HomeMy WebLinkAbout041608 PC MinutesMINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA
PLANNING COMMISSION
APRIL 16, 2008
CALL TO ORDER
The City of Temecula Planning Commission convened in a regular meeting at 6:00 p.m., on
Wednesday, April 16, 2008, in the City Council Chambers of Temecula City Hall, 43200
Business Park Drive, Temecula, California.
ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Guerriero led the audience in the Flag salute
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners: Carey, Chiniaeff, Guerriero, Harter, and Telesio
Absent: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mr. Larry Borcherding, Temecula, relayed his concern with new homes being built behind his
home, and the obstruction of his view from his backyard.
For Mr. Borcherding, Assistant City Manager Johnson advised that staff would contact him to
address his concerns.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1 Director's Hearing Case Update
RECOMMENDATION:
1.1 Approve the Director's Hearing Case Update for March
MOTION: Commissioner Guerriero moved to approve the Consent Calendar. Commissioner
Chiniaeff seconded the motion and voice vote reflected unanimous approval.
PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
2 Planning Application No. LR08-0019, review the proposed Heritage Tree Ordinance.
adding Chapter 8.36 to Title 8 of the Municipal Code, and recommend that the Citv Council
adopt the Ordinance. Emerv Papp
By way of PowerPoint Presentation, Senior Planner Papp highlighted on the following
• Project Description
• Background
• Analysis
• General Plan
• Environmental Determination
With respect to 8.36.230 Exception in the proposed Ordinance, under Public, Senior Planner
Papp noted that this would apply to CIP projects; however, there would be exceptions that could
be made in the event there was a threat to safety or removing a tree to widen a roadway.
Director of Planning Ubnoske advised that Director of Public Works Hughes was involved in the
proposed Ordinance and was comfortable with the language, but noted that it would not be a
problem to add clarifying language.
Having many years of experience with oak trees, Commissioner Chiniaeff queried if staff was
referencing large circumference trees or large diameter trees.
For Commissioner Chiniaeff, Senior Planner Papp noted that the proposed Ordinance
references large circumference trees measured at 4-feet above the ground.
With respect to solar easements, Senior Planner Papp noted that the proposed Ordinance
would address when it would be appropriate to alter a heritage tree which would include
maintenance and/or pruning.
For the Planning Commission, Senior Papp noted that the Planning Commission is being asked
to approve the proposed Ordinance which is accompanied by the policy, but that the policy
would not be referenced in the proposed Ordinance but would not be part of the proposed
Ordinance; noted that for clarity purposes, an Arborist should review the definitions with respect
to "Drip Lines'.
Commissioner Chiniaeff stated that if the intention would be to preserve Oak Trees, he would
encourage staff to work with an Arborist with respect to implementing a Heritage Tree
Ordinance.
Director of Planning Ubnoske noted that the proposed Ordinance and policy manual would be
two separate documents.
After much discussion, it was the consensus of the Planning Commission for staff to address
the following issues and further clarify the following:
• Proposed Ordinance: 8.36.230 Exceptions
• Proposed Ordinance: 8.36.500 Definitions
• Proposed Ordinance: 8.36.200 Mitigation Considerations
• Proposed Ordinance: 8.36.310 Heritage Tree Preservation and Protection Plan
• Proposed Ordinance: 8.36.410 Enforcement Remedies for Violation
• Proposed Ordinance: 8.36.420 Collection of Penalties
• Policy Manual: 2.4 Trenching and Protection Zones
• Policy Manual: 3.2 C Protecting Fencing
• Policy Manual: 4.0 Definitions
• That inventory of all oak trees throughout the City be assessed
• That a certified Arborist be involved in the process of the proposed Ordinance
• That all trees should be identified and treated differently (per species)
MOTION: Commissioner Chiniaeff moved to continue staff recommendation to 45 days to allow
staff an opportunity to define and clarify the above mentioned issues. Commissioner Harter
seconded the motion and voice vote reflected unanimous approval.
With respect to Ynez Road and Tierra Vista, Deputy Director of Public Works York advised that
the developer has been conditioned to install sidewalks.
Chairperson Telesio reiterated his concern with merchandise (obstructions) in the walkway
areas in front of stores and would request that Code Enforcement explore these types of
scenarios at the various stores in the area. Mr. Telesio also remarked on the aesthetics of the
new building at Margarita Road and Pauba Road (Paloma), noting that the back side facing
Margarita Road displays the exposed air conditioning units which results in an eye-sore to the
community.
PLANNING DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Director of Planning advised that staff is currently working on an Ordinance that will address
foreclosures, noting that a workshop will be held which will include staff, property management
companies, and residents of Temecula.
ADJOURNMENT
At 7:10 pm, Chairman Telesio formally adjourned to May 7, 2008 at 6:00 p.m., in the City
Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula.
John Te sio
Chairman
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Debbie Ubnoske
Director of Planning