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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-01-141 MINUTES HUNTINGTON BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 1997 Council Chambers - Civic Center 2000 Main Street Huntington Beach, California STUDY SESSION - 5:30 PM CODE AMENDMENT NO.96-2 (HOLLY-SEACLIFF SPECIFIC PLAN)• - Mary Beth Broeren ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO.95-6 (SIGN CODE REWRITES - Wayne Carvalho AGENDA ITEMS: - Scott Hess REGULAR MEETING - 7:00 PM PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEW COMMISSIONER PHILIP INGLEE RECESS - REORGANIZATION OF SEATING P P P P P P P ROLL CALL: Holden, Livengood, Kerins, Biddle, Inglee, Tillotson, Speaker ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON AND VICE -CHAIRPERSON A MOTION WAS MADE BY LIVENGOOD, SECONDED BY BIDDLE, TO APPOINT COMMISSIONER ED KERINS AS CHAIRPERSON TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR A PERIOD OF ONE (1) YEAR, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Holden, Biddle, Livengood, Kerins, Inglee, Tillotson, Speaker NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSED A MOTION WAS MADE BY BIDDLE, SECONDED BY TILLOTSON, TO APPOINT COMMISSIONER TOM LIVENGOOD AS VICE -CHAIRPERSON TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR A PERIOD OF ONE (1) YEAR, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Holden, Biddle, Livengood, Kerins, Inglee, Tillotson, Speaker NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSED PRESENTATION TO OUTGOING CHAIRPERSON BOB BIDDLE BY NEW CHAIRPERSON AGENDA APPROVAL Anyone wishing to speak must fill out and submit aform to speak. No action can betaken by the Planning Commission on this date, unless the item is agendized, Any one wishing to speak an items not on tonight's agenda or on non public hearing items may do so during ORAL COMMUNICATIONS. Speakers on items scheduled for PUBLIC HEARING Will iie invited to'speak during the public hearing. (4 NINUTES PER PERSON, NO DONATING OF rJA E TO 0tHERN) A. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Ken Silver, 220-21st Street, spoke in opposition to the proposed gas station at northeast corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Goldenwest Street. B. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS B-1 SPECIAL SIGN PERMIT NO.96-8 (HUNTINGTON HARBOUR MALL SIGN) (APPEAL) (CONTINUED FROM THE NOVEMBER 26, 1996, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING): APPLICANT: Architectural Design & Signs, Inc. LOCATION: 17041 Algonquin Street (northwest corner at Warner Avenue) PROJECT PLANNER: Wayne Carvalho Transmitted for Planning Commission review is an appeal filed by the Huntington Harbour Property Owners Association, of the Zoning Administrator's conditional approval of Special Sign Permit No. 96-8, a request to install a 15 foot high, 108 square foot freestanding pylon sign identifying Huntington Harbour Mall, four (4) tenant panels and the address of the mall. The item was continued from the November 26, 1996 Planning Commission meeting at the request of both the applicant and appellant in order to further discuss the issues involved with the proposed sign. The appellant also requested additional time to poll the homeowner's association on their views of the proposed sign. PC Minutes - 1/14/97 2 (97PCM114) The Planning Commission staff report dated November 26, 1996 contains the project description, issues and analysis pertaining to the proposed sign. The applicant has worked diligently with the adjacent residents on Malta Circle and the City to address concerns involving the proposed sign. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the Planning Commission uphold the Zoning Administrator's decision and conditionally approve Special Sign Permit No. 96-8 as approved by the Zoning Administrator for the following reasons: ♦ The new sign will not adversely affect other signs in the area, nor will the sign be detrimental to properties located in the vicinity since the recommended conditions require additional landscape be planted and fencing be added onto the top of the existing wall between the sign and Malta Circle to provide additional screening for the residents. ♦ The sign, identifying Huntington Harbour Mall, will provide business exposure to motorists traveling on Warner Avenue which is approximately 500 feet away. ♦ The new pylon sign will have an opaque background design that will not obstruct traffic vision and will not be a hazardous distraction. The sign location will meet the minimum site angle requirement. ♦ The proposed sign is compatible with the sign previously approved by the City Council. The applicant submitted a letter dated January 13, 1997, requesting withdrawal of the application for Special Sign Permit No. 96-8, and staff supports that request. A MOTION WAS MADE BY LIVENGOOD, SECONDED BY TILLOTSON, TO ACCEPT THE APPLICANT'S REQUEST FOR WITHDRAWAL, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Holden, Biddle, Livengood, Kerins, Inglee, Tillotson, Speaker NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSED PC Minutes - 1/14/97 3 (97PCM114) 11-2 GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO.96-1/ZONING MAP AMENDMENT NO 96-1/ LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM AMENDMENT NO 96-11NEGATIVE DECLARATION NO.96-2 (LOT REDESIGNATION)(CONTINUED FROM THE DECEMBER 10,1996, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING) - APPLICANT: Mike Adams LOCATION: North of Pacific Coast Highway, between 21 st Street and 2nd Street) PROJECT PLANNER: Hannah L. Brondial Bowen The applicant is requesting a General Plan Amendment, Zoning Map Amendment and Local Coastal Program Amendment for the redesignation of ten (10) lots on .88 net acres from mixed use (MV-Mixed Use, Vertically Integrated Housing) to residential (RH-30, Residential High Density - 30 units per acre). The change in land use designation would allow one single family dwelling on each lot or a maximum number of 26 multi -family units, if all of the lots were merged. The ten (10) lots are currently owned by eleven (11) property owners. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff is recommending approval of the project for the following reasons: The proposed General Plan Amendment and Zoning Map Amendment to redesignate ten (10) lots from Mixed Use to High Density Residential is consistent with the existing General Plan Land Use designation and Zoning on the property to the east, north and subject site which allow single family or multi -family residential units. Each of the ten (10) 25 feet wide and 156 feet long lots is consistent with the minimum parcel size requirements for the proposed zoning. The loss of .88 net acres designated for mixed use development has been offset by the recent General Plan update which redesignated 235.77 acres one block west of the project site (between Goldenwest and Sea Pointe and Palm Ave) from oil production to mixed use, which would allow commercial development along Pacific Coast Highway. Furthermore, the loss would be offset by GPA No. 94-1, which changed the zoning between 6th Street and 8th Street along Pacific Coast Highway, from Downtown Specific Plan District 2 (Residential) to Downtown Specific Plan District 1 (Visitor - Serving Commercial). The project site is better suited for a residential development than a commercial development because of the site's small size and its limited access. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Charles Wolter, 206 Golden West Street, spoke in support of the request stating it would be in the best interest of the community. PC Minutes - 1/14/97 4 (97PCM114) Mike Erickson, 208 Golden West Street, spoke in support of the request. Mike Adams, 19771 Sea Canyon, property owners' representative, gave a brief history of the project and stated he was in concurrence with the staff recommendation. THERE WERE NO OTHER PERSONS PRESENT TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THE REQUEST AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. The Commission discussed the revision of the negative declaration's mitigation measures to include the requirement for a 25 foot landscape buffer. A MOTION WAS MADE BY LIVENGOOD, SECONDED BY INGLEE, TO APPROVE NEGATIVE DECLARATION NO.96-2 WITH REVISED MITIGATION MEASURES, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Holden, Biddle, Livengood, Kerins, Inglee, Tillotson, Speaker NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSED A MOTION WAS MADE BY LIVENGOOD, SECONDED BY BIDDLE, TO APPROVE GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO.96-1 AND LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM AMENDMENT NO.96-1 BY ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO.1521 AND FORWARD TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR ADOPTION, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Holden, Biddle, Livengood, Kerins, Inglee, Tillotson NOES: None ABSENT: Speaker (out of the room) ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSED FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL - ZONING MAP AMENDMENT NO.96-1: 1. The proposed Zoning Map Amendment from Downtown Specific Plan District 1 (Visitor -Serving Commercial) to Downtown Specific Plan District 2 (Residential) is consistent with the objectives, policies, general land uses and programs specified in the General Plan, as setforth in Planning Commission staff report dated January 14, 1997, and on file in the Huntington Beach Department of Community Development. PC Minutes - 1/14/97 5 (97PCM114) 2. A community need is demonstrated for the proposed change. The change in zoning designation from visitor -serving commercial to residential will allow the development of single-family or multi -family units along the coast, in accordance with market demand. 3. The adoption of the amendment will be in conformity with public convenience, general welfare and good zoning practice. The project will not adversely affect surrounding properties. All potential environmental impacts which could affect water, transportation and circulation, hazards and public services, have been reduced to a level of insignificance by project design and as set forth in the mitigation measures required in Negative Declaration No. 96-2. INFORMATION ON SPECIFIC CODE REQUIREMENTS• 1. All applicable Public Works fees shall be paid. 2. Traffic Impact Fees shall be paid at the time of final inspection or issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. (PW) 3. State -mandated school impact fees shall be paid prior to issuance of building permits. B-3 CODE AMENDMENT NO.96-2/LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM AMENDMENT NO 96-3 (HOLLY-SEACLIFF SPECIFIC PLAN APPLICANT: PLC LOCATION: The Holly-Seacliff Specific Plan area is generally located south of Ellis Avenue and north of Palm Avenue between Main Street and the City's western boundary. PROJECT PLANNER: Mary Beth Broeren PLC Land Co. requests an amendment to the Holly Seacliff Specific Plan (HSSP) to allow RL-3 development in RM (Residential -Medium Density) and RMH (Residential -Medium High Density) districts and to include Z-lot development in the list of permitted uses in the districts. This would basically allow for small lot, detached single family units in the RM and RMH areas where they are presently not permitted. As a result of this request, staff recommends modifications to the development standards for residential development in areas designated for RL-1, RL-2 and RL-3 development. The modifications address balconies, bay windows and other architectural features in the rear and front yards, patio covers in the side and rear yards, eaves setbacks in the side yards and three other changes for the RL-3 district pertaining to site coverage, open space and side yard setbacks. These changes are recommended because they relate to small lot development and are integral to the applicant's request. PC Minutes - 1/14/97 6 (97PCM114) [1 1 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The applicant has requested a continuance to allow time to further analyze staff s recommendations. Staff recommends the Planning Commission continue the request. A MOTION WAS MADE BY LIVENGOOD, SECONDED BY SPEAKER, TO CONTINUE CODE AMENDMENT NO.96-2 AND LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM AMENDMENT NO.96-3 TO THE JANUARY 28,1997, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Holden, Biddle, Livengood, Kerins, Inglee, Tillotson, Speaker NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSED B-4 ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO.95-6 (SIGN CODE REWRITE) (CONTINUED FROM THE DECEMBER 10, 1996, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGI- APPLICANT: City of Huntington Beach LOCATION: City-wide. PROJECT PLANNER: Wayne Carvalho Transmitted for Planning Commission review is Zoning Text Amendment No. 95-6, a request initiated by the City Council to amend Section 233 Signs of the City's Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance. The item was continued from the December 10, 1996 Planning Commission meeting to allow sufficient time for review of the legislative draft by the Planning Commission, Sign Code subcommittee members and interested parties. The December 10, 1996 Planning Commission staff report contains discussion and analysis on the recommended changes to the sign code. The Legislative Draft incorporates the revisions taken by Planning Commission straw vote action, and those originally recommended by the subcommittee. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve Zoning Text Amendment No. 95-6 and forward the draft ordinance to the City Council for adoption. PC Minutes - 1/14/97 (97PCM 114) THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Gerald Chapman, 6742 Shire Circle, stated that the streamlining of the sign code was good but does not meet the intent of the revised General Plan. Jon Ely, 22051 Hula Circle, stated he was opposed to relaxing the sign standards which would perpetuate tacky signs. Cecile LaForce, 10082 Kamuela, Environmental Board, spoke in opposition to relaxing the sign standards and recommends that the City's General Plan signage design principles be upheld. Carrie Thomas, 6642 Trotter Drive, spoke in opposition to relaxing the sign ordinance and spoke in support of putting addresses on all buildings and signs. David Carlbert, spoke in opposition to the proposed increased height and size of signs. THERE WERE NO OTHER PERSONS PRESENT TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THE REQUEST AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. The Commission discussed the requirement for street addressing on signs and the enforcement process of sign code violations. Staff explained that the sign code requires all new freestanding signs to include addresses. Staff stated that we do have tickler files to moniter limited sign permits and their expiration dates. The City then notifies the property owner, who has a bond on file with the City. If the property owner does not satisfy the requirement, the City will use the bond to remove the sign. Staff also explained that for all other sign code violations, the City has no pro -active program, due to monitary constraints and staff resources. The majority of the Commission felt that the proposed sign code revisions were an excellent compromise after years of discussions and meetings. They felt this code would give an incentive for businesses to bring their blighted non -conforming signs into conformance and still maintain high visibility. Commissioners Kerins and Biddle did not support the increase to allowable sign height and area criteria for commercial freestanding signs. A MOTION WAS MADE BY KERINS, SECONDED BY BIDDLE, TO ADOPT ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO.95-6 WITH THE EXISTING SIGN CODE HEIGHT AND AREA CRITERIA AND FORWARD THE DRAFT ORDINANCE TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR ADOPTION, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Biddle, Kerins NOES: Holden, Livengood, Inglee, Tillotson, Speaker ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION FAILED PC Minutes - 1/14/97 8 (97PCM114) A MOTION WAS MADE BY INGLEE, SECONDED BY SPEAKER, TO APPROVE ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO.95-6 AS AMENDED BY THE COMMISSION AND FORWARD THE DRAFT ORDINANCE TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR ADOPTION, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Holden, Livengood, Inglee, Tillotson, Speaker NOES: Biddle, Kerins ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSED A MOTION WAS MADE BY INGLEE, SECONDED BY BIDDLE, TO SEND A LETTER TO THE CITY COUNCIL REQUESTING ADDITIONAL CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS TO ENFORCE CITY SIGN CODES, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Holden, Biddle, Livengood, Kerins, Inglee, Tillotson, Speaker NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSED FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL - ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO 95-6: 1. Zoning Text Amendment No. 95-6 is consistent with the goals and policies contained in the City's General Plan. The amendment is consistent with the objectives, policies, general land uses and programs specified in the Urban Design Element of the General Plan, including strengthening the visual character of the City's street hierarchy and improving city-wide identity. The proposed code amendment will provide sign criteria for all uses based on the various arterial designations. , 2. In the case of a general land use provision, the change proposed is compatible with the uses authorized in, and the standards prescribed for, the zoning district for which it is proposed. The proposed amendment addresses commercial, industrial and residential properties separately, with specific sign criteria for each zoning district. The proposed amendments to the sign code address each district separately based on the intensity of uses and traffic volumes. 3. A community need is demonstrated for the change proposed. The City Council, Planning Commission, and Council Sign Code Subcommittee, have recognized the demand for greater business exposure for commercial businesses in the City. 4. Its adoption will be in conformity with public convenience, general welfare and good zoning practice. The amendment will provide greater business exposure and appropriate identification for consumers traveling in the City, while protecting the general welfare of persons working and residing in the City. PC Minutes - 1/14/97 9 (97PCM114) 1 C. CONSENT CALENDAR C-1 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES DATED DECEMBER 10 1996: D. NON-PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS None E. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS/INOUIRIES Commissioner Livengood - asked staff to keep him informed regarding action taken by the Zoning Administrator on Conditional Use Permit No. 96-51 (Traffic Control Gates in Ellis- Goldenwest Specific Plan Area). Commissioner Kerins - asked Dave Webb, Public Works, if there were any future plans to improve the visibility of intersection signage within the City. Mr. Webb stated that the subject had been discussed but there currently is no money available for such improvements. F-1 CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS FROM PREVIOUS MEETING Howard Zelefsky, Planning Director - restated actions taken at previous City Council meetings and discussed upcoming items. F-2 PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING Scott Hess, Senior Planner - reviewed the items for the January 28, 1997, Planning Commission meeting. PC Minutes - 1/14/97 10 (97PCM114) 1 G. ADJOURNMENT -Adjourn to the January 28,1997, Planning Commission meeting. A MOTION WAS MADE BY TILLOTSON, SECONDED BY INGLEE, TO ADJOURN TO A 5:30 PM STUDY SESSION ON JANUARY 28,1997, AND THEN TO REGULARLY SCHEDULED PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AT 7:00 PM, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Holden, Biddle, Livengood, Kerins, Inglee, Tillotson, Speaker NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSED APPR VED BY: Ho a Zelefsky, creta /kj 1 PC Minutes - 1/14/97 Planning Commissi n ha erson 11 (97PCM 114)