Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-23-2004ACTION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AUGUST 23, 2004 1 CALL TO ORDER 5:07 P.M. CITY HALL ROSS ANNEX 20 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA, FIRST FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM 1600 ATTENDANCE: COMMISSIONERS Present Glenn Mondo, Chairman Christopher Leo, Vice Chairman (arrived 5:14 pm) Harvey De La Torre Alexander Nalle Kimberly Sinclair Tom Lutz COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Don Cribb u STAFF PRESENT: Stephen Harding, Exec. Dir. Planning & Bldg. Agency Benjamin Kaufman, ChiefAssistant City Attorney Jay Trevino, Planning Manager Vince Fregoso, Senior Planner Sergio Klotz, Senior Planner Mike McCoy, Police Department Martha Ramirez, Recording Secretary CONSENT CALENDAR Motion: Approve the staff recommendations on the Consent Calendar. Mr. Lutz clarified that he abstained from voting on the Minutes only from July 26, 2004. Mr. Kaufman handed the Commissioners a copy of resolution pertaining to Item C, Conditional Use Permit 2004-04. MOTION: Nalle SECOND: Sinclair AYES: De La Torre, Lutz, Mondo, Nalle, Sinclair (5) NOES: None (0) ABSENT: Cribb, Leo (2) ABSTAIN: None (0) A. MINUTES RECOMMENDATION: Approve the minutes the regular meeting of August 9, 2004. C B. RECORDING SECRETARY REPORT Pursuant to the Brown Act and the Maddy Act, the August 9, 2004 Agenda for the Regular Meeting was posted on the door of the City Hall Council Chambers at 22 Civic Center Plaza on August 6, 2004 at 8:24 a.m. RECOMMENDATION: Instruct the Commission Secretary to enter posting into the minutes. Planning Commission Minutes August 23, 2004 C. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO.2004-04 (Carlos Rodriguez) (Item set for public hearing by the Planning Commission on June 28, 2004 for July 26, 2004; July 26, 2004 to August 9, 2004 Public Hearing closed) Filed by Hue Restaurant to allow a Type 41 ABC license for an existing restaurant at 413 North Euclid.: RECOMMENDATION: Approve a resolution denying Conditional Use Permit No. 2004-04 * * END OF CONSENT CALENDAR * * * BUSINESS CALENDAR D. COMMISSIONER COMMUNICATION DISCLOSURE (REGARDING AGENDIZED PROJECTS) None noted WORK STUDY SESSION E. REVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF CITY PLACE Sergio Klotz, Senior Planner, introduced Robert Bisno, Chairman/CEO TransAction Companies Ltd., and the project team consisting of Howard Elkus, Elkus/Manfredi Architects Ltd., Rick Aiken, AIA Principal, William Hezmalhalch Architects Inc., Thomas Zahlten, AIA Principal, Steven Ehrlich Architects, David Berkson, Principal, SWA Group and William Hammerstein, President, Hammerstein Investments, Inc. The group presented an overview of the mixed- use project consisting of approximately 57,700 square feet of commercial building and 241 for sale residential units. The commercial component will provide restaurant, small shop retail, black box theater and large market space within a pedestrian oriented center. The residential component will consist of condominium, townhouse and live-work designs. Mr. Howard Elkus reviewed the ground portion of the retail development along Main Street and Memory Lane commenting on restaurants, pedestrian accessibility, landscaping, kiosks near the amphitheater area, community arts theater, and pedestrian walkways from housing. Facades along Memory Lane include the central water fountains (11 proposed), and the outdoor seating along the plaza and amphitheatre. Mr. Elkus noted the architectural elements. David Berkson spoke about pedestrian accommodations and linkage, and also reviewed the landscape plans. Tom Zahlten discussed "The Lofts" project along the crescent shape, the proposed linkage for pedestrians and homeowners and reviewed the materials and amenities lists. He also reviewed the parking options per models. Rick Aiken discussed "The Courtyards". Mr. Aiken reviewed the amenities. He also pointed out the four home types with a contemporary look. Mr. Bisno urged Commissioners to review the plans, materials, and detailing. The high-rise land (within a portion of The Courtyards land area) requires further study. Parking issue requires environmental review; high-rise focuses on 20 floors. He stated the site supports approximately 200 units. Commissioner De La Torre inquired about the types of retail/restaurant. Mr. Bisno indicated there is a market to promote amenities to the condominium Planning Commission Minutes 2 August 23, 2004 sales. Restaurants create the excitement, then the retail promotes the amenities. Theater provides user identity and. social/architectural element enhancements. Commissioner Lutz inquired about lofts with balcony. Mr. Zahlten offered ten variations noting that the lofts will not have elevators. Commissioner Lutz expressed concern with the service ramp adjacent to the market. Commissioner De La Torre commented on the bench materials. Developer indicated goal is outdoor eating to make for a viable center. Commissioner noted preference for ahigh-class restaurant in the area and also commented on retail. Commissioner Sinclair inquired about retailers; Mr. Bisno indicated there would be a market and expressed concern for food cart type eateries. Mr. Bisno stated that in terms of Live-Work lofts there is not a lot of retail. Vice Chairman Leo thanked the developer for bringing the project to the City and would like to see more retail; commented that there appeared to be synergy from the mall. Chairman Mondo commented on retail, parking, pathways (pedestrian connection) landscaping, and open space areas as well as amenities. He noted residential component appeared dense with minimal retail; also concerned with relationship between parking and loft units. Mr. Bisno pointed out such amenities as the Main Place Mall, tennis and park across the street, and the area being a prime location for employment. Commissioner Nalle commented on retail usage and the development of a high rise. There were no general comments from the public. fl F. OVERVIEW OF LIMITATIONS ON DEDICATIONS, EXACTIONS AND CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL (Ben Kaufman) Continued to September 13, 2004. _~ G. Recess to Council Chambers (6:58 pm) Planning Commission Minutes 3 August 23, 2004 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 22 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA AUGUST 23, 2004 ROLL CALL 7:04 P.M. Same staff present. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG PROCEDURAL RULES PUBLIC HEARINGS AMENDMENT TO CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 1978-26 Filed by Essex Property Trust, Inc., to construct a new building on an existing 140-unit residential complex at 2301 East Santa Clara Avenue. PUBLISHED IN THE ORANGE COUNTY REPORTER: August 13, 2004 PUBLICLY NOTICED: August 13, 2004 RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution approving Amendment to Conditional Use Permit No. 1978-26 as conditioned. Lucy Linnaus, Assistant Planner, presented the staff report and recommendation. Commission discussion ensued regarding mitigations for the loss of open space. Chairman Mondo opened the public hearing. No public comments were made. Chairman Mondo closed the public hearing. Motion: Adopt a resolution approving Amendment to Conditional Use Permit No. 1978-26 as conditioned. MOTION: Leo SECOND: De La Torre AYES: De La Torre, Leo, Lutz, Mondo, Nalle, Sinclair (6) NOES: None (0) ABSENT: Cribb (1) ABSTAIN: None (0) 2. VARIANCE NO.2004-07 Filed by Caribou Industries to obtain variances from various provisions on the sign code for Original Mike's Restaurant at 100 South Main Street. PUBLISHED IN THE ORANGE COUNTY REPORTER: August 13, 2004 PUBLICLY NOTICED: August 13, 2004 RECOMMENDATION: Deny Variance No. 2004-07 (A1, A2, A3) for Sign No. 1; (C1, C3) for Sign No. 4; (D2, D3) for Sign No. 5, (E) for Sign No. 6; (F) for Sign No. 7; (G1, G2, G3) for Sign No. 8. Planning Commission Minutes 4 August 23, 2004 Approve Variance No. 2004-07 (B) to allow one changeable copy sign as conditioned (Signs 2 and 3); (C2) to allow the painted wall sign above the ground level of the building as conditioned (Sign 4); (D1) to allow the projecting sign to extend more than four feet as conditioned (Sign 5). Vince Fregoso, Senior Planner presented the staff report and recommendation. Commission discussion ensued regarding the number of signs requested, installation, monument signs, billboards, dimensions, lighting, elevations and visibility of signage. Commission concerned with impact on quality of visual environment. Chairman Mondo opened the public hearing. Michael Harrah reiterated his request for approval of his signs and noted his deadline to open by September 3, 2004. Mr. Kendrick commented favorably on the proposed signs and noted support for the variance. Julie Stroud commented on compliance with codes and noted the importance of uniform enforcement. Commissioner De La Torre noted concern that applicant is proceeding with placement of signs without permit(s) or prior to Commission approval. Mr. Harrah noted that improvements had to be done to get loan approval. Vice Chairman Leo commented on the traffic and signage at First Street, suggested elevating the sign to avoid being struck by bus. Commissioner Sinclair inquired about applicant adding signage on day of Planning Commission and billboards not coming before Commission. Chairman Mondo closed the public hearing. Motion: Continue item to September 27, 2004 public hearing to allow applicant time to submit application(s), drawings and plans for all signs. MOTION: Mondo SECOND: Nalle AYES: De La Torre, Lutz, Mondo, Nalle, Sinclair (5) NOES: Leo (1) ABSENT: Cribb (1) ABSTAIN: None (0) 3. Public Comments (for items not on the agenda) Pat McGuigan addressed concern with what she considers inappropriate sign for Westminster Press at 4906 W. First Street on yellow school bus banner, "Learn to Drive." Mr. Kaufman stated that a prior case stated that a banner on a bus is not a sign or billboard because it is not affixed to the ground. STAFF AND COMMISSION COMMENTS 4. Staff Comments None noted. 5. Planning Commission Comments Planning Commission Minutes 5 August 23, 2004 Commissioner Lutz • Requested Code Enforcement review 413 West 17tH Street, landscaping needs attention. • Noted market on Myrtle/Bristol or Camille/Bristol, southeast corner, requested clean up of excessive signage. • Noted a chain link fence at H. Salt property at Bristol/Washington. Requested information about future use of site. • Requested review of parking lot at 3rd/Main, southwest corner on Sycamore, excessive trucks parking. Is that allowed? Commissioner Sinclair • Commented on H. Salt Fish & Chips at Bristol/Washington. Requested graffiti cleanup at 413 W. 17tH Street. • Inquired if the site plan for the service station with the 7-11 at Tustin/17tH was approved with the trash enclosure in the front. • Commented on the vehicle-stacking problem at the two In and Out restaurants on Bristol. Commissioner Nalle Asked about stacking requirements for drive through facilities. Staff indicated that stacking for eight cars is required. • Inquired about Starbucks at Memory Lane & Bristol. Staff indicated applicant appealed Planning Commission decision. • Asked about the property at 17tH & Flower. Staff indicated there are no current projects pending. • Inquired as to who is owner at H. Salt & Chips. Staff will advise. • Requested review of spray painting at the corner of Poinsettia & Santa Ana Blvd. (industrial building with retail signs all over). Staff noted that there is an active Code Enforcement case pending at 638 Poinsettia. Vice Chairman Leo • Inquired as to when is annexation going to City Council. Staff indicated September 20. • Inquired about opening date for Kohl's. Staff indicated in the Fall. • Inquired about open lot on school property at East First Street. Staff indicated that St. Jeanne de Lestonnac acquired and is building a child- care center and ball fields on the southerly portion of the property. • Commented on extension of SR57 and suggested that appropriate city representatives participate in discussions with OCTA. Commissioner De La Torre • Noted he will be absent on September 13, 2004. • Inquired about triangular property at Santa Ana River/Memory Lane. Staff indicated that the Community Development Agency is purchasing the property with the intent of developing housing for developmentally disabled adults. Chairman Mondo • Commented that Home Depot violations continue, requested Code Enforcement follow up. • Noted numerous problems and concerns at Lillie King Park and suggested a meeting with Senior Staff at Parks and Recreation be scheduled. 6. Excuse of Absences Motioned by Vice Chairman Leo, Seconded by Commissioner Nalle and unanimously approved to excuse Commissioner Cribb. 7. Adjournment 8:41 pm Martha Ramirez Recording Secretary Planning Commission Minutes 6 August 23, 2004