HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/19/1980 - Minutes PCPLANNING COMMISSION
City of Orange
May 19, 1980
Orange, California
Monday, 7:30 p.m.
The regular meeting of the Orange City Planning Commission was called to order by
Chairman Coontz at 7:30 p.m.
PRESENT: Commissione rs Coontz, Ault, Hart, Master, Mickelson
ABSENT: Commissioners none
STAFF Jere P. Murphy, Administrator of Current Planning and Commission
PRESENT: Secretary; Stan Soo-Hoo, Associate Planner; Gene Minshew, Assistant
City Attorney; Gary Johnson, City Engineer; Lon Cahi 11 , Fire
Prevention Bureau; Doris Ofsthun, Recording Secretary.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG.
IN RE: APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR MAY 5. 1980:
Moved by Commissioner Master, seconded by Commissioner Hart to
approve the minutes as transmitted.
,!'" AYES: Commissioners Coontz, Ault, Hart, Master, Mickelson
'i~ NOES: Commissioners none
ABSENT: Commissioners none MOTION CARRIED
IN RE: NEW HEARINGS:
PRE-ZONE CHANGE 923 - ANAHEIM HILLS, INC.:
Request to pre-zone property from County A-1 and Anaheim RSA-43000
to City R-0, R-1-6, RD-6, RM-7, and C-1 for property located
generally east of proposed Meats Avenue and south of the Peralta
Hills Ridgeline. (Note: Environmental Impact Report 401 was
previously accepted and no further Environmental Review is required.)
Stan Soo-Hoo presented this application for the Staff, pointing out
that this is a request to pre-zone 223.689 acres of land, generally
located east of proposed Meats Avenue and south of the Peralta Hills
Ridgeline to R-0 (Recreation-Open Space), PI (Public Institution),
R-1-6 (Single Family Residential, 6,000 square foot minimum lot size),
RD-6 (Residential Duplex, 6,000 square foot minimum lot size), RM-7
(Residential Multiple Family, 7,000 square foot minimum lot size),
and C-1 (Commercial) Districts.
This property is presently in the City of Anaheim and in unincorporated
area zoned RSA-43000 (S C) and County A-1, respectively. The site
is largely vacant at the present time.
The applicant is requesting pre-zoning of the property to R-0, R-1-6,
RD-6, RM-7 and C-l. No development is proposed at this time, this
application is being filed at this time in order to facilitate annex-
ation. The portion which is now within the City of Anaheim is being
included in this request with the concurrence of the Anaheim City
Council.
The proposed zones appear to be generally consistent with the City's
adopted General Plan. A detailed analysis for compliance is not
possible at this time since zoning boundaries will not be firmly
established until development plans are formulated.
Mr. Soo-Hoo stated that the Staff has reviewed the general proposal
and finds it acceptable. However, because of the lack of specificity
relating to proposed zoning boundaries and since the proposal is
intended solely to facilitate annexation at this time, Staff recommends
that the site be pre-zoned A-1 with an intent to rezone to the various
requested zones upon presentation of development proposals and firm
zoning boundaries. Approval of A-1 zone is recommended for two
reasons:
~ A {
Planning Commission Minutes
May 19, 1980
Page Two
1. That the proposed pre-zoning is consistent with the City's
Adopted General Plan.
2. That the proposed pre-zoning will facilitate annexation of
the site into the City of Orange.
Chairman Coontz opened the public hearing.
Dan Salceda, 380 Anaheim Hills Road, Anaheim, spoke in favor of the
application, as a representative of Anaheim Hills, Inc. He stated
that they are in support of the Staff Report. (1) They were in
compliance with the General Plan and (2) regarding the Staff's
recommendation to pre-zone A-1, they agree that it is not appropriate
to zone it anything but A-1 until more information will be provided.
This is generally what will be considered for the 200+ acres.
There being no one else to speak in favor of or in opposition to
this application, the Chairman closed the public hearing.
Chairman Coontz stated that she had requested that the Staff prepare
a cost revenue analysis to cover that entire area and she read a
statement that had been prepared to be included in the motion to be
sent to the City Council. She pointed out that there has been concern
on the part of the Council regarding cost/benefits of future annex-
ations. This had been part of the statement of the new Mayor.
Commissioner Mickelson agreed that the Commission should be reminding
the Council of action taken previously. He wondered if they should
allow Mr. Salceda to see a copy of the statement and respond to it
before the vote was taken.
Mr. Salceda again spoke to the Commission, stating that at the time
more specific tentative tract maps are provided, they will also pro-
vide to the Council a fiscal impact report which would be related to
the developments or projects. He saw no problem with this.
Moved by Chairman Coontz, seconded by Commissioner Master to recommend
to City Council pre-zoning to A-1 for the property in question with
intent to rezone to various requested zones for the reasons as stated
by Staff.
And further, that the following statement be included:
On January 17, 1979 the Council instructed the Staff, as part of
approval of the General Plan of Southridge, to develop an estimate
of capital facilities require d as well as determining the cost
thereof in relation to the benefits derived, prior to the approval
and implementation of development.
We understand that the Staff is in the process of developing a
cost revenue model, monitoring taxation legislation, and
evaluating budget impacts of new development for the City of
Orange.
Recognizing that the precise infra-structure and capital improve-
ments can only be determined through more specific plans, the
Commission recommends that the Staff apply the cost revenue model
currently being prepared to the entire Southridge annexation proposal,
including an investigation of methods of maintaining capital
facilities through special assessment districts or other methods
that would prevent a drain on the general fund through long time
maintenance costs or deficits, and further, that the Council
consider discussions with the property owner regarding the results
~ of the cost revenue analysis.
Planning Commission Minutes
May 19, 1980
Page Th ree
Commissioner Mickelson wondered if there was a time frame for the
Staff to accomplish this. Chairman Coontz replied that she thought
it was fairly soon. There was further discussion among the
Commissioners in this regard.
AYES: Commissioners Coontz, Ault, Hart, h1aster, Mickelson
NOES: Commissioners none
ABSENT: Commissioners none MOTION CARRIED
TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 80-757, ZONE CHANGE 927, VARIANCE 1577-
CENTURY AMERICAN CORPORATION:
Request to change zoning from R-1-6 to RD-6 and to create two
parcels which would contain less than the required frontage for
property located on the east side of Solana Drive, south of Chapman
Avenue. (Note: Negative Declaration 582, was previously accepted
and no further Environmental R-view is required.)
Stan Soo-Hoo presented this application for the Staff, stating that
the applicant is requesting only to subdivide the lot into two parcels
which would include two units each.
The applicant intends to accompany the proposed Zone Change and
Variance with a lot split creating two duplex properties. The
applicant proposes to refurbish and re-landscape the existing
buildings in order to create a more attractive appearance to their
condominium project to be developed immediately east and south of
the subject property.
Mr. Soo-Hoo stated that the Staff has reviewed the proposal and finds
it acceptable since development standards of the R-D-6 Zone can be
met with the sole exception of lot frontage.
Therefore, Staff recommends approval of Zone Change 927 because the
applicant's proposal is compatible with the surrounding land uses and
zoning and is consistent with the City of Orange General Plan as
amended on November 20, 1979. Staff also recommends approval of
Variance 1577 for the reasons as stated in the the Staff Report.
Chairman Coontz opened the public hearing,
Tom Hribar, representing Century American Corporation, 1440 E. Chapman
Avenue, Orange, spoke in favor of the application. He explained to the
Commission that the primary motivation in tieing up the property some
months ago was that they own acreage which adjoins it. They plan to
start a general home development, with Solana Drive being the main
access to the development. They want to tie the landscaping of the
existing two units to what they are proposing to do on the adjoining
property. They wish to widen the street leading into the proposed
development.
There being no one else to speak in favor of or in opposition to the
application, the Chairman closed the public hearing.
Moved by Commissioner Ault, seconded by Commissioner Hart to recommend
approval of Zone Change 927 and Variance 1577, for reasons stated by
Staff in the Staff Report; and for approval of Tentative Parcel Map
80-757, subject to Engineer's Plan Check List.
AYES: Commissioners Coontz, Ault, Hart, Master, Mickelson
NOES: Commissioners none
ABSENT: Commissioners none MOTION CARRIED
Planning Commission Minutes
May 19, 1980
Page Four
ZONE CHANGE 928 - SWENSON:
Request to change zoning from R-1-6 to RD-6 for property located on
the west side of Orange Street, north of Walnut Avenue. (Note:
Negative Declaration 631 has been prepared in lieu of an Environ-
mental Impact Report.)
Mr. Soo-Hoo presented this application for the Staff. He explaine d
that the subject property consists of a rectangular shaped parcel
containing approximately .14 acre of land located on the west side
of Orange Street approximately 130 feet north of the centerline of
Walnut Avenue (520 North Orange Street). The property is zoned
R-1-6 and contains a single family residence. The area is generally
devel oped with various residential uses and i s zoned R-1-6 , RD-6 ,
and RM-7.
Mr. Soo-Hoo explained that the applicant is requesting approval of
a zone change from R-1-6 to R-D-6 in order to build an additional
dwelling unit apartment at the rear of the property. He pointed
out that the Land Use Element of the City of Orange General Plan
designates this area as suitable for low density (2-6 units/acre)
residential development. The applicant is proposing to build an
apartment on the rear of the property with the required garages
located under that dwelling unit. The garages will have access via
the 14 foot wide alley located at the re ar property line. The
applicant's plans show a 24 foot turning radius into the garage.
However, he has agreed to decrease the depth of his proposed apart-
ment by 1 foot, complying with the City of Orange ordinance requiring
a 25 foot turning radius entering the garages.
Staff re commendsthat the Planning Commission accept the findings of
the Environmental Review Board to file Negative Declaration 631.
Staff also recommends that Zone Change 928 be approved for the
following reasons: (1) The applicant proposal is compatible with
the surrounding land use and zoning and is consistent with the intent
of the Land Use Element of the City of Orange General Plan; (2) The
applicant's proposal meets all the development standards for the
R-D-6 Zone as stated in the City of Orange Zoning Ordinance. Since
there is such a hodgepodge of zoning in this area, containing both
single family dwellings and duplexes, Staff feels there is justifi-
cation for zoning to R-D-6. Staff also feels that because the area
is so diversely zoned, the Planning Commission may wish to direct the
Staff to study this area for possible comprehensive zoning.
The Chairman opened the public hearing.
Lynden G. Swenson, 520 N. Orange, Orange, the applicant in this matter,
addressed the Planning Commission in favor of this application. He
explained that he will be building another dwelling on his property,
plus a four-car garage and space for parallel parking.
Chloe Jones King, 594 N. Orange, Orange, addressed the Commission
in opposition to this application. She stated that she was worried
about someone coming and taking away her home and converting the entire
area to duplexes and multiple dwellings. She has lived in her home
for 60 years and she is afraid that with all of the duplexes being
built in the area that perhaps they will take away her home.
Chairman Coontz explained that zoning the entire block was merely a
suggestion by the Staff. It is not a fact yet. Commissioner Ault
explained that noone can do anything with her property unless she
wishes it. Noone can take it away from her.
There being noone else to speak to this application, the Chairman
closed the public hearing.
Planning Commission Minutes
May 19, 1980
Page Five
n
~J
Moved by Commissioner Ault, seconded by Commissioner Hart to
recommend acceptance of the findings of the Environmental Review
Board to file Negative Declaration No. 631.
AYES: Commissioners Coontz, Ault, Hart, Master, Mickelson
NOES: Commissioners none
ABSENT: Commissioners none MOTION .CARRIED
Moved by Commissioner Ault, seconded by Commissioner Master to
recommend approval of Zone Change 928, for reasons as outlined by
Staff.
AYES: Commissioners Coontz, Ault, Hart, Master, Mickelson
NOES: Commissioners none
ABSENT: Commissioners none MOTION CARRIED
Moved by Commissioner Mickelson, seconded by Commissioner Hart that
Staff make a study of the block in question.
AYES: Commissioners Coontz, Ault, Hart, Master, Mickelson
NOES: Commissioners none
ABSENT: Commissioners none MOTION CARRIED
Commissioner Mickelson suggested that a letter be sent to Mrs. King,
explaining the action taken in this matter.
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 1038, VARIANCE 1578 - MURRIL:
Request to allow a second story unit in the RCD overlay district
and to allow modification of the parking requirement for property
located on the north side of Almond Avenue, west of Harwood Street.
(Note: This project is categorically exempt from Environmental
Review . )
Mr. Murphy presented this application for the Staff, explaining that
this property is a rectangular shaped parcel containing approximately
.15 acre of land located on the north side of Almond Avenue ap-
proximately 233 feet west of the centerline of Harwood Street. It
is located behind St. John's Lutheran School. Subject property is
zoned R-D-6 (RCD) - Residential duplex with a 6,000 square foot lot
size minimum in the Residential Combining District Overlay Zone and
contains a single family residence.
The applicant is requesting approval of a conditional use permit in
order to construct a two-story dwelling in the (.RCD) Overlay Zone
and a variance to allow a reduction in required covered parking in
the R-D-6 Zone from 3 enclosed parking spaces to 2 enclosed spaces,
This variance would not result in a reduction in overall space since
four spaces are proposed per code requirements. The applicant is
requesting permission to waive enclosure of one space.
Mr. Murphy pointed out that the applicant proposes to construct a
second unit on the subject property by constructing a single bedroom
dwelling unit over two single car garages at the rear of the property.
The existing garage will be removed. Access to the rear of the property
will be via an existing driveway located at the western side of the
property. The two garages will be located at a 90 degree angle to
one another, one opening to the west and one to the south, both
sharing a common driveway.
Staff recommends approval of Conditional Use Permit 1038 because it
is compatible with the surrounding land uses and zoning and is
compatible with the Land Use Element of the City of Orange General
Plan. Also, other properties in the immediate vicinity have been
developed in a manner similar to that requested by the applicant.
Planning Commission Minutes
May 19, 1980
Page Si x
Staff recommends approval of Variance 1578 for the reasons stated
in the Staff Report. Mr. Murphy stated that he thought the builder
had done a good job orienting the windows so that they would not
look out on adjoining homes. Commissioner Mickelson questioned
whether this plan fits into the Old Towne architecture in that area.
Mr. Soo-Hoo and Mr. Murphy explained that this would be in the rear
of the property and would not be seen from the street.
Chairman Coontz opened the public hearing.
Betty Murril, 10741 Crawford Canyon Road, Santa Ana, addressed
the Commission, as the applicant in this matter. She stated that
she is building this dwelling for herself, as she lives alone and
wishes to build a smaller home for herself. She is well aware of
the Old Towne concept, but felt that her home would be almost
invisible from the street. She felt that it would not be offensive
to the eye. She also felt that it will blend in well with the
existing homes. Only the garage entry would show from the front.
She said she knew that the ideal thing would be to build something
very Victorian, but it would be too expensive to build.
There being no one else to speak in favor of or in opposition to
this application, the Chairman closed the public hearing, afte r
acknowledging receipt of a letter of opposition sent to the
Commission by Helen Thayer.
Moved by Commissioner Mickelson, seconded by Commissioner Hart to
approve Conditional Use Permit 1038 and Variance 1578, for reasons
specified by Staff and subject to the conditions recommended by the
Staff.
AYES: Commissioners Coontz, Ault, Hart, Master, Mickelson
NOES: Commissioners none
ABSENT: Commissioners none MOTION CARRIED
Commissioner Hart asked for clarification of the overlay zone. He
wondered if this was part of the Old Towne. It was explained that
it wasn't part of that, because it has been on the books for a
long time. RCD was created many years ago as an effort to review
two story structures, primarily within the southeast quadrant of
the city. Chairman Coontz explained that there have been about
th ree of these before the Commission .
Commissioner Mickelson complimented the owner on the excellent design
of this building.
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 1039, VARIANCE 1579 - GARDEN TOWER WEST:
Request to allow an 11-story residential development in the C-1
zone and to allow fewer off-street parking spaces than required,
as well as allow units which do not contain required floor area on
the north side of Garden Grove Boulevard, east of Lewis Street.
(Note: Negative Declaration 632 has been prepared in lieu of an
Environmental Impact Report.)
Jere Murphy presented this application for the Staff. He stated that
this property contains approximately 1.8 acres of land and is located
east of Lewis Street and north of Garden Grove Boulevard. It is
zoned C-1 and is presently vacant. The existing Garden Tower is
east of this parcel, being a 14 story, 210 unit building; there are
apartments in the RM-7 zone to the north; residences in the city of
Garden Grove to the south; a convenience market in the C-1 zone to
the southwest; and a school in the city of Garden Grove to the west.
~~
Planning Commission Minutes
May 19, 1980
Page Seven
The applicant proposes to develop an 7]-story, 123 unit senior
citizen housing facility to be sponsored by the same organization
that sponsored the Community Garden Tower (to the east). A
Conditional Use Permit is requested in order to allow residential
development in the C-1 zone as well as to allow a high rise project.
In addition, a variance is requested to allow dwelling units which
contain 612 square feet rather than the minimum 650 square feet required
by code. This parking proposal translates into 62 spaces for the
facility (1 space per 2 units) and 19 spaces in an attempt to compensate
for the prior deficiency of the original Community Towers project.
The applicant proposes to provide parking in an approximate ratio of
one space per 1.5 units. As has been widely realized, the existing
Community Towers has experienced severe parking shortages from its
inception - approximately 40-45 spaces. The developer attributes this
problem to the fact that only 40% of the development is occupied by
persons who receive rent subsidies with the balance occupied by
persons paying market rents . Obvi ously, persons i n th i s l atter
category are not expected to reduce driving significantly.
A General Plan Amendment 3-79 (Item "0") was adopted which changed
the land use designation of this site to major commercial-high rise
residential.
The Staff recommended that the findings of the Environmental Review
Board to file Negative Declaration 636 be accepted.
They further recommended that applicant's request to permit a
residential use in the C-1 Zone and their request to allow a high
rise development is acceptable for two reasons: (1) The proposal
will compliment an existing similar facility, the high rise residential
nature of which has proven to be compatible with surrounding land use
and zoning; and (2) the proposal is consistent with the City's adopted
General Plan.
With regard to the Staff's recommendation on Variance 1579: because
of the specialized nature of these units, Staff feels that the variation
from minimum unit size is justified. Of much greater concern, however,
is the parking request. The applicant has stated to Staff that all pros-
pective tenants will receive rental subsidies, thereby reducing the
liklihood of automobile ownership. Also, the parking ratio has been
increased from approximately one space per four units for the original
development to one space per two units for the current proposal . It is
hoped that this will be adequate to both serve the needs of the proposal
under consideration and compensate for deficiencies of the forme r
development. In addition, the management company for the existing
facility will attempt to gain approval from HUD to develop an
additional 13 spaces on its site.
Staff also noted that the .proposed parking solution assumes implementa-
tion of a number of actions which. are beyond the direct control of
the City of Orange. Obviously the automobile ownership status of
future tenants is a variable which cannot be limited by the City, only
the administrators of the project
Staff therefore recommended approval of the variance because the
special nature of the units renders reduced unit sizes acceptable;
and limitation of tenancy of the proposed development to seniors who
qualify for federal rental subsidies will increase the liklihood of
non-automobile ownership by future residents.
Mr. Murphy stated that the following conditions are recommended with
approval of the variance:
Planning Commission Minutes
May 19, 1980
Page Eight
1. That all future tenants of the subject facility shall be
eligible for federal rental subsidy for seniors per HUD
Guidelines.
2. That thirteen (13) additional parking spaces shall be developed
on the site abutting the subject property to the east.
3. That this application shall be reviewed in two years in order
to insure that the proposed parking plan is adequate, at which
time modifications may be imposed by the City should a parking
deficiency occur.
In addition, 21 conditions were recommended with approval of the
Conditional Use Permit, the first 5 being special conditions and
the other 16 being standard conditions. The five special conditions
are as follows:
That ten parking spaces in proximity to the building shall be
restricted for visitor parking only.
2. A perimeter wall, a minimum of 5 feet in height, constructed of
materials which can be "seen through". Materials and design
must have the approval of the Design Review Board and Police
Department.
3. A minimum 5 foot fence constructed of "see through" material
placed around the patios of the four ground floor units.
Materials and design must have the approval of the Design Review
Board and Police Department.
4. The ground floor west exit door next to the dwelling units must
have panic hardware with a local alarm that sounds when persons
exit the door. This door is not to be used informally.
5. Closed circuit television system must be installed to monitor
the parking lot with the monitor and screen located in the
reception area. The general surroundings have produced a certain
amount of burglaries based on the past year's records in this area.
Commissioner Mickelson questioned the three conditions for the variance.
He asked if Condition #1 regarding future tenants being eligible for
federal rent subsidy was i n conf7 i ct with the policy of only 20 %. He
wasn't sure if this applied to senior citizens - only to Section 8.
Mr. Murphy replied that the 20% relates only to family housing. He
also wondered if the applicant had agreed to the 13 additional spaces
on the existing project. Mr. Murphy replied that they had agreed to
this. He explained that there are about 40 cars still parking on the
street. Commissioner Mickelson wondered in Condition #3 what the
Commission will do if there is not enough parking in two years. Mr.
Murphy explained where the places are that they could use for parking,
if needed. It was explained that the shortage is in the original
building. The problem is not so much with the applicant, but with
the URban Housing & Development people. Commissioner Master questioned
the many cars parked in that area now. CommissionerHart agreed with
this comment. Commissioner Coontz wondered why there is a reason to
wait to convert the unused grass area. Why not take care of this
problem right now?
Chairman Coontz opened the public hearing.
L'
Planning Commission Minutes
May 19 , 1980
Page Nine
Conrad Burton, 10666 Ohio Avenue, Los Angeles, applicant in this
matter, addressed the Commission in favor of this application. He
stated that the members of Garden Grove Community Church have made
money available to hold the adjacent land for a second facility.
They see it as the only way to have the additional parking they need.
They cannot hold this land much longer and it should be developed.
They are very sensitive to the parking problem that is involved.
The present Tower was built under guidelines that had always worked
for the builder before. But now the formula has been blown. He
explained that they have never had a parking problem before in a
building of this nature, of which they have built several. H e went
on to point out that their applications both for the existing and
the new towers will include requests as to whether the future tenant
will need parking facilities. They feel strongly that the problem
can be handled. The present facility is making parking requirements
one of the criteria for getting in. The project can be rented to
people of very low to moderate income without placing the project
in financial jeopardy. They have made every effort to describe in
the application the nature of the facility and are prepared to answer
any questions. He pointed out that it is difficult to get units for
the elderly - there is such a large need. The need is very intense
and these 123 units are desperately needed in this community. Re-
garding the existing parking, they have already rearranged and have
added two spaces and are working with HUD to develop additional spaces
in the green area. He explained that they got a refund about a year
ago from the Water Department and there is about $4,000 in the kitty
to use to develop additional parking spaces. They hope to add several
in the green area and a few in front, for a total of about 13 additional
spaces. Land next door has been made available without cost to the
tenants. He explained to the Commission that as the project and the
residents get older, there is a thin-out of automobiles. They plan
to do their best to control who is coming in.
Commissioner Mickelson wondered if they are in agreement with the Staff
conditions. Mr. Burton replied that they are in agreement with most
of them, except for a couple. Their big concern is cost. They want
to do everything they can to bring as much security as they can in
for the tenants. They have hired a guard service in the past two
months and thievery has been greatly reduced.
Chairman Coontz asked if this has been included in the subsidy.
Applicant answered that this can be built into the rent formula and
paid for by the facility.
Commissioner Mickelson questioned whether applicants coming in are
scrutinized for their parking needs, The answer was yes. The question
was raised as to what percentage of residents in the tower were former
Orange residents and what is the plan for applications in the future
regarding Orange residents. Mr. Burton replied that they have talked
at great length about the need to be sensitive to the needs of the
seniors of Orange and the immediate area and they wish to cooperate
as much as possible with the city. They cannot be exclusionary, but
they do have the opporutnity to work with the local residents. He
explained the difference between what the first tower was able to do
when it was built and now. This was one of the first senior units
with one bedroom instead of efficiency units. The complete renting
of the first one was instantaneous. They intend to give weighted
concern to the Orange residents.
Leroy Doty, 4315 Cerritos Avenue, Long Beach, addressed the Commission
in favor of the application. He is also working with this develop-
ment and thinks this is an excellent project and a perfect compliment
to the existing facility. It will allow approximately 180 senior
citizens to live with dignity in their later years. This project will
be approximately $6,000,000. It has all of the amenities expected in
Planning Commission Minutes
May 19 , 1980
Page Ten
this kind of a project and he wanted to add his support to Mr.
Burton's statement that they will make every effort to make it
possible for residents of the city of Orange to live there. They
would solicit the help of the municipal agencies to make names and
lists available of people who would qualify to live in this project.
They feel that they can live with the conditions recommended by the
Staff and appreciate their help.
Commissioner Mickelson questioned parking condition #3, asking if
they are still short of parking spaces in two years must they go
back through HUD to reduce the green space and make it up into
parking space, and would they approve it. Mr. Doty replied that
HUD is reasonable in most occasions. If they have a problem, they
would work in a team approach to take care of the problem. He did
not anticipate any problem though. They think they can handle this
administratively in the original screening of prospective applications.
If they had anticipated this problem in the first unit, they would
have been more careful in the screening of the applications. They
are now working with residents and their families to encourage those
who are not using their automobiles to get rid of them and relieve
the problem. It is easier to control this in the beginning as a
condition than it is to get them to get rid of their automobile after
they are in. They are working on this problem, however, and feel they
can handle it.
Richard Klunk, 2672 Oak Knoll, Los Alamitos, Vice-President of Plum
Tree Gardens Homeowners' Association, addressed the Commission in
opposition to this application. He stated that he has counted 40
cars outside of the complex. There is definitely a parking problem.
He thought that perhaps if these people had compact cars it would make
a difference. They have no problem with the people parking outside now,
but there could be a problem down the road. He wondered about a
fence in the alley between the apartments of this project. It was
explained to him that there will be a "see through" block wall. Mr.
Klunk felt that if there is a closed gate the youngsters would not
vandalize the property. He explained that the children come out into
the alley and someday a child wi 11 be hurt or ki 11 ed. Mr. Murphy
explained that another condition could be added regarding a gate being
added. A 22nd condition could make it very clear that the entrance
in question will be gated.
Joey Brown, 13011 Lewis, Garden Grove, addressed the Commission in
opposition to this application. He stated that he lived at the
intersection of Garden Grove and Lewis across from Hoagy's Corner.
He is not in opposition to housing for the elderly, but he was con-
cerned about the increased traffic, which is very heavy now in the
mornings and evenings. He was also worried that the city of Garden
Grove may be forced at a later date, because of the parking problem,
to mark abroad area as a no parking tow-away zone. If this happens,
no one will be able to park next to his house when he has guests.
Even if the seniors get rid of their cars, there will be more people
visiting them and parking in the area. He felt that the parking
problem is a large one. He said that he has talked to the city of
Garden Grove recently because there have been rumors of a change in
zoning, but he was assured that there will be no change. He felt that
the parcel of land for this 11-story unit is not large enough for what
they propose to do. Chairman Coontz asked him if there is a spill-
over now and he replied that there is none now, but there will be when
the next unit is built. He explained that the elderly will not be a
problem, but their visitors will create a problem.
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Planning Commission Minutes
May 19, 1980
Page Eleven
Commissioner Mickelson asked if there was a frontage road in front
of his house. He answered yes.
Mr. Doty stated that they would have no objection to the 22nd
condition being added for a full gated closure on the alley.
Chairman Coontz asked about the statement that if it was predeter-
mined that at a future date if there was a parking problem, they
would do something with the green area. Why not do this the first
time instead of going through HUD? Mr. Burton explained that all of
these subsidized units are very carefully monitored by HUD and they
must work very closely with them. They would rather have green area
than blacktop, but it would be available if needed for parking.
Chairman Coontz wondered if they could go ahead automatically when
the parking spaces were needed and Mr. Burton replied that they could
not - they must indicate that they have the money to do this, etc.
He assured the Commission that they want the parking problem solved
and they will solve it by simply monitoring who they rent to. They
are sure they can make this work at this time.
The Chairman closed the public hearing, there being no one else to
speak to this issue.
Commissioner Mickelson felt they should make it a finding that they
have changed their administrative procedure for screening the tenants
and it will be administrated more effectively in this building than
in the original building.
Commissioner Master moved, seconded by Commissioner Ault to accept
the findings of the Environmental Review Board to file Negative
Declaration 636.
AYES: Commissioners Coontz, Ault, Hart, Master, Mickelson
NOES: Commissioners none
ABSENT: Commissioners none MOTION CARRIED
Moved by Commissioner Mickelson, seconded by Commissioner Master
to approve Conditional Use Permit 1039 and Variance 1579 with the
findings made by Staff and the additional finding that applicant has
stipulated that they have a new administrative program for screening
tenants, specifically aimed at reducing the need for off-street
parking in both the old facility and the proposed facility. Condition
22 is to be added that a gate be .added to close the entrance to the
alley.
AYES: Commissioners Coontz, Ault, Hart, Master, Mickelson
NOES: Commissioners none
ABSENT: Commissioners none MOTION CARRIED
IN RE: ADJOURNMENT:
Chairman Coontz adjourned the meeting at 9:05 p.m. to reconvene at
7:30 p;m, on Monday, June 2, 1980 at the Civic Center Council
Chambers , 300 East Chapman, Orange , California.
,.
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
SS.
COUNTY OF ORANGE )
AFFIDAVID OF POSTING ORDER
OF ADJOURNMENT
Jere Murphy, being first duly sworn, deposes and says:
That I am the duly chosen, qualified and acting secretary of the
Planning Commission of the City of Orange, that the regular meeting
of the Planning Commission of the City of Orange held on ~-1ay 19, 1980,
said meeting was ordered and adjourned to the time and place specified
in the order of adjournment attached hereto; that on May 20, 1980 at
the hour of 2:00 p.m., I posted a copy of said order at a conspicuous
place on or near the door of the place at which said meeting of
May 19, 1980 was held.
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EXCERPT FROM THE MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE ORANGE CITY
PLANNING COMMISSION HELD ON MAY 19, 1980.
The regular meeting of the Orange City Planning Commission was
called to order by Chairman Coontz at 7:30 p.m.
PRESENT: Commissioners Coontz, Ault, Hart, Master, P1ickelson
ABSENT: None
Moved by Commissioner Mickelson, seconded by Commissioner Ault that
this meeting adjourn at 9:05 p.m. on Monday, Ma,y 19, 1980 to reconvene
at 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 2, 1980 at the Civic Center Council Chambers,
300 East Chapman Avenue, Orange, California.
I, Jere Murphy, Secretary to the Orange Planning Commission, Orange,
California, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true, full and
correct copy of that portion of the minutes of a regular meeting of
the Planning Commission held on Monday, May 19, 1980.
Dated this 20th day of May, 1980 at 2:00 p.m.
Jere Murphy, City Manner ~ Secretary
the Tanning Commission of the City of
Qra e.