. PROCEDURAL RULES PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. AMENDMENT TO VARIANCE 1998-06 Filed by St. Joseph Ballet to amend the conditions of approval for Variance No. 1998-06 for the St. Joseph's Ballet Studio located at 1818 North Main Street in the Community Commercial-Museum District (C1-MD) zoning district. PUBLISHED IN THE ORANGE COUNTY REPORTER: December 2, 2005 PUBLICLY NOTICED: December 2, 2005 RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that the City Council adopt a resolution approving an amendment to Variance No. 1998-06 as conditioned. Senior Planner Sergio Klotz provided the staff report and recommendation. The public hearing was opened. Steffani Francis, Executive Director at St. Joseph's Ballet spoke in support of the project. Inquired about Exhibit No. 4 -Item 2 that stated the applicant would be Planning Commission Minutes 2 December 12, 2005 responsible for a parking plan. Mr. Kaufman indicated that the plan had been submitted with the original plans. The public hearing was closed. MOTION: Recommend that the City Council adopt a resolution approving an amendment to Variance No. 1998-06 as conditioned. MOTION: Cribb SECOND: Lutz VOTE: AYES: Betancourt, Cribb, De La Torre, Gartner, Leo, Lutz, Rodriguez (7) NOES: None (0) ABSTAIN: None (0) ABSENT: None (0) 2. VARIANCE NO. 2005-63 Filed by Orange Housing Development Corporation to allow a reduction in required parking in conjunction with the rehabilitation and removal of units at an existing apartment complex in the Multiple Family Residence (R3) zoning district at 1411 North Durant. PUBLISHED IN THE ORANGE COUNTY REPORTER: December 2, 2005 PUBLICLY NOTICED: December 2, 2005 RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that the City Council adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 2005-63 as conditioned. Senior Planner Vince Fregoso provided staff reports and recommendations. Commission discussion ensued regarding enhancements to exterior architecture, provision for laundry facilities, ratio for apartment units and laundry facilities, interior designs and clarification on affordability covenants for residents, and deed restrictions. The public hearing was opened for Item 2 and Item 3. Barry Cottle, Orange Housing applicant, provided information for the Ross and Durant units. He discussed the upgrades for the architecture, landscaping and interior enhancements. He indicated the use of tax credits from the State for laundry facilities that would be provided with these low/long-term affordable units. Mr. Cottle discussed rehabilitation, restricted funding and the preparation of a relocation report. Commission discussion ensued regarding confirmation of an existing laundry facility at Ross Street, request to view renderings for the proposed exterior architecture, over-concentration of affordable housing, elevations and landscaping as well as reviewed the various funding options, with consideration for a learning center. Mr. Kaufman provided information regarding the source of funds for upgrades, covenant restrictions, and the flexibility with state-federal law. Mr. Trevino discussed the housing policy. Commissioner Rodriguez commented on quality architecture, the importance of not overly-concentrating with very low-income families, preference for mixed-use communities, available funding in Santa Ana and the alternative image of what quality affordable housing is when produced by good policy. The public hearing was closed for Item 2 and Item 3. Planning Commission Minutes 3 December 12, 2005 MOTION: Recommend that the City Council adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 2005-63 as conditioned with consideration for staff to review the architecture. ~~ MOTION: Rodriguez VOTE: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: 3. VARIANCE NO. 2005-64 AND VARIANCE NO. 2005-65 SECOND: Cribb Betancourt, Cribb, Rodriguez (7) None (0) None (0) None (0) De La Torre, Gartner, Leo, Lutz, Filed by Orange Housing Development Corporation to allow a reduction in required parking and allow units that are smaller than allowed by code in conjunction with the rehabilitation and removal of units at an existing apartment complex in the Multiple Family Residence (R3) zoning district at 1501 North Ross. PUBLISHED IN THE ORANGE COUNTY REPORTER: December 2, 2005 PUBLICLY NOTICED: December 2, 2005 RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that City Council: 1. Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 2005-64 as conditioned. 2. Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 2005-65 as conditioned. Senior Planner Vince Fregoso provided staff report and recommendation. ~- MOTION: Recommend that City Council: 1. Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 2005-64 as conditioned. 2. Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 2005-65 as conditioned. MOTION: Rodriguez VOTE: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: SECOND: Lutz Betancourt, Cribb, Rodriguez (7) None (0) None (0) None (0) De La Torre, Gartner, Leo, Lutz, 4. Public Comments (for items not on the agenda) No comments were made. STAFF AND COMMISSION COMMENTS 5. Staff Comments No comments were made. 1 6. Planning Commission Comments Commissioner Rodriguez • Wished everyone Happy Holidays. Commissioner Gartner • Wished everyone Happy Holidays. Commissioner Betancourt • No comments Planning Commission Minutes 4 December 12, 2005 Commissioner De La Torre • Extended the Commission an invitation for a Colorado River Tour to be held in February, sponsored by the Metropolitan Water District. • Wished everyone Happy Holidays Commissioner Cribb • Commented on increased graffiti throughout the City. • Recommended a study session on remnant parcels and non-conforming lots. • Would like Commissioners to have opportunity to comment on projects at First/Fourth Street, and Santa Ana Boulevard regarding architecture and art. Mr. Trevino commented on upcoming study sessions for Commission consideration. • Commented on poor quality of recent paint and other remodeling work at Cabrillo Palms apartments. • Would like the Planning staff to hire consultant from another city to review traffic situation in the City. • Wished everyone Happy Holidays. • Commented that a ratio of laundry facilities to the number of people and the number of units should be explored. Vice Chairman Leo • Commented on article in Orange County Register dated 12/12/05 1 regarding the lofts in Santa Ana. • Requested memo regarding pros and cons of inclusionary housing. • Commented that, where possible, non-neighborhood traffic should directed to the arterials. • Indicated that part of the extension of sales tax, will be devoted improving synchronization of traffic lights. • Wished everyone Happy Holidays. 7. Excuse of Absences 8. Adjournment 6:41 p.m. Marth Ramirez Recor ing Secretary u be to Planning Commission Minutes 5 December 12, 2005