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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes - 01/04/2012MINUTES REGULAR MEETING DOWNEY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2012 CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, 11111 BROOKSHIRE AVENUE DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA 6:30 P.M. I. A Regular meeting of the Planning Commission was held January 4, 2012. After the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, roll was called at 6:30 p.m. II. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Louis Morales, District 3 Michael Murray, District 1, Vice-Chairman Hector Lujan, District 5 Ernie Garcia, District 4 Robert Kiefer, District 2, Chairman ALSO PRESENT: Brian Saeki, Director of Community Development Yvette M. Abich, City Attorney William Davis, City Planner Kevin Nguyen, Assistant Planner Theresa Donahue, Secretary III. MINUTES: It was moved by Commissioner Murray, seconded by Commissioner Morales and passed by a 5-0 vote, to approve the Minutes of December 21, 2011, as presented. IV. AGENDA CHANGES: Community Development Director Saeki stated there were no changes to the agenda. V. REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION: Community Development Director Saeki stated there were no Planning-related items to report from Co uncil’s regular meeting held December 13, 2011. VI. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS: Chairman Kiefer noted there were no Consent Calendar items on the agenda. VII. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: 1. PLN-11-00256 (SITE PLAN REVIEW) Location: 9050 Imperial Highway Owner: Katenkumar Patel Applicant: Alberto Juarez/JR Design Group Staff: Kevin Nguyen CEQA: As required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this request has been found to be Categorically Exempt from CEQA, per CEQA Guidelines, Section 15303 (Class 3, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures). Request: A request to construct an unenclosed entry porch for the Regency Inn & Suites, on property zoned C-2 (General Commercial). Chairman Kiefer opened the public hearing for PLN-11-00256. Ms. Donahue affirmed proof of publication. Assistant Planner, Kevin Nguyen, presented staff’s report and described the proposed materials the applicant would use. He noted that the improvements would enhance the appearance of the hotel. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, JANUARY 4, 2012 – PAGE 1 Page 2 Chairman Kiefer noted staff’s recommendation was for approval. The applicant, Justine Patel, 9614 Haledon Avenue, Downey addressed the Commission. He stated his agreement to the recommended conditions of approval. Chairman Kiefer asked staff for any correspondence. Mr. Nguyen stated that no correspondence had been received on this matter. Chairman Kiefer invited members of the public to address the Commission on this matter. No one came forward. Chairman Kiefer closed the public hearing. The Commissioners noted that the project would enhance the site; that everything seems to be in-place no parking requirements are affected, and the upgrade will modernize the site. It was moved by Commissioner Morales, seconded by Commissioner Murray and passed by a 5-0 vote, to adopt Resolution No. 12-2749. Chairman Kiefer stated the action of the Planning Commission will be final unless the matter is appealed to the City Council, with the appropriate fee, within the specified time period as set forth in the City’s Ordinance. 2. PLN-11-00265 (PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM) Location: 7700 Imperial Highway Owner: Los Angeles County Applicant: Stephen Hoy Staff: Kevin Nguyen CEQA: As required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this request has been found to be Categorically Exempt from CEQA, per CEQA Guidelines, Section 15311 (Class 11, Accessory Structures). Request: A request to modify an existing Planned Sign Program for the Rancho Business Center, to replace the existing monument sign with a new multi-tenant monument sign, on property zoned Specific Plan (SP) 85-1 (Rancho Los Amigos). Chairman Kiefer opened the public hearing for PLN-11-00265. Ms. Donahue affirmed proof of publication. Assistant Planner, Kevin Nguyen, presented staff’s r eport and accompanying PowerPoint. He provided information on the original approval for the monument sign that was approved in 1991. He stated that the applicant is asking to relocate and modify the sign to accommodate changing tenants for the center. He reviewed the details of the proposed sign. Mr. Nguyen also noted staff recommended approval. Applicant, Steve Hoy, 6324 E. Colorado Street, Long Beach, 90803, representing Fremont and Associates, addressed the Commission. He explained the poor sign visibility along Imperial Highway and the need for identifying the newer tenants on site: i.e. Hagar prosthetics, Downey Orthopedic Group. Also addressing the Commission, Rob Clark of Megahertz, 112 W. Elm Street, Burbank. Mr. Clark noted the sign would be more visible to vehicular traffic than the existing sign He proposes moving it forward and perpendicular to Imperial Highway, while maintaining a setback of 50 to 60 feet. He noted they are not proposing to illuminate the sign. Responding to questions from the Commissioners, Mr. Clark added they would hope to complete the sign within one week of beginning construction, immediately following all permit approvals. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, JANUARY 4, 2012 – PAGE 2 Page 3 Chairman Kiefer asked if any correspondence had been received on this matter. Mr. Nguyen stated that no correspondence had been received. Chairman Kiefer invited members from the audience to address the Commission. Wishing to address the Commission in opposition: Meredith Perkins, 12729 Smallwood Avenue, Downey addressed the Commission, providing a historical look at the approval that occurred in 1982, when the Specific Plan was approved. Mr. Perkins stated his concern with the sign is that it may not be large enough to adequately provide the visibility that would be most beneficial. Reviewing the exhibits provided, he pointed to the proposed sign’s lettering, suggesting that a few more inches added to the height may make the sign more effective, for vehicles passing by at a speed of 45 miles per hour. In addition, Mr. Perkins provided information regarding the Level of Service (LOS) ‘F’ of the traffic surrounding the property. He stated that the property is still growing, and would want the Commission to consider the sign in view of the full development of the property. He noted the property is larger than the Downey Landing property with 123 acres, on the south campus alone. Mr. Perkins suggested the applicant look at the big picture and c onsider the planned developments of the property over the next five years. Mr. Perkins referenced a book that he felt would be helpful to evaluate a similar situation, Sulphos Environmental from Pasadena. On another note, Mr. Perkins complimented the applicant for their warehousing project in Torrance. Mr. Clark stated that the proposed letters are 10” in height, by 3-foot wide. He stated that they could take another look at the site and consider the scale of the monument sign and determine whether it should be increased. He mentioned that they want to maintain a lower profile for the property. Community Development Director Saeki noted that staff had presented the plan to the Commission the applicant had requested. Staff felt it was well designed and appropriate for the site. He stated that staff would allow a redesign to be considered should the applicant desire, but some delays would occur. Mr. Hoy responded that they were willing to reconsider increasing the lettering. He stated that they were aware of some limitations on the size of the font (75% of the copy area), i.e. 7-inch tall letters. City Attorney, Yvette Abich Garcia provided options for the applicant, 1) The Commission can consider what is before them; 2) If the applicant wants to revise his plan, he can bring back a redesign to the Planning Commission at a future hearing. William Davis, City Planner noted that while the Code states that a monument sign with more than three panels requires Planning Commission review; minor changes can be approved administratively. He noted that in this case, if the Commission is satisfied with the location, size of the sign, placement and number of panels on it, sign modifications may be approved by the City Planner administratively. Chairman Kiefer stated his opinion is that the applicant knows what they want, and the Commission seems to be satisfied with the design as proposed. If staff is able to approve minor changes, what is considered minor? Mr. Davis stated that a change of signage area of 20-25% is considered minor. Commissioner Morales asked the maximum height permitted for the monument sign. Mr. Davis stated that the maximum permitted is eight (8’) foot, noting the applicant’s proposal, even with a 25% increase would still be below the Code standards. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, JANUARY 4, 2012 – PAGE 3 Page 4 There being no further questions, Chairman Kiefer closed the public hearing. Commission discussion: Commissioner Murray stated that the proposed sign meet s the City’s requirements. He would like the applicant to move forward with their request without delays, but agreed that this sign should be substantial. Chairman Kiefer stated his agreement, noting the requested sign is acceptable. With the planned improvements for the site, a larger sign might become more effective. Commissioner Morales pointed to the sign program approved at the Ralph’s Center at the corner of Lakewood and Gallatin, noting that when adding additional tenants the identification signs become much smaller. He also noted that the sign could be modified after installation. He stated that he is satisfied with the design and location, with the sign being perpendicular to Imperial Highway. Mr. Clark pointed out that the sign exhibits shown are at 40% of the sign area, not the 75% that will actually be installed. So the names will be larger than they appear. Commissioner Morales stated that he is content to allow the City Planner to approve minor modifications. Commissioner Garcia indicated his agreement, noting that the public is not aware of many of the existing businesses that exist within the Business Center due to inadequate signage. Commissioner Lujan stated he would support the request ed visibility of the business signs. He also thanked Mr. Perkins for his comments. It was moved by Commissioner Murray, seconded by Commissioner Garcia and passed by a 5-0 vote, to adopt Resolution No. 12-2750, approving PLN-11-00265 (Planned Sign Program), as presented. Chairman Kiefer stated the action of the Planning Commission will be final unless the matter is appealed to the City Council, with the appropriate fee, within the specified time period as set forth in the City’s Ordinance. VIII. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS : 1. Commissioner Lujan stated that he was pleased with the recent trimming of landscaped medians. 2. Commissioner Morales noted that the corner w here the new 7-Eleven recently opened at Florence and Tecum Road, is very congested, due to street parking. 3. Chairman Kiefer noted the Election of Officers would occur at the next Planning Commission meeting. He wished everybody a Happy New Year. 4. Commissioner Murray stated that the Chamber was holding mixers at four new businesses: 1) Yogurt shop at Downey Landing; 2) Pizza Man on Imperial Hi ghway; 3) Hookah Bar on Firestone Boulevard; 4) The Coffee Drip opened a kiosk within the Downey Community Hospital. IX. OTHER BUSINESS: 1. Community Development Director Saeki provided a response in regards to the affect of the recently decided State Supreme Court decisi on on Redevelopment Agencies and Funds. X. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA: Election of Officers at next meeting, January 18, 2012. XI. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Planning Commission, the Commission adjourned at 7:20 p.m., to February 1, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, Ca. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, JANUARY 4, 2012 – PAGE 4 Page 5 APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 18th day of January, 2012. Robert Kiefer Robert Kiefer, Chairman CITY PLANNING COMMISSION I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Minutes were duly approved at a Regular meeting of the Planning Commission held on the 18th day of January, 2012, by the following vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Garcia, Morales, Murray, Lujan, Kiefer ABSENT: COMMISSIONER: None ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None Theresa Donahue Theresa Donahue, Secretary CITY PLANNING COMMISSION H:\Community Development\Planning Commission\ Agendas\AGENDAS 2012 - PC\J an 4, 2012-Minutes.doc PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, JANUARY 4, 2012 – PAGE 5