PC Minutes-2012-02-2832400 PASEO ADELANTO
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA 92675
(949) 493-1171
(949) 493.1053 FAx
www.sanjuancapistrano.org
A. CALL TO ORDER
PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES,
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Chairman Cohen called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
B. PLEDGE
Chairman Cohen led the Pledge of Allegiance.
C. ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Present: Sheldon Cohen, Chairman
Ginny Kerr
Roy Nunn
Tim Neely
Jeff Parkhurst
Rob Williams
MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Commissioners Absent: Gene Ratcliffe, Vice -Chair (excused)
Staff Present: William Ramsey, AICP, Principal Planner
Grant Taylor, Development Services Director
Ricia Hager, Deputy City Attorney
Nick Taylor, Associate Planner
Laura Stokes, Housing/Redevelopment Coordinator
D. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
E. CONSENT CALENDAR
None.
San Juan Capistrano: Preserving the Past to Enhance the Future
QM Printed on 100% recycled paper
SAM ALLEVATO
LAURA FREESE
LARRY KRAMER
DEREK REEVE
JOHN TAYLOR
PC_Meeting Minutes 2 February 28, 2012
F. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.-
G.
one.
G. NEW BUSINESS
1. Architectural Control (AC) 10-010, Chevron Soil Vapor Extraction and Air Sparge
Remediation System; Consideration of a time extension for a vinyl fence and an
above ground equipment compound located at 32001 Camino Capistrano; generally
located at the southwest corner of Del Obispo Street and Camino Capistrano (APN:
668-073-01) (Applicant: Nick Pryor, Holguin Fahan &Associates) (Project Manager:
Nick Taylor, Associate Planner). At the request of the applicant and on the
recommendation of staff, the Planning Commission unanimously approved a motion
continuing consideration of the proposed project to a future regular meeting date, to
be determined.
2. Architectural Control (AC) 10-017 Mod #2, Atria San Juan; Consideration of an
application to install an elevator hoistway on an existing building in the Public &
Institutional Zone District and General Plan -designated "5.3 Assisted Care Facilities"
and located at 32353 San Juan Creek Road and generally located 1,100 fee
northeast of Valle Road (APN: 666-011-25)(Applicant: Leonardo Maldonado)(Project
Manager: Nick Taylor, Associate Planner). Nick Taylor, the project manager, made
the staff presentation and advised the Commission that the applicant has requested
approval of an elevator hoistway which has an exterior housing extending above the
existing roof. The overall height of the structure is 38'-3". The applicant stated that
the increased height was required to accommodate California Building Code (CBC)
and elevator manufacturer requirements for overhead service and safety area
above the elevator cab. Staff recommended that the Planning Commission adopt a
resolution conditionally approving the proposed project.
Public Comment
The Chairman opened the floor for public comment. The applicant made a brief
presentation and noted that the building permit had been previously issued and the
work completed. The AC application process was necessary to bring the project into
compliance with the Code.
Commission Discussion
a. Commissioner Neely stated that the shed -roof design was not aesthetic and that
a hip -roof design would be more appropriate.
b. Commissioner Williams stated that the shed -roof design was problematic and
doesn't "work" with the design of the main structure. He stated that the Design
Review Committee should review the project.
c. Commissioner Parkhurst questioned the proposed height and the required
clearance for the elevator cab. He stated that the project should use a
mechanical design that reduces or minimizes the height of the projection.
d. Chairman Cohen concurred with Commissioner Williams and stated that the
PC Meeting Minutes 3 February 28, 2012
design of the projection needed to be addressed.
e. Commissioner Kerr stated that the project is substantially screened from views
from the public right-of-way and therefore, had no issues with the design.
Adoption of Resolution
PC RESOLUTION NO. 12-02-28-01, ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL (AC) 10-017
Mod #2, A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIAAPPROVINGAN ELEVATOR HOISTWAY
EXCEEDING THE MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF 35'-0" ON AN EXISTING BUILDING
LOCATED AT 32353 SAN JUAN CREEK ROAD (ASSESSORS PARCEL
NUMBER: 666-011-25) (ATRIA SAN JUAN).
Commissioner Williams moved staff recommendation, seconded by Commissioner
Parkhurst subject to Design Review Committee review of the project design. The
motion passed by a 6-0 vote.
AYES: Chairman Sheldon Cohen, Commissioners Ginny Kerr, Tim Neely,
Roy Nunn, Jeff Parkhurst and Rob Williams.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
H. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Continued Consideration of the Sign Program Modification for Architectural Control
(AC) 11-025, Valle Ranch Business Park; a request for approval of a comprehensive
sign program for a developed office complex located at 33272, 33302, and 33332
Valle Road and generally located 1500 feet south of the southern end of Valle Road
(APN 675-361-15) (Applicant: National Retirement Partners, Sean Kelly) (Project Manager:
Laura Stokes, Housing Redevelopment Coordinator). Laura Stokes, Housing/
Redevelopment Coordinator made the staff presentation and advised the
Commission that the applicant requests approval of a sign program modification to
allow two major tenant wall signs per building on different wall exposures
(elevations). Staff recommended that the Planning Commission adopt a resolution
conditionally approving the proposed project.
Public Comment
The Chairman opened the floor for public comment and the applicant made a brief
presentation explaining the revisions that had been made to the sign program
modification.
Commission Discussion
a. Commissioner Williams stated that the proposed modifications were acceptable
and he supported Option 3 for the additional major tenant sign.
PC Meeting Minutes 4 February 28, 2012
b. Commissioner Kerr stated that she concurred with Commissioner Williams.
c. Commissioner Neely stated that the revisions to the sign program were now
acceptable and he supported staff recommendation.
d. Commissioner Nunn also stated that the revisions to the sign program were
acceptable and he supported staff recommendation.
e. Commissioner Parkhurst stated that the proposed modifications to the sign
program were now acceptable and he supported Option 2.
Adoption of Resolution
PC RESOLUTION NO. 12-02-28-02, VALLE RANCH BUSINESS PARK SIGN
PROGRAM MODIFICATION (AC) 11-025, A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO APPROVING A SIGN
LOCATED AT 33272, 33302, AND 33332 VALLE ROAD (APN 675-361-15).
Commissioner Nunn moved staff recommendation, seconded by Commissioner
Kerr subject to building -mounted signs Option 2 or 3 with the text centered on the
wall plane. The motion passed by a 6-0 vote.
AYES: Chairman Sheldon Cohen, Commissioners Ginny Kerr, Tim Neely,
Roy Nunn, Jeff Parkhurst and Rob Williams.
NOES: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
2. Continued Consideration of the Draft Historic Town Center Master Plan the Draft
Form -Based Code for the Historic Town Center, and the Draft Program
Environmental Impact Report (PEIR); a proposed master plan for the 150 acre
Historic Town Center planning area establishing policies and recommendations for
guiding future development of the Historic Town Center and a Form -Based Code to
establish new land use and development standards for the historic downtown.
(Project Manager: William Ramsey, AICR Principal Planner). Bill Ramsey, the project
manager, made the staff presentation and summarized the project as a proposed
master plan for the 150 acre Historic Town Center planning area. He noted that the
Master Plan was stakeholder -based and was a designated Urgent City Council
Priority. He recommended that the Planning Commission, following public,testimony:
(a.) Adopt a resolution recommending that the City Council certify the Final
Program Environmental Impact Report (PEI R) for the Historic Town Center Master
Plan project; (b.) Adopt a resolution recommending that the City Council approve
General Plan Amendments to the Land Use Element, Circulation Element, and
Parks & Recreation Element Related to the Historic Town Center Master Plan
project; (c.) Adopt a resolution recommending that the City Council approve the
Historic Town Center Master Plan with Modifications; and, (d) Adopt a resolution
recommending that the City Council adopt an Ordinance Amending Title 9, Land
Use Code to add Section 9-3.316 establishing Form -Based Code provisions for the
PC Meeting Minutes 5 February 28, 2012
Historic Town Center; and, Amending the Official Zoning Map to add the "TC" (Town
Center) Zone District and the "TCE" (Town Center Edge) Zone District established
by the Historic Town Center Form -Based Code.
Public Comment
The Chairman opened the floor for public comment. There was no response and the
public hearing was closed.
Commission Discussion
a. Commissioner Williams stated that the project had been through an extensive
public review process, and proposed modifications would substantially address
issues raised during the public review process, and it was time to move the
project forward to City Council with a favorable recommendation.
b. Commissioner Kerr concurred with Commissioner Williams and stated she was
ready to move the project forward to City Council for adoption and that the
project was needed for the downtown.
c. Commissioner Nunn concurred with Commissioner Williams and stated he
supported the project and was prepared to it move it on to City Council.
d. Commissioner Neely stated that while the proposed modifications to the Master
Plan were noteworthy, they have not gone far enough in assuring the character
and charm of the Historic Town Center are preserved. The overall building
massing with 2 -story structures will overwhelm and dominate the downtown. The
proposed shallow building setback along Del Obispo Street are problematic and
the street character should not be pedestrian -oriented. The provision of bike
lanes throughout the downtown have not been sufficiently addressed by the
Master Plan. the proposed "TCE" (Town Center Edge) Zone District should not
allow the development of mini -storage facilities. He stated that he could not
support the Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) resolution findings
that project impacts, especially those to historic and cultural resources, had
been sufficiently addressed.
e. Commissioner Parkhurst concurred with Commissioner Williams and
Commissioner Kerr and stated he was prepared to move the project on to City
Council.
f. Chairman Cohen questioned the overall purpose of the Historic Town Center
Master Plan and whether it was a "vision" or a "blueprint" for the downtown. He
stated he supported the Master Plan as a "vision" but that it should not be
implemented literally. He expressed concern about the massing that would
allowed by the Form -Based Code and stated that the Master Plan should not
change the Historic Town Center's "village -character" to that of a "city."
Commissioner Williams responded by confirming his understanding that the
Master Plan is a "vision", bot a "blueprint" for future development of the Historic
Town Center.
Adoption of Resolution
PC Meetinq Minutes 6 February 28, 2012
PC RESOLUTION NO. 12-02-28-03, A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA
RECOMMENDING CERTIFICATION OF THE FINAL PROGRAM
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (EIR) FOR THE HISTORIC TOWN CENTER
MASTER PLAN AND FORM -BASED CODE (HISTORIC TOWN CENTER MASTER
PLAN). Commissioner Nunn moved staff recommendation, seconded by
Commissioner Parkhurst to adopt a resolution recommending City Council
certification of the Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) for the Historic
Town Center Master Plan. The motion passed by a 5-1 vote.
AYES: Chairman Sheldon Cohen, Commissioners Ginny Kerr, Roy
Nunn, Jeff Parkhurst and Rob Williams.
NOES: Commissioner Tim Neely
ABSTAIN: None.
PC RESOLUTION NO. 12-02-28-04, A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING
_COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA
RECOMMENDING CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENTS (GPA) RELATED TO THE HISTORIC TOWN CENTER MASTER
PLAN. Commissioner Kerr moved staff recommendation, seconded by
Commissioner Williams to adopt a resolution recommending City Council approval
of a General Plan Amendment (GPA) for the Historic Town Center Master Plan. The
motion passed by a 5-1 vote.
AYES: Chairman Sheldon Cohen, Commissioners Ginny Kerr, Roy
Nunn, Jeff Parkhurst and Rob Williams.
NOES: Commissioner Tim Neely
ABSTAIN: None.
PC RESOLUTION NO. 12-02-28-05, A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA
RECOMMENDING CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF THE HISTORIC TOWN
CENTER MASTER PLAN. Chairman Cohen moved staff recommendation,
seconded by Commissioner Williams to adopt a resolution recommending City
Council approval of the Historic Town Center Master Plan subject to supplemental
language highlighting the Master Plan as the "vision" for the downtown as opposed
to the "blueprint." The motion passed by a 5-1 vote.
AYES: Chairman Sheldon Cohen, Commissioners Ginny Kerr, Roy
Nunn, Jeff Parkhurst and Rob Williams.
PC Meetinq Minutes 7 February 28 2012
NOES: Commissioner Tim Neely
ABSTAIN: None.
PC RESOLUTION NO. 12-02-28-06, A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA
RECOMMENDING CITY COUNCILADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING
THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP ESTABLISHING THE "TC" (TOWN CENTER)
ZONE DISTRICT AND "TCE" (TOWN CENTER EDGE) ZONE DISTRICT WITHIN
THE HISTORIC TOWN CENTER AND AMENDING THE TITLE 9, LAND USE
CODE BYADDING SECTION 9-3.316, HISTORIC TOWN CENTER FORM -BASED
CODE (HISTORIC TOWN CENTER MASTER PLAN). Commissioner Williams
moved staff recommendation, seconded by Commissioner Kerr to adopt a
resolution recommending City Council adoption of the Ordinance Amending the
Official Zoning Map and adopting the Historic Town Center Form -Based Code. The
motion passed by a 5-1 vote.
AYES: Chairman Sheldon Cohen, Commissioners Ginny Kerr, Roy
Nunn, Jeff Parkhurst and Rob Williams.
NOES: Commissioner Tim Neely
ABSTAIN: None.
I. STAFF & COMMISSION COMMENTS
Staff updated the Planning Commission on pending and upcoming projects and agenda
workload.
J. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Commission, Chairman Cohen adjourned at
8:40 p.m. to the next regularly scheduled meeting for Tuesday, March 13, 2012, at 6:30
p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Respectfully submitted,
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William A. Ramsey, AICP, Principal la ner
Planning Commission Secretary