HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Comm min 1984/12/19 MINUTES OF A REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING
OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OF
CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA
7:00 p.m. Council Chambers
Wednesday, December 19, 1984 Public Services Building
ROLL CALL
COt~4ISSIONERS PRESENT: Chairman Green, Commissioners Cannon,
Carson, Guiles, O'Neill, and Tugenberg
COMMISSIONS ABSENT: With notification: Commissioner Shipe
STAFF PRESENT: Director of Planning Krempl, Principal
Planner Lee, Principal Planner Pass,
Assistant City Attorney Gill, Senior
Civil Engineer Daoust, Environmental
Coordinator Reid, City Traffic Engineer
Glass, Director of Community Development
Director Desrochers, Director of
Building and Housing Grady, Zoning
Enforcement Officer LeBlanc and Senior
Electronics Supervisor Albrektson
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - SILENT PRAYER
The pledge of allegiance to the flag was led by Chairman Green and was
followed by a moment of silent prayer.
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
Chairman Green reviewed the composition of the Planning Commission, its
responsibilities and the format of the meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MSUC (O'Neill/Tugenberg) to approve the minutes of the meeting of 10/24/84 and
12/5/84 as mailed.
OPJkL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
Planning Commission 2 December 19, 1984
1. PUBLIC HEARING: PCA-85-1 - CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER
19.66 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO NOISE MEASUREMENT
AND REGULATION
Director of Planning Krempl stated that the proposed noise standards and
amendments being considered by the Planning Commission were the result of
specific complaints regarding noise in the Otay Valley Road area plus
complaints that the noise-monitoring equipment was outmoded. Research in
preparing the proposed standards included consultation with SANDAG; review of
regulations used in other jurisdictions, the "Model Community Noise Control
Ordinance" prepared by the State, the ordinance now in effect in National City
and the hiring of a noise consultant to evaluate the Otay Valley Road
Redevelopment Project area design manual addendum. The proposed ordinance
follows closely the National City Ordinance. Director Krempl then introduced
Director of Building and Housing Grady and members of his staff.
Director Grady spoke briefly about the new equipment and said that the noise
level for the Planning Commission meeting was being measured and a permanent
record would be available for review before adjournment.
The Commissioners questioned {1) the blank spaces shown in the ordinance, {2)
the comparison in the dBA limit values between the proposed noise ordinance
and the present ordinance, {3) the reason for exemptions shown on page 12, (4)
the noise enforcement procedure now followed, and (6) why barking dogs were
not included.
Director Grady explained that (1) although the ordinance has been completed,
the numbering sequence as applied to the City Code is still being finalized;
{2)the two ordinances are within 5 to 10 dBA's of each other; {3) some items
are not included in the noise ordinance because they are special use requests
which are covered by the Code in other sections; {4) at present, the
Enforcement Officer sends a letter citing the violation, if no action is
taken, the matter is referred to the City Attorney and a stronger letter
transmitted. Usually about 14 days elapse between the time of the first
complaint and the enforced control. In the past, time has varied because of
the need for the Enforcement Officer to be present to operate the hand-held
equipment. The new equipment, however, measures and makes ~ permanent record
of the dBA's thus shortening the time span. and {6) complaints about barking
dogs are referred directly to the Attorney's office.
This being the time and the place as advertised, the public hearing was opened.
A. W. Hall, 1675 Point Reyes Court, Chula Vista, demonstrated noise heard by
residents along the Hyspan perimeter by striking a piece of iron with a
hammer; complimented the City on the proposed ordinance; asked the length of
response time to install equipment and get a reading; would any prewarning be
issued; would calibration occur at the noise site or at the location of the
complainant; and requested that the item be continued for further review.
_ Planning Commission - 3 - December 19, 1984
David Foreman, 1653 Point Cabrillo Court, Chula Vista, stated his concern is
the Otay Valley, the recent sphere-of-influence and the increased ambient
noise through the enlargement of the area. He expressed concern that the new
standards seem to be an open-ended scale that allows noise standards to
increase as development in the area increases. He emphasized that noise
standards must be enforced; and requested the noise be measured at its source
rather than at the location of the complaintant.
Commissioner Cannon asked what criteria is used in measuring decibels of two
adjoining land uses; such as, light-industrial and residential; and
Commissioner Tugenberg asked if industrial establishments were required to
establish noise buffers similar to those required by residential developments.
Director Krempl replied that developments indicating excessive noise potential
would be required to install mitigating measures such as zoning walls (to
minimize loading and unloading noises), elevations, setbacks, and hours of
operation as appropriate.
No one else wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed.
MSUC (Cannon/O'Neill) to forward the proposed noise standards and amendments
to the City Council with a recommendation for adoption.
2. PUBLIC HEARING: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT PCC-82-3 - CONSIDERATION OF
EXTENSION FOR TEMPORARY CLASSROOMS AT 470 "L" STREET
CHURCH OF CHRIST - PCC-82-3
Director of Planning Krempl reminded the Commission that this item had been
continued in order that the noise study might be evaluated by staff. Staff
recommends extending the conditional use permit until July 8, 1985 subject to
the conditions that the south-facing door in the temporary classroom remain
closed during classtime; the buildings be removed no later than August 7,
1985; and a 6-foot high masonry wall be constructed on the south property line
with permits obtained by January 16, 1985.
Commissioner Carson asked if the teachers had been consul ted regarding the
closing of the south-facing doors, if there was adequate ventilation and what
was the enforcement process. Director Krempl replied affirmatively to the
first two questions and said enforcement would be done on a complaint basis or
by periodic checks.
This being the time and the place as advertised, the public hearing was opened.
Ricky Sanchez, lOlO Second Ave., San Diego, 92101, attorney representing
neighbors, stated a settlement had been reached and that a letter accompanied
by a stipulated judgment had been sent to the Commission outlining
amelioration methods agreed upon by all parties. (The letter and its contents
were reviewed by the Commission prior to commencement of the meeting.) Mr.
Sanchez requested a continuation of the hearing and an extension of the use
Planning Commission - 4 - December 19, 1984
permit until the January 16, 1985 meeting when the amended Master Plan would
be presented to the Commission. He indicated concurrence with staff
recommendations, but suggested the location of the wall might be changed when
the amended Master Plan was approved.
Director Krempl informed Commissioner Cannon that a conclusion had not been
reached about the wall requirement in the amended plan and that staff had no
objections to a continuation to January 16, 1985.
William McCurine, of the legal firm of Gray, Carey, Ames and Frye, 401 B
Street, San Diego, 92101, representing the church, said all complaints have
been addressed including the noise barrier wall. He asked that the actual
construction of the wall be deferred until the amended Master Plan is approved
in case relocation of the playground affected the location of the noise
barrier wall.
John Leppert, Leppert Engineering, 8929 Complex Drive, San Diego, 92123,
speaking for the church said the amended Master Plan had not included
construction of the wall but it would be made part of the application.
In reply to Commissioner Guiles' inquiry if the noise requirements of the new
Noise Regulation would be met, Principal Planner Lee observed that the ambient
noise level for "L" Street is approximately 60 to 65 dBA and the 11 dBA
reduction would not be sufficient to meet the new requirements.
Commissioner Cannon requested that the noise study be included in their
packets if the item is continued.
MSUC (O'Neill/Tugenberg) to (1) extend the conditional use permit for the
temporary classroom use to January 16, 1985: (2) continue the item to the
meeting of January 16, 1985; and (3) that the meeting of Janua~ 16, 1985 be a
public hearing.
(Item No. 4 was brought up on the agenda at this time).
4. PUBLIC HEARING: PCC 85-11 - REOUEST TO APPROVE MASTER PLAN FOR SAINT
JOHN'S PARISH AT 760 FIRST AVENUE - RECTOR, WARDEN
AND VESTRYMEN OF SAINT JOHN'S PARISH
Principal Planner Ken Lee stated that the applicant is requesting approval of
a proposed Master Plan to modify and expand the existing church and school
facilities which will occur in four phases over a period of 10 years. At
present, the church has a seating capacity of 233 and the school an enrollment
of 226 students. The church and administrative buildings are situated on the
northerly portion of the site and the school classrooms are located in the
center of the property with a playground located on the southerly portion.
The existing parking of 58 spaces is located along the westerly portion of the
property with a single access on Kearney Street. The school grounds are
enclosed with chain link fencing. Staff is recommending approval subject to
conditions outlined in the staff report.
~ PlanninO Commission - 5 - December 19, 1984
The Commission expressed concern over the traffic congestion when school
convenes or dismisses and the capacity of the present parking lot.
Principal Planner Lee commented that the restriping of the parking lot will
increase its capacity from 58 to 65 spaces.
This being the time and the place as advertised, the public hearing was opened.
Glen Casey, 302 Lemire Drive, Chula Vista, 92010, representing Saint John's
Church, stated that a meeting had been held with the neighbors who expressed
concern with the congestion on Kearney as well as First and Millan. In
referring to the mason~ wall along the westerly property line requirement,
Mr. Casey said an objection has been filed with the church by one of the
neighbors. A1 so, accreditation of the Kindergarten School would be forfeited
if the 6-foot high chain link fencing along First Avenue was replaced with a
masonry wall. He proposed additional planting and landscaping in the Master
Landscape Plan in lieu of removing the fence.
Felipe Esquivel, 5858 Mt. Alifan Drive, San Diego, 92111, and Tomas Esquivel,
5311Wellesly St., La Mesa, architect, said they had worked on the parking and
traffic problems around the school and, for economic reasons, would prefer
that the parking lot remain in Phase II rather than being advanced to Phase I.
Speaking in opposition to the project were Susan Rath, ll9 Kearney Street,
Chula Vista, 92010; Margaret Linden, ?45 Alpine Avenue, Chula Vista, 92010;
and Irene Voi§titter, 132 Kearney Street, Chula Vista, 92010. Their
objections included (1) the one meeting held in November between the church
and the neighbors did not consider some of the matters being discussed at this
meeting., (2) the traffic is bumper-to-bumper in front of the houses twice
daily making it necessary to time oneself in order to leave the driveway, (3)
exhaust fumes pollute the entire neighborhood and are impossible to avoid; (4)
that access and egress occur on First Avenue instead of Kearney Street; (5)
the proposed parking lot should be relocated to another site where it is not
so visible and dominant; (6) concern that the sidewalk would be removed on
Kearney because of the new lot; (7) need for enforcement of the speed limit;
and (8) need for crosswalks for pedestrians.
Chairman Green asked Director Krempl to make note of these requests.
Tomas Esquivel remarked that the 38 parking spaces in front of the church
would be buffered with landscaping.
Principal Planner Lee addressed some of the concerns expressed by saying
there would be no objection to deleting the requirement for the chain-link
fencing along First Avenue; (2) buffering the area adjacent to the wall on the
west side is important; (3) the parking lot could be placed on Phase I in
terms of access with consideration being given to closing the access on
Kearney Street subject to review by the City Traffic Engineer.
Planning Commission - 6 - December lg, 1984
Further discussion by the Commission was held on the traffic congestion and
parking problem with a request by Commissioner Green that factors relating to
the pick-up and delivery of children be investigated more thoroughly.
Commissioner O'Neill stated the school appeared to be exerting an adverse
influence on the neighborhood, the item should be continued and further
meetings between church and neighbors conducted.
Commissioner Tugenberg expressed agreement and evinced particular concern over
the carbon monoxide fumes.
Commissioner Carson also expressed discomfort with the situation and asked if
neighbors within 300 feet had been contacted. She was informed the church had
used the same mailing list as the City.
Commissioner Green expressed concern over the school expansion and recommended
continuation of the item; further meetings between church and neighbors to
consider traffic problems, parking, and if the masonry noise buffer wall needs
to be constructed or is wanted; and if a better use than parking could not be
made for such prime land.
No one else wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed.
MSUC (O'Neill/Carson) to find that the project will have no significant
environmental impact and adopt the Negative Declaration issued on IS-85-11.
MSC (O'Neill/Carson) - Cannon voted "no" to continue the item to the meeting
of February 13, 1985 to (1) permit the church and neighbors to discuss the new
Master Plan and (2) facilitate further consideration on the traffic
circulation problems.
(A recess was called at 8:40 and the meeting reconvened at 8:50.)
3. PUBLIC HEARING: DRAFT EIR-85-1: BAYFRONT SPECIFIC PLAN
Environmental Review Coordinator Reid stated the subject of the EIR is the
implementation of the Chula Vista Bayfront Local Coastal Programming {LCP)
through the needed adoption of a general plan amendment and specific plan. No
EIR was needed on the LCP until implementation by the City of Chula Vista made
it subject to CEQA provisions. The draft EIR was prepared under a contract
between the Redevelopment Agency and RECON and issued for public review on
November 2, 1984 through the State Clearinghouse. No comments have as yet been
received. Mr. Reid noted that the Resources Conservation Committee, at the
meeting of December 17, 1984, recommended certification of the document.
Staff recommends that the public hearing be opened, public testimony relevant
to the item be considered and the public hearing closed.
Kim Howlett, RECON, 1094 Cudahy Place, Suite 204, San Diego, 92110, reviewed
the analysis of the draft EIR in terms of (1) geology/soils, {2) land
form/visual quality, {3) noise, {4) biology/land use, (5) water
quality/hydrology and (6) transportation/circulation.
Planning Commission - 7 - December 19, 1984
Environmental Coordinator Reid infomed the Commission that the final version
is being prepared by the Coastal Commission and a report will be made to the
Planning Commission upon its receipt and review.
Director of Community Development Desrochers outlined the process still to be
followed wi th the Coastal Commission and introduced JoAnne Sorenson, Jones and
Stokes, Assoc., 2321 "P" Street, Sacramento, CA, a consulting biologist.
Ms. Sorenson reviewed the biological work done for the City and commented on
the EIR. She commented that the three biological issues considered were {1)
the presence or absence of the ecological link between the uplands at
Gunpowder Point and the wetlands at Sweetwater Marsh: (2) the size and
location of the California Least Tern nesting site on the "D" Street fill; (3)
the impact of human activities on wetland species; and the effects and impact
of roads and bridges on the Lightfooted Clapperrail. The study included
letter and phone survey of all agencies and individuals involved in the
biology of the Bayfront; review of literature including the files of the Fish
and Wildlife Endangered Species Office, Fish and Game, Corps of Engineers and
others; and field work covering a full year. A draft report was submitted to
all agencies and individuals who had commented on the Bayfront Plan in the
late 70's and their comments were compiled into a final report. The findings
of the Jones and Stokes Report are as follows:
1. Gunpowder Point - it was found there was no significant link between
uplands and wetlands; the transition zone is needed as a refuge for the
wetlands during the highest tides and storms and is accommodated on the
existing plan by buffers, a transition zone and the uplands reserve.
After development of Gunpowder Point, approximately 1/2 of the area would
be available for wild life in a restored upland reserve offering much
excellent habitat quality. Also the upland reserve would be an
appropriate location for plant species Frankenia palmeri.
2. The California Least Tern and the "D" Street Fill - It is recommended that
a 10-acre nesting site be located in the southwest corner of the "D"
Street fill adjacent to the Bay and marsh and separated from development
by a tidal channel. This location would be secured from land-based
predators and harassment and would be managed and protected. Such a site
could contribute to increased numbers of the Least Tern.
3. The effects of human activities of wetland wildlife Of particular
concern was the effect of roads and bridges on the Light Footed
Clapperrail. Research indicates that the birds readily recognize and
habituate to the presence of humans within cars and a road provides an
effective buffer. The LUP planned buffers will prevent harassment by
humans, their pets or access by foot and will protect and restore the
wetland habitat.
Ms. Sorenson concluded by saying the EIR would be more useful if the specific,
biological data was added to support the assumptions and conclusions therein.
She suggested the Commission direct that the assumptions and conclusions in
the EIR be documented, substantiated, qualified and quantified and made part
of the final EIR.
Planning Commission - 8 - December 19, 1984
This being the time and the place as advertised, the public hearing was opened.
In response to Commissioner Cannon's inquiry about the amount of field work
done in preparing the EIR, Mr. Howlett replied that no field studies were
conducted but information regarding biological impacts was based, in a large
measure, upon an analysis of biological issues prepared by Jones and Stokes
after field investigations during various seasons of the year.
John Larsen, Vice President of RECON, 1094 Cudahy Place, Suite 204, San Diego,
commented that information developed by the Corps of Engineers' recent study
was also used.
Commissioner Guiles inquired why the EIR was being sent to the Commission if
there is a "lack" in the area of special mitigation and biological impact
based on field studies, and if further work should not have been done before
its presentation.
Assistant City Attorney Gill reminded him that the comments were on a draft
EIR and changes will be incorporated before the final document is presented
for certification.
Commissioner Tugenberg referred to the statement that additional test borings
are recommended prior to final project design because of potential
liquefaction impacts. Director Desrochers remarked that soils studies have
been made on each area in the Bayfront regarding the liquifaction and the
soils engineer says the problems can be solved. Upon his offer to send copies
of the soils testing to the Commission, Chairman Green replied affirmatively.
Environmental Review Coordinator Reid assured the Commission that the final
EIR would be sent to them prior to the meeting so they would have sufficient
time to familiarize themselves with the content and changes.
5. PUBLIC HEARING: PCS-85-2 - CONSIDERATION OF TENTATIVE SUBDIVISION MAP FOR
C-DEL MAR, CHULA VISTA TRACT 85-2 - MITCHELL N. ANGUS
Director of Planning Krempl stated that the applicant has submitted a
tentative subdivision map to subdivide 1.32 acres of property located at the
northwest corner of "C" Street and north Del Mar Avenue, in the R-1 zone, into
eight single-family lots which will have 58 feet of lot frontage. (The Code
requires 60 feet.) He pointed out that the topography forms a knoll ranging
from 60 to 83 feet; that the proposed subdivision is in a traditional design
meeting the requirements of the Municipal Code except for {1) lot widths of 58
feet; and (2) lot 8, which is currently proposed at less than 6,000 square
feet. The lots having 58 feet of street frontage have an area of 7,134 square
feet and 7,540 square feet if the street vacation is approved. The street
vacation is justifiable since "C" Street will still have a right-of-way of 63
feet. He noted that the Ordinance allows the Planning Commission and Council
to approve lots less than 60 feet if the lot area conforms to the requirements
of the Municipal Code. Staff recommends approval subject to the conditions
contained in the staff report.
Planning Commission - 9 - December 19, 1984
This being the time and the place as advertised, the public hearing was opened.
Commissioner Tugenberg that if the property was divided into seven lots
instead of eight there would be adequate space.
Commissioner Green agreed.
No one wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed.
Commissioner Cannon remarked that based on the fact that no one from the
Homeowners' Association was at the meeting, it must meet with their approval
as they were most active in presenting their objections.
MSC (O'Neill/Cannon) - Tugenberg and Carson voted "no" to find the project
will have no significant environmental impacts and adopt the Negative
Declaration issued on IS-85-18.
MS {O'Neil/Cannon) that based on the findings contained in Section "E" of the
report, to recommend that City Council approve the tentative subdivision map
for C-Del Mar, Chula Vista Tract 85-2, subject to the conditions outlined in
the staff report. The motion failed by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners O'Neill, Cannon and Guiles
NOES: Commissioners Tugenberg, Carson and Green
ABSENT: Commissioner Shipe
MSC (Tugenberg/Carson) Guiles voted "no" that based on the findings
contained in the staff report the Planning Commission dete~nined the 60-foot
lot width was more in keeping with the character of the neighborhood and
recommended that the tentative map be revised by reducing the number of lots
to seven.
Commissioner Guiles said he had voted "no" based on his confidence in the
judgment of staff who had recommended approval of the eight lots.
6. PUBLIC HEARING: PCM-85-1 - CONSIDERATION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE RICE
CANYON SECTIONAL PLANNING AREA PLAN - FINANCIAL SCENE,
INC.
Principal Planner Lee noted that this item is an amendment to the Rice Canyon
Sectional Planning Area Plan (SPA) and consists of the following revisions:
(1) redesignation of 3+ acres of "commercial/recreation" land to "retail
commercial"; (2) a density transfer of 36 units from the north side of "H"
Street to the south side; (3) a reduction of required low and moderate housing
units from 232 to 153; (4) a revision of the construction phasing schedule;
and (5) authorization to construct two-story homes on two corner lots.
Planning Commission - 10 - December 19, 1984
The developer has included the 3+ acres of commercial recreation into the
proposed plan for the commercial shopping center; (2) the provisions of the E1
Rancho del Rey Specific Plan allow for the transfer of density from one area
to another and the transfer to the south side to accommodate a more
conventional multi-family development design will not adversely affect the
project; (3) even with the reduction in the number of low and moderate income
units there will still be an excess over the minimum l0 percent required by
the General Plan, plus dispersal of the units throughout the area as rental or
sale units is a desirable feature; (4) the revised construction schedule is
for clarification purposes and to bring the Planning Commission and Council up
to date; (5) the development standards prohibit construction of a two-story
building on a corner lot, however, the proposed sloping roof design and
architectural treatment would meet the intent of providing an open space
atmosphere from the street and met with no objections from staff.
This being the time and the place as advertised, the public hearing was opened.
Gary Gramling, Financial Scene, Inc., 1323 Sixth Avenue, San Diego, stated his
support of staff's recommendations and indicated his willingness to answer any
questions the Commission might have.
No one else wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed.
MSUC (Tugenberg/O'Neill) to certify that EIR-79-8 and the addendum have been
prepared in accordance with CEQA, the State EIR guidelines and the
Environmental Review Procedures of the City of Chula Vista and that the
infomation contained in the EIR was considered in reviewing the project.
MSUC (Tugenberg/O'Neill) to recommend that the City Council approve the
proposed revisions to the Rice Canyon SPA Plan subject to the condition that
the two-story homes on the corner lots shall be subject to site plan and
architectural approval by the Director of Planning.
7A. PUBLIC HEARING: PCM-85-3 - CONSIDERATION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE RICE
CANYON SPA PROVIDING FDR CONSIDERATION OF A 12+ ACRE
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ON LOTS 329 AND 330 OF HIDDEN
VISTA VILLAGE (BEACON COVE) - FINANCIAL SCENES, INC.
Using an overhead projector, Principal Planner Lee discussed the proposed
project and its location on the south side of East "H" Street between the
extensions of Ridgeback Road and Kernel Place. He said that this was
177-unit, 2-story, multi-family project, two-thirds of which will be
two-bedroom and the rest, one-bedroom. A minimum of 34 units, or
approximately 20 percent of the units, will be designated for low-income
families subject to the approval of an agreement between the developer and the
Council. 297 parking spaces are proposed to be located parallel to "H" Street
with a total of approximately 15 percent being compact. The applicant has
sufficient room to modify the parking arrangements to provide a total of 257
standard spaces and 36 compact spaces which would bring the project into
Planning Commission - ll - December 19, 1984
conformance wi th the l0 percent compact allowance. The area under
construction contains a substantial amount of open space with a swimming pool
in the center of the project. The units face an open area with a substantial
amount of landscaping adjacent to the buildings. Staff is recommending that
the designated roof material be changed to light-weight concrete to break up
the design similarities found in a half-mile stretch of multiple family
housing. He added that there would be some increased costs involved but
visual differences are important in a project of this size.
This being the time and the place as advertised, the public hearing was opened.
Gary Gramling, Financial Scenes, Inc., 1323 Sixth Avenue, San Diego, indicated
concurrence with staff recommendations "a", "b", and "c", but combined with
the landscaping buffer, the combinations of colors, and the texture of the
roofing, he felt a change in the roofing material would be unnecessary. He
requested that the overall proposal be referred to the Design Review Committee
while he and staff worked on the roof material. In reply to a question, he
stated that if the DRC recommends the change in the roof material, he would
reluctantly comply.
No one else wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed.
MSUC (O'Neill/Guiles) to recommend Council amend the Rice Canyon SPA (Beacon
Cove)) subject to conditions in the staff report.
7B. PUBLIC HEARING: PCM-85-4 - CONSIDERATION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE RICE
CANYON SPA'PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION DF A 31-ACRE
~OMMERCIAL SHOPPING CENTER (TERRA NOVA) - PACIFIC SCENE
Principal Planner Lee presented slides of a design that included a total of 31
acres wi th the bulk of the Center designed in a "U" shape facing "H" Street
and featuring shops, offices, restaurants, banks, a theatre, and nearly 1500
parking spaces arranged schematically. Development approval requested
includes nearly 300,000 square feet of floor area encompassing complete
architectural, sign, lighting and landscape programs, development standards
and a specific site plan including grading. Eight freestanding pads close to
"H" Street are intended for future use. Four points of access are designed
for the Center, of which three are designed for right turns only.
Mr. Lee concluded that the overall architectural quality of the Center,
including the sign criteria, is well-conceived and represents one of the most
thorough design approaches presented to the City. Specific issues need
additional study by the City Engineer, Landscape Architect and the Design
Review Committee. These include (1) the need for a minimum setback for all
buildings, canopies and parking areas; {2) loss of design cohesiveness
resulting from the freestanding pads coupled with lack of building clustering
or pedestrian landscaping between the buildings; and {3) removal of the trash
areas and "head in" parkings spaces which intrude into the landscaping. Staff
recommends approval subject to the conditions listed in the staff report.
Planning Commission - 12 - December 19, 1984
Commission discussion included concern about the use of trademark logos; the
possible need for another lane into "H" Street; the need for buffering the
highly visible rear of the shopping center; and the opinion that it would be
more appropriate if one of the three flags being displayed by the California
state flag rather than the flag of Mexico.
This being the time and the place as advertised, the public hearing was opened.
James Leafy, 11545 Sorrento Valley Road, San Diego, an architect representing
Pacific Scene, stated they are in agreement with staff's general
recommendations, however, consideration was requested for {1) exclusion of the
masonry wall at the corner of the Housemart nursery yard from the 30-foot
setback requirement as the average setback is 50 feet and there is
considerable landscaping on both sides; (2) retention of the 15 parking spaces
in the open space along "H" Street (which are beyond the 30-foot proposal and
whose impact is minimized by the topography and landscaping) since parking
spaces will be lost in order to conform with recommendation #7; (3) retention
of the sign facing 1-805 at the rear of the Marshall building because
Marshalls does not enjoy the same exposure to "H" Street as the other
buildings. Mr. Leary also requested (4) deletion of two instead of six spaces
between Longs and Safeway with augmentation of landscaping subject to staff
approval; (5) that Section VII of the Development Standards covering offstreet
parking not reference the City's adopted parking standards, but show the total
1500 par-~i-~g spaces and call out a specific number of cars and their "use"
subject to staff approval; (7) that since the total scope of all requirements
re the traffic control easements opposite Hidden Vista Drive is unknown at
this time, further meetings be held with staff prior to Council presentation.
After discussion of the various recommendations presented by staff and
comments made by the applicant, the Commission voted as follows:
MSUC (Tugenberg/Cannon) to recommend that Council approve the Terra Nova Plaza
Shopping Center plan, including the design standards for land use and signing,
subject to the following conditions:
1. Except for the masonry wall at the northeast end of the site, the
minimum setback for all building and parking areas shall be 30 feet.
2. All trash areas shall be approved by the City's Planning Director
with two specific building development plans to insure maximum
architectural screening of the area. The trash facilities located
adjacent to "H" Street shall be relocated within the site.
3. The roof plan diagram shall be modified to reflect roof tile on all
four edges of the freestanding pad buildings.
4. All exterior flooring and decorative hardscaping shall be included
with the landscape plan for approval by the City's Landscape
Architect.
~. Plannin9 Commission - 13 - December 19, 1984
5. Additional landscaping is suggested for the areas adjacent to 1-805,
the north facing knoll located to the rear of Longs and Safeway, and
wi thin the CalTrans right-of-way. The applicant shall be required to
contact CalTrans and submit a revised plan/program for approval by
the City s Landscape Architect.
6. A pedestrian pathway system shall be designated east of the main
entry to link and tie together the various freestanding building
pads, as approved by the Planning Director. Architectural design and
landscape features shall likewise be utilized to integrate these
disparate buildings into the overall site development.
7. All signs located at the rear of the center and facing towards 1-805,
shall be deleted, except for the Marshall building.
8. The three flags shall be limited to the United States, California,
and Terra Nova and shall be limited in size to the general
proportions as depicted {4 ft. x 7 ft.).
9. Six parking spaces shown adjacent to the shops located between Longs
and Safeway shall be eliminated and replaced with an acceptable
combination of landscaping and hardscape, subject to the approval of
the City's Landscape Architect.
10. The development standards shall be modified to:
(a) Authorize the following land uses by conditional use pemnit only:
(1) cocktail lounges and nightclubs
(2) theaters
{3) child care centers, preschool use and playground areas
{4) automobile service stations
(5) car washes
{6) business and technical schools
(b) Section VII {Off-Street Parking) shall reference the City's
adopted parking standards.
{c) Design and construction of the major entrance opposite Hidden
Vista Drive to the satisfaction of the City Engineer and City
Traffic Engineer.
{d) Design and reconstruction of necessary curb, gutter and sidewalk
on East 'H' Street in proximity to Hidden Vista Drive to provide
for three thru lanes of traffic in each direction, bike lanes
and double left turn lanes on each approach to Hidden Vista
Drive and the major shopping center entrance Design and
construction shall be subject to the approval of the City
Engineer and City Traffic Engineer
Planning Commission - 14 - December 19, 1984
le) Traffic control easement at the major shopping center entrance
opposite Hidden Vista Drive shall be dedicated to the City.
DIRECTOR'S COMMENTS:
Upcoming issues for the meetings during January include:
- 1/09/85 - certification of Final EIR for the Bayfront and EastLake I,
the EastLake SPA Plan, the Public Facilities and Financing Plan and
the Development Agreement
- 1/16/85 - a special meeting for miscellaneous projects with a dinner
workshop before
- 1/23/85 - The EIR for E1 Rancho del Rey and the Tentative Subdivision
Map and PC regs for EastLake
COMMISSION COMMENTS
None.
ADJOURNMENT AT 10:45 p.m. to the Regular Business Meeting of January 9, 1985,
at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers
WPC 1618P Ruth M. Smith, Recording Secretary