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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-11-06; Planning Commission; MinutesPlanning Commission Minutes November 6, 2013 Page 1 Minutes of: PLANNING COMMISSION Time of Meeting: 6:00 p.m. Date of Meeting: November 6, 2013 Place of Meeting: COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Siekmann called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner L’Heureux led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Siekmann, Commissioners Anderson, Black, L’Heureux, Schumacher, Scully and Segall Absent: None STAFF PRESENT Don Neu, City Planner Jane Mobaldi, Assistant City Attorney Bridget Desmarais, Administrative Secretary Christer Westman, Senior Planner Pam Drew, Associate Planner Greg Fisher, Assistant Planner Jason Geldert, Senior Engineer Sherri Howard, Associate Engineer PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairperson Siekmann asked if there were any corrections or revisions to the minutes of the meeting from October 16, 2013. MOTION ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Black and duly seconded, that the Planning Commission approve the minutes from the Regular Meeting of October 16, 2013. VOTE: 7-0 AYES: Chairperson Siekmann, Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Black, Commissioner L’Heureux, Commissioner Schumacher, Commissioner Scully and Commissioner Segall NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING Chairperson Siekmann asked Mr. Neu to introduce the first item and opened the public hearing on Agenda Item 1. Planning Commission Minutes November 6, 2013 Page 2 1. CDP 13-10 – GARFIELD BEACH RESIDENCE – Request for approval of a Coastal Development Permit to allow for the demolition of an existing two-unit residential apartment building and the construction of a new 3,156 square foot single family residence and attached two car garage within the City’s Coastal Zone located at 2637 Garfield Street between Cypress Avenue and Beech Avenue, in the Mello II Segment of the Local Coastal Program and within Local Facilities Management Zone 1. 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 Sections 15301(l)(2) demolition of a duplex or similar multi-family residential structure and 15303 (a) construction of a single family residence 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 and routine in nature with no outstanding issues and Staff recommends approval. He recommended that the public hearing be opened and closed, and that the Commission proceed with a vote as a consent item. Staff would be available to respond to questions if the Commission or someone from the public wished to comment on Agenda Item 1. Chairperson Siekmann asked if any member of the audience wished to address Agenda Item 1. Seeing none, she opened and closed public testimony. MOTION ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Black and duly seconded, that the Planning Commission approve Agenda Item 1. VOTE: 7-0 AYES: Chairperson Siekmann, Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Black, Commissioner L’Heureux, Commissioner Schumacher, Commissioner Scully, and Commissioner Segall NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Chairperson Siekmann closed the public hearing on Agenda Item 1, asked Mr. Neu to introduce the next item, and opened the public hearing on Agenda Item 3. 3. EIR 03-05(B)/CDP 04-41(A) – DESALINATION PROJECT CHANGES – Request for approval of an addendum to Environmental Impact Report EIR 03-05(A) and an amendment to Coastal Development Permit CDP 04-41 for the Desalination plant project to shift the previously approved location of the 54-inch diameter pipeline approximately 600 feet to the south of the intersection of Faraday Avenue and Cannon Road, within Macario Canyon, and construct ancillary facilities east of Faraday Avenue, within the city’s future Veterans Memorial park, in the Mello II Segment of the Local Coastal Program and in Local Facilities Management Zone 8. Mr. Neu introduced Agenda Item 3 and stated Associate Planner Pam Drew would make the staff presentation assisted by Associate Engineer Sherri Howard. Ms. Drew gave a brief presentation and stated she would be available to answer any questions. Chairperson Siekmann asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner Black asked Ms. Howard about the air release valves. Ms. Howard stated the valves are 2 way valves. Commissioner Black stated he is concerned with security and safety. Ms. Howard stated the valves are used all over the city and no issues have been raised regarding them. Planning Commission Minutes November 6, 2013 Page 3 Commissioner L'Heureux asked about the foundation pad and its future use. Ms. Drew stated the area could be used as a potential parking area for the future Veterans Memorial Park. Chairperson Siekmann asked about the generator and when it would be used. Ms. Howard stated the generator would be used one time for the warranty inspection, and then it will be used every 10 to 15 years for inspection unless there is an emergency. Chairperson Siekmann asked if there were any further questions of staff. Seeing none, she asked if the applicant wished to make a presentation Frank Belock, San Diego County Water Authority, 4677 Overland, San Diego, commented that he did not have a presentation but he would be available to answer any questions. Chairperson Siekmann asked if there were any questions of the applicant. Seeing none, she asked if any members of the audience wished to speak on the item. Seeing none, Chairperson Siekmann opened and closed public testimony on Agenda Item No. 3. DISCUSSION Commissioner Schumacher commented that he is satisfied with addendum and the amendment, and he stated he can support the project. Commissioner Segall stated he can support the project. Commissioner L'Heureux stated he can also support the project. Commissioner Scully stated she can support the project. Commissioner Anderson commented she is happy to see the pipeline going underground and can support the project. Commissioner Black thanked staff for their presentation and stated he can support the project. Chairperson Siekmann stated she too can support the project. MOTION ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Black and duly seconded, that the Planning Commission adopt Planning Commission Resolutions No. 7018 and 7019 approving an Addendum to Environmental Impact Report EIR 03-05(A) and an Amendment to Coastal Development Permit CDP 04-41 based on the findings and subject to the conditions contained therein. VOTE: 7-0 AYES: Chairperson Siekmann, Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Black, Commissioner L’Heureux, Commissioner Schumacher, Commissioner Scully, and Commissioner Segall NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Chairperson Siekmann closed the public hearing on Agenda Item 3, asked Mr. Neu to introduce the next item, and opened the public hearing on Agenda Item 2. Planning Commission Minutes November 6, 2013 Page 4 2. CUP 06-11(B) – PACIFIC RIDGE SCHOOL EXPANSION – Request for approval of an amendment to the Conditional Use Permit CUP 06-11(A) for the existing Pacific Ridge School for a phased Campus Master Plan that includes the removal of 3 temporary modular buildings and replacing them with a 21,691 SF middle school, 23,589 SF arts building, 23,083 SF theater building, and the addition of 120 new parking spaces on property located within Planning Area 13 of the Bressi Ranch Master Plan (BRMP) and generally located north of Greenhaven Drive, south of Bressi Ranch Way, east of Open Space Area 3 and west of El Fuerte Street in Local Facilities Management Zone 17. The City Planner determined that the proposed amendment is within the scope of the previously adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Pacific Ridge School Conditional Use Permit Amendment CUP 06-11(A). Mr. Neu introduced Agenda Item 2 and stated Senior Planner Christer Westman would make the staff presentation. Mr. Westman gave a brief presentation and stated he would be available to answer any questions. Chairperson Siekmann acknowledged receipt of letters from Jay and Melanie Kuderka, Scott and Megan Foster, Mike Brenner, Laurie Kartsub, a petition signed by the many residents in the neighborhood, and an errata sheet. Chairperson Siekmann asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner Segall asked why a traffic light is being requested at the point of ingress. Mr. Westman stated it is an ingress/egress access point. Commissioner Segall asked about the trailers that had been on the site. Mr. Westman stated it is a temporary, relocated building. Commissioner Segall also asked about the installation of the traffic signal. Mr. Westman stated the school commissioned a traffic study that was reviewed by the city’s traffic engineering division. The study showed significant evidence that a traffic signal could be warranted. Commissioner Schumacher asked if the signal will be timed with the other lights on El Fuerte. Mr. Westman commented that it is possible that it could be timed but deferred the question to Senior Engineer Jason Geldert. Mr. Geldert stated the signal could be timed during peak times, and could be on sensors for other times. He commented that staff can look into the timing of the light. Mr. Geldert further commented that there are 2 lanes in and 1 lane out of the driveway. Commissioner Schumacher asked about the existing light at the southern intersection. Mr. Westman stated that intersection will remain as is. Chairperson Siekmann asked if there were any further questions of staff. Seeing none, she asked if the applicant wished to make a presentation. Eric Munoz, Director of Planning, Hofman Planning and Engineering, 3156 Lionshead Avenue, Suite 1, Carlsbad, gave a brief presentation and stated he would be available to answer any questions. Mr. Munoz introduced Bob Ogle, head of school for Pacific Ridge School 2238 11th Street, Encinitas. Mr. Ogle gave a brief presentation and stated he would be available to answer any questions. Mr. Ogle introduced Andrew Michajlenko, with GKK Works, 1775 Hancock Street, San Diego. Mr. Michajlenko also gave a brief presentation and stated he would be available to answer any questions. Commissioner Black asked when Phase 2 will begin. Mr. Munoz stated it will depend on the availability of funding. Commissioner Segall asked about the parking area between the gym and the new theater building and whether the faculty or students would use the area. Mr. Ogle stated those details for the parking areas have not yet been determined. Commissioner Anderson asked if there will be parking along the western edge of the project. Mr. Munoz stated it is a fire lane. Commissioner Anderson asked where students are currently parking. Mr. Ogle stated that students currently park in an offsite lot which the school rents off of Palomar Airport Road. The students are then shuttled to the school. Planning Commission Minutes November 6, 2013 Page 5 Commissioner L'Heureux asked about the plans for the site where the temporary administration building is currently. Mr. Ogle stated the intention is to move the library into the temporary building until the library is built. Commissioner Schumacher asked if the need for offsite parking will go away at project buildout. Mr. Ogle stated yes. Commissioner Black asked if students park in the adjacent neighborhood. Mr. Ogle stated that the school asks that students refrain from parking there, and the school does have security personnel who check the neighborhood on a regular basis. Commissioner Scully asked how many parking permits will be issued. Mr. Ogle stated only juniors and seniors will be issued parking permits. Commissioner Scully inquired as to who is monitoring the parking permits. Mr. Ogle stated it is the responsibility of the school’s Facilities Manager. Chairperson Siekmann asked about the consequences for parking in the neighborhood. Mr. Ogle stated the Dean of School Life talks with the student to ensure that they will not park in the neighborhood in the future. Chairperson Siekmann asked if there were any further questions of Staff. Seeing none, she asked if there were any members of the audience who wished to speak on the item. Mike Brenner, 2775 Palmetto Drive, Carlsbad, stated his concern with stadium lights on the soccer fields. He commented that he would like to have the lighting issue removed from the project as he is concerned with the loss of property values. Skip Reed, 2740 Palmetto Drive, Carlsbad, stated he would also like to see the option of lighting removed from the CUP. Commissioner Anderson asked if there is any existing night lighting at the facility. Mr. Reed stated there are some lights but those lights do not shine down into his yard. Melanie Kuderka, 2787 Palmetto Drive, Carlsbad, also stated she is concerned with the stadium lighting as well as safety as there is often errant lacrosse balls flying over the nets and into residents’ yards. She commented that parking and vandalism are issues. Commissioner Black asked if the police have investigated any of the instances of vandalism. Ms. Kuderka stated yes. Commissioner L'Heureux asked how students access the school from the cul-de-sac. Ms. Kuderka stated the students use the fire access lane. Megan Foster, 2744 Palmetto, Carlsbad, stated her concerns about lighting, parking, and noise. She stated the decorative light is on nightly. Chairperson Siekmann asked if there were any other members of the audience who wished to speak on the item. Seeing none, she closed public testimony on Agenda Item 2 and asked if the applicant wished to respond to any of the issues raised during public testimony. Mr. Munoz acknowledged the concerns and comments from the speakers. He requested that the project move forward without any lights and as the project is currently conditioned. Commissioner L'Heureux stated his concerns with errant lacrosse balls as well as the issues regarding student parking. Mr. Ogle stated the school is aware of the errant lacrosse balls, and they will talk with the coaches regarding how the fields are used as well as practice times. In terms of the vandalism, he stated the school will continue to work with the neighborhood. The incident that was mentioned happened about 4 years ago, and Mr. Ogle stated he was not aware of any other occurrences. Commissioner Scully asked how often lacrosse practices are available. Mr. Ogle explained that the original CUP required that the school make their fields available to the community. The school has Planning Commission Minutes November 6, 2013 Page 6 allowed outside entities such as soccer clubs, lacrosse clubs, etc., to use the fields. Commissioner Scully asked how often the school is renting out their fields. Mr. Ogle stated he was not sure; however, the fields are used more frequently on the weekends during the fall and on the weekends. During the summer, the fields are used more often during the week. Commissioner L'Heureux suggested the school work with the outside users of the facilities to better control use of the fields. Commissioner Anderson asked if the rental of fields is a big revenue for the school. Mr. Ogle stated it was not a significant amount. Commissioner Anderson asked if it would be possible to limit the rental of fields to soccer teams as opposed to lacrosse teams. Mr. Ogle stated that of course that is possible but the school would like to continue working with the various teams to determine how to best to use the fields instead of making it a condition at this time. Commissioner Anderson inquired about the light at the corner of the field. Mr. Ogle stated that he believes the light is on all night. Commissioner Anderson further inquired if, when the school was originally approved, there was any discussion regarding a gate or other mechanism to reduce pedestrian traffic on the fire lane from the cul-de-sac. Mr. Ogle stated that it is a fire lane and a public access sidewalk. Mr. Munoz stated that the fire lane is a required walkway across the site. Mr. Munoz also clarified that use of the fields by outside entities is due to the community facilities requirement of the community facility designation of the site. The school is simply being compliant with city code in allowing other groups to use the fields and other facilities on the site. Mr. Munoz commented that many of the speakers stated that they have not actively communicated their concerns with the school. He urged the residents to communicate with the school any concerns they have so the issues can be reviewed and remedied. Commissioner L'Heureux asked if it would be possible to review the use of the decorative light at the end of the site and suggested the placement of a light shield on the light to minimize its impact. Mr. Munoz stated yes. Chairperson Siekmann suggested access to email to the school to better improve communication between the school and the neighborhood. Commissioner Segall asked about the placement of the cul-de-sac. Mr. Munoz commented that he was not sure why the street was designed like that. He stated that the street is currently a public street but there is the possibility that it can become a private street with HOA control and maintenance and still comply with fire code. Commissioner Segall commented that he feels the fire lane and the cul-de-sac are nuisances. Mr. Munoz stated that the fire lane is also an emergency vehicle access road. Mr. Neu stated that at this point, the Fire Department reviewed the plans as proposed. Staff did not have the fire staff evaluate removing any of the facilities. He further commented that staff understands the concerns and stated that if that is a way to improve compatibility with the neighborhood school, staff can review that option. Mr. Neu further stated that if there was an ability to vacate a portion of the cul-de-sac and reconfigure it, the fire department would still want a turn-around, and there would be an expense involved. That type of a project would become a Capital Improvement Project and it would not be a typical project. The likelihood for it to be removed would be low; however, staff can coordinate with fire staff to see if there are any available alternatives. Ms. Mobaldi refocused the Commission on the application as proposed. Mr. Neu stated that several speakers requested that the lighting condition, Condition No. 22, be revised. The request was to delete the last part of the last sentence. Mr. Neu stated it could be eliminated so the condition would read, “Lighting for nighttime sports field activities would not be permitted.” He commented that that would not change things because an applicant can ask that the conditions of approval be modified, and it does not mean lights would never be allowed. Commissioner Schumacher commented that he would like to see the first sentence of Condition No. 22 revised as it is the most unclear. He feels the words “…and sports field” removed. Mr. Neu agreed and stated it can be removed or clarified. Planning Commission Minutes November 6, 2013 Page 7 Commissioner Schumacher asked if the school is in compliance with the existing conditions. Mr. Westman commented that the school is operating as it was approved. He stated that staff can review the original conditions to see if the field netting is part of the approval. Commissioner L’Heureux asked what happens if it is determined that the netting is not part of any of the approvals. Mr. Neu stated there could be administrative determination that staff has the discretion to make that type of adjustment because staff is aware of the issue of errant lacrosse balls. If Staff felt it was not within their discretion, the item would come before the Commission to amend the CUP to allow the netting or fencing over the 6 foot limit. Commissioner L’Heureux asked what happens if staff makes the determination. Mr. Neu stated it then becomes part of the CUP and a part of the project plans. Commissioner Segall inquired about the requirement for outside groups using the sports fields. Mr. Neu commented that one of the most recent code amendments included a change to the community facility zone, which is what this property is designated. The amendment added private schools to the list of permitted uses. That amendment is pending review by the California Coastal Commission. If it is approved, the zone would change and the requirement that the school provide facilities to organizations to satisfy the community facilities requirement would go away; it would still be a part of the CUP for the project and the applicant would have to request that the condition be removed. Commissioner Schumacher asked for some resolution regarding amending Condition No. 22. Ms. Mobaldi suggested adding “security” to the first sentence so that it reads: "..and sports fields security lighting..." Commissioner Scully suggested that "sports fields" be removed. Mr. Neu commented that the intention was for a minimum level of lighting. Ms. Mobaldi further suggested the following: “..security lighting for the outdoor areas.” Chairperson Siekmann asked about the condition requiring all lighting to be directed downward and if the existing lighting would be subject to this requirement. Mr. Neu stated yes. Ms. Mobaldi stated Condition No. 22 be amended to read: "The developer shall submit and obtain City Planner approval of an exterior lighting plan including decorative and security lighting for all outdoor areas." DISCUSSION Commissioner Schumacher stated the additions are fabulous and are consistent with the land use. He stated he can support the project. Commissioner Segall stated he can support the project. Commissioner L'Heureux stated he, too, can support the project. He suggested that the school provide an email address so that the residents can contact the school with any issues or concerns. He would also like staff to review the fire access lane to determine if it is truly needed. Commissioner Scully stated she does like the project and can support the item. Commissioner Anderson stated her concurrence with her fellow Commissioners and stated she can support the project. Commissioner Black stated he can support the project. He asked the architect and school to look at the safety issues on the field regarding the balls going over the net. Chairperson Siekmann also stated she can support the project. She commented that she would like the school to provide an email address to the neighborhood to open the lines of communication. She would also like staff to review the netting issues as well as the fire lane issue. Chairperson Siekmann stated she can support amending Condition No. 22. MOTION Commissioner Schumacher motioned to amend Condition No. 22 as stated by Ms. Mobaldi. The motion passed unanimously. Planning Commission Minutes November 6, 2013 Page 8 MOTION ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Black and duly seconded, that the Planning Commission adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 7020 approving Conditional Use Permit Amendment CUP 06-11(B), based on the findings and subject to the conditions contained therein including the errata sheet. VOTE: 7-0 AYES: Chairperson Siekmann, Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Black, Commissioner L'Heureux, Commissioner Schumacher, Commissioner Scully, and Commissioner Segall NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Chairperson Siekmann closed the public hearing on Agenda Item 2 and thanked staff for their presentations. COMMISSION COMMENTS None. CITY PLANNER COMMENTS None. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS None. ADJOURNMENT By proper motion, the Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission of November 6, 2013, was adjourned at 8:05p.m. ~YL DON NEU City Planner Bridget Desmarais Minutes Clerk