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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-12-05_CCv0001.pdf MINUTES of the Planning Commission Meeting of the City of Redlands held Tuesday, April 12, 2005, at 2:00 p.m. are as follows: PRESENT: George Webber, Chair James Macdonald, Vice-Chairman Caroline Laymon, Commissioner Gary Miller, Commissioner Thomas Osborne, Commissioner Paul Thompson, Commissioner ABSENT: Ruth Cook, Commissioner ADVISORY STAFF PRESENT: Jeff Shaw, Director John Jaquess, Assistant Director Dan Mc Hugh, City Attorney Manuel Baeza, Associate Planner David Jump, Junior Planner I. CALL TO ORDER AND PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD - 3 MINUTES Chairman Webber called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. All commissioners were present except Commissioners Cook and Miller. Chairman Webber advised the audience that parking passes can be obtained from the Planning Commission secretary for those who parked in the Civic Center parking lot. Ms. Chris Martinez, 611 Via Vista Drive, distributed handouts to the Commission. Ms. Martinez stated she recently purchased a two(2)acre parcel in San Timoteo Canyon and was told that she is responsible for paving the part of her property that faces an easement. Ms. Martinez questioned the reason for the requirement because the surrounding properties are unpaved with the exception of one paved driveway. Ms. Martinez stated that she will be applying for a variance, but she wanted to bring this matter to the attention of the Commission. Chairman Webber stated that the Commission looks forward to reviewing the request. Commissioner Macdonald noted that the landscaping in front of the 99¢ Store on Redlands Boulevard is not being maintained; the grass is dead and the weeds are 12-18 inches tall. Commissioner Macdonald requested that staff look into why the landscape is not being maintained and report back to the Commission. Assistant Director John Jaquess stated that a Code Enforcement complaint was filed regarding the lack of maintenance the previous day. Mr. Jaquess stated he would return with a report. II. CONSENT ITEM A. COMMISSION SIGN REVIEW NO. 279 - Planning Commission to consider a Commission Sign Review for a 18.75 square foot freestanding sign for the Alliance Bible Church located at 301 Cajon Street in the A-P, Administrative and Professional Office District. Request submitted by THE CHRISTIAN AND MISSIONARY ALLIANCE CHURCH OF REDLANDS. Planning Commission Minutes of April 12, 2005 Pagel (Project Planner: David Jump) B. APPROVAL OF FINAL MAP NO. 16631 (MINOR SUBDIVISION NO. 273) - CHERYL YOUNGWERTH AND MATT GROSS (Project Planner: David Jump) C. TIME EXTENSION FOR MINOR SUBDIVISION NO. 266 - PENCE CONSTRUCTION (Project Planner: David Jump) MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Macdonald,seconded by Commissioner Osborne,and carried on a 5-0 vote that the Planning Commission approve the Consent Calendar items. III. OLD BUSINESS D. DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT NO. 19 - Planning Commission to consider a recommendation to the City Council on a Mitigated Negative Declaration and a PUBLIC HEARING for a Development Agreement to lock-in the existing use of the site and future expansion under the land use policies and regulations of General Plan Amendment No. 98, Zone Change No. 401, and Street Vacation No. 127 on 27.94 acres located on both sides of New York Street, north of State Street, and east of Tennessee Street. Request submitted by ESRI. (Project Planner:Asher Hartel) Mr. Jaquess stated the applicant requested the proposed project be continued to April 26tH Chairman Webber opened the public hearing. Mr. Mario Saucedo, North Redlands Visioning Committee Chairman, asked if concerns have been addressed relative to the impact of the street vacation on City services. Mr. Saucedo stated that he has received numerous inquiries from residents on the negative impact on the traffic flow of New York Street. Mr. Saucedo stated he was voicing the concerns of residents and fellow city employees who are unhappy with the proposed street closure. Chairman Webber stated the Street Vacation,which was continued at the last City Council meeting, will be heard by City Council on April 19th. Mr. Shaw stated there are multiple applications for the project. Mr. Shaw indicated that the hearing for the street closure would be set on April 19th, and will occur approximately 30 days later. Mr. Saucedo stated that he has gone before the City Council on this matter and he will use every opportunity to speak in opposition to the proposed street closure. Mr. Saucedo stated as an employee working at the Corporate yard, he tends to find various routes back to the yard, however if everyone is channeled into one area, it becomes very cumbersome for the employee. Commissioner Osborne noted that traffic signals would be installed at State/Tennessee and Park/Tennessee as part of the Street vacation. Commissioner Laymon asked Mr. Saucedo how he became aware of the Street Vacation. Mr. Planning Commission Minutes of April 12, 2005 Page 2 Sauced stated that he read about it in the newspaper. Mr. Saucedo stated that Mr. Joe Gonzalez, another voice from the North Redlands area, was seated in the audience. Commissioner Laymon suggested that Mr. Saucedo, as Chairman of the Visioning Committee, be notified by staff of future meetings relative to the Street Vacation of New York Street. Mr. Shaw indicated that he would send meeting agendas to Mr. Saucedo. Commissioner Miller arrived at 2:14 p.m. Mr. Joe Gonzalez, Northside Advisory Committee, stated he was not aware of the street vacation until he read about it in the newspaper. Mr. Gonzalez stated that there must a way to advise community organizations about items such as this, rather than having to read it in the newspaper. Mr. Gonzalez stated his organization is opposed to the street vacation. Mr. Gonzalez asked to be included in the distribution list for future meetings. Commissioner Thompson asked for clarification on noticing for public hearings. City Attorney Dan Mc Hugh stated Street Vacations are unique in the fact that the streets are posted in advance of the vacation. Mr. Shaw stated the City Council will set the hearing date for the Street Vacation on April 19th. Mr. Bob Pierce, 1320 Knoll Road, stated he is opposed to the proposed project and the street closure. Mr. Pierce stated that public funds were used to maintain the street, and he is unsure how reimbursement would be handled. Mr. Pierce stated if the street is closed, the intersection at Redlands Boulevard and Texas Street will be impacted with the traffic becoming greater, and possibly an increase in traffic accidents. Commissioner Macdonald stated he understood that the post office would eventually be relocated. Commissioner Osborne stated that the post office owns the land and had no immediate plans to move. Mr. Jaquess stated the proposed street vacation is limited to an area from State Street north, approximately 270 feet, and would not include the area immediately in front of the post office. Ms. Jane Hawkins, 1521 W. Cypress Avenue,stated she owns property on Tennessee Street. Ms. Hawkins stated she is concerned with the Park Avenue, New York Street, and Tennessee Street area. Ms. Hawkins asked if traffic signals would be installed at New York Street and Redlands Boulevard. Chairman Webber stated that traffic signals are not planned for that area. Ms. Hawkins asked for clarification on the proposed zone change. Mr. Jaquess stated there is a map that shows the proposed re-zoning in the Community Development Department that can be reviewed. Chairman Webber closed the public hearing. Commissioner Osborne stated he did not see anything in the Development Agreement that referred to the public access from State Street to the post office. Planning Commission Minutes of April 12, 2005 Page 3 Mr. Shaw stated that this would be incorporated as a Condition of Approval for the proposed street vacation project. Commissioner Laymon asked if on street parking is allowed on State Street? Commissioner Osborne stated currently there is parking allowed on the south side, but no parking on the north side. Referring to Section 1 of the Development Agreement,Chairman Webber stated he felt the wording was very vague. Mr. Shaw stated it was also a concern raised by staff. Mr. Shaw stated that the one of the reasons for a continuance was to be able to addresses concerns raised by staff. Mr. Shaw stated that staff would like to have a map that shows the current limitations and boundaries of ESRI. Mr. Shaw stated that ESRI would like to have the Development Agreement expanded to incorporate additional properties that might be acquired in the future. Mr. Jaquess stated the goal of staff and the applicant is to bring back a Development Agreement that is complete and addresses the concerns identified by staff. Mr. Shaw stated that recommendations that have gone to City Council, only pertain to land that is currently owned by ESRI. However, they have indicated a desire to have the Development Agreement apply to additional land that may be acquired. City Attorney Dan Mc Hugh stated that the Development Agreement can only include propertythat is currently owned by the applicant, or that which the applicant has an option to buy. Mr. Mc Hugh stated if additional land is acquired, there would have to be an amendment to the Development Agreement. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Macdonald, seconded by Commissioner Laymon,and carried on a 6-0 vote to continue Development Agreement No. 19 to April 26, 2005. Commissioner Miller noted for the record that there was an item on the consent calendar item that represents a source of income to him, therefore he recused himself during the reading of the consent calendar. IV. NEW BUSINESS C. VARIANCE NO. 703 - PUBLIC HEARING for the Planning Commission to consider a Variance from Section 18.52.160 regarding the side yard setback for accessory buildings within the R-2, Multiple-Family Residential District, reducing the required five(5)foot side yard setback for detached, non-residential buildings to two (2)feet at the western property boundary for the property located at 202 West Fern Avenue. Request submitted by CHARLES WORKMAN. (Project Planner: David Jump) Project Planner David Jump gave a brief presentation on the proposed project. Mr.Jump stated that applications for a Historic Demolition and Certificate of Appropriateness are being processed concurrently by the Historic and Scenic Preservation Commission. Planning Commission Minutes of April 12, 2005 Page 4 Commissioner Laymon questioned why projects are heard by the Historic and Scenic Preservation Commission, before being heard by the Planning Commission. Mr. Jaquess stated generally, it is a matter of scheduling. In this case, the Planning Commission meeting was scheduled prior to the scheduled date for the Historic and Scenic Preservation Commission meeting. Chairman Webber opened the public hearing. Mr. Charles Workman, applicant, stated that the barn on his property is leaning and in poor condition. Mr. Workman stated that he will match the new garage with the home, which is a Craftsman style building. Mr. Workman stated the surrounding neighbors are in support of his proposal and are seated in the audience. Chairman Webber closed the public hearing. Commission Miller stated that he supports the proposal, however he did not agree with Finding Number One(Exception or Extraordinary Circumstance)which states that the needed access for the proposed garage would require the removal of the old existing Crepe Myrtle and Magnolia trees. Commissioner Miller stated he did not see the direct relationship between the garage setback and the location of the trees, although the drive is somewhat affected. Commissioner Osborne stated if the placement of the garage is rotated 90° it will interfere with the trees. Commissioner Miller stated that he did not see the relationship from his perspective until he was enlightened by Commissioner Osborne. Chairman Webber stated he appreciates the effort to save the trees in order to further substantiate the proposed variance. Commissioner Miller concurred but he did not feel the trees prevent the applicant from doing what he wants to do. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Laymon, seconded by Commissioner Macdonald,and carried on a 6-0 vote that the Planning Commission approve Variance No. 703 subject to the following findings and attached conditions of approval: 1. There are exceptional or extraordinary circumstances or conditions applicable to the property or the intended use that do not apply generally to other properties or uses in the same vicinity and zone because the orientation of the property does not allow a longer approach to the new structure and without the variance two mature specimen trees would have to be removed from this historic district. 2. The variance is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a substantial property right possessed by other properties in the same vicinity and zoning district, but which is denied to the property in question as identified in the staff report. Planning Commission Minutes of April 12, 2005 Page 5 3. The granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to the property or improvements of others in the vicinity as there is sufficient distance to ensure aesthetic and safety issues are minimized. 4. The granting of the variance will not adversely affect the General Plan of the City of Redlands. Commissioner Laymon stated she does not understand how precedent is not set when one of the findings is whether or not there are variances in the area similar to the one that is being granted. City Attorney Mc Hugh stated that each case is based upon the evidence presented at the public hearing. Mr. Mc Hugh stated when variances become so frequent, the Commission should be looking at a Code amendment to solve that problem. 5. ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 310 - Planning Commission to consider a recommendation to the City Council on a Negative Declaration, and a PUBLIC HEARING on an Ordinance Text Amendment to Chapter 18.164.240 of the Redlands Municipal Code pertaining to off-street parking requirements for specific uses. Request submitted by the CITY OF REDLANDS. Mr. Jaquess stated that staff is working on the language for the amendment, therefore a continuance to April 26th, is requested. Chairman Webber opened the public hearing. Seeing no comments forthcoming, Chairman Webber closed the public hearing. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Thompson, seconded by Commissioner Miller,and carried on a 6-0 vote that the Planning Commission continue Ordinance Text Amendment No. 310 to the April 26, 2005, Planning Commission meeting. C. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 772 (REVISION NO. 1) - PUBLIC HEARING for the Planning Commission to consider a Conditional Use Permit to convert a 939 square foot storage area into a single family dwelling unit on property located at 1259 Brookside Avenue in the A-P, Administrative Professional Office District. Request submitted by CATHERINE L.VINCENT. (Project Planner: Manuel Baeza) Project Planner Manuel Baeza stated in November 2002, the City Council approved a Conditional Use Permit to allow the applicant to convert an existing residence to a commercial use. Mr. Baeza stated that the applicant is proposing to convert a storage space that is located above the garage into a dwelling unit. Mr. Baeza stated the project complies with the Code, and staff recommends approval of the revision. Chairman Webber opened the public hearing. The applicant declined to speak. Chairman Webber closed the public hearing. Planning Commission Minutes of April 12, 2005 Page 6 Commissioner Osborne commented that both he and Commissioner Miller(who was absent from the meeting when the project was approved) questioned the sliding glass door on the storage room when it first came before the Commission. Commissioner Osborne stated he was glad to see the applicant return to the Commission to officially convert the storage space into a residential unit. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Macdonald, seconded by Commissioner Laymon,and carried on a 6-0 vote that the Planning Commission approve Conditional Use Permit No. 772 Revision No. 1, subject to the following findings and subject to the attached Conditions of Approval: 1. The proposed development will not adversely affect the applicable land use plans of the City; 2. The proposed development will not be detrimental to the public health, safety and welfare; 3. The proposed development will comply to the maximum extent feasible with the regulations of the City's General Plan and applicable zoning district and the City's development standards' 4. The proposed development is appropriate at the proposed location. D. VARIANCE NO. 699 - Planning Commission to consider a Mitigated Negative Declaration, and a PUBLIC HEARING for a Variance from Section 18.44.130 of the Municipal Code to reduce the front yard setback from twenty-five (25) feet to seven (7) feet for parking, a Variance from Section 18.44.150 of the Municipal Code to reduce the rear yard setback for a building from twenty-five (25) feet to eight (8) feet and a Variance from Section 18.164.340 to waive the requirement for a loading space for a proposed religious institution to be located on the north side of Lugonia Avenue, approximately one hundred (100) feet east of Texas Street in the R-1, Single Family Residential District. Request submitted by LA HACIENDA ADORADORES CHURCH, PASTOR CHUCK EASON. E. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 847 - Planning Commission to consider a Mitigated Negative Declaration, and a PUBLIC HEARING for a Conditional Use Permit to construct a 3,650 square foot religious institution on a 0.56 acre property located on the north side of Lugonia Avenue, approximately one hundred (100)feet east of Texas Street in the R-1,Single Family Residential District. Request submitted by LA HACIENDA ADORADORES CHURCH, PASTOR CHUCK EASON. (Project Planner: Manuel Baeza) Project Planner Manuel Baeza stated the public hearing for the proposed project was properly noticed for the meeting of April 12, however since the date of publishing,the project description has Planning Commission Minutes of April 12, 2005 Page 7 changed.Therefore,the proposed project has been re-noticed with the corrected project description for the April 26 meeting. Mr. Baeza stated staff recommends the proposed project be continued to the April 26 Planning Commission meeting. Chairman Webber opened the public hearing. Seeing no comments forthcoming, Chairman Webber closed the public hearing. MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Thompson,and carried on a 6-0 vote that the Planning Commission continue Variance No. 699 and Conditional Use Permit No.847 to the Planning Commission meeting of April 26, 2005. V. ADDENDA- NONE VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. March 22, 2005 MOTION It was moved by Commissioner Thompson, seconded by Commissioner Osborne, and carried on a 6-0 vote that the Planning Commission approve the March 22nd Planning Commission minutes. VII. CORRESPONDENCE/COMMUNICATIONS Commissioner Laymon stated she attended a Planning Commissioner's conference at the Santa Margarita Water District and the trend is to conserve water that is used for outdoor landscaping. Commissioner Laymon stated that 69% of the water usage in Orange County and San Diego County goes to parks and residential landscaping. A. City Council Report Mr. Shaw gave a brief presentation on the City Council actions of April 5th. Mr. Shaw stated the Utzinger and Naftali pro were approved, and the ESRI and Covington projects were continued to April 19t . Mr. Shaw stated the HD Overlay District proposal was continued to April 19th and the Rural Living Zone District proposal was continued and will be brought back with the other components (ordinances and General Plan Amendments) of rural living. Commissioner Thompson questioned where the San Timoteo landowners had the idea that the City was going to completely re-zone their property. Mr. Shaw stated he was not sure; it Planning Commission Minutes of April 12, 2005 Page 8 may have been rumor and fear. Mr. Shaw stated that he repeatedly indicated that the ordinance would not have an affect on specific properties, but primarily would serve as an implementation measure for the rural living land use district of the General Plan which is in the Crafton and Greenspot areas. Commissioner Macdonald stated he heard it mentioned, but did not think the landowners heard it. VIII. ADJOURN TO APRIL 26, 2005 Chairman Webber adjourned the meeting to April 26 at 3:04 p.m. Patti Ortiz, Senior Administrative Assistant Jeffrey L. Shaw, Director Community Development Department Community Development Department Planning Commission Minutes of April 12, 2005 Page 9