HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-04-1992 PC MinutesMINUTES
Planning Commission May 4, 1992
City of Orange Monday - 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Commissioners Bosch, Cathcart, Master, Murphy, Scott
ABSENT: None
STAFF
PRESENT: Joan Wolff, Sr. Planner and Commission Secretary;
John Godlewski, Administrator of Current Planning;
Jack McGee, Director of Community Development;
Gary Johnson, City Engineer;
Bob Herrick, Assistant City Attorney; and
Sue Devlin, Recording Secretary
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IN RE: MINUTES OF APRIL 20. 1992
Moved by Commissioner Master, seconded by Commissioner Murphy, to approve
the Minutes of April 20, 1992 as recorded.
AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Cathcart, Master, Murphy, Scott
NOES: None MOTION CARRIED
IN RE: CONTINUED HEARING
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 1959-92 - VALERE A. AND HELEN M. TARDIF
A request to build a 2-story structure in the Residential Combining District. Orange
Municipal Code Sections 17.26.110 and 17.68.030 require that the applicant's plans
be reviewed by the Planning Commission. Subject property is located on a residential
parcel on the north side of the street, 110 feet east of Shaffer Street, addressed 521
East Washington Avenue.
NOTE: This project is categorically exempt from the provisions of the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per State CEQA
Guidelines, Section 15301.
This item was continued from the April 20, 1992 meeting.)
The public hearing was closed at the April 20 meeting; however, the Commission
voted to re-open the hearing:
Moved by Commissioner Bosch, seconded by Commissioner Master, to re-open the
public hearing.
AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Cathcart, Master, Murphy, Scott
NOES: None MOTION CARRIED
Ms. Wolff briefed the Commission on this item. It was a second unit in the R-2 zone in
the Residential Combining District. It is two stories in height
Planning Commission Minutes May 4, 1992
approval of the conditional use permit. The item was heard at the April 20 meeting. At
that time two major issues arose: 1) the request for approval of an administrative
adjustment to allow a 221/2 foot backup area in the garage space into the alley rather
than the 25 foot required; and 2) concern regarding privacy and the large window facing
northward out of the master bedroom. The Commission asked staff to discuss the
potential revisions to the site plan to resolve the problems. Staff has talked to the
applicant's architect. A revised site plan has not been received, but received a letter
from the architect that they would be willing to abide by the amended conditions: That
the building be set back an additional 21/2 feet from the rear property line, decreasing
the distance from 15 feet to 121 /2 feet between the two structures, and also that the
rear window on the second floor have translucent glazing or be view obscuring for the
bottom portion of the glass. The Commission has the authority to make a final
determination on this item.
Applicant
John Linnert, architect for the project, 1980 Continental, Costa Mesa, requested the
administrative adjustment for the minimum back up of the garage onto the alley. He
provided information addressing the issue to staff and is willing to make all the
accommodations the Commission is requesting, but took issue with the backup
requirement. Per his graphics standards book, it states a standard turning radius is 22
feet 5 inches. A car is able to be backed up in the 22 1/2 feet requested area. The
separation between buildings is five feet more than the standard.
Chairman Cathcart explained at the last meeting the administrative adjustment was
denied. It would require a motion to override it.
Commissioner Bosch said the other key issue was relative to vision from the second
floor northerly bedroom window. He wanted to know what was proposed for that
window that might be acceptable in terms of preserving light without causing direct
intervention into the yard.
Mr. Linnert said it was possible to provide an obscured glass on the lower sash (eye
level) and they are willing to accommodate that requirement.
Commissioner Scott thought the alley was only 14 feet wide.
Mr. Johnson believed the legal dimension of the alley was 15 feet. The applicant is to
provide 10 feet to make it 25 feet.
Opposition
Veral Pitsenbarger, 524 East Almond, requested both panes of glass be obscured if
possible. But if only the bottom half is obscured, that's fine. He asked that the glass be
conditioned to remain obscured because he was fearful once construction was
completed, the glass would be made clear.
Rebuttal
Mr. Linnert preferred the lower portion of glass be obscured.
The public hearing was closed.
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Planning Commission Minutes May 4, 1992
Chairman Cathcart asked the Commission their thoughts about the administrative
adjustment.
Commissioner Bosch said the difficulty was they could not guarantee what vehicles
would be moved in and out of the property for future property owners. Although the
applicant recognizes there may be a building separation where there is a garage
immediate opposite, that's not necessarily the case. He personally feels the City
needs to maintain the standard. To relax it, poses a liability to the property owner as
well as to the City. He was against re-opening the debate on the denied administrative
adjustment.
Moved by Commissioner Bosch, seconded by Commissioner Master, to approve
Conditional Use Permit 1959-92 subject to conditions 1-S, as stated in the April 24,
1992 memorandum, amending condition 2 by adding the words "permanently installed"
glass to the last sentence.
AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Cathcart, Master, Murphy, Scott
NOES: None MOTION CARRIED
IN RE: CONTINUED HEARING
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT, GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT, ZONE
CHANGE 1152-92 - SANTIAGO CREEK ASSOCIATES, A CALIFORNIA
GENERAL PARTNERSHIP
A proposed draft of a Development Agreement between the City of Orange and
Santiago Creek Associates regarding future development rights and assurances on a
33 acre site, located west of Tustin Avenue, east of Cambridge Street and north of
Fairway Drive and includes 5.2 acres commonly known as the former Rosewood tract.
Additionally, the Planning Commission may choose to discuss the General Plan
Amendment/Planned Community District booklet, to determine whether the document
has been revised in accordance with the conditions of approval specified by the
Commission at their April 20, 1992 hearing.
NOTE: In compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act,
an addendum to previously approved EIR 1143 has been
prepared.
This item was continued from the April 20, 1992 meeting.)
Mr. McGee stated the Commission had received a draft of the Development
Agreement between the City of Orange and Santiago Creek Associates, aS well as a
memo from him regarding the Agreement. It has been reviewed by the Assistant City
Attorney and Mr. McGee, as well as discussions with other key staff. The purpose of
the Agreement is to establish the terms of the development during the life of the
Agreement. The major points include: term of the Agreement is 7 years from the
Agreement approval; the project will be developed as approved by Council subject to
all of the conditions of approval and current regulations and fees; flood control
improvements will be provided, not only through the project, but additionally extended
west of there to the Cambridge Street bridge; at the request of the City, a one acre pad
will be created by the developer within the open space area for a community
organization such as the Y.M.C.A. or some other similar organization; funding or funding
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Planning Commission Minutes May 4, 1992
mechanism for maintenance of the project open space will be provided; and if the June
2 Proposition Y passes, it is agreed by the City and property owner that the land value
would be negotiated exclusive of any value enhancement created by the current
entitlement request. Subsequent to the memo, Mr. Herrick and Mr. McGee discussed
with the land owners' representative at quite some length some additional points of
information within the Agreement which they felt was important to have corrections
made. Before the meeting the Commission received a packet of corrected pages. The
pages should be included with the proposal.
Mr. Herrick said there was one additional page provided to the Commission, which has
been reviewed and accepted by the developer's agent. It should be added to the
proposal.
Applicant
Frank Elfend, Elfend and Associates, 4675 MacArthur Court, Suite 616, Newport
Beach, explained the process that had occurred over the past week. They came to an
agreement on the general terms of the deal points for the Agreement and they
provided staff with those changes. From their perspective they don't believe any of the
deal points have changed as a result of the modifications. Mr. McGee and Mr. Herrick
asked for certain clarifications so that the wording would be clear and they agreed to do
that.
Commissioner Master asked if it were their intent to use Mello Roos? (No, not as of this
date.)
The Commission wanted staff to acknowledge if there was concurrence on their part
regarding the changes.
Mr. Herrick briefly looked through the changes and they appear to reflect the changes
requested. There was one issue not fully resolved having to do with some technicalities
in the assignment clause. That can be resolved and is not a problem. He pointed out a
great deal of the difficulty in coming to exact language was created by the fact the City
adopted an ordinance that has a form agreement written into the ordinance. That form
agreement does not fit all stages of development; it needed clarification.
Commissioner Scott asked if other department heads had a chance to review the
changes?
Mr. Herrick responded the changes had not been reviewed by any department head
other than Mr. McGee.
Mr. Elfend said the changes were made to specific issues raised by Mr. Herrick. Those
items were primarily planning issues, which he had discussed with Mr. McGee. There
were no changes made to other sections that any other department head would have
participated in.
Those speakina in opposition
Mary Anne Skorpanich, 292 Cambridge, submitted the following comments on the
Development Agreement: To leave the Santiago Creek in its natural state. A
greenbelt channel is still a flood control channel. It falls short of the stated mutual goal of
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Planning Commission Minutes May 4, 1992
the City and community of Orange. Their request is to amend the Development
Agreement to require Santiago Creek's design as that of a natural creek with a
recreational trail. She read into the record their definition of a natural creek and asked that
it be included in the Agreement. They also asked that Exhibit E be amended to include
their design criteria for improvements carried out under the Agreement (both on and off
site). Four additional corrections to the document were requested.
Lisa Blanc, 368 South Orange, expressed her concerns over the Development
Agreement and the project. She was unaware of this project and she thought there
were other people in the same position. She thought the zoning was inappropriate for
the area. Traffic was a main concern. How was the public noticed? What is a
Development Agreement and what does it mean? She requested more public
notification in the future.
Mr. Godlewski responded notification for the project was done through the assessor's
parcel rolls (within a 300 foot radius of the project site). A development agreement is an
agreement between the developer and City. It guarantees certain development rights
to today's current development standards. The development would be subject to
those rules m effect at the time the Agreement is signed if the development standards
should change in the future.
Chairman Cathcart explained the Commission has been put in an awkward position.
Time constraints have been placed on them as the City Council wants to hear this item
prior to the June ballot.
Rebuttal
Mr. Elfend would be happy to talk with Ms. Blanc and explain the nature of the request.
The request isfor aloes-medium density designation and many of her concerns could be
answered. This is a refinement of the goals and objectives of the Greenway Alliance
Committee -- the people they have worked with for some time. He had a draft
memorandum prepared by the Greenway Alliance Committee dated January 9, 1992.
It specified design criteria of what they desire to see that creek be designed as. They
used that as the basis of their design criteria. This is an evolutionary process and they
will continue to take constructive comments and incorporate them into the process. They
have tried to the maximum extent possible to have the creek drive the development
plan. They used the Urban Edges study as the basis for a subsequent design.
They've come a long way from other plans that were submitted. He would like to
obtain a policy decision and move forward with a plan that would define the General
Plan parameters.
The public hearing was closed.
Commissioner Bosch had questions with regard to the Development Agreement:
Page 6, Paragraph M -- clarification needed on the definition of "disproportionate share"
and it's legal impact.
Mr. Herrick assured the Commission he looked at that as being legally defensible.
Page 5, Paragraph K -- reference to a timely manner --clarification of the legal definition
requested.
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Planning Commission Minutes May 4, 1992
Mr. Herrick responded those kinds of phrases will be interpreted as reasonable in the
context of the Agreement and the normal development process.
Page 13 and other places in the document -- descriptions of the project consisting of a
total of 240 residential units -- looking for a stipulation that as per the General Plan
Amendment that it can be indicated "not more than" or "not to exceed", whichever
language is legally appropriate.
Mr. Elfend responded when they sat down with staff, it was staff's request as part of the
Development Agreement there be further concessions relative to the provision of off-
site improvements at Cambridge, as well as some provision for maintenance of the
open space area, it was discussed they would have the ability to provide for a total of
240 units, provided they were consistent with the existing rules. This was a deal point
to them in making those concessions.
Mr. Herrick said there were interests in preserving certain kinds of words in certain places.
In the corrected version (Page 13) handed to the Commission before the meeting,
language has been inserted which specifies that the project shall consist of a total of 240
residential units and the number of square feet of commercial use as are permitted or
conditionally permitted in accordance with the zone change provided, however, that the
application for a tentative tract map, site plan or conditional use permit shall be in
compliance with the zone change and the existing rules. As the tentative tract maps
come m, there could be situations m which compliance with the current standards would
necessitate fewer than 240 units being approved on the project and the applicant is
acknowledging that possibility.
Chairman Cathcart was concerned in that everything should be consistent between what
is being said in the General Plan Amendment and the Development Agreement. It was
unanimous at the last meeting that the terminology "up to 240 units" be used.
Mr. Herrick said the applicant felt the other language implied a discretion beyond what
the normal development standards and processes currently allow, and they were trying
to work within that concern. Planning staff's position has been that the 240 units is
acceptable so long as they can meet all the criteria of the current standards and goals.
Page 15, middle of the page, "The parties agree...." -- there was confusion because it
appears that certain things do not carry over to the succession and ownership of
property, and other things do. Clarification is requested on the intent.
Mr. Herrick said the assignment clause is the one area they have not finalized the
language. The intent is to provide that the property owner has the free right of
assignment of his interests, but any assignment of duties is going to have to be in a
proportion to assignment of the interest in the land and cannot be set up so that a small
interest in the land would acquire all the duties and therefore there would be no economic
interest to proceed. They are trying to finalize this between the two attorneys.
Page 16, additional words being added to Paragraph 3.4 -- has Mr. Elfend seen this?
Yes, it was faxed to his office.)
Page 25 -- would like to see that kind of language occurring whenever there is a
reiteration upon the caveat of the City not to impose conditions for consistency
throughout the document.
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Planning Commission Minutes May 4, 1992
Page 28 --the same thing occurs (bottom of the page) relative to needing an addition
for future state or federal law.
Page 30, middle of Paragraph 4.4 -- indicates the development approval process as
provided in Section 4.1, yet Section 4.2 refers to those future state and federal laws.
The sentence needs to be clarified.
Page 31, last sentence of the primary paragraph -- "To the maximum extent permitted
by law..." -- whose dollars and how is it determined?
Mr. Herrick said the City has a constitutional obligation to defend any such initiative
ordinance and they have changed that language to reflect the City will cooperate with
them and not impede their ability to challenge the initiative, but they recognize the fact
that in any such lawsuit, the City would have to be on the other side of the issue. The
wording has been changed and is in the 6:30 p.m. packet.
Page 32, top portion of the page -- what protection does the applicant or City have in
that regard under law given the wording of the sentence? Clarification is requested.
Mr. Herrick suggested to clarify it to the extent that any such action delays progress on
the project, that they would have that time extension.
Commissioner Bosch said there is no vehicle to assure protection against an action
taken to intentionally delay the project by either party causing an addition of time to the
actual delay.
Mr. Herrick said the City is not going to be able to maintain an action for the purpose of
delay. The City has an obligation to defend an initiative that might create a delay, but
once that obligation is exercised in bad faith, there would be some difficulty under the
Agreement.
Page 32, last sentence of the same paragraph -- shouldn't the sentence say City or
owner? It's a 50/50 agreement and each has obligations.
Counsel for the Lyon Company explained the last paragraph. It is to provide some
assurance to the developer that if there is an action pending, which is delaying the
project, that the benefits and entitlements under the Agreement would still continue until
such time as it is resolved.
That sentence still needs to be clarified for the record.
Mr. Herrick said the Agreement provides that the developer would indemnify the City
for the costs incurred if there is a challenge to the Development Agreement. That is a
financial obligation of the developer.
Page 32, Paragraph 4.5.2 -- requirement of future state or federal laws should be
included.
Page 33, Paragraph 4.5.4, first sentence -- what does agrees to support mean? It's a
broad statement from the public's point of view. There was concern with the implication
that there might be some financial support of the development.
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Planning Commission Minutes May 4, 1992
Mr. Herrick said the intent was a good faith obligation of the City to continue the process.
The language can be changed.
Page 37, conclusion of Paragraph 5.4.3 at top of page -- applications and development
in accordance with the existing rules. Is there a need to reiterate the critical ordinances or
standards of the City in terms of grading, landscaping, fire, building, security, public
works approvals, etc.? Or is the language sufficient to indicate that those would be in
place at the time of adoption of the Agreement and would include those?
Mr. Herrick believed the existing rules definition does give a laundry list of examples,
which are in Section 5.4.
The Commission felt reiteration was needed and language should be included for
clarification.
Page 42, Paragraph 6.6 -- Imposition on other owners -- needs to be clarified. The
wording was a little vague.
Mr. Herrick said the Agreement, as far as fees are concerned, provides for payment of
the developer impact fees that would be payable anyway. That concern can be
addressed. In this case, the developer will be building all the capital facilities without
obligations of other owners.
Mr. Elfend said this was part of the model Development Agreement ordinance and they
would not be opposed to deleting it. The existing rules was misquoted. It is noted on
Page 20, under 4.1.
Page 47, Paragraph 9.2 -- Enforced delay, extension of time or performance. It
appears to allow certain extension of privileges or time of performance without regard to
negligence, potential fault, etc. on the part of either party. There was a concern about
the words "excused performance". Clarification was needed on limitations of litigation or
similar basis for excused performance, which would again provide for an extension of
time.
Mr. Herrick said that could be tied back to the language discussed earlier to make sure it
is consistent.
Page 49, Paragraph 10.3 -- Foreclosure. According to this, anyone who comes into
possession of the property pursuant to foreclosure, takes the property free and clear
from any obligations under the Agreement. How does that relate to the G.P.A. and
zoning? Are they mute at that point?
Mr. Herrick said it should be obligations and benefits. The zoning would remain as that
was a legislative act, but the vested right to the zoning would dissolve.
Page 51, Paragraph 11.1.2 -- is another place for inclusion as the exception for
requirements of future state or federal laws in the first sentence.
Commissioner Master was concerned about the language "up to 240 units". On Pages
34 and 35 consistency is needed. Exhibit E - "minimum of".
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Planning Commission Minutes May 4, 1992
Mr. Herrick responded that language has been changed as of the 6:30 packet. The
applicant's concern was if a lesser amount of units was approved, it would present a
financial hardship to construct some of the off-site improvements the City was requiring
because of the Development Agreement. As a result, that language has been
changed -- If fewer than 240 residential units are ultimately approved, it no longer refers
to a minimum of 240 units; it merely provides a mechanism for dealing with what
happens if they don't get 240 units and it provides for some sort of proportional
reduction in the down stream flood control improvement obligation. This language refers
to one particular set of improvements, which is the improvements between the
boundary line of the project and Cambridge bridge.
Chairman Cathcart said they're trying to get a consistent language to ensure that all
parties in the document are consistently handled. The Commission was looking for
clarification.
Commissioner Murphy said there was concern expressed regarding the corrections and
updates. Did Mr. McGee feel comfortable with the requested change of language?
Mr. McGee said he was with Mr. Herrick in meetings this date. The legal aspects are
well understood by Mr. Herrick. The time frame has not allowed in-depth discussion
with other departments, but they have made brief efforts to keep other departments
updated. He feels comfortable with the changes.
Commissioner Bosch stated the Commission was concerned about the short period of
time for review; the complicated complications and on-going negotiations; the agenda
set in terms of timing. They encouraged staff and City Council to engage deeply into
this to find answers to the ambiguities. They put their caution on those things that are
muddy or are of concern at this time.
Moved by Commissioner Bosch, seconded by Commissioner Murphy to recommend
to the City Council:
Mr. McGee's review of the last additions by departments and looking for a full
review by the departments and recommendations to the City Council in ample time
prior to their hearing to assure that any questions that might rise could be answered prior
to their decision.
That the City Council consider the implications and desirability of approving this
Agreement at the time of the approval of the tentative tract map rather than at this earlier
time.
Inclusion of all of the changes and modifications placed before the Commission in the
6:30 p.m. document subject to confirmation by all the applicable department heads
prior to City Council action.
That the document be conformed to assure substantial conformance of wording and
in key instances relative to the applicability of future state and federal laws; and to the
maximum limit on dwelling units per the General Plan Amendment, zoning, and the
stipulations of the Agreement, wherever they may appear throughout the Agreement,
as well as to correction of typos and providing clarity of definition of the existing rules.
Spell it out and provide the laundry list for that m the appropriate location. Repetition is
essential with full reference.
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Planning Commission Minutes May 4, 1992
Assignment clauses have been indicated to need substantial work to assure
continuity and proper assignment of both the obligations and the benefit of the
Agreement under a variety of different future scenarios. Given the ambiguity in the
assignment clauses in the document, the Commission is unable to make a
recommendation as to their adequacy.
The addition to Paragraph 3.4 between the last two sentences, proposed by the
City Attorney, and stipulated by the developer, relative to setting property value
based upon general plan designation and zoning applicable to the property prior to the
G.P.A. and zone change in the Agreement, to be included.
That on Page 31, the constitutional obligations of the City, as well as its obligations
and rights under existing City ordinances be clarified relative to the definitions of
challenges to initiatives; and obligations of the City during any of those challenges
clarified.
That on Page 32, Paragraph 4.5.1 be modified to state however unless enjoined no
such action or proceeding shall excuse the City from its obligations to provide benefits
or entitlements required under this Agreement.
That on Page 32, Paragraph 4.5.4 be amended to clarify ambiguity relative to the
statement the City agrees to support and make its indication relative to the process
involved rather than to financial support for the project development.
That Paragraph 6.6 imposition on other owners be analyzed in detail to explain the
limits and to eliminate ambiguous language.
The applicant has agreed to delete this paragraph.)
That on Page 47, Paragraph 9.2, the limitations and obligations relative to litigation or
similar basis for excused performance be clarified.
That on Page 49, under Paragraph 10.3 -Foreclosure, be amended to indicate that
the mortgagee be free and clear from any obligations and benefits under this
Agreement.
That Exhibit E look to clarification of the intent relative to the one acre pad for
community services and analysis of the impacts that clarification or definition in the light of
the General Plan Amendment and zoning approvals to be sure there is no conflict with
those.
A concern was expressed by the public regarding the definition of a natural stream
bed -- it's a problem with regard to any of the options assignable to this given what
may occur relative to the Corps. of Engineers and E.M.A. The Commission was
concerned about the definition of the natural creek, as well. There is a gray area
between that and the property rights beyond the Commission's right to assign at this
time. They encouraged further investigation of providing a naturalized stream bed
consistent with the historical aspects of the stream in the area under normal conditions
that also accommodates the flood protection requirement necessary for this community
down stream and preserves the pre-existing development rights of the developer.
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Planning Commission Minutes May 4, 1992
The Commission asks the Council to consider the viability of the two options for the
stream bed and to lean towards a more: naturalized solution given outside constraints
imposed upon the final configuration of the stream.
AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Cathcart, Master, Murphy, Scott
NOES: None MOTION CARRIED
Chairman Cathcart assured the public the City would not stop reviewing and having
concern over the document and ultimate plan.
Validation of the General Plan Amendment
Commissioner Scott questioned the open space on the north property line on Page 2?
Under the fifth bubble it was talking about single family type land, but a P.U.D. contains
two to four units per development. He has not yet seen the Urban Edges study. He
questioned the exhibit under the General Plan Amendment (Exhibit 2) which shows the
access to Tustin at the south edge rather than at La Veta. He felt that should be
corrected. On Page 7, it states the Public Works Department has conceptually
approved apre-channel design. The memo from Jack Brotherton dated April 7 states
they have not approved it. Has Public Works conceptually reviewed the project?
Yes.)
Consistency was again encouraged throughout the entire document.
Commissioner Bosch referred to the memorandum of April 17 from staff. Does staff
feel Item 18 has been adequately handled relative to Page 31 ? (Off site
improvements has been moved to Page 33.)
Mr. Elfend said there was a memorandum from Joan Wolff dated May 1. They
discussed with staff and made corrections based on those discussions.
Staff felt comfortable with the changes.
IN RE: CONTINUED HEARING
ZONE CHANGE 1147-91, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 1947-91 -REEVES
ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS FOR PEP BOYS
A proposal to demolish a portion of an existing shopping center and construct a Pep
Boys automotive retail and service facility. The requested zone change is from C-1
Limited Business) district to C-2 (General Business) district and the conditional use
permit is to allow automotive repair and service uses on property adjacent to a
residential zone. The previously requested variance permit for additional wall height has
been withdrawn. The project site is located on the north side of Katella Avenue 400
feet east of Glassell. The site also has frontage on Glassell Street 150 feet north of
Katella Avenue.
NOTE: Negative Declaration 1400-91 has been prepared to address the
environmental impacts of this project.
This item was continued from the April 6, 1992 meeting.)
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Planning Commission Minutes May 4, 1992
Ms. Wolff reviewed the staff report and gave a brief update. At the previous hearing
several issues were raised requiring further study and discussion. The request is to
construct a Pep Boys automotive retail and service facility within an existing commercial
center. The project would require demolition of a portion of that center and construction
of a 22,000 square foot building containing 10 automotive service bays. This type of
use is permitted only in the C-2 zone rather than the C-1 zone and is allowed only by a
C.U.P.; therefore, it necessitates the zone change which has been requested. In the
past month the applicant has prepared additional material for the Commission's review
and response to the questions raised (i.e., noise, signage and landscaping). A revised
acoustical report was submitted; it finds that the City's noise standards can be
maintained utilizing block walls no higher than six feet. The original study indicated that an
eight foot high block wall would be needed to mitigate noise impacts. The variance
request was filed to authorize fence height that exceeded the City's six foot height
standard. The Commission has the revised noise study and a letter from the applicant
withdrawing the variance request. Additional materials submitted include a landscape
plan for the northerly planter area and some elevations showing the proposed signage.
Applicant
Larry Reeves, Reeves Associates Architects, 417 South Hill Street, Los Angeles,
covered the technical questions. They agree to post signs as stated in condition 11.
The current managers of the shopping center are responsible to maintain the center and
they believe the managers will continue to do so. They will operate between 8:00 a.m.
and 9:00 p.m. on weekdays; 9-6 on Sundays and agree to only deliver during the
week -- not on Saturdays or Sundays. Condition 14 has been modified to reflect those
hours. They were requested to study the area adjacent to their building and to the
residential zones next to their property. They engaged a landscape architect and he
had conversations with City staff. Staff has asked for some modifications. They have
not as yet gone to the Design Review Board for a full landscape plan; it's pending a final
layout approval. The plans reflect fairly dense landscaping along the property line.
Currently there is no landscaping along the wall. He did have elevations showing the
signage. The two main elevations (south and west) will have signs. They've mitigated
the noise issue so that the eight foot wall was no longer requested. However, if the
neighbors still have complaints and want the wall, they will seek a variance to build the
eight foot wall. They have talked with many of the neighbors and want to work with
them.
Chris Clinton, 3320 Greenbriar, Dallas, Texas, had prepared a brief statement which he
passed on to the Commission; then he summarized it for the public. He represented
the owner of the improvements and was here to explain the principal advantages to the
City of Orange, as well as to explain what they feel are certain hardships they face as
owners of the improvements known as the shopping center. They have read the new
staff conditions and agree to them.
Those speaking in opposition
AI Lelchuck. 1431 North Grand, asked if the Commission had received his letter dated
March 23, 1992 and if they have had a chance to review it. A petition of over 50
signatures was also submitted from neighbors on the other side of the proposed wall
from the shopping center. The homes on the other side of the center are two story
homes; therefore, any kind of wall isn't going to shield the upper stories from sound. He
is concerned about fumes and is upset about hours of operation (specifically on
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Planning Commission Minutes May 4, 1992
weekends). The demographics of the neighborhood have changed at Katella and
Glassell. People change their oil and work on their cars in the street now; he felt this
activity would continue in the parking lot.
Rebuttal
Mr. Reeves said they meet the setback requirements of the City. Their building will be
fully fire protected and will meet all the fire laws. Through the use of a sound consultant
and in meetings with staff, they meet or exceed all the laws. Pep Boys will cooperate
with everyone and will police their building and property to prevent social problems.
The public hearing was closed.
Commissioner Murphy was concerned about the noise studies.
Mr. Reeves said their consultant recommended the block wall in his initial study as a
safety factor over and above the code. The calculations have always shown a six foot
wall would solve the problem.
Chairman Cathcart commented on the landscaping. In the updated staff report it was
suggested to delete the proposed escallonia shrubbery, but he would like to have it
remain. There may be some reason why that recommendation was made; he
suggested staff and applicant work together. The suggestion to substitute Gazania
Mitsuwa yellow for the proposed Gazania Mitsuwa white is appropriate and that the
rosemary be eliminated and substituted with other similar plant material.
Commissioner Bosch looked to staff for clarification on the impacts of the enclosed
loading dock within the proposed zone given its proximity to the property line. It's
unclear from the applicant's documents exactly how far that enclosed dock is from the
boundary line on the north. He wanted to be sure that with the withdrawal of the
variance, the enclosed dock still conforms to the development standards for the
proposed zone.
Ms. Wolff responded the zoning standards as far as setbacks in the C-1 and C-2 zones
are the same for rear yard setbacks. That is, a 10 foot rear yard setback is required only
when a structure exceeds either one story or 20 feet in height. In this case, there is the
24 foot building setback 20 feet. The loading dock does not reach a height of 20 feet
and therefore is acceptable within the setback area.
Commissioner Bosch was also worried about noise. It is hoped to be contained as far
west of the single family residential tract as possible by the enclosed dock and wall
arrangement, and by having the service bays open on the west side of the building.
They need to be concerned also about incidental noise. He appreciates the owner's
willingness to stipulate to coming back in based upon periodic noise studies during the
first year of operation, and if there would be impacts upon the neighbors, to ask for a
variance and construct a better sound improvement if required. Relative to the
redevelopment area and property values, if the owner truly feels they are impacted by
blight, they should come forward and petition for same. Commissioner Bosch was
concerned about the potential impact of spread of automotive related uses on Katella,
between Glassell and Tustin. The concern is that the zoning is currently different than that
along Tustin where there are automotive uses. Katella has to date remained relatively
free of those uses except related to service stations within the area between Glassell
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Planning Commission Minutes May 4, 1992
and Tustin. He's struggling with this one, whether there is a way it can be considered
because of it's proximity to Glassell and similar uses there without causing a condition to
occur where setting a precedent for the remainder of Katella, between Glassell and
Tustin, presuming the mitigation impacts can be resolved on the adjacent residences.
The Commission discussed ways to solve the noise problem with Mr. Reeves as
noise was a major issue. A change from C-1 to C-2 historically have been denied
because of the location. A change of zoning would be out of character for Katella.
In reviewing the conditions, several modifications were suggested: 1) it would be
appropriate to add a condition of language to indicate that at the applicant's expense a
sound consultant will be hired to conduct field tests 30 days, 6 months and 1 year after
commencement of operation to identify conformance of operations to the City's noise
ordinance, and a review of actual noise impacts on adjacent single family residential
owners shall be taken, certified by the City. In the event the noise ordinance is
exceeded or values relative to the noise impact not defined within the ordinance are
found to negatively effect the adjacent single family residential area, the developer will
apply for a variance or construction of a higher sound wall and install same if the
application is approved and/or undertake other sound mitigation measures to reduce the
impacts; 2) delete condition 16; 3) regarding condition 14, per the stipulation of the
applicant, dock deliveries would be limited to weekdays (eliminate Saturdays); 4)
regarding condition 3, strengthen the wording by saying dated April 17, 1992, is not
approved and can be approved only subject to future application for and favorable
action upon the conditional use permit by the Planning Commission and City Council.
Moved by Commissioner Scott, seconded by Commissioner Murphy to deny Zone
Change 1147-91 as the Commission does not believe this is an appropriate zoning
from C-1 to C-2; other available property within the City would be more suitable.
AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Cathcart, Master, Murphy, Scott
NOES: None MOTION CARRIED
Ms. Wolff explained the appeal process to the applicant.
IN RE: CONTINUED HEARING
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 1-92 -CITY OF ORANGE
A proposed amendment to the Orange Municipal Code regarding the siting and
development of off-site hazardous waste facilities pursuant to the California Health and
Safety Code and the Orange County Hazardous Waste Management Plan.
NOTE: The County of Orange has certified Program EIR 490, satisfying all
California Environmental Quality Act requirements for this project.
This item was continued from the April 6, 1992 meeting.)
Mr. Herrick recommended it would be appropriate for the Commission prior to taking
action on the ordinance to make a finding concerning Program EIR 490 for the record.
Commissioner Scott was a member of the committee to develop the hazardous waste
ordinance and he thought the committee did an excellent job, as well as the staff.
14
Planning Commission Minutes May 4, 1992
Moved by Commissioner Scott, seconded by Commissioner Master, to recommend
to the City Council to approve Ordinance Amendment 1-92 and that the County of
Orange has certified Program EIR 490, satisfying California Environmental Quality Act
requirements for this ordinance.
AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Cathcart, Master, Murphy, Scott
NOES: None MOTION CARRIED
Commissioner Master requested a minute order regarding this item. He's currently
involved in the certificate program at U.C.I. in management hazardous material. When
the opportunity presents itself regarding this committee, he would like to be considered
for participating in that.
IN RE: NEW HEARING
ZONE CHANGE 1151-92 -CITY OF ORANGE ON BEHALF OF 19 PROPERTY
OWNERS
A request to change the zoning classification from R-2-6 Residential Duplex District to
the R-4 Residential Maximum Multiple Family district for the property. Subject
property consists of 19 parcels located north of Palm Avenue on both sides of the 300
north Olive block and the east side of the 300 North Lemon Street block, exclusive of
the Orange Unified School District Headquarters property.
NOTE: Negative Declaration 1408-92 has been prepared to address the
environmental impacts of this project.
Jere Murphy, Advanced Planning Manager, presented the staff report. The property
owners have requested that the City of Orange reconsider action taken in November,
1990 which re-zoned the property along with the general Cypress Street
neighborhood to the northwest of the 19 lots from the R-3 and R-4 districts to the R-2-6
district. The owners wish to have their property re-zoned back to the original R-4 district.
Back in 1989, as part of the General Plan update, staff identified an inconsistency
between the General Plan and zoning for the area generally known as the Cypress
Street area. At that time staff recognized the need to reflect land use changes m the
areas surrounding the Santa Fe Depot area. In January, 1990 the City Council hired the
consulting firm of Planning and Design Solutions to prepare a Land Use Study for the
combined Cypress Street/Railroad Depot areas. As a result of public hearings before
the Commission and Council, the City Council took action to approve the Railroad
Depot Area Plan in concept and directed staff to develop a specific plan for the area
which is presently under preparation. The proposal before the Commission is that 14
of the 19 property owners within the Cypress Street area have submitted written
requests to the City requesting their property be re-zoned. Staff, with City Council's
concurrence, expanded the number of lots to 19 to include a logical area of lots since the
14 lots were separated by some parcels in which requests have not been received. Of
the 19 lots included in the request, 14 contain single family units, 3 contain two units, one
lot contains a 3-unit project and one lot contains a 5-unit building. The existing R-2 zone
creates two non-conforming lots --the 3-unit and 5-unit parcels. The 5-unit parcel would
be non-conforming even under the original R-4 zoning in that only three units are
permitted on the property. The 300 block of North Olive retains all of its original historic
character excluding the one 5-unit two story apartments. The current R-2-6 zoning is
responsive to the goals and objectives of the General Plan to preserve the existing
15
Planning Commission Minutes May 4, 1992
neighborhoods. One of the goals of the City's Historic Preservation Element is to
reduce disparity between multiple family, R-3 and R-4 zoning in the existing single
family homes within historic blocks and at the same time allow some reasonable
development of the property. Regardless of whether the nineteen lot area is
considered part of the "Cypress Street" Neighborhood, there are historic structures and
neighborhood preservation issues to be considered. The existing R-2-6 zone allows
for a second unit on each lot containing an existing home. A re-zoning to the R-4 zone
would allow two additional units on each single family home lot or the possible removal
of the house and construction of a 3-unit structure.
The public hearing was opened.
Those speaking in favor
T. J. Clark, 811 Chapman Avenue, said this area was re-zoned without their knowledge.
The down zoning makes some of their property non-conforming which prevents them
from securing a loan of true value had it been left R-4. It has also reduced the price
should they consider to sell. They want their R-4 zoning back. He pointed out three
errors on the map. He questioned the zoning shown on the maps in Planning as the
O. U.S. D. property was zoned R-2; now it is zoned R-4.
Mr. Godlewski said there were some discrepancies in the zoning maps; staff is in the
process of updating them and in that process there has been some corrections that
need to be made. It's his understanding the zoning of the school property is R-4.
Mr. Clark pointed out errors in the staff report regarding addresses. He thought it was
unfair to make an island out of them. He was told this was done to prevent spot zoning
and he wanted a definition on spot zoning.
Mr. Godlewski responded spot zoning was where you take a very small area in context
with the surrounding area and zone it something completely different from what it's
surroundings are. Spot zoning typically refers to one lot.
Commissioner Murphy stated the 334 address on the map was probably 343 Olive
Street.
Gladys Williams, 320 North Olive, owns three of the 19 parcels in dispute. She was
not notified of any zone change previously and was unaware of being referred to as the
Cypress Street" area. She wanted it changed back to the original zoning of R-4.
Corinne Schreck, 446 North James, was in favor of the people having their zoning
restored to them.
Alice Clark, 205 North Pine, said it bothered her about the unfairness of how this started.
The Cypress Street area was not specified. It bothered her that the City did not have a
consensus of the neighborhood.
Duncan Clark, 205 North Pine, fully supports the re-zoning. He had his property down
zoned for a short period of time until they filed a protest. He shared his personal
experience about his R-3 property.
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Planning Commission Minutes
Those s~eaking in opposition
May 4, 1992
Dan Slater, 278 North Pine, said regardless of the fact that this neighborhood is an
important part of Old Towne, economics alone dictate that any zoning higher than R-2
would be an inappropriate zoning for this neighborhood.
Marcy Shears, 429 North Lemon, said R-4 zoning would allow investors to buy
properties and rent them out to numerous families; they felt the R-4 zoning would bring
about a new set of problems. There is a problem with too many cars on the street. Old
Towne needs support to stay standing as a historical area.
Lisa Blanc, 368 South Orange, said she's heard one common theme throughout -- the
City needs to do what's in the best interest of the entire City. Whose property rights
are really being violated? Are there plans for development? If the City's vision for Old
Towne is more increased traffic, noise and crime, then the zoning will be approved;
however, if the vision for Old Towne is to preserve the unique historic area and to
preserve the aviance that so many of the neighbors in the single family homes have
tried to create, then the request will be denied. She urged the Commission to consider
the long term impact of 10 new units per year for the next 10 years. That, no doubt, will
change all the neighborhoods.
Kellee Ruiz, 578 North Lemon, recently walked this neighborhood. It is one of the best
areas in the Cypress/Lemon Street area. It's basically clean. The neighborhood is
quaint. The same issue of density keeps surfacing. The density of people in that area
will destroy it. She personally canvassed the neighborhood two years ago and cannot
believe people did not know about the down zoning.
Beatrice Vega, 486 North Olive, has lived in the area since 1941 and has spoken in
favor of down zoning many times. It has taken the people 1 1 /2 years to protest the
down zoning.
Rafaela Garcia, 569 North Cypress, does not want to see so many cars in the street
without a place to park. She would hate to see a different zoning.
Angie Lopez, 362 North Lemon, said she did not want more traffic and apartments in
her neighborhood.
Mike Vogelvang, 288 North Olive, wants to keep his area historical. If he is zoned R-4,
he would like to go back to R-2. He would like to see more single family residences.
Jim Owens, 163 South Cypress, said it was his opinion that the R-2-6 is the current
zoning and it will enhance the area and improve the livelihood.
The public hearing was closed.
Commissioner Murphy was not part of the hearings in October, 1990 and felt remiss in
the fact of not being able to fully understand what went on at that time. Some
information would have been helpful in trying to mull over the pros and cons presented
at tonight's meeting.
17
Planning Commission Minutes May 4, 1992
Chairman Cathcart could not look back that far either and was not aware of what went on
before. This is a complex issue. Even if the zoning were left the same, there are a lot
of things in place that would preclude people from coming in and tearing things down.
He has heard two different points of view and the issues involved. It would be easy if it
were clear cut, but it's not.
Commissioner Bosch didn't agree there was every protection in place that prevents
wholesale change to the neighborhood regardless of the zoning. There are significant
problems with the existing demolition ordinance that have not yet been resolved and
there are some discrepancies within the existing City ordinances. He had a couple of
serious concerns: A huge mistake was made 20 or more years ago when the area was
zoned R-4. That established property rights and expectations in the minds of the
people who bought there and those have to be respected as well. He's not sure what
happened to cause this difference of opinion and involvement that occurred back
through the Cypress Street area and Depot area zoning reviews. It's clear the City
needs to have procedures; clear maps and boundaries need to be published and
mailed out to everyone involved. He's m favor of maintaining the dignity and scale of
Old Towne, and maintaining basic economic rights that have evolved upon property
owners. The burden of proof still needs to be penciled out for these properties
regarding redevelopment of the property. The City has the opportunity to consider
several vehicles for mitigating potential economic loss through the 20% set aside
required from the Redevelopment tax increment for housing projects. He looked for a
lot of work and analysis, if the Council concurred, towards identifying methods to clearly
quantify and then mitigate any potential losses of actual property value which would
have occurred to the existing property owners who did not desire the down zoning.
The other situation he's concerned about is fairness. He's willing to suffer some potential
damage in terms of goals to be reached to be sure there was fairness to everybody
involved. He would like to have the R-2-6 maintained, but not over the economic
bodies of the people who invested here expecting to have an income or property
value enhancement that would protect them throughout their lives.
Commissioner Master said there are winners and losers in all cases. Zoning to R-4 was
a winner to somebody at the time. At the time, the City thought it was logical, but
perhaps it wasn't. It would be great if there was some way to compensate the people
appropriately.
Commissioner Murphy wanted clarification regarding the R-4 zone question (the typo
on the map). Was it indicated as R-2-6 at the time of the studies and evaluations or was
it R-4?
Mr. Godlewski responded the early maps (1989 and previous) indicate the zoning as
R-4. There was a map that was produced (October, 1991) at which time there was the
computerization. We've been in the process of going back and checking each of the
parcels. This happens to be one of the parcels that was incorrectly identified as R-2.
Staff has changed the O.U.S.D. property back to R-4 as discussed in the 1990 zone
change.
Commissioner Scott asked how many units could be put on the lots if zoned R-4?
Mr. Murphy said under the present General Plan of 15 units to the acre, three units could
be provided under R-4 zoning.
18
Planning Commission Minutes May 4, 1992
Moved by Commissioner Scott, seconded by Commissioner Murphy to find that there
is no substantial evidence that the project will have a significant effect on the environment
or wildlife resources, and accept the findings of the Environmental Review Board to file
Negative Declaration 1408-92.
AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Master, Murphy, Scott
NOES: Commissioner Cathcart MOTION CARRIED
Moved by Commissioner Scott, seconded by Commissioner Murphy, to recommend
to the City Council to approve Zone Change 1151-92, which would revert the zoning
back to R-4 because only three units per lot could be created without a zone change to
the General Plan Amendment.
AYES: Commissioners Murphy, Scott
NOES: Commissioners Bosch, Cathcart, Master MOTION FAILED
The Commission discussed a couple of things that could happen. It's not fair to hold the
people hostage to a zone that impedes them from doing anything based upon their
original investment in the property until such time as the problem is ultimately solved.
On the other hand, the R-2-6 zoning is appropriate if there is fair and just compensation
after demonstration through a certified appraisal and analysis of the loss of value, if any,
that might occur with the down zoning. Compensation could be derived from
Redevelopment's 20% set aside funds for housing improvements. A recommendation
could be made to the City Council requesting the 20% set aside monies from
Redevelopment to help those people that feel this is a down zoning.
Mr. Herrick had some serious concerns about the legality of that. He had reservations
because of the nature of the law with respect to down zoning. There is no obligation on
the part of the City to compensate under these types of circumstances. There might be
a question about gift of public funds.
Dan Ryan, Senior Historic Planner, said there is a possibility the City is currently
exploring use of a program, which is property tax reduction for historic properties. This
would be an incentive that will be available to property owners.
Moved by Commissioner Bosch, seconded by Commissioner Cathcart, to
recommend to the City Council that the current R-2-6 zoning be retained subject to the
rapid identification of verifiable economic loss, if reversion to R-4 zoning is not
approved, and concurrently and rapidly legal economic programs through
Redevelopment or other legislative acts to offset such economic loss to the properties
involved. (If they can't identify it, it goes back to R-4.)
Motion died from lack of a vote.
Moved by Commissioner Scott, seconded by Commissioner Cathcart, to continue
Zone Change 1151-92 for a period of 60 days to allow staff to research the issues
raised at the public hearing.
AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Cathcart, Master, Murphy, Scott
NOES: None MOTION CARRIED
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Planning Commission Minutes
IN RE: NEW HEARING
May 4, 1992
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT, ZONE CHANGE 1150-92, CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT 1960-92, ADMINISTRATIVE ADJUSTMENT PERMIT 92-9 AND
NEGATIVE DECLARATION 1405-92 -ORANGE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION
The project consists of the following requests, to facilitate development of a 2-story, 15
unit senior citizen housing project: 1) Amendment to the Land Use Element of the
City's General Plan to change the land use designation of the property from Industrial to
Medium Density Residential (15-24 dwelling units per acre); 2) Change of zoning
classification of a portion of the property from M-1 (Light Manufacturing District) to R-3
Residential -Multiple Family District); 3) Conditional Use Permit application to allow a
senior citizen housing development m accordance with Chapter 17.35 of the Orange
Municipal Code; and 4) Administrative Adjustment Permit to allow a 4-foot
encroachment of a porch cover into the code required front yard setback area. Subject
property is located on the northeast corner of Almond Avenue and Pixley Street.
NOTE: Negative Declaration 1405-92 has been prepared to address the
environmental impacts of this project.
There was no opposition; therefore, the full reading of the staff report was waived and
the public hearing was opened.
Applicant
Linda Boone, Executive Director of the Orange Housing Development Corporation,
217 East Chapman, is the developer of this project. They are anon-profit 501 C3
corporation (private) and they're non-profit status was granted by the State of California
for the purpose of creating affordable housing in the City of Orange. This is one of their
first projects -- 15 units of senior housing on the corner of Pixley and Almond. They're
requesting a density bonus so that they can build 15 units and they would like
permission to have 14 parking spaces instead of 15. In order to write down the cost of
the project, they have applied to the Tax Credit Allocation Committee for a grant of just
over one million dollars. They've also applied to the Rental Housing Construction
Program put on by the State of California for over eight hundred thousand dollars. By
getting this grant money they will be able to build the new project and then rent the units
for $339/month. The deed restrictions will be for seniors 62 years of age and older, and
whose income per year doesn't exceed 35 percent of medium income for the County
of Orange. They will be recorded for 55 years; however, the Orange Housing
Development Corporation is here for the long term. They plan to own, operate and
manage the units in perpetuity. This building is an ideal transition between the two areas
of the neighborhood and will fit m nicely. Their architect worked to come up with a design
that would add to the personality and character of Old Towne. She has read the
conditions in the staff report and agrees with them except for condition 4. They have a
very strict time table they must adhere to in order to qualify for the funds. They don't
have time to go back to the Design Review Board and get their review. She requested
to change condition 4 to read "to seek approval and review by the Director of the
Community Development Department."
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Planning Commission Minutes
Those speaking in favor
May 4, 1992
Johnnie Chestnut, 1503 Dana Place, passed over a petition containing 290 signatures
in favor of the project. This project is only three blocks away from the Senior Center,
within walking distance.
Betty Murrill, 603 East Almond, is a member of the Central Orange County Area
League of Women Voters. They have focused on the need for housing for low to
moderate income people and spent a great deal of time on housing for senior citizens.
She endorses this project.
Jerry Smith, Executive Director of Orange Elderly Services, 170 South Olive, said the
problem of meeting senior housing needs in Orange is mitigated by three factors: 1)
scarcity of available land for the project and high cost of parcels that are available; 2) the
planning development code the City Council has developed to ensure Orange has a
community that is comfortable, attractive and good to live in; and 3) the restrictions from
the various public and private funding sources for affordable housing. This project is
affordable and is of superior design. The Senior Center sees it as a highly desirable
project.
Katherine King, 222 West Palmyra, asked if the new owners of the project will be
required to comply with all the requirements; specifically, the indemnity issue?
Anne Seibert, 340 South Olive, was glad to see the design. They were anxious about
the property and whether it would be too dense for the area. The design is very nice.
They were also happy to hear about the deed restrictions and to know the seniors will
be taken care of. Her one concern is that of the Design Review Board process. She
felt the City would be setting a precedent by circumventing the process that everyone
worked so hard to put in place. She hopes the D.R.B. process will be used and either
accelerate their meeting times and get them to satisfy the design criteria rather than
changing the process.
Shannon Tucker, 556 East Culver, was pleased to see the plan for the site. She
requested that the neighbors be included in any modifications or changes that might take
place.
Chairman Cathcart noted that Dick Broadway filed a card, but had to leave. He strongly
supports the senior housing development.
Rebuttal
Ms. Boone said the existing house will be removed from the property and there are no
problems with the lot. They have gone to the Design Review Board. Their criticism
was the density. The design was great; the only problem they had was the number of
units. They did not circumvent that process. They went before them twice. She would
be pleased to involve the neighbors; it's very important for them to be a good
neighbor.
Commissioner Master was impressed with the project. He asked about the cost of the
project?
21
Planning Commission Minutes May 4, 1992
Ms. Boone stated it is a 3 million dollar project for 22 units. Apart of winning these
grants is having an economical project that doesn't exceed certain norms in the state. If it
is built, it will be built in a price range that is reasonable for what they are building.
Chairman Cathcart referred to Page 7 of the staff report. There was an inconsistency as
the D.R.B. was of the opinion the proposed architectural design was incompatible with
the large massing of the building, and therefore, inconsistent with Old Towne Design
Guidelines.
Ms. Bonne was at the meeting and the D.R.B. said it would be ok on any other lot; it
was the size of the lot with the building that gave them trouble. They said, "The
architectural plan was great and they liked the design; it was just too big for the lot."
Ms. Wolff had a copy of the D.R.B. minutes for the Commission to read.
Alice Clark, 205 North Pine, was also at both D.R.B. meetings and confirmed what Ms.
Boone said was true. They liked the design and wouldn't have any problems if it were
on a bigger lot.
The public hearing was closed.
Commissioner Bosch thought a couple of things might be clarified in the staff report. On
Page 6, Item 21, reference was made to the Satellite Market. They are aware that there
are a variety of development proposals for elimination of the Satellite Market. There is
shopping for food available within a reasonable walking distance to the project in the
other direction (some at Batavia and Chapman and over at Chapman and Main). It
would be good to indicate that in the staff report. Item 22 speaks of a fenced front yard
recreation area, yet the site plan doesn't show fencing. The landscape plans indicate an
extremely small area left after shrubbery is taken into account. It's important to indicate
unless there is some other problem within the funding approval criteria that the types of
uses indicated for a front yard recreational area are not essential to the success of the
project. He did not want the staff report to be misleading in any way. He had a couple
of minor concerns about the project design. The trash collection as it is currently shown is
designed as an alcove within and under the building is something he wants assurance
that is acceptable from a fire department point of view and from the trash vendors
requirements in terms of access without causing any potential safety hazards to seniors.
He's a bit concerned also about the layout of the parking lot -- not the number of spaces
but the layout to get into some of those back spaces and back out of them and provide
ample space. When that comes in for plan review, there may have to be some
tweaking and minor modifications and hopefully that won't upset the project. It's a tight
parking area and it deserves a further look to see if there isn't a way to reshuffle those
spaces to make some of them a little more accessible.
Moved by Commissioner Bosch, seconded by Commissioner Scott, to find that
Negative Declaration 1405-92 has been prepared to evaluate the potential
environmental impacts of the project and find in concurrence with the Environmental
Review Board that with implementation of the recommended mitigation measures, the
project will not have a significant adverse impact on the environment or wildlife
resources.
AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Cathcart, Master, Murphy, Scott
NOES: None MOTION CARRIED
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Planning Commission Minutes May 4, 1992
Moved by Commissioner Bosch, seconded by Commissioner Scott, to recommend
to the City Council to approve General Plan Amendment and Zone Change 1150-92
as specified in the staff report.
AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Cathcart, Master, Murphy, Scott
NOES: None MOTION CARRIED
Moved by Commissioner Bosch, seconded by Commissioner Scott, to recommend
to the City Council to approve Conditional use Permit 1960-92 and Administrative
Adjustment 92-9, with conditions 1-12, modifying condition 4 to read: "Prior to issuance
of final building occupancy permit, landscape and irrigation plans shall be installed in
conformance with design plans reviewed and approved by the Design Review Board."
AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Cathcart, Master, Murphy, Scott
NOES: None MOTION CARRIED
IN RE: NEW HEARING
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 1963-92 -CASEY'S RESTAURANT
A request to allow the operation of up to 11 coin operated amusement devices and live
entertainment in an existing restaurant/night club in the CTR zone. Subject property is
located at 1325 North Tustin Street.
NOTE: This project is categorically exempt from the provisions of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per State CEQA Guidelines,
Section 15301.
Commissioner Scott excused himself from the meeting due to a possible conflict of
interest.
A staff report was not presented and the public hearing was opened.
Applicant
George Adams, 20341 Lewis, Orange Park Acres, thought the staff report was very
complete and was here to answer questions. He has read the staff report and agrees to
the conditions.
The public hearing was closed.
Moved by Commissioner Master, seconded by Commissioner Murphy, to approve
Conditional Use Permit 1963-92 with the 7 conditions noted in the staff report, noting
this project is exempt from environmental review.
AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Cathcart, Master, Murphy
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Scott MOTION CARRIED
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Planning Commission Minutes May 4, 1992
IN RE: NEW HEARING
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 2-92 -CITY OF ORANGE
A proposed amendment to those sections of the Zoning Ordinance (Title 17 of the
Orange Municipal Code) adding mobile food vending carts to the listing of allowable
uses in the C-1, C-TR, and M-1 zones and/or other districts considered appropriate by
the Planning Commission.
NOTE: This project is categorically exempt from the provisions of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per State CEQA Guidelines
Section 15303.
Mr. Godlewski said the staff report makes a number of recommendations and in
combining the staff report with the recommended ordinance, there were a few errors in
the recommended ordinance. He suggested some changes: Under Section
17.040.140 - "M" words, which is mobile food vending carts -- after talking with the
County and County Health that licenses these carts, it was decided it would be much
better for the City to term these vending carts as hot dog vending carts (transportable).
The section would be a "H" word. Instead of mobile food vending cart, it would be
called a hot dog vending cart. Under definitions, a hot dog vending cart is a portable
delete portable and insert transportable), non motorized device operating outside of a
building from which a vendor sells hot dogs and those items related to a hot dog lunch.
Under the permitted uses, mobile food vending carts -- change that to transportable hot
dog vending carts. Under Item 7, under the advice of the City Council, it was to make it
an ordinance that is administered by staff -- change Item 7 to: "The application shall
include taking out the application for a conditional use permit." It is staff's opinion that
there is a number of provisions that are required for someone to operate a hot dog
vending cart transportable in the City and if there is any violation of these things, then
there is an agreement that the City makes with the individual that operates these carts.
There is a 300 foot minimum distance away from any public street or sidewalk. That
condition will severely limit this type of use throughout the City.
Chairman Cathcart pointed out a typo in Item 8 -- (30) square feed -- change feed to
feet.
Commissioner Bosch was concerned about the maximum size of the cart.
Mr. Godlewski said the size was not addressed in the ordinance. It's a concern of the
County Agency and they have addressed this issue in their ordinance. If the
Commission would like to add something to the City's ordinance, that could be done.
They currently say it has to be transportable.
The Commission was concerned about the potential size of the cart. He would like
further information and a staff recommendation on the size limitation before making a
decision.
The public hearing was opened.
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Planning Commission Minutes
Those speaking in favor
May 4, 1992
Ed Dart, 1011 West Taft, was the president of the Orange County Push Cart
Association, as well as the owner of the Hot Dogger. He has a bunch of carts all over
Orange County. While the County doesn't have a size limitation, there are certain things
that must be on the cart. The maximum cart built is 5x8. You can't be in the cart; you
must stand outside of it. Most carts end up being 4x6. He preferred not to go through
the conditional use permit process and suggested having a rather restrictive ordinance.
Those speaking in opposition
Lois Barke, 2022 Spruce, had questions about this request. Have people been
notified? She was concerned about those areas around Orangewood and Eckhoff.
Garbage is a problem. The other areas that could be included would be theaters.
Does a fixed location mean a certain location? Barbara DeNiro submitted a list of other
cities that required conditional use permits for the hot dog carts -- did staff receive that
list? How are hours of operation going to be set up? What about sanitary control? Will
this detract from other food businesses? How many locations can you have?
Bob Bennyhoff, 10642 Morada Drive, Orange Park Acres, thought there were a lot of
holes in this project. A conditional use permit is needed for each one of these requests.
More work is needed before a decision is made.
The public hearing was closed.
Commissioner Bosch felt the policing issue cannot be enforced and many questions
need to be answered. He was also concerned about the signage.
Moved by Commissioner Bosch, seconded by Commissioner Murphy, to continue
Ordinance Amendment 2-92 for 30 days in order for staff to provide the Commission
with documentation relative to potential sizes for carts, to consider potential modifications
because of the impacts on residential zones, and to come back with more background
information from the previous application and records relative to the conditional use
permit process, and an analysis of the signage which could be attached to the carts.
AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Cathcart, Master, Murphy
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Scott MOTION CARRIED
IN RE: PUBLIC COMMENT
Anne Seibert, 340 South Olive, reminded the Commission they were going to set a
date for a study session for the re-zoning of the southwest quadrant.
Commissioner Bosch thought it would be nice to have a brief comment from staff
relative to progress towards coming back to the Commission with a recommendation on
the re-zoning of the southwest quadrant.
Mr. Godlewski was not prepared to respond; Mr. McGee had been working on that
matter. A response will be prepared and given to the Commission by the next
meeting.
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Planning Commission Minutes
IN RE: ADJOURNMENT
May 4, 1992
Moved by Commissioner Murphy, seconded by Commissioner Bosch, to adjourn to a
study session May 13, 1992 from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. in the Weimer Room to discuss
the historical buildings survey report findings and Santa Fe Depot Specific Plan status
report.
AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Cathcart, Master,
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Scott
The meeting adjourned at 12:25 a.m.
sld
Murphy
MOTION CARRIED
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