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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/23/1996MINUTES OF THE REGULAR METING CITY OF SANTA ANA. CALIFORNIA MINUTES OF THE REGULAR METING CITY OF SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA PLANNING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 23, 1996 The Regular Meeting of the Santa Ana Planning Commission was called to order by Madam Chair Brown at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Room 147, Santa Ana, California. Other Commissioners present included: Oliver, Doughty, Nalle, Pedroza and Segura. Also in attendance were: Robyn Uptegraff, Executive Director, Kenneth Adams, Planning Manager; Richard Lay, Assistant City Attorney; Charles View, Senior Planner; Pamela Lucado, Public Works Agency; Mike McCoy and Yolanda Pena, Police Department; and Sharon McCain-Johnson, Recording Secretary. A. B. C. D E. Approval of the Minutec from the Regular Meeting of September 9, 1996. RECONNENDATION: Approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 9, 1996. Reconsideration of actioas taken at the previous meeting. None. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 96-17 (Lynnette Perry) Filed by AirTouch Cellular to allow an increase in the height of an existing AirTOUCh monopole located at 2802 South Flower Street. Continue Conditional Use Permit No. 96-17 indefinitely. GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 96-07 AND AMENDMENT APPLICATION NO. 96-09 (Jeffry Rice) Filed by the City of Santa Ana to modify land use and floor area ratio designations and to change the zoning district in order to implement the Midtown Specific Plan citywide. LEGAL NOTICED: September 12, 1996 Continue General Plan Amendment No. 96-07 and Amendment Application No. 96-09 to October 14, 1996. *** E N D OF C O N S E N T*** Commissioner Doughty moved to approve the consent calendar items. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nalle. AYES: Brown, Nalle, Doughty, Pedroza and Segura NOES: None ABSENT: Oliver and Mondo HISTORICAL PROJECT REVIEW NO. 95-01 (Charles View) Filed by Mr. Alejandro Moreno to reconsider the Planning Commission decision to deny the request to modify exterior of a single family residence located at 914 South Van Ness in the Specific Development 40 district. Deny the request to revise the plans for Historical Project Review No. 95-01. Mr. Adams indicated that Mr. Moreno, the applicant was not present to hear Historical Project Review No. 95-01 and recommended the Commission continue the case until the applicant was present. Madam Chair Brown asked if the applicant had been notified of the hearing. Mr. Charles View, Senior Planner, indicated that Mr. Moreno had been informed of the hearing approximately one week earlier. Madam Chair Brown indicated that she would like to move forward with the case. Mr. View indicated that the item had been brought back to the Commission due to the reconsideration request by Commissioner Segura. He indicated that Commissioner Segura had requested additional information as to estimates of bide from the applicant to establish the cost difference between siding versus stucco. Commissioner Doughty asked if Mr. Moreno would qualify for a rehabilitation loan the City of Santa Ana offers to residents. Mr. View indicated that he believed Mr. Moreno would qualify for a rehabilitation loan- HnWPVa_r. he Waw not aware of Mr_ Mnrcnn~a f:nann: al Mr. View indicated that he believed Mr. Moreno would qualify for a rehabilitation loan. However, he was not aware of Mr. Moreno's financial reaponaibilit ies. Commissioner Pedroza indicated that she was not in opposition with the neighborhood but she had hoped to come to a midway point of agreement. Commissioner Segura indicated that she had requested the reconsideration to receive more information from Mr. Moreno and to determine how feasible the request was for the wood siding. Commissioner Doughty stated that when Mr. Moreno came before the Commission, he was aware of the requirements. She also noted that from a real estate prospective, the wood aiding would increase the value of the home as well ae ' improve the appearance. After further discussion, Commissioner Doughty moved to deny the request to revise the plans for Historical Project Review No. 95-01. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Oliver. AYES: Brown, Nalle, Oliver, and Doughty NOES: Pedroza and Segura ABSENT: Mondo F. ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 96-OS (Bill Apple) Filed by the City of Santa Ana to change the definition of a development project and establish criteria for which development project will require project review. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that the City Council approve Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 96-OB. Mr. View indicated that the ordinance was created at City Council's direction to establish which development projects would require staff review through the Division's project review process as well as examine the possibility of reducing the number of projects that would require project review. Mr. View discussed the proposed projects requiring project review and in addition discussed the projects exempt from project review. He also noted that the staff report did not reflect it; but staff was proposing alcoholic beverage licenses as well as after hour operations to be exempt from project review and only be reviewed by the Planning Division and Police Department. Commissioner Nalle moved to approve Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 96-08. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Doughty. AYES: Brown, Nalle, Oliver, Doughty, Pedroza and Segura NOES: None ABSENT: Mondo G. Comments from the Executive Director. (Robyn Uptegraff) Ms. Uptegraff had no comments. H. Comments from the Planaing Manager. (Kenneth Adams) Mr. View provided an update regarding the wireless subcommittee group. He indicated that the subcommittee had conducted one meeting and discussed the sizes of monopoles, stealthing, and other key issues. At the next meeting, a model ordinance would be discussed and in the near future the subcommittee group would meet with Dan Young and LA Cellular. Commissioner Oliver asked if it would be to the City's advantage to own and operate the poles and possibly have the ability to lease the poles. Mr. View indicated that the subcommittee would also be reviewing and addressing that issue. Mr. Adams indicated that Commission Segura had indicated that she would not be able to attend the Saturday work session scheduled on October 26, 1996 and requested to meet on another date such as November 9. ' Ms. Uptegraff also noted that this would be the last Planning Commission meeting that Richard Lay would attend because he would be retiring. I. Comments from the Planning Commission. Commissioner Oliver reported that the traffic on north Bristol, north of Memory Lane, was extremely heavy. He suggested a progressive left turn lane for the area and requested the Public Works Agency to look into the issue further. J. Recess. The afternoon session recessed at 7:10 p.m. PLANNING COMMLSSION MINUTES 2 SEPTEMBER 23, 1996 COUNCIL CHAMBERS COUNCIL CHAMBERS ROLL CALLS The Regular Meeting of the Santa Ana Planning Commission was called to order and conducted by Madam Chair Brown in the City Council Chambers, 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, California. Roll call was answered by Commissioners Oliver, Doughty, Pedroza and Segura. Also in attendance were: Kenneth Adams, Planning Manager; Richard Lay, Assistant City Attorney; Tom Childress, Associate Planner; Jamie Watanabe, Assistant Planner II; Marta Crane, Aeaietant Planner II; Mike McCoy and Yolanda Pena, Police Department; Sharon McCain-Johnson, Recording Secretary. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Madam Chair Brown. PROCEDURAL RULS3: The procedural rules for the session were read by Madam Chair Brown. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7:00 o.m. 1. VARIANCE NO. 94-03 (Jamie Watanabe) Filed by Dr. Robert Gonzales to allow approval of an expired variance located at 1117 West Seventeenth Street. LEGAL NOTICED: September 5, 1996 PUBLIC NOTICED: September 4, 1996 Approve the extension of Variance No. 94-03 as conditioned and adopt the findings as submitted by staff. Mr. Jamie Watanabe, Aeaietant Planner II, provided an overview of the applicant's request to allow an extension of a variance from the minimum lot size and front yard setback requirements. Mr. Watanabe further indicated that staff did not anticipate any negative impacts and recommends approval of the request. Mr. Robert Gonzalez, applicant, indicated that he was requesting and extension of the variance and he believed it was a good project for the City. Commissioner Oliver moved to approve Variance No. 94-03. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Pedroza. AYES: Brown, Nalle, Oliver, Doughty, Pedroza and Segura NOES: None ABSENT: Na11e and Mondo 2. VARIANCE NO. 96-03 (Marta Crane) Filed by Discovery Science Center to locate a temporary sign on the top of the future facility's roof for a period of over 30 days located at 2522 North Main Street in the General Commercial (C2)/General Business District (GBD). LEGAL NOTICED: September 13, 1996 PUBLIC NOTICED: September 12, 1996 Approve Variance No. 96-03 as conditioned and adopt the findings as submitted by staff. Ms. Marta Crane, Assistant Planner II, displayed a model of the proposed sign and provided an overview of the request to allow a 26 foot by 26 foot inflatable cube at the Discovery Science Center. The site would be assembled by consolidating the old Bekins furniture store and a number of remanent parcels from the freeway widening project. Commissioner Doughty asked how long the sign would be displayed on the roof; would it be approximately a year. Ms. Crane indicated that it would be up until the end of fall, approximately one year. Mr. Robert Smith, representing the applicant, indicated that the applicant was in agreement with the staff report. Commissioner Doughty asked Mr. Smith how long he believed the sign would be up and what would happen if the sign became damaged. Mr. Smith responded that he was not sure. However, the sign was to bring community awareness that the center was opening. In addition, Mr. Smith indicated that if the sign were to get a hole, a patch would be placed on the hole or the sign would be repaired. PLANNING COMMISSION MAIUTES 3 SEPTEMBER 23, 1996 Commissioner Oliver moved to approve Variance No. 96-03. The motion was nunnnAcA Yw !`nmmiaa.nnnr Rrmm~. Commissioner Oliver moved to approve Variance No. 96-03. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Brown. AYES: Brown, Nalle, Oliver, Doughty, Pedroza and Segura NOES: None ABSENT: Nalle and Mondo 3. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 96-29 (Thomas Childress) Filed by SSY Enterprises to allow live entertainment with cover charge and after hour operations at 226 South Harbor Boulevard in the SP-2 zoning district. LEGAL NOTICED: September 13, 1996 PUBLIC NOTICED: September 12, 1996 RECOlMENDATION: Approve Conditional Use Permit No. 96-29 as conditioned and adopt the findings as submitted by staff. Mr. Tom Childress, Associate Planner, provided an overview of the applicant's request to allow indoor entertainment with cover charge and after hour operations at the former Kona Hawaii site. The proposed project would consist of a nightclub, restaurant, and banquet facility called Caramba. The existing building of 25,992 would undergo extensive improvements to accommodate the proposed facility. Mr. Childress further indicated that this proposal was the first major entertainment oriented project in the Entertainment District on Harbor Boulevard and staff recommends approval of the request. Commissioner Pedroza asked if the roofing of the facility would undergo improvements. Mr. Childress responded that the roof would receive rehabilitation. Madam Chair Brown asked what the capacity limit would be. Mr. Childress indicated that he did not have the capacity limit information but that determination was made by the Fire Department. Mr. Randall Yamauchi, applicant, indicated that he was creating a restaurant and facility for the local community and requested approval of the project. ' Mr. Greg Watkins, indicated that when he first met with staff, staff had suggested that he meet with the Neighborhood Association to ensure support and guidance for the desired project. Staff had also requested a strong food component for the facility. Mr. Watkins further indicated that he was satisfied with staff's concerns and was pleased that he had met with the Neighborhood Association and expressed his appreciation for the support of the project. Mr. Scott Kamalaki, Feasel International, described the layout of the facility and indicated that he felt the nightclub portion of the facility would be an important asset. In addition, he requested modifications to the conditions of approval regarding extending the hours of operation until 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday nights and an extension until 2:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights and the word nightclub remain on the sign. The catering aspect of the project would operate under functions. Madam Chair Brown asked the capacity of the facility. Mr. Kamalaki responded that the facility would seat approximately 400 in the banquet area and seating for the facility would accommodate approximately 1,200 people. Commissioner Oliver asked Mr. Kamalaki if he was familiar with the noise ordinance; if he had any objections to the conditions and/or requirements; and if he had the knowledge to accomplish these requirements. Mr. Kamalaki stated that he was familiar with the noise ordinance and he agreed with the conditions of approval and requirements. ' Commissioner Pedroza asked who would operate the nightclub. _ Mr. Kamalaki responded that SSY would operate the nightclub and an entertainment coordinator would be in charge of the nightclub operations and events. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 4 SEPTEMBER 23, 1996 The following members of the public spoke in favor of the project: The following members of the public spoke in favor of the project: Sohn Patterson Robert Hensen David Lopez Sandra Thrower Maria Sandoval John Lussen 4 5. 6. Commissioner Doughty indicated that she was excited about the project. That the nightclub portion of the facility was an important segment of the facility. The City of Santa Ana needed a well run nightclub operation that community could be proud of as well ae an entertainment, banquet facility. Commissioner Doughty expressed her concern with alcoholic consumption and further moved to approve Conditional Use Permit No. 96-29 with the extended hours of operation requested by the applicant. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Oliver. Madam Chair Brown also expressed that the City needed a credible and well run nightclub. However she was concerned about security problems that may develop. But she was looking forward to the completion of the project. AYES: Brown, Nalle, Oliver, Doughty, Pedroza and Segura NOES: None ABSENT: Nalle and Mondo CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 96-36 (Jamie Watanabe) Filed by KDD Restaurant to allow after hour operations located at 1617 East Seventeenth Street in the General Commercial (C2) zoning district. LEGAL NOTICED: PUBLIC NOTICED: RECOHI~fENDATION: September 14, 1996 September 13, 1996 Approve Conditional Use Permit No. 96-36 ae conditioned and adopt the findings as submitted by staff. Mr. Jamie Watanabe, Assistant Planner II, provided an overview of the applicant's request to extend the hours of operations to 2:00 a.m. Mr. Watanabe indicated that the restaurant is a dining establishment that serves both lunch and dinner. Staff recommends approval of the request however, staff is requesting the installation of a five foot wide landscape planter along the north end of the parking lot to ensure that any noise, light or other negative impacts will be kept to a minimum. Mr. Jim Kliegel, representing Faces, indicated that Faces was an upscale fine dining restaurant. It was a family owned business and had been in operation for many years. The applicant received the staff report and was in agreement with the report with the exception of providing a five foot planter. He further indicated that the applicant felt that this requirement would put an unnecessary burden on the family to provide the planter along with water irrigation. Madam Chair Brown requested clarification from staff regarding the applicant's question of providing a five foot planter. She noted that the issue was not in the conditions of approval. Mr. Watanabe indicated that the item was included and received by the applicant in the comments during the site plan review process for the project. It was not included in the conditions of approval at this level. After further discussion, Mr. Adams informed the Commission that staff would eliminate that condition of approval. Commissioner Oliver moved to approve Conditional Use Permit No. 96-36. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Doughty. AYES: Brown, Nalle, Oliver, Doughty, Pedroza and Segura NOES: None ABSENT: Nalle and Mondo ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - COMMBNTS FROM THB PUBLIC. (For matters not previously listed on the Aaeadal No comments were made. EBCUSE OF ABSENCES. Commissioner Oliver moved to excuse the absence of Commissioners Nalle and Mondo. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Segura and unanimously passed. PL4NNING COMMISSION MINUTBS 5 SeP'CEMBER 23, 1996 6. ADJOURNMENT. The meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m. C SMJ n 7 9 - M r are Brown, Ma :: P1 nni Commission PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 23, 1996