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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/13/2001ACTION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AUGUST 13, 2001 CALLED TO ORDER 5:40 P.M. City Hall Ross Annex First Floor Conference Room 1600 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, California ATTENDANCE COMMISSIONERS Present: Glenn Mondo, Chairman Alexander Nalle, Vice Chairman Lynnette Verino, Pro Tem Don Cribb Molly Doughty Christopher Leo COMMISSIONERS Absent: Robert Richardson STAFF PRESENT Cynthia J. Nelson, Deputy City Manager Kenneth Adams, Assistant Director of Planning & Building Christopher Norman, Assistant City Attorney Jeffry Rice, Principal Planner John Reekstin, Executive Director Community Development Joyce Amerson, Public Works Mike McCoy, Police Department Yolanda Pena, Police Department Laura Johnson, Commission Secretary CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION: Cribb SECOND: Nalle AYES: Cribb, Doughty, Leo, Mondo, Nalle, Verino (6) NOES: None (0) ABSENT: Richardson (1) ABSTENTION: None (0) A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES from the regular meeting of July 9, 2001. Commissioner Cribb requested that the following correction to Item D be made to the minutes: The fourth paragraph, second sentence should read "He was concerned about the possibility that an artist's statement could be compromised by strong hard scape treatments." RECOMMENDATION: Approve the minutes from the regular meeting of July 23, 2001 as corrected. B. RECORDING SECRETARY REPORT RECOMMENDATION: Instruct the Commission Secretary to enter into the minutes. The July 23, 2001 Agenda was posted at the City Hall Council Chambers on July 20, 2001 at 8:00 a.m. * * * END OF CONSENT CALENDAR BUSINESS CALENDAR ' C. SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 2001-05 (SD-54) Filed by Crown Realty and Development, Inc. for site plan approval for a new six- story, 210,570 square foot office building within the Xerox Centre development. RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution approving Site Plan Review No. 2001-05 as conditioned. Vince Fregoso, Senior Planner, provided the staff report and gave details regarding the size, location, design, and parking. Elevation renderings of the project were displayed. Commissioner Cribb noted that the renderings displayed did not include the cantilevered metal awnings that had been on the renderings he had reviewed at an earlier date. He stated that the removal of the cantilevers detracted from the aesthetics of the building and wanted the architect to consider adding the cantilevers back into the design. Jim Hill with Crown Realty responded that they were working with a tenant who would occupy the majority of the building. The cantilevers were removed ' because of the expense and sensitivity to the economics of the tenant transaction. Mr. Hill noted the pedestrian portion of the building had also been enhanced with higher quality stone. Commissioner Nalle asked if the design change was the result of a desire for the building to be compatible with the surrounding developments. The architect, Enrico Como, detailed the design modifications and the reasons they had been made. Jeffry Rice added that the cantilevers had been removed in response to staff direction because it was believed that it would not be appropriate to add a new element. Further discussion ensued regarding redesign of the upper corner feature of the building. Chairman Mondo inquired about the financial implications of the design change and was advised that to add the cantilevers back into the design would cost between $20-25,000. He then asked how the project could be moved forward. Ms. Nelson responded that the Commission could approve as conditioned with the caveat that staff work the architect on the corner design. Motion to adopt a resolution approving Site Plan Review No. 2001-05 as conditioned. ' MOTION: Nalle SECOND: Cribb AYES: Cribb, Doughty, NOES: None (0) ABSENT: Richardson (1) ABSTENTION: None (0) Leo, Mondo, Nalle, Verino (6) Commisisoner Nalle requested the Commission be informed of the final design. He also inquired as to the rationale for the buildings to be similar in design. Jeffry Rice advised that the project had been part of amaster-planned PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 2 August 13, 2001 development and it was more appropriate for the buildings to be of similar design. Chairman Mondo clarified that any Commissioner wishing to have input into the design should contact Jeffry Rice. If the developer, staff, and Commissioners were satisfied then the project would return to the Commission as information. If there are any responses that are not favorable, the project will be brought before the Commission for a vote. 1~ RECOMMENDATION: Approve the Strategy Plan for the Costa Mesa Freeway. Bill Apple, Associate Planner, presented the Strategy Plan. He advised the Commission that it was along-term policy document that was designed to be implemented over the next 20 years. The purpose of the Plan and the involved area were outlined. The Strategy Plan would increase the major development areas identified in the General Plan from seven to nine. Higher intensity offices, restaurants and cafes, and child-care centers will be encouraged. Strip retail centers, "big box' development, and fast-food drive-through restaurants are not allowed. He stated that implementation of the Plan would improve the image of Santa Ana by improving the appearance of the freeway corridor. Outdoor storage will not be allowed and landscape standards would be created. As the area is developed specific projects will be presented for review and approval. Approval of the Plan will require an amendment to the Major Area Development Map in the City's General Plan that would be brought to the Commission for approval. The Plan would be provided to future developers when they inquire ' regarding specific proposed developments. Chairman Mondo stated that in terms of implementation, policy or uses were not being changed but opportunities were being created. Due to the location along the freeway, the image of the city would be enhanced and the message would be conveyed to developers that a shift in zoning could be possible. Commissioner Nalle requested clarification regarding the City code pertaining to outdoor storage and responsibility for weed abatement in the area. He also expressed concern about the possibility of a loss in industrial property and resulting loss of associated jobs and the traffic that would accompany office and restaurant development. Discussion was held. Commissioner Cribb stated that he was supportive of the Plan and that it would provide increased work opportunities. From a strategic perspective Santa Ana has not taken full advantage of the opportunities presented by the proposed Costa Mesa Freeway Corridor. The integration of mixed-use professional with the existing industrial would create a district that is unique in the region. Commissioner Leo asked if this would have any affect on the renewal of the Empowerment Zone. Ms. Nelson advised that many office users take advantage of the tax credits available through the Empowerment Zone and the Plan should not impact future designation. A general discussion ensued regarding the economics of the area and how they would change with office versus industrial development. Clarification of zoning issues was provided. Chairman Mondo inquired about the public notification process for a proposed General Plan Amendment. Jeffry Rice outlined the legal requirements. Commissioner Nalle stressed the importance of owners in the affected areas receiving appropriate notification. Commissioner Doughty suggested that PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 3 August 13, 2001 discussion between staff and property owners prior to Commission consideration of any proposed amendment to the General Plan would be beneficial. u MOTION: Mondo AYES: Cribb, Doughty, Leo, NOES: None (0) ABSENT: Richardson (1) ABSTENTION: None (0) SECOND: Doughty Mondo, Nalle, Verino ((i) WORK STUDY SESSION E. DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS STUDY SESSION Ann Ni, Associate Planner, provided a list of the projects that she is currently processing. She provided details on the type of use, location and status of the projects. Commissioner Cribb expressed concern over the traffic issues and land use impacts with the drive-through restaurants in the area of Tustin and Seventeenth. Joyce Amerson, Transportation Manager, advised that several public improvements are planned at the intersection of Tustin and Seventeenth Streets, and from a traffic stand point it will be improved. She will return at a later date to provide an update to the Commission. F. ONLINE PERMITTING (Ken Adams) Kenneth Adams, Assistant Director of Planning and Building, advised the Commission that the City's web page is currently in the first phase that provides information retrieval. The second phase will be interactive with the City Council and community representatives. The third phase is where interaction with departments will be made possible and this is not scheduled for at least another 12 months. He also discussed the need for real-time reporting of inspections as it would have a greater impact on the public than online permitting. It would shorten the time from inspection to utilities being turned on from days to hours. He advised the Commission that online permitting would be developed at a later date after more pressing needs had been met. COMMENTS Public Comments There were no public comments. 2. Comments from the Staff Cynthia Nelson advised the Commission that a review of the Commission's annual objectives would be provided to them in September. 3. Comments from the Planning Commission Commissioner Leo Expressed concern about the increase in the unemployment rate and wanted to look into ways to make Santa Ana more business friendly. Ms. Nelson advised him that staff had spent several months working the Chamber of PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 4 August 19, 2001 Commerce to streamline the permit process and an article would be released soon with the purpose of educating the business community regarding the improved process. Commissioner Verino • Asked for staff to investigate the overgrown pine trees on N. Lowell. • Advised staff that a resident on N. Lowell had a mature palm tree that it ' wanted to donate to the City. Ms. Amerson advised that it was less expensive to purchase new trees but that staff would look at it. Commissioner Cribb • Asked if the issue regarding storage facilities would be discussed soon and was advised that an ordinance amendment is being prepared.. • Expressed concern regarding the items recently passed by the Commission and denied by City Council such as the parking lot for La Canasta Furniture. Ms. Nelson advised that the Council direction was clear and future project recommendations would reflect such policy. Commissioner Nalle • Asked for clarification on the height of the wall at La Canasta furnishings and was advised that the issue was not height but rather the material used. Commissioner Cribb • Mentioned the accumulation of litter in the Artist Village and Bowers Museum areas. He asked if special cleaning of these areas was available and was advised that the Downtown was the only area that had provisions for special cleaning. Commissioner Douohtv • Asked for an update on the Farmers Insurance property. Jeffry Rice advised that demolition permits had been issued and that single-family homes were scheduled to be dveloped. 4. Excuse of Absences Motion by Commissioner Nalle and seconded by Commissioner Verino to excuse the absence of Commissioner Richardson and approved unanimously by a vote of 6:0. 5. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m. -l~% Laur Johnson Planning Co fission Secretary PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 5 August 13, 2001