HomeMy WebLinkAbout072197 PC MinutesMINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
OF THI*~ CITY OF TEMECULA
PLANNING COMMISSION
JULY 21, 1997
CALL TO ORDER
The City of Temecula Planning Commission convened in a regular session at 6:02
P.M., on Monday, July 21, 1997, in the City Council Chambers of Temecula City Hall,
43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Commissioners Guerriero, Soltysiak, and Acting
Chairman Miller.
Absent:
Commissioner Slaven and Chairwoman Fahey.
Also Present:
Planning Manager Ubnoske,
Principal Engineer Parks,
Attorney Estrada,
Senior Planner Hogan,
Project Planner De Gange,
Project Planner Donahoe,
Assistant Planner Anders, and
Minute Clerk Ballreich.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Acting Chairman Miller called for public comments with regard to non-agenda items.
There were no requests to speak.
COMMISSION BUSINESS
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Planning Manager Ubnoske requested that Agenda Item No. 6 (Old Town Specific
Plan) be continued to a date uncertain and that Agenda Item No. 7 (Adoption of a
Comprehensive Sign Ordinance) be continued to the August 4, 1997, Planning Commission
meeting.
MOTION: Commissioner Guerriero moved for the approval of the Agenda as
amended. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Soltysiak and voice vote of those
present reflected unanimous approval (Commissioners Fahey and Slaven absent).
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2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - July 7, 1997
Acting Chairman Miller requested that page 7, paragraph 1, be amended as follows:
"... entrances to the entertainment ... 24" box perimeter trees will be spaced ..."
Acting Chairman Miller requested that page 11, last paragraph, be amended as follows:
"Planning Manager Ubnoske being absent, Community ..."
MOTION: Commissioner Guerdero moved for the approval of the July 7, 1997,
Planning Commission minutes as amended. The motion was seconded by Commissioner
Soltysiak and voice vote of those present reflected unanimous approval (Commissioners Fahey
and Slaven absent).
3. BEST WESTERN SIGNAGE
Planning Application No. PA97-0065 - a freestanding freeway-oriented sign for Best
Western County Inn, measuring 137 square feet in area and 45 feet in height, located on the
west side of Interstate 15, south of Winchester Road (27706 Jefferson Avenue).
RECOMMENDATION
To approve the request as conditioned.
Project Planner Donahoe reviewed the request as per staff report (of record), noting
that the visibility of the existing freeway-oriented sign is being impaired because of the height
of the existing trees (located in Caltrans right-of-way); that because of the view impairment,
the applicant has requested that the sign be increased in height from 33' to 45'; that the
proposed sign would be higher than already existing signs in the general area but that it would
not exceed the allowable height as per Ordinance No. 348; that the proposed sign will be
internally illuminated; and that it will be, compared to the already existing signs, the smallest
sign with regard to size but the tallest with regard to height.
Project Planner Donahoe informed the Commissioners that Caltrans would permit the
topping of the existing Eucalyptus trees (approximately 10') as long as the applicant can show
just cause that this action will benefit the visibility of the sign. Ms. Donahoe also noted that
the slight bend on the freeway makes it difficult for southbound traffic to see the existing sign.
Project Planner Donahoe recommended that the following addition be made to the
recommended conditions of approval:
that 2.c. be added: The existing AAA sign, (located below the existing
sign) be removed and not be considered a part of this application.
Project Planner Donahoe advised that the replacement sign will be a pole sign to which
Commissioner Soltysiak relayed concern with regard to how this sign will comply with
Ordinance No. 348 once it is amended.
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Acting Chairman Miller noted that the proposed sign would be similar to the existing
McDonald's pole sign.
Because neither the City Council nor the Planning Commission has taken any action as
to amending Ordinance No. 348, Planning Manager Ubnoske recommended that the proposed
sign be reviewed under the existing standards of Ordinance No. 348 (maximum allowable
height of 45').
Although he has not favored, in the past, signs in excess of 40' high, Acting Chairman
Miller spoke in support of the requested 45' sign because of the reduction in elevation which
occurs at the freeway which creates a sight visibility problem.
Attomey Estrada clarified that because this request has never been discussed as a public
hearing, Commissioner Guerriero may vote on the matter.
At this time, Acting Chairman Miller opened the public hearing.
Ms. Patti Skoglund, Superior Electrical Advertising, representing the applicant, advised
that she was present to address any questions/concerns and requested the Commission's
approval of the sign.
At this time, the public hearing was closed.
Clarifying that he has no objection with the proposed sign, Commissioner Soltysiak
noted that his only concern pertained to the compliance issue is with regard to the proposed
sign once Ordinance No. 348 is amended.
MOTION: Commissioner Guerriem moved to approve the request as conditioned by
staff, including the addition of Condition No. 2c. (as noted above). The motion was seconded
by Commissioner Soltysiak and voice vote of those present reflected unanimous approval
(Commissioners Fahey and Slaven absent).
PUBLIC HlZ~ARING ITEMS
4. PLANNING APPLICATION NO. PA97-0089 (DEVELOPMENT PLAN)
Planning Commission consideration of a request to construct and operate the Tuscany
Ridge Apartments, a 220-unit apartment complex on 13.8 acres with associated
recreation amenities including a pool, weight room, a volleyball court, tot lot, and
barbeque areas within the High-Density Residential District.
RECOMMENDATION
To adopt the Negative Declaration for Planning Application No. PA97-0089; to adopt
the Mitigation Monitoring Program for Planning Application No. PA97-0089; and to
adopt Resolution No. 97- recommending approval of Planning
Application No. PA97-0089 based upon the Analysis and Findings contained in the
staff report and subject to Conditions of Approval.
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Project Planner De Gange reviewed the proposed request as per staff report (of record);
advised that the applicant, as per staff's request, has included additional trees/plantings long
Margarita Road, serving as a buffer to the existing single-family residential units across the
street; and recommended that Condition No. 83 be amended as follows:
Prior to the issuance of building permits, the developer shall pay
$400.00 per unit or the development impact fee whichever is in
effect at the time of the issuance of building permits as mitigation
for fire protection impacts.
For Commissioner Soltysiak, Project Planner De Gange advised that in light of staff
discussion with the applicant, the following plan revisions were proposed:
creating a buffer, for the existing single-family units, along
Margarita Road;
altering full access from the eastern-most driveway;
placing the active recreational area within an easily accessible
and centrally located area;
redesigning pedestrian access ways to ensure easy accessibility -
handicapped access.
In response to Acting Chairman Miller, Principal Engineer Parks advised that the
installation of a traffic signal at Solana and Margarita Roads has been designated as a capital
improvement budget for this year.
In light of Commissioner Guerriero's concern with regard to uncontrolled in and out
left-tuming movements at the southerly driveway, Principal Engineer Parks advised that
several improvements have been proposed, including the construction of raised landscaped
medians. Commissioner Guerriero suggested that the proposed raised median be extended
further south then what is currently reflected on the plans.
Commissioner Guerriero as well expressed concem with regard to the omission of a
left-turn lane for exiting purposes at the main entrance, noting that a left-turn lane has been
proposed for westbound traffic. He noted that landscaped medians may present a sight
distance problem. It was noted that staff would readdress the issue.
For Commissioner Soltysiak, Principal Engineer Parks advised that staff would concur
that the median should be extended to the Moraga Road intersection but noted that it would not
be fair to place this extra cost on the developer.
Mr. Dave Jeffers, Rick Engineering Company, representing the applicant, commended
staff on the presentation. In response to Mr. Jeffers' comment, Planning Manager Ubnoske
noted that Condition No. 77 (arterial street lighting on Margarita Road shall be dedicated to
the City prior to installation of the street lights or issuance of the first building permit,
whichever occurs first) will be readdressed for clarification with the Community Services
Department. Mr. Jeffers noted that the proposed 220-unit project was approved in 1988 but
that the approval had expired, advising that only minor layout modifications have been made
from the previously approved plan. Mr. Jeffers stated that once approved, grading permits
would be immediately pulled and that construction would begin as soon as possible.
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In response to Commissioner Soltysiak, Mr. Jeffers provided additional clarification
with regard to the location of the proposed courtyard and advised that the wall to the south is
an existing retaining wall to which Commissioner Soltysiak requested that all measures be
taken to ensure that this wall will be able to withstand the weight of the slope once completed.
Although he would prefer that no apartments be constructed in the immediate area, Mr.
Michael Naggar, 43034 Agena Street, owner of property in Rancho Del Sol, advised that after
reviewing the staff report, he would concur that the proposed project will be in accordance
with the City's General Plan. Therefore, Mr. Nfiggar stated that the applicant should be
permitted to construct the project but requested that the following issues be taken into
consideration:
that in light of the recent approval of the Mall and the development of
a future community park in the area, the increased traffic/
pedestrian impact this project would have on Margarita Road,
Moraga Road, Rancho California Road, and the school be addressed;
that the only access to the school and to the future community park
from Rancho Del Sol would be by way of an uncontrolled crosswalk;
that this particular area may become a major thoroughfare as a
result of the approved Mall;
that the proposed project may further impact already decreasing
property values;
that the construction of apartments may create an undesirable
transitory situation;
that the General Plan be amended with regard to the property to
the east, noting that another project of this size and magnitude
could not be sustained in the immediate area considering the
construction of the Mall, the existing school, the future
community park, etc.
In response to Mr. Naggat, Mr. Jeffers advised that because of the distance of the
proposed project to the neighboring homeowner associations and because of the limited written
and verbal responses to the proposed project, the applicant opted to address any
concerns/issues at this evening's Planning Commission meeting versus individually meeting
with the homeowner associations.
In light of Mr. Naggar's concerns with regard to traffic impact, Mr. Jeffers advised
that traffic studies were completed and that these studies support the proposed project, noting
that the level of service at Moraga/Margarita Roads intersection and Moraga/Rancho
California Roads intersection currently operates at level C which is within standards.
For Commissioner Guerriero, Mr. Jeffers reviewed rental fees which ranged from $700
to $1,000 per month.
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Acting Chairman Miller referenced the letter of objection from Robert and Christine
Martinelli.
Principal Engineer Parks, advised Acting Chairman Miller, that a traffic analysis was
prepared, by the applicant, for the subject site; noted that Margarita Road would be widened
and that raised landscaped medians are being required; and stated that the level of service at
the Moraga/Margarita Roads intersection will increase from
level B to level C but that the level of service at the Moraga/Rancho California Roads
intersection will remain the same (level C).
Advising that the project was posted on June 8, 1997, Project Planner De Gange
informed the Commissioners that staff received nominal calls were received with regard to the
project, noting those received pertained to traffic congestion and impact on the schools.
Planner De Gange noted that the School Board had been apprised of the proposed project and
that no concerns were voiced by the Board.
At this time, the public hearing was closed.
Commenting on the similarities of this project and the one which was previously
approved, Commissioner Soltysiak relayed his support of the request.
In light of Mrs. Martinelli's concerns (as per the article in the newspaper),
Commissioner Guerriero suggested that staff contact Mrs. Martinelli and apprise her of
specific improvements which are being proposed in order to mitigate such concerns including
the construction of additional schools, etc. In response to Commissioner Guerriero, Mr.
Jeffers expressed no concern with regard to security as it relates to the back portion of the
project near the existing retaining wall.
Attorney Estrada requested that the following amendments be made to the Resolution:
Section 3. Environmental Compliance. An Initial ... to the project, and a
Mitigated Negative Declaration is hereby approved.
Section 4. Conditions. That the City of Temecula Planning Commission
hereby adopts the Mitigation Monitoring Program attached hereto as
Exhibit B. and approves Planning ...
MOTION: Commissioner Soltysiak moved to approve Planning Application
No. PA97-0089 as conditioned, including findings of fact set forth by staff, and amending
Condition No. 83 (as previously noted), clarifying Condition No. 77, and amending Sections 3
and 4 of the Resolution. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Guerriero and voice vote
of those present reflected unanimous approval (Commissioners Fahey and Slaven absent).
5. PLANNING APPI,ICATION NO. PA97-0151(CONDITIONAI, USE, PERM1T)
To construct and operate a 7,510 square foot retail tire sales and
installation for America's Tire.
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RECOMMI~,NDATION
To adopt the Negative Declaration for Planning Application No. 97-0151; adopt the
Mitigation Monitoring Program for Planning Application No. 97-0151; and adopt
Resolution No. 97- approving Planning Application No. 97-0151 based upon the
Analysis and Findings contained in the Staff Report and subject to the Conditions of
Approval.
Planning Manager Ubnoske introduced newly hired Assistant Planner Anders to the
Commissioners, who, in turn, proceeded with an overview of the request (as per written
material of record), advising that because the newly revised landscaping plan adequately
addresses the west elevation, staff would recommend the deletion of Condition No. 9
(additional trees shall be added to the planter on the southwest property line to better soften the
building elevations along this portion of the project, subject to the review and approval of the
City's Landscape Architect. This requirement shall be added to the project's landscape plan
and become part of the approve record).
Acting Chairman Miller expressed concern with regard to the visual aesthetics of the
roll-up doors located closest to Winchester Road. Assistant Planner Anders noted that the
temporary asphalt driveway will serve the subject site; that the applicant has secured a
reciprocal access agreement from the site to the west; that all Caltrans concerns (as noted in
letter dated July 7, 1997) have been or will be addressed by way of the recommended
conditions of approval; and that the applicant has provided additional landscaping near the well
site.
At this time, Acting Chairman Miller opened the public hearing.
Mr. Daniel Waynewright, representing America's Tire Company, requested the
Commission's approval of the project and briefly reviewed the operations of the business,
clarifying that no mechanical work would be performed at the site and that the business would
strictly be limited to the sale and replacement of tires.
Although a separate lighting plan for the site has not been submitted, Assistant Planner
Anders, for Commissioner Guerriero, advised that the exterior lighting above the service bays
will comply with the standards of Ordinance No. 655.
In response to Commissioner Guerriero's concern, Mr. Waynewright expressed no
objection to providing additional plantings along the east side in order to properly screen visual
view of the service bays and as well noted no objection in attempting to coordinate landscaping
plans with the parcels to the east and west.
At this time, Acting Chairman Miller closed the public hearing.
Assistant Planner Anders noted that the project to the east would only be reviewed by
the Planning Commission if it is larger than 10,000 square feet.
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Commissioner Soltysiak echoed Acting Chairman Miller's earlier comment that
additional landscaping be provided near the well site.
Principal Engineer Parks recommended that Condition Nos. 49 and 59 (pertaining to
written clearance) be amended to include Caltrans as one of the agencies.
With regard to Condition No. 9, Assistant Planner Anders recommended the following
amendment:
Additional trees and shrubs shall be added to the planter on the west side of the
Rancho California Water District well site. This requirement shall be added
to the project's landscape plan and become part of the approved record.
In response to Commissioner Soltysiak, Principal Engineer Parks advised that the
purpose of the existing ditch (to the wes0 will be addressed during the Plan Check process.
Attorney Estrada requested that the following amendments be made to the Resolution:
Section 3. Environmental Compliance. An Initial ... to the project, and a
Mitigated Negative Declaration is hereby approved.
Section 4. Conditions. That the City of Temecula Planning Commission
hereby adopts the Mitigation Monitoring Program attached hereto as
Exhibit B. and approves Planning ...
MOTION: Commissioner Soltysiak moved to adopt the Negative Declaration, the
Mitigation Monitoring Program, and Resolution No. 97-016 (amended; as noted above),
approving Planning Application No. 97-0151 based upon the Analysis and Findings contained
in the staff report, including the conditions of approval and amending Condition Nos. 9, 49,
and 59. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Guerriero and voice vote of those present
reflected unanimous approval (Commissioners Fahey and Slaven absent).
6. PLANNING APPIJCATION NO. PA97-0221
A request for approval of an amendment to the Old TownSpecific Plan to allow for the
payment of the parking in-lieu fee in place of the required parking spaces.
Thin Agenda Item has been continued to a date uncertain.
7. PLANNING APPIJCATION NO. PA95-0127 (SIGN ORDINANCE)
Adoption of a Comprehensive Sign Ordinance
Thin Agenda Item has been continued to the August 4, 1997, Planning Commition
meeting.
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PI,ANNING MANAGER'S REPORT
Advising that because the first Monday in September fails on Labor Day (September 1,
1997), Planning Manager Ubnoske stated the meeting would have to be rescheduled.
Following some discussion, it was the consensus of those Commissioners present that the
meeting be rescheduled to September 8, 1997. It was noted that the Planning Commission
would be meeting September 8 and 15, 1997.
In response to a concern noted by Commissioner Slaven at the July 7, 1997, Planning
Commission meeting, with regard to a Director's hearing approvai of a project aiong
Winchester Road Corridor, staff noted that the appeai period has not closed.
With regard to this project, Acting Chairman Miller noted opposition to the proposed
roof materiais (copper or painted sheet metal), noting that the Architecturai Committee may
not permit the use of metal roofs.
Commissioner Soltysiak voiced no objection to the project and expressed no desire in
appeaiing it.
PLANNING COMMISSION DISCUSSION
Commissioner Guerriem advised that an Ad Hoc Committee of the Traffic Commission
had favorably reviewed the concept of raised medians with left-turn cut outs such as on
Jefferson Road (heading toward the City of Murrietta) in an effort to control traffic darting
across the left-turn lane but noted that no such medians could be constructed until the
completion of the Overland Bridge. Principai Engineer Parks noted that this particular area
has been identified as a major area of concern and that the study/review of these medians has
been reflected in the Capital Improvement Plan for this year.
In order to accurately determine the colors/materiais/etc. for a project, Commissioner
Guerriero requested that the sample charts presented to the Commission be increased in size.
Planning Manager Ubnoske noted that the request would be agendized for the next Planning
Commission meeting.
In response to Acting Chairman Miller, Attomey Estrada advised that because it is not
a Zoning or Generai Plan issue, it would not be within the Planning Commission's purview to
review or determine whether or not an art object placed on someone's property is appropriate
or not.
Planning Manager Ubnoske advised that the Planning Commission has more control of
such issues as it relates to new developments (as per the site plan) but that it would be difficult
to control on existing developments/uses.
OTHF~R BUSINF. SS
None.
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ADJO~NT
At 7:45 P.M., Acting Chairman Miller formally adjourned the Planning Commission
meeting to Monday, August 4, 1997, at 6:00 P.M.
' Linda Fahey, Cha~
Planning Manager Ubnoske
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