PC Minutes-2007-08-2832400 PASEO ADELANTO
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA 92675
(949) 493-1171
(949) 493-1053 FAx
www.sanjuancapistrano.org
CALL TO ORDER
i
MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
—U
SAM ALLEVATO
EST LISH
THOMAS W. HRIBAR
MARK NIELSEN
1776
JOESOTO
DR. LONDRES USO
MINUTES OF THE MEETING
OF THE
PLANNING COMMISSION
TUESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2007
The meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order by Chairman
Cardoza at 7:01 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Robert Cardoza, Chairman
Sheldon Cohen, Vice Chairman
Ginny Kerr
Tim Neely
Gene Ratcliffe
Commissioners Absent: None
Staff members in attendance: Grant Taylor, Assistant Planning Director; Jason
Retterer, Deputy City Attorney; Molly Bogh, former Planning Director; 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.
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San Juan Capistrano: Preserving the Past to Enhance the Future
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PC Meeting Minutes 2 August 28, 2007
1. APPROVAL OF ADJOURNED PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF
AUGUST 13. 2007
2. APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF AUGUST 14
2007
Consent Calendar: Vice Chairman Cohen moved approval of the Consent
Calendar, seconded by Commissioner Ratcliffe. The motion passed by a vote of
5-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
OLD BUSINESS
1. DRAFT REVISIONS TO LAND USE CODES TITLE 9 (GUEST
SPEAKER FORMER PLANNING DIRECTOR MOLLY BOGH)
a. Appendix: Definitions - Track Changes
b. Appendix: Definitions — Final Version
C. Section 9-2.337 — Public Improvement Plans — Track Changes
d. Section 9-2.349 (i) — Tree Removal Permit Violations and Penalties
Written Communications
August 28, 2007
Staff presentation & recommendation
Ms. Bogh reviewed the revisions to the Land Use Code Appendix Definitions
based on input received at the August 13, 2007 Planning Commission workshop.
The Land Use Code changes are intended to clarify procedures and definitions
and bring more consistency into the code.
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission review the proposed changes
at the public workshop; provide input to staff to finalize the draft code sections,
and direct staff to schedule a public hearing for October 9, 2007.
Ms. Bogh reviewed the revisions to Section 9-2.337 and Section 9-2.349 (i).
Mr. Taylor said there is not yet full buy -in of the three -tiered process by City
departments, Engineering, Public Works, and Parks, Recreation and Equestrian
reviewed the draft language. Ms. Bogh said that the following wording is
PC Meeting Minutes 3 August 28, 2007
proposed: "Based on a determination by the Planning Director in consultation
with other affected department heads."
Public Input
Angela Duzich, 31372 Don Juan, voiced concern that food distribution points for
the less fortunate create negative impacts on local businesses. Ms. Duzich
suggested language regarding tree trimming cleanliness and said that pine trees
are dying due to bark beetle infestation. Ms. Bogh said that definitions would be
included, that cleaning of equipment falls under Chapter 5, and that negligent
clearing is subject to the tree ordinance.
Commissioner Questions and Comments
The Planning Commission reviewed the proposed changes and provided input to
staff to finalize the draft code sections for public hearing. The Planning
Commission thanked Ms. Bogh for her assistance and directed staff to schedule
a public hearing on October 9, 2007.
Vice Chairman Cohen asked that any revisions be given to the Commissioners
one to two weeks prior to the October 9, 2007 meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
1. DISCUSSION OF AMENDMENT TO THE LAND USE CODE — SIGNS'
DISCUSSION OF AN AMENDMENT TO SIGNS PROVISIONS SET FORTH IN
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 9-3.543 IN
RESPONSE TO AN URGENCY ORDINANCE PASSED BY THE CITY
COUNCIL REGULATING THE APPROVAL PROCESS FOR CONSTRUCTION
OF BUILDING MOUNTED SIGNS AND MONUMENT SIGNS.
Written Communications
August 28, 2007
Staff presentation & recommendation
Mr. Taylor said that on April 24, 2007 the Planning Commission continued review
of proposed sign code amendments and rather than render a specific decision at
that time directed staff to perform a broader more complete review and that the
City Council should adopt an urgency sign ordinance moratorium that referred all
sign applications to the Planning Commission until staff could draft amended
standards.
The interim urgency ordinance adopted by City Council on May 9, 2007 and
extended on June 19, 2007 is due to expire on December 19, 2007.
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission review the existing sign code
provisions, review previous sign documents, provide comments and input, and
PC Meeting Minutes 4 August 28, 2007
direct staff to prepare a draft code amendment to be considered at a future public
hearing.
Commissioner Questions and Comments
Vice Chairman Cohen suggested a comprehensive review and possible overhaul
of sign standards as well as addressing the urgency ordinance.
Chairman Cardoza said the Planning Commission initiated a comprehensive sign
standards language review prior to the urgency ordinance.
Ms. Bogh said that recent case law has supported the idea that sign language
has to be content neutral. Mr. Taylor agreed that the review process of the sign
program is important.
Commissioner Neely said that Laguna Beach has an upscale approach tc
signage. Mr. Taylor said he would go online to see their signage approach. Ms.
Bogh suggested looking at Claremont's signage program.
Public Hearing
Kent Ahlering, 29222 Rancho Viejo Road, said he works for Mammoth Equities,
asked if the Planning Commission would be reviewing the sign items tonight, and
urged the Commission to help Mammoth Equities obtain monument signs. Mr.
Taylor said the item would be brought before the Planning Commission
September 25, 2007. Mr. Ahlering said that he would ask the Planning
Commission to consider the building -mounted signage at a future meeting.
Chairman Cardoza suggested that Mr. Ahlering provide to staff a written request
for signage wording.
Richard Boyer, 1356 Felipe, San Clemente, said he is president of San Clemente
Citizens for Integrity in Development, which is suing the City for the Marblehead
Coastal Signage Exception. He referred to sign programs for Santa Barbara, Sao
Paulo, and the New York Port Authority.
Commissioner Questions and Comments
Vice Chairman Cohen asked if 10 sq. ft. signage is needed for office complexes
where there are interior corridors. Mr. Taylor said there is no differentiation in the
code between interior and exterior, and 10 sq. ft. signage seems excessive.
Chairman Cardoza asked staff for clarification of City Council urgency ordinance
concerns.
Mr. Taylor said that staff will prepare a draft code amendment to be considered
at the September 25, 2007 Planning Commission Meeting.
COMMISSION/STAFF COMMENTS
PC Meeting Minutes 5 August 28, 2007
Mr. Taylor noted dates of the upcoming Housing Advisory and DRC meetings,
and said that prepping work is starting for the Villa trash enclosure, which should
be coming back to the DRC soon.
Vice Chairman Cohen expressed appreciation for the collaborative effort and
quick response by the community, staff, and City Council to the postal service
situation.
Commissioner Ratcliffe said she is pleased with the reduced signage around
town, and expressed disappointment in the City Council's decision regarding Los
Rios Park. '
Commissioner Neely said the black and brown directional signs look cheap and
the poles are too tall. Mr. Taylor said he will talk with the Manager of the
Economic Development Department.
Chairman Cardoza said he was disappointed in the design review workshop
minutes language regarding Vacaro West, which supported an applicant who did
not comply with DRC or Planning Commission direction. Mr. Taylor said that staff
will do their best to implement Planning Commission direction and that he would
look into the situation.
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, September 11, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
Approved:
Steven A. Apple,
Planning Director