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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/14/1995MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING (~T TV AF SaNT7\ LNL_ CDT.T FORNTL MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING CITY OF SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA PLANNING COMMISSION August 14, 1995 The Regular Meeting of the Santa Ana Planning Commission was called to order by Chairman Mondo at 6:00 p.m. in Room 147 of the City Council Chambers, 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, California. Commissioners present included: Margaret Brown, Alexander Nalle, Lynnette Pedroza, and Teresa Segura. Also in attendance were Richard Lay, Assistant City Attorney; Kenneth Adams, Planning Manager; Jeffry Rice, Senior Planner other staff in attendance included: Mike McCoy, Police Department; and Sharon McCain-Johnson, Recording Secretary. CONSENT CALENDAR: A. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES of the regular Planning Commission meetin g of July 24. 1995. RECOMMENDATION: Approve the minutes of the regular meeting of July 24, 1995. 8. RECONSIDERATION OF ACTIONS taken at previous meeting. RECOMMENDATION: None. C. 20NIN6 ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 94-4 filed by the City of Santa Ana to amend the Light Industrial (M1) and Heavy Industrial (M2) districts; delete the Commercial Manufacturing (CM) and Limited Manufacturing (LM) district; create a Manufacturing Commercial (MC) district; and amend Industrial parking requirements; and add minimum street frontage and lot size for industrial property. (Sergio Klotz) RECOMMENDATION: Continue Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 94-4 to September 25, 1995. Commissioner Nalle moved to approve the Consent Calendar items. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Brown. AYES: Mondo, Brown, Nalle, Pedroza, and Segura NOES: None ABSENT: Doughty and Oliver ' **** E N D O F C O N S E N T C A L E N D A R**** D. Discussion of Bristol Street Cruising. (Lt. Foote) Lt. Foote provided an update of Bristol Street cruising and displayed a five minute video. He indicated in 1994 the Police Department developed a task force to control the cruising problems on Bristol Street. There are six officers and one supervisor that are currently assigned to cruising detail. Lt. Foote indicated cruising problems is now minimized due to the cruising program's success. Commissioner Nalle asked how the City has avoided the ACLU. Lt. Foote stated that the ACLU has not chosen to participate at this point. He also stated during the enforcement of the cruising problems, the City has only received two complaints and both were from residents in the area who were inconvenienced due to the street closures. Chairman Mondo asked if the curfew ordinance helpful. Lt. Foote indicated that the City curfew laws were excellent. Any adjustment in legislation needed to occur at the state level. E. Annual Review of the Piccolo Club; Conditional Use Permit No. 93-12. (Vince Fregoso) RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file the annual review staff report of Conditional Use Permit No. 93-12. Mr. Vince Fregoso, Assistant Planner II, briefly indicated the Piccolo Club (Conditional Use Permit 93-12) was before the Commission for it's _ annual review. He stated that the Piccolo Club is a restaurant and nightclub that requires a cover charge therefore rendering a CUP. The applicant has made improvements to the site as required by the approved conditions. Staff is requesting the Commission to receive and file the staff report. Staff will continue to periodically monitor the site to ensure the conditions are being met. Commissioner Na11e moved to receive and file the annual review staff report of Conditional Use Permit No. 93-12. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Brown. AYES: Mondo, Brown, Nalle, Pedroza, and Segura NOES: None ABSENT: Doughty and Oliver F. Annual Review of the National Sports Grill; Conditional Use Permit No. 94- ,n e..a ve..: s~..e u.. oe_a rtr: ....e c..e....e~, F. Annual Review of the National Sports Grill; Conditional Use Permit No. 94- 10 and Variance No. 94-7. (Vince Fregoso) RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file the annual review staff report of Conditional Use Permit No. 94-10 and Variance No. 94-7. Mr. Vince Fregoso, Assistant Planner II, indicated the National Sports Grill was before the Commission for it's annual review. He indicated the National Sports Grill operates as a restaurant and sports entertainment complex. Staff has been monitoring the complex carefully and to date there have been 13 violations of conditions. Although these violations are minor in nature, staff recommends the Commission review the project in 60 days. Chairman Mondo asked if the ABC hearing had occurred. Mr. Fregoso at ated yea. Mr. Allen Fronke, National Sports Grill, indicated many of the violations were in reference to security guards. He indicated the restaurant had security guards on the premises but the guards were not licensed. They have implemented a program to license the guards and the problem has been addressed. The other violation involves the number of guards per guests. Mr. Fronke indicated that the restaurant had underestimated the number of visitors anticipated and that they acknowledged times in which they may have been in technical violation of their conditional requirement. Mr. Mike McCoy, Police Department, indicated there is to be one security guard per 100 persons. The number ehouldnot be interpreted Commissioner Brown asked if the Hutton Development owner coordinates with the restaurant for security issues. Mr. Fonke indicated no. The National Sports Grill has independently provided security for the location. Commissioner Pedroza asked how many persons have been over the occupancy level. Mr. McCoy indicated 150 to 250 people had been over the occupancy limit. Inquiry regarding on-site security always relied on the valet as security. Use of the valet for security purposes is not acceptable. ' Chairman Mondo asked if the current training program for security guards in compliance with the City. Mr. McCoy responded yes. Commissioner Nalle moved to receive and file the annual review of the National Sports Gri11; Conditional Use Permit No. 94-10 and Variance No. 94-7 and to have the item come before the Commission in 60 days. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Brown. AYES: Mondo, Brown, Nalle, Pedroza, and Segura NOES: None ABSENT: Doughty and Oliver G. ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 95-3 filed by the City of Santa Ana to establish guidelines for potential conversions and enlargements of single family housing units. (Kenneth Adams) RECOMMENDATION: Recommend that the City Council approve Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 95-3. Mr. Kenneth Adams, Planning Manager, provided an overview of Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 95-3. He indicated this item is to provide policy direction regarding expansions of single family dwelling units. For the past eight years, staff has been discouraging the construction of additions to unite which readily lend themselves to conversions. This Zoning Ordinance Amendment will allow the Planning Manager on an individual basis to deny or approve the requested expansions. However, the decision may be appealed to the Planning Commission for final determination. ' Chairman Mondo asked why there was a need for an ordinance and could a policy statement regarding the Commission's position of potential single family conversions suffice. Mr. Richard Lay, Assistant City Attorney, stated that the ordinance addressing the issue would provide a stronger legal basis for staff action. A written policy simply did not have the same legal status of an adopted ordinance. Commissioner Nalle moved to approve Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 95-3. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Brown. AYES: Mondo, Brown, Nalle, Pedroza, and Segura NOES: None ABSENT: Doughty and Oliver 2 H. Comments from the Executive Director. (Robyn Uptegraff) H. Comments from the Executive Director. (Robyn Uptegraff) 1. Ms. Uptegraff at ated that the Northgate Market project will be on the next City Council Agenda as a reconsideration item; and 2. Two previous items of the Planning Commission are being appealed to City Council. The Aeroglobe project (CUP No. 95-12) and the Chevron (VA No. 95-4) sign. I. Comments from the Planning Manager. (Kenneth Adams) No comments were made. J. Comments from the Planning Commission 1. Commissioner Na11e asked if it is unusual for City Council to overturn a recommendation of Planning Commission. Ma. Uptegraff indicated that the City Council is usually consistent with the Planning Commission recommendation although there are occasions in which the Council sees the policy issue s as being different. 2. Chairman Mondo indicated that there has been an increase in towing activities on 3200 South Main, and asked staff to inspect the ongoing operation and ensure that the company is in compliance with the City; and 3. Chairman Mondo requested staff to determine the use of a small cabin that is located on the top of a building on Main and MacArthur. PLANNPlG COMMISSION MW VIES Aug~mt 14, 1995 3 PUBLIC BEARINGS PUBLIC BEARINGS 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 Commissioners Brown, Nalle, Pedroza, and Segura. Also in attendance were Robyn Uptegraff, Executive Director, Kenneth Adams, Planning Manager; other City staff in attendance: Richard Lay, Assistant City Attorney; Melanie McCann, Assistant Planner II, Maya DeROSa, Environmental Coordinator, Gene Neimasz, Public Works, Jeffry Rice, Senior Planner; Vince Fregoso, Associate Planner; 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. GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 95-1 filed by the City of Santa Ana to update the Circulation Element of the General Plan and to revise the Bikeway Master Plan citywide. (Melanie McCann) Recommend that the City Council adopt a resolution approving General Plan Amendment No. 95-1 to amend the Circulation Element of the General Plan. Ms. Melanie McCann, Assistant Planner II gave an overview of the staff report for General Plan Amendment No. 95-1 and displayed elides of the proposed bikeway. She indicated Public Works and Recreation and Community Services have contributed to the update of the bikeway project. Ma. McCann stated that the Amendment proposed will set a new policy direction for the City's longterm development of bikeways. The Master Plan identifies over 50 additional linear miles of bikeways to serve recreational and commuter needs for the community. However, portions of the bikeways are not being recommended by staff due to written and verbal protests by residences from the Floral, Fisher, and West Park neighborhoods. Staff will continue to coordinate with neighborhoods during the update of the Bikeway Master Plan. ' Chairman Mondo asked if there is a timeline for the project. Ms. McCann responded no. Commissioner Nalle asked how the project will be funded. Ms. McCann stated funding will take place through a variety of grant programs. Commissioner Nalle asked what types of crimes took place in the areas where residents are opposed to the bikeways. Mr. Ron Ono, Recreation and Community Services, stated in general the crimes revolved around gun activity and burglaries. Commissioner Nalle asked if staff felt it was a good idea to create these bikeways throughout the City. Mr. Ono responded the bikeways provide two beneficial aspects. They provide additional recreational opportunities and commuter needs. Commissioner Na11e asked if a cost estimation for the bikeways had been prepared. Mr. Ono responded he does not know the costs of the project at this time. Mr. Adams indicated the issue before the Commission is the policy document in which costs were not usually identified. Chairman Mondo asked if the Bikeway Plan is not implemented, would the City's General Plan be out of compliance. Mr. Lay indicated not necessarily. He indicated that as long as the City made steps toward implementation of the Bikeway Plan there exists no legal basis for the General Plan being out of compliance. Commissioner Nalle stated staff has spent slot of time preparing the Bikeway Plan, however staff should develop costs and identify funding sources in the process. Ms. Uptegraff at ated staff can provide the Commission with additional information regarding the funding of the Bikeway Plan. PLANNING COMMLCSIGN MINUTES August lA 1995 4 Chairman Mondo stated he would like more time to review the Bikeway Plan ~...i .n.......i ~.. n..n~i....e re..a..~l nl ~.. n........i.......F w... nc_l C.... ~n ~~..- mti- Chairman Mondo stated he would like more time to review the Bikeway Plan and moved to continue General Plan Amendment No. 95-1 for 30 days. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Brown. AYES: Mondo, Brown, Nalle, Pedroza, and Segura NOES: None ABSENT: Doughty and Oliver 2. ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 95-1 (SPECIFIC PLAN FOR STREET ALIGNMENT NO. 56) AND MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION (ER NO. 93-117) filed by the City of Santa Ana's Public Works Agency to widen and realign Standard Avenue from Santiago Street to Chestnut Avenue. (Maya DeRosa/Gene Neimasz) ' (Continued by Planning Coamrission JuSy 24, 1995 to August 14, 1995) RECOMMENDATION: 1. Recommend that the City Council approve Zoning ordinance Amendment No. 95-1 for amending the future right-of-way lines for Standard Avenue (Specific Plan for Street Alignment NO. 56; and 2. Recommend that the City Council approve Mitigated Negative Declaration (ER No. 93-117) Ma. Maya DeRosa and Gene Neimasz presented an overview of the staff report and displayed mocks of the widening project proposed for Standard Avenue. Mr. Neimasz indicated adoption of Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 95-1 is proposed to improve traffic circulation and provide better access in the area. The proposed widening will provide two travel lanes in each direction separated by a striped median. There will be six full takes and 17 partial takes due to the project. Ms. DeRosa provided an overview of the environmental impacts of the project. She stated a Mitigated Negative Declaration was approved for the project. She indicated that the Eastside and Logan neighborhoods were noticed as part of the environmental public review process for the street widening project. No comments were received from either neighborhoods. She noted that there would be short-term impacts related to construction emissions and an increase in noise from construction activities. As part of the mitigation monitoring program, the streets will be watered down daily to reduce fugitive dust and the hours of construction will be ' restricted to limit disturbances. All property owners effected by the right-of-way, will receive fair market value for their properties. Due to the street widening, there may be displacement of on-street parking, however, the City will work with effected property and business owners. Commissioner Brown asked if staff received any comments regarding the residential takes. Ms. DeRosa responded no. Commissioner Mondo asked, of the full takes, what percentage would be fragmented parcels. Ms. DeRosa responded approximately 50 percent. Commissioner Nalle asked what excess references. Mr. Niemasz responded the excess amount refers to the left over property from a take. Commissioner Brown recommended approval of Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 95-1 and the Mitigated Negative Declaration No. 93-117. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Segura. AYES: Mondo, Brown, Nalle, Pedroza, and Segura NOES: None ABSENT: Doughty and Oliver 3. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 95-13 filed by Interstate Consolidated Industries to relocate a home improvement store (HomeBase) from 1535 West ' Bristol Street to 1441 West Seventeenth Street in the General Commercial (C2) zoning district. (Jeffry Rice) RECOMMENDATION: Approve Conditional Use Permit No. 95-13 as conditioned by staff and adopt the findings as submitted by staff. Mr. Jeffry Rice, Senior Planner gave a brief overview of the staff report and indicated the applicant is proposing to relocate HomeBase from it's current Bristol Street location to a site fronting on Seventeenth Street in a 104,000 square foot building. A proposed intermediate school will occupy the current HomeBase site and will be physically separated from the proposed retail site. Most of the existing retail buildings are scheduled for demolition; only two original buildings will remain from the original project (Bristol MarketPlace), Ralphs and Montgomery Ward. Staff recommended approval of Conditional Use Permit No. 95-13. PIANNING COMMISSION MINUTES August 14, 1995 5 Mr. Scott Bell, representative from Interstate Consolidated Induatriea, rh....l...A ..4 ..Fi inv Vhn.v heal.. ~...i .n.i: n~•cfl he nnn n..vc ...:fh •hc nnnflJh:n..a Mr. Scott Bell, representative from Interstate Consolidated Induatriea, thanked staff for their help and indicated he concurs with the conditions as proposed by staff. Mr. James R. Van Gaasbeek, indicated the neighborhood has concerns regarding security. During construction, the area will be widely exposed and it will be difficult for the Police Department to patrol the area. He requested the Commission to not allow construction between the hours of 7:00 p.m. through 7:00 a.m. to help limit the noise impacts from trucks, and fork lifts. Mr. Gaasbeek also expressed concerns regarding the ambient heat from the building's HVAC system. He stated the relocation of the units may be closer to his property and requested that the airconditioning units noise be held to a minimum and the area be shielded so his property will not be effected by the heat gain distributed from the HVAC system. Chairman Mondo asked staff if the conditions contained restricted hours of construction. Ms. DeRosa indicated construction activity is allowed during the hours of 7:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m. from Monday through Saturday and is not allowed on Sunday(s) and holiday(aj. Chairman asked Mr. Bell if construction during the hours of 7:00 a.m. through 8:00 p.m. creates a scheduling problem. Mr. Bell responded no. Commissioner Nalle moved to approve Conditional Use Permit No. 95-13 as conditioned by staff and adopt the findings as submitted by staff. Commissioner Segura seconded the motion. AYES: Mondo, Brown, Nalle, Pedroza, and Segura NOES: None ABSENT: Doughty and Oliver 4. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC. (For matters not orev iously listed on the Agenda) Mr. James Kendrick thanked the Commission for the approval of the Widening of Standard Avenue and indicated it will benefit the City. He also expressed concerns regarding the approval of the Northgate project. He indicated he knew the $6.5 million development would be an economic enhancement to the Downtown Development area. However, he thought the area would eventually develop itself without forcing the Northgate Market and asked the Commission to keep focused the longterm vision of what is needed for Santa Ana. 4. ERCUSE OF ABSENCES. Commissioner Brown moved to excuse the absences of Commissioners' Doughty and Oliver. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Segura and passed unanimously. 5. Mr. Adams requested the Commission to adjourn the meeting until 5:00 p.m., Monday, August 28, 1995, City Hall, Eighth Floor, Room 831. Chairman Mondo moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Brown. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. ~~~-,-~\ lann ng Commission ~_ PLANNING COMMISSION MWIIIFS 6 Ausuet Ia, re9s