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PC Minutes-2011-01-2532400 PASEO ADEL.ANTO SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA 92675 (949) 493.1171 (949) 493-1053 FAX www. sanjuancapistrano. org * 0 i MEMBERS OF THE CI7Y COUNCIL JJ� SAM ALLEVATO IO(OAtOAATEA LAURA FREESE y ESTAOIISOkO .1960 LARRY KRAMER ! I17% 6 DEREK REEVE JOHN TAYLOR PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MEETING OF TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2011 The meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order by Chairman Cohen at 6:30 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. BIC Chair Cohen led the flag salute. C. ROLL CALL.- Commissioners ALL: Commissioners Present Commissioners Absent: Sheldon Cohen, Chair Gene Ratcliffe, Vice -Chair Ginny Kerr Jim Mocalis Bruce Tatarian Rob Williams Tim Neely None Staff Present: William Ramsey, AICP, Principal Planner Grant Taylor, Development Services Director Tram Tran, Deputy City Attorney Cindy Russell, Chief Financial Officer David Contreras, Senior Planner Nick Taylor, Associate Planner Karisa Rojas -Norton, Administrative Specialist None 1. The Commission approved the January 11, 2011 Minutes with minor corrections. 2. Consideration of the Final Resolution for Architectural Control (AC) 10-18; Marriott Residence Inn Hotel; approval of preliminary site and architectural plans for a proposed San Juan Capistrano Preserving the Past to Enhance the .Future 0 Printed on 100% recycled paper PC Meeting Minutes 2 January 25, 2011 130 -room extended stay hotel on a 4.508 acres located at 33711 Camino Capistrano and generally located at the southwest corner of Camino Capistrano and Stonehill Drive (Assessor Parcel Number 121-254-44) (Applicant: R.D. Olson Development, Robert A. Olson, Representative) (Project Manaqer: William Ramsey, AICP, Principal Planner). Bill Ramsey made a brief presentation to the Commission and explained the proposed revision to the final conditions of approval. Commissioner Tatarian questioned whether exiting, left -turns would be permitted from the hotel site onto Stonehill Drive and Mr. Ramsey responded that mitigation measure T- 1 provided for the City to monitor accident data at the Stonehill Drive entrance for three years following construction and the beginning of hotel operations during which time the City could institute any access restrictions necessary to address public safety issues. Commissioner Tatarian stated that he thought the Commission had prohibited exiting lefts. Mr. Ramsey stated that he was sure that the Commission has not imposed a prohibition on left turns (although several Commissioners expressed concern during Commission comments on the project at the December 14, 2010 hearing), but would review the December 14 minutes to verify the Commission's action. Commissioner Williams stated that all references to auto -storage and warehouse should be deleted from the mitigation measures and conditions of approval and the Ramsey responded that the "lower pad" area would be referenced accordingly. Commissioner Williams asked if all design details were subject to Design Review Committee (DRC) review and Mr. Ramsey responded yes, and coincidentally that the architectural details, landscaping, lighting, and color and material boards were scheduled for DRC review on February 3. Approval of Final Resolution Commissioner Williams made a motion to approve the final resolution with the amended language, seconded by Commissioner Kerr. The motion passed by a 7-0 vote. • r: Worksession: General Plan Amendment (GPA) 10-003 Rezone (RZ) 10-002, Architectural Control (AC) 10-026, Grading Plan Modification (GPM) 10-007, and Tentative Parcel Map (TPM) 10-002, The Groves at Williams Ranch, a request for a work session review of preliminary design plans for a proposed 26 unit affordable housing project located on a 3.05 acres (132,858) square feet located the westerly terminus of Junipero Serra Rd. and is located on the northwest corner of the intersection of Junipero Serra Rd. and Camino Capistrano (Applicant: City of San Juan Capistrano) (Project Manager: David Contreras, Senior Planner). David Contreras, Senior Planner made the staff presentation on the project and advised the Commission that on December 2, 2010, DRC the reviewed the revised project site plan and architecture and provided staff and the project architect with comments and input and forwarded the project to the Planning Commission work session review. The DRC also requested that staff coordinate pedestrian circulation for access to the Northwest Open Space. Contreras stated that the project architect David Chacon has substantially redesigned the project to address the issues raised previously by the DRC. Staff recommended that the Planning Commission conduct a work session review of the proposed project; provide refined direction to the architect and staff. PC Meetina Minutes 3 January 25. 2011 Commission questions Commissioner Williams questioned the adequacy of storage capacity for each residence and Mr. Chacon responded that each unit will be provided with a combination laundry/storage room. Williams expressed concern over the lack of covered parking and Chaco stated that the overall project development cost was reduced by eliminating covered parking, and it provided the opportunity to integrate more trees and other landscaping into the site design. Commissioner Tatarian asked of J. Serra High School had been notified or was aware of the proposed project and Mr. Chacon stated that the school has been notified, but has not provided any response or perspective on the project. Public Comment Notice having been given as required by law, Chairman Cohen opened the item for public testimony, no one provided testimony, and he closed the item for public comment. Commission discussion Commissioner Williams stated that he prefers color Option A for the exterior of the buildings. However, he expressed concern that despite the laundry/storage rooms, the project would have insufficient storage space for future residents. Otherwise, he stated the project was well-designed. Commissioner Kerr concurred with Commissioner Williams and stated color Option A was preferable to Option S. She stated that managing the parking would be a challenge for the project. Commissioner Ratcliffe expressed preference for color Option A. From her experience as a Housing Advisory Committee member, she assured the Commission that the City's affordable housing managers have historically been very effective in managing parking within other affordable housing projects and anticipated the same for the Groves project. She stated that overall the plant palette was well -conceived but noted that the Emerald Carpet Manzanita, a non-native, should be replaced with a California native arctostaphylos or other species. Commissioner Mocalis stated that he thought the "C. Russell Cook" rural -appearance of the project design was very appropriate for the project site and that the architect had done an excellent job. Commissioner Mocalis stated that he preferred color Options A and C for the exterior of the buildings. Commissioner Neely stated that color Option C was preferable and that the color scheme should not "pop" as Option A would do, but fade into the natural setting and the tree canopy and natural backdrop of the Trabuco Creek riparian corridor. Commissioner Tatarian stated that the project design had made tremendous progress and that parking management will be an important consideration. He noted that the project design conveys the appearance of a California ranch and is very appropriate for the setting. He agreed with Commissioner Neely that color Option C was more appropriate. PC Meeting Minutes 4 January 25, 2011 Chairman Cohen stated that before the Commission takes a final vote on whether carports should be required, he wanted to see a view simulation of the site taken from along Camino Capistrano depicting mature landscaping. He agreed that color Option C was preferred. Commissioner Ratcliffe suggested a compromise on the color scheme for the project and suggested that the residential buildings could be painted with Option C and the community building could use Option A. With no further Commission comments and Mr. Contreras stating that the Commission had provided sufficient direction, Chairman Cohen closed the worksession. G. NEW BUSINESS Planning Commission Reorganization; Selection of Planning Commission Appointees to the Design Review Committee (2 members and 1 alternate), and one Appointee to the Housing Advisory Committee. Grant Taylor, Development Services Director provided background on the process and opened nominations for Design Review Committee appointees. The Commission nominated Commissioner Rob Williams to serve as a regular Commission appointee to the DRC and the motion passed by a 6-0-1 vote (Commissioner Tatarian abstaining). The Commission nominated Commissioner Tim Neely to serve as a regular Commission appointee to the DRC and the motion passed by a 6-0-1 vote (Commissioner Tatarian abstaining). The Commission nominated Commissioner Jeff Parkhurst to serve as the alternate Commission appointee to the DRC and the motion passed by a 6-0-1 vote (Commissioner Tatarian abstaining). The Commission nominated Commissioner Gene Ratcliffe to serve as the regular Commission appointee to the Housing Advisory Committee and the motion passed by a 6-0-1 vote (Commissioner Tatarian abstaining). H. PUBLIC HEARINGS Architectural Control (AC) 10-034, Tree Removal Permit (TRP) 11-007, Pacific Tank and Construction; a request for approval of preliminary site and architectural plans for a proposed 821 square foot addition to an existing 1,303 square foot single-family residence which would be converted to office use, on a 15,557 square foot parcel located at 31551 Avenida Los Cerritos, and generally located west of Avenida Los Cerritos, approximately 600 feet south of Rancho Vieio Road (Assessor Parcel Number 650-151-16) (Applicant: Michael Patrick Porter, Architect) (Project Manager: Nick Taylor, Associate Planner). Nick Taylor, Associate Planner made the staff presentation stating that the applicant requests approval to convert an existing single family residence into an office and proposes an 821 square foot (SF) addition. The project has previously been reviewed by the Design Review Committee. He noted the project is located at 31551 Avenida Los Cerritos. Mr. Taylor recommended that the Commission adopt a resolution PC Meeting Minutes 5 January 25 2011 approving Architectural Control (AC) 10-034 with a condition that final plans be reviewed and approved by the Design Review Committee, Applicant Presentation Michael Porter representing the applicant reviewed the landscape design issues and described revisions to the project since the prior Planning Commission worksession. Public Hearing Notice having been given as required by law, Chairman Cohen opened the Public Hearing, no one provided testimony, and he closed the Public Hearing. Commission discussion Commissioner Williams stated that the applicant had sufficiently responded to all the issues raised by the DRC and that he supported the project. Commissioner Tatarian asked for clarification on the proposed Catalina ironwoods as replacement trees for the Tree Removal Permit (TRP) and Commissioner Neely responded that the trees were California natives and appropriate to the site. Commissioner Neely stated the applicant had been very responsive to the Committee's direction. He noted that the project site constituted an "overgrown potpourri" of landscape material and so, changes to the site landscape were needed. He stated the proposed use and project design were "modest" and that the requested Tree Removal Permit was not an issue. Commissioner Tatarian stated that based on Commissioner Neely's comments, his concerns over the Tree Removal Permit had been addressed. Commissioner Mocalis stated that he fully concurred with Commissioner Neely. Commissioner Ratcliffe stated that the use of the Catalina Ironwood trees is appropriate to the site, that the overall landscape design was well -conceived and the proposal was a "great" project. Commissioner Kerr stated that she agreed with the prior comments of her fellow Commissioners and that the proposed project was a tremendous improvement to the property. Chairman Cohen concurred with the statements of the Commission and requested a motion. Adoption of Resolution Commissioner Tatarian made a motion to move staff recommendation, seconded by Commissioner Williams subject to the trash enclosure being eliminated and the design and colors of the solid waste barrels be subject to final review and approval of the DRC. The motion passed by a 7-0 vote PC RESOLUTION NO. 11-1-25-01� AC 10-034 TRP 11-007 PACIFIC TANK AND CONSTRUCTION A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO APPROVING ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL (AC) 10- PC Meeting Minutes 6 January 25 2011 034 AN APPLICATION CONSTRUCT AN 821 SF ADDITION TO AN EXISTING 1,303 SF SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE WHICH WILL BE CONVERTED TO OFFICE USE LANDSCAPING TREE REMOVALS AND GRADING LOCATED IN PLANNED COMMUNITY (PC CDP 09-01) ZONE DISTRICT AT 31551 AVENIDA LOS CERRITOS (APN 650-151-16) AYES: Chairman Cohen, Vice -Chair Ratcliffe, Commissioner Tatarian, Commissioner Kerr, Commissioner Williams, Commissioner Mocalis, and Commissioner Neely NOES: none ABSTAIN: none 2. Consideration of a Modification to Architectural Control 88-08, Capistrano Home Furnishing Center; a request to amend Condition of Approval #10 of Planning Commission Resolution 88-11-22-04 for an existing commercial center located at 31894 Plaza Drive about 350 feet south of Del Obispo Street (Applicant: Bill Cottle Signature Services) (Project Manager: Laura Stokes, Planning Technician). Grant Taylor, Development Services Director made the staff presentation noting that the project involves an amendment to condition of approval #10 which limits commercial uses in the Home Furnishings Center to home -related businesses such as furniture sales, carpet and flooring, retail paint sales and similar low -parking demand uses. He noted that condition #10 was required by the Owner Participation Agreement (OPA) executed in 1989 and staff was also processing a change to that agreement. The proposed change would allow the center owner to explore a broader range of commercial uses to maintain/improve the center's economic viability while the City would retain the authority to assure adequate parking is provided through the business license review process. Staff recommended the Commission forward the project to the City Council with a recommendation of approval. Commission questions Commissioner Tatarian questioned whether the City had entered into an Owner Participation Agreement (OPA) with similar provision on any other project in the City and staff responded, the city has not. Cindy Russell, CFO stated that the City had entered into the Owner Participation Agreement (OPA), in part, to assure that the project was developed with home -furnishing types of uses. Chairman Cohen asked if the Commission's action to approve the change to condition of approval #10 would breach any existing private lease that the owner has with any tenant. Bill Cottle, the center responded that the Commission's action would not. Public Hearing Notice having been given as required by law, Chairman Cohen opened the Public Hearing, no one provided testimony, and he closed the Public Hearing. Commission discussion All Commissioners, in turn, expressed support for the proposed modification. PC Meeting Minutes 7 January 25, 2011 Adoption of Resolution Commissioner Williams made a motion to move staff recommendation, seconded by Commissioner Kerr. The motion passed by a 7-0 vote PC RESOLUTION NO. 11-1-25-02; A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO RECOMMENDING CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF A MODIFICATION TO ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL 88-08, AMENDING CONDITION OF APPROVAL #10 OF PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION 88-11-22-04 FOR AN EXISTING COMMERCIAL CENTER LOCATED AT 31894 PLAZA DRIVE ABOUT 350 FEET SOUTH OF DEL OBISPO STREET (CAPISTRANO HOME FURNISHING CENTER). AYES: Chairman Cohen, Vice -Chair Ratcliffe, Commissioner Tatarian, Commissioner Kerr, Commissioner Williams, Commissioner Mocalis, and Commissioner Neely NOES: none ABSTAIN: none J. STAFF & COMMISSION COMMENTS Grant Taylor, Development Services Director and William Ramsey, AICP, Principal Planner thanked Commissioners Mocalis and Tatarian for their service to the Commission and acknowledged that their membership and participation had been a positive influence in the Commission's work. Taylor and Ramsey briefed the Commission Conservation Corps (OCCC) grant, the pending Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Program (EMP) grant. K. ADJOURNMENT on the status of the Orange County "Distrito -Meadows" referendum, and the Measure M2 Environmental Mitigation There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 8, 2011, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Approved on Tuesday, February 8, 2011: William Ramsey, AICP, Princi Planning Commission Secret,