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HomeMy WebLinkAbout102198 PC Minutes --J . . MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA PLANNING COMMISSION OCTOBER 21,1998 CALL TO ORDER The City of Temecula Planning Commission convened in an adjourned regular meeting at 6:00 P.M., on Wednesday, October 21, 1998, in the City Council Chambers of Temecula City Hall, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, California. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Guerriero, Naggar, Soltysiak, Webster, and Chairwoman Slaven. Absent: None. Also Present: Planning Manager Ubnoske, Senior Planner Fagan, Deputy Director of Public Works Parks, Attorney Curley, Project Planner Donahoe, Assistant Planner Anders, and Minute Clerk Hansen. PUBLIC COMMENTS No comments. COMMISSION BUSINESS 1. Approval of AQenda MOTION: Commissioner Naggar moved to approve the agenda. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Webster and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. 2. Approval of Minutes - September 2, 1998 In addition to omitting his concurrence with Commissioner Webster, Commissioner Soltysiak requested that page 5, section D, be amended to accurately reflect the term bike trails, rather than bike lanes. MOTION: Commissioner Naggar moved to approve the minutes as amended. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Webster and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. . . PUBLIC HEARINGS 3. Plannin!l Application No. PA98-0353 {Development Planl Request to design, construct, and operate a 23,098 square foot office/industrial building. RECOMMENDATION It recommended by the Planning Department that the Planning Commission approve approve the request. By way of overheads, Assistant Planner Anders presented the staff report (of record); noted that although the loading zones are located at the front of the building, staff has worked with the applicant to ensure screening of the area with a six foot landscape buffer, which will equal the screening effect of a solid wall while maintaining a more aesthetically pleasing visual sight; addressed the applicant's request for a 9% FAR (Floor Area Ratio) increase, advising that staff is of the opinion that the conditions of the project warrant the increase; and clarified that page 3 of the staff report (per agenda material) Condition No. 9b, should be corrected to read as Condition No. 6b. For Commissioner Naggar, Assistant Planner Anders clarified that staff is of the opinion that the criteria in the Development Code was met by this particular project by the standards denoted in both Sections 1 and 2 (of Development Code 17.08); specifically, first, the actual project's provisions and second the provisions the Developer will offer to the community; and noted that the landscape screening berm wasn't reflected on the renderings due to the desire to not block the building's development and design. With regard to Commissioner Webster's querying as to the denotation checked by aesthetics on page 22 (of the staff report) on the Environment Factors checklist, Senior Planner Fagan clarified that the demarcation was due to the potential light and glare effects, noting that due to the mitigation measures, there will be no significant effect. For Commissioner Webster, with regard to traffic, Assistant Planner Anders advised that this particular project will be consistent with the General Plan. For Chairwoman Slaven, Ms. Anders further clarified the landscape screening of the loading area; defined FAR (Floor Area Ratio) as the percentage of total square footage of the building; noted the Development Code allows for flexibility; and advised that the requested 9% increase is relatively nominal. Mr. Scott Buckles, representing the applicant, clarified the justifiable rationale for the request for the FAR increase, as follows: 1) an additional 10-15 employees are being added to their staff (viewed as an asset to the community), warranting the need for the additional square feet; 2) this particular project's enhanced development and building articulation which meets the criteria requirement; reviewed, in detail, the project site plan; noted, for Commissioner Soltysiak, that the tinted concrete would be sealed; and clarified, for Commissioner Webster, the color of the roll-up doors will be gray. 2 . . Deputy Director of Public Works Parks addressed the planned measure that would alleviate traffic on Winchester Road, as follows: creating a raised landscaped median on Winchester Road, from Jefferson Avenue to Enterprise Circle West, with a signal at Enterprise Circle West; Murrieta's proposed widening of Jefferson Avenue to four lanes throughout their city; the relief provision of the Rancho California Road Interchange; noted that the City Council has advised moving the goal for the completion of the Overland Bridge Project to October of 1999; and informed the Commission of the City of Temecula's current deliberations with the City of Murrieta to work on traffic and circulation solutions as a joint venture, noting that there is a representative from the City of Murrieta in the City's traffic circulation meetings. Deputy Director of Public Works Parks advised that the main concern of staff with this particular project, with regard to traffic and circulation was the originally proposed two driveways, with entrance onto Winchester Road; and clarified that this has been revised to maintain one driveway. Although commending the project, Commissioner Naggar noted that the site, as proposed, has utilized numerous allowances and exceptions, such as: a) zero foot lot line, b) elimination of parking spaces, per credit for provision of bicycle spaces c) a front loading area, to be screened by a landscaping plan not represented for visual review on the site plan, and d) a FAR increase, which doesn't appear to meet the qualifying criteria in the Development Code 17.08, Sections 1 and 2, as worded. ("For further comments on this issue, see Commission Reports, page 6, section B.) Planning Manager Ubnoske clarified, for the Commission, the FAR requirements; noted that the 40 FAR requirement is a target, with allowances for the flexibility that facilitates meeting the needs of the particular project; reiterated that the request for the FAR increase on this project was a minor exception; and advised that staff will investigate the language in the Code concerning qualifying criteria warranting a FAR increase. Commissioners Guerriero and Soltysiak commended the project. Commissioner Webster recommended modifying the landscape plan, as follows; that the two Queen Palms (one on the east portion of the project, one on the west) be replaced with an evergreen-type tree that the three Bottle Trees (in the rear triangular corner of the project) be replaced with Camphor Trees Mr. Vince Didonato, landscape architect, representing the applicant, was agreeable to the modifications. Chairwoman Slaven expressed support of the project. MOTION: Commissioner Guerriero moved to close the public hearing; adopt the Negative Declaration for Planning Application NO. PA98-0353; adopt the Mitigation Monitoring Program for Planning Application No. PA98-0353; and adopt Resolution No. 98-036 recommending approval of Planning Application No. PA98-0353 based upon the Analysis and Findings contained in the Staff Report and subject to the attached Conditions of Approval, amended as follows: 3 . . RESOLUTION NO. PC 98-036 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA APPROVING PLANNING APPLICATION NO. PA98-0353 TO CONSTRUCT AND OPERATE A 23,098 SQUARE FOOT TWO-STORY OFFICE AND WAREHOUSE BUILDING, AND TO ALLOW AN INCREASE IN THE FLOOR AREA RATIO OF 9% FOR A TOTAL OF 49% PURSUANT TO SECTION 17.080.050 OF THE DEVELOPMENT CODE WITH ASSOCIATED PARKING, AND LANDSCAPING ON A PARCEL CONTAINING A 1.08 ACRES LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF WINCHESTER ROAD, NORTHWEST OF BOSTIK COURT, KNOWN AS ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NO. 909-370-006. Amend the landscape plan, per aforementioned modifications The motion was seconded by Commissioner Soltysiak and voice vote reflected unanimous approval with the exception of Commissioner Naggar who voted no. 4. PlanninQ Application NO. PA98-0350 {Conditional Use Permitl Request to construct and operate a 53,541 square foot, two-story Chevrolet auto dealership and a 3,126 square foot Cadillac/Oldsmobile auto dealership with showrooms, offices, parts inventory, 50- bay service building, paint booths and wash bays. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended by the Planning Department that the Planning Commission approve the request. Project Planner Donahoe presented the staff report, highlighting site design, architecture, access and circulation, any landscaping, noting that this project utilized the new standards for automobile, motorcycle, and truck dealerships; advised that the applicant is relocating and expanding its facilities; noted that the applicant is requesting an exemption from the Development Code, regarding the requirement for bicycle and motorcycle parking spaces due to the lack of need for this particular use (per agenda material, Attachment 3); noted that such an exemption would be is in accordance with Section 17.24.040.F4 of the Development Code; and clarified, for Commissioner Naggar, in regard to traffic concerns, that the access from Solana Way to the service booth area has adequate provision, so as not to cause any stacking. Deputy Director of Public Works Parks clarified, for Commissioner Webster, the center alignment of the driveway entrance on Solana Way. Project Planner Donahoe noted, for Chairwoman Slaven, that although circulation will be provided around the entire site, as proposed, the applicant did not propose a path, road or drive connecting this dealership to adjoining dealerships, alleviating the use of the main road, for security reasons. 4 . . Mr. Terry Gilmore, representing the applicant, commented, for Commissioner Webster, on the rationale for placing the circular display on the northeast corner of the site was to utilize both points of the property for display purposes; noted that the light standards will be white; and clarified the location of the inner chain-linked fence; and referenced, for Commissioner Guerriero, the type of paint booths, giving assurance there would be no unmitigated environmental hazards. For Chairwoman Slaven, Mr. Gilmore presented a detailed overview of the location and security purpose of the chain-linked fence and clarified access to the site from Solana Way. Mr. Jerry Whitfield, architect representing the applicant, reviewed the material specifications for the different canopy-types at the various locations on the project. Addressing Commissioner Guerriero's concem, regarding dangerous speed on the private roadway on the site plan, Deputy Director of Public Works Parks advised that although the speed in that area could be a relevant issue, it was not recommended conditioning this project to the installation of speed undulations due to the road being a private road. Mr. Gilmore, in response to Mr. Park's request, stated that there would be no problem granting the Police Department access to cite speed violators on the private roadway. Planning Manager Ubnoske clarified that staff had directed the applicant as to the necessity of access to the private road for the purpose of relieving traffic on Ynez Road. Commissioner Guerriero concurred with Chairwoman Slaven's recommendation to replace the chain-linked fence with a wrought iron fence on the project. Mr. Gilmore stated that he would comply with the modification. MOTION: Commissioner Naggar moved to close the public hearing; adopt Resolution No. 98-037, approving Planning Application No. PA98-0350 based upon the Analysis and Findings contained in the Staff Report and subject to the attaches Conditions of Approval, as follows: RESOLUTION NO. PC 98-037 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF TEMECULA APPROVING PLANNING APPLICATION NO. PA98-03S0 (DEVELOPMENT PLAN) FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A 47,970 SQUARE FOOT, TWO-STORY DEALERSHIP AND A 3,126 SQUARE FOOT DEALERSHIP, WITH SHOWROOMS, OFFICES, PARTS INVENTORY, SO-BAY SERVICE CENTER WITH PAINT BOOTHS AND WASH BAYS ON 8.42 ACRES; AND (CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT) TO PERMIT THE OPERATION OF AN AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIP, LOCATED ON THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF YNEZ ROAD AND SOLANA WAY AND KNOWN AS LOT 1 OF PARCEL MAP NO. 28809 Modifv the chain-linked fence be replaced with a wrought iron fence the applicant give permission to the Temecula Police Department to write infractions and any other citations so deemed necessary on the private road MOTION: The motion was seconded by Commissioner Guerriero and voice vote reflected unanimous approval. 5 . . PLANNING MANAGER'S REPORT A. Planning Manager Ubnoske noted that the flag salute was going to be added to the Planning Commission Meetings beginning November 4, 1998. B. For Commissioner Guerriero, Ms. Ubnoske advised that the Fire Department Marshall will be addressing the Commission, regarding disclosure of hazardous materials at an upcoming Planning Commission Meeting. C. Ms. Ubnoske addressed, for Chairwoman Slaven, the Chevron station at the corner of Jefferson Avenue and Rancho California Road, advising that staff will be addressing the softening of the canopy color, noting that although this site is not consistent with conditions placed on other projects, staff viewed the revision as an improvement, over the existing worsened licensed condition, and that the applicant could maintain the existing condition with his current license; clarified that any Director's Hearing Item, such as this one, could be pushed forward to the Planning Commission Meeting for approval at their request, via a phone call. D. Ms. Ubnoske noted, for informational purposes, that the Convenience Store on Rancho California Road which was denied a liquor license is appealing that decision, and that it will be heard at the November 10, 1998, City Council Meeting. The Department has adopted new standards and that copies are currently available; advised, due to noted Commission concern, that the sidewalk at Margarita Park will be addressed at the next meeting. E. Deputy Director of Public Works Parks noted. for the Commission that the Public Works Public SafetylTraffic Commission Meeting November 12, 1998; noted that he would address, for Commissioner Soltysiak, the intersection at Margarita Road and De Portola Road, at the Lucky's Shopping Center, specifically, the lack of raised medians demarcating left turns in and out. Commissioner Soltysiak requested that additional traffic control, due to the removal of the wrong delineators, be addressed at the new Luck's Shopping Center was constructed. COMMISSION REPORTS A. Planning Manager Ubnoske advised, for Chairwoman Slaven, the criteria in the Development Code for FAR (Floor Area Ratio) is designed for flexibility and a requested increase in FAR is based on incentives. Ms. Slaven commented that the criteria warranting an increase should be based more on the project as an entity in itself, rather that the developer. B. Commissioner Naggar further clarified his conflict with the request for a FAR (Floor Area Ratio) increase ("per Item 3 of the Agenda), as follows: that there is no clear-cut understanding of the criteria (as worded in the Code) warranting an increase, and that based on the fact there is a known existing traffic problem, he, therefore, could find no justification for granting approval for the requested FAR increase without creating a worsened condition; and recommended that the criteria for granting a FAR increase be clarified. Ms. Ubnoske further clarified that the Code allows for a maximum of 1.0, and that this particular project was at .49, which is substantially lower than the maximum allowable. C. Ms. Ubnoske suggested scheduling a traffic workShOp with the Planning Commission, discussing the current road improvement plans, in order to make the Commission aware of what is upcoming with the City, concerning traffic. 6 . . ADJOURNMENT At 7:54 P.M. Chairwoman Slaven formally adjourned this meeting to Wednesday. November 4, 1998, at 6:00 P.M., in the City Council Chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula. ? ~ --1fJ~Y4: LtL 1/' Debbie Ubnoske, Planning Manager 7