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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-04-1991 PC MinutesPLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES City of Orange November 4, 1991 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; Gary Johnson, City Engineer; and Sue Devlin, Recording Secretary PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE IN RE: MINUTES OF OCTOBER 21, 1991 Moved by Commissioner Scott, seconded by Commissioner Murphy, to approve the Minutes of October 21, 1991 as recorded. AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Murphy, Scott NOES: None ABSTAINED: Commissioners Cathcart, Master IN RE: ITEMS TO BE CONTINUED OR WITHDRAWN CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 1918-91 - FAYE LILLAND MOTION CARRIED A request to allow an accessory second dwelling unit in the R-1-6 Single Family Residential - Minimum Lot Size 6,000 square feet) district. Subject property is located on the west side of Cambridge Street between Adams and Collins Avenues, addressed 990 Old Orchard Lane, a private r oad. NOTE: This project is categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act CEQA) per State CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301. Staff received a letter from the applicant dated October 14, 1991 requesting a withdrawal of their application. Moved by Commissioner Scott, seconded by Commissioner Master, to accept the applicant's request to withdraw Conditional Use Permit 1918-91. AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Cathcart, Master, Murphy, Scott NOES: None MOTION Planning Commission Minutes November 4, 1991 - Page 2 IN RE: ITEMS TO BE CONTINUED OR WITHDRAWN ZONE CHANGE 1139-91, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 1919-91, VARIANCE 1919-91, NEGATIVE DECLARATION 1387-91 - HYRAIL PARTNERS, LTD. A request for a zoning classification of R-O (Recreation-Open Space District) for the unzoned property, a conditional use permit to allow the construction and operation of a mini-warehouse and self storage facility with a 2 story manager's residential unit, and a variance to allow the adjustment or waiver of dimensional requirements established by the City's parking ordinance. Subject property is an abandoned railroad right-of-way measuring 50 feet wide, extending approximately 1 mile between Tustin and Glassell Streets, containing 5.413 acres and located parallel to and midway between Chestnut and Trenton Avenues. NOTE: In compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Negative Declaration 1387-91 has been prepared for this project. Staff is requesting to continue this application to allow plan revisions and to address zoning, Fire Department and Public Works requirements. They are also suggesting to re-advertise the hearing. A specific date has not been scheduled. Moved by Commissioner Master, seconded by Commissioner Scott, to continue to a date uncertain Zone Change 1139-91, Conditional Use Permit 1919-91, Variance 1919-91, and Negative Declaration 1387-91. Re-notification of the public hearing to be at the cost of the applicant. AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Cathcart, Master, Murphy, Scott NOES: None MOTION CARRIED IN RE: ITEMS TO BE CONTINUED OR WITHDRAWN ZONE CHANGE 1141-91, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 1930-91, VARIANCE 1916-91, NEGATIVE DECLARATION 1392-91 - ROBERT A. SMITH Proposed development of an automotive center, which includes service and repair uses such as Tube/oil change, car wash, tire shop, and an existing service station. The following is requested: a zone change application to reclassify the property from C-1 (Limited Business District) to C-2 (General Business District), a conditional use permit application to allow the establishment of an automotive center adjacent to a residential district, and a variance application to allow a waiver of development standards regarding number of on-site parking spaces, gas pump aisle width, driveway entrance depth, and front yard Planning Commission Minutes November 4, 1991 - Page 3 setback. Subject property is located on the northeast corner of Chapman Avenue and Wayfield Street. NOTE: In compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Negative Declaration 1392-91 has been prepared for this project. Staff received a letter from the applicant requesting a continuance to November 18, 1991. Moved by Commissioner Scott, seconded by Commissioner Murphy, to continue Zone Change 1141-91, Conditional Use Permit 1930-91, Variance 1916-91 and Negative Declaration 1392-91 to the meeting of November 18, 1991, at the request of the applicant. AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Cathcart, Master, Murphy, Scott NOES: None MOTION CARRIED IN RE: CONTINUED HEARINGS TENTATIVE TRACT MAP PERMI T 1721, CLOSURE FAVOR OF REALIGNMENT 1261 - IDM CORPORATION 14544, MODIFICATION TO CONDITIONAL USE OF A PORTION OF STATE COLLEGE BOULEVARD IN THROUGH THE PROJECT SITE, ADDENDUM TO EIR Request for approval of the following applications: 1) Tentative Tract Map to subdivide the property; 2) modification to the site plan and project phasing as originally approved under Conditional Use Permit 1721-89; and 3) an addendum to EIR 1262, addressing the potential changes in environmental impacts due to the changes in the project. In conjunction with the site plan modifications, there is a change to the City street system including the closure of a small section of State College Boulevard at that location where State College intersects The City Drive. A realignment of the arterial road system will occur with the construction of a roadway through the project site. Subject property is located at the Orange Drive-In site, located at the intersection of State College Boulevard, The City Drive, Anaheim Boulevard, and Koll Center entrance driveway. NOTE: In compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) , an addendum to EIR 1262 has been prepared for this project. This item was continued from the October 21, 1991 meeting. ) Chairman Bosch noted the Commission received prior to the hearing a letter from Ron Winkler of IDM Corporation, dated October 30, 1991, as well as a memorandum from Current Planning commenting on the feasibility of a horizontal tract map parcel subdivision. Planning Commission Minutes November 4, 1991 - Page 4 Commissioner Master has not had an opportunity to review the latest information nor to assess the impacts (if any), and is not in a position to act on this item. Commissioner Cathcart concurred with Commissioner Master. The Commission does not have time to digest information received the day of the meeting. It would not be fair to all parties involved to make a decision on such short notice. Chairman Bosch asked the applicant if he would stipulate to a continuance to allow adequate discussion and review of the information received. Ron Winkler, IDM Corporation, 5150 East Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, understands the Commission's concern. However, a study session was held and at that time they explained there were certain changes contemplated. Most of those changes are addressed in their letter. They also explained the vertical subdivision is an unusual concept. There are differing opinions as to how this can be done. It's a complex property subdivision. It is staff's recommendation that the alternative they see is the formation of a condominium. That is an item that could bear further evaluation and discussion. They are concerned about the timing of the project in being able to proceed in a timely manner. He asked if the Commission desired another study session? The Commission desired two weeks to review the additional information just received; however, they did not want another study session. Mr. Winkler accepted a continuance to November 18, 1991. Moved by Commissioner Master, seconded by Commissioner Scott, to continue Tentative Tract Map 14544, Modification to Conditional Use Permit 1721, Closure of a portion of State College Boulevard in favor of realignment through the project site and Addendum to EIR 1262 to the meeting of November 18, 1991. AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Cathcart, Master, Murphy, Scott NOES: None MOTION CARRIED Staff would schedule this item first on the November 18 Agenda. Public Comment Eric Cernich, 602 1/2 Orchid Street, Corona Del Mar, wondered if there were going to be future study sessions. Some of the property owners would like to become involved because the applicant has not made any effort to communicate to the property owners who will be affected by the street closure. He feels their rights are being impended by the applicant. Planning Commission Minutes November 4, 1991 - Page 5 Chairman Bosch explained the public hearing process and stressed communication between the property owners and applicant. IN RE: NEW HEARINGS TENTATIVE TRACT MAP 14577, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 1940-91, NEGATIVE DECLARATION 1394-91 - THOMAS A. WILLIAMS A request for approval of a tentative tract map and a conditional use permit for condominium purposes, to allow the consolidation of property and the construction of approximately 11 dwelling units in the R-3 (Multi-Family Residential) zone. Subject property is located on the north side of Lincoln Avenue, approximately 970 feet east of Glassell Street, and 400 feet west of Cottonwood Street, addressed 341 East Lincoln Avenue. NOTE: In compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Negative Declaration 1394-91 has been prepared for this project. Ms. Wolff commented one condition was omitted from the list of conditions. She suggested adding Condition 13, "CC&R's shall be prepared and will be reviewed and approved by the City Attorney, and recorded with the County Recorder." The public hearing was opened. Applicant Bob Colin, 1247 North Glassell Street #1, Design Consultant for the project, proposes to build condominiums rather than apartments because they are easier to maintain and will be of more value. The condo project ties in better with the area. They have worked with staff many hours and have revised their site plan. They have met a majority of the concerns expressed and feel this is a great project. Commissioner Murphy noted the staff report referenced some import of earth required to change the drainage and off-site drainage flow towards Lincoln Avenue. It was roughly 1250 cubic yards of fill material. The tentative tract map, dated August 26, 1991 shows about 380 cubic yards. Why is there a difference? Mr. Colin would need to double check the estimates. He did not know how the City came up with their figures. Mr. Johnson said it would be close to 1,000 cubic yards. The site would have almost three feet of fill at the north end, with 1/2 acre of land. Chairman Bosch said it appears the staff report is correct. Planning Commission Minutes November 4, 1991 - Page 6 Mr. Johnson said drainage assessment fees will be required by the applicant although it is not a specific condition. (Mr. Colin understood that.) Chairman Bosch noted Condition 7 in the staff report required a Fire Department connection at least 40 feet away from the building on the address side, but that cannot be done. Mr. Colin talked with Wendy Saunders in the Fire Department about fire sprinklers. They did not show a 4-hour separation wall on the plan, but it was their intent to build a 4-hour separation wall and thus eliminating the use of fire sprinklers. Chairman Bosch discussed the around areas. It's so close limited clearances adjacent opportunity to create a mor area toward the rear of the open space for the project? design lay out and vehicular turn to the front of the s ite with such to the garages. Is there an e appropriate vehicular turn around site and still retain the required Mr. Colin thought one area might be where the trash enclosure is located. The area could be modified to create more turn around space. He could also re-orient garage doors to face towards the center; thereby, only having one garage access to it. Chairman Bosch had two other concerns: 1) access -- a variety of dwelling units can only be accessed by means of walking up a driveway. There is no other way to get there. This is not a comfortable living environment. 2) the open space arrangement -- some units cannot gain access to the shared open space without utilizing the driveway. Some units are left with a small private yard as a trade off, thus creating an extremely dark living unit on the first floor. Can't something be done for a more detailed design of the footprints of the units to provide good access without so many of the units having only the driveway, and provide good open space for the units that are buried in the middle of the buildings. He would like to see the final site plan. Mr. Colin was sure they could come up with something to shuffle the buildings around or change the floor plans to enhance the open spaces and vehicular turn arounds. Commissioner Cathcart was concerned about the side yard surface flow running down the side of the buildings for drainage. He would like to see area drains to carry away the nuisance water. Commissioner Master commented on the density. There was very little open space and privacy -- too much has been packed into the project. He suggested an alternate layout because what has been submitted is too dense. Planning Commission Minutes November 4, 1991 - Page 7 Commissioner Cathcart also had a problem with guest parking. There i s no place for them to park . They wi 11 block the tur n around space or park in front of a garage blocking those people from getting out. Commissioner adequate. Th a weigh t bedrooms. see on tha coverage and Murphy on the It's r t amount parking agreed that guest/tenant parking was not site is burdened more by 11 units with 31 pally packed in in terms of normal ratios you of land. Yet the zoning ordinance recognizes per unit, minimal unit size and open space. Commissioner Cathcart stated this type of use for the property is excellent. It would be nice instead of 11 units there were only 9 with more open space and a better circulation/parking situation. Rebuttal Mr. Colin understood the Commission's concerns. They still want 11 units. He will sit down and work out the turn arounds and parking spaces. Maybe they could reduce the 3 bedroom size down to cut down the density. Chairman Bosch explained the Commission could either approve, deny or continue the item to allow the applicant to come back with a revised plan. The Commission's concerns were explained to the applicant. It would be more constructive for the applicant to request a continuance. Mr. Colin stipulated to a continuance. Thirty days was suggested as the Commission needs adequate time to review the revised documentation. The Commission's concerns were summarized: Vehicular turn around on site; 1809 turn movement to the front garages; access to so many units without a sidewalk with access only from a driveway; number of guest parking spaces; size of private open spaces adjacent to some of the uses is really not usable open space; drainage through the private yards; sheer mass of people represented on the site utilizing the parking and open space (number of units/number of bedrooms); and given the size of the site, the ratio of three bedrooms to two is striking. Commissioner Cathcart suggested the applicant speak with Orange Disposal regarding trash pick up. He knows they are nervous about driving into an area and having to back out rather than turning around. Planning Commission Minutes November 4, 1991 - Page 8 Moved by Commissioner Scott, seconded by Commissioner Murphy, to continue Tentative Tract Map 14577, Conditional Use Permit 1940-91 and Negative Declaration 1394-91 to the meeting of December 2, 1991 at the request of the applicant. AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Cathcart, Master, Murphy, Scott NOES: None MOTION CARRIED IN RE: OTHER ITEMS Commissioner Scott announced for the record the Commissioners have received a letter from Robert Boice dated October 25, 1991. This letter was addressed to the Mayor as part of the September 26 study session regarding the Old Towne area. IN RE: ADJOURNMENT Moved by Commissioner Scott, seconded by Commissioner Master, to adjourn at 7:50 p.m. AYES: Commissioners Bosch, Cathcart, Master, Murphy, Scott NOES: None MOTION CARRIED sl d