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Home My WebLink About10-10-20051 ACTION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA October 10, 2005 CALLED TO ORDER: 5:30 P.M. CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 22 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA SANTA ANA Commissioners Present: Victoria Betancourt Don Cribb Harvey De La Torre James Gartner Christopher Leo, Vice Chairman Rigoberto Rodriguez Commissioners Absent: Tom Lutz Staff Present: Jay Trevino, Ex. Dir., Plan. & Bldg. Agency Ben Kaufman, Chief Assistant City Attorney Karen Haluza, Principal Planner Martha Ramirez, Recording Secretary 1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Christopher Leo, Vice Chairman CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION: Pulled Items C and D for further discussion and approved staff recommendations on the following Consent Calendar. MOTION: Cribb SECOND: De La Torre VOTE: AYES: Betancourt, Cribb, De La Torre, Gartner, Leo, Rodriguez (6) NOES: None (0) ABSTAIN: None (0) ABSENT: Lutz (1) A. MINUTES RECOMMENDATION: Approve the minutes of the regular meeting of September 26, 2005. Commissioners Betancourt and Rodriguez abstained from the minutes of September 26, 2005. Approve the minutes of the special joint meeting with the Planning Commission/Historic Resources Commission of September 29, 2005. 1 B. RECORDING SECRETARY REPORT Commissioners Betancourt and Rodriguez abstained from the minutes of September 29, 2005. Pursuant to the Brown Act, the September 26, 2005 Agenda for the Regular Meeting was posted on the door of the City Hall Council Chambers at 22 Civic Center Plaza on September 22, 2005 at 8:32 a.m. Pursuant to the Brown Act, the September 29, 2005 Agenda for the Special Joint Meeting with the Historic Resources Commission was posted on the door of the Planning Commission Minutes 1 October 10, 2005 City Hall Council Chambers at 22 Civic Center Plaza on September 27, 2005 at 4:25 p.m. RECOMMENDATION: Instruct the Commission Secretary to enter posting into the minutes. C. NEIGHBORHOOD PROJECT REVIEW NO. 2005-01 Filed by Oscar Mora to allow an addition to an existing single family residence in the Specific Development 40 zoning district at 506 South Garnsey Street. RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution approving Neighborhood Project Review No. 2005-01. Commissioner Betancourt expressed concern that the proposed new windows were too large compared to the existing windows. Commissioner Cribb commented that the front columns on the porch appeared too heavy in style and should be wood at top portion, not brick. MOTION: Continue to October 24, 2005 MOTION: Betancourt SECOND: Cribb VOTE: AYES: Betancourt, Cribb, De La Torre, Gartner, Leo, Rodriguez (6) NOES: None (0) ABSTAIN: None (0) ABSENT: Lutz (1) D. NEIGHBORHOOD PROJECT REVIEW NO. 2005-04 Filed by Blanca Frey, to permit construction of a residential addition in the Specific Development 40 zone (SD-40) at 922 South Ross Street. RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution approving Neighborhood Project Review No. 2005-04. MOTION: Adopt a resolution approving Neighborhood Project Review No. 2005- 04. MOTION: Rodriguez SECOND: De La Torre VOTE: AYES: Betancourt, Cribb, De La Torre, Gartner, Leo, Rodriguez (6} NOES: None (0) ABSTAIN: None (0) ABSENT: Lutz (1) * * * END OF CONSENT CALENDAR BUSINESS CALENDAR E. COMMISSIONER COMMUNICATION DISCLOSURE (REGARDING AGENDIZED PROJECTS) Commissioner Cribb spoke with representatives from John Laing Homes. F. GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2005-01. TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 2005-07. VARIANCE NO. 2005-53. VARIANCE NO. 2005-54. VARIANCE NO. 2005-55 AND VARIANCE NO. 2005-56 (Verny Carvajal) (Continued by Planning Commission September 12, 2005 to October 10, 2005. Public Hearing closed on September 12, 2005.) Planning Commission Minutes 2 October 10, 2005 Filed by John Laing Homes to allow for a General Plan Amendment to change from Low Density Residential (LR-7) to Medium Density Residential (MR-15), a Tentative Tract Map for condominium ownership, and allowing variances from the required site development standards fora 44-unit town home development at 2823-2929 West Edinger Avenue in the Two-Family Residential Zone (R2). RECOMMENDATION: Continue to November 14, 2005 meeting per applicant's request. MOTION: Continue to November 14, 2005 meeting per applicant's request. MOTION: Leo SECOND: Gartner VOTE: AYES: Betancourt, Cribb, De La Torre, Gartner, Leo, Rodriguez (6) NOES: None (0) ABSTAIN: None (0) ABSENT: Lutz (1) PROCEDURAL RULES PUBLIC HEARINGS ITEM 2 TAKEN OUT OF ORDER, PRECEDED ITEM 1 2. TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO. 2005-08 (COUNTY MAP NO. 2004-178) AND VARIANCE NO. 2005-61(a) VARIANCE NO. 2005-61(b) AND VARIANCE NO. 2005-61(c) Filed by Robert H. Eisner/RHE Investments to request a tentative parcel map to subdivide the property into two parcels and a variance to allow reductions in parking, setbacks and landscaping requirements in the Arterial Commercial (C5) zoning district at 2106-2230 North Tustin Avenue. PUBLISHED IN THE ORANGE COUNTY REPORTER: SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 PUBLICLY NOTICED: SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 RECOMMENDATION: Continue to October 24, 2005 per applicant's request. MOTION: Continue to C MOTION: Betancourt VOTE: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: -ctober 24, 2005 meeting per applicant's request. SECOND: Cribb Betancourt, Cribb, De La Torre, Gartner, Leo, Rodriguez (6) None (0) None (0) Lutz (1) 1. AMENDMENT APPLICATION NO. 2005-05 (Continued by Planning Commission: September 26, 2005 to October 10, 2005) Filed by Silvercreek Properties to change the zoning designation from Single Family Residence (R1) to Arterial Commercial (C5) in order to construct a new 2,700 square foot commercial building at 2701 North Grand Avenue. PUBLISHED IN THE ORANGE COUNTY REPORTER: SEPTEMBER 16, 2005 PUBLICLY NOTICED: SEPTEMBER 16, 2005 RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that the City Council: 1. Approve and adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring Program, Environmental Review No. 2003-262. 2. Adopt an ordinance approving Amendment Application No. 2005-05. Planning Commission Minutes 3 October 10, 2005 Associate Planner Ann Ni presented the staff report and recommendation. Commissioner Cribb commented that potted plants on patio could include vines to climb, opposed trellis. Staff will address during plan check. The public hearing was opened. Douglas Cook, representing the applicant, spoke in support of the project. Siobhan Byrne, representing an adjacent retail center, expressed concern over the possibility of parking intrusion onto her site. Ms. Haluza addressed the parking and indicated that the issue tonight dealt with commercial zone change and that the project met City code. Mr. Trevino stated that the project complied with the parking requirements. The public hearing was closed. MOTION Recommend that the City Council: 1. Approve and adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring Program, Environmental Review No. 2003-262. 2. Adopt an ordinance approving Amendment Application No. 2005-05. Commissioner De La Torre encouraged the property owners to work together to resolve parking concerns. MOTION: Cribb SECOND: Betancourt VOTE: AYES: Betancourt, Cribb, De La Torre, Gartner, Leo, Rodriguez (6) NOES: None (0) ABSTAIN: None (0) ABSENT: Lutz (1) 3. FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT NO. 2005-01, AMENDMENT APPLICATION NO. 2005-02, VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 2005-05 (COUNTY MAP NO. 169051, SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 2005-04 AND STREET NAME NO. 2005-01 Filed by Shea Homes to change the zoning designation from single family residence (R1) to Specific Development No. 77 (SD-77), to allow the construction of 36 single family dwellings and to name three streets at 2800 North Farmers Drive. PUBLISHED 1N THE ORANGE COUNTY REPORTER: SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 PUBLICLY NOTICED: SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that the City Council: 1. Adopt a resolution certifying Final Environmental Impact Report No. 2005- 01 and approve the Mitigation Monitoring Program and Statement of Overriding Considerations. 2. Adopt an ordinance approving Amendment Application No. 2005-02 and Specific Development Plan No. 77. 3. Adopt a resolution approving Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 2005-05 (County Map No. 16905) as conditioned. 4. Adopt a resolution approving Site Plan Review No. 2005-04. 5. Adopt a resolution approving Street Name No. 2005-01. Assistant Planner Lucy Linnaus presented the staff report and recommendation. Planning Commission Minutes 4 October 10, 2005 Commission discussion ensued regarding the height of the sound wall and the acceptable noise levels; consideration of off-site entry from Flower Street, request to change the starting time for construction hours on Saturday to 8:00 a.m., and comments on architectural similarities to the Armstrong Ranch project. The public hearing was opened. Wayne Peterson with RBF Consulting commented on the Armstrong Ranch project similarities, neighborhood outreach efforts, and the elimination of a gated community thus providing an open street project. Tom Smalley spoke in support of the project. Janelle McLoughlin supported the project and suggested the following street names for consideration: Park Place, Laurel Way and Aster Way. Dave Hoen spoke in support of the project. Phil Chinn commented that the City should consider Mello-Roos financing for projects such as these to finance on-going maintenance of public improvements. The public hearing was closed. Commission discussion ensued regarding street names, consistency of architecture details on the window frames/depth, balustrade design and side elevations. MOTION: Recommend that the City Council: 1. Adopt a resolution certifying Final Environmental Impact Report No. 2005-01 and approve the Mitigation Monitoring Program and Statement of Overriding Considerations. 2. Adopt an ordinance approving Amendment Application No. 2005-02 and Specific Development Plan No. 77. 3. Adopt a resolution approving Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 2005- 05 (County Map No. 16905) as conditioned. 4. Adopt a resolution approving Site Plan Review No. 2005-04. 5. Added conditions of approval: (a) Add condition to require architectural consistency on the proposed balustrades and windows on the side and rear elevations; (b) Modify Planning Condition No. 31 to change the start of construction activities to 8:00 a.m. on Saturdays; (c) Modify Planning Condition No. 11 to require the common area improvements in conjunction with completion of a construction phase. 6. Continued Street Name 2005-01 to November 14 for consideration of additional street names. MOTION: Cribb SECOND: Leo VOTE: AYES: Betancourt, Cribb, De La Torre, Gartner, Leo, Rodriguez (6) NOES: None (0) ABSTAIN: None (0) ABSENT: Lutz (1) 4. TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO. 2005-10 (COUNTY MAP NO. 2004-317) AND VARIANCE NO. 2005-14 Filed by St. Jeanne de Lestonnac School, to allow the subdivision of an existing parcel into two lots and to allow a reduction in required street frontage at 2000 East First Street in the General Commercial (C2) zoning district. Planning Commission Minutes 5 October 10, 2005 PUBLISHED IN THE ORANGE COUNTY REPORTER: SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 PUBLICLY NOTICED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 RECOMMENDATION: 1. Adopt a resolution approving Tentative Parcel Map No. 2005-10 (County Map No. 2004-317) as conditioned. 2. Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 2005-14 as conditioned. Senior Planner Vince Fregoso presented the staff report and recommendation. The public hearing was opened. No one spoke during the public hearing. The public hearing was closed. MOTION: 1. Adopt a resolution approving Tentative Parcel Map No. 2005-10 (County Map No. 2004-317) as conditioned. 2. Adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 2005-14 as conditioned. MOTION: De La Torre VOTE: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: 5. Public Comments SECOND: Cribb Betancourt, Cribb, De La Torre, Gartner, Rodriguez (5) Leo (1) None (0) Lutz (1) (for items not on the agenda) No comments were made. STAFF AND COMMISSION COMMENTS 6. Staff Comments Mr. Kaufman welcomed Commissioners Betancourt and Rodriguez. 7. Planning Commission Comments Commissioner De La Torre • Welcomed Commissioners Betancourt and Rodriguez. Commissioner Cribb • Welcomed Commissioners Rodriguez and Betancourt. • Encouraged staff to review landscape throughout the City (architectural and residential). Commissioner Betancourt • Thanked everyone for welcome. Commissioner Gartner • Welcomed Commissioners Betancourt and Rodriguez. Commissioner Rodriguez • Thanked everyone for welcome. Vice Chairman Leo • Welcomed Commissioners Betancourt and Rodriguez. • Encouraged City Council to find funding for a general plan update. Planning Commission Minutes 6 October 10, 2005 • Commented on the Bowers article in the Los Angeles Times on October 10, 2005 promoting the City; would like to have an informational brochure highlighting the City projects. • Inquired on status of Court of Appeals. Mr. Kaufman provided information. • Requested information regarding workforce housing in Santa Ana. Mr. Trevino indicated request would be forwarded to the Community Development Agency -Redevelopment Division. n 8. Excuse of Absences Commissioner Cribb moved to excuse the absence of Commissioner Lutz; the motion was seconded by Commissioner De La Torre and unanimously approved by the Commission 9. Adjournment 7:11 P.M. Martha Ramirez Recording Secretary 1 1 Planning Commission Minutes 7 October 10, 2005