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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015/07/08 Planning Commission Minutes01Yor CHULA VISTA Piannini! Commissi ®n MAS MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA July 8, 2015 6:00 p.m. A Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Chula Vista was called to order at 6:03 p.m. in the Council Chambers, located at 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, California. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Commissioners Anaya, Fragomeno, Fuentes, Gutierrez, Livag ABSENT: Nava, Chair Calvo ALSO PRESENT: Planning Manager Ed Batchelder, Associate Planner Caroline Young, Sr. Administrative Secretary Patricia Laughlin, Katy Noel Rich Muhr Commissioner Nava and Chair Calvo have requested an excused absence. MOTIONS TO EXCUSE: Motion to excuse made by Anaya; seconded by Gutierrez. Motion passed 5 -0 -2 -0 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE OPENING STATEMENT: Read by Vice -Chair Livag 1. Approval of Minutes April 22, 2015 Corrections: Scott Vinson listed as in favor was actually opposed. Corrected spelling of Carolyn Scholl — CV Elementary School Dist Motion to approve made by Fuentes; Seconded by Anaya Motion passed 5 -0 -2 -0 June 10, 2015 Corrections: Correct name of Nick Baldwin to Nick Lee Commissioner Gutierrez volunteered as representative to GMOC, the matter was not delayed. Motion to approve made by Fuentes; Seconded by Livag Motion passed: 4 -0 -2 -1 with Anaya abstaining Planning Commission Minutes July 8, 2015 Page -2- 2. Selection of a Chair for fiscal Year 2015/2016 Chair Calvo requested that this item be continued in her absence. PUBLIC COMMENTS An opportunity for members of the public to speak to the Planning Commission on any subject matter within the Commission's jurisdiction, but not an item on today's agenda. Each speaker's presentation may not exceed three minutes. There were none PUBLIC HEARINGS 3. PSP -15 -01 Consideration of an amendment to the Planned Sign Program for new monument signs, wall signs, tower signs, and a lighting change to the existing corner monument sign for The Shops at San Miguel Ranch on an approximately 10 -acre site located at 2310 -2334 Proctor Valley Road. Applicant: Sign Works Project Manager: Caroline Young, Associate Planner 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. Caroline Young gave a slide presentation to the Commission that included location photos, view of the site plan and proposed signage. Main signs will increase from 6' and two tenant names to 9' and 7 tenant names. The proposed signs are in compliance with the San Miguel Ranch Sign Design Standards. The signs shall be designed with intent and purpose to complement the architectural style of the main building or buildings, with predominate visual elements of the building, such as construction materials, color, or other design details. The signs will complement the architectural features and blend well with the new design colors of the shopping center. According to the Applicant, the shopping center is lacking signage for customers driving by the site and people are not aware of all of the stores and shops located in the center. Additional signage throughout the shopping center can increase customer awareness of the different stores and shops and possibly increase revenue to the center. Due to the size and topography of the shopping center, staff concurs that the center could benefit from the addition of these signs. The materials and colors of the signs are compatible with the building colors of the shopping center. Staff recommends the additional wall and tower signs be allowed, and the signage locations be approved as depicted in the sign program. Vice -Chair Livag opened the public hearing. There being no members of the public who wished to speak. The meeting continued with Commissioner's questions. Commissioner Gutierrez asked if this type of sign renovation had been done in any other shopping centers. Planning Manager Batchelder advised the Commission that about 6 months ago the Commission approved signage change for Chula Vista Center. Planning Commission Minutes July 8, 2015 Page -3-- Commissioner Anaya: Are the "For Lease" signs in the pictures staying or being taken down? Associate Planner Young: The center has been losing tenants regularly and more signage has been requested over the years. The City has denied the requests and thinks letting the current signs remain is a good compromise. Katy Noel, with the Owner /Manager of the Property, stated that the plan is to keep the signs as they are advertising space for lease. Planning Manager Batchelder gave the Commission a review of the sign program/guidelines that the City adheres to and said these were temporary signs placed on private property and are not part of the changes being requested. Ms. Noel said that when they get to, or close to, 100% occupancy the signs would be taken down. Commissioner Anaya: How will the spotlights illuminate the signs? Noel: When spotlights are put on the ground they tend to get covered up with groundcover. It is intended to use halo lights which backlight the signs. Rich Muhr stated that it will also be more cost effective as they will be LED lights. Commissioner Anaya: To staff: when notice was put out, did we receive any comments? Carolyn Young: We did not. Commissioner Fragomeno: Has there been any discussion about trimming the trees that block the signage? Noel: they would love to have them trimmed, but believes part of it is managed by the City and they are not allowed to trim them. Batchelder: It partially depends if it is part of the original landscape plan and we would have to determine the responsibility of maintenance. Vice -Chair Livag closed the public hearing. COMMISSIONER DELIBERATIONS Fragomeno: thinks the signage should help the public determine just what is in the center and likes the lighting. Anaya: Not a fan of the new Chula Vista Mall signage — thinks it was overdone. This project seems to do what is intended and fits the surroundings. He would like to see the "for lease" signs gone. Gutierrez: Didn't know what was in the center and had to drive in to find out. Signs will help and he hopes that with the improvements, it will help fill the center's vacant space. Livag: Said be lives close and likes the project. Something needs to be done with the trees. ACTION: Commissioner Anaya moved to adopt Resolution PSP 15 -01. Commissioner Fragomeno seconded the motion. The motion carried 5- 0 -2 -0. Planning Commission Minutes July 8, 2015 Page -4- OTHER BUSINESS 4. DIRECTOR'S COMMENTS There were none 5. COMMISSIONERS'BOARD MEMBERS' COMMENTS There were none ADJOURNMENT At 6:35 p.m. Vice -Chair Livag adjourned the meeting to the next Regular Meeting on July 22, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers Chula Vista, California. Patricia Laughlin, Board Secre *fy Minutes approved August 26, 2015 MSC: AnayalFragomeno 6 -0 -1 -0 (Fuentes absent)