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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Comm min 1973/05/21 MINUTES OF A REGULAR ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA May 21, 1973 The regular adjourned meeting of the City Planning Commission of Chula Vista, California was held on the above date beginning at 7:00 p.m. with the fol- lowing members present: Rice, Macevicz, Chandler, Rudolph, Swanson and Whitten. Absent (with previous notification): Member Wilson. Also present: Director of Planning Peterson, Environmental Review Coordinator Reid, Associ- ate Planner Lee, Senior Civil Engineer Harshman and City Attorney Lindberg. 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 7, 1973 be approved as mailed. 1. PUBLIC HEARING (Cont.): EIR-73-3 - Consideration of Environmental Impact R.eport for Fairway Downs Director of Planning Peterson advised that a continuance of this public hearing to June 27th is recommended because the County has not yet completed its study of the flood plain/flood way area of the Sweetwater River. MSUC (Chandler-Rudolph) The public hearing for consideration of EIR-73-3 be continued to the meeting of June 27, 1973. 2. PUBLIC HEARING: EIR-73-8 - Consideration of Environmental Impact Report for ~B.randywine Units 3 and 4 Environmental Review Coordinator Reid called attention to the revised Environ- mental Impact Report and his report of May 16 and indicated he had no further information to add unless there are questions from the Commission. The staff recommends adoption of the report. Commissioner Whitten asked how closely this development conforms to the pro- posed Hillside Development Ordinance. Mr. Reid advised that the average natural slope is around 20 per cent on this property, which would allow 2~ dwelling units per acre or a total of 236, and 44 per cent of the site would have to remain in natural topography. Commissioner Rudolph felt the report did not reflect the inadequacy of junior high school facilities to accommodate the facilities. Mr. Reid pointed out a junior high school adjacent to the Community Hospital site, scheduled for development in 1974, would meet this requirement. -2- 5/21/73 The public hearing was opened and as no one wished to speak, the public hear- ing was closed. Commissioner Rudolph felt there is still a need for some definition about long term effects and long term uses. She felt the report should indicate that grading will irrevocably alter the land forms. She also suggested that energy should be included in the commitment of resources, and that mitigating measures should indicate what would be done to reduce the use of energy. She made reference to a Rand Corporation report which contained valuable ideas in this regard. Commissioner Macevicz noted the great abundance and variety of flora and fauna in the area as noted in appendix A of the report. MSUC (~hitten-Macevicz) EIR-73-8, Environmental Impact Report for Brandywine RESOLUTION NO. EIR-73-8 Units 3 and 4 be adopted as the City's Environmental Impact Report on this project. 3. PUBLIC HEARING: EIR-73-9 - Consideration of Environmental Impact Report for Saratoga Canyon Environmental Review Coordinator Reid noted he has received a request from the applicant asking that this hearing be continued so that he can develop more precise information on the project. The staff recommends continuance to June 13. MSUC (Whitten-Chandler) The public hearing for consideration of EIR-73-9 be continued to the meeting of June 13, 1973. 4. PUBLIC HEARING (Cont.): REZONING - PCZ-73-H - Two parcels at southwest corner of Bonita Road 'a'nd Sandalwood Drive from R-3-~ to R-1 City Attorney Lindberg reported he received a call at 4:30 this afternoon from Mrs. Ferreira who indicated Mr. Ferreira is ill with the flu and his associate, Mr. York, who would generally represent him, also has the flu. He, therefore, requested a continuance on the matter. Director of Planning Peterson suggested that June 27th would be the best time since the agenda for June 13th is becoming very heavy. MSUC (Whitten-Rudolph) Consideration of the rezoning of two parcels at the southwest corner of Bonita Road and Sandalwood Drive, PCZ-73-H, be continued to the meeting of June 27, 1973. -3- 5/21/73 5. PUBLIC HEARING (~ont.): a. PCM-73-10 - Consideration of change in General Plan for one acre at 215 BaS Blvd. from Indus- trial to Visitor Commercial. b. PCZ-73-I - Rezonin9 215 BaS Blvd., I to C-V-P - Hardin9 Campbell Commissioner Macevicz advised he will abstain from discussion or action on these requests. Director of Planning Peterson indicated the location of the property on the west side of I-5 and south side of E Street, and called attention to the moratorium established by the City Council on all Bayfront property with the suggestion that it be lifted with respect to this property. He noted that the Bayfront Plan presented to the Council and Commission last Wednesday proposed certain criteria and standards that properties in this area should meet, and the applicant's plan for this property comes very close to meeting all those criteria. These in- clude: no access to E Street, a landscape berm along E Street, compliance with sign regulations contained in consultant's report. The only criteria not met is that tile buildings be located close to Bay Boulevard with parking nearer to the freeway. In this case, because the property is higher in elevation next to the freeway and slopes down toward Bay Boulevard and because the applicant is willing to further depress parking adjacent to Bay Boulevard, he felt there is justification to granting an exception to this rule which tile consultant set forth. Mr. Peterson reported the staff's recommendation is for approval of the amend- ment to the General Plan and for rezoning to C-V-P with the Precise Plan subject to the conditions set forth in tile staff report and an additional condition to require that all existing and proposed utilities lines on the site and in the adjacent public right of way be placed underground. Chairman Rice opened the public hearing. Richard t~augh, with his partner, Mike ~eber, of the architectural firm of Haugh/Richards/~eber, displayed renderings of the building elevation on the Bay Boulevard side and on the E Street side. tie also displayed a site plan indicating the location of the building near the northeast corner of tile property, which is tile higher portion of tile lot and will afford a better view of the bay from the restaurant. He also noted the parking will be depressed as much as possible and still afford proper drainage. He indicated they would provide the landscape berm along E Street, as well as landscaping along Bay Boulevard, and will meet all conditions recommended by the staff. As no one else wished to speak, the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Chandler expressed the feeling this is a very attractive use for what is presently a bad looking corner. Commissioner Rudolph commented that this particular location is very critical in the concept of tile bay front since it is the entrance to the bay front com- mercial area. She felt this development would accomplish what the consultant intended for this area. -4- 5/21/73 MSUC (Whitten-Chandler) Recommend to the City Council an amendment to the RESOLUTION PCM-73-10 General Plan for one acre at 215 Bay Boulevard from Industrial to Visitor Commercial land use. Member Macevicz abstained from voting on the question. MSUC (Whitten-Rudolph) Recommend to the City Council the change of zone RESOLUTION PCZ-73I for approximately one acre located at 215 Bay Boulevard from I to C-V-P, with a Precise Plan to be submitted which shall conform to the following guidelines: a. There shall be no direct access to E Street from the property. b. A 4-foot high landscaping berm (minimum 15 feet in width) shall be provided along the E Street and Bay Boulevard frontages. c. The height of the building shall be limited to 28 ft. d. There shall be no business identification signs permitted that are intended to be viewed by motorists on Interstate 5. e. Signs on the building shall be located at a height no greater than 12 feet and shall occupy less than 5% of the building facade on which it is placed. f. A freestanding sign on Bay Boulevard shall not exceed 8 feet in height or 8 feet in length and shall not have a surface on any one side larger than 32 sq. ft. g. The parking lot shall be depressed to an elevation which will allow for proper drainage of the property. h. The architecture, including materials, colors and signing shall be submitted and approved by the Commission and Council before the issuance of a building permit. i. All existing and proposed utility lines and structures onsite (in- cluding area within the public right of way to the center line of E Street and Bay Boulevard) shall be placed underground. j. The applicant shall subn~it drawings based upon field surveys showing a practical method of sewering the area in which the site is located. k. Driveway access to the site shall be of the alley approach type. 1. Adjacent street frontages are to be fully improved to current City standards. Findings of fact in support of said determination are as follows: a. Visitor Commercial zoning is in conformance with the Bayfront Plan submitted by consultant Sedway/Cooke. -5- 5/21/73 b. The site is located adjacent to the freeway interchange at a major entrance to the City and is well suited for visitor commercial use. Member Macevicz abstained from voting on the question. 6. PUBLIC HEARING: a. PCM-73-13 - Consideration of change in General Plan fr~m Thoro. u~hfar~' Commercial to Limited Industrial for miscellaneous properties east and west side of ~alnut Avenue, north of Palomar b. PCZ-73-C - Rezone miscellaneous properties east side of Walnut Ave., north of Palomar from R-3 to I-L Director of Planning Peterson noted that this area had been considered at previous hearings with the intent of designating the area for thoroughfare commercial uses. Further study indicates this might not be the best designa- tion since Walnut is not a through street. It is an area of mixed uses, including single family and multiple family residential, commercial uses and light manufacturing uses. Therefore, any single designation of zoning and land use would not be exactly right for the uses present. It is felt it would not be redeveloped for residential use due to the close proximity of the freeway and the general character of the area, and the deadend street argues against thoroughfare col~mercial; almost by a process of elimination the property lends itself to light manufacturing or small warehousing types of uses. This designation requires a change to the General Plan and rezoning to I-L. This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. Ted Edwards, 1842 Fourth Avenue, San Diego, indicated he was representing William B. Sumner, owner of the motel in the area, who is in Alaska and could not be present for this hearing. He was also unable to instruct his attorney here in time to make a presentation at the hearing, and therefore, requested that the hearing be continued. City Attorney Lindberg advised that he had discussed this rezoning with the attorney who represents Mr. Sumner and it was pointed out that rezoning would not affect the businesses presently operating under a conditional use permit as it would also be valid under the proposed zone. All uses present would be permitted to continue as nonconforming uses. The Commission felt the request for a continuance is not unreasonable if an owner of property under consideration cannot be present. MSUC (Chandler-Whitten) The public hearing for consideration of PCM-73-13, amendment to the General Plan, be continued to the meeting of June 27, 1973. MSUC (Macevicz-Whitten) The public hearing for consideration of rezoning PCZ-73-C be continued to the meeting of June 27, 1973. -6- 5/21/73 7. PUBLIC HEARING: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT - PCC-73-14 - Request to establish Youth~Counselin~ Center at 585 Third Avenue in C-O zone - San Diego CountS Probation Department Associate Planner Lee pointed out the location of the property on the east side of Third Avenue just north of I Street in the C-O zone, with R-1 and R-3 zoning directly to the east of the subject property. The request is for the use of a converted dwelling for Youth Counseling Service. The structure is within a commercial complex which houses a loan office, speech therapy and dentist offices. Parking for the complex is provided at the rear. Under ordinance requirements the existing uses require a combined total of 18 parking spaces, out of the total of 24 spaces available if properly marked. The proposed use is appropriate in the C-O zone and the structure is presently vacant. Mr. Lee noted that a letter of protest from an adjacent resident has been received. This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. Michael Garvey, of the San Diego County Probation Department, reported this office will not be dealing with youth who are on probation; this is a diversion project in delinquency prevention. Counseling during the afternoon would be on a one to one basis, with group counseling or counseling with parents taking place after 5:00 p.m. He felt the available parking would be ample for their operation. This center will not be similar to Our House since counseling is done by appointment; it is not a drop-in center; there will be no loitering or recreation activities at this site. Mrs. Olin Williams, 276 Whitney Avenue, spoke in protest of any additional use at this location, noting the noise and air pollution generated by traffic coming to the present uses in the complex. She indicated the parking is filled by customers of the existing offices. Anita Gomez, 524 East Delia Street, commented that she works across the street at 580-A Third Avenue, and that this area is very crowded. Dr. Vincent Flynn, reported he is next door south of the proposed, building. He reported parking at this complex is crowded. He also objected to the type of use proposed. He indicated it is a recognized nuisance or the Police Department would not have personnel on duty at the facility. Associate Planner Lee reported it is the staff's opinion that parking require- ment for the proposed use would not be significantly different than for the previous use, or other uses permitted in this zone without a conditional use permit. Commissioner Swanson asked what was the rationale of the Probation Department in choosing this property. Michael Garvey, Probation Department, reported that the Real Property Division of the County made a survey of the particular area in which they wanted to locate. This property was found available and was zoned properly for the use; -7- 5/21/73 it is suitable in size, and suitable in location with regard to population of their target area. Chairman Rice asked how late it is anticipated the counseling would last. Mr. Garvey advised that since this is done on school nights, Monday through Thursday, they close at 8:30 p.m. As no one else wished to speak the public hearing was closed. The Commission noted the recommended conditions for parking spaces and con- struction of a solid fence around the parking area. MSUC (Rudolph-Whitten) The application for conditional use permit PCC-73-14 RESOLUTION PCC-73-14 to establish a Youth Service Counseling Center at 585 Third Avenue be approved subject to the follow- ing conditions: 1. The parking area shall be striped in accordance with the adopted Parking Table of Chula Vista. 2. Solid fencing shall be provided around the parking lot. Findings are as follows: a. The proposed location is centrally located within the South Bay area and will provide a needed service to the community. b. The proposed use is an office type use similar to other permitted uses in the same zone and vicinity and wilt not be detrimental to the adjacent properties. c. The General Plan recognizes the need for governmental services in the community. Chairman Rice advised of the right of appeal to the City Council within l0 days. 8. Consideration of request for revision to Precise Plan, Chula Vista Square, 500 'blOck Broadway - Nurseryl~nd Associate Planner Lee displayed the approved site plan and the proposed revised plan which would eliminate the smaller retail sales building and the office building at the west end of the lot and substitute instead a retail plant nursery. He noted that although the architecture is not the same as the Spanish design in stucco and tile utilized for the main shopping complex, it is felt it would be appropriate in the setting proposed. Chairman Rice called upon the applicant to discuss the proposed development. -8- 5/21/73 Mr. Huxley, architect for Nurseryland, discussed the architecture of their proposed building and commented that this use will be an excellent buffer between the shopping center and the adjacent residential area to the west. MSUC (Swanson-Macevicz) The revised plan for Chula Vista Square, to accom- modate Nurseryland, be approved subject to the following conditions: 1. The revised parking areas shall be landscaped and irrigated to conform to the existing parking area. 2. All conditions of Resolution PCZ-72-L shall be complied with. 3. A revised Precise Plan shall be submitted to the Planning Department incorporating the approved modifications and condition 1 above. 9. Consideration of request for street vacation - Mariposa Circle - P£M-73-11 Director of Planning Peterson reported this is a routine vacation of road easement not required for the development of the street. MSUC (Whitten-Chandler) Approval of the request for street vacation on Mariposa Circle, PCM-73-11. 10. Consideration___~of request for extension of time on Conditional Use Permit PCC-72-22 for temporary use of o~fice trailer - Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Co. Director of Planning Peterson indicated this extension of time is warranted. MSUC (Chandler-Macevicz) Approval of a one-year extension of time on Con- ditional Use Permit PCC-72-22 for temporary use of office trailer at 71 Fourth Avenue by Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company. ll. Adoption of resolution setting Plannin§ Commission meeting dates Chairman Rice noted that in line with previous discussion, a resolution has been prepared setting the regularly schedule business meetings of the Planning Commission on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m., with a study meeting to be held on the third Wednesday of each month in the Council Conference Room at 7:00 p.m. MSUC (Whitten-Rudolph) Resolution PCM-73-12 establishing meeting dates be adopted. 12. Director's Report Director of Planning Peterson requested that if any of the Commissioners have -9- 5/21/73 items which they would like to consider at the first study session he would appreciate their advising him. Commissioner ~lacevicz suggested that some time be spent on further study of the Bayfront development plan. City Attorney Lindberg commented on the letter and material forwarded to the District Attorney's office. He reported that that office has officially ac- cepted the investigatory capacity and Commission members will be contacted by Mr. James Quam. Mr. Lindberg added that he received very adverse comments from a citizen regarding the use of the Watergate complex phraseology in that letter to the District Attorney but he stands by those comments because he feels that is a part of the whole syndrome of possible distrust of government officials. It was intended to point to Mr. Miller the context of the allega- tion and Mr. Lindberg is sure they are going to be aware of the entire cir- cumstances. 13. Commission Comments Commissioner Macevicz asked just what the District Attorney's investigation means. He inquired if it would necessitate the retention of lawyers by the Commission members or if they would be represented by the City Attorney. Mr. Lindberg advised that by charter he is required to represent all public officials which is one reason the matter was referred by his office to the District Attorney as an independent investigatory body. He further added that similar complaints have been filed before and the Commission should not feel singled out as being in violation of the Brown Act; the City Council has had such allegations made. The District Attorney's office is well pre- pared to understand the nuances and all of the aspects of such problems. Commissioner Rudolph expressed concern that one item before the Commission and Council has aroused such feeing and passion that it might affect the harmony which heretofore has existed between city officials and commission members. She expressed the hope this would not be the case. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Rice declared the meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ffelen Mapes Secretary