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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-12-20; Planning Commission; MinutesPlanning Commission Minutes December 20, 2017 Page 1 Minutes of: PLANNING COMMISSION Time of Meeting: 6:00 p.m. Date of Meeting: December 20, 2017 Place of Meeting: COUNCIL CHAMBER CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Segall called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Rodman led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Segall, Commissioners Anderson, Black, Goyarts, Montgomery and Rodman Absent: Commissioner Siekmann STAFF PRESENT Don Neu, City Planner Ron Kemp, Assistant City Attorney Farah Nisan, Administrative Secretary Sarah Cluff, Senior Office Specialist Paul Dan, Associate Planner Chris Garcia, Associate Planner Kyrenne Chua, Assistant Engineer APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairperson Segall asked if there were any corrections or revisions to the minutes of the meeting of December 6, 2017. MOTION ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Montgomery and duly seconded by Commissioner Goyarts to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 6, 2017. VOTE: 6-0-1 AYES: Chairperson Segall, Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Black, Commissioner Goyarts, Commissioner Montgomery and Commissioner Rodman NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Siekmann ABSTAIN: None PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING Chairperson Segall asked Mr. Neu to introduce the first item and opened the public hearing on Agenda Item 1. Planning Commission Minutes December 20, 2017 Page 2 1. CDP 2017-0021/V 2017-0004 (DEV2017-0016) – OCEAN STREET RESIDENCE – Request for approval of a Coastal Development Permit and Minor Variance to allow for demolition of an existing single-family residence and the construction of a new 3,861 square foot single-family residence with 550 square feet of garage space, and a front yard setback reduction of five feet and a rear yard setback reduction of 1’-8”, within the Mello II Segment of the city’s Local Coastal Program located at 2680 Ocean Street within Local Facilities Management Zone 1. The project site is within the appealable area of the California Coastal Commission. The City Planner has determined that the project belongs to a class of projects that the State Secretary for Resources has found do not have a significant impact on the environment, and it is therefore categorically exempt from the requirement for the preparation of environmental documents pursuant to Section 15303(a) construction of a single-family residence and Section 15305(a), minor setback variances not resulting in the creation of any new parcels, of the state CEQA Guidelines. Mr. Neu stated Agenda Item 1 would normally be heard in a public hearing context; however, the project appears to be minor in routine and nature with no outstanding issues and staff is recommending approval. He recommended the public hearing be opened and closed, and that the Planning Commission proceed with a vote as consent item. If the Planning Commission or any members of the public wish to pull the items, Staff would be available to respond to any questions. Chairperson Segall asked if any members of the Planning Commission wished to pull any of the item listed. Commissioner Anderson stated she would like to hear the item since it is requesting variances on the setbacks. Chairperson Segall opened the public hearing on Agenda Item 1 and asked if any of the Commissioners have ex parte communications to disclose for this item. Commissioner Anderson disclosed that she drove by the property. Mr. Dan gave a presentation and stated he would be available to answer any questions. Chairperson Segall asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner Anderson asked if the developer’s dedication of 5 feet will be in addition to the proposed 15 foot setback. Mr. Dan replied no, the property would be 15 feet from the public right of way. Mr. Neu clarified that the dedication was shown on the project plans and a condition of approval regarding the dedication is proposed in the errata sheet. Chairperson Segall asked if the applicant wished to make a presentation. Seeing none, Chairperson Segall asked if any person in the audience wished to speak on the item. Seeing none, he opened and closed public testimony. MOTION ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Montgomery and duly seconded by Commissioner Black that the Planning Commission adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 7281 approving Coastal Development Permit CDP 2017-0021 and Minor Variance V 2017- 0004 based upon the findings and subject to the conditions contained therein as amended. VOTE: 6-0-1 AYES: Chairperson Segall, Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Black, Commissioner Goyarts, Commissioner Montgomery and Commissioner Rodman NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Siekmann ABSTAIN: None Planning Commission Minutes December 20, 2017 Page 3 Chairperson Segall closed the public hearing on Agenda Item 1, asked Mr. Neu to introduce the next item and opened the public hearing on Agenda Item 2. 2. CT 2017-0004/RP 2017-0009 (DEV2017-0069) – SIX ON MADISON – Request for a recommendation of approval of a Tentative Tract Map and Major Review Permit for the construction of a mixed-use building consisting of 943 square feet of commercial space and six residential condominium units located at the northwest corner of Madison Street and Oak Avenue in Land Use District 1 of the Village Review zone and within Local Facilities Management Zone 1. The City Planner has determined that this project belongs to a class of projects that the State Secretary for Resources has found do not have a significant impact on the environment, and is therefore categorically exempt from the requirement for the preparation of environmental documents pursuant to section 15332 (In-fill Development Projects) of the State CEQA guidelines. Mr. Neu introduced Agenda Item 2 and stated Associate Planner Chris Garcia would make the staff presentation. Chairperson Segall asked if any of the Commissioners have ex parte communications to disclose for this item. Commissioner Anderson disclosed that she drove by the property. Commissioner Rodman disclosed that she often drives and runs by the property. Commissioner Montgomery disclosed that he drove by the property and understands it very well. Chairperson Segall disclosed he also drove by the property and has viewed it on Google. Mr. Garcia gave a presentation and stated he would be available to answer any questions. Chairperson Segall asked if there were any questions of staff. Seeing none, he asked if the applicant wished to make a presentation. John Beery, BG1 Architecture, Suite D, 2091 Las Palmas Drive, stated that he would be available to answer questions. Chairperson Segall asked if there were any questions for the applicant. Commissioner Montgomery inquired about elevator shafts and the roof access below the roof height. Mr. Beery replied that the elevator is slightly above the roof height with most of the mechanical equipment located down below. Commissioner Black asked if each car lift vault has drainage capability. Mr. Beery stated yes, each lower vault for the vehicles has a drain in the center that will go to a sump pump. Chairperson Segall inquired about the operations of the vehicle lift. Mr. Beery stated if the lift is in the down position and there is not a vehicle in that location, a vehicle would drive onto the upper platform for the lift. It is the reverse as if it was a lift that was tandem but above grade. Chairperson Segall asked if there will be backup generators in the event of a power outage. Mr. Beery replied that the information has not been completed with the lift company however, American Custom Lifts located in Escondido is very well known and is sure that there will be a backup system in place. Chairperson Segall asked Mr. Beery if he has had experience with lifts. Mr. Beery replied yes, he has worked on a project in Point Loma where a lift was installed for a classic car and the proposed lift is very similar. Chairperson Segall asked about the commercial use. Mr. Beery stated that they would want something that would commensurate with the community. The project applicant Mehran Saberi, 7851 Mission Center Court, San Diego, commented that they have been evaluating the uses allowed in the district and the commercial use has not yet been determined. Planning Commission Minutes December 20, 2017 Page 4 Commissioner Anderson asked if the driver would remain in the vehicle and ride the lift down to the lower level. Mr. Saberi replied no, the driver would drive onto the platform, exit the vehicle and lower the lift by pushing a button. Commissioner Anderson asked how the vehicle would be locked onto the platform. Mr. Beery provided a brochure of the Phantom Park lift to the Commission and stated that the vehicle would be secured by the parking brake. Commissioner Anderson asked if there is a limit to vehicle size that can go into the vault. Mr. Beery stated that lifts are limited to the weight, height and the length of the vehicle. Commissioner Anderson asked if a van or a suburban would fit into the vault. Mr. Beery replied yes. Chairperson Segall asked if an inebriated person would get stuck in the bottom vault. Mr. Beery replied no, the lift has two platforms and the vehicle is locked either on top or in between the two platforms. He stated that there are no open pits. Chairperson Segall asked if there will be enough room in the alley for vehicles to be queued. Mr. Beery stated that there is not enough room in the alley for vehicles to be queued and that Oak Avenue would more than likely be used. Mr. Saberi added that there would be enough space within the parking structure on site for the vehicles to be queued. Commissioner Goyarts inquired about safety during the lift operation. Mr. Beery commented that the lifts would automatically be stopped if the button that operates the lifts is no longer pushed. Commissioner Anderson asked if the lift could be operated by remote or if the driver would have to be outside of the vehicle. Mr. Beery stated that he does not think so. Chairperson Segall asked if any person in the audience wished to speak on the item and opened public testimony on Agenda Item 2. Robert Wilkinson, 2277 Cameo Road, applauds the applicant for more mixed use projects in the village, however it is a bad model for a mixed use project as ground level parking eats up the vast majority of commercial space. Mr. Wilkinson appreciates the applicant utilizing the stacked parking method hoping that the Commission would keep in mind that the village is a transit oriented neighborhood. He hopes that the new Village and Barrio Master Plan will require all new residential projects to provide an area for parking and storage for bicycles. Mr. Wilkinson appreciates the setback however, street trees is an issue needing attention on Oak Avenue. Julie Ajdour, 3537 Madison Street, stated her concerns whether the commercial space would be compatible with the neighborhood. Chairperson Segall asked if any other member of the audience wished to speak on the item. Seeing none, he closed the public testimony. Commissioner Goyarts asked where bicycles could be stored. Mr. Beery replied each unit has requirements for storage, therefore bicycles could be stored in the garage on the lower level, on the north side all along the property line. Commissioner Goyarts asked if the lower lifts could be used for storage. Mr. Beery stated he could see if someone had one vehicle and would need additional storage utilizing the lower lift. Chairperson Segall asked on behalf of Commissioner Siekmann if the applicant intends to add solar panels to the project. Mr. Beery stated no, there are no provisions at the moment for solar panels. Chairperson Segall asked if conduit would be available for future solar installation. Mr. Beery stated that it would be a requirement from the Building Division. Chairperson Segall asked if there will be capability for plugging an electric vehicle whilst on the lift. Mr. Beery stated yes, there will be stations for recharging electric vehicles on top of the platform. Commissioner Goyarts asked if the option for 220 volt outlets will be available for all six vehicle lifts. Mr. Beery replied that the requirement is not for each lift and believes that the requirement is to have one 220 volt outlet for every 10 or 11 lifts. Commissioner Anderson asked if parallel parking is on Madison Street. Mr. Garcia replied that portion is currently diagonal angled parking. Planning Commission Minutes December 20, 2017 Page 5 Commissioner Goyarts asked what specific trees are proposed for the project. Mr. Garcia stated that there are street trees required for the project and the city’s landscape consultant will review those for consistency with the plan; however, he is not certain which trees will be chosen for the area. Commissioner Rodman asked if the street trees meet the standards. Mr. Garcia replied the project is being reviewed and inspected by the city’s landscape consultant. Commissioner Anderson asked if the parking lot north of the project is a bank or privately owned parking lot. Mr. Garcia replied that they are all privately owned parking lots. Chairperson Segall stated that the Commission received a letter opposing the project from Jim Greene. DISCUSSION Commissioner Goyarts can support the project. Commissioner Anderson can support the project. MOTION ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Montgomery and duly seconded by Commissioner Black that the Planning Commission adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 7282 recommending approval of Tentative Tract Map CT 2017-0004 and Major Review Permit RP 2017-0009 to the City Council based on the findings and subject to the conditions contained therein. VOTE: 6-0-1 AYES: Chairperson Segall, Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Black, Commissioner Goyarts, Commissioner Montgomery and Commissioner Rodman NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Siekmann ABSTAIN: None Chairperson Segall closed the public hearing on Agenda Item 2, asked Mr. Neu to introduce the next item and opened the public hearing on Agenda Item 3. 3. ELECTION OF OFFICERS – The Planning Commission will elect a Chairperson and a Vice Chairperson for 2018. Chairperson Segall nominated Commissioner Montgomery for Chairperson. The nomination was seconded by Commissioner Rodman. Chairperson Segall asked if there were any other nominations for Chairperson. There were no other nominations. The Commission voted 5-0-1 to appoint Commissioner Montgomery as Chairperson for the 2018 calendar year. Chairperson Segall asked if there were any nominations for the position of Vice Chairperson. Commissioner Montgomery nominated Commissioner Rodman for Vice Chairperson. The nomination was seconded by Chairperson Goyarts. Chairperson Segall asked if there were any other nominations for Vice Chairperson. Commissioner Anderson nominated Commissioner Black to Vice Chairperson. The motion failed without a second. The Commission voted 5-0-1 to appoint Commissioner Rodman as Vice Chairperson for the 2018 calendar year. Planning Commission Minutes December 20, 2017 Chairperson Segall closed the public hearing on Agenda Item 3. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Anderson wished the Commission Happy Holidays. Page6 Commissioner Black acknowledged the incoming Chairperson and Vice Chairperson and wished the Commission Happy Holidays. Commissioner Goyarts wished the Commission Happy Holidays. Commissioner Rodman thanked the Commission for the vote of confidence and looks forward to serving. Commissioner Rodman wished the Commission Happy Holidays. Commissioner Montgomery appreciates the nomination and the vote of confidence. Commissioner Montgomery's first order of business is to not have a Planning Commission Meeting on January 3, 2018. Commissioner Rodman thanked Chairperson Segall for his service and great leadership. CITY PLANNER COMMENTS Mr. Neu confirmed that the January 3rd Planning Commission hearing has been cancelled. He informed the Commission that the Trails Master Plan is tentatively scheduled for January 17th as it has been delayed at the request of the Parks and Recreation Department several times. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS Assistant City Attorney Ron Kemp wished the Commission Happy Holidays. ADJOURNMENT By proper motion, the Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission of December 20, 2017 was adjourned at 7:00 p.m. ~~ DON NEU City Planner Farah Nisan Minutes Clerk