HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Resolution 14-2888RESOLUTION NO. 14 -2888
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING A SITE PLAN REVIEW (PLN -13- 00236), THEREBY ALLOWING
CHAMPION DODGE TO REPLACE THEIR EXISTING SHOWROOM WITH A NEW
15,945 SQUARE FOOT SHOWROOM ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 9655
FIRESTONE BLVD, ZONED C -2 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL)
THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The Planning Commission of the City of Downey does hereby find,
determine and declare that:
A. In 1969, a new car dealership (Downey Dodge) was built on the subject site. The
original improvements included a showroom, sales building, office area, and vehicle
repair area. Additional vehicle repair area was added to the business in 1970 and again
in 1987; and,
B. On November 8, 2013, the applicant (Robert Plant) submitted a request on behalf of
Champion Dodge to demolish the existing showroom and construct a new showroom.
The applications were deemed incomplete due to missing information on the project
plans; and
C. On July 30, 2014, the applicant submitted the final information needed to complete the
request; as such, staff deemed the application complete on August 4, 2014.; and,
D. On August 7, 2014, notice of the pending application published in the Downey Patriot
and mailed to all property owners within 500' of the subject site; and,
E. The Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on August 20, 2014, and
after fully considering all oral and written testimony and facts and opinions offered at the
aforesaid public hearing adopted this resolution.
SECTION 2. The Planning Commission further finds, determines and declares the
environmental impact of the proposed development has been reviewed and has been found to
be in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and is categorically
exempt from CEQA, pursuant to Guideline Section No. 15332 (Class 32, In -Fill Development
Projects).
SECTION 3. Having considered all of the oral and written evidence presented to it at
said public hearings regarding the Site Plan Review, the Planning Commission further finds,
determines and declares that:
The site plan is consistent with the goals and polices embodied in the General Plan and
other applicable plans and polices adopted by the Council. The subject site has a
General Plan Land Use Designation of General Commercial and zoning of C -2 (General
Commercial). According to the General Plan, "The General Commercial designation
allows for a full range of commercial uses including shopping centers, automobile
dealerships, hotels, offices, and automobile repair." Furthermore, it is a goal of the
General Plan to "Ensure the continued fiscal balance of the community' (Goal 9.3). It is
Resolution No. 14 -2888
Downey Planning Commission
also a policy of the General Plan (Policy 8.2.2) to "Promote the upgrading of properties."
Staff is of the opinion that the proposed project is consistent with the intent of the land
use designation and the aforementioned goal and policy since this request will support a
new vehicle dealership. The increased showroom size and office area will allow the
dealership to sell additional vehicles, thus increasing tax review and ensuring the City of
Downey maintains a fiscal balance. Similarly, approval of this project will upgrade the
property and enhance the aesthetics of the area. Accordingly, the approval of project is
consistent with the goals, policies, programs, and land uses of all applicable elements of
the General Plan.
2. The proposed development is in accordance with the purposes and objectives of Article
IX and the zone in which the site is located. One of the purposes of the Zoning Code is
to allow development of properties, while avoiding impacts of the adjoining area. The
subject site is within the C -2 (General Commercial) zone. According to the Municipal
Code, "the C -2 Zone is intended to provide for and encourage the orderly development
of general commercial uses, with a wide variety of goods and services, for the residents
of the entire City, with provisions designed to ensure that such commerce will be
efficient, functionally related, and compatible with adjacent noncommercial
development." The proposed addition meets all of the development standards set forth
in the C -2 zone. The proposed expansion to the new car dealership is consistent with
the intent of the C -2 zone, since the car sales lot is intended to serve the community as
a whole, rather than a local neighborhood.
3. The proposed development's site plan and its design features, including architecture and
landscaping, will integrate harmoniously and enhance the character and design of the
site, the immediate neighborhood, and the surrounding areas of the City. The site is
currently used as a new vehicle dealership. This proposed expansion will create a larger
showroom and upgrade the facades of the building. The site layout, as well as the
architecture of the building enhances the area since it will eliminate pedestrian /vehicle
conflicts on the site and provides an updated architectural style for the building.
Furthermore, architectural upgrade to the building utilizes similar materials as other
buildings in the area, thus allowing the subject property to harmoniously integrate with
the other sites.
4. The site plan and location of the buildings, parking areas, signs, landscaping, luminaries,
and other site features indicate that proper consideration has been given to both the
functional aspects of the site development, such as automobile and pedestrian
circulation, and the visual effects of the development from the view of the public streets.
The existing use on the site is a new vehicle dealership. The proposed site plan, allows
the continued operation of the dealership, while improving on -site circulation and
pedestrian access. The site plan allows easier access to the vehicle service area (it is
no longer behind the building) and improved customer parking for the showroom. These
changes will make it safer for pedestrians and vehicles to circulate on the site.
Furthermore, a condition of approval has been included that will enhance the front
landscape planter. The applicant has taken into consideration proper pedestrian and
vehicle circulation in designing the site. Additionally, the use of landscaping along the
front setback will give a proper visual effect of the site from the street.
5. The proposed development will improve the community appearance by preventing
extremes of dissimilarity or monotony in new construction or in alterations of facilities. In
the City of Downey, there are a virtual plethora of architectural styles, particularly in this
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Resolution No. 14 -2888
Downey Planning Commission
area. This includes the contemporary style on the Fiat dealership and auto repair
business across Firestone (under construction), and the concrete tilt -up buildings across
Firestone. The proposed architecture is a contemporary architectural style, which
includes the use of multi -toned stucco on the facades and ACM panels on the entry
tower. Additionally, the applicant is proposing to use large storefront framed windows
throughout the front and side facades. The proposed architecture utilizes elements of,
but does not match the other buildings in the area. The finished materials and colors
being proposed by the applicant will allow the buildings to blend nicely with the
architectural styles of the other buildings, while avoiding an architectural monotony.
Furthermore, the proposed architectural style will upgrade the overall appearance of the
site and, in turn, improve the community appearance.
6. The site plan and design considerations shall tend to upgrade property in the immediate
neighborhood and surrounding areas with an accompanying betterment of conditions
affecting the public health, safety, comfort, and welfare. The original dealership was
built in 1969, with little changes occurring on the property since it was originally
constructed. This proposal will serve to upgrade the architectural style, provide a larger,
more efficient showroom and business office, and eliminate a point of a potential vehicle
conflict in the service department. These changes are necessary to bring the property
into current standards, as well as upgrade the appearance of the parcel. The proposed
improvements will better onsite conditions and enhance the streetscape, thus promoting
better health, safety, and welfare of those who work or reside in the area.
7. The proposed development's site plan and its design features will include graffiti
resistant features and materials in accordance with the requirements of Section 4960 of
Chapter 10 of Article IV of this Code. As part of this project several conditions of
approval have been included to require the use of graffiti resistant materials in the
construction of the building. Should any graffiti appear on the site, an additional
condition of approval has been included to have the applicant have it removed within 48
hours of application.
SECTION 4. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of this
Resolution, the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby approves Site Plan Review
(PLN -13- 00236), subject to conditions of approval attached hereto as Exhibit A, which are
necessary to preserve the health, safety and general welfare of the community and enable the
Planning Commission to make the findings set forth in the previous sections. The conditions
are fair and reasonable for the accomplishment of these purposes.
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Resolution No. 14 -2888
Downey Planning Commission
SECTION 5. The Secretary shall certify the adoption of this Resolution.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 20th day of August, 2014.
Robert Kiefer, Ch drman
City Planning Commission
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true copy of a Resolution adopted by the Planning
Commission of the City of Downey at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 20th day of August,
2014, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
COMMISSIONERS:
Kiefer, Lujan, Morales, Flores and Rodriguez
NOES:
COMMISSIONERS:
None
ABSENT:
COMMISSIONERS:
None
ABSTAIN:
COMMISSIONERS:
None I
Mary C vanagh, Secret
City Planning Commission
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Resolution No. 14 -2888
Downey Planning Commission
SITE PLAN REVIEW (PLN -14- 00236)
EXHIBIT A - CONDITIONS
PLANNING
1) The approval of this Site Plan Review permits the demolition of a 3,105 square foot
showroom, 1,875 square feet of office area, and 1,062 square foot service writer's
building on the subject site. The approval of this Site Plan Review also permits the
construction of a new 15,945 square foot showroom /office area, which shall consist of a
6,645 square showroom, 6,605 square feet first floor office area (including an employee
break area, service writer area, and a customer waiting room), and 2,695 square foot
mezzanine to be used as additional office area.
2) Approval of this Site Plan Review shall not be construed to mean any waiver of
applicable and appropriate zoning regulations, or any Federal, State, County, and City
laws and regulations. Unless otherwise expressly specified, all other requirements of
the City of Downey Municipal Code shall apply.
3) The City Planner is authorized to make minor modifications to the approved preliminary
plans or any of the conditions if such modifications shall achieve substantially the same
results as would strict compliance with said plans and conditions.
4) The Owner /Applicant agrees, as a condition of approval of this resolution, to indemnify,
defend and hold harmless, at Applicant's expense, City and City's agents, officers and
employees from and against any claim, action or proceeding commenced within the time
period provided in Government Code Section 66499.37 to attack, review, set aside, void
or annul the approval of this resolution, to challenge the determination made by City
under the California Environmental Quality Act or to challenge the reasonableness,
legality or validity of any condition attached hereto. City shall promptly notify Applicant of
any such claim, action or proceeding to which City receives notice, and City will
cooperate fully with Applicant in the defense thereof. Applicant shall reimburse the City
for any court costs and attorney's fees that the City may be required to pay as a result of
any such claim, action or proceeding. City may, in its sole discretion, participate in the
defense of any such claim, action or proceeding, but such participation shall not relieve
Applicant of the obligations of this condition.
5) All conditions of approval set forth in this resolution shall be complied with before the
Site Plan Review becomes valid.
6) Construction hours shall be limited to 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturdays. There shall be no construction on the site outside of
these hours.
7) All roof mounted equipment shall be screened from view as seen from adjoining
properties and the public right -of -way. Additionally, any HVAC equipment mounted to
the ground shall be screened from view from adjoining properties and the public right -of-
way.
8) All lights on the property shall be directed, positioned, and /or shielded such that they do
not illuminate surrounding properties and the public right -of -way.
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Resolution No. 14 -2888
Downey Planning Commission
9) Any bollards on the site shall be decorative in nature. Prior to the installation of the
bollards, the applicant shall obtain approval color and style by the City Planner.
10) The development standards for the site shall be as follows:
Standard
Lot
Requirement Existing Proposed
Area
10,000 s.f.
193,406 s.f.
193,406 s.f.
Width
100'
458.53'
458.53'
Depth
100'
529.06'
529.06'
FAR
1.4
0.15
0.21
Lot Coverage
50%
15.9%
19.7%
Height
45'
20' -6"
29' -6"
Setbacks
Front
15'
48' -5 "
51' -6"
Rear
46'
350'
350'
Side west
46'
56-5"
56' -5"
Side east
0'
38' -11"
5'
Building_ Separation
20'
18'
89' -3"
Landscaping
10%
1.2%
1.2%
11) The approved architectural style shall be as approved by the Planning Commission. The
approved finished materials shall be as follows:
12) Noise generated from the business shall comply with Municipal Code Section 4600 et.
seq. In any case, noise shall not exceed 65 dBA, as measured at the property line.
13) All signs shall comply with the requirements set forth in the Downey Municipal Code.
14) The parking spaces adjacent to the front of the new showroom and adjacent to the
existing sales building shall be reserved for customers only. Prior to the final of building
permits, the applicant shall paint pavement markings labeling these spaces as such.
15) All buildings and walls shall be finished with graffiti resistant materials. Prior to the
issuance of building permits, the applicant shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the
City Planner, that the finished materials will comply with this requirement. Any graffiti
applied on the site shall be removed by the applicant within 48 hours.
16) Prior to the issuance of building permits, the applicant shall submit a landscape plan to
the City Planner for review and approval. Staff shall work with the applicant to identify
additional opportunities to increase the amount of landscaping on site. The landscape
plan shall upgrade the existing turf landscape planters with low shrubs, flowers, and
other plants and trees.
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Element
,Finished
Material
Material
Brand
Color
Soffits /Building Facades
Stucco /Block
Benjamin Moore
Pelican Gray
Rock Gray__
Entry Tower
ACM
Apolic
Silver Metallic
High Polished Aluminum
Glazing
Glass
TBD
Gray/Clear
Storefront Framing
Metal
TBD
Clear Anodized
12) Noise generated from the business shall comply with Municipal Code Section 4600 et.
seq. In any case, noise shall not exceed 65 dBA, as measured at the property line.
13) All signs shall comply with the requirements set forth in the Downey Municipal Code.
14) The parking spaces adjacent to the front of the new showroom and adjacent to the
existing sales building shall be reserved for customers only. Prior to the final of building
permits, the applicant shall paint pavement markings labeling these spaces as such.
15) All buildings and walls shall be finished with graffiti resistant materials. Prior to the
issuance of building permits, the applicant shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the
City Planner, that the finished materials will comply with this requirement. Any graffiti
applied on the site shall be removed by the applicant within 48 hours.
16) Prior to the issuance of building permits, the applicant shall submit a landscape plan to
the City Planner for review and approval. Staff shall work with the applicant to identify
additional opportunities to increase the amount of landscaping on site. The landscape
plan shall upgrade the existing turf landscape planters with low shrubs, flowers, and
other plants and trees.
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Resolution No. 14 -2888
Downey Planning Commission
17) Prior to the final of building permits, all landscaping and irrigation shall be installed. The
type, size and number of landscaping shall be as noted on the approved landscape plan.
All landscape shall be installed and permanently maintained. However, should the
Firestone Blvd Bridge Replacement project not be complete at such time the building
permit is ready to be finaled, the applicant is not required to install the landscaping for
permit final. In this case, all landscaping shall be installed within 30 -days of the
completion of the bridge project.
18) All above grade back -flow preventers, check valves, and transformers shall be painted
green and screened from view from the public right -of -way.
19) The applicant /property owner shall comply with the Arts in Public Places requirement set
forth in the Downey Municipal Code, including payment of all fees prior to issuance of
building permits. Should the applicant determine to exercise the option to provide public
art on site, the Art in Public Places Application shall be submitted prior to submitting
plans to Building and Safety Plan Check.
BUILDING
20) All construction shall comply with the most recent version of the California Building
Code, as adopted by the City of Downey, and Title 24 of the California Energy Code.
21) Prior to the commencement of construction, the applicant shall obtain all required
permits. Additionally, the applicant shall obtain all necessary inspections and permit
final prior to beginning operation of the site.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
22) Plans to be submitted through Building and Safety and shall comply with the most recent
version or the California Fire Code, as adopted by the City of Downey; current Downey
Municipal Code Ordinances and any other pertinent requirements to be determined at
time of plan submission and review.
23) All fire lanes shall be clearly identified including the use of red curbs and signs. All fire
access shall require turn around area for fire apparatus, as approved by the Fire Chief.
PUBLIC WORKS
24) All new onsite utilities shall be installed underground.
25) The owner /applicant shall be required to complete a construction & demolition (C &D)
waste management plan per Article V, Chapter 8 of the Downey Municipal Code.
26) The owner /applicant shall submit an engineered grading plan and /or hydraulic
calculations and site drainage plan for the site (prepared and sealed by a registered civil
engineer in the State of California) for approval by the Engineering Division and Building
and Safety Division. All lot(s) shall not have less than one (1 %) percent gradient on any
asphalt or non -paved surface, or less than one quarter (1/4 %) percent gradient on any
concrete surface. Provide the following information on plans: topographic site
information, including elevations, dimensions /location of existing /proposed public
improvements adjacent to project (i.e. street, sidewalk, parkway and driveway widths,
catch basins, pedestrian ramps); the width and location of all existing and proposed
easements, the dimensions and location of proposed dedications; the location, depth
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Resolution No. 14 -2888
Downey Planning Commission
and dimensions of potable water, reclaimed water and sanitary sewer lines; chemical
and hazardous material storage, if any, including containment provisions; and the type of
existing use, including the gross square footage of the building, and its disposition.
27) All areas within the scope of work of this project shall comply with the National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements of the Federal Clean Water Act;
the General Construction Activities Stormwater Permit (GCASP) of the State, the
Stormwater Quality Management Plan (SQMP) of the Los Angeles County Department
of Public Works, and Ordinance 1142 of the Downey Municipal Code. Furthermore, the
owner /applicant shall provide a design that conveys all onsite drainage over a vegetative
swale a minimum distance of 20 feet and retain the first 0.75 inches of drainage onsite
using either surface detention basins or below grade facilities with flow in excess of the
first 0.75 inches allowed to overflow by underground drains to an existing Los Angeles
County Public Works storm drain
28) The owner /applicant shall provide that all construction graffiti created as part of this
project in the public right of way to be removed.
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