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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Comm min 1974/05/08 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA May 8, 1974 The regular meeting of the City Planning Co~ission of Chula Vista, California was held on the above date beginning at 7:00 p.m. with the following members present: Macevicz, Chandler, Rice, Rudolph, Wilson, Floto and Starr. Also present: Director of Planning Peterson, Current Planning Supervisor Lee, Assistant Director of Public Works Roberts, Deputy City Attorney Beam and Secretary Mapes. Chairman Macevicz led the pledge of allegiance to the flag, followed by a moment of silent prayer. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MSUC (Chandler-Rice) The minutes of the meeting of April 24, 1974 be approved as mailed. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Jerry Pryor, owner of Barbeque Pit, requested that the public hearing for consideration of amendments to the sign provisions in the Zoning Ordinance be continued to a meeting when the agenda will not be so lengthy as the one for tonight, since this item will require lengthy discussion. - Director of Planning Peterson concurred with the validity of the request and suggested that the meeting of June 19, normally a study session meeting, be devoted exclusively to the public hearing on the sign provisions of the ordinance. MSUC (Rice-Chandler) The public hearing for consideration of revisions to the sign provisions of the Zoning Ordinance be continued to the meeting of June 19, 1974 Mr. Houghton requested that item 9 on the agenda, which is not a public hearing, be considered by the Commission prior to other items which are of greater public interest. Director of Planning Peterson recommended that the order of the agenda be adhered to with regard to this item. The Chairman of the Commission concurred. Joan Christian, 1529 Grand Teton Court, representing the Deerpark Home Owners Association, distributed photos to the Commission to show the condition of the slope in the back yards of lots on Grand Teton. She advised that this slope has been hydroseeded but the result was not satisfactory. They have been advised the slope will be hydroseeded again tomorrow, and she expressed the opinion this would not be a satisfactory solution to the condition of the slope. She felt that seeding with annual plants, such as California Poppy, will not control erosion of the soil. -2- 5/8/74 It was suggested that Mrs. Christian take this problem up with the various City departments responsible for final approval of this slope. It was further sug- gested that members of the Home Owners Association may wish to meet with the City's public assistance officer to discuss problems pertaining to the Deerpark subdivision. CONSENT CALENDAR Chairman Macevicz reported that it is requested that the question of deferral of public improvements at 270 C Street be removed from the consent calendar and considered following item 4. It is further requested that item 10 on the agenda be considered prior to all other items. Deputy Attorney Beam introduced Mr. Clif Reed, counsel for the Chula Vista Redevelopment Agency, who will provide legal service to the City Council and Planning Commission. He therefore took Mr. Beam's seat at the podium for con- sideration of the following item. · .' Sedwa ~.m~n o~r~[~nt~ Consideration of ment Pro'ect and desi nation of ro'ect area 10. ~nation ot ro ~ boundaries Director of Planning Peterson advised that the first step required from the Planning Commission in their role of participating in the redevelopment of the Bayfront area is to define the boundaries of the area in the project and recommend a preliminary redevelopment plan. It is suggested that the boundaries of the area encompassed by the Sedway/Cooke Plan be considered as the City's preliminary redevelopment plan for the Bayfront area. Mr. Clif Reed reiterated that the action required by the Commission is to define the boundaries of the project area and recommend a preliminary plan for the redevelopment. He suggested that the legal boundaries as contained in the written report from the staff be adopted as the project boundaries and the Sedway/Cooke Plan recommended as the preliminary redevelopment plan. Commissioner Wilson asked for a verbal description of the area to be included in this plan. Director of Planning Peterson advised this will be the area between Interstate 5 on the east and the bay, and from the northern city limit to L Street on the south. Commissioner Wilson again questioned the western boundary of the project as it relates to lands under the jurisdiction of the Unified Port District. Jack Henthorn, Administrative Assistant assigned to work on this project, advised that due to the fact that the Port District has jurisdiction over all of the land seaward from mean high tide line, the plan under consideration tonight covers only the area over which the City has jurisdiction. -3- 5/8/74 MSUC (Rudolph-Wilson) Adoption of a resolution designating the project area boundary for the Bayfront Redevelopment Project as contained in the legal description in Section One of the Preliminary Plan. MSUC (Wilson-Chandler) Adoption of the Preliminary Plan for the Bayfront Redevelopment Project as submitted in the staff report. 2. Consideration of adoption of EIR-74-4 on development of Community Shopping Center, Ota~ Lakes Road and H Street Director of Planning Peterson pointed out that a public hearing was held on the draft E.I.R. for this project on April 24, 1974. Although no input was received from the public during that hearing nor from the Environmental Control Commission, who had copies of the draft E.I.R., nine revisions were made in the preparation of the final Environmental Impact Report. The revisions were enumerated in the staff report. MSUC (Chandler-Starr) Adoption of EIR-74-4 as the City's Environmental Impact Report on the development of a Community Shopping Center at Otay Lakes Road and H Street. 3. PUBLIC HEAR~~°rea~ti°nal ar Savln oan Current Planning Supervisor Lee indicated the location of the existing two story Home Federal Savings & Loan building at the corner of Fifth Avenue and H Street with 40 parking spaces available, and the location of a single family lot across the alley with frontage on Otis Street which the applicant wishes to convert into additional parking facilities for the savings and loan operations. The plan as submitted provides for ingress into the parking lot from the alley with egress on to Otis Street. He advised that in staff's opinion this represents an unwarranted intrusion into the residential area; therefore, denial of the request is recommended. This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. Bill Fisher, Manager of the Chula Vista office of Home Federal Savings and Loan, expressed their pleasure with the increase in business at this location. He reported that the outside tenants on the second floor of the building would soon be vacating those offices to make room for increased activities of the savings and loan business. He advised that parking has become a problem and their employees have been parking on the lot of the closed restaurant to the west but they understand that Dairy Queen will soon occupy those premises and it is, therefore, their desire to provide the additional parking lot across the alley for employees' use. He reported that their facilities for public parking are often used to a maximum at this time and they have projected that their business will triple in the next five years. He felt that t~e City Code provides for the minimum parking necessary and it is their desire to provide the ultimate parking necessary by providing the 16 additional parking spaces which would be made available by approval of this conditional use permit. -4- 5/8/74 R. A. Lytle, 511 Otis Street, expressed the opinion that if additional parking is required by this commercial establishment it should be obtained in the com- mercial zone and not by intruding into the R-2 zone. He presented a petition bearing 24 signatures of residents on Otis Street who are opposed to the grant- ing of this request. Joseph W. Garcia, 484 Fifth Avenue, reported that he had previously submitted a letter opposing the conversion of this residential lot to a parking lot, but upon further consideration he has taken a different view and would now like to rescind the opposition expressed in that letter and support the request. He pointed out that presently the traffic is as heavy in the alley between the commercially zoned property and the R-2 property as it is on Otis Street. As no one else wished to speak, the public hearing was closed. MSUC (Chandler-Floto) Conditional Use Permit PCC-74-7 be denied, based on the following findings: 1. Home Federal Savings and Loan currently has twice the required number of offstreet parking spaces required by ordinance; no evidence has been presented to show that additional parking is necessary. 2. The proposed parking lot would be detrimental to the health, safety and general welfare of persons residing in the area and injurious to the property in the vicinity by reason of the following: a. Commercial traffic exiting the parking lot would pass through a resi- dential area disrupting normal residential activities and posing a hazard to children in the area. b. Residential properties adjacent to the commercial parking lot would tend to depreciate in value because they would be less suitable for resi- dential purposes. c. Establishment of a commercial parking area in an existing residential zone would tend to bring similar pressures to bear on adjacent residential properties which in turn would tend to adversely affect the residential character of the area. Chairman Macevicz advised the applicant of the right of appeal to the City Council within ten days. Commissioner Rice suggested that if the present ordinance provisions do not provide adequate parking for this type of establishment, the staff should restudy the requirements and make a recommendation for an amendment to the ordinance. -5- 5/8/74 . ' .' 1 Use ~10 - Re PUBLIC HEARING, Condltlona. ._ 'n lace and recover home for stor bulld~n for meetl Pioneers~ inc. Commissioner Rudolph advised that she felt this request may have an impact on her personally and she therefore left the podium to abstain from both dis- cussion and action on the item. Director of Planning Peterson displayed a plat showing the location of the property on the south side of C Street to the east of Third Avenue on which the applicant proposes to construct and operate a home for alcoholics and pro- vide a meeting place for Alcoholics Anonymous. He reported the applicant has indicated a desire to locate the building closer to Third Avenue than shown on the plat, with parking to be accommodated to the east of the building. He ion of South Bay Pioneers is 699 E Street and · ted out that the presqn~ locat_ ~ · '~ Judae Kugler, the mana~er.~f. ~o~ ......... 'yea Trom th~ Pul~ce Ch~f~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~-~ ll ot wn~cn )etter~ nave uu:~.- - --J : +~a er at Mae L. Yeas~er j~.~,, the ad3acent tral~er par~, ~, .... ch from the operation of this facility indicate there have been no problems resulting and expressing the feeling that it is fulfilling a community need. He advised that the staff considers this operation to be similar to a church in the genera- tion of traffic at specified times. Mr. Peterson discussed the physical character of the site which lies in a shallow canyon, below C Street and the homes that front on Sea Vale, pointing out that this elevation difference provides additional separation between this use and adjoining residential uses. Mr. Peterson enumerated the four conditions recom- mended in granting approval of this request. This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. Niek Slijk, speaking in behalf of South Bay Pioneers, indicated he has been associated with that organization for the past eight years on the Board of Trustees and currently serves as chairman of that board· He expressed the opinion that South Bay Pioneers have been an asset to the community and requested favorable consideration of their request. Dan Chew, Manager of South Bay Pioneers, discussed the operation of the home, and pointed out the need of such a facility and the benefit to the community of rehabilitating the individuals who seek help at this home. He reported that some residents at the home do hold jobs which they regularly attend, while others are undergoing therapy and working on the premises, mainly beautifying the house and grounds. He advised that the residents come voluntarily, or some times on referral by a court, but they are not committed or retained for a specific period of time; they remain as long as they feel they are being helped and need the help. Lee Raitt, 433 D Street, discussed the origin of this operation in 1961, at which time he negotiated the lease for their present location. During their occupancy the duplex on the site was torn down, since it was unsafe; the occupants constructed a room for eight men. Mr. Raitt reported he had never worked with a group of people as dedicated to helping themselves and helping others in need as this group is. He stressed the improvements made to the -6- 5/8/74 property by the residents and the fact that they have been good neighbors to the surrounding uses. Dean Smith, 275 Sea Vale Street, expressed his pride in the appearance in the residential area of Sea Vale Street, and opposition to the location chosen by South Bay Pioneers, since he felt this "institution" would drastically affect residential character of the neighborhood. He asserted a commercial area is more practical for this type of operation. He submitted a petition containing 68 signatures from 48 homes in the surrounding R-1 area, in opposition to the construction and operation of a facility for South Bay Pioneers at 270 C Street. Peter Watry, 81 Second Avenue, asserted that South Bay Pioneers is an active commercial enterprise, and as such, should not be allowed to intrude into a residential neighborhood. He contended that the issue is not whether they are providing a useful service, but one of land use--whether this operation should be located in a residential neighborhood. He felt such a use would threaten the desirable character of the Second Avenue neighborhood which has been maintained over the years. Carol Smith, 275 Sea Vale Street, felt this is not a proper or desirable land use for this type of area. She pointed out that an establishment for the assemblage of groups of people such as a church should be located on a col- lector street; this site is not on a collector street. She felt there is not sufficient separation between this intended use and the residential apartments adjacent on the north. She contended this is a quasi-public use, and as such, is not a desirable use in a residential zone, and also that it would generate traffic in excess of the capacity of the surrounding streets. She felt the operation should be located in a commercial zone. Linda Hendricks, 220 C Street, expressed her agreement with the opposition which had been stated, and indicated her main concern is with the traffic that will be generated by the noon meetings and the Saturday night meetings. Wendy Riverall, 231 Sea Vale Street, expressed support for the South Bay Pioneers' operation in this location. She pointed out that Sea Vale Street has no approach to C Street, and there is quite a difference in elevation. She advised that in an attempt to determine if this is a commercial type facility, she had visited their present location and it has the appearance of a well kept residence. Bill Glad, 236 C Street, expressed concern over the amount of traffic that would result, and the fact that real estate values would depreciate. R. D. Evans, 271 Sea Vale Street, expressed the opinion that the property in question should be developed for an R-1 use, as zoned. He also pointed out the effects of noise generated in the canyon which seems to echo and carry to the residential areas above. He felt the activities of the proposed use would result in too much noise. Steven Moore, former alcoholic and member of the Board of Directors of South Bay Pioneers, pointed out that the traffic going to this establishment would be staggered both in hours of arrival and departure; there would be no rush of traffic. -7- 5/8/74 Phillip Seagrave asserted that the traffic problem which is anticipated has not existed with this operation. He indicated he regularly attends noon time meet- ings and the average number in attendance is about 25 to 30. There are larger gatherings on Saturday nights but this is spread over a greater length of time. He advised that a number of alcoholics recovery homes in the San Diego area are located in residential neighborhoods. He expressed the opinion that South Bay Pioneers would be an asset in the proposed area insofar as exterior appearance is concerned, as well as the type of operation. As no one else wished to speak, the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Floto felt that one of the key questions is whether this is a commercial enterprise; he did not see it as a commercial enterprise, but in the category of a church, which would be compatible in a residential area. Commissioner Starr commented on the differences in elevation of this property and surrounding lots, and asked for the reasoning in proposing a two-story building. Mr. Lee Raitt pointed out that due to the difference in elevation, motorists on C Street would be at the level of the second story windows. He also pointed out it is less costly to provide the same square footage in a two-story structure than to spread it over a larger area one story high. Since this is a non-profit organization and receives no tax support, it is necessary to keep the cost as low as possible. He pointed out that with their proposed development plan over 50% of the land would be left in its natural state. MSC (Wilson-Floto) Conditional use permit PCC-74-10 be approved, subject to the following conditions: 1. One on-site fire hydrant shall be provided by South Bay Pioneers, Inc. 2. A grading permit shall be obtained prior to the issuance of a building permit; said grading shall be accomplished in such a manner as to permit access to the site by emergency vehicles. 3. A formal request shall be made that Third Avenue be vacated; in the absence of said street vacation, a revised site plan shall be submitted. 4. The site plan and architecture shall be subject to review and approval by the Planning Department. Findings of fact are as follows: a. The proposed use has been operating in the City for 13 years and has provided a necessary and desirable service to the community. b. The site is a shallow canyon lying below the level of the street and adjacent properties. This elevation difference will provide additional separation between this use and adjoining residential uses. -8- 5/8/74 The motion carried by the following vote, to-wit: AYES: Members Wilson, Floto, Start, Chandler and Rice NOES: Member Macevicz ABSTAIN: Member Rudolph ABSENT: None A recess was called at 8:67 p.m. and the meeting reconvened at 9:00 p.m. 1 Consideration of request for deferral of public improvements at 270 C Street - South Bay Pioneers~ Inc. Chairman Macevicz noted that since this consideration is not advertised as a public hearing no testimony will be taken from the audience unless it is the desire of the Commission to do so. Commissioner Rudolph indicated her intention to abstain from discussion or action on this request. Commissioner Wilson expressed his willingness to hear testimony if anyone wished to speak; the other Commissioners concurred. Assistant Director of Public Works Robens explained that normally with the construction of building improvements in excess of $5,000 valuation, all street improvements within the public right of way which have not been installed are required to be installed by the property owner. He pointed out that the parcel being improved is 660 feet long adjacent to the right of way of C Street. The proposed building and parking facility will occupy only the westerly 270 feet of the property. The deferral of public improvements is requested for the easterly 390 feet which is not being improved at this time. He pointed out that the granting of this deferral would include the execution of an agreement to guarantee the future installation of the public improvements upon written notice by the City and the posting of surety in the amount of $25,000 to cover the cost of the installation. Mr. Robens further reported that the City Council has asked the Public Works Department to survey all right of way in the City that has not been improved. It has been determined there are approximately 700 separate parcels involved. An overall plan is being prepared for improvement'of all unimproved right of way in the City, and this area will be a part of that plan. If it meets the requirements for a 1911 Act or a Block Act, improvements may be required under those conditions. Peter Watry, 81 Second Avenue, urged that this request for deferral of public improvements not be approved. He pointed out on the plat the location of a cliff on the north side right to the edge of the street. On the south side is a lower, weed covered cliff on which the children can walk to get from the apartments to Second Avenue to catch school buses. He pointed out that the lots to the east of the subject property have either a paved sidewalk, or a dirt walkway which is elevated off the street. He felt as a matter of safety this institution should be required to put in a sidewalk all the way to meet -9- 5/8/74 the other sidewalk in order that the children can walk to Second Avenue without walking in the street. Assistant Director of Public Works Robens advised that it has not been the prec- edent to require improvements along the total frontage of a property if only a portion of the property is being developed. In this case about 40% of the property is being improved. It was moved by Commissioner Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Floto, that approval be given for deferral of public improvements along 390 feet of the frontage of property at 270 C Street, subject to the conditions enumerated in the staff report. The Commission further discussed the need and desirability of providing safe pedestrian walkway along this property. Commissioner Wilson amended the motion to include a graded pedestrian passage- way along the northern property line of the easterly 390 feet of property, if deemed feasible by the Director of Public Works. Commissioner Floto gave con- sent to the amendment of the motion. The motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Members Wilson, Floto, Starr, Macevicz, Rice and Chandler NOES: None ABSTAIN: Member Rudolph ABSENT: None ~ ermlt C - -8 - Request to construct -- additional storage and service facilities for motor- ~ycle sales, 29 Broadwas - Manuel P. Machado Current Planning Supervisor Lee pointed out that the rezoning application per- tains to a plot of land 100' X 152' presently zoned R-3 which is the rear por- tion of the C-T zoned lot at 29 Broadway. This rezoning is requested to accom- modate expansion of the motorcycle sales facility which was approved in Sep- tember, 1973. Two storage buildings would be constructed on this portion of the property. Mr. Lee noted that the Broadway Study recommended the expansion of C-T zoning in this portion of Broadway with the attachment of the precise plan requirement limiting access to Broadway. Mr. Lee called attention to the conditions and findings contained in the staff report. This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. Robert Thompson, building designer representing Mr. Machado, expressed the opinion this would be a more feasible use for the property than R-3 development since the only access would be through a 20' wide easement which serves com- mercial uses. It was confirmed that the buildings constructed on the rear 51Sl74 motorcycles and storage building adjacent to the portion of the property would be used solely for storage of , ~-,~ +~:+ e location of the , . ~-~ +h~ residential property. partS. ~e t~u~t'~ ~ reduce the sound going ~nuu_~--~ ..... n advised that south proper~y /~ne ~ ~rom Commissioner Rudolph, ~r. ~nu,,~vo~ es In response ~o a ques~. - this expansion is required due to an increase in volume of sales of motorcycl occasioned by the energy shortage. The tenant of this property finds he does not have sufficient storage to keep stock on hand. As no one else wished to speak, the public hearing was closed. MSUC (Rudolph-Wilson) Recommend to the City Council the change of zone from R-3 to C-T-P subject to the following condition: Access and development of the property shall be in accordance with the adopted precise plan. Findings in support of this recommendation are as follows: a. The Broadway Study has indicated that the depth of commercial zoning in this area be increased to 250 feet and that businesses be oriented towards Broadway. b. The proposed rezoning is in conformance with the General Plan. MSUC (Rudolph-Wilson) Approval of conditional use permit PCC-74-8 subject to the following conditions: 1. The two proposed buildings shall be used for storage only. In the event any other use is contemplated, a new Initial Study shall be filed and a modifica- tion of this request submitted to the Planning Commission. 2. The testing or demonstration of the motorcycles on the portion of the property zoned C-T-P and the common driveway easement shall be prohibited. The following findings support this approval: a. The request represents a logical expansion of the existing facilities. b. No servicing or repairing is to be conducted in the new buildings. c. The proposed use will comply with the regulations and conditions of the Code. d. The proposed use is in conformance with the General Plan. -ll- 5/8/74 6. PUBLIC HEARING: ~onditional Use Permit PCC-74-11 - Re uest to o erate u t~ Current Planning Supervisor Lee advised that this request would enable the applicant to move his present muffler sales and installation facility from 265 Broadway to this location. He called attention to the report relating to the noise levels at the existing facilit~ He also advised that the applicant proposed to construct the building at a front setback, but this would have a detrimental effect on adjoining uses by obstructing the view of their build- ings from the street. It is therefore recommended that a 10' front setback be observed by this building. Mr. Lee noted that a Negative Declaration of adverse environmental impact posted for this request v~ill become final on May 10th and no appeal has been filed to this time. The Commission discussed the location and orientation of the building and the effect the noise from this operation might have on adjacent residential uses; also the possibility of redesigning the building to conform to a 10' front setback. This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. Charles Levens, Midas Realty Corp., discussed the floor plans of the building, and indicate? that the storage portion at the rear of the building could be reduced by , and the front portion containing the waiting room and office could be reduced 3 feet. This would enable them to place the building 8' from the front property line and still retain the desired number of service bays. As no one else wished to speak, the public hearing was closed. MSUC (Chandler-Rice) Conditional Use Permit PCC-74-11 be approved, subject to the following conditions: 1. In compliance with the State Map Act a parcel map shall be submitted prior to the issuance of any permits. 2. The project shall be subject to site plan and architectural approval by the Planning Department; plans shall show the information required by Section 33.901 B, paragraph 30, of the Zoning Ordinance, and the following: a. A minimum 8' building setback from the front (westerly) property line. b. A 6' high solid masonry wall to replace the existing wood fencing on three sides, extending across the rear property line in its entirety and a distance of 25' along the northerly property line. c. No vehicle access doors into the building at the easterly end. 3. All onsite utilities shall be placed underground. -12- 5/8/74 4. Landscaping and irrigation plans shall conform to the Landscape Manual. Tree wells may be required subject to review of the landscape plan. 5. The east wall of the building shall be constructed of grouted concrete block with one solid core access door permitted. Findings in support of this approval are as follows: a. The proposed muffler shop will provide a service to the community which replaces an outdated facility one block away. b. Subject to the conditions of approval, the proposed facility will not be detrimental to the health, safety or general welfare of neighboring residents or businessmen. c. Subject to the conditions of approval, the proposed facility will conform with the regulations and conditions specified in the Zoning Ordinance for such use. d. As authorized by this conditional use permit, the proposed use is allowed in the C-T zone and The Thoroughfare Commercial designation on the General Plan. 7. Request to use existing residential structure for Sunday School and offices, 271 East J Street - Chula Vista Christian - Reformed Church Director of Planning Peterson reported this is a proposal to use an existing home for Sunday School activities for up to 40 children on Sundays, and in addition to use the house for offices of the pastor during the remainder of the week. Since this is a different type of occupancy than the building was designed for, the request was referred to the Building Inspection Department and the Fire Department. It is suggested that the requirements of those depart- ments be included as conditions of approval in order that the applicant will be informed of the requirements. Chairman Macevicz commented on the cutting of a path from the church to this house, and he felt approval should include the requirement for acceptable slope grade and landscaping. MSUC (Rice-Wilson) The request by Chula Vista Christian Reformed Church to use the existing house at 271 East J Street for Sunday School and offices of the pastor be approved, subject to the following conditions: 1. Detailed plans shall be submitted for Planning Department review showing the ramp walkway and adjacent slope banks, including landscaping and irrigation. 2. The structure shall conform to Title 19 of the California Administrative Code with regard to fire safety. 3. The structure shall meet the requirements of the Uniform Building Code for B-3 and F-2 occupancy. -13- 5/8/74 9. Consideration of precise plan for development of industrial building at 340 BaS Boulevard - Thermo King Current Planning Supervisor Lee advised this request is for approval of the precise plan for development of a one acre parcel in the I-P zone, which was designated as Subarea E in the Bayfront Plan. The adopted development standards for that Subarea were enumerated in the staff report. He noted that the appli- cant is proposing to construct a 3,000 sq. ft. ribbed sheet metal building, similar to the existing building to the north which is about 8 times the size of the proposed building. He pointed out there are no specific architectural standards adopted for the Bayfront and this particular parcel was released for development by the City Council several months ago by the lifting of the moratorium in the Bayfront area. No request for a sign has been submitted, but in anticipation that the applicant will desire a sign, the staff has attempted to relate the specifications for the size of a sign to the most recently approved development in the area, that of Dixieline Lumber Company. On this basis a sign area of 3/4 of one square foot per lineal foot of building facing the street would be permitted, or about 56 square feet of wall sign. Mr. Lee noted that the applicant's preliminary plan indicated a panel fencing in the front area, which would provide a solid screen. He asked for clarifica- tion from the applicant that that portion of the plan would be adhered to. He also called attention to the conditions of approval as contained in the staff report. Commissioner Rice expressed concern about the type of building proposed, which may be somewhat compatible with what already exists in that area, but he felt an attempt should be made to upgrade the area nearer to F Street and the Bay- front entrance in order to create the proper image for the tourist and recreational development proposed. Commissioner Rudolph concurred and expressed the opinion that if the existing buildings do not follow the criteria desired for Bayfront development, such criteria should at least be applied to new development. She felt such criteria should compare to what exists on Shelter Island, Harbor Island and Mission Bay, which is the type of development envisioned in the Bayfront Plan. Current Planning Supervisor Lee pointed out that because of Council action in lifting the moratorium for this property and directing that development be allowed to proceed subject to approval of a precise plan, without giving any direction for development criteria, the staff felt there should be no detailed discussion of the architecture, due to the lack of standards for the particular area. Mr. Haughton, representing Mr. Hodge, owner of the property, advised that this building will be occupied by Thermo King and the light blue color chosen for the building is their standard color. He pointed out that the California General buildings located to the north of this site completely buffer the view of this building from F Street. Pike Hodge, owner of the property, expressed the opinion that the area where this building is to be located is going to be changed; however, he feels that develop- ment as visualized in the Bayfront Plan is 10 to 15 years away. He has chosen -14- 5/8/74 the type of building proposed because it will be less expensive to tear down when the area is ready for redevelopment to another type of use. He indicated the type of building had been discussed with the City previously and he felt an agreement had been reached to permit this type of building until the area is redeveloped for a different type of use, such as office buildings. Mr. Haughton called attention to a letter written by the City's Environmental Review Coordinator to the Coast Regional Commission which indicated the City had approved the application of Thermo King of California for a project at 340 Bay Boulevard in concept, and that no further discretionary acts are required or contemplated. Plans were submitted to the Coastal Commission who approved the project. Based on this, they felt they had approval to move ahead with the project and prepare final plans. He indicated that work has also been accom- plished toward street improvements and installation of a sewer line. In response to the question of continuing this consideration to the next avail- able meeting, Mr. Haughton advised that such delay would be very critical, since Thermo King has signed the lease with Mr. Hodge and they have been ordered to evacuate the property they are presently occupying in National City within a stipulated time, or be subject to fine or jail sentence. He requested that a decision on the proposed plan be made at this time. MSC (Wilson-Macevicz) Approval of the precise plan for development of an industrial building at 340 Bay Boulevard for Thermo King of California, subject to the following: 1. A 10' sewer easement shall be provided along the westerly property line. 2. Landscaping and irrigation plans shall be submitted, including: a. A 10' wide tree planting area along the westerly property line. b. Landscaping in front of the building consisting of planting that will soften the appearance of the structure, using combinations of ground cover, large shrubs and a minimum of four 30' box trees. 3. The area of a wall sign shall be limited to 3/4 of one square foot per lineal foot of building facing the street; design of the sign shall be subject to staff review and approval. The motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Members Wilson, Macevicz, Starr, Floto and Chandler NOES: Members Rice and Rudolph ABSENT: None DIRECTOR'S REPORT Director of Planning Peterson reported that the study session to be held next week will include a presentation on the Bayfront Plan, and a briefing by the Deputy City Attorney on the findings required by the Planning Commission in order to approve or deny the various kinds of applications considered. He -15- 5/8/74 - asked for the Commission's desire with regard to making this a dinner meeting, with the study session conducted from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., then adjourning for dinner. The Commission concurred that this is their desire. Mr. Peterson further reported that the City Council will begin consideration of proposed budgets for the next fiscal year on Wednesday, May 15th, and one of the first items to be considered is the Planning Commission budget. He pointed out the City Manager's recommendation for some reduction in the requested items, including the allowance for attendance at League of California dinner meetings and for two Commissioners to attend the National AIP Conference. Commissioner Rice expressed the opinion that the Chairman should attend the budget hearing and attempt to have restored the necessary funds to send at least the Chairman to the National Conference. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Commissioner Rice, seconded by Commissioner Chandler, that the meeting be adjourned at 10:35 p.m. Meeting so adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Helen Mapes, Secretary