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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Comm min 1973/06/13 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA June 13, 1973 The regular meeting of the City Planning Commission of Chula Vista, California was held on the above date beginning at 7:00 p.m. with the following members present: Rice, Macevicz, Chandler, Whitten, Wilson and Swanson. Absent (with previous notification): Member Rudolph. Also present: Director of Planning Peterson, Environmental Review Coordinator Reid, Associate Planner Lee, Senior Civil Engineer Harshman and Secretary Helen Mapes. The pledge of allegiance to the flag was led by Chairman Rice, followed by a moment of silent prayer. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MSUC (Whitten-Chandler) The minutes of the meeting of May 21, 1973 be approved as mailed. 2. PUBLIC HEARING (Cont.): Consideration of Environmental Impact Report for Saratoga Canyon - EIR-73-9 Environmental Review Coordinator Reid reported that the proponent has requested a two week delay in this hearing to allow consideration of the report at the same time as the precise plan for the development of Saratoga Gardens. MSUC (Chandler-Whitten) The public hearing for consideration of EIR-73-9 be continued to the meeting of June 27, 1973. 4. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Environmental Impact Report for Vehicle Recycling Park - EIR-73-7 Commissioner Whitten raised a question about the noise level which might emanate from this automobile crushing process and how it will affect the residents in Brandywine and in subsequent developments in the area. Mr. Reid noted that the report points out that the size of this development-- almost 100 acres--and the central location of the primary noise source--the crushing equipment--unacceptable noise will be confined to the site. He felt the distance from the property boundaries would afford an effective sound barrier. He further advised that the City's adopted performance standards governing undesirable noise level would apply to this operation. This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. As no one wished to speak the public hearing was declared closed. MSUC (Chandler-Wilson) The Environmental Impact Report as submitted by RESOLUTION NO. EIR-73-7 the Environmental Review Coordinator be adopted. -2- 6/13/73 1. PUBLIC HEARING (Cont.): a. Consideration of revision to General Plan for 3.33 acres at 789 "E" Street from Industrial to Visitor Commercial - PCM-73-8 b. REZONING - 3.33 acres at 789 "E" Street from I to C-V - Street Properties, Inc. - PCZ-73-G c. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT - Request to construct service station and towing service in C-V zone at 789 "E" Street - Street Properties, Inc. - PCC-73-8 Director of Planning Peterson indicated all three applications could be dis- cussed simultaneously since they apply to one development. He reported the uses are appropriate at this location and they conform with the consultant's recommendation on the Bayfront Plan; however, the architectural treatment does not conform with that recommendation. The major conflict is that the service station desires access to E Street contrary to the consultant's recommendation. Also, there has been no indication that the three uses would have any architec- tural continuity to give the appearance of a complex designed to serve as an attractive entry feature into the Bayfront area. Mr. Peterson recommended that the Commission express approval of the proposed uses but continue consideration of the actual applications and suggest that the developer submit revised plans which would meet the criteria contained in the Bayfront Report. The Commission discussed the conditions recommended by the staff and expressed the view that development in this area should constitute a really attractive entrance to the marina. Chairman Rice opened the public hearing for testimony on all three applications. Paul Peterson, San Diego, attorney for Street Properties, displayed a revised plan of the project prepared after some consultation with the staff. He ad- vised that this project has been in the planning stage for six years and he strongly felt no major oil company would be interested in placing a service station at this site unless access from "E" Street is permitted. He reported that after considerable negotiation the proposed development now consists of a Standard service station, Denny's restaurant and Motel Six. Mr. Peterson discussed each of the l0 conditions recommended by the staff, indicating they have no objection to the requirement for the landscaping berm, the limitation of building height, nor to the placement of the motel nearer to Bay Boulevard with the parking adjacent to the freeway offramp. He again stressed they could not place a service station on the site without access from "E" Street; and that the proposed tenants are requesting two freeway oriented pole signs for a period of 5 years. He contended this is a freeway oriented site rather than a marina oriented site. Kathryn Moore, 1134 Tobias Drive, Chairman of the South Bay Citizens Planning Committee, reported that the members of that group have expressed a desire to -3- 6/13/73 have a very high class development at this important entrance to the Bayfront. She indicated that all development should be architecturally reviewed before it is approved. As no one else wished to speak, the public hearing was closed. The Commission felt the proposed development should more closely adhere to the guidelines contained in the Bayfront Report and to the conditions recommended by the staff and suggested a continuance to determine if the applicants wish to prepare revised plans for their consideration. MSUC (Whitten-Chandler) Consideration of the revision to the General Plan, PCM-73-8 be continued to the meeting of June 27, 1973. MSUC (Macevicz-Whitten) Consideration of rezoning the property at 789 "E" Street from I to C-V-P, PCZ-73-G, be continued to the meeting of June 27, 1973. MSUC (Chandler-Whitten) Consideration of the conditional use permit application PCC-73-8 be continued to the meeting of June 27, 1973. 3. PUBLIC HEARING (Cont.): CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT - Request to construct loading dock, warehouse and office for truck terminal and industrial park at Trousdale and Press Lane in I-L-F zone Dunphy Construction Co. - PCC-73-7 Director of Planning Peterson noted this hearing was continued from May 7 to allow the applicant to do some engineering studies to determine the effect of this contruction on any flooding that might occur in the area. Those studies were completed and the City Engineering Division has concluded this development would present no flood hazard. He indicated this is a good use for this site in terms of access to freeways. However, it does present a land use conflict with the mobile home park which has been located in the area for about 12 years. It is hoped that placement of the buildings and erection of a masonry wall would help buffer the noise from the trucking operation, although this could not be expected to provide full relief. Mr. Peterson read petition signed by 200 persons, apparently all residents of the mobile home park, which objected to the proposed industrial park and truck terminal due to the ~raffic safety hazards on the adjoining area and the environmental im- pact on the community due to noise and fume pollution on an around the clock basis. He also reported receipt of a petition of protest containing 24 signatures of home owners overlooking this site, from Del Mar Avenue, Bay View Way and Second Avenue. Chairman Rice reopened the public hearing. Dean Dunphy, Dunphy Construction Company, pointed out the need in this community for distribution centers of distributive industries, and small businesses to serve the needs of the South Bay area. The industrial park would be planned to accommodate such uses, and only the uses permitted in the I-L zone. The truck terminal would provide for the receipt and distribution of freight, which the San Diego area is dependent upon, since there is little manufacturing in the area of the goods consumed daily by the residents. Mr. Dunphy reported that the truck terminal would be occupied by the G.I. Trucking Company with Los Angeles headquarters. They have selected this site due to its close proximity to the points where they deliver the goods shipped, and its -4- 6/13/73 relationship to I-5 and 1-805 is conducive to a distribution operation. He advised this terminal would operate on a schedule of receiving one line truck per hour from Los Angeles from 8:00 p.m. until 6:00 or 8:00 a.m. The freight from these trucks would be unloaded on the north side of the truck terminal, and then reloaded into the bobtail trucks from the doors on the south side in the morning for distribution to the consumers. These delivery trucks would go out in the morning and would not return to the terminal until evening; approximately 17 trucks are involved in this part of the operation. Mr. Dunphy indicated that the doors on one side or the other of the truck terminal would be closed during their operation and it is felt the additional industrial buildings on the south side of Trousdale would further serve as a noise buffer. He also indicated their willingness to construct a solid masonry wall adjacent to the mobile home park if that is desired. Mr. Dunphy pointed out that any industrial use of the land would result in some truck traffic, and he is attempting to use every means poss- ible to reduce the effects of the sounds which will be present with this operation. Tom Store, Terminal Manager for G.I. Trucking Company, San Diego, reported that the California Highway Patrol now checks every truck that comes through Ocean- side for the decibel sound level and if they do not conform to sound regulations they may not proceed until correction is made. He also advised that the semi- trucks coming in at night are the only diesel powered trucks and the remainder of their equipment uses propane gas which is smoke free. He also confirmed that the doors on the south side of the terminal would remain closed throughout the night while shipments are being unloaded on the north side. Dean Dunphy discussed the conditions recommended by the staff and concurred with the requirement that the buildings be anchored securely to the foundations. He felt, however, it is difficult to place the long sides of the building parallel to the flood flow since this area is in the lee of the hill and is a backwater area. He requested that placement of the buildings on the south side of Trousdale be approved as submitted. Senior Civil Engineer Harshman concurred that there would be no adverse affect from that arrangement of the buildings. Ed Witeck, co-owner and manager of the Chula Vista Mobile Home Park, advised that he is a former aeronautical engineer with 27 years of experience including the responsibility of designing equipment in the realm of safety and acoustics, affecting both passengers and the public at large. He protested the operation of the truck terminal based on the noise, fumes and traffic hazards which would result. He expressed the opinion that the one road which would be provided into this area following the construction of the freeway ramps would be inadequate and would result in an extreme hazard. Mr. Witek displayed maps of the proposed freeway system and flood control channel, pointing out that this bisects the present industrial zoned area until only a small portion remains, which he felt is not suitable for a use as intensive as a truck terminal. He requested that the conditional use permit application be denied. Alfred R. Welker, 168 North Del Mar Avenue, expressed objection to the proposed truck terminal due to the night time noise that would result. William Zellar, resident of the trailer park, also objected due to the noise that would be expected and felt that a masonry wall would not be adequate to buffer the noise of the trucks. -5- 6/13/73 As no one else wished to speak, the public hearing was closed. In discussion, the Commission felt that further study is needed with regard to traffic study and the possibility of obtaining an additional access road into this site. It was requested that the matter be referred to the SAfety Commission and to the Division of Engineering for further investigation and recommendation. MSUC (Whitten-Macevicz) Consideration of conditional use permit PCC-73-7 be continued to the meeting of July 11, 1973. 5. PUBLIC HEARING: Rezonin9 - Adjustment of R-3 and C-T zone boundaries, rear of 1411 and 1425 Third Avenue - Jennings Hom - PCZ-73-J Director of Planning Peterson advised this is a fairly minor rezoning to bring the zone boundary lines into conformance with the topographic condition existing. The present boundary lines leave some property undevelopable under the present zoning. This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. Frank Phillips, Civil Engineer, 240 Woodlawn, reported that he is not familiar with this application but was asked just this evening to represent the owner, since they felt the proposed C-T zone boundary should be approximately 5 feet further from Third Avenue to permit traffic around the buildings to be con- structed on the commercial property. Associate Planner Lee indicated that a change in the zone boundary line from that proposed would move it away from the top of the slope. He felt if there would be a problem of traffic circulation due to the location of the building on the C-T property, that could be handled by a variance request. As no one else wished to speak, the public hearing was closed. MSUC (Wilson-Macevicz) Recommend to the City Council an adjustment of zone RESOLUTION'NO. PCZ-73-J boundaries of C-T and R-3 for 5.15 acres at the rear of 1411 and 1425 Third Avenue as shown on the plat. 6. PUBLIC HEARING: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT - Request to operate daS care nurserS at 264 "I" Street - Orville W. Myles - PCC-73-12 Director of Planning Peterson noted this is a proposal for a nursery to accommodate 25 to 30 children in the R-3 zone, with the additional request to operate beyond the hour of 6:00 p.m. at some future date to accommodate parents who might be working a swing shift. The character of the area is detached single family homes but there is R-3 zoning in the area and the subject property is R-3. Mr. Peterson read a letter received from Bay General Hospital which indicated the school would be a great asset to working mothers at the hospital. This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. Orville Myles, 536 "K" Street, applicant, reported this nursery school would be staffed by qualified teachers, and further, that the parking lot in front of the building would accommodate the dropping off and picking up of the children. -6- 6/13/73 Mrs. Forester, 616 Del Mar Avenue, contended there is not a need for an additional nursery school in this location since one will be located about two blocks away. She also felt "I" Street is too heavily traveled and with parking permitted on both sides of the street it leaves two narrow lanes for traffic. She also objected to the noise that would result from the children playing outside. Mrs. Helen Williams, who is selling the property to the Myles, spoke in favor of the request. Orville Myles reported that they have about 40 children signed up to attend this nursery as soon as it is opened. With regard to traffic he noted that about 2,000 cars travel on this street daily and any added traffic to bring 30 children would be insignificant. As no one else wished to speak the public hearing was closed. In discussion the Commission noted the location of other nursery schools in this general vicinity. It was moved by Commissioner Whitten that the request for a conditional use permit PCC-73-12 be denied. The motion died for lack of a second. MSC (Wilson-Swanson) Conditional use permit application PCC-73-12 be RESOLUTION NO. PCC-73-12 approved subject to the following conditions: 1. Rear and side yard areas used for outside activities shall be enclosed with 6' solid fencing. In addition, 3'6" solid fencing shall be used to screen the parking area from adjoining dwellings. 2. Outside activities for the children shall be restricted to one hour in the morning, one hour at noon, and one hour in the afternoon. 3. Nursery operation shall be restricted to the hours from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 4. lO' wide planters shall be utilized to screen the parking area from the street. 5. A revised site plan, and landscaping and irrigation plan incorporating the parkway area, shall be submitted for staff approval. 6. Any proposed signing shall be submitted for staff approval in accordance with the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. Findings are as follows: a. There is a need for this type of facility in the community and this property is well situated for this use, being on a collector road convenient to commercial areas and working parents. b. The conditions of approval will insure the health, safety and welfare of the adjacent neighborhood. The motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Members Wilson, Swanson, Rice, Chandler and Macevicz NOES: Member Whitten -7- 6/13/73 ABSENT: Member Rudolph 7. PUBLIC HEARING: VARIANCE - Request for increased sign area at lower height, 815 Third Avenue, Chela Vista Office Center - PCV-73-8 Prior to discussion on this item, Chairman Rice called attention to the flood lights on the building which shine into the adjacent parking lot,-and requested that the Zoning Enforcement Officer check this. Associate Planner Lee displayed a rendering of the proposed sign which would include the names of all tenants with the name of Chula Vista Office Center at the top. He indicated that due to the distance the building is set back from the street there is a need for an identification sign on the property but not of the type indicated. He suggested that a low profile, ground sign, set back 25-35 feet from the street right of way, would not obscure traffic and would adequately identify the use of the building. Ken Kimball, 168 Shasta, applicant, concurred with the suggestion for a low profile sign, set back 25 or 30 feet, but felt the design of the sign should be as requested to serve as a directory in the parking lot. He felt there is a need for identification of the tenants, and the building is not fully occupied due to this lack. As no one else wished to speak the public hearing was closed. Member Wilson expressed the opinion there is a need to identify various tenants within a commercial center. Other Commissioners felt that identification of the center is the function of a free-standing sign and that individual identification of tenants was not a proper function of this type of sign and would constitute a traffic hazard in this location° MSC (Chandler-Whitten) The request for variance PCV -73-8 be denied, and that a low profile sign to identify the center in accordance with the ordinance provisions be permitted. The motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Members Chandler, Whitten, Swanson, Rice and Macevicz NOES: Member Wilson ABSENT: Member Rudolph Chairman Rice advised the applicant of the right of appeal to the City Council within 10 days. 8. PUBLIC HEARING: VARIANCE - Request for reduction in front yard 20' to 10' at 119 First Avenue L Doris W. Brown - PCV-73-9 Director of Planning Peterson advised that the peculiar configuration of the lot and the topography of t~ area make this a classical case of a physical circumstance which makes it difficult to site a house and warrants granting a variance. This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. -8- 6/13/73 Frank Phillips, 240 Woodlawn, discussed the design of the house, which is a split level with the garage underneath. The pointed out that observing the usual setback would require an 8 foot retaining wall. As no one else wished to speak, the public hearing was closed. MSUC (Macevicz-Wilson) Variance application PCV-73-9 be approved subject o RESOLUTION NO. PCV-73-9 the following conditions: 1. The front yard and all slope areas shall be irrigated by a sprinkler system. 2. All existing trees shall be retained wherever feasible. Findings are as follows: a. The rough topography and unusual shaped lot with a lot depth of only 70 feet would make it impractical to develop the property with a 20 foot front setback. b. The reduction in setback would effect only 10% of the lot frontage with the remaining development adhering to the 15 foot setback as prescribed in the Zoning Ordinance. c. The reduction in setback will not create any traffic problems due to visibility. d. The General Plan is not affected. 9. Consideration of request for deferral of public improvements at 119 First Avenue, Doris W. Brown The Engineering Division has recommended approval of this request since the ultimate alignment of First Avenue in this area has not yet been established. MSUC (Whitten-Macevicz) Approval of the request for deferral of public improvements subject to the requirements of the Division of Engineering. 10. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of amendment to Zoning Ordinance and Adoption of DeVelopment Policy relating to Mobile Home Parks -- PCA-73-2 Chairman Rice suggested a continuation of this hearing due to the length of the agenda and lateness of the hour. Commissioner Wilson questioned whether this ordinance and development policy was compiled strictly by staff or whether input was received from existing owners of mobile home parks. Director of Planning Peterson advised there has been no conferences held with outside groups in the preparation of this policy, in an effort to expedite the adoption of some guidelines. He indicated such input can be solicited if it is the Commission's desire but this would take additional time. He estimated it could be accomplished by July 25th. MSUC (Whitten-Macevicz) The public hearing for consideration of an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance and adoption of Development Policy relating to Mobile Home Parks be continued to the meeting of July 25, 1973. -9- 6/13/73 ll. PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of amendment to Zoning Ordinance and adoption of Development PolicS relating to Planned Unit Developments - PCA-72-5 MSUC (Whitten-Chandler) The public hearing for consideration of the amendment to Zoning Ordinance and adoption of Development Policy relating to Planned Unit Developments be continued to the meeting of June 27, 1973. 12. Request for sign approval for Express Lane Food Store~ southeast corner of Third Avenue and "G" Street - CN Products Associate Planner Lee displayed a rendering of the sign requested and indicated that the setback of 72 feet from Third Avenue justifies the use of a freestanding sign for identification of this business. The staff recommendation is for approval of a 21 foot high, 80 sq. ft. freestanding sign with a meximum projection into the right of way of 4 feet. MSUC (Whitten-Macevicz) Approval of a freestanding sign for Express Lane Food RESOLUTION NO. PCM-73-14 Store in accordance with the staff recommendation. 13. Consideration of request for one sear extension of Variance PCV-66-14 for use of office trailers - Rohr Corporation Chairman Rice announced that he and Commissioner Chandler would abstain from discussion and voting on this item. Director of Planning Peterson noted that this item was continued from the May 7th meeting at the applicant's request. He noted in an exhibit the location and size of the trailers, which are small in relation to the total site, and not visible from the public right of way. The variance, however, was granted on a temporary basis and has been extended for a number of years, and if this use is appropriate in the City the Zoning Ordinance should be amended to allow it, rather than continuing the variance. Ed Hoy, Vice President of Rohr INdustries, reported that a year ago they were using 31 of the trailers and during the year have reduced this number by 40%. The remaining trailers are in two integrated complexes. He indicated that the fluctuation in demand for space makes it impractical to build permanent faci- lities. The trailers are currently occupied by a group of engineers working on a design for a Department of Transportation bus on a contract they were not assured of until a few months ago. He requested continuance of the variance for one more year. MS(Wilson-Swanson) The request for a one year extension of the variance be approved. The motion failed to carry by the following vote: AYES: Members Wilson, Swanson and Macevicz NOES: Member Whitten ABSENT: Member Rudolph ABSTAINED: Members Rice and Chandler MSC (Macevicz-Whitten) The request for a one year extension be denied and the trailers permitted to remain in use until February 1, 1974. -10- 6/13/73 Members Rice and Chandler abstained from voting on the question. 14. Review of Conditional Use Permit for mobile classroom, 345 "F" Street - Sweetwater Union High School District Associate Planner Lee advised this is a public use originally approved in 1971, which was reviewed in May, 1972 and extended for one year subject to annual review. The school district has indicated there is a good possibility that they would be able to transfer the classes from the "F" Street facility to the Vocational School when it is completed. They have asked for a one year extension of the conditional use permit. MSUC (Whitten-Chandler) Conditional use permit PCC-71-7 be extended to June 30, 1974. 15. Report on conformity of Sweetwater River Flood Control project with Chula Vista General Plan - County of San Diego Director of Planning Peterson reported that the Sweetwater River Flood Control project is clearly in conformance with the Chula Vista General Plan. MSUC (Chandler-Wilson) The finding that the Sweetwater River Flood Control Project is in conformance with the Chula Vista General Plan be adopted and the San Diego County Public Works Agency so advised. Director's Report Director of Planning Peterson reminded the Commissioners of the study session scheduled for Wednesday, June 20, and suggested that this be a dinner meeting starting in the conference room at 5:00 p.m. and adjourning for dinner at 7:30 to the Stag and Hound. The Commissioners voiced approval of this schedule. Commissioner Wilson indicated he could be present at 5:00 but would have to leave about 6:30 and could not attend the dinner. Commission Comments Chairman Rice called attention to the League of California Cities dinner meeting on Thursday, June 21, with reservations to be requested by 5:00 p.m. Monday. Commissioner Whitten suggested that if agendas continue to be this long three business meetings a month would be preferable. Chairman Rice requested that the Zoning Enforcement Officer again attempt to have the conditions of the parking lot at the Hilltop and Naples shopping center corrected. ADJOURNMENT MSUC(Whitten-Macevicz) The meeting be adjourned to the study session of June 20 and the business meeting of June 27, 1973. The meeting was adjourned at 11:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Helen Mapes, Secretary