PC Minutes-2010-06-0832400 PASEO ADEL4NTO
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA 92675
(949) 493.1171
(949) 493-1053 FAx
www sanjuancapistrano. org
CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES OF THE MEETING
OF THE
PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
SAM ALLEVATO
LAURA FREESE
THOMAS W. HRIBAR
MARK NIELSEN
DR. LONDRES USO
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.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present:
Commissioners Absent
Sheldon Cohen, Chairman
Gene Ratcliffe, Vice -Chair
Ginny Kerr
Jim Mocalis
Bruce Tatarian
Rob Williams
Tim Neely
Staff Present: William Ramsey, AICP, Principal Planner, Secretary
Grant Taylor, Community Development Director
Justin Kirk, Associate Planner
Nick Taylor, Planning Technician
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None
CONSENT CALENDAR
Minutes of May 25, 2010: Grant Taylor, Community Development Director advised
the Commission that the draft May 25 minutes were still being prepared and would
be available for review on the June 22 meeting agenda.
A®
San Juan Capistrano: Preserving the Past to Enhance the Future
0, Printed on 100% recycled paper
PC Meetinq Minutes 2 June 8 2010
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Architectural Control (AC) 10-004 Weseloh Kia Sign Program; a request for
approval of a monument sign and building mounted signs located at 33611 Camino
Capistrano, generally located at the northwest corner of Camino Capistrano and
Stonehill Drive (APN 121-254-41) (Applicant: Williams Sign Co.) (Project Manager: Nick Taylor
Planning Technician).
Staff presentation & recommen-dation
Nick Taylor, Planning Technician made the staff presentation and described the
proposed project as a request to increase the height of the existing "Hummer"
monument sign to 25 feet and add a new cabinet head replacing "Hummer" with
"KIA". The project also requests approval of three (3) new channel -letter signs to be
mounted on the existing building with proposed sizes (area) of 25, 18, and 8 square
feet.
Staff recommended that the Planning Commission adopt a resolution conditionally
approving the proposed project.
Commissioner Neely arrived at 6:38 pm.
Commission Questions
The applicant waived the opportunity to make a presentation and the Commission
had no questions of the applicant or staff.
Public Hearing
Notice having been given as required by law, Chairman Cohen opened the public
hearing. There was no response and the public hearing was closed.
Commission Discussion
Commissioner Williams expressed concern with the overall massing and
proportions of the monument sign and the fact that the "Kia" emblem appeared to
float above the top of the sign. He indicated that the proposed building -mounted
signs were acceptable as proposed.
Commissioner Kerr stated that the proposed signage was fine and noted that
landscaping should be provided at the base of the free-standing, monument sign.
Commissioner Ratcliffe concurred with Commissioner Kerr's comments, especially
the need to provide landscaping.
Commissioner Mocalis indicated that the existing free-standing, monument sign
appeared to be about the same height as the "Ford" dealership monument sign and
so, he had no objection to the proposal.
PC Meeting Minutes 3 June 8 2010
Commissioner Neely stated that he supported the proposed free-standing,
monument sign with the use of a National corporate logo and noted that the
provisions of landscaping at the base would help ameliorate the issue of scale.
Commission Tatarian noted that the color of the free-standing, monument sign and
the main building for the dealership appeared to be different. Nick Taylor responded
that the intent of the color scheme was for the sign and the building to match. Based
on the Design Review Committee's acceptance and recommendation, he had no
concern with the proposed color scheme.
Adoption of Resolution
PC RESOLUTION NO. 10-6-8-1, WESELOH KIA SIGN PROGRAM (AC 10-04), A
RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN
CAPISTRANO APPROVING A 25'-0" TALL, 44 SQUARE FOOT MONUMENT
SIGN AND THREE BUILDING MOUNTED CHANNEL LETTER SIGNS FOR THE
EXISTING BUILDING LOCATED AT 33611 CAMINO CAPISTRANO (APN 121-
254-41)
It was moved by Commissioner Neely and seconded by Commissioner Mocalis to
adopt the resolution including a condition requiring landscaping at the base of the
free-standing, monument sign.
AYES: Chairman Sheldon Cohen, Commissioners Gene Ratcliffe,
Ginny Kerr, Jim Mocalis, Tim Neely, Bruce Tatarian and Rob
Williams
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
The motion passed by a 7-0-0 vote.
2. Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 09-03 Wee Tartan Childcare Center: A reauest to
allow the establishment of a non-commercial "child day care center" in Planning
Sector "D" pursuant to Section VI I.C.1. of Comprehensive Development Plan 78-01
Ortega Business Center located at 31732 Rancho Viejo Road (APN 666-261-03)
(Applicant: David Bush, St Margret's Episcopal School) (Project Manager Justin Kirk Associate
Planner).
Staff presentation & recommendation
Justin Kirk, Associate Planner made the staff presentation and described the
proposed project as for establishment and operation of an 1,561 square foot non-
commercial day care facility in an existing multi -use commercial building. There are
no exterior modifications associated with the proposed use.
PC Meeting Minutes 4 June 8 2010
Staff recommended that the Planning Commission open the public hearing, receive
testimony, close the public hearing and by motion, adopt a resolution conditionally
approving the proposed project.
Applicant presentation
David Bush, Director of Finance & Operations for St. Margaret's Episcopal School
made a brief presentation and described the childcare use as an employee benefit.
The children in the childcare program do not count toward the school's enrollment
cap established by the Conditional Use Permit. Bush noted that the childcare use is
an existing use on the campus merely being relocated to the business office
building. Most teachers/staff with children in the childcare program would park to
the rear of the business offices and all parents are required to walk and sign -in each
child.
Commission Questions
Chairman Cohen asked if the school ever enrolls any non -staff children at the
childcare center. Bush responded that during periods where the childcare center
has available openings and all employee's children have been accommodated, the
school has allowed younger siblings of enrolled students. The school never enrolls
children who are unrelated to enrolled students. Openings typically don't exceed 2
or 3 children whereas the childcare center is licensed by the State for up to a
maximum of 20 children.
Commissioner Ratcliffe asked whether adequate outdoor play area would be
available for the children and Mr. Bush responded that the State imposes stringent
requirements and that yes, the children would have access to the adjoining
quadrangle and fields for play.
Commissioner Tatarian asked if whether the proposed location would be permanent
or interim and Mr. Bush responded that in the context of the St. Margaret's
Episcopal School Master Plan approved by the City Council earlier in the Spring, the
proposed location was intended to be permanent.
Public Hearing
Notice having been given as required by law, Chairman Cohen opened the Public
Hearing. There was no response and the public hearing was closed.
Commission Discussion
Commissioner Mocalis stated that he had no concerns with the proposed use and
Commissioner Neely stated that he concurred with Mr. Mocalis.
Commissioner Neely stated that he concurred with Commissioner Mocalis
PC Meeting Minutes 5 June 8 2010
Commissioner Tatarian stated that while he had no immediate concerns with the
proposed use, should pick-ups/drop-offs in the Ortega Business Center create
circulation issues, the city will need to re -visit the project. Justin Kirk, Associate
Planner advised that the City would rely on Code Enforcement to assure that the
designated pick-up/drop-off stalls at the front of the business offices were used for
that purpose so that drive aisles weren't blocked.
Commissioner Ratcliffe said the proposed use was perfectly acceptable and as a
parent, she was sympathetic to the needs of parents with small children and thought
the childcare benefit was an excellent provision by the school.
Commissioner Kerr agreed that the childcare benefit was positive and supported the
proposed project.
Commissioner Williams concurred with the other Commissioner's support and
comments.
Chairman Cohen stated that while he supported the project, he concurred with
Commissioner Tatarian on the issue of monitoring traffic circulation in the Ortega
Business Center.
Adoption of Resolution
PC RESOLUTION NO. 10-6-8-2, A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO APPROVING A 1.561
SQUARE FOOT NON-COMMERCIAL DAY CARE FACILITY USE IN AN
EXISTING MULTI -USE COMMERCIAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 31732 RANCHO
VIEJO SUITE F (ASSESSOR PARCEL 666-261-03)(ST. MARGARET'S
EPISCOPAL SCHOOL)
Motion
It was moved by Commissioner Williams and seconded by Commissioner Kerr to
adopt the draft resolution.
AYES: Chairman Sheldon Cohen, Commissioners Gene Ratcliffe,
Ginny Kerr, Jim Mocalis, Tim Neely, Bruce Tatarian and Rob
Williams
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
This motion passed by a vote of 7-0-0.
PC Meeting Minutes 6 June 8 2010
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
FISCAL YEAR 2009-2010 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT
Staff presentation & recommendation
Grant Taylor, Community Development Director, advised the Commission that
Government Code Section 65400 mandates that cities submit an annual report on
the status of the General Plan and the progress toward its implementation to their
legislative bodies, the Governor's Office of Planning and Research (OPR), and the
Housing and Community Development Department (HCD). The report details the
City's progress toward: (1) meeting its share of the Regional Housing Needs
Assessment established by the Southern California Association of Governments
(SCAG); (2) implementing the housing objectives established by the General Plan
Housing Element; and (3) implementing the objectives of other Elements of the
General Plan. He recommended that the Planning Commission receive and file the
report.
Commission Discussion
Commissioner Ratcliffe noted that the Housing Advisory Committee has been
working toward the objective of the State legislature amending State law with
respect to what types of housing may meet Regional Housing Needs Assessment
(RHNA) requirements.
Commissioner Neely noted that the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA)
process was not very practical, and if the City were to come under the scrutiny of
State Clearinghouse (SCH), it would be because of the General Plan Housing
Element.
Adoption of Resolution
PC RESOLUTION NO. 10-6-8-3. A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
RECOMMENNDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ACCEPT THE FY 2009-
2010 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT.
Motion
It was moved by Commissioner Kerr and seconded by Commissioner Ratcliffe to
adopt the draft resolution.
AYES: Chairman Sheldon Cohen, Commissioners Gene Ratcliffe,
Ginny Kerr, Jim Mocalis, Tim Neely, Bruce Tatarian and Rob
Williams
PC Meeting Minutes 7 June 8 2010
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
The motion passed by a vote of 7-0-0.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
STAFF & COMMISSION COMMENTS
Grant Taylor, Community Development Director briefed the Planning Commission on the
tentative project meeting schedule and significant project scheduled for future Commission
review.
Commissioner Ratcliffe asked about the status of the Chevron service Station sign violation
and Mr. Taylor replied that he would check and report on the status.
Commissioner Mocalis asked about the Toyota sign banners and Mr. Taylor replied that he
had informed Toyota of their violation and compliance was pending.
Commissioner Mocalis asked about the status of the Orchards Planned Community project
(Rancho Capistrano -Crystal Cathedral (Schuller) Property) and Taylor replied that the
application remained inactive at this time.
Commissioner Neely briefed the Commission on the City Council presentation on the State
Route -74 (Ortega Highway) Interchange design committee. He noted that the City should
work to create a unified corridor design along Interstate -5 from J. Serra Road to Stonehill
Drive.
Commissioner Neely stated he would be traveling and unable to attend the June 15 Design
Review Committee (DRC) meeting and the June 22 Planning Commission meeting.
Commissioner Tatarian asked about the proposed Costco project and public input and Mr.
Taylor replied that the applicant was engaging in public outreach with the owner and
residents of the Villa San Juan Mobilehome Park (MHP) to the north.
Commissioner Kerr asked about the status of the fencing installed with the Union Bank
improvements and Mr. Taylor replied that the fencing was inconsistent with what staff had
approved and the city was working with the bank on changes to the fencing.
Chairman Cohen complimented Commissioner Neely on his efforts working with Caltrans
on the Interstate-5/State Route -74 (Ortega Highway) interchange design.
PC Meeting Minutes 8 June 8 2010
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Commission, the Chairman adjourned the
meeting at 6:32 p.m. to the next regular meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 22, 2010, at
6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Respectfully submitted,
r1op"O FED
Mi iam A. Ramsey, AICP, Princip I nner:; r
Planning Commission Secretaryi / r 31 to