Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Comm min 1974/11/27 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA November 27, 1974 A 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: Chandler, Rudolph, Rice, Floto, Starr, Pressutti and Smith. Also present: Director of Planning Peterson, Assistant Director of Planning Williams, City Attorney Lindberg and Secretary Mapes. The pledge of allegiance to the flag was led by Chairman Chandler, followed by a moment of silent prayer. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MSUC (Rice-Rudolph) The minutes of the meeting of November 13, 1974 be approved as mailed. Chairman Chandler called for oral communications and none were presented. 1. Consideration of establishing Open Space Maintenance District #5, Windsor Park and Hilltop Panorama Chairman Chandler noted the recommendation that the request be filed since the signators of the petition have requested its withdrawal. MSUC (Rice-Rudolph) The petition to establish Open Space Maintenance District #5 at Windsor Park and Hilltop Panorama be filed. 2. Request for extension of time for installation of public improvements for Chula Vista Service Clubs at 529-533 Fourth Avenue Director of Planning Peterson reported that about 2 1/2 years ago a conditional use permit for a parking lot in an R-3 district was approved by the Planning Commission subject to a number of conditions. The conditions were later modified at the applicant's request and a one year time limit was set for the construction of those improvements which relate to fencing along some of the property lines and to landscaping. Mr. Peterson reported that those improvements were to have been installed by August, 1974. That time limit was not met, although at that time the organization was attempting to complete some financial arrangements that would enable them to complete the improvements. Since this has not been accomplished it is recommended that the Planning Commission grant an extension of 90 days in which the work shall be completed, or the matter shall be referred to the City Attorney's office for legal action to secure performance under the conditions of approval. In response to Commissioner Rice's question as to why a further time extension should be granted, Mr. Peterson advised that he has been informed that the Service Club is now in a position to start construction of the fence but this cannot be - completed overnight and some construction period is reasonable. -2- Nov. 27, 1974 Henry Mueller, member of Southwest Lions Club and President of Chula Vista Service Clubs, spoke of their efforts to obtain financing to complete the site improvements as required. He reported that the board of directors of that organization now feel that in the interest of permanence a block wall would be preferable to a wooden fence along the alley and along the north property line to separate the parking lot from adjacent residential use. He asked if the wall adjacent to the alley could be reduced in height to 3 feet and placed on the property line, rather than set back 5 feet wi th landscaping placed outside of the wall. He indicated this would permit them to orient landscaping of the parking lot toward Fourth Avenue, and the lower wall would not present a sight problem for motorists leaving the parking lot as would be the case with a higher wall. He pointed out that other properties adjacent to the alley have not been required to maintain a setback. In response to questions from the Commission, Mr. Peterson advised that the City's Landscape Manual requires that 10% of offstreet parking areas be landscaped and that the landscaping required by the Commission's approval amounts to only about 5%; he also expressed the opinion that for screening landscaping, 5 ft. width is minimal. Commissioner Smith inquired what legal action would be taken by the City Attorney's office in the event the improvements are not completed within the time limit. City Attorney Lindberg advised that two courses of action are available. To file a criminal complaint for a violation of the Zoning Ordinance under the Comprehensive Zoning Act; or, to seek to have the situation declared a nuisance in a civil action. He also affirmed that it would be a possible alternative for the City to have the work completed and assess the property owner for the cost, but the City has never pursued that action in this type of situation. Mr. Lindberg also affirmed that failure to comply with the conditions constitutes a cause for revoking the conditional use permit. In response to a question from Commissioner Rudolph, Mr. Peterson indicated a willingness to approve a block wall in lieu of a wooden fence. He also felt a 3 or 3~ ft. high wall might be acceptable, but it would then require a dif- ferent type of landscaping to more effectively screen the parking area. Commissioner Pressutti suggested that the change of wall design, location and landscaping should be discussed between the applicant and the Planning Depart- ment staff. MSC (Rice-Starr) A 90 day extension of time for installation of improvements to the Chula Vista Service Clubs parking area be approved with the work to be completed in accordance with the recommendation contained in the staff report. The motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Commissioners Rice, Starr, Rudolph, Chandler and Smith NOES: Commissioners Pressutti and Floto ABSENT: None -3- Nov. 27, 1974 3. PUBLIC HEARING (Cont.): Consideration of amendment to the General Plan of the City of Chula Vista for the E1 Rancho del Re~ area to cause said General Plan to reflect the concepts of the Hillside Modif~in~ District Director of Planning Peterson stated that it is his recommendation that both this item and item 4 on the agenda, which is consideration of an amendment of the E1 Rancho del Rey General Development Plan to bring into conformance with the Hillside Modifying District, be continued to the meeting of January 22, 1975, with the possibility of further continuance after that date. He pointed out the advisability of testing the land uses proposed in the Sketch Plan against the system of streets proposed by using the County's traffic model, which would entail several months' work. He advised that this question of delay for the traffic study will be presented to the City Council on December lOth to ascertain their desire in this regard. Mr. Peterson pointed out that the traffic study performed in 1970 for this area has been challenged and he felt it would be advisable to delay adoption of a development plan until a new traffic analysis of the new system of land uses and streets has been completed. City Attorney Lindberg affirmed that the City Council has indicated over the past two years that they are not willing to accept the development of the property in question under the terms, conditions and schedule of the General Development Plan that has been previously approved by the Council, and they would seek a revision thereof. He felt there is no urgency in the matter since there is not going to be acceptance of a precise plan under the existing General Development Plan and schedule, and the property owners have been made aware of this fact. Don Worley speaking on behalf of Otay Land Company expressed agreement to a con- tinuance of the hearing to January 22nd. Commissioner Rudolph expressed the opinion that in considering a General Develop- ment Plan for the E1 Rancho del Rey Area thought should be given to other matters as well as to the traffic impact. For example, she felt serious study should be given to the possibility of providing some moderate priced housing. She sug- gested holding a workshop on planning concepts prior to adoption of a plan for the area east of 1-805. MSUC (Rudolph-Floto) The public hearing for consideration of an amendment to the Chula Vista General Plan and the E1 Rancho del Rey General Development Plan be continued to January 22, 1975. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Director of Planning Peterson noted that December 18 is the normal date for a study session, but since the fourth Wednesday in December is a legal holiday, he suggested that a special public meeting for discussion of the Plaza del Rey development be held on December 18. The Commission denoted concurrence with scheduling such a meeting. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Pressutti raised a question as to whether the Commission may approve an application for variance or conditional use permit with the provision that a modification of proposed conditions may be resolved between the applicant and Planning Department staff. As an example, could the Commission have approved the -4- Nov. 27, 1974 extension of time for the Chula Vista Service Club with modifications to fence design subject to approval of the Planning Department. Mr. Peterson expressed the belief that such approval is possible, although it is usually the staff's preference that the Commission resolve any differences which may be presented at the meeting because if there has not been agreement between the applicant and staff prior to the meeting it would be difficult to obtain such agreement following the meeting. City Attorney Lindber§ concurred with the remarks made by Mr. Peterson, and noted that the Planning Commission could approve an application with the provision that the resolution of details would be handled by the Planning staff. He pointed out, however, that any broad matters should be decided by the Commission, and any detailed conditions should be attached by the Commission, if possible, although there may' be minute details to be resolved by the staff. MSUC (Rice-Rudolph) The motion for extension of time for the Chula Vista Service Clubs be amended to give the Planning staff the discretion of approving a block wall in lieu of a wooden fence around the parking area. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Chandler adjourned the meeting at 8:08 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Helen Mapes, Secretar~/- v