PC Minutes-2010-11-2332400 PASEO ADELANTO �� I < dgj ' MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
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MINUTES OF THE MEETING
OF THE
PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
A. CALL TO ORDER
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.
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chair Cohen led the flag salute.
C. ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Present: Sheldon Cohen, Chair
Ginny Kerr
Jim Mocalis
Bruce Tatarian
Rob Williams
Tim Neely
Commissioners Absent: Gene Ratcliffe, Vice -Chair
Staff Present: Grant Taylor, Development Services Director
William Ramsey, AICP, Principal Planner
Justin Kirk, Management Analyst
Nick Taylor, Associate Planner
Christina Gomez, Administrative Specialist
D. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
San .Tuan Capistrano Preserving the Just to Enhance the Future
01 Printed on 100% recycled paper
PC Meeting Minutes 2 November 23, 2010
E. CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Draft Minutes of November 9 2010 — Staff advised that the minutes were being
drafted but hadn't been completed and the minutes were continued to the December
14 Planning Commission meeting.
F. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
G. NEW PUBLIC HEARING
1. Consideration of General Plan Amendment (GPA) 10-03, Water Quality; a proposed
amendment to the General Plan Conservation & Open Space Element to Incorporate
Additional Policies Pursuant to the Regional Permit Issued by the San Diego
Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB).(Project Manager: William A.
Ramsey, AICP, Principal Planner).
Staff presentation & recommendation
William Ramsey, Principal Planner made the staff presentation advising the
Commission that the Staff is recommending that the Planning Commission
recommend City Council adoption of this amendment to establish appropriate low -
impact development (LID) policies in the General Plan Conservation & Open Space
Element consistent with the requirements of the San Diego Regional Water Quality
Control Board's regional permit (see Attachment 1, Draft Planning Commission
Resolution).
Commission Questions
Commissioner Tatarian asked what additional administrative burden would be
placed on the City and Mr. Ramsey responded that the administrative burden would
be minimal because project would be reviewed for consistency with the low -impact
development (LID) policies as part of the City's established Development Advisory
Board (DAB) review process.
Commissioner Tatarian also asked about the requirement that stormwater peak
runoff volume and intensity be reduced and Mr. Mazboudi responded that water
runoff will occur at a slower rate.
Commissioner Kerr asked if table nine in the agenda report attachment which
requires annual reporting was what was being reviewed and considered for action
tonight and Mr. Mazboudi responded no and that the project consisted of additional
new water quality policies.
Commissioner Kerr asked if the proposed policies would apply to existing
development and asked if these would place restrictions on new development. Mr.
Ramsey responded that the proposed policies would apply to new development that
PC Meeting Minutes 3 November 23, 2010
is required to secure either discretionary or legislative approval of development plans
from the City.
Commissioner Williams asked if the proposed policies would require new
development to provide specific types of water quality improvements and Mr.
Mazboudi stated the policies will be used as design guidelines.
Public Hearing
Notice having been given as required by law, Chairman Cohen opened the Public
Hearing and closed the public hearing. No one provided public testimony.
Commission Discussion
None
Adoption of Resolution
It was moved by Commissioner Tatarian and seconded by Commissioner Kerr to
adopt a resolution recommending City Council approval of the project The motion
passed by a 6-0 vote.
PC RESOLUTION NO. 10-11-23-01 GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT (GPA) 10-003
WATER QUALITY A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA RECOMMENDING _CITY
COUNCIL ADOPTION OF GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT (GPA) 10-03,
AMENDING THE GENERAL PLAN CONSERVATION & OPEN SPACE ELEMENT
TO INCORPORATE ADDITIONAL POLICIES PURSUANT TO THE REGIONAL
PERMIT ISSUED BY THE SAN DIEGO REGIONAL WATER QUALITY CONTROL
BOARD (RWQCB)
AYES: Chairman Cohen, Commissioner Tatarian, Commissioner Kerr,
Commissioner Williams, Commissioner Mocalis, and
Commissioner Neely
NOES: none
ABSTAIN: none
2. Code Amendment (CA) 10-02, Shared Parkinq Standards - Historic Town Center
Planning Area; a proposed code amendment to Section 9-3.535, Parking Standards
of Title 9 Land Use Code of the San Juan Capistrano Municipal Code adding
subsection (H) which would establish additional shared parking standards for
businesses and land uses in the Historic Town Center Planning Area. (Project
Manager: Grant Taylor, Development Services Director).
Staff presentation & recommendation
Grant Taylor, Development Services Director made the staff presentation advising
the Commission to provide any final recommended revisions to the ordinance; and
PC Meeting Minutes 4 November 23, 2010
adopt the resolution recommending City Council adoption of the Shared Parking
Standards ordinance for the Historic Town Center Planning Area.
Commission Questions
Commissioner Williams asked if the radius and the area subject to the proposed
standards could be modified with the centerpoint being moved further south to the
intersection of Camino Capistrano and Forster Street. Mr. Taylor responded that it
was the Planning Commission's discretion if they wanted to recommend to City
Council to move the center point of the radius or otherwise amend the ordinance
planning area.
Commissioner Williams asked if the library lot could be eliminated from the
ordinance area and Mr. Taylor responded it could be and probably should be
because of its distance from the downtown.
Chairman Cohen asked if private parking could be regulated by the City and Deputy
City Attorney Tran responded that the City would need adopt an ordinance that
provides that authority.
Applicant Presentation
None
Public Hearing
Notice having been given as required by law, Chairman Cohen opened the Public
Hearing and closed the public hearing. No one provided public testimony.
Commission Discussion
Commissioner Williams said he liked the proposed changes to the ordinance, but
was concerned about the outdoor seating and also the public parking near the
library. He said the radius should be moved to the south at the intersection of
Camino Capistrano and Forster Street which would probably exclude the library
parking lot, and the boundaries should be parcel or street specific rather than a
radius.
Commissioner Kerr said that she thought the wording of how the "eating areas"
(restaurants) would be handled needed to be changed to "outside eating areas will
be included in the parking square footage calculation". She appreciated the other
changes that had been made.
Commissioner Neely stated that he did not believe there was a compelling reason to
move this project forward at this time. He thought a three minute walking radius was
more practical and would make more sense than the proposed five-minute radius.
Commissioner Tatarian said that the boundary of the ordinance area needs to be
established definitively and supported the parcel/street specific Exhibit A map.
PC Meeting Minutes 5 November 23, 2010
Chairman Cohen said the library parking should be pulled into the ordinance area.
He said he would like to see a Council Policy on shared uses for city own lots.
Commissioner Kerr stated that the "Master Plan Parking" is a concept that the City
needs to consider and the proposed ordinance was a starting point. She stated that
she realizes that it would change in the future but nevertheless supports this project.
Grant Taylor stated that this a starting point for the "Master Plan" shared parking and
he also said that it's a step to the right direction in terms of supporting the City
Council's vision and direction for the downtown.
Commissioner Tatarian stated that the Commission should recommend City Council
approval of the land use code amendment.
Chairman Cohen stated that this parking issue should be handled as a Council
policy.
Grant Taylor said Council provided direction to forward the ordinance to the Planning
Commission for recommendation and refer the ordinance back to Council.
Commissioner Action
Commissioner Tatarian made a motion to move staff recommendation, second by
Commissioner Williams. The motion failed by a 3-3 vote.
AYES: Commissioner Kerr, Commissioner Mocalis, and Commissioner
Tatarian.
NOES: Chairman Cohen, Commissioner Neely, and Commissioner
Williams.
ABSTAIN: none.
Adoption of Resolution
Commissioner Williams made a motion to approve the staff recommendation to
include findings that would eliminate the library parking from the radius, include
parking requirements for the "outside eating areas", and the parcel/street specific
Exhibit A with the centerpoint at Camino Capistrano and Forster Street, second by
Commissioner Kerr. The motion passed by a 4-2 vote.
PC RESOLUTION NO. 10-11-23-01 CODE AMENDMENT (CA) 10-002, SHARED
PARKING A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO CALIFORNIA RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY
COUNCIL ADOPT AN ORDINANCE APPROVING CODE AMENDMENT (CA) 10-
002 ESTABLISIHING SHARE PARKING STANDARDS FOR BUSINESSES AND
LAND USES IN THE HISTORIC TOWN CENTER MASTER PLAN AREA
PURSUANT TO EXHIBIT "A" ADDING NEW SECTION 9-3.535(H) TO TITLE 9
LAND USE ZONING
PC Meetina Minutes
November 23. 2010
AYES: Commissioner Williams, Commissioner Kerr, Commissioner
Mocalis, and Commissioner Tatarian.
NOES: Chairman Cohen and Commissioner Neely.
ABSTAIN: none.
H. OLD BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
1. Tree Removal Permit (TRP) 10-076, Loma Vista; a permit application to remove 121
trees of various sizes and species. The subject trees are located in the Loma Vista
Homeowners Association generally located at La Novia Avenue and Via Cerro
Rebal (Tract 12829)(Applicant: Nancy Cangiano, Loma Vista Homeowners_
Association)(ProLect Manager: Nick Taylor Associate Planner).
Staff presentation & recommendation
Nick Taylor, Associate Planner made the staff presentation advising the Commission
that the applicant requests approval to remove 121 trees of various sizes and
species. While Grant Taylor, Development Services Director has authority to
approve the permit, the project has been referred to the Planning Commission for
approval due to the magnitude of the scope of work and the potential impacts
associated with the mass removal of trees.
Commissioner Questions
Commissioner Tatarian asked about the term "flush cut" Nick Taylor clarified that the
applicant was referring to a removal technique where the tree stump was cut flush
with the grade, but no stump or root grinding would take place.
Commissioner Williams asked if the 121 trees proposed for removal would be flush
cut straight across at ground level and asked if the replacement trees would be
replanted at different locations.
Applicant presentation
Nancy Cangiano, Loma Vista HOA representative made a brief presentation.
Chairman Cohen asked inquired about the "flush cut." Nancy responded that it
would be trip free. She said that Loma Vista HOA wants to be proactive in removing
these trees before the concrete starts to lift up in these areas. She said the Arborist
has the final say on what trees should be removed.
Public Comments
Valerie Drey of Loma Vista stated that she was tree lover and hugger, but said that
some of the trees should have never been planted and now need to be removed.
PC Meeting Minutes 7 November 23, 2010
Paul Gavin stated that these trees have become a problem and have caused serious
property damage and need to be removed.
Robert G. Boring stated that while he was a tree lover, because of the overplanting
of trees in the common area, he has had to remove his patio and replace it. He said
to remove the trees calls for a three step program.
Commission Comments
Commissioner Williams stated that 121 trees is a lot of trees to be removed. He said
the Home Owners Association is doing a good job, but said that this permit needs to
go back to Design Review Committee for review of a replanting plan.
Commissioner Kerr concurred with Commissioner Williams. She stated that she
would like to see the replanting plan. She thought that Loma Vista HOA was being
responsible in removing these trees.
Commissioner Neely stated that the Loma Vista HOA had done a great job but also
agreed with Commissioner Williams on replacement of trees. He also thought the
Home Owners Association should not be held up and to go through the process.
Commissioner Mocalis concurred with Commissioner Williams.
Commissioner Tatarian said he was concerned with the timing.
Chairman Cohen concurred with Commissioner Williams. He stated that a plan for
the replant needs to be done and he also said that this needs to be referred to the
Design Review Committee.
Commissioner Action
Commissioner Williams made a motion to conditionally approve the permit subject to
review of a replanting plan by the Design Review Committee, seconded by
Commissioner Mocalis. The motion passed by a 6-0 vote.
2. Architectural Control (AC)10-18 Marriott Residence Inn Hotel; a request for approval
of preliminary site and architectural plans for a proposed 130 -room extended stay
hotel on a 4.508 acres (196,369 square feet) located at 33711 Camino Capistrano
and generally located at the southwest corner of Camino Capistrano and Stonehiil
Drive (Assessor Parcel Number 121-254-44) (Applicant: R.D. Olson Development,
Robert A. Olson Representative) (Project Manager: William Ramsey, AICD,
Principal Planner)
Staff presentation & recommendation
William Ramsey, Principal Planner made the staff presentation advising the
Commission that the proposed project is being presented to the Planning
Commission for introduction and to provide preliminary review comments. The
Commission previously conducted a worksession on the proposed project on
PC Meetina Minutes
November 23, 2010
September 14, 2010. The project will be presented to the Commission on December
14 for formal public hearing and final action. Ramsey advised the Commission that
the proposed project was a City Council priority having been part of the original
recommendations of the City Council's Blue Ribbon Committee and more recently
included in the City's Strategic Business Plan. Ramsey stated that the City Council
had recently amended the General Plan and the Title 9, Land Use Code to establish
provisions that would specifically foster the development of "hotels" in the City.
Ramsey recommended that the Commission use the meeting as an opportunity to
get more familiar with project -related issues so that the Commission could take final
action on December 14.
Commissioner Questions
Commissioner Tatarian asked if the Transportation Commission has seen this
project yet and Mr. Ramsey stated that this item is scheduled for the Transportation
Commission on Wednesday, December 8, 2010.
Chairman Cohen asked if a traffic analysis had been
Ramsey responded that both a traffic impact analysis
been performed.
Applicant presentation
None
Commission Comments
None
done on the project and Mr.
(TIA) and a parking study had
Public Comments
Deirdre Hierd president of Villa San Juan HOA, stated that she was concerned the
way the speed of the Marriott Residence Hotel project is going. She said this project
started off as a two story and now it is three stories.
Ron Everly, Board member and resident of Villa San Juan, stated he was concerned
about impacts of the traffic noise from the Marriott Residence Hotel. He said the
three-story building needs to be lowered in height. He also suggested increasing the
density and height of landscaping around the hotel.
Commission Comments
Commissioner Williams asked if a traffic study would be available at the December
14, 2010 Planning Commission meeting and Ramsey responded that the traffic
impact analysis (TIA) results would be included as part of Initial Study which staff
would complete by November 24 and forward to the Commissioners.
Commissioner Williams said he needed more clarification at the next meeting about
the future planned Camino Capistrano widening.
Commissioner Kerr stated that she liked the design changes that had been made to
the Marriott Residence Inn Hotel.
PC Meeting Minutes 9 November 23, 2010
Commissioner Tatarian said that the applicant needed to do homework to address
issues of noise, lighting et cetera that had been raised by the Villa San Juan MHP
residents.
J. STAFF & COMMISSION COMMENTS
Mr. Taylor updated the Commission on the 12/14 Planning Commission, advising them that
six items were scheduled for the meeting. He stated there would be no 12/28 Planning
Commission meeting due to the furlough. He also stated that four items were scheduled for
the 12/2 Design Review Committee meeting and that the General Plan Amendment and the
Open Space Master Plan were scheduled for the 12/7 City Council Meeting.
Mr. William Ramsey advised the Planning Commission that there was going to be a Grant
tour for the following four sites Blas Aguilar Adobe, Northwest Open Space, Los Rios
Community, and the Community Garden.
Commissioner Tatarian requested a copy of the meeting schedules.
Commissioner Neely had wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
K. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 8:35
p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 14, 2010, at 6:30 p.m.
in the Council Chambers.
Respectfully submitted,
William Ramsey, AICP, Principal �1ar�ner
Planning Commission Secretary �1