PC Resolution-19-01-22-06PC RESOLUTION NO. 19-1-22-06
ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL (AC) 17-031
SIGN PERMIT CSP) 18-043
GRADING PLAN MODIFICATION (GPM) 18-008
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN
CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA APPROVING ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL (AC) 17-
031, SIGN PERMIT (SP) 18-043, GRADING PLAN MODIFICATION (GPM) 18-008,
(SAN JUAN HILLS GOLF CLUB) RELOCATION AND RECONFIGURATION OF AN
EXISTING DRIVING RANGE AND HOLES, NEW PARKING LOT, NEW ANCILLARY
STRUCTURE AND LANDSCAPING, GRADING ASSOCIATED WITH THE
RECONFIGURATION, A NEW 50 TO 80 FOOT TALL SAFETY FENCE, A NEW
MONUMENT SIGN, AT 32120 SAN JUAN CREEK ROAD (APN 666-011-027)
(APPLICANT: ROBERT HARDING)
Whereas, Robert Harding for the San Juan Hills Golf Club L.P., 6 Venture, Suite
100, Irvine, CA 92618 (the "Applicant"), has requested approval of Architectural Control
(AC) 17-031, , Sign Permit (SP) 18-043, Grading Plan Modification (GPM) 18-008, &
Floodplain Land Use Permit (FP) 18-002 to relocate and reconfigure an existing driving
range and Holes, new parking lot, new ancillary structure and landscaping, grading
associated with the reconfiguration, a new 50 to 80 foot tall safety net, a new monument
sign, within the San Juan Hills Golf Club, which is General Plan-designated Open Space
Recreation and Open Space Recreation District on the Official Zoning Map (the "Project");
and,
Whereas, San Juan Hills Golf Club, L.P, 6 Venture, Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92618 is
the owner of real property as listed above; and,
Whereas, the proposed ·project has been processed pursuant to Section 9-2.301,
Development Review of the Land Use Code; and,
Whereas, the, Sign Permit, and Grading Plan Modification applications were filed
concurrently with the Architecturai Control application, so the Planning Commission
reviewed all applications; and
Whereas, the Environmental Administrator has determined that the proposed
project is categorically exempt per Section 15301, Existing Facilities from the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Class 1 exemption allows minor alterations of
existing facilities involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond what is existing
currently such as the driving range reconfiguration and the associated new minor
structure, parking lot and safety fence and the altered water features (ponds) are minor
alterations to the existing golf course; and
Whereas, the Design Review Committee (DRC) reviewed the plans on December
13, 2018 and recommended that the item move forward to the Planning Commission; and
PC Resolution 19-1-22-06 2 January 22 . 2019
Whereas, Planning Commission conducted a duly-noticed public meeting on
January 22, 2019 pursuant to Title 9, Land Use Code, Section 9-2.302 and City Council
Policy 5 to consider public testimony on the proposed project and has considered all
relevant public comments; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Planning
Commission of the City of San Juan Capistrano does hereby find that the project has
been reviewed in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and
the City's Environmental Administrator has determined that the proposed project is
categorically exempt per Section 15301, Existing Facilities. The Class 1 exemption
allows minor alterations of existing facilities involving negligible or no expansion of use
beyond what is existing currently such as the driving range reconfiguration and the
associated new minor structure, parking lot and safety fence and the altered water
features (ponds) are minor alterations to the existing golf course .
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Planning
Commission of the City of San Juan Capistrano does hereby make the following findings
as established by Section 9-2.313 (Architectural Control) of Title 9, Land Use Code of the
City of San Juan Capistrano:
1 . Driving ranges and golf courses are conditionally permitted uses within the Open
Space Recreation District. The proposed project is not an expansion of the existing
golf course. The relocation and reconfiguration of the existing driving range and Holes
comply with Title 9 along with the proposed 50-80 foot tall safety fence height and
design in the OSR district can be approved by the Planning Commission and the Sign
Permit Exception to allow the placement of a new monument sign. The lighting plan
was reviewed and found to be consistent with code. Furthermore, the project requires
approval of a number of other permits described earlier. These permits are subject to
separate findings which are discussed separately under each permit application. The
findings for the other permits, as discussed later, can be met in the affirmative.
2. The proposed use and design of the project is consistent with the goals, policies and
objectives of the General Plan, including the Conservation & Open Space Element
and the Parks and Recreation Element as the site is designated as "Open Space
Recreation" which allows for continued use of the site for a golf course and driving
range and the continued use of the site for private recreational facility fulfils a policy
of the Parks and Recreation Element by providing a recreational facility for person of
all age groups. Driving ranges typically require tall (over 50 feet in most cases) safety
fences in order to retain balls within the property so they don 't damage property
adjacent to the site.
3. The site is adequate in size and shape to accommodate all yards, open spaces,
setbacks, parking, access, and other features as the project does not involve
expansion of the existing recreational use. The height for the proposed 50-80 foot tall
safety fence is necessary in order to allow a new safety fence adjacent to the relocated
driving range to protect vehicles and other properties from errant golf balls. The new
ancillary building conforms to height and setback requirements.
PC Resolution 19-1-22-06 3 January 22. 2019
4. The character, scale and quality of the architecture, site design and landscaping are
consistent with the adopted Design Guidelines of the City because the project will
incorporate materials and colors consistent with previously approved structures and
signs on the golf club property south of San Juan Creek Road. Furthermore, the City's
Design Review Committee has reviewed the design of the proposed building and
monument sign and has recommended approval.
5. The site plan provides functional and safe vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian access
and circulation because the project has been reviewed by the City Engineer and was
determined that the new driveway would not have negative impact to vehicular traffic
on San Juan Creek Road.
6. The proposed use and design of the project are compatible with surrounding existing
and proposed land uses and community character, including scale, intensity, massing,
architectural design, landscape design, and other development characteristics
because the proposed ancillary building will use colors and materials that were
approved for the ancillary building across the street on the southern portion of the Golf
Club property. Both the architectural design, safety fencing and proposed parking lot
landscaping were reviewed by the Design Review Committee and recommended
approval of the designs.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Planning
Commission of the City of San Juan Capistrano does hereby make the following findings
as established by, Section 9-2.543(k), Sign Permit of Title 9, Land Use Code of the City
of San Juan Capistrano:
1. The proposed sign complies with all other applicable material in the sign code
section, specifically the design of the sign is consistent with the architecture of the
proposed building on the site, the sign is proposed, the location of the sign
complies with the requirements for monument signs, which are permitted at entry
driveways outside of sight-visibility triangles, the size of the sign complies with the
Tourist Commercial size regulations, which are the most restrictive size for a
monument, and the non-illuminated monument sign complies with the illumination
standards of the code.
2. The 22.7 square foot sign will be in harmony with the site, the architectural design
of the proposed building, and with the surrounding properties because the sign is
proposed to use high quality stone veneer, blasted stucco to appear like wood
grain and a smooth face with earth tone colors of tan and brown; additionally, the
sign is similar in size and style to the monument sign across the street for the Golf
Club's Bar and Grill which was also approved by the City.
3. As conditioned, the sign is proposed to be located outside of the visibility triangle
necessary for safe vehicular travel, which ensures that the sign does not create a
hazard to adjacent properties or tenants.
PC Resolution 19-1-22-06 4 January 22. 2019
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Planning
Commission of the City of San Juan Capistrano does hereby make the following findings
as established by, Section 9-2.343, Sign Permit of Title 9, Land Use Code of the City of
San Juan Capistrano:
1. The proposed monument sign meets all design criteria within Municipal Section 9-
3.543, because the sign consists of materials and colors to match the earth tone
colors of the proposed building and the existing monument sign across the street.
Additionally, the sign meets the Community Design Element Policy 1 .2 Encourage
high quality and human scale design in development to maintain the character of
the City, because the sign is designed with high quality materials, designed for
vehicular traffic and circulation orientation, and maintains the similar design of the
monument sign approved for across the street for the Golf Club's Bar & Grill.
2. The request for a monument sign included a request for an exception to the Sign
Code to allow a sign in the Open Space Recreational zone if meeting the standards
of the Tourist Commercial zone, which allows monument signs at the most
restrictive size. Granting the exception for the proposed sign enables the finding
to be made that the proposed monument sign conforms to the minimum numerical
size, height, and other requirements of Section 9-3.543.
3. The proposed sign is not detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare; will
not have adverse impacts on adjacent properties or rights-of-way; or obstruct the
view of other legal signs, and be compatible with surrounding areas because the
sign is proposed to be located within an area outside of the visibility triangle
necessary for safe vehicular travel, which ensures that the sign does not create a
hazard to adjacent properties, and is generally consistent with the Design
Guidelines, which require the sign to be complementary to the architecture and
design of the project site.
4. The sign is appropriate within the context of the project and compatible with the
surrounding area due to the massing of the signage being compatible with the
overall massing of the site, and not proposing the maximum allowable size of
signage for a monument sign.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Planning
Commission of the City of San Juan Capistrano does hereby make the following findings
as established by Section 9-2.323 (Grading plan review and modification) of Title 9, Land
Use Code of the City of San Juan Capistrano:
1. The proposed grading modifications are consistent with the General Plan, Land
Use Code and Design Guidelines, because the project does not change the use,
intensity, or density of the existing use and meets all of the established
development standards for the district. The existing grade will be raised
approximately 2.5 feet to 3.5 feet at the location for the proposed ancillary building
and the southern end of the new parking lot. The 22,400 cubic yards of soil will be
excavated from for the new water feature pond and the excavated dirt will be used
to fill two existing water features (ponds). The amount of grading will not result in
PC Resolution 19-1-22-06 5 January 22. 2019
any visual impacts. The minor change in elevation will not be noticeable to drivers
on San Juan Creek Road or from adjacent properties.
2. The proposed grading modifications are generally consistent with the approved
site plan, preliminary grading plan, landscape plan, grading standards, and design
concepts of the original project as approved by the reviewing authority because
the overall grading remains unchanged except for the area near the proposed
structure and parking lot which will be raised by approximately 2.5 to 3.5 feet.
3. The proposed grading will remain consistent and compatible with immediately-
adjacent lots. Grading will not take place adjacent to property lines. Grading is
proposed primarily for the proposed parking lot and ancillary building located
centrally. The excavation for the new water feature (pond) and use of the
excavated dirt to fill in two existing ponds will not alter the existing elevation points.
The filled in ponds will maintain the existing grade elevation height.
4. The proposed modified grading plan shows the location of the proposed building
footprints and the buildings meet all required minimum setbacks for building.
5. The proposed modified grading will not cause adverse impacts to other properties,
including but not limited to potential impacts on hydrology, water quality, views, trail
easements, or other aspects of development because the changes are subject to
Plan Check review by the City's Engineering department to ensure that grading
will not result in any negative impacts to hydrology, water quality as required by
local and state laws. Prior to grading or building permit, the applicant must
demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Public Works Director that the proposed
grading will not result in any negative impacts to hydrology, and water quality as
required by local and state laws. The grading modifications do not impact views
or trail easements.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Planning
Commission of the City of San Juan Capistrano hereby approves project, Architectural
Control (AC) 17-031, Sign Permit (SP) 18-043, Grading Plan Modification (GPM) 18-008,
subject to those conditions of approval established by Exhibit A, attached hereto and
incorporated herein.
CUSTODIAN OF RECORDS: The documents and materials associated
with this Resolution that constitute the record of proceedings on which these findings are
based are located at San Juan Capistrano City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan
Capistrano, California 92675. The Development Services Director is the custodian of the
record of proceedings.
PROTEST OF FEES, DEDICATIONS, RESERVATIONS OR OTHER
EXACTIONS: Pursuant to Government Code Section 66020, the applicant may protest
the imposition of fees, dedications, reservations or other exactions imposed on this
PC Resolution 19-1-22-06 6 January 22. 2019
development project by taking the necessary steps and following the procedures
established by Sections 66020 through 66022 of the California Government Code.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTE 22nd day of January, 2019.
EXHIBIT "A"
P.C. RESOLUTION #19-01-22-06
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
PROJECT LOG #: AC 17-031, SP 18-043, and GPM 18-008
PROJECT NAME: San Juan Hills Golf Club Driving Range
APPROVAL DATE: January 22, 2019
Architectural Control (AC) 17-031, Sign Permit (SP) 18-043, Grading Plan Modification
(GPM) 18-008, are approved subject to compliance, to the reasonable satisfaction of the
Development Services Department, with all applicable sections of the San Juan
Capistrano Municipal Code, the California Administrative Code, the California Building
Standards Code and all other applicable regulations.
The applicant must comply in full with each and every condition listed below prior to
exercising the rights conferred by the above referenced approved applications. These
conditions of approval apply to the above-referenced project application described in
more detail below. For the purpose of these conditions, the term "applicant" shall also
mean the developer, the owner or any successor(s) in interest to the terms of this
approval. Approval of these applications is contingent upon the City Council approving
the Floodplain Land Use Permit (FP) 18-002. If FP 18-002 is denied by the City Council,
the approval of the above referenced applications is deemed null and void.
General Conditions:
1. The subject project proposes to relocate and reconfigure an existing driving
range and Holes, new parking lot, new ancillary structure and landscaping,
grading associated with the reconfiguration, new 50 to 80 foot tall safety fence,
a new monument sign, within the San Juan Hills Golf Club. This project
approval is based on and subject to the application materials prepared by
Masson & Associates, Inc; Land Concern Landscape Architecture; Musco
Lighting; and Heritage Signs & Graphic/Design Group dated January 14, 2019,
including building elevation(s), floor plan(s), grading, sign plans landscaping,
site plan and lighting study. These plans and the proposed use of the project
site are hereby incorporated by reference into this approval as submitted and
conditioned herein, and shall not be further altered unless reviewed and
approved by the affected city departments. Minor modifications to this project
approval may be approved by the Development Services Director pursuant to
Section 9-2.303, Administrative approvals of Title 9, Land Use Code.
2. The applicant shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of San Juan
Capistrano and its officers, employees, and agents from and against any claim,
action, or proceeding against the City of San Juan Capistrano, its officers,
Resolution #19-01-22-06
AC 17-031 . San Juan Hills Golf Club Driving Range
Conditions of Approval
Page 2 of 5
employees, or agents to attack, set aside, void , or annul any approval or
condition of approval of the City of San Juan Capistrano concerning this project,
including but not limited to any approval or condition of approval of the City
Council,· Planning Commission, or Development Services Director. The City
shall promptly notify the applicant of any claim, action, or proceeding concerning
the project and the City shall cooperate fully in the defense of the matter. The
City reserves the right, at its own option, to choose its own attorney to represent
the City, its officers, employees, and agents in the defense of the matter. In the
event that exhibits and written conditions are inconsistent, the written conditions
shall prevail. If there are any disparities between these conditions and the plans
or final revised plans that are approved for any subsequent phase, the
conditions and/or plans as stipulated in the later approval shall prevail.
3. Pursuant to Section 8-1.03 of the Land Use Code, the project shall ensure that
all construction activities, which includes the delivery and/or recovery of
materials, supplies or construction equipment, shall be conducted in
accordance with the prescribed hours of operation as follows:
Monday through Friday
Saturday
7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m .
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m .
4. Construction activity is prohibited on Sundays and on any federal holiday unless
waived by the Building Official.
5. The applicant shall comply with all requirements from the Building & Safety
Division and all other City departments
6. The applicant shall schedule a final inspection with the Development Services
Department to inspect the final construction of the elevation on the subject lot.
7. Applicant shall submit a Tree Removal Permit application prior to issuance of a
grading or building permit associated with the project.
8. Tree Removal Permit application must be acted on by the approving body prior
to issuance of a grading or building permit associated with this project.
9. Final landscape plans shall be reviewed and approved (when in conformance
with the code and design guidelines) by the Design Review Committee prior to
issuance of a grading or building permit associated with this project.
1 o. The Tree Removal Permit application shall be reviewed by the Design Review
Committee and the Planning Commission concurrently with its review of the final
landscape plans prior to issuance of any grading or building permit associated
with this project.
11. Applicant shall provide geotechnical report with wet ink signatures when
submitting for Plan Check. (PW)
Resolution #19-01-22-06
AC 17-031. San Juan Hills Golf Club Driving Range
Conditions of Approval
Page 3 of 5
12. Applicant shall provide Grading Plan and show earthwork quantities estimates
in cubic yards for amounts of cuts, fill, over-excavation, import, and export when
submitting for Plan Check. (PW)
13. The Applicant shall provide narrative details explaining how the project will be
designed to address Flood Hazard when submitting for Plan Check. (PW)
14. Applicant shall verify FFE's to FEMA base flood elevations to ascertain 1 foot
min. freeboard prior to submitting for Plan Check. (PW)
15. Applicant shall provide preliminary Drainage Plan to show or explain the
drainage area tributary to the site and include a statement setting forth in detail
the manner in which storm water runoff will enter the site, the manner in which
it will be carried through the site, and the manner in which disposal beyond the
site boundaries be accomplished. Especially critical due to creek side location
when submitting for Plan Check. (PW)
16. Applicant shall provide Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ESCP) including
backup calculations and data as part of the grading plan set when submitting
for Plan Check. (PW)
17. Applicant shall revise the Site Plan to depict, note, and dimension the
approximate location for all existing and proposed wet and dry utilities (i.e.
electric, gas, water, storm drain, fire, sewer) when submitting for Plan Check.
(PW)
18. Applicant shall provide existing and proposed pervious and impervious area
calculations (in square feet) along with any proposed disturbed area quantity (in
square feet) when submitting for Plan Check. (PW)
19. Applicant shall obtain final approval of the Water Quality Management Plan prior
to issuance of a grading or building permit from the Public Works Department.
(PW)
20. Prior to the issuance of a grading or building permit, the applicant must
demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Public Works Director that the proposed
grading will not result in any negative impacts to hydrology, and water quality
as required by local and state laws. (PW).
21 . Prior to the issuance of a grading or building permit, the applicant must
demonstrate compliance with the United States Army Corps of Engineer Section
404 Permit, with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Section 1602
Stream Alteration Agreement, Regional Water Quality Control Board
requirements and with the Federal Emergency Management Agency
requirements. (PW).
Resolution #19-01-22-06
AC 17-031 . San Juan Hills Golf Club Driving Range
Conditions of Approval
Page 4 of 5
22. Prior to issuance of a grading permit or building permit, the applicant must
demonstrate that the project will not exacerbate flooding hazards. (PW).
23. The Site plan needs to depict and call out location of the existing ponds, water
meters (irrigation, domestic, pond), private well, plumbing filling the existing
pond and irrigation lines, and needs to specify if the existing ponds are
connected to each other and if so, describe the method of connection and
specify source of water for the proposed pond, ac-ft/yr water needs to fill the
proposed pond when submitting for Plan Check. (UTIL)
24. Private well water must be the source of water to fill the proposed pond. (UTIL)
25. Clearly show the City 96" GIPP/or RCP storm drain line and its distance to the
proposed pond when submitting for Plan Check (UTIL).
26. Clearly show and call out City 66" GIPP/or RCP and 42" RCP storm drain lines
crossing the property when submitting for Plan Check (UTIL).
27. Depict existing sewer main and sewer lateral(s) to the property when
submitting for Plan Check (UTIL).
28. Prior to the issuance of a grading or building permit, the applicant must
demonstrate compliance with OCFA requirements. (OCFA).
29. Archaeological Mon itoring . Prior to issuance of a grading permit, the applicant
shall submit to the Development Services Department documentation that a
qualified archaeologist (defined as an archaeologist on the List of Certified
Archaeologists for Orange County) has been retained to monitor site clearing,
grading, and excavation activities, stating the name, qualifications, and contact
information for the archaeologist.
30. Native American Monitor. During construction/grading activities, a Native
American monitor shall observe construction/grading activities that result in
grading, excavating, and/or trenching on or below the original ground surface
(including during project-related off-site utility [e.g., natural gas, electricity,
sewer, water, drainage, communications, etc.) and roadway improvements).
The Native American monitor shall consult with the archaeological monitor
regarding objects and remains encountered during grading that may be
considered sacred or important. In the event that evidence of human remains is
discovered, the Native American monitor shall verify that the archaeologist has
notified the Coroner. (DSD)
31 . Should the Orange County Fire Authority require relocation of the ancillary
structure (starter shack) from the location shown on the approved plans, the
applicant shall submit revised plans to be reviewed by the Design Review
Committee. (DSD)
Resolution #19-01-22-06
AC 17-031 . San Juan Hills Golf Club Driving Range
Conditions of Approval
Page 5 of5
The following conditions shall be met continuously during construction and prior
to issuance of any certificate of occupancy:
32. Consistency with Approved Plans and Elevations. The project shall be
constructed in accordance with all the approved plans and conditions of
approval, including but not limited to architectural plans, grading plans, and
lighting plans. (DSD)
Responsible Departments/Agencies:
DSD: Development Services Department
PW-UTI L: Public Works-Utilities Division
OCFA: Orange County Fire Authority
Applicant Acceptance of Conditions of Approval:
Signature of (name & title) Date