HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Min 2001-02-21
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CITY OF SEAL BEACH
PLANNING COMMISSION
AGENDA for February 21, 2001
7:30 p.m.
District 1 - Brian Brown
District 2 - Jim Sharp
District 3 - Len Cutuli
District 4 - David Hood
District 5 - Thomas Lyon
Department of Development Services
Lee Whittenberg, Director
Terence Boga, Assistant City Attorney
Mac Cummins, Assistant Planner
Carmen Alvarez, Executive Secretary
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City Hall office hours are 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and
Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed noon to 1 :00 p.m.
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The City of Seal Beach complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you
need assistance to attend this meeting please telephone the City Clerk's Office at
least 48 hours in advance of the meeting (562) 431-2527.
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Planning Commission meetings are broadcast live on Seal Beach TV3. They are
rebroadcast on Sunday evenings, Channel 3 at 4:00 p.m.
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Videotapes of Planning Commission meetings may be purchased from Seal Beach
TV3 at a cost of $20 per tape. Telephone: (562) 596-1404.
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Copies of staff reports and/or written materials on each agenda item are on file in
the Department of Development Services and City libraries for public inspection.
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission' Agenda of February 21, 2001
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA INFORMATION SHEET
The following is a brief explanation of the Planning Commission agenda
structure:
AGENDA APPROVAL: The Planning Commission may wish to change the order of the
items on the agenda.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: Anyone wishing to address the Planning Commission, only
on items not on tonight's agenda, may do so during this time period. No action can be
taken by the Planning Commission on these communications on this date, unless
agendized.
PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: Public Hearings allow citizens the opportunity to speak in
favor of or against agendized items. More detailed information is found in the actual
agenda attached. If you have documents to distribute, you should have enough copies
for all Planning Commissioners, City staff and the public. Please give one to the
secretary for the City files. The documents become part of the public record and will not
be returned.
CONSENT CALENDAR: Consent Calendar items are considered routine items that
normally do not require separate consideration. The Planning Commission may make
one motion for approval of all the items listed on the Consent Calendar.
SCHEDULED MA TIERS: These items are considered by the Planning Commission
separately and require separate motions. These transactions are considered
administrative and public testimony is not heard.
STAFF CONCERNS: Updates and reports from the Director of Development Services
(Planning and Building Departments) are presented for information to the Planning
Commission and the public.
COMMISSION CONCERNS: Items of concern are presented by the Planning
Commissioners and discussed with staff.
All proceedings are recorded.
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission. Agenda of February 21, 2001
City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Agenda for February 21, 2001
7:30 p.m.
I.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
II.
ROLL CALL
III.
AGENDA APPROVAL
By Motion of the Planning Commission, this is the time to:
(a) Notify the public of any changes to the Agenda;
(b) Re-arrange the order of the Agenda; and/or
(c) Provide an opportunity for any member of the Planning Commission, staff, or public to
request an item is removed from the Consent Calendar for separate action.
IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
At thiS time, members of the public may address the Planning Commission regarding any items
within the subject matter Jurisdiction of the Planning Commission, provided that the Planning
Commission may undertake no action or discussion unless otherwise authorized by law.
V.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Items on the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and are enacted by one motion unless
prior to enactment, a member of the Planning Commission, staff, or the public requests a specific
item be removed from the Consent Calendar for separate action.
1. Approve Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of February 7,2001.
2. RECEIVE AND FILE: City of Seal Beach comment Letter re: "Draft EA For Surfside-Sunset
Beach Nourishment Project - Stage 1/. "
3. RECEIVE AND FILE' City of Seal Beach comment Letter reo "Draft EIR - AES Alamitos L.L.C.
- Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) Installation Project at Alamitos Generating Station (Units
1,2, 3, and 4)."
4. Minor Plan Review 01-1
515 Ocean Avenue
ApplicanUOwner:
Request:
Charles Dickinson
To expand a bedroom to a non-conforming duplex. Specifically, the
applicant proposes to add approximately 264 square feet to Unit A, and
39 square feet to Unit B.
Recommendation.
Approval, subject to conditions, and adoption of Resolution 01-03.
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SCHEDULED MATTERS
None.
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission. Agenda of February 21, 2001
VII PUBLIC HEARINGS
5. Conditional Use Permit 00-13 (Amendment)
333 First Street
Applicant/Owner:
Request:
Recommendation:
VIII STAFF CONCERNS
IX. COMMISSION CONCERNS
X ADJOURNMENT
Oakwood Apartments/Oakwood Worldwide
An amendment to an existing Planned Sign Program for the existing
Oakwood Apartments at 333 First Street to add an approximately 93
square foot monument sign.
Approval, subject to conditions, and adoption of Resolution 01-04
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission. Agenda of February 21, 2001
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2001 Aaenda Forecast
Mar 07
Mar 21
Study Session - Housing Element
Public Hearing - Housing Element
Apr 04
Apr 18
CUP 98-6 at 12147 Seal Beach Boulevard (Yucatan Gnll) Review
ADA Handicapped-accessible Restrooms
May 09
May 23
Jun 06
Jun 20
July 04
July 18
HOLIDAY - No Meeting Scheduled
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Aug 22
Sept 05
Sept 19
Oct 03
Oct 17
Nay 07
Nay 21
Dee 05
Dee 19
TO BE SCHEDULED:
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Study Session:
Study Session:
Study Session:
Staff Report:
Study Session:
Permitted Uses and Development Standards in Commercial Zones (5/6/98)
Seal Beach Boulevard (10/7/98)
Anaheim Bay Villas (10/7/98)
Undergroundlng of Utilities
Retaining Walls
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CITY OF SEAL BEACH
PLANNING COMMISSION
Minutes of February 21, 2001
Chairperson Hood called the regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning
Commission to order at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 21, 2001. The meeting
was held in the City Council Chambers and began with the Salute to the Flag.1
ROLL CALL
Present:
Chairperson Hood
Commissioners Brown, Cutuli, and Sharp
Also
Present:
Department of Development Services
Lee Whittenberg, Director
Terence Boga, Assistant City Attorney
Mac Cummins, Assistant Planner
Absent:
Commissioner Lyon
Mr. Whittenberg stated that he had not heard from Commissioner Lyon and was not
certain as to why he was not present tonight.
AGENDA APPROVAL
MOTION by Sharp; SECOND by Brown to approve the Agenda as presented.
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
4-0-1
Brown, Cutuli, Hood, and Sharp
None
Lyon
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Chairperson Hood opened oral communications.
None.
Chairperson Hood closed oral communications.
1 These Minutes were transcribed from audiotape of the meeting.
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of February 21, 2001
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Approve Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of February 7,2001.
2. RECEIVE AND FILE: City of Seal Beach Comment Letter re: "Draft EA For
Surfside-Sunset Beach Nourishment Project - Stage II."
3. RECEIVE AND FILE: City of Seal Beach Comment Letter re: "Draft EIR - AES
Alamitos L.L. C. - Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) Installation Project at
Alamitos Generating Station (Units 1, 2, 3, and 4)."
4. Minor Plan Review 01-1
515 Ocean Avenue
Applicant/Owner:
Request:
Charles Dickinson
To expand a bedroom to a non-conforming duplex.
Specifically, the applicant proposes to add approximately
264 square feet to Unit A, and 39 square feet to Unit B.
Recommendation:
Approval, subject to conditions, and adoption of
Resolution 01-03.
MOTION by Cutuli; SECOND by Sharp to approve the Consent Calendar as
presented.
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
4-0-1
Brown, Cutuli, Hood, and Sharp
None
Lyon
SCHEDULED MATTERS
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
5. Conditional Use Permit 00-13 (Amendment)
333 First Street
Applicant/Owner:
Request:
Oakwood Apartments/Oakwood Worldwide
An amendment to an existing Planned Sign Program for
the existing Oakwood Apartments at 333 First Street to
add an approximately 93 square foot monument sign.
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of February 21, 2001
Recommendation: Approval, subject to conditions, and adoption of
Resolution 01-04
Staff Report
Mr. Cummins delivered the staff report. (Staff Report is on file for inspection in the
Planning Department.) He provided some background information on this item and
stated that the Oakwood Apartments had applied for a Planned Sign Program to
have two signs on the premises, one wall sign facing First Street, and a monument
sign to be located at the corner of First Street and Pacific Coast Highway. He
related that the Planning Commission at its meeting of December 6, 2000, voted to
approve the wall sign, but to deny without prejudice the monument sign. Mr.
Cummins noted that as Staff understood the discussion from that evening, one of
the main issues revolved around the billboard, which is located closer to the San
Gabriel River. He stated that the applicant has returned with the request that the
monument sign be approved in exchange for removal of the billboard sign. He said
that Staff has drafted a proposed resolution indicating this action and stating that no
building permit is to be issued until the billboard is removed. He indicated that a
copy of the letter received form Oakwood Apartments had been included in the
Commissioner information packets.
Commissioner Questions
None.
Public Hearinq
Chairperson Hood opened the public hearing.
Mr. Steve Rogge, a representative for Oakwood Apartments, stated that as far as
the request made, he confirmed that if the billboard is taken down Oakwood would
then be allowed to install the monument sign. He said that he felt what they would
be doing would be architecturally sound and enhance the area, and would allow
Oakwood to provide a means of attracting people to the property. He stated he
would be available to respond to questions.
There being no other persons wishing to speak, Chairperson Hood closed the public
hearing.
Commissioner Comments
Commissioner Brown asked if this were an amendment of the previous resolution, or
if this were a separate resolution. Mr. Whittenberg confirmed that this would be a
separate resolution. Commissioner Brown then confirmed that this would be an
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of February 21, 2001
amendment to the original application. Mr. Whittenberg responded that this was
correct. Commissioner Brown stated that he was happy with it.
MOTION by Brown; SECOND by Cutuli to approve Conditional Use Permit 00-13 as
amended and adopt Resolution 01-04 as presented.
MOTION CARRIED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
4-0-1
Brown, Cutuli, Hood, and Sharp
None
Lyon
Mr. Boga advised that the adoption of Resolution No. 01-04 begins a 10-day
calendar appeal period to the City Council. The Commissioner action tonight is final
and the appeal period begins tomorrow morning.
STAFF CONCERNS
Mr. Whittenberg reported that at the last City Council meeting a public hearing was
held on the appeal of the Planning Commission's decision on the Hennessey's
application and City council had sustained the recommendations of the Planning
Commission. He stated that the resolution is on the agenda for formal adoption at
the next City Council meeting.
Mr. Whittenberg stated that the public hearing on the Avalon Homes Subdivision
was also held and it was approved by the City Council as the developer had
proposed it.
He also reported that a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) on the Boeing
subdivision and industrial park development has been circulated for a 30-day public
review and comment period. He said that after the comment period public hearings
would be scheduled before the Planning Commission. He indicated that he
anticipates this item will come before the Commission tentatively on April 4, 2001.
Mr. Whittenberg stated that the Hellman Ranch Project has received approval from
the Coastal Commission to begin their archaeology field testing program, so that is
ongoing at this point and will be ongoing for approximately 3-5 weeks, after which
the lab work and report preparation will take place.
Commissioner Sharp referred to the subdivision map for the Boeing Project and
asked the Director of Development Services if he knew what types of business
would be going in at that location. Mr. Whittenberg responded that currently this is
unknown.
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City of Seal Beach Planning CommIssIon
Meeting Minutes of February 21, 2001
COMMISSION CONCERNS
Commissioner Cutuli noted the article that had appeared in the Sun Newspaper
regarding his comments on the eucalyptus trees in Gum Grove Park. He asked the
Director of Development Services if he had any comments. Mr. Whittenberg stated
that this issue had been referred to the Parks and Recreation Department. He noted
that they have an arborist on call who is used for various projects and Parks and
Recreation has requested that he survey Gum Grove Park and report on the
condition of the trees. Mr. Whittenberg stated that as soon as this information was
received, Staff would notify the Planning Commission of the results of the report.
Commissioner Cutuli asked about the projected opening date for the Bixby Project.
Mr. Whittenberg stated that the Target Store is scheduled to open on March 8 or
March 11. The remaining buildings have received Building Department approval for
construction of the buildings, but the owner has not yet pulled the permits. He stated
that the only building that has not been approved is the Ralph's Market. He reported
that they had submitted plans into Plan Check last week for a 58,000 square foot
market. He said that he approximated that it would take 3 weeks for the plans to go
through the Plan Check process before building permits can be issued.
Commissioner Cutuli asked if any future segments of this development would be
coming before the Planning Commission. Mr. Whittenberg responded that there
were a couple of restaurant proposals on the property that will involve the sale of
alcoholic beverages and will require applications for a Conditional Use Permit. He
reported that there would be an Islands Restaurant and another restaurant whose
lease arrangements are not yet finalized.
Commissioner Sharp stated that he had received a letter from the Orange County
Water District regarding taking a tour of their facility. He recommended that the
Commissioners sign up to attend one of these tours, as they are very informative.
Commissioner Brown asked when the Surfside sand replenishment project was to
begin. Mr. Whittenberg stated that he believed it was scheduled to begin in June
2001. Commissioner Brown asked how much sand would be brought in. Mr.
Whittenberg stated that approximately 1.2 million cubic yards of sand would be
brought in. Commissioner Brown asked if this was a little larger than what was done
before. Mr. Whittenberg confirmed that this was a little larger than the previous
replenishment, but was a little smaller than the one that was done before that one.
He said he was not certain how the size of the sand shipments was determined.
Chairperson Hood asked if the supermarket were definitely going to be a part of the
Bixby Old Ranch Towne Center. Mr. Whittenberg responded that the building plans
for the supermarket had been submitted. Chairperson Hood asked if the Islands
Restaurant had been moved from the southeast comer of Lampson Avenue and
Seal Beach Boulevard. Mr. Whittenberg stated that this was correct, that now
Islands is proposing a location in the shopping center itself. He said that the
shopping center entitlements allow that center to have up to 20% of the building area
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City of Seal Beach Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes of February 21, 2001
in restaurants, which is approximately 40,000 square feet that can be used for this
purpose, so Islands has made the decision to move there. He stated that this item
would be coming before the Planning Commission for Conditional Use Permit
approvals for the sale of alcoholic beverages. He also indicated that a new Site Plan
for the area where Islands Restaurant formerly would have been would also be
coming before the Commission. Chairperson Hood asked if Mr. Whittenberg has
seen the Site Plan or knows what businesses will be a part of this Site Plan. Mr.
Whittenberg responded that at this point Staff does not know what will be going in at
this location. Chairperson Hood asked if the new Site Plan must conform to what has
already been approved for this area. Mr. Whittenberg responded that there are a
number of uses allowed under the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) entitlements
so Staff would evaluate each application to make sure that they meet the EIR
criteria. Chairperson Hood noted that this type of uncertainty might lead to concern
on the part of the residents of Seal Beach. Mr. Whittenberg said he understood this
and there would be a Site Plan Review through the Planning Commission on
whatever comes back in on that property.
Chairperson Hood referred to the Eucalyptus Tree Permit dated January 3, 2001,
and distributed by the Department of Development Services and asked the
Commissioners if they had received their copy of this memo prior to receiving a copy
in their Planning Commission Agenda packet. Commissioner Sharp reported that he
had not. Chairperson Hood asked the Director of Development Services to explain
why the Commissioners had not received their copy of the Eucalyptus Tree Permit
until February 2001. Mr. Whittenberg responded that provision of the document to
the Planning Commission and City Council is a courtesy. He stated that the decision
had already been made and the permit issued. He said that this was not a
reviewable action by the Planning Commission or the City Council. Chairperson
Hood stated that although the permit might not be reviewable, he asked if it might
not have been desirable to "let people know what is going on before they get side-
swiped by public comment." Mr. Whittenberg apologized and said that he thought
the document had been provided to both the Planning Commission and the City
Council the same day that it was signed and distributed. Chairperson Hood said that
he did not know whether the members of City Council had received it before
February, but he would inquire after this. Chairperson Hood commented that he felt
that as a courtesy on a politically sensitive issue, it would be nice to let a person
know whether it is a reviewable action or not. Mr. Whittenberg stated that he
thought this had been done.
Commissioner Cutuli asked what type of homes were being designed for the
Hellman Ranch project and who the developer would be. Mr. Whittenberg reported
that the developer would be John Laing Homes. He said that Staff has not yet seen
any plans for the homes. He said that all that has been approved is the land
subdivision and they are beginning to discuss architectural styles and layouts for the
homes. Commissioner Cutuli asked if it were possible to request that single-story
and two-story designs for the homes be included to prevent the look of a "concrete
or stucco jungle." Mr. Whittenberg responded that Staff could discuss this with the
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City of Seal Beach Plannmg Commission
Meeting Minutes of February 21, 2001
developer, but the Commissioners must keep in mind that the lot sizes on this
project are much larger than on other projects. Commissioner Cutuli asked how
large they were. Mr. Whittenberg reported that he believed the minimum lot size is
6,500 square feet, which is larger than the lots on The Hill or College Park East or
College Park West. He reported that some of the lots are measure up to 13,000
square feet. He stated that because the lots are so large, he did not believe that the
issues that were related to other home developments would be pertinent to the
Hellman Ranch project.
Chairperson Hood inquired as to why the City had received what appeared to be a
purchase order dated September 12,2000 reflecting the amount $16,530 quoted for
the removal of approximately 38 dead eucalyptus trees. He asked what the purpose
of this purchase order was, since the arborist's report recommending the tree
removal was not dated until November 30, 2000. Mr. Whittenberg stated that this
was an estimate to determine what it would cost to remove the trees. Chairperson
Hood commented that this made it appear that the removal of the trees had been a
foregone conclusion. Mr. Whittenberg responded that Staff has addressed the
issue. He said the trees were badly infested by a bug that has no natural predator in
the State of California. He stated that the City has a report from the arborist that
indicates that 70 percent of the trees in that area were dead or dying and because
the trees are in a public right-of-way where a public bicycle path will be constructed,
there were liability issues with falling branches that Staff and the City Attorney's
office were very concerned with. He said that it was the City's decision to remove
the trees because of the public liability and safety issues involved. Chairperson
Hood responded that he was not disagreeing with the Director of Development
Services' decision, but what he was suggesting was that it is better to prepare
people for what is going to happen than to have them see it after it has been done.
Commissioner Sharp stated that although Chairperson Hood made his point, this did
not necessarily mean that all of the Commissioners were in agreement with him.
Chairperson Hood responded that he did not expect them to be in agreement.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Hood adjourned the meeting at 7:53 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Carmen Alvarez, Executive Secreta
Planning Department
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City of Seal Beach Planmng Commission
Meeting Mmutes of February 21, 2001
APPROVAL
The Commission on March 21, 2001 approved the Minutes of the Planning
Commission Meeting of Wednesday, February 21, 2001. ~.
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