2015 - December 7Planning Commission
December 7, 2015
Minutes
Planning Commission
City of Orange
December 7, 2015
Monday 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Commissioners Correa, Gladson, Glasgow, Simpson, and Willits
ABSENT: None
STAFF
PRESENT: Leslie Roseberry, Planning Manager
Gary Sheatz, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Jennifer Le, Acting Principal Planner
Chad Ortlieb, Senior Planner
Marissa Moshier, Associate Planner — Historic Preservation
Sharon Penttila, Recording Secretary
REGULAR SESSION
1.1 CALL TO ORDER: Chair Gladson called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
1.2 FLAG SALUTE: Commissioner Simpson led the flag salute.
1.3 ROLL CALL: All Commissioners were present.
1.4 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION None
1.5 CONTINUED OR WITHDRAWN ITEMS: None
1.6 PLANNING MANAGER REPORTS None
2. CONSENT CALENDAR:
2.1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED
MEETING OF NOVEMBER 16, 2015
Motion was made to approve the minutes as written:
MOTION:
Commissioner Glasgow
SECOND:
Commissioner Willits
AYES:
Commissioners Correa, Gladson, Glasgow, Simpson, and Willits
NOES:
None
ABSENT:
None
MOTION CARRIED.
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Planning Commission December 7, 2015
3. NEW HEARINGS:
3.1 VARIANCE NO. 2237 -15; MINOR SITE PLAN NO. 0828 -15; AND
ADMINISTRATIVE ADJUSTMENT NO. 229 -15 — CASA TERESA
OFFICE/RETAIL CONVERSION
The property contains a single family residence that is proposed for conversion to office
and retail use for Casa Teresa, a non - profit providing temporary housing and ongoing
support to pregnant women. The existing building is a contributing historic resource
within the Old Towne Historic District. Conversion from residential to commercial use
requires Minor Site Plan Review. In order to provide parking behind the historic
building, two Variances and two Administrative Adjustments are proposed as follows:
1. A Variance to allow a reduction in the required number of parking spaces from
seven to five.
2. A Variance to allow a reduction in the required 25 foot wide two -way driveway
to the existing 11 foot wide driveway.
3. An Administrative Adjustment to allow a reduction in the required 25 foot
parking space back -up distance to 24 feet.
4. An Administrative Adjustment to allow a reduction in the required length of two
parking spaces from 18 feet to 17 feet 4 -3/4 inches.
LOCATION: 234 N. GLASSELL
NOTE: The proposed project is categorically exempt from the provisions
of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per State
CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 (Class 3 — New Construction or
Conversion of Small Structures), Section 15311 (Class 11 —
Accessory Structures) and Section 15331 (Class 31 — Historical
Resource Restoration/Rehabilitation) because the project involves
conversion of an existing SFR to office /retail use and construction
of a small parking lot at the rear of the property in an urbanized
area.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt Planning Commission Resolution 38 -15 approving the
allowance of a reduction in the required number of parking spaces
from 7 to 5, allowing a reduction in the required driveway width
from 25 feet to 11 feet, allowing a reduction in the required
parking space back -up distance to 24 feet and allowing a
reduction in the required parking space length to 17 feet 4.75
inches for 2 parking spaces.
Discussion: Marissa Moshier, Associate Planner- Historic Preservation, presented a
project overview consistent with the staff report.
Planning Commission
December 7, 2015
The Commission asked if the property would be primarily for office use, and if the
proposed materials for the renovation would stay as traditional as possible. Ms. Moshier
indicated the roofing materials, paint colors and the ramp would be in conformance with
the Old Towne Design Standards.
Mark Murrel, applicant, explained who they are serving and was grateful with the
relationship they have with the City. He stated that a private donor purchased the
property and the donor would be signing a long term lease with Casa Teresa. He
described the renovation being done on the property which will include roof
replacement, seismic upgrade, and the addition of an accessible ramp. The use of the
building will include 3 office staff members, who won't be parking on the site; and up to
3 volunteers sorting items for the boutique. He explained it would also be an
opportunity to train some of the women in the program in life skills.
The Commission asked the applicant if the sales from the boutique would return to Casa
Teresa; wanted to be reassured that there would not be a lot of people coming and going
from the property; and asked where the donations would be delivered.
Public Hearing was opened.
There were no public speakers.
Public Hearing was closed.
The Commission noted the design of the project was well done and wanted to be assured
the property's use would stay passive.
Motion was made to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 38 -15 approving
Minor Site Plan No. 0828 -15 and Variance No. 2237 -15 to:
1. Allow a reduction in the required number of parking spaces from seven to five.
2. Allow a reduction in the required driveway width to 11 feet.
Administrative Adjustment No. 0229 -15 to:
3. Allow a reduction in the required parking space back -up distance to 24 feet.
4. Allow a reduction in the required parking space length to 17 feet 4.75 inches for
2 parking spaces on property located at 234 N. Glassell Street:
MOTION:
Commissioner Willits
SECOND:
Commissioner Correa
AYES:
Commissioners Correa, Gladson, Glasgow, Simpson, and Willits
NOES:
None
ABSENT:
None
MOTION CARRIED.
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Planning Commission
December 7, 2015
3.2 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 2986-15 — FIT BODY BOOT CAMP
The applicant proposes to establish an instructional fitness facility with 5 -8 participants
and one instructor in a 2,100 SF tenant space.
LOCATION: 2775 N. ORANGE -OLIVE ROAD
NOTE: The proposed project is categorically exempt from the provisions
of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per State
CEQA Guidelines Section 1301 (Class 1 — Existing Facilities)
because the project consists of the operation and licensing of an
existing private structure.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt Planning Commission Resolution 39 -15 approving an
instructional fitness facility for up to 10 participants and two
instructors.
Discussion: Chad Ortlieb, Senior Planner, presented a project overview consistent with
the staff report. He discussed the one issue regarding the parking to student and
instructor ratio.
The Commission asked staff if the classes would be held later than 6:00 p.m.; confirmed
that staff was recommending allowing 10 participants and 2 instructors; and asked if the
applicant increased their hours in the future, would it come back to the Planning
Commission. Mr. Ortlieb stated there was no condition that limits the hours of operation
and the Commission could add a condition if they wanted to.
Saul Carter, applicant, explained that the 6:10 class in the evening would last for just a
half hour. He said typically when they add classes it would be around 9:00 a.m.;
participants are generally women between the ages of 28 and 55; and he did not
anticipate any classes lasting beyond 6:40 p.m.
The Commission asked the applicant if all the activities would be contained within the
building and Mr. Carter said yes.
Public Hearing was opened.
There were no public speakers.
Public Hearing was closed.
The Commission did not see a problem with the project and have seen other similar
businesses run very efficiently.
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Planning Commission
December 7, 2015
Motion was made to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 39 -15 approving
Conditional Use Permit 2986 -15 for an Instructional Fitness Facility for up to 10
participants and two instructors on property located at 2775 N. Orange -Olive
Road:
MOTION:
Commissioner Correa
SECOND:
Commissioner Gladson
AYES:
Commissioners Correa, Gladson, Glasgow, Simpson, and Willits
NOES:
None
ABSENT:
None
MOTION CARRIED.
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Planning Commission
December 7, 2015
3.3 ZONE CHANGE 1275 -14; MAJOR SITE PLAN 0649 -10; DESIGN REVIEW NO.
4675 -13; TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 0005 -14; AND MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION 1832 -14 — METROLINK PARKING STRUCTURE
The applicant proposes to construct a new parking structure at the northwest corner of
Chapman Avenue and Lemon Street. The parking structure would contain 611 parking
spaces on five levels (two below grade, one at grade and two above grade); 500 spaces
would be for transit users and 111 spaces for general use.
LOCATION: 130 N. LEMON
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt Planning Commission Resolution 40 -15 recommending to
the City Council adoption of Mitigated Negative Declaration
1832 -14 including adoption of a Mitigation Monitoring and
Reporting Program; approval of Zone Change 1275 -14, a Zone
Change from Public Institution (Specific Plan) to Old Towne
Mixed Use -15 (Specific Plan) and approval of Tentative Parcel
Map 0005 -14, Major Site Plan Review 0649 -10 and Design
Review No. 4675 -13 for the Metrolink Parking Structure project.
For the record, Commissioner Simpson stated that since his employer is a major funding
partner and sponsor of this project, he would be recusing himself and he left the dais.
Discussion: Jennifer Le, Acting Principal Planner, presented a project overview
consistent with the staff report. She distributed a comment letter to the Commission that
had been received from the Old Towne Preservation Association for this evening's
meeting.
The Commission had questions for staff regarding the number of parking spaces and
would there be designated areas for public parking; if there were any special provisions
for the homeless problem; if SB608 had been taken into consideration along with the
overnight parking issue; if the parking structure would be locked at a certain time, would
someone returning late in the evening have their car locked in the structure; had an
alternative use been discussed for the property such as affordable housing; would there
be restrooms in the structure; curious what happens to the public parking during
construction on the site; and wanted more information about the bike lockers and if there
would be a need for more than 10 lockers.
Doug Keys, Public Works Transportation Analyst, explained how he handles the 10 bike
lockers at the Metrolink station. He described the rental procedure, the dimension of the
lockers, and the semi - annual inspections he makes with the Police Department.
Lisa Kim, Economic Development Manager, covered the highlights of the project dating
back to 2009. She described the scope of work that has taken place over the years. She
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Planning Commission
December 7, 2015
explained how the project has been delayed by 18 months due to the Redevelopment
Agency dissolution and the effort taken to get the funds and the property released from
the State. She stated that 82% of the project is funded by OCTA and 18% is funded by
the Redevelopment Agency. Once the Parking Management Plan is refined, it will be
presented to the City Council for their consideration. She explained the funding
deadline requesting 13.7 million dollars from the Federal and State governments was in
January and will require City Council approval by that deadline. It was hoped the
project would be released for bid in February and March, and begin construction in July.
The Commission asked if there was designated areas for Metrolink transit riders and the
public; if there was a possibility for other options being added to the project by City
Council such as restrooms or other facilities; if there was a possibility of more bike
lockers; if there could be plans to include a retail /commercial building in the future;
asked if the L shape area included 2 parcels; and questioned the potential for future
artwork on the building.
Public Hearing was opened.
Sandy Quinn, OTPA President, stated they were in support of the project as designed.
OTPA appreciated that their opinions were solicited.
Cami Smith, who lives directly across the street from the project, voiced her concerns
regarding the loss of parking spaces as well as the dust and noise created during the
construction period.
Ms. Kim explained that the City is in negotiations with Chapman University to use some
of their parking structures during the construction period. The details of this proposal
are still being worked out.
Public Hearing was closed.
The Commission agreed that the parking structure has been needed for a long time and it
is compatible with the Old Towne area; glad to see that OTPA is aligned with the
project; it has an outstanding design and has support from the DRC and SHIPO; it would
have been a plus if affordable housing could have been a part of the project; not opposed
to public art; going forward the City Council will need to have a level of what the
Parking Management Plan will be; would want the City Council to give direction on
solid parking enforcement in the Plaza area; not opposed to overnight parking; and
would like the public art taken into consideration since it would enhance the area.
Motion to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 40 -15 recommending to the City
Council of the City of Orange adoption of Mitigated Negative Declaration 1832 -14
including adoption of a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program; approval
of Zone Change 1275 -14, a Zone Change from Public Institution (Specific Plan) to
Old Towne Mixed Use -15 (Specific Plan) and approval of Tentative Parcel Map
0005 -14, Major Site Plan Review 0649 -10 and Design Review No. 4675 -13 for the
Metrolink Parking Structure project located at 130 N. Lemon Street:
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Planning Commission
December 7, 2015
MOTION:
Commissioner Glasgow
SECOND:
Commissioner Gladson
AYES:
Commissioners Correa, Gladson, Glasgow, and Willits
NOES:
None
ABSENT:
None
RECUSED: Commissioner Simpson
MOTION CARRIED.
Planning Commission
December 7, 2015
4. ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned to the regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, January 18,
2016.
MOTION:
Commissioner Gladson
SECOND:
Commissioner Glasgow
AYES:
Commissioners Correa, Gladson, Glasgow, and Willits
NOES:
None
ABSENT:
Commissioner Simpson
Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED.
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