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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Comm Reports/1987/06/10 AGENDA City Planning Commission Chula Vista, California Wednesday, June 10, 1987 - 7:00 p.m. City Council Chambers PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - SILENT PRAYER INTRODUCTORY REMARKS APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Meeting of May 13, 1987 ORAL COMMUNICATIONS 1. PUBLIC HEARING: Draft EIR-87-20tay Rio Business Park 2. PUBLIC HEARING: Draft EIR-87-4 Plaza Bonita Apartments 3. PUBLIC HEARING: Conditional Use Permit PCC-87-40M: Request to continue an existing auto recycling yard located at 150 Center Street - Standard Auto Recycling 4. PUBLIC HEARING: Conditional Use Permit PCC-87-39M: Request to allow continuance of an RV storage lot located at 1383 Broadway - Broadway Equities, Ltd. 5. PUBLIC HEARING: Variance ZAV-87-28M: Request to reduce number of required parking spaces for an office building and warehouse located at 1650 Industrial Boulevard RTA International DIRECTOR'S REPORT COMMISSION COMMENTS ADJOURNMENT AT to the Study Session Meeting of June 17, 1987 at 5:00 p.m. in Conference Rooms 2 & 3 TO: City Planning Commission FROM: George Krempl, Director of Planning SUBJECT: Staff Report on Agenda Items for Planning Commission Meeting of June 10, 1987 1. PUBLIC HEARING: Draft EIR-87-2 Otay Rio Business Park A. BACKGROUND This EIR was i~sued for public and agency review on April 23, 1987. It has been circulated through the State Clearinghouse under a 45-day review period, which ended on June 5, 1987. Comments from the Clearinghouse, if any, are pending. The Resource Conservation Commission has reviewed the document and found that it was prepared in compliance with CEQA and recommended that the Planning Commission certify the EIR. B. RECOMMENDATION 1. Hold the public hearing and schedule consideration of the final EIR for June 24, 1987. C. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The 210-acre project site is located in the extreme southeast corner of the City, approximately 3 miles north of the border, adjacent to the County of San Diego to the east, and the City of San Diego to the south and west. Otay Valley Road bounds the project area on the east side. Generally, the applicant proposes to subdivide the site into 113 lots. Lots 2 through l0 an 12 through 80 would be designated industrial; lot ll would be designated industrial, but would have commercial uses under the provisions of a Master CUP; lots 82 through 130 would be designated single family residential; lot 1 would be designated park land, though the majority would remain in natural open space; and lot 81 would be agricultural (open space). The site is divided into 3 units, with Unit 1 including the industrial, commercial and park land lots; Unit 2 would include the agricultural (open space) area and residential lots in the southwest corner, and Unit 3 would include the 5 residential lots along the south central border. The applicant is requesting a General Plan Amendment (GPA), a Zone Change, and Tentative Subdivision Map approval. Units 2 and 3, being separated from the rest of the project, may be developed at a later time when adjacent residential development, and associated street developments, occur. Units 2 and 3 are dependent upon the development of the property to the south (Robinhood Ridge and associated streets). City Planning Commission Agenda Items for Meeting of Page 2 The proposed plan includes two phases. The first phase includes industrial use lots 7 through 10, 12 through 40, and 74 through 80, totalling 53.5 acres. The second phase includes the remainder of the site. However, Phase 2 may be broken out into more phases as project-related constraints, such as access considerations, become apparent. The first phase would occur before widening of Otay Valley Road, whereas the second phase is dependent upon widening of that road for traffic reasons, and would occur after completion of the widening. D. PROJECT IMPACT Geology and Soils The proposed project would entail grading of the site in preparation for structural development. Maximum slopes proposed are a ratio of 2.0 horizontal to 1.O vertical. The industrial use lots would require 600,000 cubic yards of cut and the same amount of fill; the residential lots would require 300,000 cubic yards of cut and the same amount of fill. Once structures are developed, impacts could occur from the unstable, compressible, and expansive deposits and formations found on the site. The problem deposits and formations are the alluvium, colluvium/slopewash, bentonite clay layers, landslides, and dams. Because the applicant is preparing the site for future development, he would be responsible for the remedial grading which is necessary to stabilize the soils and landslides before development can occur. Further detailed subsurface soil and engineering geology investigations would determine the type and locations of remedial grading necessary, as well as foundation and construction recommendations. Minerals The proposed project would grade the site into pads in anticipation of structural development. The land uses expected are both light industrial/research and residential, and are deemed incompatible ~as defined by the State Mining and Geology Board) with mining. The State Mining and Geology Board (Department of Conservation) would normally cite development of incompatible land use a significant unmitigable impact (O'Bryant, 1986). Their recommendation would be to extract the resource before development of incompatible uses. However, based on the recent GEOCON study performed to determine the suitability of subsurface soils for resource extraction, it was found that these soils do not possess qualities desirable for mining, and it is found that no significant or adverse impacts to this resource would occur from project development. Drainage At ultimate buildout, the proposed project would grade for development approximately 64 percent of the site, or about 135 acres. Most of this area will eventually be covered with surfaces (roads, rooftops, parking City Planning Commission Agenda Items for Meeting of Page 3 lots, etc.) which are impervious to surface-to-groundwater drainage. Considering the amount of anticipated surface coverage, the surface water runoff Ibased on precipitation levels of a ten-year storm) would total about 248 cfs, or an increase from current runoff levels of about 40 percent. The increases in runoff would not be accompanied by increased sediment loads because of the change in land use from open space and agriculture to urban uses. Because the project site represents a very small percentage of the Otay River watershed, the increase in peak runoff from the site would represent only an incremental increase to the existing flood discharges from the rest of the watershed. However, as development continues in the watershed, the increase could be considered cumulatively significant because of existing downstream moderate flooding problems in the floodplain. The proposed natural open space/riparian area in Lot 1 is located within the lO0-year floodplain. As no use is proposed for this area, no impacts would occur. Noise Two characteristic noise sources are typically identified with urbanizing development. Construction activities, especially heavy equipment, will create short-term noise increases near the project site. Upon completion, vehicular traffic on streets within the surrounding community may create a higher noise exposure to area residents beyond the noise levels currently experienced. Long term noise concerns from the increased urbanization of the project area center primarily on mobile sources on the major roadways surrounding the project site. Industrial uses are proposed along Otay Valley Road where noise levels from traffic would be highest. Whereas 65 CNEL is the acceptable limit for residential uses, 70 CNEL is the acceptable limit (Noise Ordinance) for industrial development. The 70 CNEL contour occurs approximately lO0 feet from the Otay Valley Road centerline. Beyond that distance, noise impacts would occur, and measures to reduce noise would be necessary. Biology The project as proposed would eliminate .92 acres of Riparian Woodland, characterized by Mulefat and facultative indicator species. However, the remainder of riparian habitat on site located in the northwestern corner of the property is to be preserved as open space. It would also eliminate approximately 85 acres of highly disturbed Inland Sage Scrub, and approximately llO acres of Fallow Agricultural Fields. Development of the property would also cause incremental loss of raptor foraging land, and an incremental loss of the sensitive plants Ferocactus, Dichondra, and Viguiera laciniata. City Planning Commission Agenda Items for Meeting of Page 4 Archaeology The initial archaeological survey of the Otay Rio Business Park project area indicated that nearly half of the project site had some artifactual coverage. As detailed collection and mapping were carried out, five loci (artifact concentrations and intervening lighter density areas) became apparent, scattered over approximately 75 acres. All artifacts located as a result of the project survey were collected for analysis. The success of the surface collection program and the relatively large quantify of cultural material recovered during that process indicated that comparable subsurface deposits might be present, especially in the areas of the greatest artifact density. The subsurface evaluation was based on the excavation of one-meter-square test units in decimeter levels. One or more units were located at each of the site loci but the subsurfacae excavations failed to locate any significant deposits of cultural materials. Neither did randomly-placed test trenches cutting across the site loci locate any significant deposits. This indicates that the site activity may have been very mobile, without requiring major, long-term camp sites. Upon the completion of the surface recovery program and the documentation of the absence of any subsurface deposits, the field operations were terminated. Essentially, the research potential of the site was exhausted, as no further artifact concentrations remain. The proposed development of the Otay Rio Business Park project will include grading and building upon nearly all of the area of W-3861. This will represent a direct impact to the site, but as the archaeological site no longer retains any research potential, subsurface deposits, or major features, the impacts to the site from development are not considered adverse or significant. Historical Resources Within project boundaries, two houses and various related outbuildings are considered to be potentially historically significant. The first is situated in the northwestern corner of the project, along the river terrace, and consists of a small square house and tool shed along with various additions, such as parking sheds. The second structure is located near the eastern property boundary, at the base of the steep slopes which lead to Otay Mesa. This second structure is a well-preserved farmhouse and garage. The structure situated along the river terrace in the northwest corner of the property is a redwood bungalow. In general, redwood bungalows are an architectural artifact from the period between 1880 and 1900. City Planning Commission Agenda Items for Meeting of Page 5 The analysis of the redwood bungalow and various related historical concerns has led to the following findings: 1. The structure is in excess of lO0 years old, as denoted by the 1878 Township Plat; 2. The owners of the lot and house between 1871 and 1901 did not ~nclude any historically distinguished persons; 3. There are no registered historic sites of similar description in the general area; 4. The structure is an example of a special architectural style common during the late 1800s in southern California; 5. The structure is in very poor condition; 6. The house meets the antiquity standard for nomination to the National Register, but fails to meet the other criteria for acceptance to the Register, and cannot be nominated on the basis of age alone; 7. A trash dump is present to the west of the structure which may be considered to be a potential source of significant historical data. Due to the findings stated above, the bungalow is considered a minimally significant site, and the impacts from demolition of the bungalow for project development are not considered significant. The only recommended mitigation measure for impacts from demolition of the redwood bungalow structure and associated structures would be to closely monitor the grading of the trash dump in order to salvage any historic artifacts which might be unearthed. A report would then be generated to provide an analysis of the historic artifacts in relation to the early homesteads and farms in Otay Valley. Paleontology The distribution of paleontological resources {fossils) in an area is directly related to the distribution of the geologic layers within which the fossils are buried. River and lake deposits exist on the site from the Sweetwater, Otay, and San Diego formations which all exist in the project vicinity. Museum locality records do not document any known fossil localities within the project site and none were found during the field walkover. It is important, however, to point out that many fossil sites presently on record in San Diego have been discovered only during residential development {grading) activities or during highway and freeway construction projects. Due to the amount of grading proposed for some sites, odds are increased that this grading will unearth fossils. City Planning Commission Agenda Items for Meeting of Page 6 In addition to this, knowing the past fossil potential of a particular geological "layer" in one area is a reliable method for determining the resource potential of that "layer" in other unexplored areas. The Otay Formation at EastLake (near Southwestern Junior College) has recently been shown (Demere 1986) to contain significant paleontological resources including well-preserved remains of fossil land vertebrates such as lizards, turtles, birds, hedgehogs, rabbits, rodents, carnivores, camels, mouse-deer, and oreodonts (extinct pig-like grazing animals). The San Diego Formation has been known for a long time to possess a high paleontological resource potential (Domning and Demere, 1984) and has produced large and well-preserved assemblages of fossil marine vertebrates including sharks, rays, bony fish, sea birds, fur seals, walrus', dolphins, baleen whales, and sea cows. Demere (1984) reported on the occurrence of fossiliferous exposures of the San Diego Formation at two sites within 1.5 miles of the project site (NW 1/4 of Sec. 31, T. 18S., R. 1W.). One of these sites (San Diego Society of Natural History Locality 3076) has produced remains of shark, ray, bony fish, albatross, fur seal, dolphin, and baleen whale. With the basic assumptions in mind concerning the paleontological resource potential of the geological rock units (formations), it is suggested that development of the project site could result in impacts to significant paleontological resources (principally the potentially fossiliferous deposits of the Otay and San Diego Formations). These impacts would occur when mass grading operations cut into the fossil-bearing layers in these two formations. Land Use Implementation of the proposed GPA and Zone Change would significantly change the type of land use allowed on the project site from low density residential to a mix of urban uses, largely light industrial. The mixture of uses, however, is considered to provide a gradual transition from the existing industrial nature of the Valley to the proposed and planned residential uses to the south and west. Chula Vista's General Plans and Zoning to the north allow for Open Space along the Otay River and floodplain, and industrial use along Otay Valley Road and to the north. The proposed GPA and Zone Change would be compatible with these existing adjacent designations. Biological studies for this EIR found that the northwest corner of the site is a wetland area, part of the large wetland associated with the Otay River floodplain. The onsite wetland is protected by the Open Space Plan designation, however, a portion of it is covered by the IL-P proposed zone. The GPA would provide open space protection to this area, especially with further restrictions placed on this area during the subdivision map process. During the map process, this area should be placed in permanent open space, and later, shown on the Final Map as a restriction on the property, either in the form of designated fee title or an open space easement. City Planning Commission Agenda Items for Meeting of Page 7 The City of San Diego's surrounding General Plan and Zoning designations allow for Very Low Density to Medium Low Density Residential development. The proposed GPA and Zone Change would be compatible with San Diego's designations to the south and southwest. The General Plans for the two jurisdictions would conflict on the west, however, where the proposed industrial GPA and Zone would conflict with San Diego's very low density (0-5 dwelling units per acre) plans. Another land use consideration is the expansion of the Brown Field Airport's noise contours. Presently, the extension of the noise contours configuration over the City of San Diego is unknown, but it may extend toward the northwest in the direction of the project site. The City of San Diego's Very Low, Low, and Medium Low Density Residential designations in this area may then become incompatible with the high noise levels anticipated within these contours. Aesthetics While specific lot uses are presently unknown, the change in land use proposed by the project will substantially alter the visual quality of the site. The Tentative Map for the proposed Business Park indicates that approximately 135 acres would be given over to commercial, light industrial and residential uses. In light of proposed development in the surrounding areas, however, project planned uses are consistent with adjacent properties, the proposed single family lots abut the Robinhood Ridge residential development while the open space separates these areas from the light industrial/commercial lots below. The latter lots extend north to the river drainage and towards an area zoned Light Industrial by the City of Chula Vista and which contains redevelopment area industrial uses and wrecking yards. The Otay Rio Business Park plan, therefore, provides a gradual buffer between the approved Robinhood Ridge developments and the existing industrial development in the area. Construction-related impacts will also significantly alter the existing visual nature of the site; however, these impacts would be temporary, and would occur in phases. Schools The Otay Rio project includes planned development of 49 single-family dwellings. Using multipliers providers by the Districts (0.4 SFD for Chula Vista; 0.39 SFD for Sweetwater), it was computed that the residential element of the proposed project could result in an impact of an additional 20 elementary school and 20 upper school children to the system. City Planning Commission Agenda Items for Meeting of Page 8 Anticipated impacts to the school systems will be significant. As noted above, existing schools are nearing or exceeding state mandated capacity limits. The projected 20 elementary school children have no available school and the high school age children would attend a school already over enrollment maximums set by the state. However, development of the residential portion of the project would occur in the final phase of development, and by that time, the existing school situation may be different, resulting in different impacts. The situation is additionally complicated by the fact that there are several other proposed residential developments in the area immediately surrounding Otay Rio. Of these, only two developers have submitted precise plans as of January 1987. One of these {Pardee-California Terraces) proposes 4,756 single and multi-family residences. The other {Robinhood Homes-Robinhood Ridge) proposes 1,046 new units. An additional development to be completed by Stafford-Gardner is not in the immediate area but was noted by the Sweetwater District as of concern as it would also funnel students into the Castle Park High School. Approximately 3,000 homes are projected for this development. Therefore, although the Otay Rio project will result in a relatively slight incremental increase of students to the system, impacts of all these developments on the school system will obviously be dramatic. The existing school base is inadequate in view of the projected growth and new facilities will be needed. Standard developer fees will not provide enough income to build a school; 1986-87 predicted costs for acquisition of a lO-acre parcel and construction of an elementary facility totalled $4.5 million. Parks and Open Space The proposed project includes approximately 1.5 acres of park land, which would serve the Business Park employees. No dedicated park land is proposed for the residential areas. The developer would be required to compensate for the provision of parkland by payment of fees as required by the Park Land Dedication Ordinance. In addition, a proposed park site is included in the Robinhood Ridge development proposal adjacent to the residential lots proposed in this development. Approximately 75 acres of the project site are proposed for open space {approximately 35 percent). The largest piece of contiguous open space is in the southeast corner and is quite steep. The other open space areas are generally along the steepest hillsides. Fire Protection The project area is serviced by Chula Vista Fire Department Station No. 3, located at 266 E. Oneida Street. Three firefighters are assigned to Station No. 3. Estimated response time to the project vicinity is approximately 12 minutes, which is considered excessive by Fire Department personnel. Average response time should be approximately four minutes; nine minutes is the upper limit of acceptability. City Planning Commission Agenda Items for Meeting of Page 9 The proposed project street widths are sufficient to provide Chula Vista fire engines with their required maneuverability and turning requirements with two exceptions. These are streets I and K in the residential portion of the proposed project. The turning radius at the end of each of these cul-de-sacs appears to be exactly 40 feet. If a single car was parked at the turning point, the engine would be unable to maneuver. With the addition of more industrial, commercial and residential development from the proposed project as well as surrounding projects, the percentage of incidents will also increase. These issues are considered significant by the Fire Marshal. The Otay Municipal Water District (OMWD) could serve the site with 3,000 gpm. Fire flow requirements may be as high as 5,000 gpm, depending on the type of occupancy and square footage of buildings. However, with installation of sprinkler systems, these requirements could be 2,500 gpm, well within the amount provided by OMWD. Utility Service The proposed project is provided with energy by San Diego Gas and Electric. At the present time, the project area is served by electric lines only. The closest gas line is located approximately 5,600 feet east of where Otay Valley Road turns south. Located at the end of existing circuits, development on the subject property would strain the existing system. Loads resulting from the projected residential development are considered inconsequential when compared to those anticipated to result from the slated commercial and industrial uses on the property. Together, however, proposed development uses will impact the existing system. Also, other planned area developments, in conjunction with the proposed project, would result in cumulative impacts to the existing system. A new substation has just been completed on the corner of Harvest Road just south of Otay Mesa Road and to the east of Brown Field. The current circuits feeding the project site extend from the Main Street substation in Chula Vista. Existing circuits may have to be rearranged, extended or shortened. Water Service In order to annex into Otay Municipal Water District (Otay), approvals must be obtained from the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), the MWD, and the CWA. Otay has stated that they could supply the water from their existing system. The developer would have to extend water mains approximately 7,500 feet from the closest point of connection, which is at the intersection of Maxwell Road and Otay Valley Road. Otay might be able to negotiate (at the developer's expense) with San Diego for the use of their water mains already located onsite. Otay's system could supply 3,000 gallons per minute without extensive system changes. The costs to annex to Otay are approximately $168,500, and the tie-in costs cannot be detemined until detailed plans are submitted. City Planning Commission Agenda Items for Meeting of Page l0 No impacts to water availability from development on the site would occur once an agreement is made with the water district. Cumulative impacts to the entire southern California water availability situation would occur from the increased water demand at the site. Transportation/Access The site plan shows Otay Valley Road developed to six lane prime arterial standards. This is appropriate for the ultimate classification expected for this roadway. However, the roadway constitutes only two lanes at present, and has a substandard alignment near the southerly portion of the site. There is no timetable set as yet for completion of a program to construct Otay Valley Road to its ultimate width. As the proposed project is developed in a phased program, traffic will be added to the existing traffic on the two lane section of Otay Valley Road (between Oleander Avenue and the project site). At some point in the phased development, the capacity of the two lane section will be exceeded. To continue development, it will be necessary to upgrade the roadway to four lanes. The City of Chula Vista's design ADT for a two lane local collector is 5,000. This is a slightly low figure for the capacity of a two lane roadway with little to no side friction and no intersection delays along it. This roadway compares to the County of San Diego's two lane light collector road classification. The County shows an LOS C of 7,100 ADT for a two-lane light collector (LOS D, generally accepted as capacity, is 10,900 ADT; LOS E is 16,200 ADT). Assuming a LOS C for this roadway to be 7,100 ADT and an existing traffic volume of 1,400 ADT, the remaining volume to maintain a LOS C would be 5,700 ADT. The two lane segment north of the site was assumed to have 80% of the residential trips, and 90% of the industrial and commercial trips assigned to it (under the worst case assumption of only Otay Valley Road for access). Phase I development of the site could be accommodated by the existing two lane collector. However, other developments will be occurring in the project vicinity which will utilize Otay Valley Road. Thus, at some point in the near future, the proposed project development, in conjunction with surrounding development, will significantly raise the ADT on Otay Valley Road above acceptable levels. The proposed project incrementally contributes to this cumulative impact. WPC 3953P City Planning Commission Agenda Items for Meeting of June 10, 1987 Page 1 2. PUBLIC HEARING: Draft EIR-87-4, Plaza Bonita Apartments A. BACKGROUND This EIR was issued for public and Agency review on May 5, 1987. It was circulated through the State Clearinghouse; at the applicant's request, staff requested and received a shortened review period since the only commenting State agency, CalTrans, had consented to a 30-day review rather than the normal 45-day review period. The Clearinghouse review period ends on June 8. As of this date, several comments have been received from other agencies and the public and are attached in Exhibit A of this report. The Resource Conservation Con~ission has reviewed the document and, while finding that it was in compliance with CEQA, recommended that the Planning Commission not certify the EIR and deny the project. The reasons stated for the recommendation are as follows: 1. The density is unacceptably high. 2. Traffic conditions are not acceptable at the present; implementation of the project would create adverse impacts of an incremental nature. 3. Timing of the development is inappropriate due to the General Plan Update and the Bonita Road traffic corridor study. 4. The aesthetic impact on the gateway to the community is adverse in nature due to the monolithic appearance of the apartments in concert with the development across the street. 5. Adverse impacts would occur due to increased traffic noise. B. RECOMMENDATION 1. Hold the public hearing and schedule consideration of the final EIR for June 24, 1987. C. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed Plaza Bonita apartment complex would provide 96 apartment units on the 4.6-acre project site, with concomitant parking and recreational facilities. Parking would be provided on-site for 161 vehicles, with 24 parking spaces tucked under three of the buildings. Access would be gained from two driveways off of Bonita Road; no access would be provided directly to "E" Street. City Planning Commission Agenda Items for Meeting of Page 2 The apartment complex would consist of seven structures: three two-story on grade, three three-story (two-story residential with parking basements), and one combination one- and two- story recreation building. The two-story structures would be a maximum of 28 feet tall, and the three story structures would reach a height of 37 feet. Each of the six apartment buildings would house 16 units for a total of 72 one-bedroom units and 24 two-bedroom units. Proposed recreation facilities include a swimming pool, a therapy pool, and a meeting room. Mailboxes, laundry facilities, equipment storage, and manager's office would also be provided in the recreation building. Approximately 4.5 acres of the project site would be graded, with 3,500 cubic yards excavated and 22,000 cubic yards filled. Approximate maximum depth of cut would be 10 feet; average depth of cut would be 4 feet. Approximate maximum depth of fill would be 13 feet; average depth of fill would be 4 feet. D. PROJECT IMPACT Transportation/Access The proposed project would generate 768 trips per day, with an estimated 55% of that traffic proceeding west and 45% proceeding east on Bonita Road. The project traffic would not result in a lowered Level of Service at any of the project area intersections analyzed in ~i~ ~raff~c study, so that no direct significant traffic impacts would result. (Please see table attached.) The incremental contribution to areawide traffic is small (1.7% and 0.1% west and east of 1-805, respectively), and no significant cumulative traffic impacts would result from the project's implementation. However, any increase in traffic volumes must be recognized as an incremental impact in an area experiencing traffic congestion. Noise Traffic on "E" Street and on Interstate 805 presently subjects the proposed project site to potentially significant noise levels (67 dB-A CNEL). Future traffic on "E" Street is predicted to decrease from 23,100 trips per day to 13,100, but increases are projected for 1-805. Therefore, the noise levels at the proposed project site are expected to remain constant. Land Use The proposed project is inconsistent with both the City's General Plan land use designation and zoning regulations, and would require a General Plan amendment and rezone. The project would create a higher density development than presently allowed, and the potential character of the site ~ld change from medium density single family to high density multiple family residential. This would result in an incompatibility with adjacent single family residential development. City Planning Commission Agenda Items for Meeting of June 10, 1987 Page 3 Landform/Aesthetics Although most of the site would be graded, no substantial landform modification is proposed, and the site would retain its general slope. While five to six existing trees would be removed, the majority of the 110 eucalyptus trees on site would remain. The proposed structures would be more massive than the existing residences on Bonita Road, and views from Hilltop Drive and "E" Street would also be affected. Community Infrastructure (Schools) Area schools, already overcrowded, would be further impacted by additional students generated by the proposed project. Presently, Hilltop Junior High School could accommodate the additional students, but elementary and high school students would require bus transportation to alternative school facilities. Soil s/Geology Soils on the project site have moderate to severe expansive potential, which could cause damage to foundations and structures. The site's proximity to the Coronado Banks Fault and La Nacion Fault places it at seismic risk, but this risk would not be any greater than that in most areas of the County. While a surface inspection showed no evidence of a high groundwater table, the site is potentially at risk from liquefaction associated with groundshaking. Hydrol ogy/Groundwater Implementation of the proposed project would require an increase in impervious surfaces {e.g., pavement) and could result in increased runoff. The eastern portion of the project site lies in the 100 year flood plain, subjecting that portion to inundation. Presently, the site makes no significant contribution to the existing groundwater. WPC 3951 P EXHIBIT A Public Review Comments received to date May 23, 1987 Mr. Doug Reid P.O. Box 1087 Chula Vista, CA 92012 Mr. Reid, This letter is in regard to the proposed construction of a 96 unit apartment complex on the property bounded by 'E' Street and Bonita Road. As a home owner on near-by Eucalyptus Court, I can assure you that we are already experiencing horrendous traffic conjestion, along with high noise and air pollution levels, which, in my opinion, is a direct re- sult of the many high density units already existing within an area less than a square mile of the proposed apartments, i.e. 1. Eucalyptus Grove Apts. 2. Whispering Trees Apts. 3. Apts. East of 805 on Bonita Raod 4. Ramada Inn 5. La Quinta Motel 6. Add the continuous traffic from Plaza Bonita, Denny's Restaurant, and Love's Barbeque. Has the suggested $100 ,000 traffic study for this intersection been completed? Have the results been published? I would ask you and all mem- bers of the C.V. Planning Commission, and the C.V. City Council, to drive your cars through this intersection at peak traffic hours for several days, and experience first hand our accute EXISTING problems. There have been frequent times that I have been unable to exit 'E' Street SAFELY due to backed-up traffic, so am forced to my only alternate route -- Hilltop Drive off of Bonita Road -- directly across from the proposed 96 unit apartment complex ! ! Soon, we residents of 'Bonita Cove' will be literally "locked in" o~ locked out" !l I am extremely concerned that this apartment complex would only compound an already frustratin~ situation, and strongly oppose construction of same! I Respectfully, PLANNING DEPARTMENT CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA Sweetwater Union High School District ADMINISTRATION CENTER DIVISION OF BUSINESS S~VIC~ RECEI .ED ' Hay 27, 1987 ~, ::" Ms. 3ulie Schilling PLANNING D,,A.~IMEi]T Assistant Planner CttULAVISTA, CALIFORNIA' City of Chula Vista Planning Department 276 Fourth Avenue Chula Vista, CA 92010 Dear Ms. Schilling: RE: BONITA PLAZA APARTMENTS EIR-87-4 The Sweetwater Union High School District has been experiencing increasingly overcrowded conditions for the past three years. Students generated from this project will attend Hilltop Junior High School and Hilltop High School. Below are capacity and enrollment statistics for these schools: Temporary Permanent Current Classroom Classroom Enrollment Capacity Capacity _ .May 1987 . Hilltop High 120 1388 1429 Hilltop Junior 1386 1313 As you can see from this information, the permanent capacity of these schools is already impacted. Although not considered an acceptable permanent solution, we have responded to overcrowded conditions by establishing temporary trailer and relocatable classroom facilities to house the excess students. The annual lease-purchase cost, without the installation of electricity, is $5400 per trailer classroom and $7194 per relocatable classroom. There are also strains on the non-expandable services at all of our schools; i.e., libraries, cafeterias, restrooms and playfields. Bussing and boundary changes are other methods we have used to mitigate the overcrowded conditions. Recent legislation has put a cap on school fees of $1.50 per square foot for residential development and 25 cents per square foot for commercial/industrial developments. Ms. Julie Schilling May 27, 1987 Page Two Due to the time needed to accumulate sufficient funds for new facilities, like many other districts statewide, Sweetwater Union High School District is behind in its facilities program. The District uses a yield factor of .46 to calculate the number of school age children generated per residential dwelling unit. Using this factor, Bonita Plaza Apartments will generate an additional 44 students. This project would represent a temporary' significant cumulative impact on the secondary school facilities. The District is proceeding in plans for a new high school projected for completion in the 1990-1991 school year and a proposed junior high school to follow. Because enrollment within the Sweetwater Union High School District presently exceeds the design capacity at many of the existing schools, additional students from this project would incrementally worsen the overcrowded conditions. Sincerely, Andrew B. Campbell Administrator of Planning ABC: sly CHULA VISTA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT Each child i~ an individual of g~ea~ worth 84 EAST"J*' STREET · CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA 92010-6199 · 619425-9600 May 27, 1987 Mr. Douglas R. Reid Planning Department City of Chula Vista 276 Fourth Avenue Chula Vista, CA 92010 Dear Mr. Reid: RE: 96 TWO AND THREE STORY APARTNENTS PROPERTY BOUNDED BY "E" STREET AND BON]'TA ROAR Please be advised that the Chula Vista City School District is engaged in an effort to integrate schools and a citizens advisory committee may make recommendations on school assignments. We can assure that classroom facilities will be available for students who would come from this proposed development, however, we cannot assure that these students will attend Rosebank School, as this school is heavily overcrowded, and this proposed development would impact the current situation. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact this office. John E. Linn Assistant Superintendent for Business Management JEL:dt ~. ~. C, ~, i ~ BOARD OF EDUCATION OPAL FULLER. PRESIDENT · JUDY SCHULENBERG, VICE PRESIDENT·FRANK A. TARANTINO. CLERK·DR. JOSEPH D. CUMMINGS, MEMBER·SHARON GILES, MEMBER ASST. SUPT. FOR ASST SUPT, FOR ASST TO THE SUPT FOR ASST. SUPT, FOR SUP~'RINTENOENT BUSINESS MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTION PERSONNEL SERVICES SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION DR. LEWIS L 8EALL JOHN £ UNO DR. TATE PARKER OR. EVELYN 0. PARE OR. JOHN F. VUGRIN 5-3E~ -87' C F,' 0 S'._~ F,' OA D $ P.0. Box 4?0 Chu]a k,"i~,t.s Ca. ?20]2 Chula Mista Planning Commi~._~ion 276 Fourth Ave. Chula Vista, Ca 'F'2¢t8 Re: Plaza Bonita Ri, ts.. Case ~ EIF'.-87-4 Deg. r Chairman and f~ember, s of Commission: CROSSROADS, an organization concerned t,,,i th the qual it>.' of life in Chula Vista supports the continuance of the pr.e=-.ent zoning on ~;his propert:,., it is a pr-ime g.~teway' corner, on a desi gnated scen i c road and shou 1 d be u,=ed accord i ngl y. in reviewing the EIR on this project, we believe it is. inadequate, contains omissions and misrepresentations and minimizes the impacts on the roads, schools and surrounding neighborhood. The fact that the developer, was able to develop at the high end of the density range and a density bonus was giq¢en th;s same developer on Eucalyptus Grove does not mean that this property should receive the ~ame largesse. In truth, the density granted the Eucal>'otus OFove de,Jelopment should be balanced by the present zoning on this parcel. The twenty-fi...¢e letters of os.ject on from neighbors and a letter of concern from the California Depar. tmfnt of Tran-=.portation regarding .significar~t peak-hour tcsfEic :m~,acts tc, the interstate Route 885 ~nterchange at E:c, nita Road have ¢.~.s.i~.ted us in our conclusion that this. request Fezon i n9 be den i ed. You, Fr no 3Utl 1 Project co-ordinator Z R',3SSROA[ 3 ISTA, June 4, 1987 FRoM:TO: Doug Reid, E.I.R. Coordinator ~Peter Watry ~~ SUBJECT: E.I.R. for Plaza Bonita Apartments, Case No. EIR-87-4 On page 4 it is mentioned that traffic on E Street in the vicinity of the project is expected to decrease from its present 23,100 daily count to i3,100 in the future after the opening of State 54 on the new Ctood control channel. I very much question such an assumption~ The following is an attempt to analyze the effect of opening State 54 on E Street traffic in the vicinity of the project. 1. I will concentrate on east-bound traffic first. 2. Going east on State 54 will take you either (a) straight past 1-805 to Paradise Hills, Spring Valley, etc., or (b) to northbound 1-805 or (c) to southbound 1-805. It will not take you into the heart of Bonita or the Bonita Plaza shopping center except by very circuitous routes. 3. People now using E Street to go to Bonita, the Bonita Plaza shopping center, or south on 1-805 would have no reason to drive north to the State 54 route first. People going to Spring Valley, etc., now take Second Avenue to State 54. 4. The only people now 3sing E Street that would gain by going north to State 54 first are people So are destined for north on 1-805, and who begin, say, west of First Avenue. 5. On page 23 in the bottom-left quarter of the page, it shows the peak-hour traffic count at the 1-805 East Ramp. And it shows 453 cars turning north on 1-805. If that's the peak hour, what would the daily count be? I don't know, but let's say I0 times that, or 4,500. What proportion of those started west of First Avenue, and so would not take State 54? To say more than a couple o£ thousand sounds ludicrous. 6. Any decrease in traffic as in #5 above will surely be more than offset by new traffic generators, such as the new Eucalyptus Grove apartments and the new La Quinta Motel operating at full speed, plus other developments to come along Bonita Glen. 7. I would think the same analysis would apply to west-bound traffic on E Street as well. PLANNING DEPARTUE T, CHULA VISTA, CALIFOP, I fA George T. Felix 7830 la mesa boulevard phone 462-3000 la mesa, california 92041 Uay 22, 2987. RE E.I .E Ms. Julie Schilling City of Chula Vista M~¥ 13 ~c~c~ Planning Department 276 Fourth Avenue PLANNING DEPARTMENT' Chula Vista, CA 92020 CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA Dear Julie: We have received the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Plaza Bonita Apartments (City of Chula Vista Case No. EIR-87-4 and offer the following comments: 1. page 7 Section 2.2 ~roject Characteristics, paragraph 2, .... , three three story (two story residential with parking basement), ... Suggest adding (two story residential with parking basement under one side only), ....... 2.. page 27 Future Flus Project Traffic, paragraph 2, This section is not real clear - especially as to the reference to Table 2; the EIR portion or the Appendix portion of traffic study? It would also seem that a summary of Table 3 or including Table 3 of-the Federhart Traffic Study, page 25 would help see the overall situation. 3. page 38 Section 3.3.1 .Project Setting, paragraph 3. Regarding current zoning being in conformance with the General Plan on this property - they are Rot in conformance. Existing zoning is R-1 (Low 1-3 D.U./AC) and the General Plan shows (Medium 4-12 D.U./AC), for the subject site. 4. page 40 paragraph 5, The projected build-out date for Eucalyptus Grove Apartments is 1987. 5. page 41 paragraph 2, The potential character of the site would change from medium density single family detached to high density multifamily is not real clear, the medium density classification (4-12 D.U./AC) does not necessarily mean single family detached. It might be more appropriate to change this to: would change from medium density residential ity multifamily ........ 6. page 51 paragraph 2, Please see previous letter sent to you on May 5, 1987 regarding proposed building height in relation to existing single family residences along south side of Bonita Road. 7. page 51 paragraph 3, As reviewed from "E" Street Building III appears to be between 23 and 29 feet above "E" Street, directly across from Building III. 8. page 54 paragraph 1, The minimum setback adjacent to "E" Street is proposed to be minimum 25 foot. 9. page 54 paragraph 3, Regarding height, bulk and mass of project. The apartments are two story, and two story with parking basement under one side. The parking under one side is incorporated to: a. Help the buildings step down the site and follow the general slope of the site which slopes from west to east. b. To create more landscaped open space by placing some .of the paved surface used for parking under portions of some buildings. (Buildings III, IV and VI). 10. page 66 paragraph 1, Reference made to 100 year elevation @ 42.5,' this should be 45.2. Sincerely, George T. Felix George T. Felix 7830 la mesa boulevard phone 462-3000 la mesa, california 92041 .R E,C~i~~ May 5, 1987. [~Y 08 ~:.~ PLAN / Ms. Julia Schilling VIST , CALI£O City of Chula Vista Planning Department Environmental Division 276 Fourth Avenue Chn!a Vista, CA 92010 Dear J~lie: Regarding the siting of buildings and their relative height to the single fsmily residences along the south side o£ Bonita Road. It has been proposed to scale down the buildings along Bonita Road to be compatible with the single family residences. Three buildings are placed adjacent to Bonita Road and they generally follow the slope of Bonita Road (elevation 66.0 to 43.0 going West to East to "E" Street). The frontage along Bonita Road North side, is approximately 615 lineal feet. Proposed buildings on Bonita Road total approximately 273 lineal feet, the remaining frontage is left open as visual corridors through the site. Additionally: BUILDING VI With proposed First Floor at elevation 67.0 ~s placed directly opposite residence with First Floor at elevation 65.5 (net difference is one story plus 1.5 ft. above residence across street). BUILDING VII R~creatien - Office Building w~th proposed First Floor elevation 56.0 · is directly acro~s Bonita Road from residences with First Floors at elevation 61.0 & 59.5. A portion of Building VII has a mezzanine level which is at elevation 64.8. This portion of building is approximately one third of the building frontage - 28 ft. (The relative height for two thirds of the ~ilding is 3.5 - 5.0 ft. below residences First ~Aoor and one third of the building frontage is 4.0 above the First Floor of residences. Half story below and half story above residences directly across street). BUILDING I At the Easterly portion of site adjacent to the intersection of "E" Street and Bonita Road, is placed along Bonita Road Frontage. Proposed First Floor is at elevation 49.0. Residences directly across from Building I are at approxim- ately elevations 56.0; 53.0; 51.5; 49.0: (The relative height is one story plus 2 ft. at one end and two story at East end for a net of 2 ft. to one story higher than residences across street). BUILDING II ) Have been set back off Bonita Road varying from BUILDING III) 200 ft. - 400 ft. from residences along Bonita BUILDING IV ) Road. & BUILDING V ) .~ BUILDING V Has been set into hillside and has hillside and eucalyptus grove as backdrop. This is the high- est building proposed with First Floor at elevation 75.5. Where this is the highest building it has been placed so as to have minimal impact on the relationship with Bonita Road residences. BUILDING IV Is the most westerly building along "E" Street and is also the one which is furthest from residences along Bonita Road. It is proposed to be at elevation 65.0 for First Floor, which is approximately 15 ft. below "E" Street at its location. It is set down and is just below Eucalyptus Grove on northwesterly portion of site. BUILDING II Which is placed along "E" Street the proposed First Floor is at elevation 50.5 which is directly ~cross residences along Bonita Road, with First Floors at elevation 57.5 and 56.0 the Second Floor of Building II is set at approxima- tely 59.5 (the net height of Building I1 is approximately 3.5 ft. above residences directly across Bonita Road. BUILDING III Along "E" Street with proposed'First Floor at elevation 61.0 and Second Floor at elevation 70.0 is placed directly behind Building VII and approximately 285 feet from residences on Bonita Road. Residences on Bonita Road directly across Bonita Road have First Floors at elevation 61.0, 59.5 and 57.5 (the relative height is from one story to one story plus 3.5 ft. higher than residences directly across Bonita Road). 2 Additional consideration to the interface along Bonita Road includes:- 1. Widening of Bonita Road with new curbs, gutter and side- walk. 2. Screen - decorative wall - fence between proposed build- ings and residences. 3. Landscape buffer between wall and residences and wall and proposed buildings to help visually separate and soften the interface of the proposed development and the existing residences along south side of Bonita Road. The way that the description is written on page 39 seems to be '~ misleading. With the exception of Building V which is not directly across the street from any residences along Bonita Road the range of differential height relative to residences directly across Bonita Road from proposed buildings range from half a story below, to one and half stories above residences along Bonita Road when all buildings are considered, and range from half a story below to one story above residences when only buildings situated on Bonita Road are considered. RE: Draft - Environmental Impact Report Screen check Phase EoI.R. 87-4 - Additional Comments: Page 19, 51, 54 100 year flood elevation should be revised to 45.2 (verify with Roger Daoust City of Chula Vista Engineering) as required for Eucalyptus Grove Apart- ments. Page 28 Roughly 200 dwelling units. Buildout is 1987 when completed... Page 36 Phase II presently is being completed and 1st paragraph is partially occupied. Page 39 Regarding the description of the proposed 2nd paragraph buildings being one to two stories taller than the existing residences on Bonita Road. - See attached letter. Page 42 Minimum 25 ft. setback adjacent to "E" Street. Thank you George T. Felix 3 CITY OF CHULA VISTA DISCLOSURE STATEMENT Q RETIONARY ACTION ON OF THE CITY COMMISSION AND ALL OTHER OFFICIAL BODIES. THE PART COUNCIL, PLANNING The following information must be disclosed: 1. List the names of all persons having a financial interest in the application. John W. Gardner, Jr. Karen Kaye Gardner Mary Leu Gardner Will Donald Gardner List the names of all persons having any ownership interest in the property involved. 2. If any person identified pursuant to (1) above is a corporation or partnership, list the names of all individuals owning more than 10% of the shares in the corporation or owning any partnership interest in the partnership. 3. If any person identified pursuant to (1) above is a non-profit organization or a trust, list the names of any person serving as director of the non-profit organization or as trustee or beneficiary or trustor of the trust. 4. Have you had more than $250 worth of business transacted with any member of City staff, Boards, Co,~,issions, Com~ittees and Council within the past twelve months? Yes_. No_x If yes, please indicate person(s) _r~----' Person is defined as: "Any individual, firm, copartnership, joint venture, association, ~ club, fraternal organization, corporation, estate, trust, receiver, syndicate, this and any other county, city and county, c~t . m · · · political subd~v~sTon, or any oth_~er ~~'onm~aal~taY,un~r'ct or other (NOTE: Attach additional pages as necessary.)~ ~ ~ ~ ~ \ 7' 6/]6/86 WPC 0701~ ~of ~P~licant/date A-llo Will Donald Gardner ~ naif applicant-- -- -- City Planning Commission Agenda Items for Meeting of June 10, 1987 Page 1 3. PUBLIC HEARING: Major Use Permit PCC-87-40M; request to continue an existin9 auto dismantlin9 yard at 150 Center Street dacK Stanley A. BACKGROUND The applicant currently operates an existing auto dismantling yard located at 150 Center Street which was approved under major use permit P76-55 by the County. The major use permit expired on April 27, 1987, and the applicant has filed a request for a major use permit to continue the use. The property lies wi thin an M-58 heavy industrial zone. An Initial Study, IS-87-57M, of possible adverse environmental impacts of the project was conducted by the Environmental Review Coordinator on May 22, 1987. The Environmental Review Coordinator concluded that there would be no significant environmental effects and recommended that the Negative Declaration be adopted. The Montgomery Planning Committee, at their meeting of June 3, 1987, voted to recommend approval of the major use permit request, subject to the conditions recommended by staff with the addition of a condition to require fire inspection of the interior of the building and review of the request by the Police Department. Those revisions have been incorporated into the recommended conditions outlined in section B of this report. B. RECOMMENDATION 1. Find that this project will have no significant environmental impacts and adopt the Negative Declaration issued on IS-87-57M. 2. Based on findings contained in Section "E" of this report, adopt a motion to approve the request, PCC-87-40M, to continue an existing auto dismantling yard at 150 Center Street subject to the following conditions: a. The owner shall show evidence of legal access to the subject property from Center Street along an apparent private easement which terminates at the northeast property boundary. Based upon the type of legal access afforded to the owner, additional improvements to the easement may be required, subject to review and approval by the City Engineer and Director of Planning. b. The applicant shall complete the process initiated with the Sweetwater Authority to install a fire hydrant along the Center Street road easement, the type and exact location of the hydrant subject to the approval of the City Fire Marshal. City Planning Commission Agenda Items for Meeting of June 10, 1987 Page 2 c. Adequate turnaround shall be provided for use by fire apparatus to take form in either a cul-de-sac with a 40 foot radius or a hammerhead turnaround with dimensions of 24 feet by 75 feet. d. The applicant shall install and maintain the landscape and irrigation plan as approved by the City Landscape Architect. e. The applicant shall submit a revised site plan to reflect the boat manufacturing operation currently present as a tenant within the auto parts warehouse on site in conjunction with the auto dismantling operation. The site plan shall indicate the amount of on site parking allocated to each use and what buffering or separation is present so that land use conflicts between the dismantling operation and the boat manufacturing business do not occur. Additional parking shall be provided on site at 1 parking space for every 300 square feet of gross floor area for the boat manufacturing operation, in addition to the 21 spaces provided for the auto dismantling business, as approved under major use permit P76-55. f. The major use permit is granted for a period of time not to exceed two years or 90 days after adoption of the Montgomery Specific Plan, whichever comes first. NOTE: Site is to be cleared within 30 days after the expiration date or the City shall have the right to enter onto the property and have the site cleared with payment authorized by placement of a lien on the property. g. All parking areas and driveways shall be well maintained and kept clear of wrecked autos or other storage materials. Storage of wrecked vehicles and other materials shall only occur within those areas indicated for such use. h. A solid fence or wall 8 feet in height shall be maintained in good condition surrounding the premises. Said fence or wall shall be maintained in a neat manner and not used for advertising purposes. i. No outdoor storage of any type shall be stacked outside higher than said fence and nothing shall be placed closer than two feet to any fence or building. j. There shall be no burning of any materials on the premises. k. All material shall be placed and maintained so that it will not encourage spontaneous or accidental combustion. 1. No automobile crushing or shredding shall be conducted on site. City Planning Commission Agenda Items for Meeting of June 10, 1987 Page 3 m. Fire inspection by the City Fire Marshal is required of the interior of the building for that portion of the building engaged in boat manufacturing. Corrections of Fire Code violations or compliance with current Fire Codes as required by the Fire Marshal shall be completed no later than 60 days after final approval of the major use permit. n. The site plan shall be submitted for review and approval by the Police Department to assess public safety and police protection concerns. C. DISCUSSION Adjacent zoning and land use North M-58 towing impound yard South A-70 vacant, Otay River East M-58 auto dismantling yard West M-54 vacant, auto dismantling yard Existing site characteristics The project site is a 3.37 acre property with less than 2% slope on site located at the terminus of Center Street, south of Main Street adjacent to the north side of the Otay River. The lot contains an existing auto dismantling operation with an open storage yard, a 26,400 square foot building which is used partially for parts storage and a 21 space parking lot. The property is surrounded by an 8 foot solid fence. A boat manufacturing operation occupies the remaining portion of the steel building. Proposed use The applicant proposes to continue the existing auto dismantling use with the addition of the boat manufacturer as a tenant using a portion of the existing storage building. The applicant has also submitted a landscape and irrigation plan for review by the City Landscape Architect for planting trees and shrubbery around the periphery of the lot to further screen views of junked autos from the river and the bluffs south of the site. City Planning Commission Agenda Items for Meeting of June 10, 1987 Pa9e 4 Similar establishments There are four auto dismantling businesses and one scrap operation existing within the vicinity of this site, all operatin9 under major use )ermits. The status of those major use permits are listed as follows: Major Use Type of Expiration Business Name Location Permit Use Date J and C Auto Wreckers 3513 & 3517 P79-013 Auto 1989 Main Street Dismantling Phil Reeds 3525 Main Street P85-091 Auto 1990 Auto Recycling Dismantling Phil Reeds West side of PCC 86-24M Auto June 1988 Auto Recycling 128 Mace Street Dismantling or 60 days after specific plan Action Auto Dismantlers 151 Center St. P80-055 Auto 1991 Dismantling Chula Vista Recycling East side of PCC 86-24M Scrap Yard June 30, 128 Mace Street 1987 D. ANALYSIS Standard Auto Recycling has been in operation as an auto dismantling business since 1969. The last major use permit for the yard, P76-55 was granted by the County of San Diego in April of 1977 for a period of lO years, subject to several conditions. It appears that the owner has complied with those conditions, and no complaints have been received regarding the manner in which the business has been conducted. As a result of analysis of the site, staff has concluded that a recommendation of approval of the applicants request can be supported, subject to the conditions outlined in Section B of this report. The conditions of approval for this major use permit serve to address three outstanding issues identified with continued operation of an auto dismantling yard at this site. Those issues are, land use compatibility between uses on site and with the Chula Vista General Plan, potential impacts to community aesthetics, and access to the site. City Planning Commission Agenda Items for Meeting of June 10, 1987 Page 5 Land Use Internal Design Compatibility The project site currently houses two uses, a boat manufacturer who occupies space within the auto parts storage building, and the auto dismantling yard. The boat manufacturer is not shown on the site plan; the location of the boat manufacturer and its orientation to the dismantling yard should be shown to insure that conflicts in operation of the two uses are not occurring. The boat manufacturing use is permitted without a major use permit in the M-58 zone. Provision should also be made to expand the existing parking lot to provide parking at 1 space for every 300 square feet of gross floor area occupied by the use. The existing 21 space parking lot was granted under the previous major use permit and was predicated on the use of the lot for auto dismantling uses only. External Compatibility with General Plan The current General Plan Land Use Diagram places a limited industrial/research designation over the entire area south of Main Street within the Montgomery area north of the Otay River. The auto dismantling yard is not a limited industrial use, but is more appropriately classified as a general industrial activity. The Montgomery Specific Plan currently being drafted will indicate the long term land use designation to be recommended for this area, and is tentatively scheduled for completion in December. There is, however, no indication at this time of the type of long term land use designation to be recommended for this area. The major use permit requests a continuation of an existing use which has been conducted for a long period of time. Continuation of this use for a short interim period pending completion of the Specific Plan, and/or establishment of limited industrial activities more in keeping with the current general plan, would represent compliance with the gradual conversion of the subject area to limited research industrial activities. With this in mind, staff is recommending approval of the major use permit for two years or 90 days after adoption of the Montgomery Specific Plan, whichever comes first. This is included in condition f shown in Section B of this report. Aesthetics Although no complaints regarding unsightly storage have been received with respect to this site, and it appears to be in compliance with the conditions of approval of the previous permit, the dismantling operation was not designed in keeping with City policies regarding design and landscape requirements for auto wrecking yards within the Municipal Zoning Ordinance jurisdiction. City Planning Commission Agenda Items for Meeting of June lO, 1987 Page 6 The lot does, however, contain an adequate amount of on site parking for a dismantling operation and a minimal amount of landscaping. The applicant has also submitted a landscape and irrigation plan for planting of trees and shrubs along the outside periphery of the lot, facing the Otay River corridor, which has been approved with minor corrections by the City Landscape Architect. Staff is of the opinion that given the short period of time recommended for continuance of the use, installation of the landscape plan and provision of parking for the boat manufacturer will serve to keep continuation of the use from creating an aesthetic impact upon the surrounding community. If when the Montgomery Specific Plan is adopted, it has been determined that auto wrecking is an appropriate use in that area, then the renewal of the major use permit would involve further implementation of design, landscape and aesthetic enhancement policies associated with long term use by wrecking yards. Similar long term design standards were adopted for Otay Industrial Park and are included in Exhibit A as an example. Access Sole access to the project site and to an adjacent wrecking yard located at 151 Center Street is from Center Street which exists as a public street from Main Street to Britton Avenue, then appears to be a private easement from Britton Avenue to a temporary cul-de-sac at the front entrance of the subject property. Center Street was once a public street which extended south along the eastern side of the property to the center of the Otay River, but was vacated south of Britton Avenue in 1943. The applicant was required to provide street improvements to Center Street from Britton Avenue and the project site, and provide a temporary cul-de-sac at the present termination of the street as a condition of approval for the major use peKmit granted in 1976. The staff report for that permit referenced possession of irrevocable offers to dedicate for Center Street between Britton Avenue and the subject property, which were obtained by the owners of the properties to the north. However, review of available records relinquished by the County showed no evidence of those irrevocable offers, or any record of legal access to the property through a private easement. Because of the lack of records substantiating legal access to the site, the Engineering Department is requiring the applicant to produce records to show access, and based upon the form of access, require street improvements appropriate for the use and duration of approval, subject to approval by the City Engineer and Director of Planning. This requirement is shown in condition a of Section B of this report. In summary, staff is of the opinion that with fulfillment of these conditions the use should be allowed to continue on an interim basis until long term land use issues associated for this area can be resolved and a program of implementation initiated. City Planning Commission Agenda Items for Meeting of June 10, 1987 Page 7 E. FINDINGS 1. That the proposed use at the location is necessary or desirable to provide a service or facility which will contribute to the general well being of the neighborhood or the community. The proposal to continue an existing use provides for the storage and recycling of inoperable vehicles for reuse by the community. The use is compatible with several allied automotive related industries located throughout the area. 2. That such use will not under the circumstances of the particular case, be detrimental to the health, safety or general welfare of persons residing, or working in the vicinity or injurious to property or improvements in the wcinity. Approval of continuation of the existing use, as conditioned will not result in impacts from aesthetic degradation which would adversely affect humans or surrounding properties. 3. That the proposed use will comply with the regulations and conditions specified in the code for such use. The continuation of the existing use complies with zoning ordinance requirements governing the Montgomery area, for the M-58 heavy industrial zone, with approval of a major use permit. 4. That the granting of this conditional use permit will not adversely affect the general plan of the City or the adopted plan of any government agency. In granting continuation of an existing use for an interim period pending completion of the MOntgomery Specific Plan, approval of the major use permit will not adversely affect the General Plan of the City of Chula Vista. WPC 3919P/2652P PROJECT/AREA ,~,~-. ! t ! t ,?/? , I! ! negative declaration PROJECT NAME: Standard Auto Recycling PROJECT LOCATION: 150 Center Street PROJECT APPLICANT: Jack Stanley CASE NO: IS 87-57M DATE: May 22, 1987 A. Project Settin9 The project site is a 3.37 acre property with less than 2% slope ~located at the terminus of Center Street, south of Main Street adjacent to the north si de of the Otay River. The lot contains an existing auto dismantlihg operation with an open storage yard, a 26,400 square foot building which is used partially for parts storage and a 21 space parking lot. The property is surrounded by an 8 foot solid fence. A boat manufacturing operation occupies the remaining portion of the steel building. B. Project Description The applicant proposes to continue the existing auto dismantling use with the addition of the boat manufacturer as a tenant using a portion of the existing storage building. The applicant has also submitted a landscape and irrigation plan for review by the City Landscape Architect for planting trees and shrubbery around the periphery of the lot to further screen views of junked autos from the river and the bluffs south of the si re. C. Compatibility with Zonin9 and Plans The project is in compliance]with the M-58 general industrial zone in effect over this area. The current General P1 an Land Use Diagram pl aces a 1 imi ted industrial/research designation over the entire area south of Main Street within the Montgomery area north of the Otay River. The auto dismantling yard is not a limited industrial use, but is more appropriately classified as a general industrial activity. The Montgomery Specific Plan currently being drafted will indicate the long term land use designation to be recommended for this area, and is tentatively scheduled for completion in December. There is, however, no indication at this time of the type of long term land use designation to be recommended for this area. The continuation of the use for a short interim period not to exceed two years, pending completion of the Specific Plan would represent compliance with the gradual conversion of the subject area to an established plan for land use controls. city of chula vista planning department CI1YOF environmental review section. CHIJI. A VISTA -2- D. Identification of Environmental Effects 1. Aesthetics The existing auto dismantling operation was not designed in keeping with City policies regarding design and landscape requirements for auto wrecking yards, and thus has the potential for creating adverse aesthetic impacts widely at variance with prevailing community standards. 2. Access Sole access to the project site and to an adjacent wrecking yard located at 151 Center Street is from Center Street which exists as a public street from Main Street to Britton Avenue, then appears to be a private easement from Britton Avenue to a temporary cul-de-sac at the front entrance of the subject property. Center Street was once a public street which extended south along the eastern side of the property to the center of the 0tay River, but was vacated south of Britton Avenue in 1943. The applicant was required to provide street improvements to Center Street from Britton Avenue and the project site, and provide a temporary cul-de-sac at the present termination of the street as a condition of approval for the major use permit granted in 1976. The staff report for that permit referenced possession of irrevocable offers to dedicate for Center Street between Britton Avenue and the subject property which were obtained by the owners of the properties to the north. However, review of available records relinquished by the County showed no evidence of those irrevocable offers, or any record of legal access to the property through a private easement. E. Mitigation necessary to avoid significant effects 1. Aesthetics The auto dismantling lot, although not designed to City standards, does contain a landscape strip along the front of the property, a view obscuring fence surrounding the property, and has submitted a landscape plan to plant a buffer of trees and shrubs along the periphery of the lot to shield views of wrecked autos from the south. With the additional landscaping proposed, views of the lot will be buffered to the point where no significant adverse environmental impacts will occur. 2. Access Although there is no record of easement to give access to the property from Britton Avenue, documentation of prescriptive access is clearly available since the property owner of Standard Auto Recycling has used the present access for 20 years and has contributed street improvements to the easement. As such, the issue of legal access does not constitute a significant adverse environmental impact. -3- F. Findings of Insignificant Impact 1. Continuation of the existing auto dismantling yard, with incorporation of additional landscaping, will not degrade the environment or curtail the diversity of the environment. 2. In approving continuance of the use for a short interim period pending completion of the Montgomery Specific Plan, the project achieves both short and long term environmental goals. 3. The auto dismantling operation contains no significant adverse environmental effects which are cumulative in nature. 4. The continuation of the auto dismantling use has no involvement with shredding of autos or storage of hazardous materials; and therefore, will not cause any substantial adverse effects on human beings. G. Consultation 1. Individuals and Organizations City of Chula Vista: Julie Schilling, Assistant Planner Roger Daoust, Senior Civil Engineer Frank Herrera, Assistant Planner William Wheeler, Building and Housing Deparbnent Carol Gove, Fire Marshal Chuck Glass, Traffic Engineer The Initial Study application and evaluation forms documenting the findings of no significant impact are on file and available for public review at the Chula Vista Planning Department, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 92010. ~REVIEW COORDINATOR WPC 3926P/O175P EN 6 (Rev. 5/85) city of chula vista planning department CI~OF environmental review section CHULAVI~A. GUIDELINES FOR THE OTAY INDUSTRIAL PARK 1. Fencing shall consist of the following: a. All fences visible from the street shall be of a view-obscuring wood design or block wall construction. Block wall colors shall complement or match building colors, and wood will be limited to natural or stained in opaque or semi-opaque. b. Perimeter fencing - minimum 8 feet high wood on west property line of subdivision; minimum 6 feet high wood adjacent ot Otay Valley Road; minimum 6 feet high chainlink elsewhere. c. Interior fencing - Front: 6 feet high wood or block. Side: 6 feet high chainlink, dark colored metal or wood. Slats for screening may be required depending on adjacent land use. d. Gates - Slatted chainlink or solid wood (minimum 6 feet high). 2. Parking All parking areas visible from the right-of-way shall be screen planted in accordance with the City of Chula Vista Landscape Manual. 3. Landscaping All periphery areas adjacent to the public right-of-way shall be landscaped and maintained in accordance with the approved landscape plan for the Otay Industrial Park and the Chula Vista Landscape Manual. Irrigation plans shall be required concurrent with the submission of building or development plans. Interior slope banks which have been stabilized with native ground cover may require additional tree planting and irrigation. "Skinned" or barren slopes will require planting in accordance with the approved plan for Otay Industrial Park. 4. Architecture a. Block buildings shall be constructed of slumpstone, split face, and squeeze joint styles of block in whites, plain, tan, browns, ochres, and gray green colors. b. Pinks, pastel greens or other loud, garish colors are not acceptable. In no case shall block buildings be painted in gloss colors. c. Pressed steel buildings shall adhere to the aforementioned conditions and are encouraged to be two-tone or tri-colored. In no case shall gloss paints be used. d. Fences, walls, and structures shall be color coordinated on each site. e. Corrugated metal buildings are specifically prohibited. f. Commercial coach trailers may be authorized as permanent office space by the Zoning Administrator subject to: (1) Compliance with uniform building code as a Group "F" occupancy. (2) No more than one double-wide coach shall be located on each lot. (3) Each coach must have two exits, providing an approved landing and POrCh area (minimum 5 feet any direction). (4) Units shall be fully skirted to the ground. 5. LoadinQ Docks Whenever possible, loading docks shall be located at the rear or side of buildings. 6. Signs a. No billboard or outdoor advertising will be permitted. All sign frames shall be of standard design and shall be designed as an integral element in the architectural design of the facility. b. Design standards - (See Exhibit A) c. Wall signs - Maximum area of 10% of the wall area on which the sign is mounted. d. In addition to wall signs, each lot may install either a pole or ground sign based on the following: (1) Pole signs - Maximum height 12 feet; maximum sign area, 50 sq. ft. (2) Ground signs - Maximum height 5 feet; maximum sign area, 50 sq. ft. (Sign may be attached to fence.) 7. The Zoning Administrator is authorized to approve industrial developments in the Otay Industrial Park where such industrial developments involve no building containing more than 5,000 sq. ft. WPC 0577P ·.,,", E,<nI.IT A OTAY I,,~US,;.,[ML PARK TE~IA~iT SIG?iIHG Suggested materials: 6" X 6" re-sawn redwood integral frame and posts 5/? re-sa~,~n redwood ply woodlifed Suggested letter style/color: Helvetica - Black Placement/location: In front of or behind fence, near entrance, within 50 feet. Copy: All copy to be kept within specified margins. Copy limited to: Name, address Hours Phone number Logo Proprietor's name Logo type and logo style permitted. All signs are single faced. All supporting copy shall be he!,/etica, medium black. Sizes of modular sign face are flexible to the needs of the tenant. Possible examples: CITY OF CHULA VISTA DISCLOSURE STATE~NT APPL.ICANT'S. STATEMENT OF DISCLOSURE OF CERTAIN OWNERSHIP INTERESTS ON ALL APPLICATIONS WHICh WILL REQUIRE DISCRETIONARY ACTION ON THE PART OF THE CITY COUNCIL, PLANNING COMMISSION AND ALL OTHER OFFICIAL BODIES. The following information must be disclosed: 1. List the names of all persons having a financial interest in the application. Jack L. Stanley List the names of all persons having any ownership interest in the property involved. Jack L. Stauley 2. If any person identified pursuant to (1) above is a corporation or partnership, list the names of all individuals owning more than 10% of the shares in the corporation or owning any partnership interest in the partnership. ./A 3. If any person identified pursuant to (1) above is a non-profit organization or a trust, list the names of any person serving as director of the non-profit organization or as trustee or beneficiary or trustor of the trust. 4. Ilave you had more than $250 worth of business transacted with any member of City staff, Boards, Commissions, Committees and Council within the past twelve months? Yes__ No × If yes, please indicate person(s) to the bes% o£ o: ~owleclge IPerson is defined as: "Any individual, firm, copartnership, joint venture, association, ~ club, fraternal organization, corporation, estate, trust, receiver, syndicate, this and any other county, city and county, city, municipality, district or other political subdivision, or any other group or combination acting as a unit." (NOTE: Attach additional pages as necessary.f} /7 ~ ~ ~'S/~gnature 6f applicant/date -- WPC 0701P v Jack L. Stanley A-110 Print or type name of applicant City Planning Commission Agenda Items for Meeting of June 10, 1987 Page I 4. PUBLIC HEARING: Conditional Use Permit PCC-87-39M: Request to allow continuance of an RV storage lot located at 1383 Broadway - Broadway Equities, Inc. TO: Chairman and Members of the Planning Commission FROM: George Krempl, Director of Planning ~ SUBJECT: PCC-87-39M - Broadway RV Storage The applicant, Broadway Equities Ltd., has requested a continance of their major use permit request to the meeting of July 22, 1987 in order to work further with the Fire Department to resolve out- standing issues with provision of hydrants onsite. Staff has no objection to the applicant's request, as long as the continuance is to a date certain, as the RV storage operation is currently operating in violation of the zoning ordinance. GK:JS:je City Planning Commission Agenda Items for Meeting of June 10, 1987 Page 1 5. PUBLIC HEARING: Zonin9 Variance ZAV-87-28M; request to reduce required number of parking spaces from 375 to 152 spaces fo, warehouse and office at 1650 Industrial Avenue - RTA International A. BACKGROUND The applicant, RTA International has constructed a 21,685 square foot office and an 80,064 square foot warehouse. Under the Montgomery Zoning Ordinance parking standards, 375 parking spaces are required for buildings with this amount of square footage. The variance request proposes a 60% reduction in required parking from 375 spaces to 152 spaces. The Montgomery Planning Committee, at their meeting of June 3, 1987, voted to recommend denial of the request to reduce the required parking from 375 to 152 parking spaces. B. RECOF~qENDATION Based on the findings contained in Section E of this report, adopt a motion to deny the request to reduce the required parking from 375 to 152 spaces. C. DISCUSSION Adjacent zoning and land use North M-52 Limited industrial Warehouse and industrial South M1B (City of San Diego) Main Street, industrial park East M-52 Limited industrial State employment & training agency, industrial manufacturing West - Not applicable Interstate 5 Existing site characteristics The project site consists of two lots totalling 9.88 acres located at the northeast quadrant of the northbound on-ramp to Interstate 5 and Main Street. Access to the site is from Industrial Blvd. to the east. The applicant has recently constructed a 101,749 square foot building containing a 21,685 square feet of office space and 80,064 square feet of warehouse. City Planning Commission Agenda Items for Meeting of June 10, 1987 Page 2 D. ANALYSIS When RTA International obtained approval from the Design Review Committee for their office and warehouse building, they were required to provide 375 parking spaces to fulfill the County parking standard of 1 parking space for every 300 square feet of gross floor area for warehouse and industrial uses and 1 parking space for every 200 square feet for office uses. The parking lot design incorporated into the site plan reflects this requirement. The applicant is requesting the reduction in required parking, stating the following reasons: 1. The building is designed primarily as a warehouse facility with supporting office staff. There is no need for parking facilities totalling 375 spaces based upon 65 employees for the facility. 2. Maintaining and policing a parking lot of this size would create excessive costs. 3. The nearby Southrail Business Park was granted a similar parking variance four years ago and RTA should be afforded the same. Staff has examined the applicant's request and the general policy regarding granting of parking variances in Montgomery and is recommending denial of the variance request. Staff is of the opinion that findings for granting the variance cannot be made as there are no hardships peculiar to the property which would justify a reduction in parking. It is physically possible to incorporate a 375 space parking lot on the site as shown on the plan submitted to staff. In addition, a hardship cannot be demonstrated that the warehouse use is an unusual circumstance creating practical difficulties in developing the property for the needs of the owner, consistent with the regulations of the zone. The parking ordinance clearly identifies industrial and wholesale storage uses with respect to the above mentioned standard. The argument that the parking standard is generally too restrictive is not the subject of a a variance, but of a proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance. Problems associated with the costs of maintaining a large lot also cannot be considered grounds for granting a variance as personal or financial difficulties are not hardships peculiar to the property. Finally, reference has been made to a variance granted to Southrail Business Park for a reduction in parking, and that this use is primarily a warehouse distribution center performing similar functions as RTA. Southrail Business Park was exempted from industrial parking standards by an ordinance adopted in 1981 by the Board of Supervisors, eliminating all parking requirements for industrial zones within 1,O00 feet of the trolley line within the South Bay Community Planning Area. That ordinance was revoked in 1983 and the previous parking requirements were reinstated. The parking exemption received by Southrail has no relationship with the particular land use employed on the property. City Planning Commission Agenda Items for Meeting of June lO, 1987 Page 3 In summary, staff is of the opinion that until the specific plan is adopted for Montgomery, and a definitive parking standard is adopted as well, new industrial uses should be required to adhere to the parking standards now in effect for Montgomery. There are significant differences between the Montgomery ordinance and the ordinance in the Chula Vista Municipal Code; new developments should not be afforded the opportunity to choose between the two development standards according to which standard is the most lenient to their respective development. E. FINDINGS 1. A hardship peculiar to the property and not created by any act of the owner does not exist. Ample space on the project site exists to provide the required amount of parking. Financial difficulties encountered in maintaining the larger lot do not constitute a hardship justifying a variance. 2. New development of similar uses within the zone must also adhere to the applicable parking standards for warehouse facilities, so that granting of this variance would constitute a special privilege not enjoyed by others. Past exemptions from the parking standards under County ordinances no longer in effect have no bearing on the present case. 3. Authorizing of this variance will not be of substantial detriment to adjacent property. 4. The authorizing of such variance to reduce applicable parking has no effect on the general plan for the City of Chula Vista. WPC 3902P/2652P IF-W) ZAV-87-28M ,oo.[ ) ,~,,~o ,.~,u~T,,,,' "'"o. CITY OF CHULA VISTA DISCLOSURE STATEMENT IAPPLICANT'S STATEMENT OF DISCLOSURE OF CERTAIN OWNERSHIP INTERESTS ON ALL APPLICATIONS IWHICH WILL REQUIRE DISCRETIONARY ACTION ON THE PART OF THE CITY COUNCIL, PLANNING ICOMMISSION AND ALL OTHER OFFICIAL BODIES. The following information must be disclosed: 1. List the names of all persons having a financial interest in the application. RTA International. Inc. List the names of all persons having any ownership interest in the property involved. RTA International~ Inc. 2. If any person identified pursuant to (1) above is a corporation or partnership, list the names of all individuals owning more than 10% of the shares in the corporation or owning any partnership interest in the partnership. Robert H. Taniguchi Katsum J. Takashima Mitsuru Tanaka 3. If any person identified pursuant to (1) above is a non-profit organization or a trust, list the names of any person serving as director of the non-profit organization or as trustee or bene[iciar¥ or trustor of the trust. N/A 4. Have you had more than $250 worth of business transacted with any member of City staff, Boards, Commissions, Committees and Council within the past twelve months? Yes No If yes, please indicate person(s) IPerson is defined as: "Any individual, firm, copartnership, joint ventu?, association, ] ~ club, fraternal organization, corporation, estate, trust, receiver, syndicate, thi~ and any other county, city and county, city, municipality, d~strict or other political subdivision, or any other group or combination acting ~ a unit." (NOTE: Attach additional pages as necessary~~~::~:~._ ........ Signature of applicant/date WPC 0701P c~'.,,,~."'~-r.~,,/ .,,t,/~ ~-~,~r~ f'~,'~. A-110 Print or type name of applicant ~