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HomeMy WebLinkAbout100796 PC Minutes MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 7, 1996 A regular meeting of the City of Temecula Planning Commission was called to order on Monday, October 7, 1996, 6:02 P.M., at the Rancho California Water District Board Room, 42135 Winchester Road, Temecula, California. Chairman Fahey presiding. PRESENT: Fahey, Miller, Soltysiak, Webster ABSENT: Slaven Commissioner Slaven arrived at 6:05 P.M. Chairman Fahey left the meeting at 7:20 P.M. Also present were Assistant City Attorney Rubin D. Weiner, Senior Planner Dave Hogan, Assistant Planner Craig Ruiz, and Minute Clerk Pat Kelley. PUBLIC COMMENTS Chairman Fahey called for public comments on non-agenda items at 6:03 P.M. There were no requests to speak. COMMI~qlON RUS1NFSS 1. Approval of Agenda It was moved by Commissioner Webster and seconded by Commissioner Soltysiak to approve the agenda. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 4 COMMISSIONERS: Fahey, Miller, Soltysiak, Webster NOES: 0 COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: Slaven 2. Director' s Hearing Case Update No questions or clarifications were requested on this item. 3. Beer and Wine Criteria Senior Planner Dave Hogan stated this list of questions was developed to assist the Commission in making or not making a finding of "public convenience or necessity." Questions 1 thru 5 and 7 justify a finding of public convenience or necessity; questions 6 and 8 thru 10, suggest making a non-f'mding. There were no public comments. Chairman Fahey opened the public hearing at 6:10 P.M. R: \PLANCOMM\MINUTES \ 1996\ 100796. PC 11/20/96 klb 1 PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 7, 1996 Commissioner Slaven asked if staff will use this list in developing their report to the Commission. Mr. Hogan confirmed that is the intent. Commissioner Miller stated he does not want to adopt this as a checklist; the list is merely a suggestion. There are many more questions that should be asked. Commissioner Webster asked if the one-quarter mile in Question 6 is based on a normal walking distance. Mr. Hogan replied there was no set criteria for establishing the quarter mile; it is open for change. Commissioner Webster questioned if there is a possibility of a conditional use permit not coming before the Commission since there is now an approved Development Code. Mr. Hogan replied the finding of public convenience or necessity items will always be brought to the Commission. Commissioner Slaven said this criteria is a fair and equitable beginning as a working tool, and as other pertinent questions are raised, they can be added. Assistant City Attomey Rubin Weiner stated this list tells staff the minimum factors to be brought to the Commission' s attention. Chairman Fahey miterated these are guidelines for consideration and for staff to provide answers to and is not an all-inclusive list. She asked if it is possible to have these criteria answered during a conditional use permit discussion. Mr. Weiner replied it is possible to have them considered together. Mr. Hogan stated the criteria will be incorporated into staff's report. It was the consensus of the Commission to use this criteria listing in determining public convenience and necessity and adjustments can be made as warranted. 4. Finding of Public Convenience or Necessity, Winchester Market (.Michael's Market) Senior Planner Dave Hogan presented the staff report recommending a finding of public convenience or necessity for Winchester Mini Market (Michael's Market) located at the northeast corner of Ynez Road and Solano Way. Commissioner Webster asked for a legal explanation of why the Commission needs to make a finding when a business already has an existing beer and wine license and is only upgrading. Mr. Weiner replied a license can not be upgraded. A beer and wine license is separate from a liquor license and neither can be obtained without a finding. ABC distinguishes between on-sale and off-sale licenses and concentrates on off-sale retail licenses. R:\PLANCOMM\MINUTES\1996\100796.PC 11/20/96 klb 2 PI.ANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 7, 1996 Chairman Fahey opened the public hearing at 6:30 P.M. Larry Markham, 41750 Winchester Road, Suite L, Temecula, representing the applicant Mark Moida, stated Mr. Moida will be purchasing a new license through a broker and will relinquish the existing beer and wine license. ABC determined a finding is required because it is a new license. Mr. Moida is a new owner and the store's name has been changed to Michael's Market. This site is probably one-half to three-quarters of a mile from any other off-premise liquor sales establishment. Chairman Fahey asked if relinquishing the license means it will be traded or put up for sell. Mr. Markham answered the existing beer and wine license will be relinquished to ABC. Chairman closed the Public Comment Section at 6:40 P.M. It was moved by Commissioner Webster and seconded by Commissioner Soltysiak to make a finding of public convenience or necessity for Michael's Market based on the absence of this particular type of establishment in the area. The motion carried as follows: AYES: 5 NOES: 0 ABSENT: 0 COMMISSIONERS: Fahey, Miller, Slaven, Soltysiak, Webster COMMISSIONERS: None COMMISSIONERS None Chairman Fahey suggested to staff a map showing locations of the business requesting a finding of public convenience or necessity and other licensed businesses in the area would be helpful. Chairman Fahey called for a recess at 7:40 P.M. Chairman Fahey called the meeting back to order at 7:50 P.M. 5. City-Wide Design Guidelines Assistant Planner Craig Ruiz said the Design Guidelines were continued from the September 30, 1996 meeting which ended on page III-11, 5. Parking Structures. Chairman Fahey stated the public hearing is still open. Russell Rumansoff, 27349 Jefferson Avenue, Suite 206, Temecula, said he realized the Commission wanted specific remarks, but since the document is not specific, it is difficult for him to do so. He feels with discretionary guidelines, it is difficult to persuade a client to do more than is required. He does not think the illustrated ways of how to terminate material shown on Page 111-24 is significant except between architects. A key item of being a great city is what people experience. This is a vehicular-oriented city with very few commercial centers where one walks to shop. He said the guidelines are too broad and cannot be uniformly applied; more focus is required. The 3c statement on Page IV-3, does not seem to R:\PLANCOMM\MINUTES\1996\100796.PC 11/20/96 klb 3 PI,ANN1NG COMMISSION OCTOBER 7, 1996 have been written for Temecula. Mr. Rumansoff distributed an article concerning a ruling handed down by the Washington State Court of Appeals concerning design review standards. Commissioner Slaven asked Mr. Rumansoff if he had any suggestions on how the guidelines might be more clearly defined. Mr. Rumansoff answered the Development Code has stated standards and is starting to get specific which makes Temecula different from other cities. He recommended the site planning, landscape, circulation, and parking issues should stay in the guidelines, but delete the architectural items. Commissioner Slaven inquired if Mr. Rumansoff felt these guidelines will limit the artistic concepts of an architect. Mr. Rumansoff replied it is exactly the opposite. The guidelines do not set standards, only suggestions. The guidelines are too general and will have the effect of every building being duplicated down the street. His concern is a lower standard of design will be set by making buildings similar, compatible, matching. Different buildings, shapes, and colors are what make Temecula an exciting and different city. Chairman Fahey turned the meeting over to Co-Chairman Slaven as she had to leave. Page 111-7. Commissioner Soltysiak asked what the 40' minimum related to in the upper right diagram. Mr. Mark Brodeur, representing Urban Design Studio, contractor for the preparation of the Design Guidelines, replied the dimension figure is extraneous and will be deleted. f. Mechanical l~quipment, page 1II-17. Co-Chairman Slaven stated the proposed screening is different from what is generally approved. Commissioner Webster stated this section gives a little more definition to the usual condition that equipment be screened from public view. Commissioner Soltysiak asked if a standard is being created or only a suggestion. Mr. Brodeur replied it is a suggestion. C. Building Form and Scale, 2., page III-18 Commissioner Webster remarked having unpainted concrete or block walls as an undesirable architectural element is a departure from current practice. Mr. Brodeur stated this paragraph suggests that unpainted concrete or block walls are inappropriate wall material in commercial areas. Commissioner Miller stated unpainted split face (textured surface) concrete is attractive and appropriate for commercial areas. It was the consensus of the Commission to change 2c to read "Unpainted concrete or cinder block walls" Co-Chairman Slaven reiterated the list of desirable building elements only gives an idea of what might be appropriate; other elements can be proposed. 3.c., page III~19 - Commissioner Webster suggested adding the following: The scale of the buildings would address the relationship to the building's setback, street width, lot size, and lot coverage. R:\PLANCO~\MINUTES\1996\100796.PC 11/20/96 klb 4 PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 7, 1996 3.d.,page 111-19 - Commissioner Webster stated he was not sure if the Commission wants to discourage franchise colors, lighting, etc; but also unsure colors, lighting, signage should be specified. Co-Chairman Slaven remarked she is strongly opposed to corporate colors and illuminated tubes. Mr. Brodeur suggested not adding color guidelines and the Commission continue to negotiate color since color, more than any other architectural feature, is a very subjective area of design. It was the consensus of the Commission leave the paragraph as written. D. 1 ~ndscaping, page 111-28 Commissioner Miller asked if the City landscape consultant would be available for questions. Mr. Hogan replied staff had not planned to ask Mike Elliott to attend the meeting. Co- Chairman Slaven asked if the city landscape architect had looked at this section. Mr. Hogan replied he had not. Commissioner Miller asked how the "Plant Palette" list evolved. Mr. Brodeur replied a list was developed from suggested plants found in adopted specific plans. The Urban Design Studio landscape architect then went through that list and made modifications and the list was reviewed by Vince DiDonato who made further modifications. I. General, page 111-28 Commissioner Webster questioned if the City's landscape ordinance for drought tolerant plants should be referenced. Mr. Brodeur answered it would be appropriate to add "The project designer is encouraged to review the City's Drought-Tolerant Plant Material Ordinance." under "D. Landscaping". 1.b, page H1-28 Commissioner Webster stated specimen trees should be 36" instead of 48". Mr. Ruiz stated all 48" trees will be changed to 36". 2. Landscaped Area Ratio, Spacing and Size, a., page 111-31 Commissioner Soltysiak asked if the 800 square feet ratio should be changed to 600 square foot for consistency with the amended Development Code specifications. Mr. Brodeur suggested (a.) should be deleted. It was the consensus of the Commission to delete paragraph (a.). Page 111-31, minimum size of plant materials Commissioner Webster remarked the stated ratio is inadequate. He would suggest a 20%, 36 inch box; 40%, 24 inch box; and 40% 15 gallon ratio. His reasoning was 1. many 15 gallon trees have been planted and five (5) years later, they still look like 15 gallon trees; 2. theoretically, 15 gallon trees will grow faster, but in parking lot areas, the compaction around plants does not allow development of root systems; 3. it is not an economic hardship to have the larger trees. Commissioner Soltysiak asked about the origin of the ratio. Mr. Brodeur replied Vince DiDonato developed this ratio; the original one had a higher percentage of larger trees, but was lowered because the larger specimen trees experience a high mortality as they are less able to recover from shock and the economic hardship of having 48 and 36 inch box specimen trees is very high. Mr. Hogan stated the Development Code sets a minimum of 15 gallon trees with no ratio. It was the consensus of the Commission that the ratio was adequate as written. 3. Perimeter landscaping, b.2), page I11-32 Commission Webster requested the minimum wall width should be changed to 6' to be consistent with the recently amended Development Code. R:\PLANCOMM\MINUTES\1996\100796.PC 11/20/96 klb 5 PI,ANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 7, 1996 4. Internal Site landscaping, page 111-33 Commissioner Soltysiak noted concrete strips and planters with step outs are encouraged in these guidelines. Commissioner Webster recommended adding minimum planter width or wider end-parking stalls. Mr. Brodeur replied widths should be in the Development Code, not the design guidelines. Commissioner Soltysiak stated a 7' planter was necessary to maintain a 5' landscape width. Mr. Brodeur replied the change would be made. 5. Furniture/Fixtures d., page 111-35 Commissioner Miller stated paragraph d was redundant. It was the consensus of the Commission the paragraph shall remain as written. f., page 111-35 Commission Miller questioned the reason advertising signs on outdoor furniture such as bus benches are not permitted as there is an agreement between the city and the Rotary Club for advertising in this manner. Mr. Hogan stated he will research the matter and bring back the information to the Commission. 7. l.ighting, d., page 111-37 Commissioner Miller asked the meaning of "light source... should not be visible..." Mr. Brodeur replied the actual element or the light bulb should not be visible off site. For clarification, he will amend the sentence to read "The light source or element..." 7.g. page 111-37 Commissioner Webster stated there are cases where internal illuminated awnings should be allowed. Mr. Hogan said the sign ordinance under development is proposing to prohibit internally illuminated awning signs. Mr. Weiner recommended changing the wording to "should be discouraged". It was the consensus of the Commission to make the recommended change. Plant Palette, palte 111-38 Commissioner Webster stated a section for vines should be included and provided a list for staff's consideration. He also stated there are many other trees that could be added to the list such as pine, ash, ginkgo, mayten, pistache and California laurel to name a few. Mr. Brodeur reiterated the listed plants are ones previously approved and the list is a suggestion only, not a requirement. Co-Chairman Slaven suggested stating this is a suggested list and the landscape architect is encouraged not to be limited by these lists. It was the consensus of the Commission to include such a statement. It was moved by Commissioner Miller and seconded by Commissioner Soltysiak to continue discussion of City-wide Design Guidelines to the November 4, 1996, meeting. R:\PLANCOI~q\MINUTES\1996\100796.PC 11/20/96 klb 6 PI.ANNING COMMISSION OCTOBF. R 7, 1996 The motion carried as follows: AYES: 4 NOES: 0 ABSENT: 1 COMMISSIONERS: COMMISSIONERS: C OMMIS SIONERS: Miller, Slaven, Soltysiak, Webster None Fahey Co-Chairman Slaven stated the public heating remains open. PLANN1NG MANAGER'S REPORT Senior Planner Dave Hogan stated a community meeting will be held October 14 with the business community to explain what the Planning Department is doing, it's process, and provide an opportunity for questions. The pro_posed sign ordinance will be on the October 21, 1996 Commission agenda. PI,ANNING COMMISSION DISCUSSION Commissioner Soltysiak asked if the architects for the Old Town Center were coming back as they had stated everything was changing. Mr. Hogan stated he assumed they would be back, but has not heard from anyone. He believes the changes relate to a shifting of the layout and composition, not the concept. It was moved by Commissioner Miller and seconded by Commissioner Soltysiak to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 P.M. The motion was unanimously carried. The next meeting will be held October 21, 1996, at 6:00 P.M. at the Rancho California Water District Board Room, 42135 Winchester Road, Temecula, California. '; , ~ - ci,:.:,/~, t, k-"b ~ ~//4'~"' ' ~ '" Linda Fahey, Chairman Debbie Ubnoske, Secretary R:\PLANCOMM\MINUTES\1996\100796.PC 11/20/96 klb 7