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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 1 - Draft Minutes 02/12/2014Item 1 Draft Minutes February 12, 2014 6:00 p.m. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA PLANNING COMMISSION 276 Fourth Avenue Public Services Bldg C HR Training Rooms 8111 & B112 CALL TO ORDER At 6:01 p.m. ROLL CALL: Commissioners Anaya, Calvo, Fragomeno, Livag, Nava and Chair Moctezuma MEMBERS ABSENT: Vinson MOTIONS TO EXCUSE: To excuse Commissioner Vinson as requested MSC: Anaya / Calvo 6 -0 -1 -0 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE OPENING STATEMENT: 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: June 26, 2013 July 10, 2013 September 25, 2013 November 20, 2013 Dlh�l MSC: (Calvo /Anaya) 6 -0 -1 -0 MSC: (Anaya /Livag) 6 -0 -1 -0 MSC: (Calvo /Livag) with correction of date on pages 2 -10 and comma between Commissioner Anaya and Calvo's names 6 -0 -1 -0 MSC: (xxxx /Nava ) with additional note that Commissioner Calvo had abstained on items 4 & 5. 6 -0 -1 -0 Deputy City Attorney Mike Shirey had researched the voting rules that pertain to members voting who were not present at the meeting for which the minutes are to be approved. While previously only members who were present had voted on approval, there are no rules that say those not in attendance cannot vote. Otherwise, for some meetings, there would not be a quorum. PUBLIC COMMENTS: There were none Planning Commission Minutes February 12, 2014 Page -2- PUBLIC HEARINGS: 2. Public Hearing PCC -13 -031 Consideration of a Conditional Use Permit to install, use, and maintain an unmanned Wireless Telecom- munications Facility (WTF) consisting of twelve (12) panel antennas mounted on a 42 -foot high antenna structure designed to resemble a pine tree (monopine) and associated equipment located within the existing church parking lot at 210 Jamul Avenue. Applicant: AT &T Project Manager: Jeff Steichen Notice of the hearing was given in accordance with legal requirements, and the hearing was held on the date and no earlier than the time specified in the notice. INTRODUCTION The Applicant has submitted a Conditional Use Permit application that consists of an unmanned WTF consisting of twelve (12) antennas and twenty -four (24) RRUS (remote radio units) mounted on a 42 -foot high antenna structure designed to resemble a pine tree and associated equipment (the "Proposed Project "). The site is located at 210 Jamul Avenue. Based upon Section 19.89.050 of the Chula Vista Municipal Code (CVMC), the Proposed Project requires review and approval by the Planning Commission because the request is to allow a stealth facility which exceeds the maximum building height of the residential zone in which it is located. RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission adopt Resolution PCC -3 -031, approving the proposed project based on the findings and subject to the conditions listed in the resolution. Associate Planner Jeff Steichen gave a Presentation with slides that showed photos of the location, the site and pointed out where the proposed remote radio units would be installed. Project Description: The Proposed Project is designed to support 12 panel antennas and 24 RRUS and will be located within the parking lot area of the existing church. The facility also includes the addition of a 288 square -foot equipment room to an existing classroom. The addition is proposed to match the materials and colors of the existing building. Public Comments /Change of Location: In response to the Notice of Application, a phone call was received from a nearby resident expressing concern over the proposed location of the antenna and the potential for visual issues to surrounding residents. As discussed above, this visual concern coupled with potential negative issues to parking and access, resulted in the relocation Planning Commission Minutes February 12, 2014 Page -3- to a more conducive portion of the site in regards to potential visual, parking and access issues. The current location is further away from both the church building as well as existing residences to the west site. Stealth Technology and Design: The CVMC requires that the facility be designed to be visually unobtrusive and blend into the surrounding area in a manner compatible with the local community character. This facility has been designed and located to meet the current and anticipated needs of the AT &T Wireless network in the area. The facility includes an antenna structure that resembles a pine tree to partially conceal the antennas. This stealth design monopine will be located adjacent to the southeast corner of the existing parking lot. According to AT &T engineers, this facility uses the smallest practical devices, and the most efficient technology available. Additionally, a 288 square -foot addition to an existing classroom building will be used to house equipment including radio cabinets, electrical connections, telephone connections and battery back -up. The size is typical and is average for projects of this magnitude. The Applicant will maintain the equipment in good working order and remove any graffiti from the structures as necessary. CONCLUSION: The project is consistent with the goals and policies of the General Plan and associated documents in that it does not request any changes to existing land use. Based on the preceding information in this report, the use is desirable to meet the needs of the residents in the surrounding areas. Staff recommends the Planning Commission approve Conditional Use Permit, PCC -13 -031. Staff Questions: Q. Since there was one phone call, were they consulted and were they ok with the new location? A. A message was left and they did not return staff's phone call. PUBLIC HEARING OPENED PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED Commission Comments /Motions: MSC: Anaya /Liaug to approve PCC -13 -031 6 -0 -1 -0 with Vinson absent Planning Commission Minutes February 12, 2014 Page -4- 3. Public Hearing: Consideration of a Planned Sign Program (PSP- 13 -09) for new monument signs, banners, directional signs, wall graphics, stylon signs, and the replacement of the existing tower sign with a digital display sign for the Chula Vista Center on an approximately 55 -acre site located at 555 Broadway. Applicant: Bleier Industries, LTD Project Manager: Caroline Young Notice of the hearing was given in accordance with legal requirements, and the hearing was held on the date and no earlier than the time specified in the notice. INTRODUCTION The Applicant has submitted a Planned Sign Program application for approval of new monument signs, banners, directional signs, wall graphics, stylon signs, and the replacement of the existing tower sign with a digital display sign, for the Chula Vista Center located at 555 Broadway. The Planned Sign Program is intended to provide additional signage for the shopping center to increase customer awareness of the different stores and shops and possibly increase revenue to the Center. The site is located within the Urban Core Specific Plan, UC- 6 /UC -7 zone. RECOMMENDATION That the Planning Commission adopt Resolution PSP -13 -09 approving the proposed Planned Sign Program, based on the findings and subject to the conditions contained therein. Caroline Young gave a Presentation that had on overview which included drawings of the sign plans to include the various types of signs, banners, wall graphics, monuments and walls. BACKGROUND: In 1993 the Design Review Committee approved the Planned Sign Program, PSP -93 -03 for the Chula Vista Center. On November 26, 2013, the Applicant submitted a revised Planned Sign Program requesting additional monument signs, banners, directional signs, wall graphics, stylon signs, and the replacement of the existing tower sign with a digital display sign. As discussed in the report, the proposed monument signs are not in compliance with the City's sign regulations in regard to the size, height, location, and number of signs. In addition, CVMC Chapter 19.60 does not address banners, directional signs, wall graphics, or stylon signs. Pursuant to Chula Vista Municipal Code (CVMC) Section 19.60.0501, a Planned Sign Program can be submitted for review and approval by the Planning Commission to allow deviations from sign regulations. Planning Commission Minutes February 12, 2014 Page -5- ANALYSIS: Compliance with Chula Vista Municipal Code and Urban Core Specific Plan As described below, the proposed monument signs are not in compliance with the City's sign regulations in regard to the size, height, location, and number of signs. In addition, CVMC Chapter 19.60 does not address permanent banners, directional signs, wall graphics, or stylon signs. However, per CVMC Section 19.60.050J, a Planned Sign Program can be submitted for review and approval by the Planning Commission to allow deviations to the sign regulations. The following summarizes the Planned Sign Program proposed variation from the sign code for each type of proposed signage. CONCLUSION The existing tower sign, which contains the "Chula Vista Center" signage for the shopping center along the northwestern edge of the building, is proposed to be replaced with a digital tower display. No other changes will occur to the tower structure. The existing structure is approximately 72 -ft. in total height with signage at approximately 55 -ft. in height, with a total square footage of 350 sq. ft. In order to quantify the lighting effects of the digital display and prevent light spill onto adjacent properties, a lighting analysis was prepared by Daktronics dated October 29, 2013. The lighting study shows no lighting impacts on adjacent properties. Restrictions for the digital tower display are noted in the Planning Commission Resolution. Staff concurs that the shopping center could benefit from the addition of this sign. Per the USCP Design Guidelines, signs should be consistent with the proportion and scale of building elements within the facade. No additional modification will be made to the overall height or width of the tower structure. The sign is in proportion to the large scale of the shopping center building that expands over an approximately 55 acre site. Staff recommends the digital display sign to be allowed, and that the signage location be approved as depicted in the sign program. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve the design and location of the proposed signs, as depicted in the Chula Vista Center planned sign program, subject to conditions noted in the Resolution. Staff Questions Q. Why so many thematic banners on the H St. entrance? Thinks it makes the already narrow entrance even narrower - feel like you're driving down a corridor. Are they all 23' high? Can the number of signs be changed? Would like to understand rationale as to why so many and so high. A. Differed to Applicant to answer. Q. On the monument base (the curved wall) — can you tell us what the finishes are? A. Plaster & concrete - differed additional comments to Applicant to answer. Planning Commission Minutes February 12, 2014 Page -6- Q. Was a light study done and was fog taken into consideration — are sensors installed to tone down the lights? How is the sign controlled as to what goes on it? Is it based from here or somewhere else? What are the materials for the banners? Will they last and is there a maintenance/ replacement clause? Was any consideration given to the movie theater sign that is there? Know there will be upgrades, how will the updates relate to the sign program? A. See Applicant's answers under the Public Hearing. Q. This program seems to be similar to other mall sign programs. Is adopting this program going to open the door for things that the City does not want i.e. people comparing their situation to the shopping center and wanting to do signage that the City doesn't like? A. If others wanted to vary from the current standards (like the shopping center has), they would have to come to the Planning Commission for approval. Q. Was there any notification to neighbors of the shopping center so that we would know if anyone had issues with this program? A. Public Hearing notices were published in the paper and sent to all those within 500 feet of the shopping center. We had no calls regarding any issues. PUBLIC HEARING OPENED Paul Bleier, President of Bleier Industries introduced the other attendees as Alan Clark, Senior General Manager of Chula Vista Center and Sean Wood, Director of Development of Rouse Properties. They have worked with our staff and have developed a very through package. The Planned Sign Program is not designed for single use, but rather for projects like this. Things are being upgraded at the center and what this is trying to do is not only bring further identification to the center, but to its tenants. H Street is the higher profile area and taller monument signs were designed; originally had some on Broadway, but staff had requested that we tone it down a little and we removed some of the taller signs. The third level is along I Street and is at the lowest level. Answers to questions not answered above included: H St. Thematic Banners: The number and location of the monuments were picked up from landscape designs and are not something that is set in stone. The Planning Commission Minutes February 12, 2014 Page -7- numbers and /or placement can be changed if the Commission wants. The banners are high enough so they will not be subject to graffiti and are designed to be changed seasonally. There was discussion by the Commission regarding the number and placement of the signs as to make the H St. entrance feel more narrow and like a corridor. It was suggested that the signs be put only on one side and /or to decrease the number to six (6). Others on the Commission liked the entrance because H St. gets a lot traffic and it would tend to slow traffic down to protect the foot traffic; they like the narrower look. The changing of the signs, who would approve that and when they would be changed was discussed. The monument signs were designed to complement the main tower. The curved walls would have the tiles elements and have a stucco background. The monument sign would be build in a more conventional manner — maybe a steel pole, but the tiles and texture would match. Fog and Sensors: The digital display can be controlled from anywhere in the world. It will be controlled by the Rouse Properties and is designed with internal sensors that measure NITS (light) and the dimming is automatic relative to the amount of light measured. Banner Material and Changing: Banner material is vinyl and is digitally printed. The maintenance is the function of the Mall management. They will probably be changed on a seasonal basis. Q. Why is there a directional sign needed on I Street? A. They are looking forward as to what might be needed and it is there for placement purposes only. It may be needed for other uses and are seeking approval today. Mr. Bleier also addressed the issue of the movie theater sign and said that they would have to follow the present code. PUBLIC COMMENT CLOSED Commissioner Deliberations /Motion There was a short discussion again regarding the H Street signage. Some liked it, some didn't. It was the general consensus that the plans look good and this was long overdue. One of the Commissioners stated that he never liked the signage above the garage and hoped the theater matches what is currently taking place. It was questioned whether it Is time to take a look at the Municipal Code and plan ahead to what new technologies are coming along. MSC (Anaya /Nava) (6- 0 -1 -0) with Commissioner Vinson absent Planning Commission Minutes February 12, 2014 Page -8- OTHER BUSINESS 6. Director's Comments Ed Batchelder advised the Commission that, regarding all residential units, hotels have been taken out of contributing to the PAD fees. It does not look like there are currently items for the February 26th meeting. If nothing calendared in a week, we will send a Notice of Cancellation. There items for March 12th — Sharp Health Care Parking Structure and possibly the first project in Millenia. 7. Commissioner's Comments Commissioner Liaug invited the Commissioners to drive down and look at the opened portion of Heritage Road — half done and runs to the beginning of Village 2. Adjournment at 7:18 to the next Regular Planning Commission meeting on February 26, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Submitted by: Patricia Laughlin, Board Secretary