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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004 - February 18 APPROVED MINUTES Planning Commission City of Orange PRESENT: ABSENT: PRESENT: INRE: IN RE: February 18,2004 Monday - 7:00 p.m. Commissioners Bonina, Brandman, Domer, Pruett and Smith None Leslie Aranda Roseberry, Planning Manager/Secretary Gary Sheatz, Assistant City Attorney Roger Hohnbaum, Assistant City Engineer Jerre Wegner, Recording Secretary PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: None COMMISSION REORGANIZATION The Commission voted upon the position of Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Commission. Commissioner Bonina nominated Ben Pruett to be re-elected as Chairman of the Commission. A motion was made by Commissioner Brandman and seconded by Commissioner Bonina to re-elect Ben Pruett. AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Commissioners Bonina, Brandman, Domer, and Smith. None Commissioner Pruett None MOTION CARRIED Vice-Chairman Smith nominated Phillip Bonina for the position of Vice-Chairman of the Commission. A motion was made by Commissioner Brandman and seconded by Commissioner Domer. AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: IN RE: Commissioners Brandman, Domer, Pruett and Smith. None Commissioner Bonina None MOTION CARRIED COMMISSION BUSINESS Jenny Wedge, Communications Specialist for the Orange County Water District, gave a presentation on a new water purification project called the Groundwater Replenishment System. She noted that those wishing further information should view the District's presentation at www.gwrsystem.com. IN RE: ITEMS TO BE CONTINUED OR WITHDRAWN: None. Planning Commission February 18, 2004 IN RE: CONTINUED HEARINGS: APPROVED (1) CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 2477-03 AND VARIANCE NO. 2125-03 - GERALD MCGRATH A request to allow the construction of a 590 sq. ft. artist's studio with full interior plumbing facilities located behind an existing detached garage. Also requested is a Variance to allow the combined square footage of the new artist's studio and existing garage (1,014 sq. ft.) to exceed fifty percent (50%) of the square footage of the primary residence (1,424 sq. ft.), and to allow reductions in the code required minimum side yard and rear yard building setbacks. The site is located at 221 N. Maplewood Street. NOTE: The project is categorically exempt from the prOVISIons of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per State CEQA Guidelines 15303 (Class 3 - New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures). This item was continued from the February 2, 2004, Planning Commission Meeting. The Commissioners made the following questions and comments: · Had the applicant reached out to neighbors? Commissioner Bonina had asked the applicant to do so at the last meeting. The answer was no, as the applicant had recently had back surgery which made it difficult for him to sit and walk. Commissioner Bonina noted that he was upset that Mr. McGrath had not tried harder to reach out to his neighbors. · The applicant had invited the Commissioners to his home to see the scope of the project as well as its relationship to the neighboring homes, and several of the Commissioners had visited the site. Commissioner Brandman commented that she visited the site, and was amazed at the size and height of the buildings immediately around the McGrath home and questioned if those had been permitted. It was noted by Chairman Pruett that the Commission business at this meeting related strictly to the applicant's request. The public was invited to speak: Opposed: Kathleen McMurray, 211 N. Maplewood, Orange. Ms. McMurray's property is immediately to the south of the applicant's property. She stated that she would like to see some type of screening, as there is a very large area (approximately 4 feet x 25 of a white expanse) that faces her property. She was looking into alternatives to help shield her property from the large white wall of the structure. In Favor: Scott Parker, 1040 N. Elizabeth, Orange. Mr. McGrath spoke to several issues regarding his project. . He stated that he would look into several options to shield the south facing wall. One option would be some sort of creeping fig or cypress trees. He also noted that he could possibly add some faux window structures to break up the large white wall. 2 Planning Commission APPROVED February 18, 2004 . He noted several other projects within the area that were not to code. Chairman Pruett stated that he was disappointed in Mr. McGrath for spending a great deal of time on these other issues, and not focusing on the fact that he had caused this extensive review by the Planning Commission by his own failure to get the proper permits to start this project. Commissioner Smith asked the applicant ifhe was aware of the Staff Report and the deed restriction placed on the property prohibiting it from being rented out, as well as the fact that there could be no exhibitions conducted on this site, nor could it be used as a sales office. The public hearing was closed and the Commissioners made the following statements: . Suggested that Staff review the proposed screening on the south side of the new structure, and review it with the neighbor prior to issuing any permit on the project. . Disappointed that Mr. McGrath stated that if this project weren't approved, he would put up a bigger structure, when the proposed structure is already over allowable secondary structure percentage size. . Because of the close proximity of the neighboring homes, Commissioners would like to see the fireplace restricted to gas only, and not be log burning. Moved by Commissioner Smith, and seconded by Commissioner Brandman to adopt Resolution No. 46-03 approving Conditional Use Permit No. 2477-03 and Variance No. 2125-03 with the following additional Conditions added: Condition (8) that there be no chimney on this project, and Condition (9) Staff to consult with the neighbor to the south of the property (211 N. Maplewood), prior to final approval, to review plans to screen/soften the southern wall of the project by adding architectural detail or landscaping. AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Commissioners Bonina, Brandman, Domer, and Smith Chairman Pruett None None MOTION CARRIED MOTION Moved by Commissioner Bonina and seconded by Commissioner Brandman to Adjourn. AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Commissioners Bonina, Brandman, Domer, Pruett, and Smith None None None MOTION CARRIED The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. 3