HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Comm min 1996/04/03 MINUTES OF A SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING
OF THE CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OF
CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA
Council Chambers
7:05 p.m. Public Services Building
Wednesday, April 3, 1996 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista
ROLL CALL
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Tuchscher, Commissioners Davis, Ray,
Salas, Tarantino, Thomas and Willett
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Assistant Planning Director Lee, Principal Planner
Griffin, Environmental Review Coordinator Reid,
Associate Planner Reid, Senior Civil Engineer
Ullrich, Assistant City Attorney Moore
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chair Tuchscher led in the pledge of allegiance to the flag and a moment of silent prayer.
MOTION TO EXCUSE - None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MSC (Willett/Ray) 7-0 to approve the minutes of the Planning Commission meeting of
February 28, 1996, with a correction showing that Commissioners Salas and Tarantino
were present.
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
Chair Tuchscher reviewed the composition of the Planning Commission, its responsibilities and
the format of the meeting.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None
PC Minutes -2- April 3, 1996
Chair Tuchscher asked that Item 2 be taken out of order.
ITEM 2. PUBLIC HEARING: PCM-96-14: AMENDMENT TO THE RANCHO DEL
REY SECTIONAL PLANNING AREA (SPA) I PLAN FOR APPROXIMATELY
27.15 ACRES BY COMBINING THE EMPLOYMENT PARK iA AND
EMPLOYMENT PARK lB DISTRICTS INTO A SINGLE EMPLOYMENT
PARK DISTRICT AND MODIFYING THE PERMITTED, CONDITIONALLY
PERMITTED AND PROHIBITED LAND USES APPLICABLE THERETO -
Cinti Land Planning representing various property owners
Commissioner Davis stated that it may be determined that she would have a conflict of interest
on this item; therefore, she asked to be excused and left the dais.
Principal Planner Griffin noted that after follow-up discussions with the applicant, staff felt more
work was needed. He asked that the Commission continue the item to the meeting of April 24,
1996. The applicant had concurred.
MSUC (Ray/Willett) 6-0-1 (Davis-had left dais) to continue PCM-96-14 to the meeting of
April 24, 1996.
Chair Tuchscher then returned to the original agenda order. Commissioner Davis returned to
the dais at this time.
ITEM 1: PUBLIC HEARING: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT PCC-96-18;
CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSAL FOR 265-SPACE RECREATIONAL
VEHICLE STORAGE FACILITY ON 4.2 ACRES WITHIN THE SDG&E
POWER LINE CORRIDOR BETWEEN OLEANDER AND RAVEN AVENUES
- John Kirby, Darryl Hammer and Mark San Agustin
Principal Planner Griffin presented the staff report. Staff asked for denial based on the fact that
it was a large commercial use in a single-family neighborhood that created visual and operational
incompatibility with surrounding areas, night lighting, noises and activity related to commercial
use in a residential neighborhood, and security of the surrounding neighborhood. Mr. Griffin
noted that a public forum had been held on this item on February 21 at the Boys & Girls Club.
Over 100 surrounding residents were in attendance, the vast majority of whom raised various
concerns regarding the project and were generally opposed based on issues regarding traffic and
traffic safety as it related to children, noise, lighting from the yard, drainage issues, privacy,
how activities would be monitored and controlled on the site, and also issues regarding security.
A summary provided by one of the neighboring residents was included in the Commissioners'
packets. Regarding security, the Police Department reported that theft and vandalism were not
uncommon in these large storage yards. Mr. Griff'm noted additional petitions submitted by the
neighborhood, and a petition submitted by the applicant which had been given to the Chairman.
PC Minutes -3- April 3, 1996
He stated there were two additional letters in opposition which had been left on the dais for the
Commissioners.
Mr. Griffin stated that he had been asked to read the following statement into record regarding
the mitigation on the project:
"The determination of the Environmental Review Coordinator that 1 acre of
Coastal Sage Scrub mitigation would be required is based on the following: 1/2
of the 4 acre site, or 2 acres, were designated as a Special Study Area, or an area
requiring further biological study on the revised Multiple Habitat Planning Area
Boundaries Map dated 6/20/95. The 2 acres were shown as disturbed Coastal
Sage Scrub on the Geographic Information System for the Multiple Species
Conservation Plan. Approximately 1/2 of the 2 acres, or 1 acre, has been used
by SDG&E for maintenance access for many years and thus would not be
considered viable habitat. This leaves 1 acre of habitat to be mitigated."
Staff recommended denial of the project.
Commissioner Davis stated there were other parks in Chula Vista in industrial areas and asked
if there were presently any in R-1 easements. Mr. Griffin noted there were some small ones,
but not on this scale--none which serve any outside communities.
Chair Tuchscher asked if an RV park had been included in the Fox Hill project because of lack
of parking. Mr. Griffin answered affirmatively.
Commissioner Tarantino asked if in time the applicant found the fences and walls did not keep
intruders out and they would be allowed to perhaps put barbed wire around the perimeter. Other
RV parks had barbed wire around the top of fences and walls. Mr. Griffin said there were no
City prohibitions against either barbed wire or razor wire on the top of fencing. He felt it was
a huge liability, however.
Assistant Planning Director Lee noted that if the Commission were inclined to approve the
project, a condition could be placed on the project precluding that or requiring it to come back
for Commission review for any modification to the fencing program.
Commissioner Ray noted he had previously had questions relating to drainage and run-off. Staff
had let him know that because there would be a gravel storage basin, the run-off would go into
a gravel area and the soil and hazards associated with any kind of run-off would be mitigated
based on the gravel base around the project. He still had some concern about drainage and
issues related to oil droppings or radiator overflows would run off into surrounding areas and
create a potential hazards. He had been told that was not a concern of the City.
Mr. Griffin pointed out that the property owner would be required to keep the soil clean.
PC Minutes -4- April 3, 1996
Commissioner Ray was concerned about enforcement of a conditional use permit, and if there
was a mn-off issue, no one would be monitoring the area and, therefore, would not know if
there was a problem.
Chair Tuchscher stated that the Commission could choose to include a condition. Associate
Planner Reid noted that the Planning Commission could require that a study be done by an
environmental consultant as to whether or not there was a risk in terms of oil potentially leaking
from the RVs and whether that could be collected; also, it could be required that there be an
inspection once a year.
This being the time and place as advertised, the public hearing was opened.
Mark San Agustin, 446 Montcalm St., CV 91911, the applicant, requested that they speak
during the last 15 minutes after the opposition had spoken. Chair Tuchscher concurred.
Mike Gunnlangsson, 1220 Oleander Ave. felt the RV park would have a major impact. There
were two schools within a mile with a lot of traffic; a community park used for recreation by
all of Chula Vista, especially heavy on weekends; a major little league, which also generates
heavy traffic; Boys and Girls Club that has a daycare and weekly Bingo with its traffic. These
existing uses belong in a neighborhood with R-1 lots. The applicants had scraped the land bare
without proper permits, made false claims of overwhelming neighborhood and community
demand for the parking lot, and claimed with the already heavy traffic, noise, and lights in the
neighborhood, the traffic and noise from their RV park would not be noticed. Mr.
Gunnlaugsson felt to allow the RV park in an established neighborhood would set a dangerous
precedent for other R-1 areas.
William [Iethcoat, 1251 Finch Pl. was concerned about the environment. He felt 265 vehicles
on-site would leak oil, anti-freeze, hydraulic fluid, battery fluid, transmission fluid, and human
waste. He felt the RV park would not contribute to the well-being of the community, and would
be detrimental to their health.
Aurora Gonzalez, 1224 Finch Pl. stated that she was opposed, but would not speak.
Paul Taylor, 1298 Raven Ave. was concerned about traffic safety and questioned where the
RVs would stage and the overflow parking.
John Stokes, 463 Thrush St. spoke regarding the lighting and safety aspects; was concerned
about the glow of the lights which would reflect onto the adjoining properties, disturbing the
nighttime privacy of the adjoining property; by shielding the lighting, it would create an
environment for people to hide, steal, or vandalize in the area; possible evasion of arrest by
trying to escape through properties; project did not contribute to the general well-being of the
neighborhood or community.
PC Minutes -5- April 3, 1996
Claire Strickland, 528 Wisteria, registered her opposition but did not speak.
Travis Mack, 1250 Waxwing Lane, gave an example of what had happened in Los Angeles,
and did not want to see it happen here, by allowing one business after another come into the
neighborhood.
Kevin Lee Jones, 1299 Raven Ave., stated he was for controlled, well-planned growth. He
noted that over 1,000 neighborhood residents adamantly opposed the project. He asked the
Planning Commission to adhere to the wishes of the Parkview Community to follow staff's
recommendation to deny the permit.
Connie Mack, 1250 Waxwing Lane, lives one house away from the project site. She stated
the project site was above the level of the streets next to them. The RV tires, the 12' high
fence, and the 15' lights would start at the roofline of her neighbor's house. She felt that would
be quite imposing.
John Wade, 486 Thrush St., addressed the detriment to real estate values, and read a letter
from a real estate broker opposing the project noting the reasons for opposition, i.e., strong
possibility of reduced property values, visually detrimental to surrounding houses, open spaces,
areas, increased potential for illegal alien, vandalism, theft, and graffiti, inconvenience of
possible nighttime security lighting to surrounding properties, development not zoned or
designed for commercial business, detrimental to positive growth to Chula Vista due to possible
increased cost and additional police services, deterioration to existing streets. The letter stated
there were multiple vehicle storage facilities in better suited locations in Chula Vista. He felt
a more suitable location should be considered. The broker urged the Planning Commission to
support staff's recommendation to deny the project.
Edward B. Whitten, 1281 Cardinal Pl., registered his opposition but did not speak.
Mildred Aker, 560 Azalea St., registered opposition but did not speak.
Bill Tripp, 1401 Laurel Ave., stated that well-planned development is valued and he is an
advocate for private property rights. The system has allowed private property ownership which
is occupied entirely by a utility easement which precludes any reasonable development, but
which is zoned single-family. The General Plan land use map designated the site as part of the
open space system. Mr. Tripp stated that the General Plan talked about the SDG&E open space
corridor being the increased park pedestrian and bicycle utilization of the SDG&E easement
across the Montgomery Community, to form a continuous open space and trail corridor which
was an important public amenity for the area. The development of commercial uses in the
easement which would disrupt the continuity of this system was not recommended. Mr. Tripp
was curious as to how a person could be expected to comply with regulations, when he had
denuded the area of Coastal Sage Scrub before getting an approved permit. He also gave some
other areas which could be used for the project.
PC Minutes -6- April 3, 1996
Wanda Jones, 1299 Raven Ave., spoke regarding the safety of children and all persons living
in the area. She said them were a lot of children-oriented facilities in the area: the schools,
Park View Little League, Boys & Girls Club, and the park. Children in the neighborhood are
in the streets roller blading, biking, skateboarding, etc. The RV storage owner's response was
that they would not incur a safety problem. She felt the children could be harmed or hit. There
were no safety patrol crosswalks; if approved, there would be parking and exiting of large
vehicles and other vehicles as this business frontage and the back of the building on Raven. She
asked the Planning Commission to listen to the concerns of the parents regarding any increase
in traffic and any unsafe measure for the use of the business. She noted for the record that she
and a neighbor had dropped of copies of the petition with over 1,000 signatures opposing the
project.
Robert Warner, 1284 Raven Ave., did not want to have to look at barbed wire every day.
John Maschka, 1272 Raven Ave., noted his opposition but did not speak.
David Wade, 486 Thrush St., opposed the project because it would block the view from their
back yard. They had been promised open space when they moved in.
Bob White, 526 Hibiscus Ct., said he was not directly impacted, except that he drove on
Oleander and felt it would be very negative and a total impact on the community. An informal
survey of the neighborhood of Hibiscus Ct. showed they was unanimously opposed to the
project. He asked the Planning Commission to look into the definition of unclassified use and
change that anywhere the commercial designation would be used.
Linda Lawrence, 1275 Raven Ave., said 198 feet of her property line was shared with the
SDG&E easement which is in her back yard. The proposed use is not necessary to provide a
service to the neighborhood. She had contacted eight RV storage lots in Chula Vista and she
had found that every lot had space available with vacancy rates between 10% and 30%. They
had all taken steps to assure security with lighting and personnel. Five facilities had admitted
to some type of vandalism within the last six months in their RV parks. Two parks only allowed
construction vehicles to be stored there; four admitted to maintenance work being performed on
the site. She had personally visited the sites, and didn't find one facility that she felt would be
an improvement in any neighborhood. She was concerned about the separate compound at the
southwest corner consisting of 19 spaces to store construction trucks and equipment which would
use Raven Avenue exclusively. The equipment is noisy and they may have to pull their
equipment out earlier than 9:00 a.m. to get to a job. She asked the Planning Commission to
consider their quality of life and leave the field open; hopefully, in a few years the plants and
animal life that were destroyed would return.
Bill Ewalt, 1227 Raven Pl., was strongly opposed to the project.
Mary Hobson, 1319 Raven, asked the Commission to protect and respect their R-1 zoned
neighborhood.
PC Minutes -7- April 3, 1996
Anthony Angelo, 595 Azalea St., stated that the neighborhood children and residents would
miss the open area, being able to cross the area, and feel the breeze. He asked the Planning
Commission to adopt staff's recommendation denying the project.
Bill Odle, 1211 Raven Pl., was concerned about the environmental impact--the RV tanks which
contain formaldehyde.
Darci Itoffman, 1292 Waxwing Ln., stated she had a degree in biology with an emphasis in
soil science. She lived directly below where the development would go in. About one quarter
of the 4 acre area drains into their back yard. She did not feel a small berm of gravel would
keep anything from draining down into their yard. The area is clay and is not stable when it
rains. The RVs would be directly over them on the edge of the area. Her neighbor had a large
portion of the bank slip down into his yard. She was concerned about what might come down
into their yard when it gets wet and soggy. She asked if the applicant would install a retaining
wall for them.
John Kirby, 1887 Fort Stockton Dr., San Diego 92103, one of the three parmers in the
project, stated that the project conformed to the current zoning of R-1 on the site, subject to a
conditional use permit. The land use is permitted in all areas; the proposed unclassified use is
permitted in all zones and will be compatible with the zoning and the General Plan and land use
diagram; there is no impact. Mr. Kirby read from the environmental checklist that there was
no impact on the environment. He did not agree that the traffic would be a real impact. The
two items of concern were aesthetics and wildlife habitat. Mr. Kirby stated that when the habitat
was purchased, it was considered to be a continuing fire hazard by the City of Chula Vista Fire
Department and also the repository of unwanted items that are not disposable in the household
trash removal pickups. They considered the view of the property to be aesthetically repulsive.
Their plans indicated an attractive perimeter planting and fencing which presented a pleasant
view to the public. Regarding degradation of the wildlife habitat, Mr. Kirby stated that the
environmental checklist determined that it was potentially significant unless mitigated. With
implementation of the biological mitigation measures and monitoring program, the plan does not
have the potential to degrade the environmental or threaten to eliminate a plant or animal
community. He asked for approval of their conditional use permit.
Mark San Agustin, 446 Montcalm St., Chula Vista, a partner in the project, felt that all the
issues brought up from the neighborhood could be mitigated easily. He felt the project amenities
would upstage all public amenities far beyond the City aesthetics now in place and would soften
the SDG&E horrific structures now in place. Lights are mandatory on the project and would
be less of an impact than the park across the street, and no adjoining residences would disturbed
as a result of their lighting. There is already a heavy presence of noise from the freeway and
they believed that the loudest noises coming from an RV would be equivalent to the winds
whispering through the trees. Regarding security and privacy, Mr. San Agustin stated that
Maryjane Diosdado, the Senior Crime Prevention Specialist of the Investigation Division of the
Chula Vista Police Department said that the City is incorrectly using information provided by
the Police Department in branding the project as problematic. Regarding the environmental
PC Minutes -8- April 3, 1996
issue on the 4.42 acres, the 2 acres in question had no type of bushes on that comer. The
applicant had understood the special study zone was going to be completely eliminated from their
property. The Fire Department had demanded that the area be cleared. The applicant had
cleared it. The community did not understand that in the future SDG&E would put in another
high tower next to the one existing, and there would be poles erected 60' to 80' high on the
south border in the future. On the north side, there is an 8" gas line running through the
property; the applicant was trying to upgrade the site and felt with the motorhomes there, there
would be no traffic problem, and vandalism and crime is non-existent. He felt the Boys Club
and baseball fields across the field brought in a lot of traffic and people, and the RV park had
less of an impact. They had upgraded their landscaping; trees will grow from 14' to 16' high.
The site would have more trees than the park across the street. The plans show 13 lights, but
they could get away with less. He asked for approval of the project. Regarding barbed wire,
they would not install barbed wire.
Commissioner Ray asked if they had made special arrangements for the mn-off. Mr. San
Agustin said there were two brow ditches D-25 details placed on the property. The water would
be pushed towards Raven and Oleander. There is no drainage problem.
Chair Tuchscher clarified that Commissioner Ray was referring to any residual toxins that might
leak off the vehicle and go into the storm drain. Mr. San Agustin said that was possible, just
as a vehicle parked on a public street. They were not trying to ignore that, and would take
measures to prevent that as much as possible, or clean it up if it occurred. They were willing
to be monitored and the conditional use permit cancelled after five years.
Commissioner Davis asked if the applicants had looked at any other sites, and if so, why they
were rejected and this one chosen. Mr. San Agustin felt with this site they could capture the
market. There were quite a few motor homes in Chula Vista, and they felt they could capture
the market and be selective with the motor homes coming into their property. Their prices
would be the lowest or next to the lowest compared to other parks.
Commissioner Salas asked if whether or not the storage facility was approved, the SDG&E poles
would be there. Mr. San Agustin said they had seen the future plans of SDG&E and they would
be installing a tower whether or not the RV park was there. The applicant had made provisions
to accommodate when the tower is installed. The poles on the south side were also coming.
Commissioner Tarantino noted that the petition Mr. San Agustin had presented supporting the
RV park had addresses outside of the project area, from San Diego, Bonita Road, Hilltop Drive.
He asked if there was any support in the immediate area. Mr. San Agustin stated that when they
cleaned the lot, everything was going very smooth. As soon as they filed for the conditional use
permit, the community opposed it.
Commissioner Tarantino asked if the Chula Vista Fire Department demanded that the applicant
clear the lot. Mr. San Agustin showed the Commission the letter from the Fire Department.
PC Minutes -9- April 3, 1996
Commissioner Ray, speaking for Commissioner Willett, asked if the applicant saw a unit had
leaked on the project site, could the applicant move the vehicle without the owner's consent and
force the owner to correct the leak in order to maintain a space in his facility. Mr. San Agustin
stated that the storage agreement indicated that the owner could only pick up and drop off their
RVs. They could also include in the agreement that if there were any problems, such as
leaking, that the owner could be required to correct that off-site. The applicant stated that he
could have a tow company on retainer so that if there were a problem with leakage, it could be
towed immediately.
Commissioner Ray noted the applicant was required to clear the area based on the Fire
Department's notification and asked if when the project was proposed, the applicant canvassed
the neighborhood to try to gather support prior to the notice for the conditional use permit being
issued by the City. Mr. San Agustin replied that he had spoken to some of the neighbors
adjoining the property; he had spoken to Ron Neary who had no problem with it. The
applicants had canvassed the neighborhood in general, talked to motor home owners, and friends
and acquaintances.
Chair Tuchscher asked if there was anyone else wishing to speak, and asked them to fill out a
speaker's slip. He noted he would only take speakers that had not already addressed the
Commission.
Ron Lane, 1300 Raven Ave., asked if the applicants already had any type of commitment for
any type of construction or equipment they intend to put there; any type of construction
equipment would not be driven but it would be on a truck. The corners are tight and the trucks
carrying equipment will need a large turning radius and would have an impact on traffic. There
would be a lot of wear and tear on the streets. He asked if the traffic impact during peak hours
had been addressed.
Don Ainsworth, 1424 Ocala Ct., was concerned about heavy traffic and noise, and wear and
tear on the streets.
Lyn White, 526 Hibiscus Ct., had concerns about the air and noise pollution caused by
warming up the construction and diesel vehicles. She was also worried about children running
out in front of one of the vehicles. Ms. White then showed a chart indicating the residences of
people in the neighborhood in opposition of the project.
Lai-Chlng McDermott, 448 Redwing Rd., said that as soon as she found out what was going
on, she started collecting signatures in her neighborhood. Mr. San Agustin then came to her
house to convince her that he was going to do something good for the neighborhood. He told
her he would lose a lot of money if it was not approved. She wished he had surveyed the
neighborhood before he bought the land. The value of their property would decrease when the
RV park was built.
PC Minutes -10- April 3, 1996
Claire Strickland, 528 Wisteria St., who had registered her opposition previously and elected
not to speak, came to the podium to say that she had talked with people who were storing RVs
in their yard, who indicated to her that they had no intentions of moving their motor vehicles
from their yard into a storage facility. This would not benefit the neighborhood in that the
people had no intentions of moving their vehicles.
No one else wishing to speak, Chair Tuchscher declared the public hearing closed.
Commissioner Tarantino noted that the question he had asked regarding barbed wire did not
indicate that he was in favor of additional security, but the fact that if there was a need for
additional security, and that barbed wire seemed to be the next step and could present an armed
fortress in the neighborhood.
Commissioner Salas stated the neighborhood had really mobilized and should be congratulated.
Community participation is really needed and it is the only way in which the residents could
have a voice in the way they want the community developed. Some of the comments highlighted
her concern that there could not be an encroachment of commercial enterprise into a residential
area. While there must be growth, it must be planned and appropriate for the area. She was
impressed by Mr. Tripp on his research of the General Plan. She felt the encroachment could
not be allowed in a residential area, and it would set a dangerous precedent. She could not
support the applicant's request.
Commissioner Davis understood the applicant had a potentially good project, but thought he had
the wrong site. When a conditional use permit is asked for, an exception to the zoning had to
be made. There had to be a reason to make the exception. In this case, she could not see a
reason to make the exception. She believed it would have a highly negative impact on the
neighborhood. She did not think it was compatible, that there was nothing to mitigate to make
it compatible. She felt Mr. San Agustin should look at another site in Chula Vista, possibly on
Broadway where it has more of a commercial/industrial area. She felt the traffic, lighting,
illegal aliens would be exacerbated. She could not support the project.
Commissioner Ray asked Mr. Agustin, regarding a letter from South Bay Storage, if the
incidences on the letter reported to the police or if it was just what Mr. Young had reported to
him. Mr. Agustin said it was just what Mr. Young had reported to him.
Commissioner Ray asked Mr. Agustin if the letter he had written was to make the Planning
Commission aware that the regulations would allow the project to be approved per the existing
codes. Mr. Agustin answered affirmatively.
Commissioner Ray, referring to a letter from the applicants, regarding security, Mary Jane
Diosdado of the Chula Vista Police Department said the City was incorrectly using information
provided by the Police Department in branding this project as problematic. He was concerned
that City staff and the Police Department were not in sync with what was being reported to the
Planning Commission, which makes it confusing and makes for conflicting responses. He asked
PC Minutes -11- April 3, 1996
staff to look at it. Principal Planner Griffin said the statement in the letter concerned him,
because he had spoken with MaryJane Diosdado about the issue, and the language in the staff
report had been given to Mary Jane. She had taken that to the appropriate staff in the Police
Department and returned to Mr. Griffin saying that they concurred with that statement. He was
not exactly sure of its accuracy or if there was some misunderstanding.
Commissioner Ray said he was very familiar with the area; there is quite a bit of traffic from
the alien community migrating north; and a lot of recreational use on that facility. Knowing the
intense use of Greg Rogers Park and the ballfield, although this is a permitted use within the
zone, he did not think this was the right area for the project and could not justify voting for the
project.
MS (Tarantino/Davis) that the Planning Commission adopt Resolution PCC-96-18 denying
the request in accordance with the findings contained therein.
Chair Tuchscher noted that the Planning Commission was charged with making decisions based
on land use issues. Even though the environmental checklist did not indicate the project was
impacfful enough to require an environmental impact report, he felt it clearly had a negative
impact on the surrounding community, and was clearly demonstrated by a very vocal and
cohesive neighborhood. He felt the neighborhood should feel proud of themselves that they were
able to become a part of the system and make sure their voices were heard, and their
neighborhood was cohesive. He especially applauded Mr. and Mrs. McDermott for their
efforts.
VOTE: 7-0 to adopt the resolution denying the project.
Chair Tuchscher declared a break at 9:13 p.m. The meeting resumed at 9:22 p.m.
ITEM 3. PUBLIC HEARING: MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT PCA-96-05;
CONSIDERATION OF MINOR AMENDMENTS TO MUNICIPAL CODE
SECTIONS 15.04.070 AND 15.04.145 (EXCAVATION, GRADING AND
FILLS) - City Initiated
Principal Planner Griffin presented the staff report, noting that this was a housekeeping item
changing references in one of the Codes to refer to Planning Director or designee rather than
City Landscape Architect. Staff recommended approval of the resolution.
Commissioner Ray noted that due to the City budget cuts, the Landscape Architect was not
replaced when the previous one retired.
This being the time and the place as advertised, the public hearing was opened. No one wishing
to speak, the public hearing was closed.
PC Minutes -12- April 3, 1996
MSUC (Ray/Davis) 7-0 to adopt Resolution PCA-96-05 recommending that the City Council
approve the amendments to the Municipal Code, according to the findings contained in the
draft City Council Ordinance.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
ITEM 4. UPDATE OF COUNCIL ITEMS
Assistant Planning Director Lee reminded the Planning Commissioners that their next meeting
was on April 10, although there may be a possibility of cancellation. The following meeting
would be April 24, with a joint workshop meeting with the City Council and GMOC in the
Council Conference Room at 6:30 p.m.
Commissioner Ray stated that the GMOC was a week behind in approving the recommendations,
and there was a potential of a possible delay. Mr. Lee expressed his hope that it would not be
delayed.
Mr. Lee stated that the May 8 or the May 22 were two potential meetings for the tentative map
involving the Otay Ranch, depending on what happened with the SPA Plan.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Ray asked that an item be placed on the next agenda relating to changing the
speaker time to three minutes from five minutes.
Commissioner Davis stated that she would be out of town on business and would miss the
meetings of April 24 and 25.
MSUC (6-0-1) to excuse Commissioner Davis from the meetings of April 24 and 25.
ADJOURNMENT at 9:30 p.m. to the Regular Business Meeting of April 10, 1996, at 7:00 p.m.
in the Council Chambers.
Nancy Rip(ey, Secretary
Planning Commission
(m:\home\planning\nancy\pc96min\pcA 3.min)