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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/11/1995MINUTES OF TH8 REGULAR NBSTIN6 CITY OF SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA PLANNING COMMISSION Dace^ber 11, 1995 0 The Regular Meeting of the Santa Ana Planning Commission was called to order by Chairman Mondo 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, and Pedroza. Also in attendance were Kenneth Adams, Planning Manager; Richard Lay, Assistant City Attorney; Charles View, Senior Planner; Jeffry Rice, Senior Planner; Maya DeROea, Environmental Coordinator; Vince Fregoso, Associate Planner; Sergio Klotz, Associate Planner; Pam Lucado, Joyce Ameraon, and David Biondolillo of the Public Works Agency; Mike McCoy, Police Department; and Sharon McCain-Johnson, Recording Secretary. A B. Approval of tha Minutes from the Regular Meeting of November 27, 1995. RECOMMENDATIONS Approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 27, 1995. Commissioner Oliver moved to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nalle. AYES: Mondo, Oliver, Doughty, Nalle, and Pedroza NOES: None ABSENT: Brown and Segura Reconsideration of actions taken at the previous meeting. None. *** E N D O F C O N S 8 N T C A L B N D A R *** C D. ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 95-5 (Vince Fregoso) Filed by the City of Santa Ana to change sections of the sign code pertaining to freeway eignage, monument eignage, and major building wall eignage. RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that the City Council approve Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 95-5. Mr. Fregoso briefly indicated that the Zoning Ordinance Amendment was to amend the sections of the sign code relating to freeway signage, monument signs in landscape planters, and major building identification signs. Staff determined that the proposed changes would clarify the sign code through the approval of minor amendments and provide flexibility and competitiveness with other sign codes in Orange County. Commissioner Oliver asked if business owners would be notified of the changes reflected in Zoning Ordinance Amendment. Mr. Fregoso indicated no. This Ordinance represents sign code amendments directed by City Council over the past year. However, Mr. Adams added, if the Commission preferred staff could notify business owners. Commissioner Doughty expressed that notifying the business owners would be a good idea. Commissioner Oliver moved to approve Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 95-5. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Doughty. AYES: Mondo, Oliver, Doughty, Nalle, and Pedroza NOES: NOrie ASSENT: Brown and Segura ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT CONTRACT AND SELECTION (Maya DeRosa) Filed by the City of Santa Ana to establish a list of environmental consultants to perform future work for the City and implement a standard contract authorizing these consultant services. Recommend that the City Council authorize the City Attorney to prepare and the Mayor and Clerk of the Council to execute environmental consultant contracts with the 20 consulting firms identified on the attachment. Me. Maya DeRosa provided an overview of a proposal to change the environmental consultant selection process by the City selecting the EIR consultants and directly manage the EIR contract with the consultant. This will enable staff to be involved in all aspects of the project; improve the quality of the work; obtain more objective reports; and increase the variety of consultants doing work for the City. Twenty consulting firma were selected and would be managed by the Environmental Coordinator. The City would provide a separate account for fees for the project and the applicant would pay the City directly. fl Commissioner Oliver asked if a public agency could dictate which firma might be available or tell a developer which consultant could be used and was there any recourse if a developer did not want to use the consultant chosen. Mr. Lay responded yea, a public agency could dictate firms used for consultants and a developer could appeal to the Planning Division if they were not satisfied with the selected consulting firms. Commissioner Oliver asked how many EIR's are done in one year and how would the three firma be chosen for an applicant. Ma. DeRosa indicated approximately six to eight EIR's are done in one year and the three consultants may be selected by their expertise in a specific area and by referrals. Commissioner Nalle asked if staff had been experiencing problems with the current system. Ma. DeROSa responded yes. Often developers will choose the cheapest consultant and conaultante who are biased and in favor of their project. Commissioner Oliver asked if there had been any effort by the Planning Division to prepare our own environmental studies. Ms. DeROSa indicated that staff recently had prepared environmental studies for the Federal Court House and the Midtown project. However, due to a lack of resources, staff felt that the use of conaultante represent the most cost effective opportunity for the City. Chairman Mondo commended staff for the proposed change, but requested more information from staff regarding the manner in which the conaultante qualified to be on the list; provide in writing when staff would review and update the list of consultants; and expressed that he was uncomfortable with the idea of staff choosing three out of the 20 as the only eligible conaultante on any given project. Commissioner Oliver moved to continue the Environmental Consultant Contract and Selection to January S, 1996 Planning Commission meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nalle. AYES: Mondo, Oliver, Doughty, Nalle, and Pedroza NOES: None ABSENT: Brown and Segura E. DYER ROAD PROJECT RESOLUTION (David Biondolillo) (Maya DeRosa) Filed by the City of Santa Ana to approve the mitigated negative declaration and mitigation monitoring program for Dyer Road Widening Project from Main Street to Halladay Street. 1. Recommend that the City Council adopt a resolution approving the Mitigated Negative Declaration ER No. 95-74 and the Mitigation Monitoring program for the Dyer Road widening project; and 2. Recommend that the City Council approve the Dyer Road widening project from Main Street to Halladay Street. Mr. Biondolillo provided a brief overview of a project to widen and reconstruct Dyer Road to three lanes in each direction between Main and Halladay Streets. The expansion would enhance traffic movements and alleviate traffic congestion. The proposed expansion would only impact two properties on Dyer Road which would be partial takes and also allow the City to enlarge the existing five foot sidewalks to eight feet. Commissioner Nalle moved to approve the Ayer Road Project Resolution. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Doughty. Commissioner Oliver stated that he would abstain from the vote. ' AYES: Mondo, Doughty, Nalle, and Pedroza NOES: None ABSTENTION: Oliver ABSENT: Brown and Segura Due to time constraints, Chairman Mondo moved Items F through H until after the public hearings. PL4NNIN0 COMMISSION MINOTES 2 DECERtBER 11, 1995 PVBLIC HEARINGS ROLL CALL: The Regular Meeting of the Santa Ana Planning Commission was called to order and conducted by Chairman Mondo in the City Council Chambers, 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, California. Roll call was answered by Chairman Mondo and Commissioners Oliver, Doughty, Nalle, and Pedroza. Also in attendance were Kenneth Adams, Planning Manager; other City staff in attendance: Richard Lay, Assistant City Attorney; Sergio Klotz, Aeaociate Planner; Larry Yenglin, Associate Planner; Vince Fregoso, Aeaociate Planner; Pam Lucado, Public Works Agency, Mike McCoy of the Santa Ana Police Department; and Sharon McCain-Johnson, Recording Secretary. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chairman Mondo. PROCEDURAL RULES: The procedural rules for the session were read by Chairman Mondo. PUBLIC HEARINGS• 1. VARIANCE NO. 95-06 (Sergio Rlotz) Filed by Heath and Company to allow an internally illuminated cabinet wall sign located at 2140 South Bristol Street in the General Commercial zoning district. LEGAL NOTICED: November 26, 1995 PUBLIC NOTICED: November 28, 1995 Deny Variance No. 95-06 as conditioned by staff and adopt the findings ae submitted by staff. Mr. Sergio Klotz presented a brief elide presentation and an overview of a request to allow an internally illuminated cabinet wall sign for a Ralph's supermarket. Mr. Fregoso indicated staff does not support the cabinet wall sign and recommends denial of the request. Mr. Tim Pitts, representing Ralph's, indicated that the proposed project will be the third Ralph's supermarket in the City of Santa Ana and will be within the South Coast Market center and Ralph's would like to maintain the ' uniformity of the Ralph's supermarket. Commissioner Nalle requested the applicant to remove the banners on the supermarket. Commissioner Oliver moved to approve Variance No. 95-006. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Pedroza. AYES: Mondo, Doughty, Nalle, and Pedroza NOES: None ABSENT: Brown and Segura 2. VARIANCE NO. 95-OB (Larry Yenglin) Filed by Mr. Robert Fiscus and Associates to increase the height of a monument sign from seven feet to 13.2 feet located at 2650 North Grand Avenue in the Arterial Commercial zoning district. LEGAL NOTICED: November 26, 1995 PUBLIC NOTICED: November 28, 1995 Deny Variance No. 95-08 as conditioned by staff and adopt the findings as submitted by staff. Mr. Larry Yenglin provided an overview of the staff report and indicated that the applicant was requesting to increase the height of a proposed freestanding sign for a Chevron gas station; mini market; and automatic car wash. Mr. Yenglin stated that staff was recommending denial of the request and considered four elements for the recommendation: redesign, setting precedent; maximum code requirements; and lot configuration. Mr. Robert Fiscus, representing Chevron indicated that the applicant was unable to satisfy Chevon or the City; there would be no additional aignage at the location if the monument sign was allowed; and stressed that the owner of the business was a very reputable dealer in the area. Mr. Victor Roshkerian, applicant, briefly displayed pictures of unattractive signs throughout the City and indicated that he was unable to comply with both Chevron and City requirements. PIANNINO COMMISSION MINUTES 3 DECEMBER 11, 1995 Commissioner Oliver moved to deny Variance No. 95-08. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Doughty. AYES: Oliver and Doughty NOES: Mondo, Nalle, and Pedroza ABSENT: Brown and Segura The motion failed. Mr. Adams requested the Commission to clarify its intent regarding the monument aignage concerns. ' After brief question and answer with staff and the applicant, the Commission determined that it would be in the best interest for the applicant to submit the complete sign program before determination on the project. Commissioner Nalle moved to continue Variance No. 95-008 to January S, 1996. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Doughty. AYES: Mondo, Doughty, Nalle, and Pedroza NOES: Oliver ABSENT: Brown and Segura 3. CONDITIONAL USE PBRMIT NO. 95-25 (Vince Fregoso) Filed by Mr. Pham Dinh Que to operate a church monastery located at 803 South Sullivan Street in the Single-Family Residential zoning district. LEGAL NOTICED: November 26, 1995 PUBLIC NOTICED: November 28, 1995 RECONMENDATIONs Approved Conditional Use Permit No. 95-25 as conditioned by staff and adopt the findings as submitted by staff. Mr. Vince Fregoso provided an overview of the applicant's request to allow a Buddist Temple in a residential area. The Bite was previously occupied by a children's day care center that recently ceased operations. The applicant would be bring the site into complete compliance with the zoning code and staff felt the temple had been designed and conditioned to avoid impacts to ' the neighborhood and recommends approval of the project. Commissioner Doughty asked if there would be any over-night visits and if staff had received any comments from the neighborhood. Mr. Fregoso responded that over-night visits would be allowed on site in the residential unit. No over-night visits would be allowed in the temple and there were no comments received from the neighborhood. Commissioner Oliver asked if any precautions were being taken so no adverse impact would be received by the neighborhood. Mr. Fregoso stated that a five foot buffer was being required. Mr. Sonny Nguyen, representing the applicant, indicated that the facility will help and serve the people of the community. Mr. Le Tan Hwanh, provided a brief synopsis of the Buddhist religion. Commissioner Oliver stated that he would like to amend Condition No.'s 3, 4, and add an additional condition clarifying that no other premises are to be used as residential structures; the site ie to be cleared by 10:00 p.m.; and the occupancy is not to exceed the building limit. Commissioner Oliver moved to approve Conditional Use Permit No. 95-25. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Doughty. AYES: Mondo, Doughty, Nalle, and Pedroza NOES: Oliver ABSENT: Brown and Segura Commissioner Doughty expressed to the applicant that the Commission was taking certain precautions for the community due to other experiences with church uses in residential areas. In addition, she indicated that she had a good feeling with this project. 4. CONDITIONAL VSE PERNIT NO. 95-26 AND VARIANCE NO. 95-7 (Vince Fregoso) Filed by Mr. Hussein Berri to allow a convenience store with a service station and to allow a reduction in landscape setbacks from 15 feet to six feet located at 1501 East Edinger Avenue in the Light Industrial zoning district. LEGAL NOTICED: November 26, 1995 PUBLIC NOTICED: November 28, 1995 PLANNING COMMISSION MIN[TPPS 4 DECEMBER 11, 1995 1. Approve Conditional Use Permit No. 95-26 ae conditioned by staff and adopt the findings as submitted by staff; and 2. Deny Variance No. 95-7 as conditioned by staff and adopt the findings as submitted by staff. Mr. Vince Fregoso briefly indicated that the applicant was requesting a Conditional Use Permit and a Variance to allow operation of a convenience store within a remodeled gas station and to allow a reduction in a required landscape setback. Mr. Fregoso stated that no adverse land use, traffic or ' economic impacts are anticipated. Staff supports the Conditional Use Permit but recommends denial of the Variance due to the size of the aisle not complying with on-site circulation when the on-site pattern can safely be accommodated. Mr. David Berri, representing the applicant, displayed pictures of the site and indicated that the applicant's proposal could accommodate two mid size care at the location. Commissioner Nalle requested the applicant to clarify how large the request was for the planter. Mr. Hussein Berri, applicant, indicated he was requesting a six foot wide planter instead of 13 feet. Mr. Adams reiterated that the code requirement is 15 feet and currently there are no guidelines for circulation standards. Commissioner Nalle moved to approve Conditional Uae Permit No. 95-26 and Variance No. 95-7 with an amended condition to permit a ten foot planter. The motion was seconded by Oliver. AYES: Mondo, Doughty, Nalle, and Pedroza NOES: Oliver ABSENT: Brown and Segura 5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS- COMMBNTS FROM THE PUBLIC. fFor matters not previously listed on the Aoendal ' There were no comments made. 6. E%CUSE OF ASBENCEB. Commissioner Oliver moved to excuse the absences of Commissioners Brown and Segura. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Na11e and unanimously passed. F. Comments fror tha Executive Director. (Robyn Uptegraff) Ms. Uptegraff was absent. O. Comments from the Planning Manager. (Kenneth Adams) Mr. Adams invited the Commissioners to the Planning Division's potluck and open house. H. Comments from the Planning Commission. 1. Commissioner Doughty expressed dissatisfaction with the neighborhood traffic plans passed by ETAC and requested that traffic issues come before the Commission in the future. Mr. Adams indicated that arrangements could be made to have joint meetings between the Planning Commission and ETAC members. However, he discouraged the traffic issues to come before the Commission. 2. Commissioner Pedroza wished the Commission and staff happy holidays. 3. Commissioner Nalle mentioned on 1000 East Garfield there is a used car ' sale lot being illegally operated and asked how long does it take for the City to cease operations. Mr. Lay stated that ceasing operations is a lengthy process. 4. Chairman Mondo indicated that he received a letter regarding public space and public safety and he would like to review the tape; and He felt that traffic issues should not be handled by the Commission. PLANNING COMMISSION MB~lil/'P.S 5 DECEMBER 11, 1995 ~. The Planning Commission meeting adjourned at 9:43 p.m. ~~~ ' G Mondo, Chairman Plann>. g Commission i 0 PIANNINO COMMISSION MINDTES 6 DECEMBER 11. 1995