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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Comm min 1989/04/12 Tape: 297 Side: 2 MINUTES OF A REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers Wednesday, April 12, 1989 Public Services Building ROLL CALL COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chairman Carson, Commissioners Cannon, Casillas, Fuller, Grasser, Tugenberg and Shipe COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Principal Planner Lee, Principal Planner Pass, Environmental Review Coordinator Reid, Associate Planner Griffin, Assistant Planner Herrara, Senior Civil Engineer Daoust, Senior Administrative Analyst Stokes, Deputy City Attorney Fri tsch and Montgomery Consul tant Lettieri PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - SILENT PRAYER The pledge of allegiance to the flag was led by Chairman Carson and was followed by a moment of silent prayer. INTRODUCTORY R~.IARKS Chairman Carson reviewed the composition of the Planning Commission, its responsibilities and the format of the meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MSC (Fuller/Casillas) Commissioners Tugenberg and Grasser abstained because of absence from the meeting, to approve the minutes of March 22, 1989. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None 1. PUBLIC HEARING: PCA-89-5 CONSIDERATION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE MUNICIPAL CODE TO ALLOW R-l-7 LOTS WHICH MEASURE LESS THAN 60 FEET IN WIDTH TO MAINTAIN SIDE YARD SETBACKS OF 5 FEET - CITY INITIATED Montgomery Consultant Lettieri stated that the proposed amendment would allow R-l-7 lots which are less than 60 feet in width at the front setback to maintain side yard setbacks of 5 feet and 5 feet rather than 3 feet and l0 feet as presen~y required. The reason for this amendment is the pending Planning Commission -2- April 12, 1989 reclassification of single-family areas wi thin the Montgomery Community from County RS7 to City R-l-7 zoning. Many of the lots in Montgomery were developed with a 5-foot setback on each side and the reclassification would render them nonconforming with regard to established side yards. The R-l-7 standards were changed in 1969 from 5 feet and 5 feet to 3 feet and 10 feet to provide vehicle access to the rear yard. Staff recommends approval for three reasons: 1. As the width of a lot decreases, the total difference of 3 feet between setbacks of 3'/10' versus 5'/5' becomes more of a constraint to development. 2. The 5-foot difference in setback on one side would be a hardship to the already developed lots. 3. The amendment would apply almost exclusively to developed lots constructed with less than a 10 foot side yard and thus with no ability to utilize vehicle access to the rear yard, which is the primary purpose of the 3 foot and 10 foot requirement. This being the time and the place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. No one wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed. MSUC (Shipe/Fuller) (7-0) that based on the Initial Study and comments on the Initial Study and Negative Declaration, to find that this project will have no significant environmental impacts and adopt the Negative Declaration issued on IS-89-62. MSU¢ (Shipe/Fuller) (7-0) to recommend that the City Council approve the amendment to the City Code as shown in the staff report. 2. PUBLIC HEARING: PCM-89-14 - CITY-INITIATED PROPOSAL TO REZONE CERTAIN TERRITORY, GENERALLY BOUNDED BY ARIZONA STREET, NAPLES STREET, INDUSTRIAL BOULEVARD, AND BROADWAY, FROM ITS CITY-ADOPTED "COUNTY-ZONING" CLASSIFICATIONS TO THE "CITY" CLASSIFICATIONS UTILIZED THROUGHOUT CHULA VISTA. THE PROPOSED SPECIFIC REZONINGS, AND THEIR PRECISE TERRITORIAL LIHITS ARE DEPICTED ON ATTACHED EXHIBIT A. Montgomery Consultant Lettieri indicated by use of the overhead projector the general boundaries of the Harborside "A" subcommunity; namely, Arizona Street, Naples Street, Industrial Boulevard and Broadway. Harborside "A" will be the first subcommunity to convert from County zoning to City zoning in accordance with the Montgomery Specific Plan. He noted that the Master Plan for the Montgomery Area had been adopted by City Council in 1988 and a number of community meetings have been held in the subcommunity. The rezoning proposal had been considered by the Montgomery Planning Committee at a public hearing on March 1, 1989 and its adoption had been recommended unanimously. The recommendations outlined in the staff report are supported by the following reasons: Planning Commission -3- April 12, 1989 1. The zone reclassifications are primarily proposed to implement the Montgomery Specific Plan adopted by Council on January 12, 1988. The rezonings will assist in the protection of the residential enclave in Harborside from the intrusion of incompatible uses. 2. The zone change from M52 and M54 to 1-L-P would prohibit any new outdoor storage and sales yards which are not completely enclosed by solid walls, fences, and buildings not less than 6 feet in height. 3. The zone change from M54 to R-3-P-9 is more compatible to adjacent residential dwellings and to the Harborside ~ementary School. It would also prevent expansion of the existing fertilizer plant and would allow a density in keeping with that anticipated by the Montgomery Specific Plan. 4. The proposed zoning, with the exception of the parcel at the northwest corner of Colorado and Naples (location of the fertilizer plant), will convert the adopted City/County zoning to City zoning without adversely impacting development capabilities of the properties. This being the time and the place as advertised, the public hearing was opened Kay Everitt, 469 Emerson St., CV 92011, spoke in opposition to the Castle Park area rezoning. In being informed that issue would be before the Commission on May 10, 1989 and was not the subject of tonight's hearing, Ms. Everitt withdrew from the podium. No one else wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed. In response to Commissioner Casillas, Mr. Lettieri said that discussions have been held with Mr. William Ellis regarding the fertilizer plant. Mr. Ellis has offered no serious objection. In response to Commissioner Tugenberg, Mr. Lettieri said that the plant site is approximately 1 acre in size.and would normally be classified by the County for heavy industrial use. The proposed reclassification to residential is in the hope of attracting more residential use. MSUC (Fuller/Casillas)(7-O) that based on the Initial Study and comments on the Initial Study and Negative Declaration, to find this reclassification will have no significant environmental impacts and to readopt the Negative Declaration issued on IS-88-4M for the Montgomery Specific Plan. MSUC (Fuller/Casillas)(7-O) to recommend the adoption of PCM-89-14 by the City Council. Commissioner Fuller commended staff for the smooth processing of the zoning conversion so far. Planning Commission -4- April 12, 1989 3. PUBLIC HEARING: PCM-89-15 AND PCS-89-6 - CONSIDERATION OF A MODIFICATION TO THE RICE CANYON SECTIONAL PLANNING AREA (SPA) PLAN AND A TENTATIVE SUBDIVISION MAP KNOWN AS WOODCREST TERRA NOVA, CHULA VISTA TRACT 89-6, LOCATED ON THE NORTH SIDE OF HIDDEN VISTA DRIVE AND RIDGEBACK ROAD, NORTHERLY OF BEACON PLACE AND WOODHOUSE AVENUE - WOODCREST DEVELOPMENT OF SAN DIEGO Associate Planner Griffin indicated that the item included a modification to the Rice Canyon SPA and a tentative subdivision map for 26.3 acres located on the north side of Hidden Vista Drive and Ridgeback Road, northerly of Beacon Place and Woodhouse Avenue. The site is located on a hillside with dramatic views to the north and west. The property and surrounding areas are zoned P-C, Planned Community, and are within the Rice Canyon Sectional Planning Area of the E1 Rancho del Rey Specific Plan. The property is a surplus junior high school site and the project involves construction of 86 units and the expansion of Terra Nova Park by the addition of 1.5 usable acres plus $850,000 in park improvements. The enhancement includes raising the lower 1.3-acre park pad to the same level as the larger southerly pad, multi-purpose fields, tennis courts, tot lot, viewing station, community gathering and picnic facilities plus improvements to existing exercise course, equestrian trail and hitching post. These plans have not finalized as yet and the Commission is not being asked to vote on them. The developer is having community meetings and has heard concerns expressed about lighted ballfields. Mr. Griffin stated that 86 units on the 24.8 acres equated to a density of 3.5 du/ac which is consistent with the neighboring area. The lots are arranged in tiers stepping down the site from southeast to northwest to take advantage of the views. Two access points are provided, one on Ridgeback Road and one on Hidden Vista Drive. Mr. Griffin continued that staff has included conditions which relate to landscaping and fencing and to developer-provided access to the ballfields during construction plus provision of a temporary tot lot. Mr. Griffin pointed out that issues of special note concern the setbacks and view obstruction. The developer is requesting a 13 percent increase in the number of lots with reduced sideyards (5 feet and 5 feet). Staff recommends approval since all homes would have three-car garages and thus provide a less cluttered street scene. One neighbor has requested that conditions be imposed which would prevent an obstruction of the view at 506 Beacon Place and the Commission may or may not wish to include a recommendation to Council on that subject. Mr. Griffin concluded by saying that staff recommends approval based on the findings and conditions as modified. He then introduced Environmental Review Coordinator Reid. Mr. Reid declared than an addendum had been issued to the Negative Declaration because there was a great deal more information added about school capacities, attendance and the like within the project service area including notice from Southwestern Union High School District regarding three locatables to be Planning Commission -5- April 12, 1989 provided for the Junior High and four for the Senior High. The Elementary School District has sufficient capacity and the High School will have. The use by the Junior High School of the relocatables and the creation of a Junior High School in Rancho del Rey reduces the impact to less than significant. Commissioner Cannon contended that three studies previously reviewed have concerned these same schools and asked how the impact could be called insignificant with regard to this particular project. Mr. Reid replied that different elementary schools were being discussed. In response to other questions, Mr. Reid replied that additional capacities in both the Junior High and Senior High schools would be available prior to completion of the project from funds the District already has and the developer has agreed to participate in a Mello Roos District which will mitigate the long-term impacts of the project on both Districts. Commissioner Cannon expressed appreciation for the Opinion submitted by the City Attorney's Office on the subject of School Fees. Deputy City Attorney Fritsch confirmed that the item before the Commission could be considered on the basis not of a project but a special plan amendment and the Commission had the facts and the leeway to justify a decision to deny. Commissioner Cannon questioned the traffic situation and the conclusion of the EIR that the traffic impact was significant but mitigable. Mr. Reid pointed out that the addition of the 860 cars did not result in a significant change in the ADT level of service. Commissioner Tugenberg recommended strongly that any development constructed in the area should make provision in their CC&Rs to preclude RV parking. This being the time and the place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. Nick DeLorenzo, 1655 Murray Canyon Drive, San Diego, 92108, Gillespie DeLorenzo Associates, noted the working relationship between the School Districts, the City and the developer; commented that the design includes housing with a density on the low end of the allowable density which will enhance the Terra Nova Development and result in an average lot size of 10,000 square feet. The developer had proposed originally to lower the park site but the community did not want the turf removed, therefore the decision was made to raise the lower portion of the park site. The area is not in a previously filled area but is the actual grade and will add 1.5 acres to the park size for an expansion to 6 acres. Mr. DeLorenzo related the concerns of the residents about lighted ball fields as one of the reasons why the park concept would be considered separately. He informed Commissioner Carson that 450 persons had been noticed during the community meetings and that approximately 50 persons had attended. He volunteered that a temporary tot lot would be provided as soon as possible. He informed Commissioner Tugenberg that the developer would be happy to include a provision in the CC&Rs about the RV parking. Commissioner Casillas inquired about the noise impact from the park and how the project addressed Council's commitment to provide affordable housing. Mr. DeLorenzo replied that the park site would be expanded to include two ballfields but it is located 15 feet below the street so the noise would be somewhat buffered. Mr. Griffin stated that the Rancho del Rey Planning Commission -6- April 12, 1989 Specific Plan called for lower density and general high-end housing to interface with the Bonita Area to the north, and that a site to the south was committed to provide approximately 76 units of moderate income housing when it develops. Howard Sildorf, 1810 State Street, San Diego, introduced himself as the attorney representing the Spectors, property owners at 506 Beacon Place, whose home had been purchased with a "view premium" stipulation and whose view would be obstructed by the development. He requested that a view easement be conditioned on lots 56 through 60 to protect the Spectors' investment. He proposed that those houses be moved forward on the property from the proposed central lot location or, alternatively, that the height of the houses be reduced from two stories to one. Doctor Ida L. Spector, 506 Beacon Place, CV, 92010, said she had purchased the home in 1986 because of the magnificent view. At the time of purchase they had been told that a junior high school planned for the area might impact but not totally obstruct the view. She added that the view covers a 180-degree radius and they are willing to sacrifice the major part of it but requested that the design of the 3-5 homes be revised so they can retain some view. Commissioner Grasser asked if Doctor Spector had purchased a "view disclaimer" and did the seller stipulate she would have the view forever. Doctor Spector replied that she had not but at the time of purchase corner lots had to be single level; that only 1/2 of her home is and it was sold as a view lot from the first level; and it was represented as the last of the view lots because of the proposed location of the junior high school. Carlos Gonzales, 506 Beacon Place, CV, commented that their only intent is to maintain their view of the skyline. They had met with the developer and the City and had been told that the entire view would be lost except from the 5-foot level. His wife, Doctor Spector, is under 5 feet tall. James Thompson, 513 Beacon Place, Chula Vista, said he was concerned regarding the expansion of the Terra Nova Park but his understanding is that there will be another meeting addressing those issues and will therefore speak to the need to consider what traffic control devices will be used at Ridgeback Road and Hidden Vista Drive, a site of many accidents. Jim Milich, 1655 Murray Canyon Drive, San Diego, 92108, attorney for Gillespie DeLorenzo Associates, commented that meetings had been held with the Spectors and their attorney and attempts had been made to assist them. The property had been owned by the School District, had been declared surplus and developers had competed to submit a price and product. One of the features of the process had included public meetings with exposure of the drawings depicting the project. Nothing had been said about the views during that time. Mr. Milich said it was impossible to determine in advance what a school would like like; it was unfair to ask the developer to redesign his product; in the interest of accommodating the Spectors they would be willing to incorporate in condition "gg" that the project CC&Rs prohibit planting trees that would obscure the view. He noted, however, that the views involved are Planning Commission -7- April 12, 198g private views not public. Mr. Milich submitted for the Commission's review copies of the Community Meeting Notice of 8/3/88, an article about school development, the proposed conditions "gg and hh" and a view impairment map. No one else wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Tugenberg commented that the developer apparently had done everything possible to accommodate the community and the Spectors and that this was not the first time the Commission had received appeals from persons who had lost their views. MSC (Tugenberg/Shipe)(5-2) Commissioners Carson and Cannon voting no, that based on the Initial Study and comments on the Initial Study and Negative Declaration, to find this project will have no significant environmental impacts and adopt the Negative Declaration and the Addendum as submitted at the meeting by staff issued on IS-89-53. Commissioner Cannon said he was voting against the motion because, in his opinion, t~,, Negative Declaration did not address the school impacts or traffic on Street. The Commissioner contended that the addition of the 800 daily car trips anticipated by this project will further exacerbate the traffic situation on "H" Street since traffic would have been generated otherwise within the Terra Nova or Rancho del Rey Project Areas if a school had been required. In addition, the Commissioner declared that portable classrooms take up needed play areas and increase the density of the schools. He considered that to be a significant impact which is not mitigated in the report. The motion to approve the Negative Declaration carried by a vote of 5-2 with Commissioners Carson and Cannon voting no. MS (Tugenberg/Shipe) that based on the findings contained in Section "E" of the staff report, to recommend that the City Council approve the modification to the Rice Canyon SPA Plan and the tentative subdivision map for Woodcrest Terra Nova, Chula Vista Tract 89-6, subject to conditions "a" through "z" and "ff" through "hh". A discussion ensued with Commissioner Cannon suggesting a modification to the wording of condition "gg" to include an agreement between the developer and the Spectors which would incorporate language to prohibit trees blocking the Spector's view. Regarding the alternate suggestion by the Spectors that the buildings be moved closer to the center of the lot, Mr. Griffin said the location shown on the plans appears to be as close to the front of the property as is allowable. Planning Commission -8- April 12, 1989 AMENDED MOTION MS (Grasser/Shipe) that Lots 56 to 60 be constructed as single-story residences with a height not to exceed 16 feet. Motion failed by the following vote: Ayes: Grasser and Shipe Noes: Fuller, Tugenberg, Carson, Cannon and Casillas Abstain: None Absent: None The original motion failed by the following vote: Ayes: Tugenberg, Shipe, Fuller Noes: Grasser, Carson, Cannon, Casillas Abstain: None Absent: None MS (Tugenberg/Casillas) that based on the findings contained in Section "E" of the staff report, to recommend that the City Council approve the modification to the Rice Canyon SPA Plan and the tentative subdivision map for Woodcrest Terra Nova", Chula Vista Tract 89-6, subject to conditions "a" through "z", conditions "aa through "ee" and with condition "ff" added as submitted at the meeting. The motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: Tugenber9, Casillas, Fuller and Shipe Noes: Grasser, Carson, Cannon Abstain: None Absent: None BREAK: 8:40 to 8:46 4. PUBLIC HEARING: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT PCC-89-38 - REQUEST TO ESTABLISH A TEMPORARY DAY TREATMENT FACILITY FOR DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED ADULTS AT 255 BROADWAY - LIFETIME ASSISTANCE AND SERVICE'S, INC. Associate Planner Griffin stated that the request is to establish a temporary day treatment facility for developmentally disabled adults at 255 Broadway. Commercial zoning is located on the north, south and west of the project with Planning Commission -9- April 12, 1989 Multiple-family located on the east. The project site will be located at the southeast corner of Broadway and Davidson in a building currently occupied by Leo's Stereo. There are 22 parking spaces located to the rear with access provided form Davidson as well as from an alley adjoining the rear of the property. The exterior of the building would remain unchanged, however, the interior would be modified. The site would be used for 6 to 12 months while a permanent facility is being constructed in the EastLake Business Center. Mr. Griffin indicated that there would be a total of 24 to 40 adults accommodated instead of the 24 stated in the staff report. The clients will be transported by vans so no additional parking will be needed. In order to be assured of State and Federal funding for the next fiscal year, the program must be in operation by June 30, 1989. Staff recommends approval of the request with the one modification to reflect 40 instead of 24 clients. Commissioner Carson inquired if the 6-month extension of the permit referenced in condition "a" was a one-time extension or could extensions be given indefinitely. She was informed that a one-time extension could be stipulated if desired. The intent had been to provide leeway in case of delay in moving into the permanent facilities. Commissioner Fuller questioned the contradiction in the impact reported by the two school districts. The High School District stated that fees are not required and the Elementary School District said there is an impact on the school situation. In reply to Commissioner Tugenberg, Mr. Griffin indicated that some of the clients come from Chula Vista and some from outside the community. This being the time and the place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. Bruce Baumgarten, Director of Lifetime Assistance & Services Associates, 14090 Mango Drive, Del Mar, 92014, explained that the clients are low-functioning adults who are taught to do simple work such as sorting nuts and bolts. No other facilities were being operated by his firm. He maintained that within 400 school children approximately 2 percent could be found to be functionally disabled. John Neibert, 260 Ash Ave., #1/2, CV 92010, spoke against the present parking area being used for recreation as the traffic is very heavy on East Park Lane. Mr. Griffin replied that a small covered patio had been proposed on part of the site, and as indicated in condition "d", would be required to be screened and so forth. No one else wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Shipe said he would vote against approval as the use was incompatible with the neighborhood and he was not certain about the kind of "treatment" offered. Planning Commission -10- April 12, 1989 Commissioner Fuller said if the facility were for permanent use, she would also vote against it. However, as it is for an interim period she would support the project. She suggested, however, that close watch be kept on the safety factors involved particularly with the egress on the side street and the alley. MSUC (Cannon/Tugenberg)(7-O) that based on the Initial Study and comments on the Initial Study and Negative Declaration, to find that this project will have no significant environmental impacts and adopt the Negative Declaration issued on IS-89-67. MSUC (Cannon/Tugenberg)16-O) Shipe no, that based on the findings contained in Section "E" of the staff report, to recommend that Council approve the request, PCC-89-67, to establish a day treatment facility for developmentally disabled adults at 255 Broadway subject to conditions "a" through "e" with conditions "a" and "b" modified as follows: a. The pemit is approved for 1 year, to expire on April 12, 1990. A single 6-month extension may be granted by the Zoning Administrator based upon a finding that circumstances have not materially changed and that plans for a permanent location are proceeding expeditiously. b. The use shall operate within the parameters outlined in the application without the prior written consent of the Zoning Administrator; namely hours of operation between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and a maximum of 15 staff and 40 clients at any one time. 5. PUBLIC HEARING: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT PCC-89-39 - REQUEST TO ESTABLISH A MANUFACTURERS GROCERY OUTLET AT 650 "L" STREET - CANNED FOODS, INC. Associate Planner Griffin explained that the item is a request to establish a manufacturers grocery outlet within 23,000 square feet of an existing light industrial building at 650 "L" Street in the 1-L zone. The entrance to the facility would be on the east side of the building facing an existing parking area for 86 cars. The loading/receiving area would be on the opposite side of the building facing a parking area for 33 cars. The outlet would generate approximately 1,000 customers and 500 cars per day. Parking need is estimated at 75 spaces which, based on the present allocation for the building, is adequate. A recommended upgrade in the landscaping may reduce some of the parking and a condition has been recommended that the applicant reduce the customer service area if necessary to meet these parking standards. It is suggested that modifications be reviewed by the Zoning Administrator with appeal to the Design Review Committee. Staff recommends approval of the request with a modification to condition "a" to indicate the hours of operation on Saturday and Sundays. This being the time and the place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. Planning Commission -ll- April 12, 1989 Greg Geertsen, 1717 Harrison St., San Francisco, CA, representing Canned Foods, Inc., expressed concern about the lid/square foot required by the school district. He said it was his understanding that the stipulation would not be part of the conditions of approval but would need to be worked out between himself and the school district. No one else wishing to speak, the public hearing was closed. MSUC {Tugenberg/Fuller) (7-0) that based on the Initial Study and comments on the Initial Study and Negative Declaration to find that this project will have no significant environmental impacts and adopt the Negative Declaration issued on IS-89-66. MSUC (Tugenberg/Fuller){7-O) that based on the findings contained in Section "E" of the staff report to recommend that Council approve the request, PCC-89-39 to establish a manufacturers outlet at 650 "L" Street subject to conditions "a" through "c" contained in the staff report with condition "a" changed as follows: a. The use shall comply with the parameters outlined in the application in terms of the division of the space {17,400 square feet sales/5,600 square feet non-sales) and hours of operation (9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays, and lO:O0 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays) without the prior written consent of the Zoning Admi ni strator. OTHER BUSINESS DIRECTOR'S REPORT Principal Planner Lee said that the next Workshop (April l~th) would include a presentation on Rancho San Miguel Property. He referred to the schedule of major project distributed to the Planning Commission calling attention to the two special meetings scheduled for May 19 and 31st. These are required because of so many major projects coming on line. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Shipe said he would be in Seattle at the time of the April 19th Study Session. Commissioner Grasser said she would also be out of town on the 19th. Commissioner Tugenberg said there was a possibility that he might be out of town also. Planning Commission -12- April 12, 198g Commissioner Cannon remarked that the Ba.vfrent developer's comments were not responsive to the concerns expressed by the Planning Commission. ADJOURNMENT AT 9:22 p.m. to the Study Session of April 19, 1989, at 5:00 p.m. in Conference Rooms 2 & 3 Ruth M. Smith, Secretary Planning Commission WPC 6200P