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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Min 1987-01-21 SEAL BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA City Council Chambers 211 Eighth Street Seal Beach. California f'he Seal Beach Planning COIII1IIi.ssi.on meets in session every first and third Ifednesday of each IlIOnth at 7:30 p.m. If you wi.sh to address the Conmi.ssi.on on any particular public heari.ng item, the Chai.rman wi.ll call for pubHc testi.llIOny fi.rst for those in favor of the project, and second, for those who are not i.n favor. ffhen you see that the speaker's position i.n the center of the room 1.s unoccupied, step up to the mJ.crophone and when recognized by the Chairman, speak di.rectly into the mJ.crophone by fi.rst stati.ng your name and address clearly and di.stJ.nctly for the records. State your busi.ness as clearly and succi.nctly as possi.ble and then wai.t a IlIOJIIent to see i.f the Conmi.ssi.oners have any questi.ons i.n regard to your comments or questions. If there are no other questions or conrnents, return to your seat so that the next person may address the COlIIIII.ission. It you wi.sh to address the C011IlIIi.ssi.on on matters other than pubHc heari.ngs, the agenda provi.des for that time when the Chai.rman asks for comments from the pubHc. Address the COlIIIII.issi.on i.n the same manner as stated for pubHc heari.ngs, always stati.ng your name and address fi.rst. PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA January 21, 1987 Next Resolution 11448 1. Pledge of Allegiance Roll Call 2. 3. Consent Calendar A. Minutes of April 16, 1986 B. Plan Review 28-86, 1518 Marine 4. Public Hear ings A. Zoning Text Amendment 1-87 A request to amend Chapter 28 of the Municipal Code to provide for the incremental upgrading of landscaping in nonconforming retail centers. . Code Sections: 28-2488; 28-2688; 28-2681 Environmental been prepared Report. Review: in lieu Negative Declaration 1-87 has of an Environmental Impact Applicant: City of Seal Beach B. Zoning Text Amendment 2-87 A request to amend Chapter 28 of the Municipal Code to provide a definition for roof sign, and regulations for historic signs. Code Sections: 28-2688; 28-2681 Environmental been prepared Report. Applicant: City of Seal Beach Review: in lieu Negative Declaration 2-87 has of an Environmental Impact 5. Scheduled Matters A. Plan Review 1-87 351/1 Ocean B. Plan Review 2-87 94 welcome Lane C. Report on In-Lieu parking Program . , . Planning Commission Agenda January 21, 1987 Page 2 6. Oral Communications from the Audience At this time, members of the public may address the Commission regarding any item within the subject matter of the Commission provided that no action may be taken on off- agenda items unless authorized by law. 7. Staff Concerns 8. Commission Concerns 9. Adjournment Agenda Forecast: February 4, 1986 - CUP 19-86 9lil9 Ocean Avenue . . . PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF JANUARY 21, 1987 The Seal Beach Planning Commission Wednesday, January 21, 1987 at 7:35 p.m. the Salute to the Flag. met in regular session on Commissioner Suggs led ROLL CALL Present: Chairman Jessner Commissioners Sharp, Suggs Commissioner Covington arrived approximately 7:40 p.m. Commissioner Perrin Absent: Also Present: Edward Knight, Director of Development Services Pamela Walker, Administrative Aide CONSENT CALENDAR Chairman Jessner requested that Item A of the consent calendar, the minutes of Planning Commission meeting of April 16, 1986 be deferred until later in the evening when all Commissioners would be present who were on the Commission in 1986. . Mr. Knight requested that Item from the consent calendar Commissioner Sharp moved to calendar, Suggs second. B, Plan Review and opened up remove Item B 28-86, be removed for discussion. from the consent AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Jessner, Sharp, Suggs None Covington, Perrin Motion Carried Item B. Plan Review 28-86 - 1510 Marine Mr. Knight, the Director of Development Services, indicated this type of plan review is normally on the consent calendar for minor action. The concern is that the roof deck will create a noise problem. Staff indicates it is very routine to have this type of roof deck in this community. To mitigate this problem and to make it applicable to what is allowed in Seal Beach, staff is recommending that instead of the entire parking area becoming a deck, the northern half of the parking area be utilized as a deck and that a 3rd condition be placed limiting the use of the deck to the northern half and the gazebo placed in that location. With that addition, staff recommended approval of Plan Review 28- 86. Mr. Mike Clements, 425 Poplar Street, Laguna Beach, spoke as the owner's agent, indicating there was no objection to any of the three conditions. Mr. Clements fully realized that the size of the deck will be considerably smaller than originally intended. Commissioner Sharp moved to approve Plan Review 28-86 with the three conditions noted; Suggs seconds. . AYES: NOES: Absent: Covington, Jessner, Sharp, Suggs None Perrin Motion Carried . Item A. Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting of April 18, 1986 Chairman Jessner requested that Item A of the consent calendar be considered at this time. Commissioner Covington moved to approve the minutes of April 16, 1986 as presented, Jessner seconds. AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Covington, Jessner None Sharp, Suggs Perrin Motion Carried PUBLIC HEARING ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT 1-87 INCREMENTAL UPGRADING OF LANDSCAPING IN NONCONFORMING RETAIL CENTERS Mr. Knight requested this public hearing be continued to the next regularly scheduled meeting to allow for the affected property owners to have more time to formulate their opinions. As there were no persons in the audience who wished to give input on this matter, Commissioner Sharp moved to postpone ZTA 1-87 to February 4, 1987; Covington seconds. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Covington, Jessner, Sharp, Suggs None Perrin Motion Carried . PUBLIC HEARING - ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT 2-87 - DEFINITION OF ROOF SIGN, REGULATIONS FOR HISTORIC SIGNS Pam Walker explained this ZTA was initiated by the City Council after Council denied the request for Variance 12-86, an application by Great Western Savings to permit a roof sign in Rossmoor Center. One of the issues arising from that appeal was what constitutes a roof sign. Consequently, Council directed staff to prepare a specific definition for a roof sign along with regulations for historic signs. Nearby cities were surveyed and it was found that defining wall signs, roof, roof signs and parapets would enhance the definition of roof signs. Staff recommended the Commission adopt the four definitions as noted in the staff report of January 21, 1987. With regard to historic signs, Ms. Walker stated that conditions were provided which would discourage frivolous applications for exemption from height and size limits and also protect surrounding uses from adverse impact. It was requested that historic signs be considered through the conditional use permit process. It was recommended that the Planning Commission approve the amendments and recommend to the City Council for adoption. For clarification, it was pointed out any wall sign attached to a parapet which is part of the wall, must not extend above the parapet. If the wall sign extended above the parapet, it would then become a roof sign. In response to a Commission member's concern that overly large equipment could be installed on a rooftop with a parapet thus impacting the surrounding neighbors, the size and height limitations to the actual sign itself, combined with the . 2 . definitions would produce a sign proportional to the structure, according to the Director. Mr. Knight indicated there is some recourse which allows staff to architecturally review on the basis of aesthetics. As to satellite dish antennas, there is an ordinance which affords greater control. Great Western Savings, whose sign was originally determined by the Planning Commission to be a roof sign based on the definitions available should this ordinance be adopted would clearly meet the criteria for a legal wall sign. Knight explained that under Section 28-2907, appeal to the Commission under review of plans, the Commission has the right to approve with conditions or disapprove a design or review brought to the Commission (this includes architectural review). These plans would come to the Commission for appeal should staff reject the plans. A Commission member expressed concern that the historic sign definition has no minimum age for a sign to be considered historic. Knight felt an age limitation would be appropriate. . Chairman Jessner declared the public hearing open. Mr. Rob Vermand, 617 Seabreeze, congratulated staff on ZTA 2-87. Mr. Vermand represented Great Western Savings at their variance hearing. Vermand suggested Commission adopt the recommendations of staff. Mr. Bob Keenan, 415 West Foothill Blvd, Suite 212, Claremont, 91711, Executive Director of California Electric Sign Association & Sign Users Council of California, indicated he worked in 58 cities last year, including Seal Beach. Mr. Keenan indicated a sign company requested he review the amendment. Mr. Keenan expressed his concern regarding the definition of a roof and therefore the definition of a roof sign. Keenan also congratulated staff for their in-depth report and for the fact they were open to suggestions. Keenan suggested that the standard roof line definition used in the sign industry be adopted, which is: "a roof line is the top edge of the roof or top of the parapet whichever forms the top line of the building silhouette." This removes the discretion of staff and provides a clear definition for all. The Director indicated he felt staff's roof sign definition is adequate as it states no sign can extend above the parapet or roof line itself. He felt the four definitions would provide an ironclad guidance. Mrs. Mitzi Morton, 1513 13th Street, wondered if the City would object if a merchant put up a parapet 10 feet high in order to make a facade to build up the height of a building so it will be viewed as a 2- story. Mrs. Morton explained that the Downtown Task Force were encouraged by the former City Manager and Planning Department to encourage the merchants to put up these two-story facades for aesthetic reasons. A Commissioner felt there would be objections from the Fire Department and Police Department to these false facades as they may present a hazard. Mrs. Morton felt the Commission should consider this when making a decision. Jerri West, 1201 Electric Avenue, felt staff's definition of a roof would be less open to interpretation than that proposed by Mr. Keenan. Mrs. Morton also concurred that an age limitation be . 3 . used in defining historic signs. Commissioner Covington felt that the age limitation should be shorter than that used for historic buildings, which is 50 years. As no others spoke in favor nor in opposition to this matter, Chairman Jessner declared the public hearing on ZTA 2-87 closed. Commissioner Covington recommended approval of ZTA 2-87, subject to the following recommendations: 1) That the definition of a roof be changed to that approved by the staff which was provided with a definition by Mr. Bill Keenan of the Sign Users Council. Covington made that recommendation based on staff support and their confirmation that the definition is more clearly consistent with the definitions used by the State Uniform Building Code. 2) That under the historic sign section, a sentence be added that staff feels appropriate which would state "any sign otherwise complying with the requirements of this ordinance as an historic sign, must be at least 25 years old." Commissioner Sharp seconds. After determined that a 25 year limitation Beach - not excessive nor too liberal. some discussion, it was was appropriate for Seal . AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Covington, Jessner, Sharp, Suggs None Perrin Motion Carried SCHEDULED MATTERS - PLAN REVIEW 1-87, 350 OCEAN AVENUE The Director reported this plan review, submitted by Jim Watson for his residence on 350 Ocean Avenue, was a request for minor height variation to allow a turret addition which falls within the 10% allowed under plan review. Staff, therefore recommended approval of the plan review with the conditions noted in the staff report of January 21, 1987. Mr. James Watson, 101 Main, Suite A, indicated he concurred with staff conditions noted in the report. Mr. Watson felt this was one of the oldest homes on the bluff which he has been in the process of improving. He stated staff recommended this possible solution to an aesthetic problem Watson had with the floor elevation. Commissioner Sharp moved to approve; Suggs seconds. Mr. Paul O'Brien, III 4th Street (across from 350 Ocean Avenue), felt the turret addition would visually impact his view. It was pointed out that Watson's original variance application was granted prior to Mr. O'Brien's improvement. After discussion, it was determined that the blockage of view would be minimal. . AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Covington, Jessner, Sharp, Suggs None Perrin Motion Carried 4 . SCHEDULED MATTERS - PLAN REVIEW 2-87 - 94 WELCOME LANE - LATTA Ms. Walker reported that the plan review was an application for architectural review and minor height variation. The applicant proposes the construction of a 2-story Victorian-style cabana in the Seal Beach Trailer Park. Ms. Walker further noted the applicant is also requesting a minor height variation to permit a nonhabitable portion of the roof to exceed the 25-ft. height limit. Staff recommended approval of Plan Review 2-87 subject to four conditions noted in report of January 21, 1987. Mr. Robert Latta, 94 Welcome Lane, presented pictures of existing cabanas in the trailer park. Mr. Latta objected to the earth tones recommended by staff and was desirous of using multi-hued, light- toned shingles. Ms. Walker explained that in reviewing past architectural reviews of cabanas, earth tones were predominantly used. As this is not spelled out specifically in the municipal code, staff recommendation was for earth tones or muted blues to maintain consistency within the park. . Some discussion occurred regarding the mobility of the trailer within the cabana structure. Ms. Walker reported the zoning ordinance does not state specifically whether or not the trailer should be removable through an open area on the cabana. This matter comes under the authority of Title 25 of the State Administrative Code. Knight also clarified that prior to the issuance of any building permits, the structure would have to conform to Title 25 which is an administrative function of the Building Department. Title 25 does not specifically address the 2-story cabana, it provides a definition and regulations to insure that the structure remains a trailer so that it can be removed under the provisions of Title 25. The plans will be reviewed under the provisions of Title 25 when they are submitted. Mr. Latta stated he would have no objection to making any adjustments to comply with Title 25. Mr. Covington was concerned that decks and balconies be included in the cabana construction to fully utilize the view and open space as has been done in the past to be consistent with the history of cabana development within the trailer park. Mr. Latta indicated that while he is not providing balconies, he is setting his building back and providing a garden area. It was Covington's feeling that the original intent of the cabana should be preserved, i.e., to provide decks or balconies to ease denseness due to substandard lots. Commissioner Sharp moved to continue Plan Review 2-87 to allow the Commission to take a closer look at the trailer park and allow staff and the applicant to consider revising the plans to take into account the substandard lots and the need to provide balconies or decks to relieve this denseness; Covington seconds. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Covington, Jessner, Sharp, Suggs None Perrin Motion Carried . 5 . SCHEDULED MATTERS - IN-LIEU PARKING PROGRAM Per Planning Commission request, the Director provided a report updating the status of businesses utilizing parking variances in the Old Town Main Street area. Six businesses have conditions on their variances which require them to enter into agreements to participate in a City-approved "in-lieu" parking program. It was noted that Walt's Wharf, Old Town Wine & Gourmet, Hennessey's, Nick's Deli, 326 Main Street are currently participating in the program. 901 Ocean has since closed and is no longer in the parking program. The total number of parking spaces utilized is 117 with a yearly income to the City of $11,700. It was explained that the Development Services Department will be working with the Finance Department to insure prompt payment of the fees. The City Attorney prepared, per Commission request, an interim "in-lieu" parking agreement, valid until a permanent program can be established. This agreement will be forwarded to each of these businesses for execution. Chairman Jessner requested additional information on the Kyle development on Pacific Coast Highway. Jessner felt there was a shortfall of parking spaces that should be included in the in-lieu program. . Responding to a Commission member, the Director explained the City Manager and he are planning a work program to implement Phase 2 of the Downtown Task Force. This program will identify all steps necessary to show what existing demand is, what future demand will be and specifically identify projects and make a commitment to those projects. A cost will be determined for those projects and a consultant hired to provide a vehicle, such as in-lieu program, to pay for those projects. An in-lieu parking district and program in Old Town will be identified and adopted, if that is the recommendation of the consultant. With regard to nonpayment of in-lieu fees, Knight updated the Commission. Every business is current for 85/86. Walt's Wharf, Hennesseys and 326 Main Street have not paid their full fees for 86/87. Knight indicated each of the businesses have been sent a letter requesting payment of fee and providing the information that should the fee not be paid, there is a possibility their variance could be revoked. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS The Director clarified for Mitzi Morton that program shall continue until such time permanent in-lieu program or until such time of off-street parking spaces required by the the business. The City does have the option lieu fees. the interim in-lieu as the City adopts a as the total number code are provided by to increase the in- . Jerri West, 1201 Electric, felt the Planning Commission representative for District 1 should be present at all Commission meetings. The Chairman explained that the Councilmember from District 1 will be making an appointment to the Planning 6 . Commission soon as Mr Perrin has been unable to attend all Commission meetings. STAFF CONCERNS The Director reported that the large family/small family day care ordinance was adopted by the City Council as well as the hotel amendment to the Code. He also noted a property owner at 705 Ocean Avenue requested Council to rezone the open space in the 700 block of Ocean to Public Land Use. Staff will be bringing that back to the Planning Commission for their determination. It was further noted that the DWP has successfully removed most of the asbestos on the site, to be completed in February. COMMISSION CONCERNS Commissioner Covington requested the City Council agenda packet be delivered to each Commission member. Chairman Jessner indicated he had received a letter Cable Communications Foundation asking that live coverage of Planning Commission meetings be allowed, to by the Foundation. It was determined to consider this the February 4th Commission meeting. from the or taped be funded matter at . ADJOURNMENT It was the consensus of the Commission and so ordered by the Chair to adiourn the Planning Commission meeting of January 21, 1987 at lO:4fup.m. THESE MINUTES ARE TENTATIVE, SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION. . 7