HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-15-1990 PC MinutesPLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
City of Orange October 15, 1990
Orange, California 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;
Bob Herrick, Assistant City Attorney;
Bob VonSchimmelman, Assistant City Engineer; and
Sue Devlin, Recording Secretary
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IN RE: MINUTES OF OCTOBER 1, 1990
Moved by Commissioner Scott, seconded by Commissioner
Murphy, that the Minutes of October 1, 1990 be approved as
recorded.
AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Cathcart, Master, Murphy, Scott
NOES: None MOTION CARRIED
IN RE: NEW HEARINGS
PRE-ZONE CHANGE 1131-90 AND TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 90-322 -
GORDON DAVIDSON:
A Pre-Zone Change application from County R-4 (Suburban
Multiple Family) to City R-2-6 (Residential Duplex, Minimum
Lot Size 6,000 square feet), and a Tentative Parcel Map to
allow a two unit condominium subdivision on property located
on the north side of Buena Vista Street between Palm and
Orange Avenues, addressed 16651 Buena Vista Street.
NOTE: Negative Declaration 1359-90 has been prepared for
this project.
A staff report was presented by Ms. Wolff. The property is
located in an area known as Olive Heights, generally north
of Lincoln and east of Orange-Olive, west of Eisenhower
Park. The area is unincorporated; it's a County island
completely surrounded by the City of Orange. The area is
within the City's sphere of influence. Because the property
is within the sphere of influence it can be annexed into the
City. It is a proposal to pre-zone the property from the
County R-4 to the City R-2-6. These two zones are similar
in that each zone allows development of one unit for each
3,000 square feet of site area. The City's General Plan for
the area permits development of six to fifteen units per
acre. This development is consistent with
Planning Commission Minutes
October 15, 1990 - Page 2
The Tentative Parcel Map will allow the project to be built
as a two unit condominium development. The two units will
be detached, each containing three bedrooms and
approximately 1800 square feet in size. Each will also have
a two car garage. One unit will have a driveway onto the
public street. One will have a driveway off of the alley to
the rear. The site does have a considerable slope and
retaining walls of up to seven feet in height will be
constructed along the side property lines. There is
approximately an 18' grade differential from the alley down
to the street. Both units are proposed at two stories in
height and are similar in character to the adjacent seven
unit condominium development which is existing to the north,
but of a larger scale than the older existing residences now
that are in the area.
The public hearing was opened.
Applicant
Craig Hampton, 18102 Sky Park South #A-1, Irvine, is the
project architect for the proposed project. He would answer
any questions the Commission might have. They have read the
staff report and understand and agree to the conditions.
Commissioner Bosch said the Commission was looking at
whether the project created a suitable lot environment for
the proposed buildings. He asked if the applicant had any
difficulty with the rolled-up door (building B off of the
alley) ?
Mr. Hampton did not have a problem with the rolled-up door
as an additional condition.
Commissioner Bosch had difficulty in determining what kind
of access the project would have. It doesn't appear that
the B unit will have any direct access from the public
street. Is it only from the alley?
Mr. Hampton responded that was correct. It will not have
direct entry access to Buena Vista.
Commissioner Bosch said in terms of the rear yard access,
one of the elevations shows a bedroom sliding door or french
door in the lower level of the B unit to the rear yard.
What other type of access will there be to provide the rear
yards as feasible outdoor space?
Mr. Hampton said they will have an enclosed patio that will
be towards the entry or alley side off the main living
level. There is the patio on the lower level adjacent to the
bedrooms, as well as a deck accessible from the master
bedroom on the upper level. The yard on the lower floor is
Planning Commission Minutes
October 15, 1990 - Page 3
tucked underneath (with the living room above). The yard on
the main level, adjacent to the alley, would be accessible
from the living room. There are stairs that connect at the
patio off of the living room to the patio on the lower level
stairs to the east) .
Commissioner Cathcart asked about the existing mature tree
shown on the plans (A unit). He wanted to know what kind of
tree that was. His concern was with the massive grading,
could that tree be saved.
Mr. Hampton said that portion where the tree is will not
change. Sheet one of the grading plan describes the trees.
Audience concerns
Yolanda Caperon, 16641 Buena Vista, wanted to know if
retaining walls were going to be built because of the
different levels of grade.
The applicant responded retaining- walls were proposed and
referred to the elevations.
Commissioner Bosch was worried about surcharges from
adjacent houses, buildings through the new retaining walls
because of the substantial cuts. What is the City's process
for assuring there isn't damage to the adjacent structures?
Mr. VonSchimmelman stated prior to permits being granted,
the retaining walls must be designed by a licensed civil
engineer. They take into account any surcharge on those
walls. Prior to approving the grading plan, the applicant
must submit a soils report, and if necessary, a geological
report.
Commissioner Bosch said it appeared the County was underway
with their multi-year Block Grant Program on infrastructure
improvements in the area. Is there an agreement that all
this work will be done under the current County Block Grant
Program, regardless of this type of annexation proceeding?
Mr. VonSchimmelman stated that was correct. The City has
put in sewer and water lines and the County will, in turn,
do all of the street improvements.
Commissioner Scott asked if Public Works felt comfortable
with the County in terms of street improvements?
Mr. VonSchimmelman said they have done this in the past with
the County and they have a good working relationship. Money
has been set aside for that area and they are in the process
of doing the work.
The public hearing was closed.
Planning Commission Minutes
October 15, 1990 - Page 4
Moved by Commissioner Bosch, seconded by Commissioner Scott,
to accept the findings of the Environmental Review Board to
file Negative Declaration 1359-90.
AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Cathcart, Master, Murphy, Scott
NOES: None MOTION CARRIED
Moved by Commissioner Scott, seconded by Commissioner Bosch,
to recommend the City Council approve Pre-Zone Change
1131-90 and Tentative Parcel Map 90-322 subject to the
conditions as listed, adding a roll-up door to condition #3.
AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Cathcart, Murphy, Scott
NOES: Commissioner Master MOTION CARRIED
Chairman Master voted no. The development itself is within
the guidelines, but it doesn't preclude developing two units
on the parcel. He has reservations about condominiums being
built on 2,000 or 3,000 square foot lots.
IN RE: ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Commissioner Scott, seconded by Commissioner Bosch,
to adjourn at 7:25 p.m.
AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Cathcart, Master, Murphy, Scott
NOES: None MOTION CARRIED
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