HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-20-1990 PC MinutesPLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
City of Orange August 20, 1990
Orange, California Monday - 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Commissioners Bosch, 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;
Jere Murphy, Administrator of Advanced Planning;
Mary Ann Chamberlain, Sr. Planner, Advanced Planning;
Bob Herrick, Assistant City Attorney;
Gary Johnson, City Engineer; and
Sue Devlin, Recording Secretary
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IN RE: MINUTES OF AUGUST 6, 1990
Moved by Commissioner Bosch, seconded by Commissioner Scott,
that the Minutes of August 6, 1990 be approved as recorded.
AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Master, Scott
NOES: None MOTION CARRIED
IN RE: CONTINUED HEARING
ZONE CHANGE 1128-90 - WOODCREST (SERRANO HEIGHTS SPECIFIC
PLAN)
A proposed reclassification of property from the A-1
Agriculture) and an existing unzoned area to the Planned
Community designation. Subject property contains 727 acres
located in East Orange just southerly of Anaheim Hills, and
northerly of the Villa Park Dam in an area known as Peralta
Hills. The development will connect Serrano Avenue from the
City of Orange to the City of Anaheim.
NOTE: Environmental Impact Report 1305 has been prepared
for this project.
This item has been continued from the July 16, 1990 public
hearing.)
Commissioner Bosch announced he must abstain from voting due
to a potential conflict of interest.
Mr. Godlewski presented the new material received during the
last week in order to make the documents current with all
the considerations that have discussed. For the record,
Chairman Master stated they have received three letters from
Mr. Yeager (8/14/90); Maybury Ranch group (8/16/90); and
another from the Maybury Ranch group (8/17/90) .
Planning Commission Minutes
August 20, 1990 - Page 2
Specific Plan Dated August 10, 1990 - insert pages
Page 17, discussion on the park. In the Development
Agreement it discusses the applicant providing a park site
or $1,500 per dwelling unit (contribution towards the park
site) . The applicant is now proposing that he will provide
a f our acre park site. The park is also discussed on Pages
40, 41, and 65. It requires that the developer will provide
a four acre park site and it will be graded. He will
provide $450,000 towards the improvement of the park. There
is a question as to the wording and intent of the developer
Page 65) to provide $450,000 and the graded park site
because it was not clear. Staff's opinion was that the
450,000 was reasonable and a park could be developed for
that amount. This would be an annual adjustment. The
dollar amount is being established at the time of the
Planning Commission hearing. If not developed for two
years, then the fees and dollar amount would increase as an
escalating cost.
Exhibit 13, (after Page 27) is enlarged from that which is
in the Specific Plan. There is note that states a large
scale copy of the exhibit is on file with the Department.
Exhibit 21, (after Page 37) same additional note -- large
scale copy on file.
Exhibit 22, (after Page 43) -- large scale copy on file.
Exhibit 23, (immediately follows) with the same note added.
Exhibit 28, revised copy was handed out this evening.
Commissioner Scott thought the wording on Page 54 should be
changed to read "the developer will pay" instead of
owner-developer (for the traffic signal) .
Page 60 (listed as Page 59 on the insert) -- an additional
sentence was added to #1 at the request of the Public Works
Department.
Page 65 -- language about the parks (previously discussed) .
Exhibit 32, which is a larger scale plan with the same note.
Exhibit 33, same note.
Exhibit 34, is a larger scale map and there are also some
note changes, which includes clarification on the trail
system.
Page 67 (insert Page 66) discusses the provisions of the
park .
Planning Commission Minutes
August 20, 1990 - Page 3
Page 68 (insert Page 67) paragraph above Section 4.7.2
proposed to be added to expand what is currently in the
Specific Plan. It discusses the trail system. Some
statements in the conditions also tie back to this.
Commissioner Scott commented he had a note on Page 68
insert) regarding the trails being 16 feet wide. Staff
thought 16 feet was the County's standard for trails (or the
underpass) . A notation was made for staff to research this
item.
On the same
responsibility
Plan document)
responsibility
determined pri
the project.
page, under Section 4.7.3 -- maintenance
which appears on Page 69 of the Specific
a line has been inserted: The maintenance
for the on-site trail system shall be
r to approval of the first final tract map on
Chairman Master referred to Page 71 (insert) -- fees.
Dollar amounts should be deleted. In the conditions, staff
deleted all dollar amounts. The dollar amounts are
specified in the Development Agreement and what's in the
Specific Plan today is actually affected by the E&R. Upon
adoption, if two years f rom now they decide to bu ild, the
fees would be two years different from adoption.
Exhibit 37 shows the conceptual landscape plan. It also
represents comments made by the Police Department in terms
of Neigh t of the walls. The walls have been changed to 6
feet and are non-climbable.
Page 78 (insert) -- landscape buffer along Serrano Avenue.
Page 92 (insert) -- deletion of provision for no pink or
blue homes in the development.
Page 93 (insert) -- individual residential lots shall be
located at the top of the slope.
Page 94 (insert) -- last statement #24 has been changed and
is listed as #23. New wording added: "If the Director
determines that the request is not consistent with the
Specific Plan, then he shall refer the request to the
Planning Commission."
At the bottom of the page, the last paragraph, a change is
suggested that a typical site plan showing the more
difficult lots would be presented. The difference being at
the tentative tract stage the applicant does not feel i~ is
necessary to provide the actual location of every house on
every pad throughout the entire tract, but rather pick a few
areas where it may be difficult and detail those areas.
Planning Commission Minutes
August 20, 1990 - Page 4
Page 96 -- above letter b. a sentence was added. It changes
the sense of processing. It's more specific in saying that
locations shall be submitted to the Community Development
Department for review and approval prior to the issuance of
building permits, and shall be subject to appeal or review
by the Planning Commission as set forth in the Orange
Municipal Code. The statement ties the development to
building permits.
An appeal could be made by the developer if he didn't like
the decision of the Community Development Director.
Exhibit 39 -- in addition to the note that a larger scale
drawing is on file, a change was made about the discussion
of downslopes. There is a condition that there be no
downslopes on any individual parcel; that the lot lines
occur at the top of the slope.
Exhibit 40 -- the new plan shows there are no lot lines
cutting through the middle of a slope.
Exhibit 40A -- same as Exhibit 40.
Page 105 (insert) refers to the one story homes and the
length of the driveways. This is also referenced in some of
the conditions. It's the applicant's proposal that
approximately 20~ of the homes within the area shall be one
story. Their concern is that they cannot build a one story
home without a short driveway. They would like a C.U.P.
process so that in order to get a short driveway, they have
to have a C.U.P. approved by the Planning Commission at the
time the tract map is submitted. The surrounding
communities want to see one story homes. There is another
condition from the Traffic Division that states there shall
be no short driveways; the minimum driveway will be 20 feet.
Conditions
An added condition is proposed in the general conditions
section. Staff is proposing that a condition similar to
what was placed on the Tracy Development be included in
relation to the electromagnetic fields that could be present
with the Edison easements and Edison right-of-way. The
condition was marginally discussed in the study sessions and
was never specifically discussed, but staff felt it
appropriate to add this condition. The Commissioners
concurred.
Condition 29 - private streets. The developer requested
additional language be included that says unless mutually
agreed upon by the developer and the Director of Public
Works. It's anticipated there may be areas where the street
standards would need to be modified. It would include both
structural and width modifications.
Planning Commission Minutes
August 20, 1990 - Page 5
Commissioner Scott felt more comfortable limiting the
modifications to street width.
Conditions 42 and 97 - the Traffic Division felt these two
conditions should be tied together in some manner. They can
be combined; street lights and type of standards.
Condition 44b - changes Exhibit B to Exhibit A -
construction of the entire length of Serrano.
Condition 50 - "The developer shall design and construct a
traffic signal at the intersection of Loma Street and
Serrano to the satisfaction of the City Traffic Engineer..."
conflicts with mitigation measure 4.7.3 #4 and is in
conflict with Page 54 in the Specific Plan. The wording in
question is "proportionate share". It needs to be discussed
further.
Page 10 of the conditions, after Condition 59, staff is
proposing to add another condition that was discussed in the
study sessions concerning dust control. "Prior to issuance
of any grading permits, the developer shall establish a
24-hour emergency hot line to facilitate immediate response
to problems that may occur at any time, including night
time, weekends and holidays" (in relation to the grading
conditions).
Condition 64 - the developer was concerned with this
condition. It required an edge treatment plan to be
submitted to the County and approved by the County prior to
the City's review and approval by the D.R.B. It is the
developer's concern that the County will review and make
comments on it, but whether or not they approve it (or if
they should deny it) , the developer feels they should still
be able to go forward through the City and have the City be
the final determiner in the plan. This is an identical
condition that was placed on Tracy.
Condition 72 (under trails) - the County standard has been
written. The developer suggests that wording be added: "or
as mutually agreed upon by the developer and the Director of
Community Development."
Condition 98 - conflicts with the statement of short
driveways. The Commission needs to discuss this further.
The condition conflicts with the developer's ability to
request a C.U.P. for short driveways. The condition needs
to be amended to say "unless approved by C.U.P.", or the
short driveway issue would have to be resolved in the
Specific Plan.
A letter was received from the City of Anaheim, dated July
10, 1990, where they have requested certain modifications
and conditions. Staff has not responded to Anaheim's
request.
Planning Commission Minutes
August 20, 1990 - Page 6
Mitigation Measures
Page 4 - traffic and circulation - 4.7.3 -- there was a hand
out that included six additional conditions (#8-#13):
Condition 8 - widen Santiago Canyon Road, west of Santiago
Creek. It's shown to be a F.A.U. project.
Condition 9 - restripe Katella Avenue easterly of the
Newport Freeway to a modified major with six thru lanes.
Condition 10 - widen Loma Street, south of Taft Avenue to
arterial highway standards.
Condition 11 - add a third eastbound lane on Katella Avenue
at the Newport Freeway northbound ramp.
Condition 12 - add a third eastbound thru lane and a second
westbound left turn lane on Katella Avenue at the Newport
Freeway southbound ramps.
Condition 13 - add a second eastbound left turn lane on
Santiago Canyon Road at Loma Street in addition to the
arterial improvements.
Chairman Master asked if the applicant has received a copy
of the suggested conditions and mitigation measures?
The applicant has received everything but the conditions.
Staff stated they were recommended in the Environmental
Impact Report as mitigation measures. The conditions are
included as transportation improvement projects. They are
funded ou t of a separate source. They are covered by the
TSIP program, of which the developer will participate.
Conditions #8-#13 should not be included in this proposal.
Item 4 under traffic talks about the proportionate share or
whatever is determined in relation to the signal at Serrano
and Loma.
Mr. Godlewski said the procedure to be used has been
outlined in the memorandum to the Commission dated August
17, 1990. The public hearing has not been officially
closed.
Commissioner Scott wanted staff to explain what a Specific
Plan is meant to be.
Mr. Godlewski responded a Specific Plan is a method that
cities can use that is authorized by state code to address
unique development areas. This can include developments
that are as large as Serrano Heights and the Irvine Company,
or as small as five or six lots that abut a special problem
Planning Commission Minutes
August 20, 1990 - Page 7
i.e., a railroad track). The statutory requirements were
cited from the state law, of which certain mandates that a
Specific Plan include. What is necessary to be included in
the Plan is a text and a diagram(s) which specify a list of
criteria in detail. In terms of requiring specific grading
of individual tracts, that is not required by a Specific
P1 an.
Chairman Master stated the purpose of the Specific Plan
explanation was that in their study sessions there was
concern about the lack of specific lot layouts, slopes,
length of driveways, etc. At this level, they are not
looking at that level of detail. "Specific° does not relate
to detailed plans. Numerous communication has been received
from the public, the developer has supplied them with a lot
of data. It was suggested they not re-hash material already
presented. New comments/input were welcomed.
The public hearing was opened.
Applicant
Frank Elf end, Elf end & Associates, 4675 MacArthur Court,
Newport Beach, had very few comments to make. There has
been three study sessions and they tried to provide the
Commission with the information requested. Two comments
relate to the conditions of approval. Condition 50 - signal
at Loma and Serrano. They indicated to staff that they
attended a public hearing on the Parkridge project, which
took place before the City Council. They obtained a copy of
those Minutes which indicated that there was a discussion of
this issue, bu t not in the detail that would necessarily
indicate that the project has a requirement to participate
in a signal at that location. A fair share responsibility
for the Loma/Serrano signal is related to that particular
discussion at that City Council meeting. The second comment
is about the shortened driveways. When they began the
project, some of the input received from the community was
the concern about having one story units. There is no
requirement per existing code, which stipulates there has to
be one story units. In Development Area 7, in order to
provide that one story unit, they would like to consider
smaller driveways. It's approximately 20~ of driveways.
The width of the lots in the area are 60 feet wide, which
they thought would permit a shortened driveway. They are
asking that Condition 98 to be slightly amended to provide
that ability to come back through a C.U.P. process.
Public Input
Bob Bennyhoff, 10642 Morada Drive, Orange Park Acres,
reiterated this project is six years old. He does not
object to apartments and condos on the side of the hill. A
Planning Commission Minutes
August 20, 1990 - Page 8
traffic study was conducted two years ago as part of the
General Plan Update. By the year 2010 the Eastern Corridor
should be in place. There has been no basic change in the
circulation pattern in the East Orange area with a couple of
minor exceptions. Santiago Canyon Road needs to be widened
and needs realignment. It will probably take another five
years before the County can make those improvements. They
don't like development, but they're realistic enough to know
there's going to be a development there and they've done
what they could to make it the least offensive. They are
discussing the lighting issue on Santiago Road. This
proposal is not a secret; they don't like it, but they can
live with it.
Gerard Fane, 6607 East Yosemite, May bury Ranch, has attended
the study sessions and they were a repetition of what has
happened tonight -- a great deal of paper shuffling. The
underlying issues were not discussed. Because of the
nature of the study sessions, public input was restricted.
He feels the Commission has not heard from the public. He
pointed out mitigation measure 4.4.3 (2) and (5) states that
there are yet to be done the 1603 process with the State of
California. It seems to him if the State of California is
going to look at this and may insist on greater mitigation
than the City of Orange is going to ask for, he feels things
are being rushed. This body would be remiss if it said they
were going to approve the draft E.I.R. and Specific Plan;
then another agency, which has authority, would require
greater mitigation measures. He did not find where the
draft E.I.R. satisfied C.E.Q.A.'s requirements. The
endangered habitat and species have been ignored. Is this
going to be ignored or dismissed?
Greg Grubba, 845 Jacaranda, Anaheim Hills, asked for letters
from Mr. Elf end of people he rented to. He was provided
with letters from 1984 and 1985.
Carl Kritcheger, 6455 Oakview Lane, Anaheim Hills, commented
on the electromagnetic fields. He is a registered
electrical engineer and had been involved in the
transmission distribution area for the last 20 years. He
shared the August, 1990 edition of their monthly magazine
regarding a special report on 60 Cycle and the Human Body.
In the July 30 edition of Time Magazine there was in the
technology section an article on the hidden hazards of the
air waves and transmission lines. He encouraged the
Commission to read this article. There are detrimental
effects from living in the area of the Edison corridor. The
public needs to have a broader range of understanding of the
health hazards. He thought it was incumbent of the
Commission to protect the people currently living in the
area and to make sure there are specific words with respect
Planning Commission Minutes
August 20, 1990 - Page 9
to the monitoring of the grading that will occur in the area
of the Anaheim Hills area. A geological study was needed on
the effects of the homes that are closest to the grading.
Chairman Master made a couple of comments regarding the
electromagnetic issues. It's a real concern to the
Commission. There's yet to be an absolute correlation. The
jury is still out.
Paul Singer, City of Anaheim, Traffic & Transportation
Engineer, 200 South Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, addressed the
issue of the traffic signal that should be required of the
developer. This is part of the Anaheim Hills Development
Plan. The accumulative traffic should be considered as part
of the requirement for the traffic signal at Serrano Avenue
and Nohl Ranch Road. The traffic will need to be mitigated
through the use of a pedestrian crossing at the school. The
City of Anaheim urges the condition be amended to require
that a traffic signal be installed at the cost of the
developer at the intersection of Serrano Avenue and Nohl
Ranch Road; and that the signal be actuated for pedestrians
so that the children can cross the street safely, and be
interconnected to the TMC at the City of Anaheim. The other
traffic signal he addressed is the 25$ participation for
ambient traffic at the intersection of Nohl Ranch Road and
Meats Avenue. He urged the Commission to include that as
part of the condition of development.
Commissioner Scott asked if Anaheim had a TSIP fee program
for development? (Yes they do. ) Has any money been
collected for the participation of the signal at this
location? (No.)
Joe Pelka, P.O. Box 4453, Orange, represented Maybury Ranch
Homeowners' Association. Orange ribbons were being worn by
people in the audience opposing the project. A letter was
submitted from him dated August 17, 1990 and was made a part
of the record. His concerns covered some aspects of CEQA
and brings out numerous problems where the present E.I.R. is
not adequate. The City of Irvine is also dealing with the
issue of power lines; however, they seem to be taking a more
proactive stance in the area. He suggested staff contact
Irvine to deal with this issue in a cooperative manner. He
requested a 30 day continuation on this matter to iron
things out.
Lisa Lewis, 6216 East Twin Peak Circle, Anaheim Hills,
submitted a letter earlier which also contained 386
signatures on a petition to modify the development to
preserve the ridgeline bordering the City of Anaheim
overlooking Twin Peak Circle, Coral Circle, Amber Lane,
Lookout Lane and Camino Grande. She submitted an addendum
to the petition of an additional 190 plus 105 signatures.
Planning Commission Minutes
August 20, 1990 - Page 10
People object to the destruction of the ridgeline. Their
concerns are: grading - the entire ridgeline should be
preserved; blasting of the ridgeline - unacceptable to blast
in the area of the school or any portion of the ridgeline;
water towers - does not preserve the ridgeline. They should
be moved off the ridgeline into the development area.
Aesthetics - houses will be visible from both cities, which
will destroy the natural topography. They request the top
level of houses be moved down 100 feet on the opposite side
of the Anaheim Hills ridgeline. Traffic - the report is
under estimated. Noise - construction noise a concern.
Family life will be disrupted with the hours of
construction. Construction hours should be limited to 8:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m. All construction within the area of
Anaheim Hills elementary school be performed outside of
school hours. Dust - what will the dust level be after
measures are taken to control it by the developer? They
request no grading take place during Santa Ana wind
conditions. Wind flow - the report is under estimated.
Wind damage is experienced by many neighbors. By removing
the ridgeline, the wind barrier will be removed that
protects Anaheim Hills homeowners. Wildlife - inadequate
reports which are open for debate. She urged the Commission
to take a close look at the new ecological study and give it
careful consideration. Trail systems - loss of the trail
system, even for a short time, will be widely felt by all
area residents. The proposed system is inadequate and will
be much less than what they have now. They request a new
traffic study be completed to adequately assess traffic
generated by Serrano Heights, fully taking into account
commuter traffic that will use Serrano as a short cut over
the hills. They would also like the study to assess the
impacts that would be created if the Eastern Transportation
Corridor does not go through and Weir Canyon Road does not
go through as slated at this point. No variances or
conditional use permits should be granted from the City of
Orange .
Commissioner Scott stated City Council's policy regarding
all future water towers will be suppressed down; they will
not be sitting on top of the ridgeline. He asked if the
trail systems currently being used were on public or private
property? (Answer was not known.)
Jim Wells, 6236 East Coral Circle, Anaheim Hills, thought by
coming over the ridgeline, everyone would be neighbors. He
felt it was more like, "Ready or not, here we come!" He
realizes the Commission has a difficult task of balancing
the developers to make a fair profit, which is their
business, with the public's interest. The people on the
other s ide of the r idgeline are woefully uninformed abou t
the process of this development. People do not have enough
information to give the kind of public response that is
Planning Commission Minutes
August 20, 1990 - Page 11
needed. The project represents a drastic, permanent
defiguration of the hills. He urged the Commission to defer
action on this matter until such time the true consensus of
the community is known.
Art Utsler, Director of Planning Services, O.U.S.D., 370
North Glassell, was pleased to serve both communities. He
has had many calls from parents in the City of Anaheim
regarding this development. In the past, the District has
supported the extension of Serrano. There have been a
number of concerns stated to them primarily revolving around
traffic issues and the standard nuisances relating to
construction. They tend to support the City of Anaheim when
they request assistance because of increased traffic. They
believe increased traffic will occur because of the route
through the hills. The District requests that the traffic
studies be looked at closely, that care be taken to make
sure the school remains safe, that students walking are in a
safe position. They expect that there will be an adequate
address to the questions of dust and noise. They ask that
the developer, when he gets into something like dynamiting,
actively coordinate with the school district as to time
frames.
Commissioner Scott asked if the school district had an
opportunity to respond to the Draft E.I.R. during the
reporting period? (He was not sure.)
Juan Pablo Serrano Niemblas objects to this plan and the
development of the ridgeline. The people have not been
informed of the development's impacts. Santiago Canyon
contains an active earthquake fault.
Mara Brandman, 7319 Equitation Way, Orange Park Acres, felt
she had to almost apologize for Orange Park Acres' active
participation in the development of the community and
County. She has been involved since the very beginning.
They have paid particular attention to all points of this
development and have not singled out the ones in Orange or
the ones they can see (or are affected by) in Orange Park
Acres. With the request they have asked of the developer
and consultant (as noted in her letter to the Commission),
they have been agreed to.
Larry Larsen, 996 Ridgecrest Circle, Anaheim Hills, hopes
everyone understands that they are dealing with the last
major unspoiled ridgeline in the cities of Orange and
Anaheim. He believes they are dealing with a major
landmark. In his opinion, people do not try to destroy
landmarks, but try to retain them. He opposes the project
as submitted because the developer has not expressed a
desire to protect the existing ridgeline. The type of
buildings and the size of lots do not adapt to the top of
the hills.
Planning Commission Minutes
August 20, 1990 - Page 12
Greg Lewis, 6216 East Twin Peak Circle, became aware of this
project a couple of months ago before the last public
hearing. There are 13 separate issues that need to be
addressed. Before the Commission makes a decision, they
must weigh the benefits of the project against the concerns
of the people. He has not read mitigation measures for any
of the issues until tonight. He requested Commission to
defer their vote in order to find mitigation measures to as
many of the issues as possible. The benefits also need to
be spelled out.
Chairman Master asked if he were aware of the open space
element of this plan? (Yes.) Don't you think that is a
benefit?
Mr. Lewis thinks the open space issue is seen in the
Southern California easement.
Chairman Master feels there is a lot of misinformation
coming from the residents of Anaheim.
Commissioner Scott reiterated City Council has already made
a decision that Serrano will go through. It's stipulated in
the Development Agreement.
Lori Engelmann, 6218 East Twin Peak Circle, Anaheim Hills,
did not understand how it was ok for the Commission to throw
out puns to the audience and yet shut the audience up, not
allowing them to applaud or stand up for what they believe.
Chairman Master has heard so many comments that are one
sided. What respect does the audience have in clapping to
delay the hearing until 1:00 a.m.? Puns are not meant to
shut the audience up.
Mr. Pelka commented about preserving the old buildings
downtown and the Plaza. The hills are a part of the natural
heritage which were made by God. The natural history should
also be preserved.
Rebuttal
Mr. Elf end briefly went over the audience's comments. Some
of the issues raised have already been addressed. Mr. Fain
and Mr. Pelka both spoke of the biological concerns. He
didn't respond because the City has on file a letter from
the Pacific Southwest Biological Services. He responded to
the 1603 permit process of the Department of Fish and Game.
It is a ..ministerial action. In their dealings with them,
it is unusual to submit their proposal until after they have
received approval of the Specific Plan. The City of Orange
consistent with the State C.E.Q.A. guidelines, solicited
comments from the Department of Fish and Game and they were
Planning Commission Minutes
August 20, 1990 - Page 13
very heavily involved during the General Plan Amendment.
Changes were made at their request and this time around,
comments were not made and that's a matter of public record.
The endangered species and habitat, according to the State
and Federal designations, there are none located on the
property. Mr. Elf end responded to Mr. Grubba's request with
said letters. The project has taken six years in dealing
with people in both cities. The rest of the correspondence
that came through to the City of Anaheim was put through by
the Anaheim Hills Citizens Coalition. The next comment
abou t electromagnetic fields was discussed. He met with
David Zimmerman from Gramercy Park this last week. The
approval of a Specific Plan document is a zoning document;
the next level of detail will come through the tentative
maps. Then there will be a grading plan. Grading on the
Anaheim Hills side of the project will not be initiated
until 1992/93 and not completed until 1995. Extensive
geological studies are on file with the City of Orange.
They would be happy to provide anyone with a copy to read.
He responded to Mr. Singer by commenting a letter was sent
to Ms. Chamberlain at the City of Orange, dated July 10,
1990, regarding the 25~ participation for the signal at Nohl
Ranch Road and Serrano. This is a condition that was
created by this letter. He believes they have spent a lot
of time on this project and within the last 60 days, they
have provided the Commission with additional information. A
30 day continuance is unwarranted. There are 476 acres of
open space. Of that, 246 acres are in the easement for
Southern California Edison. One hundred forty-eight acres
will be part of Santiago Oaks Regional Park. He does not
agree that they have exploited the resources. Significant
preservation measures have been taken (i.e., Robbers Roost).
They have spent more time with the City of Orange and the
O.P.A. Trails Committee in terms of keeping those trails
open. They have worked with a gentleman by the name of John
Perry from O.U.S.D. who was supportive of this project. The
developer has assured the District they will work closely
with them in the control of dust and mitigating the noise.
He understands there will be no blasting on this side of the
hill anyway. They have done their best to work with
community people to the extent that is reasonable through a
variety of different notification procedures. They think
this project represents something that is significantly
better than was considered previously.
The public hearing was closed.
Commissioner Scott commented on the lengthy presentation of
both pro and con comments. It's a very sensitive issue for
the citizens of both Orange and Anaheim. He felt they have
gone over all the issues that can be addressed.
Planning Commission Minutes
August 20, 1990 - Page 14
Moved by Commissioner Scott, seconded by Commissioner
Master, that they recommend to City Council that E.I.R. 1305
be certified in that it has been completed in compliance
with the California Environmental Quality Act, and the
Commission has reviewed and considered the E.I.R. prior to
taking action on the project. The Commission understands
there will be specific economic, social or other
considerations make infeasible total mitigation of all
environmental impacts. But they do find that the total
project, including the assets, overrides the liabilities.
The benefits derived from the project far exceed what they
believe are the adverse impacts. The Commission also
recommends adoption of the statement of overriding
considerations and recommend the Council to adopt findings
of facts as presented in the E.I.R.
AYES: Commissioners Master, Scott
NOES: None
ABSTAINED: Commissioner Bosch MOTION CARRIED
Chairman Master though t the concern of the potential
geological problems warrant some additional condition. There
are conditions that require the applicant, during all phases
of grading, geological work, has a licensed geotechnical
consultant who's reviewing and making recommendations to
them and advising any blast or grading work. He wanted to
extend that analysis to the potential impact of the
surrounding community because of the problems relating to
the topography. Notifications shall be made to the school
district or any other agency which could be impacted.
Mr. Johnson stated special conditions pertaining to adjacent
homes were included with the Crawford Canyon Road project
because the location of the blasting had been established as
to where it was going to be. The City Attorney's office is
in the process of preparing a blasting ordinance, which will
be in effect by the time this project is ready to begin.
Mr. Elf end agrees to the City adding this condition; it is
acceptable to them.
Moved by Commissioner Scott, seconded by Commissioner
Master, to recommend the City Council approve Zone Change
1128 to reclassify property from the A-1 district and
unzoned areas to the PC zone.
AYES: Commissioners Master, Scott
NOES: None
ABSTAINED: Commissioner Bosch MOTION CARRIED
Planning Commission Minutes
August 20, 1990 - Page 15
Moved by Commissioner Scott, seconded by Commissioner
Master, to recommend the City Council approve the Serrano
Heights Specific Plan subject to the list of conditions
dated August 16, 1990 as modified by this motion. Condition
29 be amended to include street width only. Condition 42
and 97 be merged. Condition 44b be changed from Exhibit B
to Exhibit A. Add a Condition 59a pertaining to dust
control. Condition 64 - remove the word "approval" for the
County E.M.A.. Condition 72 be amended to read "as approved
by the Director of Development Services". Condition 98 -
add that it will require a conditional use permit.
AYES: Commissioners Master, Scott
NOES: None
ABSTAINED: Commissioner Bosch MOTION CARRIED
IN RE: NEW HEARINGS
ZONE CHANGE 1130-90 - CITY OF ORANGE:
A proposal to pre-zone the unincorporated multiple-family
and commercial properties located on Pearl Street, First
Street, and 17751 to 17901 Chapman Avenue from the Orange
County R-4 (Suburban-Residential) and C-1
Retail-Commercial) to the City of Orange R-2-6 (Residential
Duplex District) and C-1 (Limited Business) . The proposal
also includes the Pinewood Condominiums, located at 17901
East Chapman Avenue, which are presently zoned R-4 (Suburban
Residential) and are proposed for rezone to the City of
Orange R-3 (Residential Multiple Family District). This 14
acre unincorporated area was formerly known as the town of
McPherson, and will be known as Annexation No. 383 for
incorporation purposes.
NOTE: This projected annexation is categorically exempt
from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
per State CEQA Guidelines Section 15319.
A staff report was not presented and the public hearing was
opened.
Those speaking in favor
Rathyrn Shapiro, 3324 Casselle Avenue, Secretary and
Co-Chairman, Citizens in Support of East Orange, said this
has been a recommendation of two task forces that this
property be annexed. Everyone is delighted.
The public hearing was closed.
Commissioner Scott understood the City is making a pre-zone
change.
Planning Commission Minutes
August 20, 1990 - Page 16
Mary Ann Chamberlain, Sr. Planner, Advanced Planning, said
the protest hearing would be held by the City of Orange City
Council. This proposal has already been to LAFCO. If less
than 25~ of the homeowners do not protest, it will become
part of the City. Approximately 95~ of the homeowners in
the area have signed petitions to come into the City. They
would also like to have our police services out there for
the day workers.
Moved by Commissioner Scott, seconded by Commissioner Bosch,
that they recommend the City Council approve Pre-Zone Change
1130-90.
AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Master, Scott
NOES: None MOTION CARRIED
IN RE: NEW HEARINGS
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 4-90 - CITY OF ORANGE:
An amendment to Chapters 17.80, 17.88 and 17.94 of the
Orange Municipal Code, regarding the sale of beer and wine
at locations which also offer the sale of motor fuels. The
amendment also proposes criteria for use in evaluating
future conditional use permit requests for such sales.
NOTE: This project is categorically exempt from the
provisions of the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) per State CEQA Guidelines Section 15303.
A staff report was not presented. The public hearing was
opened and closed.
Chairman Master questioned the wording on Page 3 of the
staff report, last paragraph -- underlined sentence
Provided, however, that an approval by either the Zoning
Administrator or the Planning Commission..." -- would the
Planning Commission actually participate?
Ms. Wolff responded generally no; however, if an application
for a conditional use permit for concurrent sale of beer and
wine would come in with another associated permit that the
Planning Commission would review, then the Commission would
also hear the associated C.U.P. request.
Commissioner Bosch said this seems to be addressing several
different types of potential sales of alcoholic beverages.
One with regard to co-sales with motor vehicle fuel and
another with regard to other commercial zones, particularly
where there may be an impact on residential, churches,
schools, hospitals, playgrounds, etc. It appears we are
amending part of this to allow alcoholic beverage sales as a
permitted use. But on the other hand, we've addressed in
Planning Commission Minutes
August 20, 1990 - Page 17
the analysis requiring a C.U.P. to identify potential
impacts on the uses previously mentioned. He wanted to be
sure there is not a conflict in that there's a mechanism for
assuring that there's no automatic requirement; that there's
some minimal distance set aside to assure that we are
protecting those uses.
Ms. Wolff responded that the amendment does address several
different sections of the alcoholic beverage regulations.
One is to modify the regulations regarding off-sale of beer
and wine in conjunction with motor fuel. Separate from that
adding criteria based on distances and concentration for any
type of C.U.P. requests for alcohol sales. Starting from
the basis of City Council direction that they wanted to see
all of the requests for alcoholic beverage sales with motor
fuels, staff looked at the ordinances finding small
inconsistencies and house-keeping errors that needed to be
taken care of. They expanded it to do all of these kind of
things. Also, in the course of their research they found
some regulations from other cities that seem to lend some
support to the kind of decisions that are being made here.
Staff is suggesting criteria that the decision-making body
consider the distance of the proposed sales from residential
buildings, churches, schools and hospitals; however, they
are not recommending in the text shown any specific
distance. There are so many different variables that could
be involved, they chose not to put that in.
Commissioner Bosch appreciated that, but it appears though
there are permitted districts whereby right, subject to
approval of an alcohol license, sales would be allowed.
Then, the C.U.P. appears to apply only with regard to sales
in conjunction with motor fuel and only in that regard then
the use controls relate to making the findings for C.U.P.'s.
He would like to be sure they are applying this equally. In
his personal opinion, they ought to have the C.U.P. review
for potential impacts on these other critical community uses
required for all potential sale of alcoholic beverages.
Ms. Wolff said the way the code is written now, there is a
C.U.P. requirement for the concurrent sale with motor fuels
and also for any on-sale requirements. However, convenience
marts or off-sale where there is no motor fuel sold on the
premises, there is no requirement for a conditional use
permit.
Commissioner Bosch understands this and is objecting to it.
He would like to amend this to include that. He's not
against the moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages, bu t
it appears to him that the potential impacts of sales at a
convenience market on an adjacent school is as easily
accessible and we're not equally applying control in this
regard. He would like to see the ordinance rewritten to
include all beer and wine establishments to make it equally
applicable.
Planning Commission Minutes
August 20, 1990 - Page 18
Moved by Commissioner Bosch, seconded by Commissioner Scott,
to direct staff to rewrite Ordinance Amendment 4-90 and
bring it back to the Commission for review on September 17,
1990.
AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Master, Scott
NOES: None MOTION CARRIED
IN RE: MISCELLANEOUS ITEM
DIRT HAULING REQUEST - ORANGE HOMES, INC.:
A proposal to import approximately 225,000 cubic yards of
fill to the Orange Homes site, located north of Walnut
Avenue, west of Prospect Street, south of Collins and
southwest of Santiago Creek. This item is to be heard by
the Commission in accordance with a condition of approval of
the original tentative tract map.
There was no opposition and a staff report was not
presented.
The public hearing was opened.
Applicant
Tom Grable, Orange Homes, 100 Pacific Coast, Suite 360,
Irvine, requested this haul permit because in review of
their site under present day conditions, they found they are
225,000 yards deficient in the 70 acres north of Walnut.
They have moved 1.5 million yards of dirt. But due to
factors beyond their control, they have arrived at a
shortage. They have come across some buried concrete that
their soils tests did not indicate the magnitude of to the
figure of about 50,000 yards. Santiago Creek improvements -
deficient abou t 60,000 yards as a result of building a
smaller channel than originally proposed due to some new
hydraulic reports that were generated by the Corps. of
Engineers. They've also had an additional amount of
shrinkage over and above anticipated of 100,000 yards.
Their original calculation was between 5 and 10$ shrinkage;
they arrived at between 10 and 15~ shrinkage due to the
higher levels of clay and silty type materials. The fourth
item is trash and debris that has surfaced to the amount of
10,000 cubic yards. They are proposing to haul the dirt
from the 55 Freeway to the site. This would be during the
hours of 9-4 so that they will avoid the peak hours on
Chapman Avenue. They realize this is a haul route
currently. They have filled the largest pit, streets are
cut and pads are certified on the single family portion.
The pit has settled and they have achieved over 90~
compaction. They gladly accept more removal of substandard
material and greater shrinkage, which necessitates the need
to import f ill material all for the sake of safe levels of
compaction on this difficult site.
Planning Commission Minutes
August 20, 1990 - Page 19
Commissioner Scott asked where they were getting their dirt?
Mr. Grable said Yaeger Construction has approached them with
the possibility of getting the dirt from the freeway
extension.
Commissioner Scott asked if the State puts an hour of
operation restriction on them?
As Mr. Grable recalls, the State does not restrict their
hours.
Chairman Master asked if this volume is their best estimate
now for the entire site?
Mr. Grable responded for the approved portion of the site,
but not for the entire 105 acres. That has yet to be
determined and they will be addressing that issue
specifically when they submit a planning proposal for the
southern 30 acres.
Bob Bennyhoff, 10642 Morada Drive, Orange Park Acres, would
like the assurance of the Traffic Engineer because at 4 p.m.
at Yorba and the Costa Mesa Freeway interchange, it's a
mess. There's a lot of cars. The on-ramp signal, going
towards Riverside, has several large trucks lined up to get
on the Freeway; everyone will be fighting for that lane to
get on the Freeway. Is there any way we can keep the trucks
from platooning?
Commissioner Scott asked if Mr. Bennyhoff saw Condition 2 in
the staff report? (Yes.) He will talk to Bernie Dennis.
Mr. Johnson thought the time frame would have to be fine
tuned. The freeway interchange is one of the biggest
factors and the trucks will be competing with other vehicles
on the freeway. The applicant needs to understand that the
hours could be adjusted on the basis of problems that are
created. The hauler is concerned about a six hour day being
difficult to adhere to as opposed to a seven hour day. The
permit will be written as being subject to review.
Chairman Master asked if there was a problem with the
previous action on this item regarding the E.I.R.? Can it
be amended without requiring a new E.I.R.?
Ms. Wolff said there were a couple of mechanisms for
expanding E.I.R.'s. One is an addendum to an E.I.R. for
relatively minor changes. That does not require an
additional notification or circulation period. Another
method of amending an E.I.R. is through the supplemental
E.I.R. process. That is for changes that are relatively
minor -- more significant than through an addendum -- and it
Planning Commission Minutes
August 20, 1990 - Page 20
would require recirculation of the new parts of the E.I.R.
The Commission needs to determine how significant this
impact is.
Mr. Grable said in their previous E.I.R. in addressing the
traffic impacts, traffic studies tend to focus in on the
peak hours. By avoiding those periods, they will minimize
the impacts to those periods. Hopefully, they won't have to
go through another process.
Mr. Johnson did not think the City has been mandated to, by
State statutes, require an E.I.R. for hauling. Other cities
do not have that type of procedure. The Commission's
recommendation would be heard by the City Council.
Mr. Bennyhoff hopes the City will enforce the requirement of
the hauling ordinance for the loads to be wet down or be
covered.
Moved by Commissioner Scott, seconded by Commissioner Bosch,
to recommend the City Council approve the dirt hauling
request of Orange Hills, Inc. per the listed conditions in
the memorandum from Gary Johnson, City Engineer dated August
7, 1990.
AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Master, Scott
NOES: None MOTION CARRIED
Even though Chairman Master voted favorably, he had some
concerns. He thinks it's a great development and is in
favor of getting the development over with. He's just
concerned about what they're doing. Traffic on Chapman is
not getting lighter -- how do they handle it? It's going to
be tough to do hauling under the hours of restriction.
IN RE: ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Commissioner Scott, seconded by Commissioner Bosch,
to adjourn at 11:00 p.m.
AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Master, Scott
NOES: None MOTION CARRIED
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