HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-04-1990 PC MinutesPLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
City of Orange June 4, 1990
Orange, California Monday - 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Commissioners Bosch, Greek, Master, Scott
ABSENT: None
STAFF
PRESENT: Joan Wolff, Sr. Planner and Commission Secretary;
John Godlewski, Administrator of Current Planning;
Jack McGee, Director of Community Development;
Bob Herrick, Assistant City Attorney;
Gary Johnson, City Engineer; and
Sue Devlin, Recording Secretary
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
With the resignation of Chairman Hart, elections were held
for a new Chairman and Vice-Chairman.
Moved by Commissioner Greek, seconded by Commissioner Scott,
to nominate Commissioner Master as Chairman.
AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Greek, Master, Scott
NOES: None MOTION CARRIED
Moved by Commissioner Greek, seconded by Commissioner Bosch,
to nominate Commissioner Scott as Vice-Chairman.
AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Greek, Master, Scott
NOES: None MOTION CARRIED
IN RE: MINUTES OF MAY 21, 1990
Moved by Commissioner Bosch, seconded by Commissioner Scott,
that the Minutes of May 21, 1990 be approved as recorded.
AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Greek, Master, Scott
NOES: None MOTION CARRIED
IN RE: CONTINUED ITEMS
SITE PLAN REVIEW - CRAWFORD HILLS ASSOCIATES:
Commissioner Greek was excused from the meeting due to a
potential conflict of interest.
Review of the distribution of guest parking through the
townhouse development, as required by Condition #88 of
Tentative Tract Map 13529, and as relates to the grading
concept for the site. The property is located on the east
side of the proposed northerly extension of Crawford Canyon
Road, north of Chapman Avenue.
Planning Commission Minutes
June 4, 1990 - Page 2
A staff report was not presented.
The applicant, Phillip Herow, Crawford Hills Associates, was
present to expand on the presentation. Pursuant to the last
hearing it was deemed appropriate that the 4 or 5 areas of
concern by the Planning Commission be expanded further by
the subdivider, focusing on the alterations,
changes/modifications since the initial vested map was
approved. They have tried to graphically depict the
modifications and adjustments that have occurred since the
tentative was approved to a working construction document
phase. Their civil engineer attached a letter in which he
explained and focused on each of the exhibits. They believe
the adjustments are inevitable to a project that goes from a
tentative modem into a final construction phasing modem.
Some of the conditions have been improved that were not
addressed (i.e., turning radius, parking distribution and
site planning enhancements). It was not their desire to
bring retaining wall elements to the site as it is a major
cost expense and it is not a desirable marketing
enhancement. They believe they have mitigated some of the
exposed wall area from 6' to 8'.
Chairman Master reminded the applicant there was a condition
of approval attached to the vesting map which was to bring
the design before the Planning Commission for review because
there were concerns at the time of the hearing. The final
product needed to be approved before construction began.
Commissioner Bosch thought the additional exhibits were very
helpful and wished they were available at the previous
meeting. He was still concerned over the length of the area
before getting to the turn around with the hammer head turn
around, but the increased retaining walls that would replace
those hammer heads at the cul de sacs would be a greater
detriment to the housing units in the area. What can be
applied to the hammer head that keeps it from being utilized
for overflow parking, boats, trailers, R.V.'s, etc. that
prevents good access for not only the trash trucks, but fire
engines and visitors trying to turn around? He's willing to
accept the hammer head turn around in return for having a
better living environment for the residents.
Moved by Commissioner Bosch, seconded by Commissioner Scott,
that the Planning Commission finds the revised site plan, as
submitted, to satisfy Condition #88 of vesting Tentative
Tract Map 13529 and Conditional Use Permit 1678, but note
that all conditions of approval shall still apply to the
development.
AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Master, Scott
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Greek MOTION CARRIED
Planning Commission Minutes
June 4, 1990 - Page 3
Commissioner Greek returned to the meeting.
IN RE: NEW HEARINGS
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 1839-90 - BOYD'S AUTO DETAILING
CHARLES CUEVAS):
A proposed Conditional Use Permit to allow the operation of
an auto detailing business adjacent to residentially zoned
properties, and to allow the conversion of a substantial
portion of the site from an existing residential use to
commercial u se. The existing structure on site will remain
and be used as a residence. Subject property is located at
785 North Tustin Street.
NOTE: Negative Declaration 1344-90 has been prepared for
this project.
Ms. Wolff presented the staff report. The application is a
request to operate an auto detailing business in the C-1
zone. The code allows this type of use in the C-1 zone only
subject to issuance of a C.U.P. The applicant's proposal is
to detail approximately 3 to 5 cars per day and to operate
Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Also part
of the proposal is the construction of a block wall on the
rear property line between the residential district and the
commercial district. The situation is somewhat unusual in
that the existing structure is currently being used as a
residence within the C-1 zone. The detailing business is to
occur over a majority of the exterior portion of the site.
The existing buildings on site and the buildings on the
adjacent properties were originally constructed as model
homes for a residential tract to the east. The subject
property is one of four adjacent parcels that face onto
Tustin Street, which u tilizes a common access and parking
areas. Three of the properties are under common ownership
and have no formal agreements between them regarding
reciprocal circulation rights. Circulation is seen as a
potential problem area due to the narrow driveway widths on
the properties. It is possible for this site to be adapted
to a one way circulation system to make the site
self-sufficient in terms of access and in terms of parking.
By adding a door at the rear of the garage, a drive-thru
situation can be created. Customers could enter the site
through the northerly driveway and exit through the garage
on the existing southerly driveway. This type of
modification is suggested as a condition of approval.
Another option the Commission might want to consider is a
formalization of the existing access and parking pattern to
maintain the existing circulation system among the four
properties at 765 to 795 North Tustin.
Planning Commission Minutes
June 4, 1990 - Page 4
The public hearing was opened.
Applicant
Charles Cuevas, 785 North Tustin, does not have any
objections to .the conditions and is willing to comply with
every thing.
Those speaking in opposition:
Sarah Sparks, 784 Victoria Drive, said the two properties
that are being used are directly behind her house. They
started without the zone change and became quite a nuisance.
She has lived in her home 35 years; it was one of the first
developments in the area. All the businesses on Tustin have
twice the depth than this particular business. The driveway
has been made into a parking lot. She has seen 8 or 10 cars
back there at a time. There is so much noise, she cannot
use her patio in the summer. When the detailing is being
done, there is a high pitched penetrating sound, which could
be heard through closed windows and doors. There is a
trailer which sits by her fence and the fence is only 10'
from her patio. Signs and banners have been put up in front
of their business. She was concerned about the area looking
like the south end of Harbor in Santa Ana. She does not
know how they can advertise a car washing service when there
is a water shortage. She's tired of fixing her fence.
There are areas of Orange where light industry can be
located and she feels they should find a place for their
business somewhere else.
Rebuttal
Mr. Cuevas stated he has approval for 7 parking spaces plus
three carports, which allows up to 10 cars. Noise will be
blocked by the block wall. He has a personal camper parked
in the rear. They use less water per car wash than the
average home would. They use an estimate of 20 gallons per
day. He was not aware of her broken fence or a ladder. All
of their banners and signs are within code requirements.
Commissioner Greek wanted a description of the machine that
makes a high pitched sound.
Mr. Cuevas said they use 3 machines that can create noise:
a shop vac, a buffer (high speed sander), and an orbital,
it applies wax) which makes less noise than he does when
speaking. Their high pressure water unit is as loud as a
hair dryer.
Commissioner Scott said according to the staff report the
electric buffers and auto polishing equipment would not
exceed approximately 70 decibels, which would be the upper
Planning Commission Minutes
June 4, 1990 - Page 5
limit. He wondered if there were comparables between a leaf
blower and this equipment. (Staff did not have the
pertinent data.)
Mrs. Sparks has also had to complain about the loud radios
and boom boxes.
Mr. Cuevas said only 3 people are on the premises at all
times. There has been a complaint about the loud music and
they have turned their radios down and even shut them off.
Some customers do come in with boom boxes and show them off
to others. They try to keep the noise level down.
Commissioner Bosch understands Code Enforcement is allowing
the applicant to operate temporarily subject to the approval
of the C.U.P. Assuming the C.U.P. is approved, over what
period of time would the applicant be implementing
construction of the block wall and improvements to the site
drainage system to take care of the soap disposal?
It was Mr. Cuevas' understanding he has two years to comply
or the C.U.P. is invalid. They are willing to begin work as
soon as possible, although he is in a financial burden
because of the costs of everything that is required.
Commissioner Bosch was not willing to accept that two years
will pass and nothing happens. He wanted a definite time
frame of when construction will begin.
Commissioner Greek emphasized if the C.U.P. is not complied
with, it becomes invalid in two years. The applicant has no
right to continue at the present. Code Enforcement could
close him down without any action by the Planning
Commission.
Mr. Cuevas will comply with a time frame determined by the
Commission. All his work is being done within the confines
of the garage. They are using a public wash area for their
car washing and then bring the cars back to their business.
Commissioner Master was concerned about the ingress/egress
and the use of the common parking area. He would like to
see something regarding the formulation of a joint property
use among the property owners regarding the parking area.
Mr. Cuevas stated in the past they have never had two cars
come through the property at the same time. Their volume is
not large. At the most, there would be approximately 7 to
10 cars per day.
The public hearing was closed.
Planning Commission Minutes
June 4, 1990 - Page 6
Moved by Commissioner Scott, seconded by Commissioner Greek,
to accept the findings of the Environmental Review Board to
file Negative Declaration 1344-90 in that the project will
not have a significant adverse impact on the environment.
AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Greek, Master, Scott
NOES: None MOTION CARRIED
Commissioner Scott concurred with some of the concerns as
far as the required improvements. If the C.U.P. were
approved, a time limit needs to be placed on the completion
of the improvements.
Commissioner Greek feels the use is proper, but there needs
to be conditions that would restrict various items (i.e.,
noise) .
Moved by Commissioner Greek, seconded by Commissioner Scott,
to approve Conditional Use Permit 1839-90 subject to the
recommended conditions 1-14, with the additional condition
that the hours of operation be established: 9:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m., Monday - Saturday; add condition 16 (d) - "All
washing and polishing work will take place 43 feet away from
the residential property to the east."; add condition 16 (e)
which spells out the noise level for the equipment; add a
condition that all improvements shall be constructed within
45 days -- 15 days (appeal period) plus 30 days.
AYES: Commissioners Greek, Scott
NOES: Commissioners Bosch, Master
MOTION DID NOT PASS
Commissioner Bosch remains opposed to the project relative
to the appropriateness of the land use at the mid block
location.
Moved by Commissioner Bosch, seconded by Commissioner
Master, to deny Conditional Use Permit 1839-90 because the
proposed use, given the confines of the existing buildings,
circulation patterns, and proximity to single family
residential areas, causes actual deterioration of the
bordering land uses and creates special problems for the
residents above and beyond those typically found in the C-1
zone.
AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Master
NOES: Commissioners Greek, Scott
MOTION DID NOT PASS
Chairman Master is still opposed to the project because of
the sensitive issues of noise and circulation.
Planning Commission Minutes
June 4, 1990 - Page 7
Ms. Wolff stated the Commission has failed to approve the
project, which would equal a denial.
Chairman Master explained the project has, therefore, been
denied and the applicant has a 15 day appeal period.
IN RE: NEW HEARINGS
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 1836-90 - RIDGELINE COUNTRY CLUB:
Commissioner Greek was excused from the meeting due to a
potential conflict of interest.
A proposed Conditional Use Permit to allow the erection of
25 light standards with a total of 40 lights over an
existing golf course and driving range on property located
at 1051 Meads Ave nue.
NOTE: Negative Declaration 1341 has been prepared for this
project.
Ms. Wolff presented the staff report. This request is to
add lights to an existing golf course and driving range to
extend the hours of play into the evening hours. The
project site is an existing country club which consists of
the golf course, driving range, tennis courts and club
house. It is located in the R-0 zone. A country club is a
permitted use in the R-O zone subject to the issuance of a
C.U.P. Because this proposal would be an expansion of the
existing u se, it also requires approval of the C.U.P. It
should be noted that the existing club was developed under
the County of Orange jurisdiction and was only annexed into
the City after development in 1985. If it had been
originally developed within the City, a C.U.P. would have
been required for that initial construction. The Ridgeline
Country Club is within the Orange Park Acres planned
boundaries. Therefore, the Commission must not only
consider the basic land use considerations with regard to
the proposal and it's potential impacts on surrounding
properties, but must also look at the project and evaluate
its consistency with the Orange Park Acres plan.
The applicant's proposal is to install 25 light posts with a
total of 40 lights over an existing driving range and a 9
hole golf course. The proposed lighting would extend the
golf ing hours to 10 p.m. , 7 days per week. The Club
currently operates from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p. m., 7 days a
week; therefore, no change to the overall Club operating
hours are proposed. There would be an expanded use over a
majority of the site for the later hours of the evening.
Chairman Master stated the Commission is in receipt of
numerous letters of support for this use.
Planning Commission Minutes
June 4, 1990 - Page 8
The public hearing was opened.
Applicant
Dave Freeman, 1051 Meads Avenue, has operated and owned
Ridgeline Country Club for nearly 7 years. He feels his
request is a valid one and in the best interest of the
people in Orange. If Ridgeline Country Club is to remain at
this site as an affordable golf course and driving range,
additional revenues must be generated. To maintain
Ridgeline Country Club as it is they absolutely need this
C.U.P. They are more than willing to work with the local
community to resolve and/or minimize their concerns. The
Club has been in existence for nearly 25 years and for the
last years, has provided night play until 10 p.m. Ridgeline
is zoned Recreation-Open Space and they do not seek any
change in the zoning. There will not be a change to the
hours of operation, but merely wanting to expand the use
during those particular hours. The Orange Park Acres
general plan strongly supports Ridgeline remaining a golf
course and driving range. The Orange Park Acres planning
committee has 3 concerns: errant golf balls, effects of the
lighting and traffic safety. He agrees to install netting
on those properties where owners are affected. Mr. Bieber
was present to discuss specifics of the lighting. Ridgeline
is beautiful by day and with the minimal number of lights
being requested, it can even be prettier at night. There
are no street lights on Meads. At night, the street is
pitch black. Additional traffic will be at a time when the
streets are not being used. The minimal additional traffic
will not be a significant competing factor for the space on
the streets. Ridgeline only produces 20~ of the total
potential trips that it would be capable of producing. Even
a maximum number of 173 trips represents only a 1.7~
increase on Orange Park Blvd. and only a 5.6~ increase on
Meads in either direction. Amore realistic number would be
less than 1~ on Orange Park Blvd. and less than 2 1/2~ on
Meads in either direction. They are willing to provide
horse trail fencing between the new bridge on Meads to just
past Ridgeline's entry. They hope that will resolve the
concern by the O.P.A. planning committee. Seventy-five
percent of the people who play at Ridgeline live in Orange.
Eighty percent are seniors, retired people or kids.
Ridgeline is the only affordable golf course and driving
range for miles.
Those speaking in favor
Herbert Bieber, 626 South Isis Avenue, Inglewood, is the
manufacturer of the lighting fixtures. He showed the
Commission why the lights would not impact the homes in the
area. He designed a special fixture, which is horizontally
Planning Commission Minutes
June 4, 1990 - Page 9
mounted and the light bulb cannot be seen by any neighbors.
The light goes down and out from the fixture and is hung at
a relatively low height so that it can't spread light in
areas where it is not wanted. The light is designed to cut
off the light without any additional shielding behind the
pole 25 feet. In designing the golf course, he placed the
poles so they would have no light at all on the neighboring
properties, even without any extra shielding. After the
installation takes place, he would install shielding if
necessary. He has written lighting control ordinances for
many cities (i.e., Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, La Habra
Heights, San Marino). He is very concerned that the
neighbors are not impacted with his lighting. When ligh t
hits the green grass it absorbs it (it doesn't reflect it) .
There will not be a halo effect from the golf course
lighting.
Mario Losi, 2351 Maplewood Street, represented a group of
Orange senior golfers who reside in the City of Orange and
do play golf regularly at Ridgeline. They have a regular
tournament once a week. Some of their association have been
playing there for 20 years. They strongly support the
installation of lights.
Robert Grow, 13692 Prospect, Santa Ana, has played golf at
Ridgeline for several years. He observed Ridgeline to be a
good neighbor and feels they will continue to do so with the
lights. The installation of lights will give people the
opportunity to play golf at night and it will be a great
benefit to the community.
Tom Shine, 7812 Lakeview Trail, is employed by the Rancho
Santiago School District. He teaches golf and coaches
football through the school. Through Dave Freeman, he is
able to offer golf classes at Ridgeline as part of the
College courses. It's a great teaching facility and the
prospect of having lights would be more beneficial to the
College as far as offering classes at night. He would hate
to lose the property to a developer.
Neil Graham, 1161 North Coyote, his home is the only one on
the golf course. He has more balls in his back yard than he
needs to play golf. He approves of the night lights.
Those speaking in opposition
John Rust, 20292 Acre Place, said his house is adjacent to
the second hole and third tee. He is down range from the
second tee. He brought two bags of golf balls. They have
accumulated in his yard since the first of the year. The
balls were taken out of his back yard. The balls represent
projectiles, missiles, coming into his yard at 60 mph. His
Planning Commission Minutes
June 4, 1990 - Page 10
wife has been hit by one of the golf balls and his family
have had near misses. His horse has been hit on several
occasions and he had to put him down a couple months ago.
In March, 1985, a ball came through his kitchen window. It
sprayed glass all over the kitchen. Fortunately, this
happened during the day time and no one was home. By
lighting the golf course, it will increase the danger
involved and impinging upon his right of quiet enjoyme nt of
his property, safety and welfare. He submitted a letter to
the Commission regarding the 1985 window incident, wherein
there was no response from Mr. Freeman. He feels Mr.
Freeman is not a good neighbor. Within the last three
weeks, a golf ball went through his garage window. He did
not approach Ridgeline about the garage window because he
doesn't believe in engaging in futile acts. It's too
little; too late. Mr. Freeman has proven himself to be a
poor neighbor. They only use their back yard in the
evenings. If the C.U.P. is granted, they will not be able
to enjoy their yard unless it is between the hours of 10
p.m. and 6 a.m. He feels that is unreasonable. Five or six
times a year he has to run arrogant golfers off of his
property who are trespassing to pick up golf balls. Will
golfers be wandering around his back yard at night looking
for lost golf balls? The traffic on Meads is another issue.
He hears the screeching of tires as golfers demonstrate
their manhood by peeling out from Ridgeline's driveway.
It's not true that Meads is not used at night. Mr. Freeman
now wants to increase the potential of someone getting hit.
He resists the further expansion of Ridgeline's operation
because it will further encroach upon his right to quiet
enjoyment of his property during the twilight and dusk.
William Reinking, 275 South Main Street, attorney f or
Leonard Hamilton, touched on three aspects of the proposal
to expand the use of the golf course. He presented a copy
of his letter which was mailed to the Commission on May 16.
The letter states that his client sometimes has 40 golf
balls in his yard in one week's time. If this were expanded
into night use, it would be more. His client has a garden
in the area where the balls land. He was in that area and
feared for his life. The issue is not only golf balls, bu t
noise -- disturbing the peace and quiet of the neighborhood.
He has been retained to seek alternative legal measures in
this regard. There is also the issue of lights. It is
their opinion that this will create, even if the lighting is
indirect, a circus like atmosphere. They listed 9 items for
consideration in opposing this request: Night lighting will
disturb the quiet enjoyment of the neighborhood. Night
lighting will reduce property values. It is likely to
result in inverse condemnation and other lawsuits. He
showed the Commission pictures of some of the damage golf
balls have created. This is likely to cause an increase in
Planning Commission Minutes
June 4, 1990 - Page 11
homeowners' insurance. It will create a carnival like
atmosphere. It may expose the City to greater liability
since the City allows the enterprise. If Ridgeline does not
carry liability insurance, the City may incur liability as a
defector insurer. Night lighting will increase the chance
of serious injury and death. Allowing lighting will not
only create greater liability exposure for Ridgeline, but
also for the City. This will occur from the increase in the
use of the golf course and the driving range. The lighting
will cause disturbance and a circus like atmosphere. His
client has collected over 2,000 golf balls since 1982. They
request denial of this request.
Len Hamilton, 1064 Ridgeline Road, purchased his lot in 1981
and retired. The property was ideally suited for him
because he is a gardener. It had a flat area down at the
bottom of his property where he could do his gardening. He
has made several complaints to Ridge line's management, has
talked with Mr. Freeman, but nothing has been done. This
has become more of a problem because of the increased
business. A hemp f ence has been a rected, bu t i t i s
inadequate; balls fly through it and the Santa Ana winds
blow it down. He would like to enjoy his property before 10
p.m.; he has the right to do that. His neighbor is also
against this project.
Dr. Andorka, neighbor of Mr. Hamilton, 1098 Ridgeline Road,
also overlooks the property. When he purchased his lot in
1987, the driving range was much further back than they are
now. Sometime in the late 80's the area where the people
drive the balls was moved forward and some putting greens
were built. Thirty foot telephone poles lined his property,
which did not bother him because he was about 50 feet high.
About a year later some 70 foot telephone poles arrived in
front of Mr. Hamilton's house. Those sit 10 to 20 feet
above his view. He submitted pictures to the Commission
showing the poles and netting. Mr. Freeman did cut the
poles down about 5 to 8 feet for him. As far as he is
concerned, it has decreased the value of his property and
also the view. Lights will also decrease his property
values because they will shine directly into his windows all
night until 10 p.m.
Peter Stewart, 20342 Acre Place, said about 5 p.m. a crowd
of noisy beer drinkers arrive. If the hours were extended,
he assumes this type of behavior would continue. He and his
friends have had to leave the patio area because it was so
noisy and disturbing. With the increased consumption of
alcohol, then that would also increase the possibility of
vehicle accidents.
Mike Panos, 10692 Meads Avenue, has lived at his residence
for 13 years and part of his property backs up to Handy
Planning Commission Minutes
June 4, 1990 - Page 12
Creek. He has problems now and can't imagine what kind of
problems there will be at night. He wears a hard hat to
work in his corral and barn. They collect 1 1/2 to 2 1/2
bags of balls on weekends. He complained to a gentleman
named John, but nothing has been done. Two of his windows
have been blown out by golfers who aimed at his house. John
also told him he could sue if he wanted to. This is what
you call "friendly neighbors". He lets his trees grow wild
in order to protect his home; he can no longer see the golf
course.
Chairman Master commented the issue before the Commission
was one of lighting and it doesn't take care of the problem
of golf balls in the daytime.
Mark Sanford, 10591 Meads Avenue, has lived in Orange Park
Acres since 1985. He is currently on the Board of Directors
for Orange Park Acres and has played this course since he
was 11 years old. They're not asking the Club to leave.
They would like the Club to stay. They're the ones (the
Club) who are asking to materially change the lifestyle the
people have been accustomed to out there. The C.U.P. will
affect the community, both from a safety standpoint and a
change of lifestyle. There will be further intrusion and
destruction of private property. He had a broken window 1
1/2 years ago and when he called to complain, the Club said
it was not their responsibility. He feels they have the
right to enjoy their yards during evening hours without
intrusion. He also talked about the traffic issues on Meads
and Orange Park Blvd. Is the community being asked to
mortgage somebody else's economics situation at their safety
or r isk?
Mara Brandman, 7319 Equitation Way, is currently the
political liaison for the Orange Park Acres Association. She
was speaking at the request of their President, Robert
Walters. After a meeting with the O.P.A. Board, concerned
citizens and Dave Freeman, they voted unanimously to oppose
at this time night lights on the golf course. They feel the
mitigating actions were insufficient and could not be
monitored or maintained. It infringes on the basic
integrity and nature of O.P.A.
Beverly Wade, 10686 South Meads, said night lighting will
bring more people into her back yard, which she doesn't like
the f eel of strangers in her back yard. She wants her peace
at night.
RPhuttal
Mr. Freeman did not know of the problems regarding Mr. Rust
until he personally contacted him. At O.P.A.'s meeting Mr.
Freeman told Mr. Rust there did not seem to be a way to
satisfy him and Mr. Rust stated that was right, short of not
Planning Commission Minutes
June 4, 1990 - Page 13
doing this project. Mr. Rust has never called or sent any
correspondence to Mr. Freeman. He's more than willing to
sit down with him and try to work out any type of screening
that would be to his satisfaction that would eliminate this
particular problem or at least minimize it. He has met with
several homeowners and they have resolved most of the
concerns. To talk about golfers being dangerous people is a
pretty severe exaggeration. Regarding traffic issues, there
have been 2 million trips up to Club within the last 7 years
and not one accident has involved a golfer. He has put
speed bumps in his parking lot because of the topography.
He's willing to put speed bumps at the beginning of his
drive if that would help. The people object to his ability
to expand his business within the established business hours
as they have been for 15 years. Tennis players are up there
until 10 p.m. There is no difference between tennis players
and golfers leaving the Club at 10 p.m. He spoke with Mr.
Hamilton one time regarding the golf balls and spent over
7,000 putting up poles and netting, which he understood had
satisfied him. Between he and his neighbor, they objected
to the view because it was then too tall. He cut them down
15 feet to appease them and that's the last time he received
any correspondence or phone calls from Mr. Hamilton. They
do take down the nets when the Santa Ana winds are blowing.
There is no direct lighting into the homes; they're shielded
and you will not be able to see the light bulb. He was not
aware of the beer drinking and yelling; however, they plan
to have a Marshal on the course to alleviate those kinds of
problems should it ever arise. The only person he could
think of in management was a John Hardy six years ago, who
had a lease on the property. Mr. Freeman has never had the
opportunity to speak to Mr. Panos. He's not asking for
anything that it isn't zoned for; he's not asking to use
hours that they're not already using; and he feels it is in
the best interest of all the people that the C.U.P. be
granted. Up until March 1, 1990 Mr. Freeman leased the golf
course, but now he is personally managing the Club.
The public hearing was closed.
Chairman Master commented it seemed like the errant golf
balls have become the issue. There is a break in
communications between the property owners and Club in that
if the neighbors have had problems, they haven't been able
to get to Mr. Freeman in a timely fashion.
Commissioner Bosch said the problem again is lighting, but
lighting extends uses which may be currently detrimental to
the neighbors into the later hours. It appears that the
driving range problem occurred several years ago when the
tees were moved forward to allow the placement of a practice
tee. There was also a problem with the short run on the
second hole that may be the cause of problems to some of the
Planning Commission Minutes
June 4, 1990 - Page 14
residents along Acre Drive. He doesn't think there is
anything anyone could do day or night, weekends, evenings,
about those who misuse the privileges on the golf course; it
cannot be controlled. There may have to be something done
to mollify the neighbors, not only for the daytime use, but
particularly with the lights and extension/invasion of
privacy relative to that driving range and the second tee.
What minor adjustments can be made in the layout of portions
of the course, or adjustments of the driving range, in
addition to the fencing, to help solve that problem?
Mr. Freeman wants to identify where those problems are. It
has only been these last few weeks that he has been able to
discern where the problems are. Higher netting has been
erected, but it appears that the solution to that particular
problem is not resolved simply by having higher netting.
Taller netting on both sides and along the back side of the
driving range is needed. One of the solutions to Mr. Rust's
problems is to also affix lighting directly behind his house
on the opposition side of the driveway. That would
eliminate a significant portion of his problem. The netting
situation can resolve problems for the homeowners. The
driving range issue and netting were discussed. He is
willing to affix netting at the same height as the other
netting. The driving positions sit within 10 feet of where
they originally were. The perception is different because
they did construct putting greens behind them. There was no
substantial change.
Commissioner Bosch would like some factual information abou t
this because physical adjustments to the layout of the
course can impact the residents more than they anticipated
previously and a change in hours can too. The hours will be
changed by 50~ in the winter with the lighting in the
evening and maybe 15~ in the summer. He would like to see a
happy medium.
Mr. Freeman said there were two things they could do: One,
is to install higher netting at the back of the driving
range and netting at property lines by those homeowners who
desire them; two, as far as the lighting, it will provide 0
footcandles along the entire property line and if there are
any lights that people object to, a shield is available that
can be affixed to any light if the bulb is showing. They
could move the actual placement of the second tee back
approximately 10 or 15 yards, or the actual pin placement
could be moved up so that the hole is played shorter.
Perhaps, they could even redirect the placement of the tee
itself so that the shot visibly is more on an angle to the
golfer's left rather than to the right.
Planning Commission Minutes
June 4, 1990 - Page 15
Moved by Commissioner Scott, seconded by Commissioner Bosch,
to continue Conditional Use Permit 1836-90 to June 18, 1990
in order for the applicant to work with his neighbors and
staff to come up with conditions that are reasonable and to
address the issues/problems of the neighbors. Mitigating
measures should be illustrated as to how that can be
accommodated.
AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Master, Scott
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Greek MOTION CARRIED
IN RE: ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Commissioner Scott, seconded by Commissioner Bosch,
that the Planning Commission adjourn to June 11, 1990 at
5:00 p.m. to review the Capital Improvement Program for
compliance with the General Plan.
AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Master, Scott
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Greek MOTION CARRIED
The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
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