PC Minutes-2007-07-24
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CONTINUED MEETING
OF THE
PLANNING COMMISSION
TUESDAY, JULY 24, 2007
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order by Chairman
Cardoza at 7:05 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Robert Cardoza, Chairman
Ginny Kerr
Gene Ratcliffe
Commissioners Absent: Sheldon Cohen, Vice Chairman (excused)
Tim Neely (excused)
Staff members in attendance: Jason Retterer, Deputy City Attorney; Grant
Taylor, Assistant Planning Director; Larry Lawrence, Project Manager; Teri
Delcamp, Historic Preservation Manager; Brian Perry, Senior Civil Engineer; Sue
McCullough, Recording Secretary.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Items listed on the Consent Calendar are considered routine and will be enacted
by one motion and one vote. There will be no separate discussion of these
items. If discussion is desired, that item may be removed from the Consent
Calendar and will be considered separately.
1. APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF JUNE 26, 2007
PC Meeting Minutes 2 July 24, 2007
Minutes of June 26, 2007: Commissioner Ratcliffe moved approval, seconded by
Chairman Cardoza. The motion passed by a vote of 2-0-1, with Commissioner
Kerr abstaining due to her absence at the June 26, 2007 meeting.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. CONTINUED REVIEW OF CAPISTRANO VILLAGE, ARCHITECTURAL
CONTROL AC 06-13; AN ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL APPLICATION FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SINGLE-STORY 3,300-SQ.FT. RETAIL AND
OFFICE BUILDING ON AN APPROXIMATELY 9,000 SQ.FT. PARCEL AT THE
CORNER OF CAMINO CAPISTRANO AND AVENIDA PADRE, PLUS
RENOVATION OF PLANTING HARDSCAPE AND PARKING AREAS FOR
ADJACENT BUILDINGS IN THE SAME OWNERSHIP. (APN 668-453-12)
(APPLICANT: DANIEL FRIESS).
Written Communications
July 24, 2007
Applicant
Daniel L. Friess, 31505 Paseo Christina, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Architect
SC Consulting Group Inc., 6 Morgan, Suite 114, Irvine, CA 92618
Staff presentation & recommendation
Mr. Lawrence presented the staff report and said that staff recommends that the
Planning Commission adopt a resolution approving Architectural Control AC 06-
13, subject to the conditions of approval.
Chairman Cardoza asked if the conditions of approval recommended by the DRC
were included in the staff report. Mr. Lawrence said they were.
Public Hearing
Applicant Daniel Friess said the zoning is general commercial, vine trellises have
been added to the existing Rincon building to help mask the brick color, the 11 ft.
wide area will all be at the same plane, and two landscape changes were made.
Commissioner Questions and Comments
Commissioner Kerr suggested the addition of bougainvillea pots and asked the
reason for the very small lights on the adjacent building. Mr. Friess said he will
look at the lights and consider adding more pots.
Motion
Commissioner Ratcliffe moved, seconded by Commissioner Kerr, to adopt
Resolution 07-7-24-1 approving Architectural Control AC 06-13, subject to the
PC Meeting Minutes 3 July 24, 2007
attached conditions of approval, for a retail/office building at Camino Capistrano
and Avenida Padre (Assessor’s Parcel Number 668-453-12)(Capistrano Village)
The motion passed by a vote of 3-0.
2. ZONE VARIANCE (ZV) 07-01, ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL (AC) 05-03
MOD #1, THE VILLA TRASH ENCLOSURE; TO VARY FROM SECTION 9-
3.303 OF THE LAND USE CODE (COMMERCIAL DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS) TO ALLOW A REQUIRED TRASH ENCLOSURE TO BE
LOCATED WITHIN THE 20’ FRONT YARD SETBACK FOR THE APPROVED
WEDDING AND SPECIAL EVENT FACILITY ON AN EXISTING 0.24 ACRE
PROPERTY SITUATED IN THE GENERAL COMMERCIAL ZONE DISTRICT
AND GENERAL PLAN-DESIGNATED GENERAL COMMERCIAL, LOCATED AT
31431 CAMINO CAPISTRANO AND GENERALLY LOCATED 650 FEET
SOUTH OF LA ZANJA STREET (APN: 121-130-04) (APPLICANT: JOHN Q.
HUMPHREYS).
Written Communications
July 24, 2007
Applicant/Property Owner
John Q. Humphreys, 31752 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Architect/Engineer
Tony Brown, 31481 La Matanza Street, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Staff presentation & recommendation
Ms. Delcamp presented the staff report and said the applicant revised the plans
in accordance with DRC recommendations.
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt a resolution approving
the Zone Variance and Architectural Control Modification applications subject to
the attached conditions of approval.
Commissioner Ratcliffe voiced concern regarding the loss of valet space. Ms.
Delcamp said the intent is that vehicles pulling up into the driveway apron and
this project will not impact the functioning of the parking management program.
Chairman Cardoza asked what the hard surface texture would be. Ms. Delcamp
said the surface would be 3 inch pavers that look like stone.
Chairman Cardoza suggested that the hardscape be returned to the DRC for
approval. Ms. Delcamp said the Planning Director would have the opportunity to
refer the hardscape to the DRC if appropriate.
Public Hearing
PC Meeting Minutes 4 July 24, 2007
Applicant John Humphreys clarified that the hardscape (Mexican travertine) is
stone.
Commissioner Kerr asked the anticipated size of events. Mr. Humphreys said
from 2 – 150 people.
Chairman Cardoza asked for clarification of the time restrictions. Ms. Delcamp
said the hours of operation covered in Condition 30 are Wednesday and
Thursday 5 to 10 p.m. with amplified sound ending at 9 p.m., Friday 5 p.m. to
midnight with amplified sound ending at 10 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to midnight with
amplified sound ending at 10 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. with amplified
sound ending at 9 p.m.
Commissioner Questions and Comments
Commissioner Ratcliffe asked if there is a regular pickup of trash. Ms. Delcamp
said the applicant indicated that CR&R would pick up waste and recycling
materials in a timely manner after events.
Chairman Cardoza said the applicant has cooperated with the DRC, and
suggested that the landscape treatment, paving material, and gates be forwarded
to the Planning Director for review prior to occupancy. Director can approve or
refer to DRC.
Motion
Commissioner Kerr moved, seconded by Commissioner Ratcliffe, to adopt
Resolution 07-7-24-2 approving Zone Variance (ZV) 07-01, Architectural Control
(AC) 05-03 Modification #1, to allow encroachment of a trash enclosure in the
front setback, subject to attached conditions of approval and adding a condition
for DRC review of hardscape paving and gate material and color prior to
occupancy, for an approved wedding and special event facility located at 31431
Camino Capistrano. The motion passed by a vote of 3-0.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
1. JUNIPERO SERRA ROAD AND RANCHO VIEJO ROAD (CIP 404),
CONSIDERATION OF PRELIMINARY DESIGN APPROVAL FOR JUNIPERO
SERRA ROAD AND RANCHO VIEJO ROAD INTERSECTION
IMPROVEMENTS (CIP NO. 404). (APPLICANT: CITY OF SAN JUAN
CAPISTRANO)
Written Communications
July 24, 2007
PC Meeting Minutes 5 July 24, 2007
Project Manager
Brian Perry, P.E., Senior Civil Engineer, City of San Juan Capistrano
Engineer
APA Engineering
Landscape Architect
Richard Fisher Associates
Staff presentation & recommendation
Mr. Perry presented the staff report and said that staff recommends that the
Planning Commission recommend City Council adoption of a Mitigated Negative
Declaration (MND); and recommend City Council approval of the preliminary
design plans.
Commissioner Questions and Comments
Commissioner Ratcliffe asked what was meant by “potentially hazardous
weaving maneuvers” mentioned on page 3. Mr. Perry referred to the lane
diagram in attachment 4 and said that weaving refers to lane changes.
Commissioner Ratcliffe asked if Caltrans was in agreement with changing the
HOV carpool lane on the northbound onramp. Mr. Perry said Caltrans hasn’t
commented on it. Commissioner Ratcliffe asked if that delay would make the
stacking worse. Mr. Perry said the additional lane on the onramp is almost a free
right turn, which would help traffic coming from Rancho Viejo Road.
Commissioner Ratcliffe asked if Caltrans is going to go for the waiver. Mr. Perry
said there may be some room to negotiate.
Commissioner Kerr asked if the arrow would have a better result than no right on
red southbound Rancho Viejo Road. Mr. Perry said the proposal calls for
restricted right turn on red for southbound Rancho Viejo Road.
Commissioner Kerr asked about other sources of revenue for the project. Mr.
Perry said that we received some design grant money, there is a possibility of
grant money for construction, several development projects have been tagged to
provide funding for this project, and there is a circulation fee program into which
all developers pay.
Chairman Cardoza asked if final design plans go to DRC or Planning
Commission. Mr. Perry said City Council reviews the project and then plans and
specifications. Chairman Cardoza said there is a need for DRC or Planning
Commission review of the final improvement plan including retaining walls and
plant materials and sizes. Mr. Perry said the retaining walls will be minimal and
the trees will likely be 36” or 48” box. Chairman Cardoza said the impact of
removal of existing trees will be disappointing to many people, and suggested a
PC Meeting Minutes 6 July 24, 2007
condition that the retaining walls and plant materials be brought back for DRC or
Planning Commission review.
Commissioner Ratcliffe asked the provision for pedestrian flow. Mr. Perry said
there is no sidewalk proposed on the freeway side of Rancho Viejo Road, but
continuity of sidewalk is proposed along Junipero Serra. There is
sidewalk/bikeway on the east side of Rancho Viejo Road, which will not be
affected.
Commissioner Ratcliffe said the Echium is very short lived and requires a lot of
maintenance. Mr. Perry said staff can look into that.
Motion
Commissioner Ratcliffe moved, seconded by Commissioner Kerr, to adopt
Resolution 07-7-24-3 recommending City Council approval of Mitigated Negative
Declaration (MND) for widening a portion of Del Obispo Street between Calle
Aspero and Aguacate Road. The motion passed by a vote of 3-0.
Motion
Chairman Cardoza moved, seconded by Commissioner Ratcliffe, to adopt
Resolution 07-7-24-4 recommending City Council approval of conceptual design
plans for widening a portion of Del Obispo Street between Calle Aspero and
Aguacate Road, with the stipulation that the final design documents be submitted
to the DRC for review and comment. The motion passed by a vote of 3-0.
COMMISSION/STAFF COMMENTS
Mr. Taylor asked which Commissioners are available on Wed., August 22, 2007,
for a 7 p.m. joint meeting and public hearing of City Council, Planning
Commission, and DRC to review the Vacaro West building. Chairman Cardoza
said he will not be available on August 22.
Mr. Taylor said the Church of San Juan Capistrano has resubmitted conceptual
plans to substantially reduce the size of the building, omitting the need for the
shared parking agreement. The scaled-down building will need to go back to the
DRC.
Mr. Taylor said at the last DRC meeting, the Marbella gateway was continued to
a future DRC meeting.
Chairman Cardoza asked if the commercial development project across the
street from Marbella is on the agenda in the near future. Mr. Taylor said he will
report back on the status of that project.
Chairman Cardoza asked about the status of DRC review of the Chevron station
materials and colors. Mr. Taylor said he will report back on the date of DRC
review for that item.
PC Meeting Minutes 7 July 24, 2007
Chairman Cardoza asked for clarification of information from the City Clerk
regarding all Commission appointments and elections. Mr. Taylor said all
Commission appointments would be valid until January 2008, and that
reapplications of all Commissioners would take place in November for one-year
appointments initially, to coincide with the next election, and then for two years.
Once the reappointments are made, there would be consideration for
reorganization for Chair and Vice Chair.
Commissioner Ratcliffe said she was glad to see that the big central lantern is
down at the law office, voiced concern regarding large painted signs in the plate
glass windows in the Calle Perfecto center, and said there is no sidewalk into the
Marbella center from either entrance. Mr. Taylor said he would look at the areas
of concern.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. to a special continued Planning Commission
Meeting on Monday, August 13, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers
to discuss the Land Use Code update.
The next regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting will be Tuesday,
August 14, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
Approved:
____________________________________
Steven A. Apple, AICP
Planning Director