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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 1 - Approval of Minutes 10-08-2014CITY of CHULAVI',TA amity of C'bn',�Ia Vista Boards & Commissions Commission bra ff ?Kinuies REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA PLANNING COMMISSION Date: October 8, 2014 Council Chambers 6:00 p.m. Public Service Building A 276 Fourth Avenue CALL TO ORDER 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Anaya, Fuentes, Fragomeno, Gutierrez Livag, Nava, and Chair Calvo (recused herself at 6:20 pm) Absent: None MOTIONS TO EXCUSE: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE OPENING STATEMENT: 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES August 27, 2014 Motion to approve by Nava; seconded by Anaya Motion passed: 4 -0 -3 -0 with Fragomeno, Fuentes, and Gutierrez abstaining PUBLIC COMMENTS: None Persons speaking during Public Comments may address the Board /Commission on any subject matter within the Board /Commission's jurisdiction that is not listed as an item on the agenda. State law generally prohibits the Board /Commission from discussing or taking action on any issue not included on the agenda, but, if appropriate, the board /Commission may schedule the topic for future discussion or refer the matter to staff. Comments are limited to three minutes. CONSENT ITEMS: The Planning Commission will enact the Consent Calendar staff recommendations by one motion, without discussion, unless a Planning Commissioner, a member of the public, or staff requests that the item be removed for discussion. If you wish to speak on this item, please fill out a "Request to Speak" form (available in the lobby) and submit it to the Secretary prior to the meeting. An item pulled from the Consent Calendar will be discussed immediately following the Consent Calendar. Planning Commission Agenda October 8, 2014 Page -2- OR 1.112 1 PUBLIC HEARINGS: The following item(s) have been advertised as public hearing(s) as required by law. If you wish to speak on any item, please fill out a "Request to Speak" form (available in the lobby) and submit it to the Commission Secretary prior to the meeting. 2. PUBLIC HEARING: PCZ -13 -01 Consideration of a Rezone to change the zone from Limited Industrial (ILP) Zone to Apartment Residential (1113) zone. The site is located at 3875 Main Street. Applicant: Stone Creek Casitas, LLC Project Manager: Caroline Young INTRODUCTION The project consisted of a Rezone application to change the zoning designation on a parcel from Limited Industrial (ILP) to Apartment Residential (R3). The R -3 zone would allow a 97 unit apartment complex through the issuance of a separate Design Review Permit. The proposed rezone will require City Council approval following a recommendation by the Planning Commission. The 4.68 -acre project site is located at 3875 Main Street is west of Otay Valley Road and 805 Freeway. The project site is comprised of one parcel located in the urbanized southwestern portion of the City of Chula Vista. BACKGROUND Ms. Caroline Young, Associate Planner gave a presentation that consisted of changing the zoning designation of a 4.68 acre parcel from limited industrial zone to ILP. The project site was a vacant site along Main St. between Date Street and Hilltop Drive in the southwest portion of the city. Surrounding the sites were single family homes, commercial and industrial uses. In the 2005 General Plan Update, the City Council approved the general plan designation change from Limited Industrial (IL) to Residential High (RH), in expectation of the property owners pursuing a future rezone and building a multi - family product on this site. The General Plan designation of Residential High allows 18 -27 dwelling units per acres, for which the R3 zone is appropriate for this type of use. Therefore, the proposed zoning designation of R3 is consistent with the General Plan. In addition to the Rezone, the applicant also submitted a Design Review, a Plan Sign Program, and a Variance Permit that the city council would have to approve along with the rezone following the Planning Commission's action tonight. Normally the Planning Commission would act on these types of permits, but since the rezone ultimately has to be approved by city council all the applications are being done through the consolidation hearing process. Planning Commission Agenda October 8, 2014 Page -3- RECOMMENDATION: DRAFT That the Planning Commission adopt Resolution PCZ- 13 -01, recommending that the City Council adopt an Ordinance approving the zone change, based on the findings and subject to the requirements contained in the attached Planning Commission Resolution and City Council Ordinance. PUBLIC HEARING OPENED David Danciu — Chula Vista resident spoke against the rezone. By changing the designation from Limited Industrial (ILP) to Apartment Residential (R -3), in his opinion, it would impact the city by: • Loss of revenue from commercial and industrial business due to new residential units being proposed. • More civic services will be required than would be so for industrial properties. • Loss of prospective employment for Chula Vista residents who will now have to travel longer distances, which contributes to already congested freeways. • Main Street is a heavily traveled road adding more residential will only add to it. Kevin O'Neil- Developer /Chula Vista resident talked about the rezone and acknowledged that businesses along Main Street have always been problematic. The product being proposed hasn't been seen in the southwest portion of the city and he thought it would have a positive effect. He appreciated Mr. Danciu's concerns about commercial and industrial businesses being impacted, and informed him he has already submitted to the City a project of heavy industrial on Main Street by Energy Way and Nirvana. Steve Power, Principal Planner further explained that in 2005, the General Plan Update and the General Plan designation for that site were completely analyzed from an industrial land perspective as well as compatibility perspective. That particular point was included in the General Plan Update, so the General Plan designation was already changed to Residential High with the intent being when the project site were to be developed the applicant would change the zoning. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED Commissioner Comments /Questions The Planning Commission discussed the project and understood Mr, Danciu's concerns over the industrial aspect and how it will be impacted by the rezone of allowing residential. It was suggested that some mitigation measures could be looked at along the property to the west against the industrial to help minimize the impact. Overall, it was the consensus of the Planning Commission because it meets conformance with the General Plan, and the unique location (on Planning Commission Agenda October 8, 2014 Page -4- DRAFT the border of industrial and residential) it would be a good product. They recommended approval of the project. ACTION: Motion to approve made by Anaya; seconded by Livag Vote: 7 -0- Chair Calvo announced that she would be recusing herself from Items #3 and #4 and left the meeting at 6:20 pm. 3. PUBLIC HEARING: PCC -14 -041 Consideration of a Conditional Use Permit to install, use, and maintain an unmanned Wireless Communications Facility (WTF) consisting of twelve (12) panel antennas mounted on a 45 -ft. high antenna structure designed to resemble a pine tree (monopine) and associated equipment located within the existing private park. The site is located in the Planned Community- Community Purpose Facility (PC -CPF) Zone, with a General Plan Land Use of Park (PK). Applicant: Verizon Wireless Project Manager: Caroline Young INTRODUCTION The Applicant has submitted a Conditional Use Permit application that consists of an unmanned Wireless Telecommunications Facility consisting of twelve (12) panel antennas mounted on a 45 -ft high antennas structure designed to resemble pine trees associated equipment (project). The site is located at 1225 North Creekside Drive. BACKGROUND Ms. Young explained the monopine which is designed to support the antennas plus a future carrier would be located within a landscaped area behind the Eastlake Little League parking lot. The facility also includes a 144 square foot equipment shelter located adjacent to the monopine along the eastern property line. The proposed facility is designed to provide wireless telephone coverage for customers in the vicinity of Hunte Parkway, Otay Lakes Road, and surrounding neighborhoods. Verizon Wireless radio engineers have determined that in order to meet the goal, the proposed 45 -foot tall monopine and 12 antennas are necessary to provide uninterrupted coverage to their customers. Furthermore, the taller facility with multiple antennas will reduce the need for additional cellular facilities. Planning Commission Agenda October 8, 2014 Page -5- DRAFT Staff stated Verizon Wireless researched the area for other possible locations. Due to challenging topographical conditions in eastern Chula Vista, assessed coverage needs in this area along with suitable co- location opportunities. Verizon Wireless has designed the monopine to accommodate co- location in the event that another carrier needs to establish a wireless facility in the vicinity and at the height provided by the structure. Currently, no other carriers are on the site. CONCLUSION The project is consistent with the goals and policies of the General Plan and associated documents. Base 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 -14 -041, an unmanned Wireless Telecommunications Facility consisting of twelve (12) panel antennas mounted on a 45 -ft high antenna structure designed to resemble a pine tree and associated equipment, subject to the conditions listed in the attached Resolution. RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission adopt Resolution PCC -14 -041, approving the proposed unmanned Wireless Telecommunication Facility, based on the findings and subject to the conditions listed in the attached Resolution. PUBLIC HEARING OPEN PUBLIC HEARING COMMENTS Scott Longhurst, representing Verizon said he was here to answer any questions for the commission. The Planning Commission discussed the project and recommended approval. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED ACTION: Motion to approve made by Nava; seconded by Fragomeno Vote: 6 -0 -1 -0 with Calvo abstaining Chair Calvo recused herself 4. PUBLIC HEARING: SEIR 12 -01; GPA 12 -01; PCM 12-17,18; PCS 12 -02, 03, 04, 05 Baldwin & Sons, LLC. Is proposing to add 1,562 residential units within the Otay Ranch Village 2 /Village of Montecito & Otay Ranch Business Park Sectional Planning Area (SPA) Plan ( "Village 2 SPA Plan "), including Planning Commission Agenda October 8, 2014 Page -6- INTRODUCTION DRAFT 1,632 new multi - family units and a reduction of 70 single family units. In order to do so, amendments to the General Plan, Otay Ranch General Development Plan (GDP), the Village 2 SPA Plan, the associated Planned Community (PC) District Regulations and regulatory documents, and Supplemental Public Facilities Finance Plan (PFFP) must be approved and the Village Design Plan components must be amended. In addition, a Supplemental FEIR and previous FEIR must be considered. The project also includes four new Tentative Maps and a Development Agreement to accommodate the 1,562 unit addition ( "Village 2 Comp SPA "). Applicant: Baldwin and Sons Project Manager: Stan Donn Baldwin & Sons, LLC ( "Applicant" or "Developer ") is proposing to add 1,562 residential units within only the Otay Ranch Village 2 portion of the Village of Montecito & Otay Ranch Business Park Sectional Planning Area (SPA) Plan ( "Village 2 SPA Plan "), including 1,632 new multi - family units and a reduction of 70 single family units. In order to do so, amendments to the General Plan, Otay Ranch General Development Plan (GDP), the Village 2 SPA Plan, the associated Planned Community (PC) District Regulations and regulatory documents, including provision of elementary schools, Community Purpose Facilities, Parks, etc. to support the requested units must be approved. In addition, a Supplemental EIR and previous EIR must be considered. The project also includes four new Tentative Maps to accommodate the 1.562 unit addition ( "Village 2 Comp SPA "). On July 9, 2012 the applicant filed applications to process all the subject items. BACKGROUND Mr. Stan Donn, Senior Planner gave a presentation and background of Village 2 SPA Plan prior approvals: • The Village 2 SPA Plan and Tentative Map (PCS 06 -05) were originally approved on May 23, 2006. The Village 2 SPA Plan at that time accommodated up to 2,786 dwelling units in a variety of urban and semi urban products. While the greatest residential densities and mixture of uses surround the village core, the Village 2 SPA Plan also incorporates a series of residential neighborhoods organized around neighborhood parks. Residents within these are within walking distance of multiple parks, community purpose facilities, and a variety of commercial uses. • Minor Substantial Conformance Review (SCR) requests were approved on February 15 and December 13, 2007 which allowed unit transfers within several neighborhoods. These minor SCRs did not require GDP or SPA amendments because they did not involve density increases. Planning Commission Agenda October 8, 2014 Page -7- DRAFT • Amendments were made to the SPA Plan in 2012 and 2013 to redistribute units and add 197 smaller lot products, totaling 2,983 units for the SPA. Since the approval of the Village 2 SPA Plan and Tentative Map in 2006, market conditions have changed for single - family residential development. Due to structural shifts in the economy affecting the real estate sector and mortgage markets, demand has increased for "small lot" • homes with lot sizes around 3,000 square feet and lessened for traditional single family larger homes (as previously approved) with lot sizes around 4,000 to 5,000 square feet. The applicant is now requesting amendments to the Village 2 SPA Plan, including approval of four associated Tentative Maps, to entitle housing product /typologies which are more in line with today's marketplace conditions and homebuyer preference. The majority of the units are proposed within the Village core. The proposed additional 1,562 units will total 4,545 units in Village 2. A Development Agreement has also been negotiated between the City and Applicant that provides the City with certain extraordinary benefits in exchange for providing the Applicant with certainty related to development of Village 2. RECOMMENDATION That the Planning Commission conduct a public hearing and adopt the proposed resolutions recommending that the City Council: 1. Certify the Supplemental to FEIR 02 -02 Otay Ranch Villages two, Three, and a Portion of Village Four Sectional Planning Area Plan Final Second Tier Environmental Impact Report: FSE I R- 12 -01; 2. Approve a resolution for amendments to the Chula Vista General Plan, Otay Ranch GDP, and the Village 2 SPA Plan and supporting regulatory documents in accordance with the findings an subject to the conditions contained therein; 3. Approve an Ordinance for amendments to the PC District Regulations and Land Use District Map, in accordance with the findings and subject to the conditions contained therein; 4. Approve four resolutions one for each of four separate Tentative Maps (No. PCS 12 -02; 12- 03; 12 -04; and 12 -05) in accordance with the findings and subject to the conditions contained therein; and, 5. Approve an Ordinance for a Development Agreement in accordance with the findings and subject to the conditions contained therein. APPLICANT PRESENTATION Steven Haase with Baldwin and Sons gave a power point presentation that went over the proposed project for Village 2/ Village of Montecito in Otay Ranch. Their vision is to develop a more sustainable community. The concept of a sustainable community is to Planning Commission Agenda October 8, 2014 Page -8- L 1 ITIM create a Village that is self- contained for all the uses. This could be accomplished by the following: • Developing land uses that actually have the ability to reduce its trips via a car will comply with state and federal legislation asking them to reduce vehicle miles. • Building a second elementary school will enable every elementary school aged child the opportunity to go to school in their neighborhood, and not be bused to another location reducing traffic. Walking will be encouraged. • Mixed use and developing commercial in Otay Ranch have been a challenge in the past. Increasing the number of homes will make the commercial center (on the east side of State St.) more viable for future businesses. • Demand for small lot homes (around 3,000 sq. ft.) have increased due to shifts in the economy affecting the real estate sector and mortgage markets. Home buyers want walkable communities and value private open space. • A much broader range of home types from high $200,000 up to $500,000 gives the homebuyer more choices. • Market rate apartments and 450 affordable units will be offered for low to moderate income families in Chula Vista. • The economy has had an effect on the City of Chula Vista's finances and its ability to provide public services. Baldwin & Sons, through this project, will be able to pick up a few additional maintenances that have traditionally been borne by city government increasing public services, facilities, park land and schools. • Possible future BRT line being discussed by city staff and SANDAG concerning the pedestrian bridge planned to cross La Media Rd. from the west to east close to Olympic Parkway. There may be an opportunity to relocate the bridge closer to the entryway at State Street so it connects the Village on the east side of La Media to the commercial. PUBLIC HEARING OPENED David Danciu, Resident of Chula Vista voiced his concerns how this project would impact traffic and open space. He also brought up the public hearing notification process and lack of resident participation. He made suggestions for improvement. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED The Commission expressed significant concern with the cumulative traffic impacts of the project, in conjunction with recently adopted and future SPA plans in Otay Ranch. They pointed out reasons for their concern: the traffic impacts on Santa Victoria with 9700 Average Daily Trips; the traffic impacts that an additional elementary school would bring, where there already exists 2 elementary and 1 high school; and the limited access there is into the subdivision. For these reasons, the majority consensus was that the negative traffic impacts the project and outweighs the benefits of the project. Planning Commission Agenda October 8, 2014 Page -9- DRAFT ACTION: Motion by Fuentes to accept Resolution No. FSEIR 12 -01 "Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Chula Vista recommending the City Council make certain findings of fact; Adopt a Statement of Overriding Considerations; Adopt a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program and certify the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (FSEIR 12 -01 /SCH 2003091012) for amendments to the General Plan, Otay Ranch General Development Plan, Otay Ranch Villages Two, Three and a portion of Four Sectional Planning Area Plan and approving four Tentative Maps including a Development Agreement pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act ". Motion failed no second. Motion was made by Livag; seconded by Fragomeno recommending that the City Council not make certain findings of fact; Adopt a Statement of Overriding Considerations; Adopt a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program and Certify the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (FSEIR 12 -01 /SCH 2003091012) for amendments to the General Plan, Otay Ranch General Development Plan, Otay Ranch Villages Two, Three and a portion of Four Section Planning Area Plan, four associated Tentative Maps pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. Vote: 1- 5 -1 -0- with Calvo abstaining (Y: Fuentes; N: Anaya, Livag, Fragomeno, Gutierrez and Nava) The Commission requested that they be notified when this item goes to hearing before the City Council. OTHER BUSINESS 5. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: None 6. COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS: Commissioner Gutierrez asked about the parking requirements and how old they were? He suggested these standards be revisited as larger vehicles, denser neighborhoods, families with multiple vehicles, etc. may have made the requirements somewhat outdated. Vice Chair Livag stated staff has been reviewing the municipal code concerning parking standards for quite some time and has been doing amendments to it. Using feedback from the applicants, the community and other city departments, staff is working on assembling a table that would identify areas of the code that need to be worked on or specific changes. The department also has a Process Review Committee that consists of development industry representatives that meet regularly to discuss these kinds of things. The commission could have staff present their concerns to this group so that they can be reviewed and possible solutions be recommended. Planning Commission Agenda October 8, 2014 Page -10- DRAFT Commissioner Anaya mentioned that earlier comments brought up about the City's public hearing notices and lack of resident involvement resonated with him, and he would be interested in participating in any future workshops to improve the process. ADJOURNMENT: At 8:00 p.m. to a regular Planning Commission Meeting on October 22, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Rosemarie Rice, Secretary