PC Minutes-2011-01-2532400 PASEO ADEL.ANTO
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA 92675
(949) 493.1171
(949) 493-1053 FAX
www. sanjuancapistrano. org
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i MEMBERS OF THE CI7Y COUNCIL
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SAM ALLEVATO
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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
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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,