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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015/05/13 Planning Commission Minutesmi, a son a Plannin2 Commission Xtinutes REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA PLANNING COMMISSION Date: May 13, 2015 6:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER at 6:00 p.m. Council Chambers Public Service Building A 276 Fourth Avenue ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Anaya, Fragomeno, Gutierrez, Livag, Nava (in at 6:08), Chair Calvo Absent: Commissioner Fuentes MOTIONS TO EXCUSE: Chair Calvo made a motion to excuse Commissioner Nava. Commissioner Gutierrez seconded the motion and it passed 5 -0 -2 -0 (Nava in at 6:68 — did not vote) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE OPENING STATEMENT: Read by Chair Calvo PUBLIC COMMENTS: 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. Planning Commission Minutes May 13, 2015 Page -2- PUBLIC HEARINGS: The following item(s) have been advertised as public hearings) 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. 1. PUBLIC HEARING: PCC -14 -042 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 70 -ft. high antenna structure designed to resemble a pine tree (monopine) and associated equipment located within the existing private park at 2375 Clubhouse Drive. Applicant: Trillium Consulting for Verizon Wireless Project Manager: Harold Phelps Planning Manager Ed Batchelder stated that, on behalf of staff, he would like the item pulled due to some irregular noticing. It will be re- noticed and re- docketed at a later time. Applicant was good with that agreed to pulling the item. 2. PUBLIC HEARING;: Consideration of Design Review Permit DRC -14 -10 to redevelop the site at 1350 Industrial Boulevard with a 42 -unit residential condominium project; and Tentative Map PCS -14 -02 to combine two legal lots at 1350 Industrial Boulevard into one 42 -unit residential condominium lot for individual ownership. Applicant: The California Recover Fund, LLC Project Manager: Richard Zumwalt, Assoc Planner INTRODUCTION The California Recover Fund, LLC (Applicant) has submitted applications for a Design Review Permit and a Tentative Map for redevelopment of the 2.67 -acre site located at 1350 Industrial Boulevard (Site) with a multi - family residential project known as Industrial Townhomes (Project). The Project Site is located on Industrial Boulevard near the intersection with Ada Street in the vicinity of the Palomar Tro -Iley Station (see Attachment 1, Locator Map), within the Palomar Gateway District Specific Plan (PGDSP) area. The proposed project consists of the construction of 42- townhome units, landscaped areas and active /passive recreational and open space areas throughout the site. The project also includes the construction of the associated access and circulation elements. The proposed Tentative Map would subdivide the site (currently composed of two legal lots per the 1911 Map) into one condominium lot for the project. The condominium map would allow the units to be sold individually. The project has been reviewed and evaluated by City staff and it is being presented to the Commission for consideration and approval. Planning Commission Minutes May 13, 2015 Page -3- BACKGROUND The Chula Vista 2005 General Plan designated the 100 -acre area around the Palomar Trolley Station as the Palomar Gateway District (PGD), and designated the site as a "focused area of change" where more intensive development, revitalization and /or redevelopment are proposed to occur within the Southwest area of the City. The General Plan vision for the PGD includes a Mixed -Use Transit Focus Area directly west of the Palomar Trolley Station and a Residential High Area along the west side of Industrial Boulevard, south of the Transit Station (see Attachment 2, General Plan Vision for the Palomar Gateway District). The General Plan goal is to provide for additional housing at higher densities and mixed -uses that take advantage of a major transit station within walking distance. In order to effectively implement the vision and goal, the General Plan mandated the preparation of a specific plan for the PGD area. The PGDSP was prepared for the 100 -acre site around the Palomar Trolley Station, along with the required Program Environmental Impact Report, and was recommended by the Planning Commission and adopted by the City Council on August 13, 2013. The PGDSP land use and development regulations are intended to encourage and facilitate infill /pedestrian scale development, mixed uses, urban amenities, transit use, creative design, and the general revitalization of the PGD. The PGDSP contains several land use categories, including mixed uses (commercial /residential), multi- family residential, public /quasi - public and institutional, commercial office, commercial - service and retail, park and open spaces, and accessory uses. The project site is designated for multi - family residential development, the Palomar Residential Village (PRV) sub - district, which utilizes the City's existing R -3 (Apartment Residential Zone) zoning regulations. City staff has reviewed the Industrial Townhomes applications and the associated conceptual design plans and the Tentative Map in the context of the PGDSP regulations /development standards of the PRV sub - district. CONCLUSION The proposed project will provide new investment and modern housing facilities and site improvements that will contribute to revitalize and enhance the Site and the neighborhood. The Project's pedestrian orientation and location near the Trolley Station will provide convenient access for residents to nearby public transportation. The project will provide new for -sale multi - family housing that will improve the housing mix and enhance residential opportunities in the neighborhood. The site will be developed with a quality project that is consistent with the vision, objectives and policies of the General Plan and meets the requirements of the PGDSP and the Guidelines of the City's Design Manual. The proposed project is well planned, incorporating the principals of Smart Growth and resource conservation. It is designed to respect and blend with the community character, local history, and climate. The proposed project will re- activate the Planning Commission Minutes May 13, 2015 Page -4- street and contribute to improve the neighborhood and create residential and business activity in this part of the City. Based on the description and evaluation of the project and the conclusions above, staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve the proposed project subject to the conditions contained in the resolutions. RECOMMENDATION That the Planning Commission approves the Design Review Permit (DRC 14 -20) and the Tentative Map (PCS 14 -02) resolutions to develop the subject site with the proposed Project, subject to the conditions listed in the resolutions. STAFF PRESENTATION: Planning Manager Ed Batchelder introduced Project Manager Richard Zumwalt who proceeded with a PowerPoint presentation that included the project description and included photos of the area, the location map, elevations and plans for the condominiums and site improvements. COMMISSIONER DELIBERATIONS /QUESTIONS Commissioner Livag: On buildings 4 and S there looks to be a large retaining wall. Will the grading be taken down? He is concerned that the single family homes will be about 10 feet higher. Planning Manager Batchelder has been involved and gave an explanation as to the grading, slope. The wall will be a tiered wall with plants to break up the scale of the wall. There was further discussion regarding the height and aesthetics of the wall. PUBLIC HEARING OPENED Mr. John Romero — a resident at 3403 Dorchester — adjacent to the project property spoke regarding access to his property from Industrial Avenue. There was discussion among the Commission, staff, the developer and Mr. Romero as to "legal" access — which he has off of Ada street. Usually properties are not allowed two access points unless they have a legal easement. Mr. Romero is simply requesting of the developer that, in good will, that in the development of the adjacent property, his access not be blocked. The Commission cannot condone approval for that, but as a good neighbor, the applicant has agreed to work with Mr. Romero so as not to block access to his property from Industrial Avenue. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED MSC ACTION: Tentative Map PCS -14 -02 —with corrections of typographical errors Motion to approve made by Calvo; Seconded by Gutierrez Vote: 6 -0 -1 -0 Planning Commission Minutes May 13, 2015 Page -5- MSC ACTION: Design Review Permit DRC -1410 — with corrections on typographical errors Motion to approve made by Calvo; Seconded by Fragomeno Vote: 6 -0 -1 -0 OTHER BUSINESS 4. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Ed Batchelder reminded the Commission of the upcoming Brown Act and Ethics Training on Thursday, May 14th at 5:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. It is a requirement to either attend the Ethics Training or take it on -line every two years. He stated that, at this time, there are no agenda items for the meeting of May 27th and it will likely be cancelled. 5. COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS: There were none ADJOURNMENT: At 6:46 p.m. to the next Regular Planning Commission Meeting on May 27, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. Sub fitted by:, i Patricia Laughlin, Board Secretary Approved June 10, 2015 Livag / Calvo 4-0-2-1 (with Anaya and Fragomeno absent, Fuentes abstained)