PC Minutes-2008-05-1332400 PASEO ADELANTO
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, MAY 13, 2008
The meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order by Chair Cohen at
7:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present:
Sheldon Cohen, Chair
Gene Ratcliffe, Vice Chair
Robert Cardoza
Ginny Kerr
Tim Neely
Commissioners Absent: No
Staff members in attendance: Grant Taylor, Assistant Planning Director; Jason
Retterer, Deputy City Attorney; William Ramsey, AICP, Principal Planner; David
Contreras, Senior Planner; Justin Kirk, Assistant Planner; Douglas Dumhart,
Economic Development Manager; Sue McCullough, Recording Secretary.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mary Eidsvold, 26371 Via Corrizo, spoke in favor of Item H-2 regarding the San
Juan Capistrano Library, asked that the Planning Commission select Option A,
and suggested the lattice be metal instead of wood.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Items listed on the Consent Calendar are considered routine and may be
enacted by one motion and one vote. There may be no separate discussion of
San Juan Capistrano: Preserving the Past to Enhance the Fztture
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MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
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MINUTES OF THE MEETING
OF THE
PLANNING COMMISSION
TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2008
The meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order by Chair Cohen at
7:00 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present:
Sheldon Cohen, Chair
Gene Ratcliffe, Vice Chair
Robert Cardoza
Ginny Kerr
Tim Neely
Commissioners Absent: No
Staff members in attendance: Grant Taylor, Assistant Planning Director; Jason
Retterer, Deputy City Attorney; William Ramsey, AICP, Principal Planner; David
Contreras, Senior Planner; Justin Kirk, Assistant Planner; Douglas Dumhart,
Economic Development Manager; Sue McCullough, Recording Secretary.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mary Eidsvold, 26371 Via Corrizo, spoke in favor of Item H-2 regarding the San
Juan Capistrano Library, asked that the Planning Commission select Option A,
and suggested the lattice be metal instead of wood.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Items listed on the Consent Calendar are considered routine and may be
enacted by one motion and one vote. There may be no separate discussion of
San Juan Capistrano: Preserving the Past to Enhance the Fztture
CON Printed on recycled paper
PC Meeting Minutes 2 May 13, 2008
these items. If discussion is desired, that item may be removed from the
Consent Calendar and will be considered separately.
APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF APRIL 8 2008.
Commissioner Cardoza moved approval of Planning Commission Minutes of
April 8, 2008 as submitted, seconded by Vice Chair Ratcliffe. The motion passed
by a vote of 4-0-1, with Commissioner Neely abstaining due to his absence at the
meeting.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. GRADING PLAN MODIFICATION (GPM) 07-010, WOODSON RESIDENCE;
A REQUEST TO APPROVE PREVIOUSLY CONSTRUCTED RETAINING
WALLS ALONG THE FRONT PORTION OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT
27871 GOLDENRIDGE LANE GENERALLY LOCATED 738 FEET NORTH OF
STEEPLECHASE (APN 650-581-12) (APPLICANT: SCOTT PHELPS).
Written Communications
May 13, 2008
Property Owner
Steve Woodson, 27871 Golden Ridge Lane, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Applicant
Construction Technicians, 27 Mauchly #207, Irvine, CA 92618
Staff presentation & recommendation
Mr. Kirk presented the staff report and recommended that the Planning
Commission adopt a resolution conditionally approving Grading Plan Modification
(GPM) 07-010.
Commissioner Questions and Comments
Commissioner Cardoza said that the DRC reviewed and appeared to be
supportive of the after -the -fact installation.
Motion
Commissioner Neely moved to adopt Resolution 08-5-13-1 adopting a Notice of
Exemption and approving a Grading Plan Modification for an existing single-
family home located at 27871 Goldenridge Lane, seconded by Commissioner
Cardoza (Assessors Parcel Number 650-581-12; Steve Woodson). The motion
passed by a vote of 5-0.
PC Meeting Minutes
OLD BUSINESS
May 13, 2008
1. CONTINUED CONSIDERATION OF ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL (AC) 07-
13; A REQUEST TO CONSTRUCT A COVERED CARWASH BAY AT THE
REAR OF THE EXISTING SALES OFFICE BUILDING AT TOYOTA OF SAN
JUAN CAPISTRANO AUTO DEALERSHIP LOCATED AT 33395 CAMINO
CAPISTRANO GENERALLY LOCATED 960 FEET NORTH OF STONEHILL
DRIVE (APN 121-240-75) (APPLICANT: TOYOTA OF SAN JUAN
CAPISTRANO).
Chair Cohen recused himself since his firm represents the applicant.
Written Communications
May 13, 2008
Applicant
Jennifer Raner, 610 Newport Center Drive, Suite 840, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Property Owner
Mike Kahn, 610 Newport Center Drive, Suite 840, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Staff presentation & recommendation
Mr. Contreras presented the staff report and recommended that the Planning
Commission review the staff analysis in the staff report and direct staff to prepare
the appropriate resolution, incorporating findings based on the Commission's
action.
Public Hearing
Applicant Jody Stout of Superior Automotive Group said that Toyota of San Juan
Capistrano would like to proceed with Option D, to keep the existing structure
and remove the blowers.
David Ott, 26000 Avenida Aeropuerto, #35, spoke in support of Option D.
Virginia Riley, 26000 Avenida Aeropuerto, #48, thanked Mr. Taylor for the next -
day response to the letter she presented at the April 8, 2008 meeting, and spoke
in support of removing the blowers.
Tom Gronewald, 26000 Avenida Aeropuerto, #45, thanked Toyota for the change
of plans on behalf of the park owner and residents.
Commissioner Questions and Comments
Commissioner Cardoza asked if the car wash structure is temporary. Ms. Stout
said that is correct.
PC Meeting Minutes 4 May 13, 2008
Motion
Commissioner Kerr moved, seconded by Commissioner Cardoza, to direct staff
to prepare a resolution, making the required findings as set forth in Section 9-
2.313. Architectural Control Review, to approve the existing unapproved metal
shed carwash structure. Said findings consist of:
(1) The project plans comply with all provisions of Title 9 of the San Juan
Capistrano Municipal Code;
(2) The architectural and general design of the project is generally consistent
with the goals, policies and objectives of the Community Design Element
and all other applicable provisions of the General Plan;
(3) The site plan is compatible with surrounding existing and proposed land
uses;
(4) The general design considerations, including the character, scale and
quality of the design are consistent with the adopted Architectural Design
Guidelines of the City;
(5) The site plan is functional and safe in regards to existing or mitigated off-
site conditions as they relate to adequacy of vehicular, bicycle and
pedestrian circulation;
(6) The general landscape design, including the location, type, size, color,
texture and coverage of plant materials has been considered to insure
visual relief to complement buildings and structure.
The motion passed by a vote of 4-0-1, with Chair Cohen recused.
Mr. Taylor said the Resolution, including the conditions about the bougainvillea
vines on the fence, will be on the Consent Calendar of the next Planning
Commission meeting.
2. CONTINUED CONSIDERATION OF TREE REMOVAL PERMIT (TRP) 08-
008 BONITA PARK; A REQUEST TO CONSIDER A TREE REPLACEMENT
PLAN TO REPLACE THE PREVIOUSLY APPROVED REMOVAL OF 7 (TWO)
RED IRON BARK EUCALYPTUS TREES LOCATED WITHIN BONITA PARK.
THE SUBJECT TREES ARE LOCATED AT THE SOUTH PORTION OF THE
PARK SPECIFICALLY AT THE CORNER OF VIA DEL REY AND AVENIDA
OLIVERA AND GENERALLY LOCATED 800 FEET SOUTH OF CAMINO DEL
AVION (APPLICANT: CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO).
Written Communications
May 13, 2008
Staff presentation & recommendation
Mr. Contreras presented the staff report and recommended that the Planning
Commission approve the proposed tree replacement plan as presented.
PC Meeting Minutes 5 May 13, 2008
Commissioner Questions and Comments
Commissioner Cardoza asked if the irrigation system would be modified. Mr.
Contreras said that the costly remediation of the irrigation system will be done.
Motion
Commissioner Neely moved to adopt Resolution 08-5-13-2 approving the
replanting plan for 3 oak trees for Tree Removal Permit (TRP) 08-008 for 7
(seven) Red Iron Bark Eucalyptus trees located within Bonita Park (City of San
Juan Capistrano).
NEW BUSINESS
1. REQUEST FOR GENERAL PLAN CONFORMITY FINDING — SAN JUAN
CREEK CHANNEL WEST LEVEE PROTECTION PROJECT; PHASE 1,
APPROXIMATELY 1,700 FEET UPSTREAM OF STONEHILL DRIVE TO
APPROXIMATELY 5,700 FEET UPSTREAM OF STONEHILL DRIVE (STATION
72+00 TO 112+00) LOCATED IN THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
,(APPLICANT: COUNTY OF ORANGE, RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT &
MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT, NADEEM MAJAJ, P.E.).
Commissioner Neely recused himself due to his employment with the County of
Orange.
Written Communications
May 13, 2008
Staff presentation & recommendation
Mr. Ramsey presented the staff report and recommended that the Planning
Commission adopt a resolution finding that the Orange County Resources
Development & Management Department's (RD&MD) proposed San Juan Creek
Channel West Levee Protection Project would be consistent with the General
Plan Safety Element.
Commissioner Questions and Comments
Commissioner Cardoza asked what the visual impact would be. Mr. Ramsey said
there is no visual impact after installation of the sheet piling system because the
sheet piles would be located completely below grade.
Vice Chair Ratcliffe asked whether the existing levee system would be adequate
to accommodate increasing storm flows after additional, future, up -stream
development. Mr. Ramsey said that under current State and county regulations,
new development is required to provide on-site detention so as to assure that
post -development runoff does not exceed pre -development runoff. Consequently,
development of the "Ranch Plan" should not result in an increase in storm flows
on San Juan Creek.
PC Meeting Minutes 6 May 13, 2008
Phil Jones, Manager, Flood Control Design Section, O.C. Public Works Flood
Control Design, 300 N. Flower, Santa Ana, said that on January 11, 2005, he
assisted the. City in evacuating five neighborhoods from the east edge of San
Juan Creek. Although the current project will not increase the capacity of the
creek channel, the County and the Army Corps of Engineers are presently
working towards a solution to provide 100 -year protection and conveyance for
the creek.
Commissioner Kerr asked if the project is on schedule and if ground vibration
during installation of the sheet piling system would affect nearby residences. Mr.
Jones said that bids open tomorrow and the project is presently on schedule.
Further, the County's Flood Control District has installed sheet piling systems in
other areas of the County within 20 feet of residences without damage. He also
noted that the County would provide the opportunity to homeowners in the area
for photo -documentation of their property's condition for liability protection prior to
the beginning of construction work.
Motion
Vice Chair Ratcliffe moved to adopt Resolution 08-5-13-3 rendering a General
Plan conformity finding for the proposed San Juan Creek Channel West Levee
Protection Project, Phase 1, seconded by Commissioner Cardoza (County of
Orange, Resources Development & Management Department, Nadeem Majaj,
P.E.). The motion passed by a vote of 4-0-0, with Commissioner Neely recused.
2. WORK SESSION: ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL (AC) 08-04, CITY
COUNCIL PRIORITY #1713: A REQUEST TO CONSTRUCT A 2,440 S.F.
ADDITION ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE EXISTING SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
LIBRARY BUILDING LOCATED AT 31495 EL CAMINO REAL, GENERALLY
LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF EL CAMINO REAL AND
ACJACHEMA STREET (APN 124-190-21) (APPLICANT: CITY OF SAN JUAN
CAPISTRANO).
Commissioner Neely recused himself due to his employment with the County of
Orange.
Written Communications
May 13, 2008
Staff presentation & recommendation
Mr. Contreras presented the staff report and recommended that the Planning
Commission conduct a work session, review and comment on the proposed
Library expansion.
Mr. Dumhart said the library remodel objectives were 1) whether more space for
the collection was needed, 2) a more prominent location for the bookstore, 3) the
computer stations needed to be expanded, 4) any alterations to the Michael
PC Meeting Minutes 7 May 13, 2008
Graves library needed to maintain the architectural integrity, 5) more staff space,
6) better use of space, 7) improve security to meet today's needs, 8) need for
better illumination. Carrier Johnson conducted a needs assessment and found a
sixty percent space deficiency according to industry standards.
Sabrina Jones from Carrier Johnson discussed the plan Options 1, 2, and 3 and
said that Mr. Graves prefers Option 1.
Mike Imlay, Principal of Land Concern, consultant to Carrier Johnson, discussed
the plan for a formal "viewing" garden, redesign of the Bland garden and
connecting walk.
Public Hearing
Teri Garza, 31495 EI Camino Real, spoke in favor of the Michael Graves vision
for the project.
Bob Slater, 26521 Calle Lorenzo, President, Friends of Library, spoke in favor of
the Michael Graves vision for the project.
Mary Eidsvold, 26371 Via Collizo, spoke in favor of the Michael Graves vision for
the project.
Ken Freese, 31506 Paseo Christina, spoke in favor of the Michael Graves vision
for the project.
Commissioner Questions and Comments
Commissioner Ratcliffe spoke in favor of Option 1 with expansive views and
daylight to improve interior illumination.
There was consensus among the Commissioners that Option 1 was favored.
Motion
Commissioner Cardoza moved that the Planning Commission concurred that
Option 1 was preferred with some alternative lattice material other than wood,
with landscaping to return at a later date, seconded by Vice Chair Ratcliffe. The
motion passed by a vote of 4-0-1, with Commissioner Neely recused.
COMMISSION/STAFF COMMENTS
Mr. Taylor said that the four trees removed from the City parking lot are to be
replaced with two Sycamore trees in the island planter area and, if possible,
another Sycamore adjacent to the ADA parking stalls. Mr. Contreras
summarized City Parking Lot Native Landscaping Project.
Chair Cohen said the Ventanas Project was approved by City Council.
PC Meeting Minutes 8 May 13, 2008
Mr. Taylor said that the Endevco joint meeting for May 27, 2008 has been
canceled pending some revisions to the project, and the Cultural Heritage
meeting has been rescheduled to Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. There will
be a City Council budget workshop May 14, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. At the City Council
May 20, 2008 meeting, there is a request for a public convenience and necessity
finding for the beer and wine license for the Ortega gas station. An administrative
citation program for Code Enforcement has been developed. The Title 9 code
amendment goes back to the City Council on May 20, 2008.
Vice Chair Ratcliffe said she will be out of the country for the May 27, 2008 and
June 10, 2008 Planning Commission meetings.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was
adjourned at 9:06 p.m.
The next regularly scheduled Planning Commission Meeting is scheduled for
Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber.
Approved:
Grant Taylor, As4ltiAiant Planning Director
Secretary