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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Minutes - 10/02/13 MINUTES ,of REGULAR MEETING DOWNEY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION 4 ; WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2013 -1:, o, CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, 11111 BROOKSHIRE AVENUE DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA ("4LIFOR1P. 6:30 P.M. Chairman Morales called a Regular meeting of the Planning Commission to order on October 2, 2013, at 6:36 pm, at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, CA. After the Flag Salute, roll was called. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Hector Lujan, District 1 Matias Flores, District 4 Jim Rodriguez, District 5 Robert Kiefer, District 2, Vice Chairman Louis Morales, District 3, Chairman COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None OTHERS PRESENT: Brian Saeki, Director of Community Development Yvette Abich-Garcia, City Attorney William Davis, City Planner David Blumenthal, Senior Planner LMary Cavanagh, Secretary PLANNING COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS; REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AND CONFERENCE/MEETING REPORTS: None PRESENTATIONS: None REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL ACTION: Director of Community Development Brian Saeki stated that the City Council continued the request for an appeal of the Planning Commission's decision to deny the request for a Variance at 7215 Bairnsdale to a date uncertain, in order to allow staff and the applicant more time for research. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. PLN-13-00169 (Site Plan Review and Conditional Use Permit): Chairman Morales opened the public hearing for PLN-13-00169, and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication. Senior Planner David Blumenthal gave a brief PowerPoint presentation of the request for a Site Plan Review and Conditional Use Permit for the expansion of an existing restaurant (La Barca Grill and Cantina located at 11010 Paramount Blvd.). The request was originally brought before the Planning Commission on September 18th 2013; however, the Commissioners expressed concerns that the windows were too small and the bar was too large. At that meeting, the applicant agreed to redesign the project. He returned with a three-dimensional rendering of the proposal to enclose the outdoor patio area and increase the bar area. The applicant is proposing to keep the additions exactly the same size as his original proposal. The Lbuilding's appearance has changed in the redesign, with no reduction of the bar area; however, the size of the windows were increased, including new elevations which lowered the window sills. Staff believes that the new design of the building is architecturally compatible with the area and will create a synergy with the pedestrians walking along Paramount Blvd. and Third St., which fits the City's plan to encourage a pedestrian friendly environment. Based on the analysis contained within this oral report and the staff report Planning Commission Minutes October 2, 2013 dated September 18, 2013, Mr. Blumenthal concluded by recommending approval of the request for a Site Plan Review and Conditional Use Permit (PLN-13-00169), subject to the recommended conditions of approval. Commissioner Rodriguez disclosed that he contacted Mr. Murguia (applicant) and received the three- dimensional renderings prior to them being distributed to staff and the Commission. Commissioner Rodriguez also disclosed that he discussed the window height and design of the booths with Mr. Murguia, and visited the site. Senior Planer David Blumenthal noted that the copies of the renderings have been distributed to the Planning Commission. Applicant Jose Murguia, 601 S. Third St, Avocado Heights, stated that after his conversation with Mr. Rodriguez he started the design over. He redesigned the windows, removed a block wall between the building and the street, and added more landscaping. The Commissioners reviewed the design and signage with Mr. Murguia, and asked for an estimated time frame for the anticipated completion of the project, to which he replied approximately 10-12 weeks. Chairman Morales closed the public hearing. Commissioner Flores disclosed that he also visited the restaurant, and he too was able to view the three- dimensional rendering of the new design at the restaurant. He stated that he walked around the area and found the businesses to be more noticeable as a pedestrian as opposed to driving by. He stated that he likes the outside area and the new design of the bar area. The Commissioners commented that the new design of the bar area, larger windows and the new look of the building created an inviting environment and will promote pedestrian activity. It was moved by Commissioner Rodriguez and seconded by Commissioner Lujan, and passed by a 5-0 to adopt Resolution 13-2848, to approve the request for a Site Plan Review and Conditional Use Permit (PLN-13-00169) subject to the conditions of approval. 2. PLN-13-0000152: (Tentative Parcel Map No. 71927) Chairman Morales opened the public hearing for PLN-13-00152, and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication. City Planner William Davis gave a brief PowerPoint presentation of the request to subdivide an existing 52,614 sq. ft. parcel of land into three parcels and a private street, on property zoned R-1, 10,000 (Single Family Residence). Seven years ago, the property was abandoned, leaving an unfinished two-story residence that has been deteriorating for the past few years. In addition, weeds, overgrown trees, and concrete pads remain on the property. The lot is an irregular"T" shaped lot, which the applicant is proposing to divide into three lots: 1) 10,025 sq. ft., 2) 20,276 sq. ft. and 3) 13,257 sq. ft., including a private street wide enough to comply with the City's Fire Code, and serve as a utilities and easement. The proposed lot sizes are consistent with the average lot depth and sizes in the area. Staff has received one correspondence in regards to this request, which was included in the staff report, and an email received prior to the meeting. Their main concern is the number of cars in the area. Staff has placed a condition that street parking will not be allowed on the private street. Based on the analysis contained in this report, staff is recommending approval of the request to approve the Tentative Parcel Map No. 71927 (PLN-13- 00152), subject to the recommended conditions of approval. Applicant Raul Echemendia, 9713 Shellyfield Rd., Downey, stated that the property is currently an eyesore, and he will build three beautiful homes on three large lots. Chairman Morales closed the public hearing. - 2 - Planning Commission Minutes +® October 2, 2013 The Commissioners stated that the current parcel is difficult to develop. The proposed subdivision is a creative way to develop the property by creating a private street with that will create a nice appearance in having three new houses on three large lots. They believe that it is good for the Community. It was moved by Commissioner Lujan and seconded by Vice Chairman Kiefer, and passed by a 5-0 to adopt Resolution 13-2849, to approve PLN-13-00152 (Tentative Parcel Map No. 71927) subject to the conditions of approval. Chairman Morales excused himself from the meeting due to a previous engagement and turned the meeting over to Vice Chairman Kiefer. Commissioner Rodriguez recused himself from Item No. 4: PLN-13-00178 due to his residence being within 500 ft. of the property. 3. PLN-13-00178 (Special Event): Vice Chairman Kiefer opened the public hearing for PLN-13-00178, and Ms. Cavanagh affirmed proof of publication. City Planner William Davis gave a brief PowerPoint presentation regarding a request by Our Lady of Perpetual Help School to operate their annual carnival for three consecutive days (October 18, 19 and 20, 2013) in the school parking lot on property located at 10441 Downey Ave, zoned R-3 (Multi-Family Residential). The event will include rides, jumpers, a beer garden, food sales, live entertainment and games. The hours of operation will be as follows: • Friday, October 18, 2013, between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. • Saturday, October 19, 2013, between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. • Sunday, October 20, 2013, between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The sound and lighting equipment will be directed away from the local residences, and the generator will be placed away from the property lines. The applicant will utilize Downey Police Officers for security, provide cleanup of the school site and adjacent properties. The rides and equipment will be removed on Monday October 21, 2013. Mr. Davis explained that this event has been a Community event since 1998, and there have been no problems with the event in the past. He concluded his report by recommending approval of the request for a Special Event Permit (PLN-13-00178) subject to the conditions of approval. Applicant Steve Csombors, 12412 Woodridge, appeared on behalf of Gina Aguilar, principal of Our Lady of Perpetual Help School. Mr. Csombors stated that this event is their annual school fund raiser, which provides nearly 60% of the school's funding for capital improvements. They will have a new cleaning crew that will be cleaning Downey Ave and La Reina every two hours, as well as the school site. There have been no problems in the past and he believes this to be a good event. Vice Chairman Kiefer closed the public hearing. The Commissioners called this a Community Builder and a fun event. It was moved by Commissioner Lujan and seconded by Commissioner Flores, and passed by a 3-1-1 vote, with Chairman Morales absent, and Commissioner Rodriguez abstaining, to adopt Resolution 13- 2850, approving the request for a Special Event Permit (PLN-13-00178). NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS: None CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS: 4. Approval of the Minutes from September 18, 2013. - 3 - Planning Commission Minutes October 2, 2013 It was moved by Commissioner Flores, and seconded by Commissioner Lujan, and passed by a 4-0-1 vote with Chairman Morales absent, to approve the Consent Calendar. OTHER BUSINESS: The Commissioners discussed the possible requirement of three-dimensional renderings when submitting plans. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: None ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to discuss, Vice Chairman Kiefer adjourned the meeting at 8:08 pm, to Wednesday, October 16, 2013, at 6:30 pm at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Ave. APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 16th day of October, 2013. /7 / obert Kiefer,V' e Chairman City Planning, ommission I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Minutes were duly approved at a Regular meeting of the Planning Commission held on the 16th day of October, 2013, by the following vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Lujan, Flores, Rodriguez, Kiefer and Morales ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None 8etuct_c/L Mary C anagh, Secreta City Planning Commission - 4 -