HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-20-1998 PC Minutesc;;; ; ," (.
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MINUTES
Planning Commission
City of Orange
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
STAFF
PRESENT:
April 20,1998
Monday - 7:00 p.m.Commissioners
Bosch, Cartton, Pruett, Romero, Smith None
Vern
Jones, Planning Manager and Commission Secretary,John
Godlewski, Senior Planner,Ted
Reynolds, Assistant City Attorney,Roger
Hohnbaum, Assistant City Engineer, and Sue
Devlin, Recording Secretary L UJ),. l..I IN
RE: ITEMS TO BE CONTINUED OR WITHDRAWN r;';"1::l .\.1.1:) -1. GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT 2-98; ZONE CHANGE 1195-98; CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2217-
98 - CHILDBRIDGE PRESCHOOLS, INC.A
proposal to assign General Plan designation and zoning classification for a parcel to be annexed to the City
of Orange. The applicant is also proposing development of a children's day care facility. To accommodate
this ~roposal, the Plannin9 Commission may zone the property R-3 (Multiple-
Family Residential), O-P (Office-Professional District), M-H (Mobile Home District),
or any other zoning classification that it considers appropriate. The project site is at Villa Park - Santiago
Canyon Road
and Hewes Street.NOTE:Negative Declaration 1552-98 was prepared to evaluate the
environmental impacts of this project. Staff is recommending that the Planning Commission adopt
this document as an adequate and complete assessment of environmental
consequences related to potential
approval of this project.Applicant requests to continue this item
to May 4, 1998.Moved by Commissioner Pruett, seconded by Commissioner Carlton,
to continue General Plan Amendment 2-98, Zone Change 1195-98 and Conditional Use Permit 2217-
98
to
the May 4,1998 meeting.AYES:
NOES:Commissioners Bosch,
Carlton, Pruett, Romero, Smith None MOTION CARRIED 2. CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT 2204-97, VARIANCE 2042-
97 AND NEGATIVE DECLARATION 1545-97 - TOYOTA OF ORANGE A proposal to expand an auto dealership and
construct a parking structure within the front setback area Trenton Avenue frontage). The site is located
at 1400 North Tustin Street. Applicant has requested to continue this item to
May 4, 1998 in order to withdraw their application.This item has been continued from the February
2, February 18, and March 2, 1998 public hearings.)Moved by Commissioner Pruett, seconded by
Commissioner Carlton, to place this item on the Agenda for the purpose of entertaining a second motion to continue
the
item
to the meeting of May 4,
1998.AYES:NOES:
Commissioners
Planning Commission Minutes April 20, 1998
Moved by Commissioner Pruett, seconded by Commissioner Smith, to continue Conditional Use Permit
2204-97, Variance 2042-97 and Negative Declaration 1545-97 to the meeting of
May
4,
1998.AYES:NOES:Commissioners Bosch, Carlton,
Pruett, Romero, Smith
None MOTION CARRIED IN
RE: CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR THE MEETING OF
APRIL 6,1998 Moved by Commissioner Carlton, seconded by Commissioner Smith, to
approve
the
Consent
Calendar.AYES:NOES:Commissioners Bosch, Carlton,
Pruett, Romero, Smith
None MOTION CARRIED IN
RE: CONTINUED HEARINGS 2. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2213-
98. SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH A proposal for the expansion of church and school facilities including a new
parish center and classroom buildings. The number of elementary school classes would increase from 1 per grade to
2 per grade (1 through 8). Parking requirements would be satisfied by shared use of the
existing parking facility. The site is addressed 6500
East Santiago Canyon Road.NOTE: Negative Declaration 1550-98 was prepared to evaluate
the environmental impacts of this project. Staff is recommending that the Planning Commission
adopt this document as an adequate and complete assessment of environmental
issues related to the
potential approval of this project.Chairman Bosch excused himself from the meeting due to a potential
conflict of interest. Vice
Chair Smith conducted the hearing.Mr. Jones said staff has received a volume of letters and correspondence in
the last week. And, within the last couple of hours, staff received eight (8) other letters. All
letters and correspondence will
be entered into the record.Jim Donovan, Associate Planner, presented the full staff report. The
proposal by Salem Lutheran Church is specifically to build new buildings for the elementary school and parish
center. In addition to the elementary school grades, the church does have a pre-school
and kindergarten level of education. There is no increased enrollment anticipated for the
pre-school and kindergarten classes. Each elementary school grade will double so that enrollment will gradually
increase from approximately 380 students to a total number of 611 students. The parish center is a multi-
purpose building that will be used for school assemblies, wedding receptions and other social
functions. The maximum seating capacity for the parish center is 382 persons. This is a 2-story
building that includes administrative offices, and a kitchen attached to a 2-story
classroom building. The development proposal satisfies the zoning ordinance requirements that limit the building height, and
distance between each building and adjacent streets or property lines.The parking requirement of 145 spaces
represents a demand for the largest of assembly uses; that being the new parish center.
Other uses, including school and church assembly requirements amount to 44 and 45 spaces, but none of these
uses would be used concurrently, except for assemblies of school-aged children. Salem's existing
parking facility will be modified to include 151 parking spaces.The Commission has received a traffic impact
analysis which indicates that an estimated 400 daily auto trips may be anticipated if the project
is approved. That amount is additional to approximately 1300 trips generated by the existing development at
Salem. The total number would increase to about 1700 trips by Salem parents and teachers.
For comparison purposes, Mr. Donovan noted that a two-lane roadway,such as Orange Park Boulevard, has
the capacity to deliver approximately 12,500 trips each day. Recent counts indicate
that
Planning Commission Minutes April 20, 1998
The church's property is located in a residential zone and is designated as a church site by the Orange
Park Acres Plan. The City's zoning ordinance specifies that both a church and a school may be permitted
in a residential zone, sUbject to Planning Commission approval of a conditional use permit. The staff
report includes eight (8) conditions of approval that are Intended to refine the development proposal.
Those conditions document limitations of the use of the church facilities in order to balance parking
demand, and require that all modular buildings be removed from the premises as proposed by the
church. That the church satisfy all City requirements for landscaping and outdoor security lighting, including
Iightin~ of the parking area. And, that existing lot lines or easements be modified as needed to
satisfying building code and other legal requirements.
All Commissioners visited the site, reviewed the plans and offered their comments prior to opening the
pUblic hearing for public input.
Craig Olson. 699 Creekview Drive. Orance Park Acres, is the Executive Director of Salem Lutheran
Church. He introduced Salem's consultin9 team who would be helping with the presentation. Salem
sought approval from the City for an additional modular classroom for tlle purpose of adding a second
first grade class to their school. Upon that approval, one of the conditions was that within six months
from the date of a building permit being issued for the modular classroom, Salem Lutheran Church was to
submit a detailed master plan for the Orange Park Acres Planning Committee to assist them in
understanding the ultimate use of the church and school facility. Salem Church has met that requirement
and they have worked diligently to identify and address the concerns of the local community. They are
seeking approval of their master plan for Salem Lutheran Church, adding additional school classrooms
and a mUlti-purpose building. This will allow them to expand their total school enrollment, including
pre-school, from 555 students to 726 students, and accommodate their growing 10:30 a.m.
contemporary worship service. Also, existing church and school fellowship actiVities and youth programs will
be supported by this new facility. In addition, it will allow them to better serve the assembly and
other needs of the surrounding community. The increase of 171 students will occur in the 2nd through
8th grades, and be phased in from the next school year (1998-99) through the school year beginning
in the Fall of 2004 -- roughly 24 additional children per year for seven (7) years. Within a 1.5 mile radius, 34%
of the students of Salem School reside and within a 2 mile radius, approximately 60% of the students
of Salem School reside. Additionally, the community currently uses Salem Church for various meetings
and activities. The new multi-purpose building will better serve the community's needs. Salem School
is the only school in Orange Park Acres. The OUSD site, referred to in the Orange Park Acres
SpeCific Plan,has been converted to residential use. They currently have 104 trees on the site and they plan to
add an additional 98 trees for screening. Replacing their modular units with permanent buildings will
enhance the aesthetics of the local area. There is a minor increase in traffic, which amounts to less than 1 %
per year;however, their new proposed traffic flow plan will improve the level of service beyond
the existing conditions. When their plan is fully implemented in 2004, Salem will account for 850 cars out of 3,
200 cars per day. With the proposed conditions, the mitigating modifications to their original design
and recent proposed design changes, the general welfare of the community is preserved. They will continue
to work with staff to meet all conditions deemed appropriate by
the Commission.Skio Ravmond. 6016 Teton Avenue. said when their project is completed the facilities
will accommodate not only their existing uses, but will allow for eight (8) additional classrooms. And, it will
enlarge their multi-purpose building for various activities of the church and community. He referred to the
site plan and explained the project in detail. A landscaping plan is incorporated into the site plan and there
will be a total of 202 trees on their five (5) acre parcel. Their elevation p'lans were softened and
a new architectural plan for the 2-story building is proposed to blend in more With the
residential community. He touched briefly on the traffic issues and then turned the presentation over
to the traffic consultant.Joe Faust. Faust & Associates. 2020 North Tustin Avenue. Santa Ana. said
Salem Lutheran School is doing a good job with the traffic issues of dropping off and picking up children.
Their duration of the drop off and pick up is 5 to 12 minutes on site. He normally sees a 15 to 20 minute drop
off and pick up time period at other schools. Salem has taken extra steps to mitigate the
increment of Increased traffic.Currently, Frank Lane is one way in and one way out. The proposed plan calls for two
lanes in and two lanes out with a relatively small Increase in the volume of traffic. He demonstrated
how the new traffic circulation would work on site for drop off and pick up of children, compared to
the existing plan. Existing parking has been changed to diagonal parking to facilitate cars getting in and out in
a
one
Planning Commission Minutes April 20, 1998
Coralee Newman. Government Solutions. 120 Newport Center Drive. Newoort Beach. is assisting
Salem and helpin9. them work with the community and govemment officials as they go through this
process. They will be proposing two new conditions if the Commission wishes to adopt the new
circulation plan. They believe in being good neighbors. The discussion between Salem and the
community on the proposed expansion has been going on for about a year and a half with a series of
meetings. In those meetings, Orange Park Acres had valid concems that were expressed to Salem.
They asked that Salem look at providing adequate parking, look at traffic circulation, look at the size and
type of construction and how it fits into the community, and to clearly explain to the community what
Salem's plans were for their future expansion. She summarized their presentation by stating they are
presenting their master plan for approval, which shows classroom growth, the new parish center and
gymnasium. One of the original issues is that the plan have sufficient parking. They have 151 parking
spaces, which is an increase over the existing rarking. They have heard the concern about placing a cap
on the growth of students at Salem. As part 0 this CUP, they are committing to 726 students. The tone
of the architecture has been toned down in a serious attempt to be sensitive to their surroundin~s. The
church and school have been buried in a "forest of trees. and large specimen trees will be proVIded. It
is the community's concern that Salem retains the rural flavor of the community and is sensitive to the
equestrian environment. They believe the way the project has been designed reflects that. The parish
center is set back 300 feet off of Orange Park Boulevard and it ranges from 50 to over 100 feet from
Santiago Canyon Boulevard. They have retained the park area and open space on the corner. They
have a very low floor area ratio and a site coverage of approximately 18%. When they attended the
Orange Park Acres Association meeting in March, they heard a lot of discussion about circulation. They
revised their circulation plan as a result of the community's concerns.
The Commission asked when Salem anticipated construction beginning and then completion of the
project.
Mr. Raymond anticipated to begin occupying the new classrooms a year from now if their project is
approved. It will take approximately one year of construction to complete.
The followino 31 D900le sooke in favor of this oroiect:
Gerald Wolf, 1121 Dorsetshire, Santa Ana.
Brian Dineen, 728 Lemon Hills Trail.
Sandy Strasbaugh, 1191 Ridgeline.
June Hawkins, 6807 East Oak Lane.
David Sandberg, 7135 Wilderness.
Lauri Dom, 8128 East HiIIsdale Drive.
Eleanor Willits, 7106 Breighton Circle.
Elisabeth Degener, 6611 East Pinnade Pointe.
Philip Duerr, 2537 East Collins Avenue.
Keith Batchelor, 127 North Deerwood Street.
Mark Dangler, 11099 South Meads Avenue.
Kathleen Voshall, 20002 Santiago Canyon Road.
John Boenay, 522 Wildhorse Circle.
David Johnson, 1543 North Meads Avenue.
Mark Harris, 11151 South Meads Avenue.
Terence Fowler, 6337 East Frank Lane.
Elise Roberts, 20322 Randall Street.
Karen Brannan, 20372 Randall Street.
Bill Brannan, 20372 Randall Street.
Michael Valen, 5823 East Sandstone Court.
Jane Canseco, 7204 Pony Court.
Joe Coviello, 6608 East Pinnacle Pointe.
Jim Baca, 6210 Blairwood.
Bill White, 6003 East Valley Forge.
Paul Belden, 1499 Portsmouth Circle.
Tammy Adamson, 8012 East Eucalyptus Trail.
Bill Wettler, 700 West La Veta Avenue.
Sharon Gordon, 1489 Kennymead.
Barry Watkins, 1130 Ridgeline.
Bettye Peach, 18491 Serrano Avenue, Villa Park.
Michael Schaefer, 5931-14E Rocking Horse
Way.
Planning Commission Minutes April 20, 1998
The speakers favored the expansion of the school because of the over crowded situation and waiting list
that exists now. Salem Church is an anchor in the community, opening it's doors to all organizations and
activities and the expansion of the multi-purpose center will benefit the general welfare of the
community.Salem Lutheran Church and its school is an integral part of the Orange Park Acres rural,
equestrian community. The three temporary modulars will be replaced with the permanent buildings, and it will
not be a detriment to the surrounding area. The speakers did not feel traffic is an issue. The master plan
fits within the Orange Park Acres Plan for the area and Salem has bent over backwards to satisfy the
concerns of OPA neighbors. Everyone who spoke truly believes the benefits far outweigh any potential
negative impact the plan might have. Compromises as added conditions were proposed: 1) Instigate
the proposed optimum parking and circulation plan as presented; 2) Require CC&R's be recorded
against the property to limit the expanSion to the maximum amount of students proposed under the plan; 3)
All buildings can be built immediately, but the use of only one classroom can be added per year,
effective 1998. This will allow growth to occur gradually and the community to absorb any impacts over a period
of time; 4) Have a maximum student enrollment of 726 students at buildout; and 5) Review the scope
and necessity of the two committees that exist within
OPA.Three oeoole submitted cards in favor of the oroiect: however. did not
soeak:Cathy Whieldon, 5602 Partridge
Lane.Linda Watkins, 1130
Ridgeline.Grace Howard, 2459 Santiago
Boulevard.RECESS. Vice Chair Smith recessed the meeting at 9:20 p.
m.RECONVENE. The meeting reconvened at 9:25 p.
m.One person sooke. neither aoainst or in favor. but remained
neutral:Barbara DeNiro, 1118 East Adams
Avenue.The followino 17 oeoole spoke in oooosition to this
proiect:Rod Arrington, 575 West 19th Street #9, San
Pedro.Dr. Feibush, 165 North
Goldenspur.Joel Lynn Kelly, 10381 Meads
Avenue.Ellen Sekula, 20091 East Clark
Street.Bob Bennyhoff, 10642 Morada
Drive.Charies McNees, 11211 Orange Park
Boulevard.Terry Canavello, 606 Brambles. She also spoke for Mrs. Remlinger on Frank
Lane.Laura Thomas, 7211 East
Clydesdale.Richard Siebert, 1388 North
Kennymead.Amos Deacon, 9702 Windes
Drive.Red Bauer, 11062 Meads
Avenue.Carolyn Aliotta, 7229 East
Clydesdale.Darrell Espiz, 7036 SundanC9
Circle.Tina Bartel, 11411 Orange Park
Boulevard.Mark Sandford, 10591 South Meads
Avenue.JoIynn Bozer, 20241 Frank
Lane.John Ufkes, 20121 East Clark
Street.The speakers opposed this project because of the increased traffic on Santiago and Orange
Park Boulevard, increased speeds, and they were concerned about equestrian and open space
issues.Several people suggested Salem find another site to expand their school campus, as Salem
has outgrown its original purpose. They were worried about what will happen next to Orange Park
Acres'unique, rural lifestyle; the residents feel OPA is at risk and they have lost control of their destiny
by people who don' live in the community. There needs to be a legally enforceable cap on the
total number of students allowed (555 students), and a definite time table established for that cap. This
issue isn' new; it started back in 1968 when Salem Church was still in the County. At that time, Salem was just
a church and never intended to be a school. The threshold of compatibility has been surpassed
regarding the well being of the residents on Frank Lane, Clark Street and the impact of traffic on Orange
Park Boulevard and Santiago Canyon Road. It's the rural lifestyle that is impacted by this expansion.
The concept of a school at Salem Church is not mentioned in any of the documents, except in the
Salem school general plan. People see the school as a commercial venture for people who can afford to
send their kids to private school. This is a way for the church to make
money.
Planning Commission Minutes April 20, 1998
Two peoole submitted cards oODOsino the oroiect. but did not soeak:
Marilyn Ganahl, 20351 Lewis Drive.
Peter Wetzel, 7212 East La Cumbre Drive.
Commissioner Romero was concerned about the letter the Commission received regardin~ a secret
meeting of the Orange Park Acres Planning Committee. There was much discussion about thiS meeting
and Ms. Thomas and Mr. Siebert explained the process their Board of Directors used to review projects
within the Orange Park Acres community; specifically, the consideration of the expansion of Salem
Lutheran Church and school.
Aoolicant's resoonse
Mr. Olson thanked all of the community members for expressing their opinions. He clarified that the
Orange Park Acres Planning Committee met on March 18. At that time, while reviewing Salem's master
plan, it was requested to continue the matter until April 8 so that the Orange Park Acres Association
Board of Directors could take the revised traffic plan back to the community for comments. That did not
happen and the Board of Directors voted to oppose Salem's project five (5) days after the first meeting
and before any community meetings were held. There were a lot of flyers being distributed that stated
Salem planned to have 1100 students and to build a 3-story gymnasium. Salem has been trying
to overcome some of that misinformation for quite some time. One of the misunderstandings has to do
with the traffic. They've heard the history of some of the approvals for the growth of their school.
Every stage of their growth has followed the approval process as defined by local law. He proposed
a condition for the cap of their student growth at 726 students, which is compatible to their master
plan.They were also willing to submit an amendment to the general plan that would also incorporate
the student body cap. Their new traffic circulation plan is ideal to make traffic around Salem better than it
is today. They have proposed another new condition regarding vehicular access, and the widening of
Frank Lane and the extra lane coming in. Also, there are conditions to educate the parents of their students
at least through the annual registration process about the circulation plan. Theydon't have, at the present,
a complete orientation process. They are willing to work with staff to finalize the traffic flow plan
and provide a document to all parents for them to read and sign. Adult monitors will be added on the
traffic situation and they have offered to mark the horse crossing at the intersection of Frank Lane and
Orange Park Boulevard. However, he understands the community does not want any signaling. He provided
the Commission with additional signatures in favor the project. They agree with staff's recommendations
and conditions of approval. They desire to preserve a sense of community throughout Orange Park
Acres and surrounding East Orange and maintain their status as a good neighbor. In closing, he read a
letter from the founding members. Martin and Lorraine Brightmeler, of OPA Association, for the record.
The Specific Plan shows a five (5) acre parcel and it is labeled church". Their definition of "church"
includes both a church and school. It's the very reason they purchased five acres at the very
beginning.Commissioner Pruett thought it would be appropriate for the school and community to look at how
they can be partners and work together to teach the children about Orange Park Acres' rural
lifestyle.Commissioner Smith would like to see additional conditions included in the project. It is suggested
to phase in the use of the classrooms over time. The second grade would open in the Fall, 1998;
then adding grades 3,4,5,6,7 and 8 would take it out six (6) years to 2004. The Commission has heard a
lot of concern about the equestrian activity around the property, and would like to see a signal or
some device for animals crossing at Frank Lane. Mr. Olson was willing to work with the Trails Committee of
the Orange Park Acres Association and bear the expense of some type of marking at the
intersection.Concern was also expressed about the location of the basketball court being too close to the horse
trail.Mr. Olson was also willing to discuss this issue with the community and consider modifying its use
when the gymnasium is
finished.The public hearing was closed and brought back to the Commission for
discussion.Commissioner Pruett made reference to Page 117 of the Specific Plan where it describes the land
use and physical elements because many people made comments about this being approved for a
church,but not a school. He read the definition of Public & Quasi-Public land use, which includes
school, church and cemetery. He wanted to know if the project is consistent with the general plan for
Orange Park Acres, as stated in their
Specific
Planning Commission Minutes April 20, 1998
Mr. Jones responded the Specific Plan for Orange Park Acres is more of a general specific plan, which
includes guiding policies and principles, stating the intent of the plan. The Specific Plan relies on the
City's zoning ordinance and development standards in order to make sure it complies with all of the
zoning regulations. The particular site is zoned residential. Within a residential zone there are uses which
are automatically permitted and those which are permitted subject to a conditional use permit, if the
proposed use is compatible with the intent of the zone and surrounding area. A church and school
requires a conditional use permit. The Commission needs to decide whether the church and school are
consistent with the intent of the Orange Park Acres Specific Plan and zoning for the site. The site is not
part of the Public & Quasi-Public land use
designation.Mr. Donovan added the Orange Park Acres plan is unique and is more specific than the City's
general plan for churches. Churches are normally located in the residential zone and the corresponding
general plan designation is usually low density residential or low medium density
residential.Commissioner Pruett said it appeared to him the institutional part of this plan (school and church)
seems to be clustered at the intersection of Orange Park Boulevard and Santiago Canyon Road. There is
some compatibility with the other proposed uses in the Specific
Plan.Commissioner Car1ton did not see any changes to the Specific Plan since
1973.Mr. Donovan responded the changes have been handled on a case-by-case basis.
There have been some piece meal revisions over the last 20 years, but the plan has
not been updated.Commissioner Romero referred to the Specific Plan for Orange Park Acres. The
Planning Committee's comment that there is nothing in the Specific Plan that discusses schools would be
incorrect based on Pages 117 and 122. (
That is true.)Commissioner Smith wanted to know what portion of Orange Park Acres is already
incorporated into the City of Orange and what portion is not incorporated. She understands about SO%
is already incorporated into the City. (Staff responded it is about SO/SO, and it changes on
a monthly basis.)Commissioner Smith asked what the City standard is for providing a horse crossing signal
at a driveway ingress/egress, which
is four lanes.Mr. Hohnbaum said staff has installed some horse crossing signals at other locations.
Primarily they look very much like a pedestrian crossinQ, except they are mounted a little higher. A design
can be provided for a horse crossing if that is something
that is desired.Commissioner Smith asked about the grading plan, mentioned on Page 5 of the staff
report. There is mention of a retaining wall that needs to be constructed at the northern most comer of
the parish center where the elevation falls as the slope extends
toward the roadway.Mr. Donovan said this is the responsibility of the Civil Engineer that the property owner
would need to hire. At this point. the plan has been prepared by an architect and the plan does not
show what the existing terrain is like. This was an observation pointed out by Public Works staff
that when the improvements were recently made to Santiago Canyon Road, the City did some grading and
there is a slope there and the building would be sitting somewhat higher at that one comer in
comparison to the
other three corners.Commissioner Smith said the Specific Plan was accepted by the City and has been
incorporated into the City'
s General Plan.Mr. Donovan said it is not really a Specific Plan. In 1973 the City Attorney pointed
out the document didn't really meet the requirements of a Specific Plan, so it was adopted as a
General Plan Amendment.Therefore, it is an extension to
the General Plan.Mr. Jones clarified it is the document the City references, and the City Council has
appointed the Orange Park Acres Planning Committee to make recommendations on major land use issues
within its boundaries.Mr. Jones also suggested the Commission ask the applicant to work with the Public
Works and Planning staffs to provide a construction implementation plan to address some of
the
Planning Commission Minutes April 20, 1998
Commissioner Carlton is in favor of the expansion of Salem Church and school. The applicant is verx
willing to mitigate the concerns that has been brought forth. Under the Orange Park Acres plan, It
projected 12,000 cars on Orange Park Boulevard. The setbacks are in excess of the requirements and
the FAR is way under. The traffic circulation plan will help mitigate traffic concerns at the site. A lot of
things have changed since 1973 and the document needs to be updated.
Commissioner Pruett thought there was a real opportunity for the community and Salem to work at trying
to develop a better understanding between the children attending the school and the OPA lifestyle.
Looking at the land use plan for OPA, this project is a compatible use for the area. The site layout and
greenbelt areas still provides plenty of open space. He was concerned about the traffic issues when the
modular units were approved last year. He thinks the mitigating measure that is proposed is one that is
a very good solution to the problem. It will allow cars to be stacked in the parking lot rather than on the
street.
Commissioner Romero bounced back and forth all night. He cherishes OPA's equestrian and open
space lifestyle. Traffic will affect the area no doubt. As time progresses, Santiago Canyon Road will be
heavily impacted. The Specific Plan swayed him to be in favor of the project.
Commissioner Smith favored granting this CUP for Salem Church and school. She spoke to dual values.
She heard both sides speak about their love and dedication to their community. Everyone speaks of
their desire for the best quality of life possible in Orange Park Acres. She heard the OPA community ask
for what they needed in order to make the project work. She also heard Salem Lutheran come forward
on everything that has been asked of them, except decreasing the traffic on Santiago Canyon Road.
She referred her marks to the Specific Plan, and in the event of appeal, pointed out the goals, objectives
and policies which has been laid out for OPA, and which are fulfilled in this project.
Mr. Donovan responded to the concern of lighting. There is a building security ordinance the City
adopted. It applies not only to the structures but the parking areas, where there is to be one foot
candle of lighting provided outside the building, around the perimeter of the building, and also in the
parking areas. Outdoor lighting is addressed in condition 6.
Moved by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Pruett, to approve Negative Declaration
1550-98, in that the proposal fulfills the requirements of CEQA and there is no significant damage to
the wildlife or
environment.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:Commissioners Carlton, Pruett. Romero,
Smith
None Commissioner Bosch MOTION
CARRIED Moved by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Carlton, to approve Conditional
Use Permit 2213-98, with conditions 1-9 listed in the staff report, and
adding additional conditions.The findings for approving this CUP include that it is granted upon sound principles of land
use and in response to services required by the community. This CUP will not cause deterioration
of bordering land uses or create special problems for the area in which it is located. The project
was considered in relationship to its effect on the community and the neighborhood, and appears to
be appropriate. This CUP is subject to all conditions necessary to preserve the general welfare, not the
individual welfare of any particular applicant. The Commission referred to the Specific Plan, which was adopted
in 1973, and listed those
findings as well:The first section of the Specific Plan calls for a distinctive community theme and it says
you need to provide a wholesome, rural atmosphere, a quiet seclusion, close to nature. The
Commission sees that with a school on a five (5) acre parcel with a .18 FAR. Salem chose to keep 82% open
space of the property. Item C - foster compatible development within the area visually and functionally.
Link the various areas through a system of trails and identifiable streetscape landscaping, which is fulfilled
by the addition of doubling the number of trees. Offer a positive entry treatment and visual distinction
of the main elements within Orange Park Acres. That is fulfilled with this project. Establish a
theme element,such as a specific tree type or style of fence to be used throughout the area. That is fulfilled.
Promote a distinctive lifestyle, which allows for diversity of activities. The Commission was educated
hearing about all of the things that happen on this property from horse stables, to the staging of the parade,
to 4-H,scouts, picnics, and many other activities. Under goals, emphasize the rural, green
image promoting the maintenance of trees and the inclusion of landscaped corrals and fence 6nes. There is a
distinct
Planning Commission Minutes April 20. 1998
The next section of the Specific Plan says to preserve and enhance the natural features. This is fulfilled
by maintaining the existin9. trees and replant new trees recommended by a landscape, agriculturist
specialist. Preserve a positive image of the hillsides through special development controls. This piece
of property is up from the street and it is on a grade. Nothing of the natural habitat or grading of this
property has been changed except to allow the safe construction of a building. Identify and protect
unique valuable floral and fauna. This project strived to keep the existing foliage in place. Preserve
distinctive geological features and ensure maintenance of view of positive features off, and from the site.
Preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area. This seems to be part of the project. Enhance the
natural settings for planting and landscape desi~n, to which the project gives great detail to. The most
powerful piece in favor of the project is to proVIde for economic viability. Establish a balance in OPA
between facilities and services provided and revenues collected for the area. This is a new service; it's
the only service and is certainly a viable service and it fits. It's the only school and church in 0 PA.
Promote an increase in land value over time through appropriate planning. Property values do not go
down where a good school is located next to homes. Provide for appropriate phasing of development,
which needs to be conditioned with a cap of the population and the phasing of how that population
would be achieved. Promote the safety, health and welfare of the people. Provide, where possible,
safe low-traffic roads, discouraging through traffic. Include adequate roads, clear areas and water
to protect against fire. Provide for adequate police surveillance and protection. Provide
recommendations for clean up and maintenance within the area. The site is very well maintained and it fits with what
OPA wants. Promote safe trails and their crossing streets, providing grade separation where appropriate.
A condition will be added for the horse crossing with community input. There are policies for Orange
Park Acres and Salem complies almost to the letter with every single policy. Retain and provide for
the maintenance of the Eucalyptus hedge rows within the area, and provide for the planning of a
more suitable variety of Eucalyptus trees in conjunction with the planned development. There are
Eucalyptus on the property which are to be retained. If a few more Eucalyptus were put in,
the Commission and community would be happy. Provide for landscape, greenbelt, or o~n space
buffer between different building types. Promote incorporation of certain theme elements, which include
trees,fences or other landscaping along the major roads in OPA. That has been accomplished. Recommend
a requirement for low level, rural character IiQhting on the lots, which is covered by the ordinance.
Provide for special landscaping treatment at all main entry points. Items 24 and 25 speak to traffic and 33
talks about positioning the buildin9.s on the site. Locate corrals, stalls, pens, storage areas, and buildings
so as not to detract from a poSitive view from the roads within the area. Attention should be given to
the placement of effective landscape mounds or shrubs on the lot. Certainly, the positioning of the
property was done with great care in order to shield it from the community visuall(, but also provide the nice
view of OPA from the site itself. The Specific Plan and its definition 0 "institutional area" is also
in
conformance.The added conditions
include:Condition 10 - That vehicular access to the project site shall be improved by widening the north side of
Frank Lane to provide two entry and two exit lanes during school arrival and dismissal periods, designed
to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. In addition, the school drop off/pick up plan shall be redesigned
to provide a one-way counter clockwise circulation pattern on site with two separate and staff
supervised drop off/pick up locations for lower and upper grades. The circulation plan will be communicated
to school families as part of the annual registration process. Salem will provide adequate supervision
to ensure the safety of school children and an efficient traffic
flow.Condition 11 - There shall be a phasing plan to implement new classrooms and the additional 2nd grade
shall be added this September, 1998, with an additional grade to be added 3rd through 8th until the
phasing is completed.
Condition 12 - The applicant will meet with Planning and Public Works staff, as well as members of the community
to work out a crossing signal at Frank Lane for equestrian use.Condition
13 - That modification or limited use of the basketball court adjacent to the horse trail will be discussed with
the Trails Committee, and efforts made to use the basketball court to the satisfaction of the equestrian
community.Condition 14 -
Regarding construction traffic, the applicant will work with the Public Works and Planing Departments to comply
with all laws, and to work out a plan that is the least invasive to the OPA community.9
Planning Commission Minutes April 20, 1998
Condition 15 - That the total school enrollment at Salem Lutheran School will be limited to 726 students that
will be enrolled in day care, pre-school, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and in grades 1 through
8.Condition 16 - The applicant shall sit down with the community members and come up with a plan to
strongly encourage all ingress and egress to the property be at Santiago Canyon Road and Orange Park
Boulevard, to minimize the use of Orange Park Boulevard and other adjacent streets to lessen the impact
on the community.
The Commission strongly encouraged that growth constraints for the future be discussed with the City
Council and other City officials and members of the OPA community to take a look at not only this growth
in OPA, but other areas of growth as well. It is recommended that the Specific Plan be revised and
updated.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Commissioners Carlton, Pruett, Romero, Smith
None
Commissioner Bosch MOTION CARRIED
Mr. Jones explained the process for appeal.
RECESS - Vice Chair Smith recessed the meeting at 12 midnight.RECONVENE -
The meeting reconvened at 12:05 a.m.Chairman Bosch
returned to the meeting.3. CONDITIONAL
USE PERMIT 2214-98 - SPIRIT AND TRUTH WORSHIP CENTER A proposal
to approve the removal of all buildings and redevelopment as a community church with a singular building,
approximately 5,625 square feet. The site is addressed 4700 East Walnut Avenue,formerly the "
First Korean United Methodist Church".NOTE:Negative
Declaration 1551-98 was prepared to evaluate the environmental impacts of this project.
Staff is recommending that the Planning Commission adopt this document as an adequate
and complete assessment of environmental issues related to the potential approval
of this project.Jim
Donovan, Associate Planner, presented the full staff report as there was opposition. This is a two (2)acre
site that includes an existinp 3300 square foot building plus two (2) modular buildings for a total of 5,
185 square feet. The proposa is to demolish all of the buildings and to construct a singular two-story
structure located at the northeast corner of the site. The proposed building consists of 20,300 square
feet, including a sanctuary, multi-purpose room, administrative offices and eight (8) classrooms.
The applicant has assured the City that none of the accessory classrooms or other assembly uses will
be used when the sanctuary is occupied. The church capacity is approximately 500 persons, and
the corresponding parking requirement is 125 spaces. The applicant is proposing a parking supply of
138 spaces, which is a surplus in parking. The R1-7 zone is the zoning classification of the site and
the zoning ordinance allows development of a proposal such as this in any residential zone. if
the Planning Commission approves a conditional use permit. Initial church development was approved in
1970, and previous owners had suggested the larger church may' one day be developed at the location
that is proposed now by the applicant. There are several condItions of approval for
this application.The public hearing
was opened.Aoolicant. Tom Cooole. is the Pastor of the Soirit & Truth Worshio Center. and lives at
9452 England Avenue, Westminister. They would like to build a new worship center. The property has an
older church on the back portion of the lot. They propose to replace that structure with a new building at the
front of the property. They have looked for church property for the last three years. They feel it will
not only meet the land use requirements, but will also enhance
the
Planning Commission Minutes April 20. 1998
Joseoh Colombo. 1100 North Tustin Avenue #G. Santa Ana. is the architect for the project. They have
read the staff report and concur with the conditions of approval. The building design is a creative
simplicity and has a sense of a classic elegance. The color of the roof is designed to blend in with the
surrounding landscape, as well as the hillside. They will be meeting with the DRB to satisfy any additional
landscaping requirements.
Seven (7) D900le sooke in oODOsition to this oroiect:
Mel Wulff. 518 North Hamlin Street.
Rick Mendez, 4625 East Walnut.
Terri Wulff, 518n North Hamlin Street.
Sandy Richards Garcia, 4625 East Walnut.
John Netting, 491 Hewes.
Hien Tang, 4723 East Silverleaf.
Gordon Stephens, 480 North Hamlin.
They expressed concern about the orientation of the building, adequate parking, noise and traffic this
new church will generate. The residents did not oppose a church on this site, but opposed the size of it
20,000 square feet is huge).
Chairman Bosch received an additional 16 cards in opposition to this project; however, the people did
not speak.
Aoolicant's resoonse:
Pastor Copple appreciated the neighbors' concerns. Their congregation has 200 members and he
hopes all members will move to the new location. They also realize they cannot expand their
membership to 1,000 people because of the property's size. The height of their building flows with the
residential structures and they do not have a steeple on the church. He did not believe there would be a
noise problem by the way the sanctuary was designed. They are not proposing a school; only a church.
He felt the new building will be a tremendous improvement to the landscape there now.
The public hearing was closed.
The Commission and staff discussed how parking was figured relative to the number of seats in use. The
City's parking requirements were updated in 1989. A study was done by an independent traffic engineer
who analyzed a number of studies. The number of one space for every four seats is based on a broad
number of studies of churches to represent an average. Condition 1 states project approval is based
upon the limited capacity of the parking facility, and in order not to exceed the minimum parking
requirement, the multi-purpose room and classrooms are not to be used at any time when
worship services are scheduled or the sanctuary is
occupied.Pastor Copple explained how everyone congregates at the start of church service in the sanctuary,
but then separates and goes to their Sunday classes. Sunday school is separate from their worship
services.Chairman Bosch said condition 1 was still confusing because the last sentence would preclude a
class occurring in the sanctuary at the same
time.Commissioner Pruett was not in favor of condition 1 for shared parking, and could not support
the conditional use permit because of the parking
issue.Chairman Bosch was concerned about the height of the building in proximity to the easterly property
line and the 24 foot high wall within 10 feet of the property line. It needs to be softened to mitigate
the neighbors' concerns. He wondered how the use will be policed and that is a concern. He
suggested pulling the building back from the property line to reduce the bulk. He would like to see
preliminary landscape plans and more detail on how the easterly wall can be
articulated.The Commission asked the applicant if he were willing to stipulate to a continuance to review
an alternative plan to possibly relocate the building and come up With a different parking configuration,
to address the articulation of the wall, to submit a preliminary landscape plan, and to work with the
residents and neighbors to mitigate their concerns. (
Yes.)
Planning Commission Minutes April 20, 1998
Moved by Commissioner Carlton, seconded by Commissioner Romero, to continue Conditional Use
Permit 2214-98 to the meeting of May 18,
1998.
AYES:
NOES:Commissioners Bosch, Carlton, Pruett, Romero,
Smith None MOTION
CARRIED IN RE: NEW
HEARINGS 4. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2215-98 - WOLFGANG PUCK FOOD COMPANY,
INC.A proposal to allow the sale and service of alcoholic beverages in conjunction with the service of food in
a new restaurant. The site is located within the Orange City Mills
Center.This project is categorically exempt from the provisions of the California
Environmental Quality Act per State CEQA Guidelines Section
15303.The presentation of the staff report was waived and the public hearing was
opened.
NOTE:Commissioner Smith asked for clarification on condition 6 as there was inconsistency in the staff
report regarding times of service and times to serve
alcohol.Mr. Jones said staff proposes a re-wording of condition 6: The sale of alcoholic beverages
shall be limited to the hours from 11:00 a.m. to 1 :00 a.m. daily. The restaurant proposes to be open until
2:00 a.m. The sale of alcoholic beverages must cease one hour before closing. The second
sentence would remain
the same.Apolicant. Rebecca Miranda, represented Wolfgang Puck at City Mills. They requested approval
of their conditional use permit and propose to run a
quality restaurant.The public hearing
was closed.It was noted the project is categorically exempt from
CEOA review.Moved by Commissioner Carlton, seconded by Commissioner Bosch, to approve
Conditional Use Permit 2215-98, subject to the conditions of approval in the staff report, with the
modification to condition 6 regarding the service of alcohol and hours of operation, as indicated by staff. All
the required findings are specifically applicable
to
this
project.AYES:NOES:Commissioners Bosch, Carlton,
Pruett, Romero, Smith
None MOTION CARRIED 5. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2220-98; MODIFICATION TO
MAJOR SITE PLAN REVIEW
6-96 - MILLS CORPORATION The applicant is requesting a conditional use permit to allow the shared use of
parking and a modification to a previously approved site plan. If both applications were approved, the
applicant would be allowed to expand the previously approved shopping center by approximately 7% and
reduce the number of required parking spaces by approximately 440 spaces. The site is located
within "The City Shopping Center", located west of The City Drive and
north of Metropolitan Avenue.NOTE: The environmental impacts of the proposal have been addressed
by an Addendum to
Mitigated Negative Declaration 1497-96.Chris Carnes, Associate Planner, presented the full staff report. The
Mills Corporation is before the Commission with two (2) applications; a conditional use permit for the
shared parking and a modification to the previously approved major site plan. Two years ago, the Plannin$
il Commission had approved the major site plan review to allow the redevelopment of the City
Shopping Center. The applicant has presently completed the demolition of the old shopping center and is in the
process of framing the new shopping center. The applicant is requesting a reduction in the amount
of
Planning Commission Minutes April 20. 1998
provided on the site, and that due to the offset hours of the different land uses peak parking demand.
Generally, the office component of the project has a peak parking demand of mid-day on weekdays.
The retail component peaks in mid-afternoon on weekends. An exhibit is displayed on the wall
and it indicates the total parking requirements during any certain hour of the day. The applicant will
provide at the peak parking demand, 81 spaces over what is required. The request for the modification to
the major site plan review is to reflect the demolition of the Century Theaters building. The Mills
Corporation has requested some additional square footage which will be used for non-retail uses such
as hallways, electric and storage rooms. The proposal still maintains 811,000 square feet of 9ross leaseable
area. There is no expansion to the leaseable area. The mitigation measures will be reVised to reflect
some changes in the recommendations from staff. There are 15 conditions of approval for this project.
One new condition has been recommended to reflect that the Public Works Department has not finalized the design
of a new freeway off ramp for the 22 Freeway, and it could affect the placement of
buildings
along Metropolitan Drive.Chairman Bosch noted the Commission received a proposed errata to the
addendum to Mitigated
Negative Declaration 1497-96.Mr. Carnes asked the Commission to include the errata as part of the
Addendum, as the mitigation measures have been amended due to changes in parcel identification and to reflect
the
progress of the project.The
public hearing was opened.Aoolicant. Jerry Engen. Mills Corooration. One Citv Boulevard West #1700, was
available to answer any technical
questions regarding their project.Duane Mears. The Plannina Center. 1300 Dove Street. Newoort
Beach, explained the environmental review was necessary because of the proposed changes to the
project. Those changes are modifications to the site plan and the need for the conditional use permit for
shared parking. They found there are no new impacts from what they looked at before. There are no impacts
that are more severe than what they determined before from the original negative declaration. They also
found a change was necessary for
the original mitigation measures.Terry Miller. Vice-President and Partner with Wells & Associates. 1420 East
Sorin9hill Road in Virainia. has been working with the Mills Corporation for the last 11 years on each of
their centers. They keep the Mills Corp. data and have an on-going traffic counting
and parking accumulation program. They have studied and reviewed data on shared parking issues for a project of this
size. There will be more parking available
when the
office use is closed.Public comments:Barbara DeNiro. 1118 East Adams, did not understand how they will
get the shared parking and reduce the
number of parking
spaces by 440.Applicant's response:Mr. Engen clarified the difference in the shared parking spaces. The
code allows certain reductions as it pertains to uses within the shoppin~ center. Because they are adjacent
to an office building, and there are different time frames and peak times, they can utilize the parking
spaces when the offices are closed.The 81 parking spaces is an
anticipated surplus even with shared
parking.The public hearing was closed.Chairman Bosch understands the concept of shared parking and
he appreciated the clarification of the office use and its hours of operation relative to the retail
use. The major shopping center parking requirements in the ordinance relate to the retail portion only. The
excess space in terms of circulation,delivery corridors that are not leaseable and are unoccupied space,
substantially reduces the parking as it was figured originally for the site. The demonstration of that is in the fact
that the net result is no expansion on the leaseable area of square footage for retail space,
oncethe adjustment is made. He didn't
see
Planning Commission Minutes April 20, 1998
Moved by Commissioner Bosch, seconded by Commissioner Pruett, referring to Page 10 of the
required findings, it was identified that the conditional use permit does meet sound prinCirles of land use
in response to services required by the community and does not create deterioration 0 bordering land
uses or create special problems for the area. It has been considered in relationship to its effect on the
community or neighborhood plans for the area, and is subject to conditions included in the staff
recommendations and addendum to Mitigated Negative Declaration 1497-96, including its errata, that
will assure that these conditions preserve the general welfare, not the individual welfare of any
particular applicant. Specifically, this relates to the discussion regarding the offset hours of office use vs.
retail hours. There will be no increase in leaseable retail floor space because of the back up house uses,
as demonstrated by the parking study and the site's floor plans provided to the
Commission.The findings for major site plan review are also met relative to no deterioration of bordering land
use caused by this proposal. It does conform to the development standards and special design
guidelines and specific plan requirements as set forth in the ordinance. It will not cause significant and
negative environmental impacts as demonstrated by the addendum to the Mitigated Negative Declaration.
On and off-site circulation is adequate, and services are available from the City and the project
is compatible with the community aesthetics based upon
past review.Therefore, it was moved to accept that the environmental impacts of the proposal have
been addressed by Addendum to Mitigated Negative Declaration 1497-96, which has been
prepared per California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines 15164, with the inclusion of the errata
to the Addendum
provided
by
staff.AYES:NOES:Commissioners Bosch, Carlton,
Pruett, Romero, Smith
None MOTION CARRIED Moved by Commissioner Bosch, seconded by Commissioner Bosch to approve
Conditional Use Permit 2220-98 and Modification to Major Site Plan Review 6-96 subject to the
conditions included in the staff report (conditions 1 through 52), Including the conditions marked as miti~
ation measures, and including the deletions to the original conditions indicated therein based upon
their completion or
obsolescence
of
those deleted conditions.AYES:NOES:Commissioners
Bosch, Carlton, Pruett,
Romero, Smith None MOTION CARRIED 6. VARIANCE 2047-98; MAJOR SITE PLAN
REVIEW 51-98 - FORD OF ORANGE A proposal to construct an automobile sales facility on approximately
eight (8) acres of vacant property.The applicant is also asking that the required front yard be reduced from
a required minimum width of 20 feet to 10 feet, partly as a result of street widening requirements for Main
and Katella. The site is located on the southeast corner
of Main Street and Katella Avenue.Negative Declaration 1549-98 was prepared
to evaluate the environmental impacts of this project. City planning staff recommends
that the Planning Commission adopt this document as an adequate and complete assessment
of the environmental consequences related
to the potential approval of this project.There was no opposition to this item; therefore, the full
presentation
of
the staff report was not
presented.NOTE:The public hearing was opened.Aoolicant. Dennis Avnn. is the architect for the oroiect. 22885 #
A SAVI Ranch Parkwav. Yorba Linda. He would be happy to respond to any questions the Commission had.
He referred to the exhibit on the wall and explained at the corner of Katella and Main the
City has asked that they dedicate approximately 12 feet of property. On Main Street it is for a right turn only lane, and on
Katella Avenue it is for a bus stop and acceleration for the bus stop. In that location, they asked to be
allowed to put in a 10 foot
landscaped setback as opposed to
20
Plaming Commission Minutes April 20. 1998
Commissioner Smith's observation of other car dealerships is that no one has a 20 foot setback. In light
of taking the property for street widening of 12 feet on each side. the variance request is appropriate.
Chairman Bosch said this affects the Major Site Plan Review as well, because without the variance, the
design of the site would be impacted. He was satisfied with the findings required for a variance because
of the taking for the substantial street widening. In addition to the findings of a hardship caused by
actions other than the applicant with regard to the taking of the property necessary for regional
transportation improvements on Katella, as well as the widening of Main Street for the same purpose, it
was found that the strict application of the zoning ordinance deprived the property of privileges enjoyed
by other properties in the vicinity under the identical zoning classification. and that the variance would be
subject to conditions that assure that the adjustment hereby authorized does not constitute a grant of
special privilege inconsistent with the limitations upon other properties in the vicinity and in the zone in
which such property is situated. That per Califomia Government Code Section 65906, the variance is not
being 9ranted for a parcel of property which authorizes a use or activity which is not otherwise expressly
authOrized by the zone regulation governing the parcel of property.
Moved by Commissioner Bosch. seconded by Commissioner Pruett. to approve Mitigated Negative
Declaration 1549-98 and find that the project wil not have a significant adverse Impact on the
environment or wildlife
resources.
AYES:
NOES:Commissioners Bosch. Carlton, Pruett, Romero.
Smith None MOTION
CARRIED Moved by Commissioner Bosch, seconded by Commissioner Smith, to approve Variance 2047-
98 and Major Site Plan Review 51-98, based upon the required findings for the Variance
previously iterated, as well as the findings for Major Site Plan Review, expressly as stated on Page 4 of the staff
report, in the final paragraph, items 1-6, with conditions 1 through 12 as proposed
in
the
staff report.AYES:NOES:Commissioners Bosch,
Carlton, Pruett, Romero,
Smith None MOTION
CARRIED IN RE: MISCELLANEOUS 7. DESIGN REVIEW BOARD APPEAL NO. 03.
98 - MICHAEL WALDRON An appeal of the Design Review Board's decision not to allow vinyl windows in a remodel
of a single family residence located at 205 South Orange Street in the Historic
Old Towne District.John Godlewski, Senior Planner, presented the staff report. The applicant and owner
of the property has replaced the windows at his residence. The home is an existing 2-story
Victorian-style home. It was originally constructed in 1917 and it is listed as a contributing historic
structure in good condition. The owner is currently going through upgrading and rehabilitating of the structure.
In that project the owner has replaced the original wood windows with vinyl windows. The
Design Review Board considered the proposal on March 18. They were very impressed with the windows; however,
they were not what they felt were an identical profile to the original wood windows. Some
of the differences between these windows and the original windows were the width at the top and bottom of the window -
the style is a little bit narrower and also on the upper sash of the window, the original windows
had a small korbel piece, which is a small decorative angle on the bottom part of the window. The
new windows do not have that. To mitigate the effect of the windows and change in profile, the
applicant had his contractor build a wood frame to hold a screen that covers the window. The screen is an aluminum
screen in a wood frame, which the DRB felt added quite a bit to mitigate the effects of the
window. But, because the windows were not identical in profile, the DRB denied the request to use
those windows. The applicant has appealed the DRB's decision
to the Planning Commission.Chairman Bosch asked if the windows were the original wood windows in the residence
at the time the house was identified
as a contributing structure.Mr. Godlewski did not know if those were the
original windows or not.The
public
Planning Commission Minutes April 20, 1998
Aoplicant. Michael Waldron. 205 South Oranoe Street. said this property over the last 30 years has had
at least 10 different owners. It makes it difficult to make capital improvements to a property like this
because of the wear and tear. Most of the historic significance has been stripped on the interior of the
p'roperty and a lot of the functions had changed. There have been modifications to the exterior. He felt
it was tIme to make a change to the property. His goal is to create a show piece out of his home. Phase
one included the remodel of the intenor and provide earthquake reinforcements to the structure. They still
need to complete two bathrooms, the kitchen and window coverings. Exterior improvements are
included in phase two of the project. They had planned to work with the existing wood windows, but
found they were so deteriorated that they decided to replace them with the double hung vinyl windows.
They also installed wood screens to help mitigate the loss of that trim around the windows. In summary,
he believed there was a conflict with the materials and korbel piece. Both of those characteristics are
inconsistent with the neighborhood. With the wood screens, he felt those conflicts are mitigated.
Commissioner Smith asked if Mr. Waldron proposed to mitigate the windows with anything other than the
wood screens. (If Mr. Waldron could find a way to add the korbel, he would.) She visited the site and is
not familiar with a wood frame that has a thick piece of wood and screen. She asked if they had planned
to do anything with the stair rails on the front, and if they had proposed to do anything with the front door.
Mr. Waldron described the windows that were removed. They were double hung wood windows,
painted and they were inoperative. They were basically wood frames with a beveled base on the lower
sash that came down to meet the angled sill. Mr. Waldron would do anything to keep the Commission
happy. He searched for old windows, but could not find windows that would fit the openings. The
reason they chose vinyl windows is because wood windows are much more expensive. There is less
maintenance with the vinyl windows.
Public comments:
Joan Crawford. 394 South Oranoe Street. was excited with all the improvements being made on this
house, but felt the vinyl windows were not in keeping with the Old Towne standards.
Aoolicant's resoonse:
Mr. Waldron would like to pay attention to the historic detail to maintain and restore his house where
possible. It just wasn't possible, given the investment dollar wise, to commit 20% of the cost to
windows. It would have compromised his ability to do a full rehabilitation to the property. He felt the
vinyl windows were more efficient for less money.
The public hearing was dosed.
Commissioner Carlton said it seems the screens could mitigate the vinyl windows and it would be a good
compromise. She spoke in favor of the appeal.
Commissioner Smith asked if it were written in the Design Standards that a person could have aluminum
windows on a contributing structure in Old Towne.
Mr. Godlewski responded the Old Towne Design Standards allow for the use of alternative materials,
and those alternatives may be considered by the Design Review Board. If a person wants to replace
the windows, they must talk with Planning staff. If it is an identical replacement, then they can approve the
replacement. If the proposed change is not an identical replacement, then the Design ReView Board
must review the project to see whether or not the use of alternative materials is of an adequate profile to
match what the original was intended.
Commissioner Smith said there was a basic step missed in this process. A permit was not requested for
the windows. It's upsetting that the windows were installed over the weekend. It's a nice, old house -- a fixture
in the community. Many parts of the house have already been compromised. In a perfect world,she
would ask that the windows be replaced with wood windows. But, that's not reasonable or practical in
this case, given all the other work and money that has been spent on the house. She is willing to agree
to these windows being retained if they were mitigated or masked appropriately with wood screens.
She is not willing to rule on a wood screen design that she hasn'tseen though. She wanted to see
what they looked like and be able to comment on the design. In order to make this work, she would also
like to see appropriate wooden hand rails installed instead of the wrought iron rails. She would also 16
Planning Commission Minutes April 20, 1998
like some attention to be made to the sashing. It would only work if the existing wood windows that are
there remain there, including the large window in the middle of the front bay. There are three small
windows along the top in the back. They don't seem to match each other so she's not certain which
design to call for. The problem with this is the precedent it sets for the next person who comes in to
remodel their home.
Commissioner Romero did not have a problem with the windows. He liked the mitigating factor of the
wood screens.
Mr. Reynolds said the appeal deals with the windows and screens. He did not understand how the
handrails acts as a mitigating measure for that condition.
Commissioner Smith made a case that the architectural integrity of the house has been damaged by the
removal of original wooden fixtures, which were part of the architectural integrity of the house. Therefore,
to mitigate that, there needs to be a replacement of other features of the house which are damaging the
architectural integrity. The most obvious visual being the wrought iron handrails on the front steps. And,
the applicant already stated he would be willing to replace the railings.
Mr. Reynolds said if the applicant is willing to do that work, then it would be okay.
Chairman Bosch concurred with Commissioner Smith. He very much appreciates the applicant has also
stipulated to replace the railings because that is the right thing to do as he completes his project. With
regard to profiles of the windows, his concern is more for the historical correctness, which in this case can
be mitigated with the screens and wood frames, if correctly designed than it is for the specific material.
He asked how to keep the intentioned abuse of the historical resource from occurring vs. an unintentional
one, where the applicant was trying to do the best for the restoration of the residence. He didn't want to
send any signals that a vinyl coated window profile with a material that works to help restore the historical
nature of the building; there's no relationship between that and vinyl siding. Window profiles are a
different kind of application. He wanted to make it clear that there is no precedent that carries over to
other materials.
The Commission would like to see what the applicant is proposing in terms of the design of the wood
screens and wood handrails. They asked the applicant if he were willing to stipulate to a continuance to
their next meeting.
Mr. Waldron stipulated to a continuance. He also stated for the record he did not receive a stop work
notice.
Moved by Commissioner Pruett, seconded by Commissioner Smith, to continue Design Review Board
Appeal No. 03-98 to the meeting of May 4,
1998.
AYES:
NOES:Commissioners Bosch, Carlton, Pruett, Smith,
Romero None MOTION
CARRIED IN RE:
ADJOURNMENT Moved by Commissioner Pruett, seconded by Commissioner Carlton, to adjourn to the next
regularly scheduled meeting on May 4,1998. The meeting adjourned at 2:30 a.
m.
AYES:
NOES:Commissioners Bosch, Carlton, Pruett, Romero,
Smith None MOTION
CARRIED
Isld